In The Field Polk County

Oct.15-Nov.15, 2010

Polk’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

Fred Waters - Co-Chair 3rd Annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival

Covering What’s Growing INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

Eat Better. Love Life. Live Longer.

facebook.com/FredsSouthernKitchen

www.fredssouthernkitchen.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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From the Editor

October VOL. 5 • ISSUE 2

Sarah Holt

Polk’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

Cover Story

Publisher

Oct.15-Nov.15, 2010

Fall is in the air! The weather is cooling down and the days are getting shorter. Something about fall brings families together to savor the season.

October is Fire Safety Month, so visit a local fire station, or teach children to “stop, drop and roll.” The upcoming holidays spark increased risks through candles for decoration or ambiance and many outlets become overloaded. Be sure to take the time to teach children about fire safety. While this should be a year round thing, Fire Safety Month is a perfect time to start, or reinforce, lessons that have already been taught.

These are just a few of the smoke alarm facts from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a reported fire in half • Most homes (96%) have at least one smoke alarm • Each year nearly 3,000 people die in US home fires • In fires considered large enough to activate a smoke alarm, hard-wired alarms operated 91% of the time; battery-powered smoke alarms operated 75% of the time.

We are always on the lookout for new story ideas. Please let us know if you have someone or some place in mind. We also invite you to share your thoughts with us.

On Veterans Day we each have the opportunity to thank the soldiers who have served to protect our rights as American citizens. Enjoy your freedom everyday, but especially on November 11. Thank you veterans for your dedication and for your sacrifices.

A very special Thank You goes out to our advertisers. Thank you for your confidence in us. Without you this publication would not be possible. Please support our advertisers!

Until Next Month

Sarah

Polk’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry

Senior Managing Editor and Writer

3rd Annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival

Sarah Holt

Covering What’s Growing INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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3rd Annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival Pg. 54 5 Polk County Cattlemen’s Assoc.

President Letter 9 FFA Highlight 10 Dave Zino 14 CREC Highlight Dr. Albrigo Retires 22 Recipes 30 Rocking Chair Chatter 42 Florida Beef Council 46 Grub Station Rib Crib 48 Sara Lunsford 58 Business UpFront Rhizogen

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Numbers 6:25

60 Cattlemen’s Institute and Allied Trade Show

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants and other local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Polk County Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual and Polk County Cattlemens Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909.

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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 their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field® magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published byNBerry Publications, HE IELD Inc.AGAZINE CTOBER

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2010

Karen Berry

Editor

Patsy Berry

Office Manager Bob Hughens

Sales Manager Johnny Cone

Sales

Tina Richmond Nick Massey W. Russell Hancock Danny Crampton Chass Bronson

Art Director Lourdes Sáenz

Designer

Juan Carlos Alvarez

Staff Writers

Carol Weathersbee Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Kayla Lewis Nick Chapman Tracy Cox Sean Green Mark Cook Lourdes Sáenz Rhonda Walker

Contributing Writers Dick Loupe Bridget Carlisle Shelby Freeman

Photography Karen Berry Jim Davis

®

“The things we don’t say may matter more than the things we do.” That has a funny spin to it, but it is often true. We all take carful direction in what we do and how we do things. We are careful that we don’t do something that offends folks and careful to do things that are by design targeted to offend. We talk about democrats and republicans, property rights, animal rights, development rights and water rights, the right to keep and bear arms and the right to the freedom of speech. We all stand ready to defend our rights against the ones that would just as well take them away. Our cause is just, we believe that it is especially our right to defend these things against any one that treads on the part of our constitution that keeps us free from our own government. In short we are big on rights. And why not? That is the cookbook to democracy.

We, as Americans, all know that our rights are something you just don’t mess with. We all know the folks that would take our rights know it as well. This is a big part of the “things we do.” We are faced almost every day with folks trying to make the world greener, dryer, cooler or hotter. They don’t want farm animals near where they moved to in the country. They don’t want to hear a rooster crow from the tree across the fence behind their home. And above all they don’t want the land behind their home used for anything other than being the land behind their home. In fact they insist that you, the land owner and the county commission and zoning, have it all wrong and they will fix it. Let’s simply put it to a vote by pushing this amendment 4 under the flag of, its good for the people. They say we need to vote on the thousands of land use issues each year in our county and state. Now we the people have not had the best of record in voter turnout on voting for anything. Our turn out percentage is usually less than acceptable for anything other than an election. I for one don’t want to vote on the thousands of land use changes. I do not wish to study each case and make an informed decision on each one. We have elected county commissioners to do that and they have done so. And if we are not happy with what they do then we should exercise our vote to elect ones that will. One Vote not thousands of votes. We all complain about our government making us do things we don’t think is right, yet we empower our government, if not force them, to do these things to us.

“The things we don’t say may matter more.” We as citizens are bound by what is right. We must speak out against something when we learn it to be harmful to our future. We must defend our rights with words as well as other means. We must educate those that may not know what the full story is on such things as amendment 4. It is up to us to insure that our rights remain intact. We must understand that it is some times better not to vote on everything that affects us and use the power of the vote to insure that the ones that do vote, are the right folks to protect our rights. So get out and speak up, let everyone know the facts on voting No on amendment 4. If we choose to not say anything it may matter more than the things we do. Visit florida.2010.org to learn more.

Ned Waters Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

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Social media give farmers new ways to reach customers, UF expert says

By Tom Nordlie It used to be the only “tweets” associated with farming came from a chicken coop.

Not anymore.

Online social media, including Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, are making inroads in the agribusiness community, because they can help producers attract and serve customers, says marketing expert Tracy Irani, a professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

The technology may seem daunting, Irani said, but producers need to know that social media offer a new way to create and maintain relationships with people. That’s a basic task for any successful farming operation.

Irani gave a presentation on the use of social media in consumer marketing at the International Citrus & Beverage Conference in Clearwater Beach. The presentation included an overview of social media, case studies and tips on interacting with consumers online.

“What I hope to do is get some thoughts started,” Irani said. “We know, no matter what the issue is, the biggest challenge is getting people educated.”

Part of that involves showing farmers what they’re missing if they don’t use social media. For example, many farms that sell direct to consumers have websites. But they may be little more than electronic fliers, offering directions to the farm, lists of products and purchasing information.

By plugging into social media, producers can encourage users to share opinions, make requests and pose questions. This information can help farmers boost sales and increase efficiency.

Irani is development director for UF’s Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. The “PIE Center,” as it’s called, includes a website that focuses on agribusiness issues, offering research-based information and solutions designed to raise awareness and informed decision making. It’s located at www.centerpie. com.

The center has been operating for about 18 months, she said.

“Response has been amazing,” Irani said. “Sometimes an idea is right for the times.”

Center personnel have collaborated on public opinion research with several organizations, and Irani said she expects this trend to continue.

John Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau, said he is impressed with the quality of the center’s work.

“Florida agriculture will benefit by having this type of resource available and we urge continued industry wide support for the work done by the PIE Center,” Hoblick said.

Irani is available for presentations. Contact her at 352-392-0502, ext. 225 or irani@ ufl.edu.

YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER HEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a NoNoFarmers Food 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 InTheField® T-Shirt.

Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to: InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by November 3, 2010.

Winner will be notified by phone.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

POLK COUNTY

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PO Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831-9005 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President – Ned Waters (863) 698-1587 waterscattle@yahoo.com Vice President – Fernando Perez (863) 559-7545 fperez21@verizon.net Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com Al Bellotto (863) 581-5515 Charles Clark (863) 412-8349 cclark@expoco.com L.B. Flanders, DVM (863) 644-5974 Dewey Fussell (863) 984-3782 David McCullers )863) 528-1195 Mike Fussell (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net Moby Persing (863) 528-4379 Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@earthlink.net J. B. Wynn (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com

Standing Committee Chairs: Membership- J.B. Wynn Events- Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Trade Show- Fernando Perez Rodeo- Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Cattlewomen - President Sherry Kitchen (863) 221-0230 skitchen@bcieng.com Extension – Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Howard Martin (863) 534-7205 hmartin@polksheriff.org

Todd Balog

Stingray Chevrolet would like to welcome to their Collision Repair Facility. Todd Balog is relocating the Collision Center at Lott-Mather Buick-Pont-GMC to our dealership. Todd has been with the Buick-Pont-GMC franchise and involved in the automotive business for 21 years. He has been very involved with our community and is well known for his open and honest business practices. We invite all his family and friends to stop in and say hello and welcome him to his new home.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 2010

FFA Highlight Katherine Spencer

Katherine Spencer, though commonly referred to as KT, is currently a junior at George Jenkins High School. KT’s mom, Ms. Sue Spencer, a science teacher at Jenkins, described KT as goal driven with attention to detail. She is very active in her FFA chapter and competes in many different venues. KT also competes in dog shows, in obedience, agility, and junior showmanship.

In 2001, Miss KT Spencer found her calling when she started showing dogs in 4-H. She slowly started training for tougher competition. By spring of 2003, KT was ready for competition. She entered her first American Kennel Club (AKC) show and placed among the adults. After that, she couldn’t get enough. KT went into every competition near her home in Lakeland. In 2005, she qualified for the United Kennel Club (UKC) Nationals and competed against the other top obedience handlers from the country and won the title Obedience Champion.

After working really hard in obedience, KT decided it was time to focus on showmanship and made a new goal of getting to both AKC’s Eukanuba and Westminster. Many people have helped KT along the way by training and letting KT handle different dogs for the experience. She now owns four dogs that she can use in the ring depending on who is doing better at the moment.

At the Florida State Fair, KT has won many different awards for her dog showing. She has won the Phyllis White Award three years in a row for showmanship and has been the high scoring junior, intermediate, and senior, as well as the “Champion of Champions” for dogs. She also competed with a pig in her freshman year and competed in dairy goats her sophomore year. In goats, she placed first in goat judging, fifth in senior showmanship, and third overall.

KT also was the district winner in creed speaking. In August, she placed first in the Polk County Farm Bureau Youth Speech contest and went on to place third in Florida Farm Bureau district competition.

KT hopes to continue her education at the University of Florida while pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences. She currently maintains a 4.0 GPA while juggling 4H, FFA, drama club and a host of other community events. Her FFA advisor, Mr. Jimmy Sweeney, stated, “KT is a young lady who exudes confidence in the classroom, show ring and any activity she may be in, she is an excellent speaker and student and I am fortunate to interact with her on a daily basis.” The principal of George Jenkins High School, Mr. Buddy Thomas, said, “KT is a super eagle, she expounds what we want everyone of our students to be…academically, environmentally and in all community areas of service she is exemplary.”

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OCTOBER 2010

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Dave Zino A Beef Culinary Center? You’re Kidding.

If someone would’ve told Dave Zino, now Executive Chef for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program, during his time in culinary school that there was a beef-specific culinary center, he would’ve said, “You’re kidding me.” Now, after nine and a half years with the organization, his believes that the beef checkoff has extended him an opportunity … a job he may not have otherwise known existed.

In our last issue, you may have read Dave’s credentials, but we wanted to give you an in-depth look at what Dave’s everyday life is like as Executive Chef for the beef industry. The basic culinary function is to support the checkoff and its program areas. For instance, the checkoff hosted a “Live Well” Event this past June in an effort to engage and mobilize top-tier health professionals and credentialed members of the nutrition media, providing them with new research and tools to incorporate beef nutrition information into their education efforts. As a result of that event, nutrition influencers expressed the need to have more breakfast beef items. Thus, the genesis of some of Dave’s most recent work.

Providing health professional’s clients with more options, Dave and the culinary team went to work to develop six new recipes for breakfast beef. Such concepts include a breakfast burrito (a recipe that is frozen and micro-waved for a quick and easy breakfast), make once, dine twice breakfast sandwiches (grilled steaks make great leftovers for a breakfast sandwich), a beef and sweet potato enchilada, a homemade beef sausage for breakfast pizza and a beef turnover.

“Breakfast is a day part we don’t normally think of for beef as an option,” says Zino. “With Burger King introducing nine new breakfast items, we knew we were on the right track with these concepts.”

So what turns a concept into a meal? Dave responds to numerous requests that come in to each of the checkoff program areas. First, it’s brainstorming … a pen and paper concept. Over the years, the checkoff has also created a database of recipes that serves as a great history to springboard ideas off of and change them to fit the current environment’s needs. The concept is then taken into the kitchen for testing, tasting, double-checking by another tester who acts like the consumer and follows the recipe as written, then sent to the program managers for a formal taste test. Lastly, the recipe is written, edited, a nutritional analysis is done, and in some cases, photographed.

“Our recipe-writing style is very well-respected within the food community,” Dave adds. “It comes down to ingredient order and method order according to what consumers are asking for.

This makes for an efficient process where we maximize producer’s checkoff dollars.”

Start to finish on these new breakfast items? About four weeks. What a team!

The new recipes don’t have official names, and the

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naming process is less scientific than the testing process.

I t ’s more of a practice in fun, with a little methodology mixed i n .

Dave calls upon his culinary team to come up with an appropriate name, based on food trends, usually including “beef” or “steak” somewhere in the title, and highlighting recipe ingredients. On one occasion, when testing new hand-held youth products, a panel of 8- to 12-year-olds were brought in to taste-test and give feedback on the new names. And believe you me, kids tell the truth.

“In my early years, recipes were a little more involved and took a little longer to make, but we reacted to the fact that cooking skills were not what they were when my mom made dinner, so we adjusted the recipes accordingly. After the recession hit, we discovered that more and more people are going back to the kitchen and scratch cooking which really excites me,” says Dave.

Even with this trend, the focus remains on streamlined straightforward recipe development.

“For me, the epiphany was really the Healthy Beef Cookbook. During the process of that project, I learned how to develop healthy recipes that are still flavorful.

We have so many more fresh ingredients out there today that we’re really breaking the barriers of ‘the norm’ with beef. For instance, we’ve experimented with mango and beef as mango is high in fiber and pairs well with beef. There are so many opportunities on the horizon, we just need to capture what the consumer wants and put it on a recipe card.”

To date this fiscal year, the culinary team of experts has created 80 new recipes for all checkoff program areas (e.g. nutrition, PR, veal, foodservice, new products). The year the Healthy Beef Cookbook was released, that number was much higher, but on average, 75 to 80 new beef recipes are generated each year.

So where can you find Dave, other than traveling the country to meet with major food publications, attending and putting on cooking demos at trade shows and holding educational seminars sponsored by state beef councils? You can tap into Dave’s recipes by signing up for the Beef So Simple e-newsletter (www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com), follow Dave on Twitter (www.twitter.com/zcooks) or find him on Facebook (search for Dave Zino).

When Dave is at home, he’s a weekend warrior in the kitchen. He lives in Chicago where the winters are longer than the summer, but he says that provides him with a great opportunity to braise short ribs and delve into a hearty beef stew – the kind of recipes that take all day.

“Beef and new recipes are always top-of-mind,” concludes Dave.

“I just hope my work inspires people to love their kitchen and the food that they can create.”

qr The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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FRESHWATER FISHING IN POLK COUNTY

By Captain Dick Loupe

SO, YOU THINK YOU WANT TO BE A FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE...

You might think that being a freshwater fishing guide has got to be the ultimate dream job for anyone who likes to fish. Yes … and No! Pros – You get to: • Be outdoors and on the water more than any other job; • Either introduce or enjoy sharing a terrific outdoor sport; • Spend more time within the Lord’s glorious natural wonders; • Wear casual clothes to work; Cons – You need to: • Get up way before the sun rises; • Work outside, no air conditioning … so to speak; • Refrain from fishing while guiding customers (or should); • Have to clean your bait tank before adding a new batch; • Keep your boat(s) cleaned up; • Keep your ride cleaned up; • Keep your equipment in good working order; • Purchase many more items than if you were just fishing by yourself; • Have a captain’s license, if using certain navigable waters, which continually costs a substantial sum; • Teach those who have never fished before; • Entertain customers when fishing is slow.

Let me break it down …

Preparation (usually the day before) – Call your customer to confirm the trip and finalize meeting location, etc., usually a longdistance cellphone call. $ Drain the bait tank and scrub it with bleach.

Rinse thoroughly and fill with fresh, clean (preferably filtered) water.

Add chemical to maintain a good slime coat on the new bait. You need to keep a supply of chemicals on hand for use in the bait tank and in the boat. $ Drive to your local bait supplier and buy whatever is needed. $ If you have several days in a row you can get by with purchasing them all and maintaining them in your own tank. Of course, that means that you must actually have your own tank, along with an air pump, hoses, stones, water recirculation pump, water filter, and filter materials that must be maintained and periodically replaced; along with an electrical supply, since the air pump and water filter must run continually. $ Check all rods to make sure that the guides are okay and that no ceramic inserts are nicked, which can cause line breaks. Check the reels to make sure all are in good working order, also checking the line for any frays, retying all hooks. Have a supply of extra hooks and floats on board; replenish if necessary. $ Also, you need to periodically change your line, as line weakens over time with exposure to heat and sunlight. This goes for both mono and braid, so you need to have a backup supply of line. $ Clear out clutter in your boat and ride that accumulated since your last cleanup. This helps to make your passengers be comfortable and feel welcomed. Check tire inflation on your ride and boat trailer, checking tread wear for possible replacement requirements. $ Also, check bearings

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o n the trailer, as these also need to be greased and periodically replaced. $ Make sure you have sufficient fuel in both your ride and your boat, refueling if necessary. $ Verify that you have a sufficient number of life vests for the number of persons to be onboard. $ Check to make sure all batteries are fully charged. If not, connect them to your charger(s). $ If you provide ice and bottled water, as I do, you will need to buy ice if you do not have your own icemaker, and bottled water. $ Fill your cooler with ice and stock with water, leaving room for your customers to bring other items that need to be kept cold. If rain is a possibility, have lightweight inexpensive ponchos or rain jackets stowed away. $ Hook the boat to your ride, making sure trailer lights are working properly.

Set out clothing for tomorrow, making sure your guide shirt is presentable, even if ironing is required. Guys, don’t expect your wife to do this because this is the age of “permanent press.” A “guide shirt” usually has your name and business logo embroidered on it and is made from a quick dry, UV protection material. Long sleeved is best for UV protection. $ You should carry a camera along so you have fresh advertising material. $ Make sure that the battery for your camera is charged up, along with your cell phone. You should always carry a cell phone if for no other purpose than emergencies. I know of a time when a guide was on the water and his customer had a heart attack. He called 911 and the EMTs met them at the ramp, which saved the man’s life. $

Day Of – Rise and shine around 4:30am and shower to assist waking up. Be neat to present yourself as a professional.

Apply a good high SPF sunscreen, having another bottle on board to reapply when fishing for an extended period. According to my dermatologist, sunscreen is much more effective when applied in advance, and recommends Neutrogena 85+. $ Eat a light but substantial healthy breakfast.

Grab any snacks you might want to take along for the day, preferably something with protein for energy. Don’t forget the camera and your cell phone. Also, take a hat and sunglasses for added protection.

Too much sunlight on the eyes can increase the chance of cataracts.

Add water and chemical to your live well. Using a bucket with a few inches of water, net up the bait for that day, pour them into the live well, and turn on the aerator. If any bait died overnight, remove them so as not to contaminate the rest. See that the air stone is producing enough air. If not, use a sharp edged object to scrape the surface of the air stone which can become clogged with algae buildup.

Double check your trailer/light connections.

Verify that all the rods are back on the boat.

Disconnect battery chargers and, if you are sure that everything is set, drive to the agreed upon location to meet your customers.

Then go to whatever waters you have the greatest confidence in. This is usually generated from prior successful guide trips coupled with fishing various waters on your own to keep updated. This requires extra fuel and live or artificial bait. $ Now is when the fun kicks in, but only if you are one of those rare guides that enjoys seeing someone else catch fish without doing it yourself.

There is nothing more infuriating to a paying customer than to watch the guide catch the trophysized fish that they had their heart set on. Sure there are times when instructions are not enough and you may have to set on a fish for someone to reel in, but immediately hand them the rod once you have set the h o o k .

Remember, they are paying for that thrill. So, bait their hook for them, cast the rod for them, tell them how and when to set the hook, net the fish for them, entertain them and/or their children with conversation if the fish aren’t biting. Basically … wait on them hand and foot. This is how you establish a good rapport and generate repeat business.

Especially if you are having a bad day and this is their first time with

you. This generates the best and cheapest advertising, but you need to supplement this with a website and brochures and/or business cards placed in strategic locations. $ If your trip is for 8 hours you may need to take your customers to a location on the waters where lunch may be obtained. Some customers like to keep a few smaller fish for eating, so it is nice if you have some bags for this purpose or, if you really want to make an impression - filet the fish for them. Generally you collect payment at the conclusion of the trip. Some guides only accept cash but, to be flexible in today’s economy, you should accept most major credit/debit cards. This requires you to have a merchant service account. $ Return your customers to where you picked them up and let them know how much you enjoyed taking them fishing. Give them some business cards so they can tell their friends.

Now you can return home … to return unused bait to your main tank, remove clutter from your boat and ride, and you may need to hose out the carpet if any spills occurred. If you haven’t already, drain your live well and remove the screen so you can rinse out the bait scales. Attach your battery chargers to the batteries so you will be ready at a moment’s notice. Check your bait tank and remove any dead ones, add chemical if necessary, and feed them cracker meal or wheat germ if they have been in captivity for very long.

Are you ready to do it all over again tomorrow?

Best fishes and God bless, Capt Dick

Southern Outdoorsman Guide Service Katydid Fishing Products, LLC More Tackle PO Box 7870 Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855 888-692-2208 www.bassfishingguide.com www.katydidfishingproducts.com www.moretackle.com

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OCTOBER 2010

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CREC Highlight:

Dr. L. Gene Albrigo, Horticulturist Extraordinare Retires After 42 Years

By Kathy Snyder The year was 1968, a young new faculty member by the name of Dr. L. Gene Albrigo was hired at UF/ IFAS/CREC as a Citrus Horticulturist. During his 42 year career, he has taught graduate students, conducted research projects, extended information to the industry, and participated in international programs.

Dr. Albrigo is an expert in evaluating problems facing the industry and developing solutions. His research leadership spans basic, as well as practical, applied studies. Initially hired at CREC to work on preharvest conditions affecting postharvest fruit quality and handling, his scope expanded to include production-based research. He is a specialist on the role of climate on reproductive growth of citrus. Through Dr. Albrigo’s research, we have a better understanding of the regulation of citrus flowering under Florida conditions. Most recently, Dr. Albrigo has been conducting research on efficient management of Huanglongbing-affected groves and the basis of HLB symptom development, and remote sensing to evaluate local, national and international citrus acreage and tree health.

Dr. Albrigo has been an active participant in citriculture education. He began teaching at UF/IFAS CREC as part of a team that taught a summer course called “Current Citrus Production Practices.” As part of a UF/IFAS-wide initiative to grow Research and Education Centers (RECs) teaching programs, Dr. Albrigo took the lead in developing and teaching CREC coursework aligned with the Horticultural Sciences Department in 1984-85. Dr. Albrigo has taught Advanced Citriculture I, Advanced Citriculture II, and Citrus Fresh Fruit Technology. He also actively participated in the development of video-audio delivery of classes within the College of Agriculture and brought the PolyCom System to CREC before it became the standard for the IFAS-wide delivery of classes, meetings, and conferences.

I spoke with one of his students and asked him to tell his story of Dr. Albrigo. William Swen is a quiet, polite, gentleman that has always been a pleasure to know. William told me his story.

“I’ve known Dr. Albrigo for about nine years and first met him as a USAID trainee (US Agency for International Development), just coming out of graduate school at the University of London where I was a Master of Science student in Applied Plant Sciences. Upon graduating, instead of returning to my native country of Liberia, West Africa, I was

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Dr. Albrig group fromo explains concerns ab out blossom the Universi ty of Delaw s to a tour are re quested by the US government, through the government of Liberia to report to the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center to do specialized training in citrus science and technology. From November 1983-1984 I worked with and was supervised by Dr. Albrigo, as well as with other professors, Drs. Jim Syvertsen, Bill Castle and David Tucker just to name a few. I was able to learn the science of citrus in particular and tree crop production in general,” William reminisced.

After returning to his native Liberia, William received a promotion within the first month as a result of the training and education he received under the direction of Dr. Albrigo. This was also a time of upheaval in Liberia, civil war ravaged the country for 15 years, closing the research centers and moving everything and everyone to the capital city. It was during this time that William decided to return

to the US. William continued, “Once my work permit was accepted by the government, I contacted Dr. Albrigo who told me to come to Florida right away to work for him at CREC. After working in a temporary position for one year, Dr. Albrigo offered me a permanent position as a Biological Scientist.

Because of the help Dr. Albrigo and others offered here in Florida, and particularly those at the CREC, I was able to get my life back together with tremendous peace of mind. His home is my second home. Through him I became a member of the International Civitan Association where I can “pay it forward” for the help and friendship I’ve received, especially from Dr. Albrigo.”

Dr. Albrigo has organized numerous scientific meetings, including international symposia, the 1989 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting and the 2000 International Society of Citriculture (ISC) Congress. He was the primary organizer of the InterAmerimation PS infor G can Citrus Network under the aegis of FAO United Nations. h it w activity He has authored hundreds of publications including books, g grove in r o it n rebook chapters, trade/scientific journals, new media, and has rigo mo Dr. Albla member where attracted several million dollars to conduct research in his p o t p on the we had lunch, but I’m sure he areas of expertise. Among many organizational activities and acdoes. We rode in his Porsche (his signature tradecomplishments, he is a member and Fellow of ASHS, a member and mark, the yellow Porsche), and we were gone only the allotted hour. past-president of ISC, and involved with numerous FAO and USAID The thing that stood out to me was the stops we made. Gene projects.

I spoke with Christen Johnson, Administrative Assistant to the stopped at several grocery stores and was buying up all the small Interim Center Director, Dr. Jackie Burns. Before accepting her cur- pumpkins he could find to donate to the local school for ESE sturent position, Christen was a member of the Center’s public relations dents. No one was to know; he was simply doing this out of the group and had worked closely with Dr. Albrigo and Dr. Reza Ehsani goodness of his heart. At last, a chink in the armor. I later learned that Gene in very active in the Special Olympics each year. organizing the first Precision Agriculture Conference.

My next insight into Dr. Albrigo was when he had his most re“I met Dr. Albrigo five years ago when I worked with Dr. Reza Ehsani, Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Biological Engineer- cent knee replacement. He had only been out of the hospital for a ing. Dr. Ehsani introduced me to Dr. Albrigo on my first day on the couple of days, and he was home recovering when I received an email job. I thought Dr. Albrigo would graciously welcome me to the CREC from him sent from his phone. He was doing as well as could be staff. When Dr. Ehsani introduced me the first words I ever heard out expected but his internet wireless router wasn’t working and his leg of Dr. Albrigo’s mouth were, ‘Reza, why would you hire her and not prevented him from pulling up to the home desktop computer. He a lab technician (I have a degree in public relations)?’ So, of course wanted to know if I could offer any advice or suggestions on how to this was a challenge to me that I had to prove to Dr. Albrigo that I fix it. I went by that afternoon and fixed it for him, and I realized that was perfectly capable to do this job. I could have cried right there, even in great pain he was polite and courteous.

Dr. Albrigo is mentally as sharp as a tack, physically as tough as but I didn’t.

Eventually, Dr. Albrigo came to me one day and asked me to help nails, but he has a heart of gold, so if you see Dr. Albrigo after readhim and Dr. Ehsani plan the first Precision Agriculture Symposium ing this I hope you will see him through my eyes. He is truly a great for Fruits and Vegetables. A couple years later I asked Dr. Albrigo, man, and I am proud to call him a friend,” stated Allan.

My own personal experience with Dr. Albrigo began in 1999, “Do you still think Dr. Ehsani should have hired a lab technician?”

Needless to say, he quickly changed his mind about me and I now when he was organizing the International Society of Citriculture consider him a dear and close friend. I have had the pleasure to work Conference that would be held in November of 2000. I was given the with him on Civitan and Special Olympics projects. I consider Dr. opportunity to interact with people from around the world, as well Albrigo a very respectable and strong leader. He is always a wealth as many from the US and the University of Florida. I had the honor of knowledge and a great resource to call on when I have a question, of being part of a team that helped organize the largest attended whether it is about citrus or life experiences. Truly, anything I ask him ISC meeting in the organization’s history, working with an excellent he always had an answer for, regardless if I like it or not! I will miss group of professors that served as editors for the 1200 papers submitthat about him. To this day, he still tries to always have the last word ted for publication in the proceedings, as well as getting to know a different side of Dr. Albrigo. but I think I’ve got him beat,” said Christen.

Four years after the success of ISC 2000 and the publication of

Allan Burrage, IT Supervisor at the Center, and I were talking one afternoon before Dr. Albrigo’s retirement and he shared one the largest proceedings ever, Dr. Albrigo (past president of ISC) and the current president at the time (2004) Dr. Mohamed Et-Olmani of his first adventures with Dr. Albrigo.

“Dr. Albrigo may be one of the toughest and most warm- (Morocco) invited me to attend the 2004 ISC Conference held in Agahearted people I know. I have come to respect Gene and a couple of dir, Morocco, to help organize the receipt of manuscripts for the curevents really highlight those distinguishing qualities that have earned rent conference. Without the opportunity that I was given to work that respect. To be honest he kind of scared me when I first arrived with these conferences, I never would have experienced international at CREC in 2003, but I was determined to overcome that trepidation travel or even to see Morocco. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and experience that working with Dr. Albrigo has brought. and befriend him, I love a good challenge.

Dr. Albrigo’s expertise and willingness to share citrus relatOne of my first real efforts to this effect was on a day that my wife had dropped me off at work. Having forgotten my lunch, I took this as ed information with colleagues, students, growers, and the worldwide an opportunity to spend some time with Dr. Albrigo. I bounced into his citrus industry will be impossible to replace. He’s one of a kind and office and asked him to be my ‘lunch buddy’. He was going to refuse, will be sorely missed around the Center. no one actually believes that Dr. Albrigo will ever but the crushed look on my face must have persuaded him because he Sherry Kitchen andThen her again, daughter, said ok but he had to make a stop or two along the way.Shelby I really Freeman don’t really retire!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

15

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Story by Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science Every autumn one of nature’s most nutritious fruits emerges in the form of pie, soup, bread, cookies, smoothies, and even decorations. Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October. Pumpkins grown domestically are used primarily for processing, with a small percentage grown for ornamental sales through farms and retail sales. Pumpkins are grown in some parts of Florida. Researchers at the University of Florida have been experimenting with different Florida-friendly varieties.

Pumpkins are almost entirely edible, including their flesh, seeds, and flowers. Pumpkins are full of nutrients, including beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, dietary fiber, potassium, and many other minerals.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one half cup of fresh boiled, drained pumpkin (245 g) contains 49 calories, 1.7 g of protein, 0.17 g of fat, 12 g of carbohydrate, and 2.7 g of fiber. It provides an incredible 245 percent of the recommended daily requirement for vitamin A, 19 percent for vitamin C, 8 percent for iron, and 4 percent for calcium. Pumpkins are also a good source of magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and dietary fiber.

Lungs: Breathe easy Pumpkin and other foods rich in vitamin A may be beneficial to lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in animals exposed to smoke.

Vision: See clearly With very high levels of beta carotene and vitamins A and C, pumpkin is great food for your eyes. One cup of pumpkin contains over 250 percent of your daily needs for vitamin A! In a study of over 50,000 women, those who consumed the highest dietary amount of vitamin A had a 39 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts. In another study that looked at the incidence of cataract surgery and diet, researchers found that those people who ate diets that included carrots had half the risk of cataract surgery. Beta-carotene also provides protection against macular degeneration and protects night vision. Vitamin A plays an important role especially in night vision and being able to see black and white. Additionally, this nutrient helps to maintain skin health, both when ingested and when used topically.

Antioxidant Protection: Ward off cancer Antioxidants are compounds with the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful by-products of metabolism that can lead to disease. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, including several forms of cancer. Pumpkin are bursting with vitamins A and C. High levels of these vitamins in the body have been linked to a decrease in cancers of the breast, bladder, cervix, prostrate, colon, and esophagus.

How to Select and Store

Choose heavy pumpkins for their size, and look for one that is free of blemishes or soft spots. A large, well-shaped one is good for jack-o-lanterns, while pie pumpkins are a good choice for pumpkin pie. Small, mini pumpkins make great decorations and are also very sweet and delicious for eating. Pumpkins can usually be stored for up to four months in a dry and cool place, although this may be more challenging in Florida. Keep individual pumpkins spread out to avoid spread of decay.

How to Enjoy

Pumpkin can be enjoyed in countless ways. Try roasting it with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, boiling and mashing for a nutritious side dish, or boiling cubes in a soup. Beyond the delicious pumpkin pie, other serving ideas include: • • • • • • • • • •

Blend pumpkin puree with apple cider for a delicious autumn drink Blend pumpkin puree into yogurt or a smoothie Mix chunks or puree into oatmeal, soups, stews Use puree in pancakes, breads, cookies Roast pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack high in amino acids and zinc Cut out the top, scoop out the seeds, and roast the entire pumpkin. Then use it as a serving bowl for soup, stew, or chili Stuff whole mini pumpkins with rice and vegetables and bake as you would a stuffed pepper Toss pumpkin seeds in salads, casseroles, and baked goods Pumpkin-seed oil can be used in cooking or as a salad dressing Pumpkin flowers can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a garnish

How to Use Pumpkin

There are many ways to enjoy pumpkins in addition to pumpkin pie. For more ways to enjoy pumpkins in Florida, go to a pumpkin patch, where you can pick out your own pumpkins to take home or chuck a pumpkin out of a canon. Pumpkin competitions also exist. Every year the Florida Keys holds an underwater pumpkin carving contest.

Selected References

http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/facts.cfm

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

17

Why Dogs Hate

the

n a m l i Ma By: Johnny Cone

Have you ever noticed that many dogs do not like mail carriers very much? At times it goes even farther than that, to include parcel delivery drivers, garbage collectors, meter readers and just about anyone that enters your property briefly and leaves quickly.

The reason dogs do not like mail carriers and others with similar habits is that people in these professions inadvertently teach dogs not to like them. Dogs are instinctively pack driven, territorial predators. They feel it is their duty to warn strangers off of their turf and defend their territory if necessary. What we see and what the dog sees are two completely different things. We see the mail carrier approach our mailbox, drop our mail, and then move on down the street. Our dogs see a stranger approaching the edge of his turf. So the dog gives a warning to the intruder in the form of barks and growls. The dog then sees the intruder immediately leave after his warning. In the dog’s mind he just successfully drove away an intruder.

This behavior is repeated every day. The garbage collectors come by, the dog barks and they leave. The meter reader comes by, the dog barks and they leave. The mail carrier comes by, the dog barks and they leave. It does not matter that the barking dog has nothing to do with these people vacating the area. The dog sees it that way. Over time he becomes bolder and bolder. Some dogs become obsessive over it, remaining in a constant semi agitated state, ever vigilant for the evil intruders. This can cause multiple issues. The dog’s mind will become so focused on guarding against “intruders,” they lose focus on everything else. They begin ignoring commands they once obeyed. The guarding behavior the dog is displaying towards “intruders” may expand into other guarding behaviors. It could even progress to guarding household objects and space against family members. And of course it is likely that once this behavior develops should the dog ever gain access to the mail carrier or other visitor they will bite them.

While the thought of owning a dog that warns off strangers may sound appealing, allowing the behavior to go too far can have serious consequences. Most people would not like to see their dog injure someone. There is also the potential of civil suit and losing your dog. Territorial behaviors can easily be brought under control through proper socialization. It is best to begin socialization as puppies but no dog is too old to be socialized. With puppies, I like to begin socialization once the course of puppy vaccinations are complete. This will ensure the puppy is well protected from diseases

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

such as parvo, distemper, and the like. I like to use a socialization process I call 100, 100, in 100. The way this process works is simple.

You introduce the dog to 100 different people and 100 different experiences in 100 days.

It is best to introduce the dog to as wide a variety of people as possible. Tall, short, old, young, people with glasses, people wearing hats, coats, etc. You want this introduction to be as friendly and as casual as possible. If the dog is shy or submissive, do not force the issue. Instead encourage the dog to approach the strangers. Handing the stranger a treat is a good way to encourage a quiet natured dog to approach strangers. The dog will come to enjoy meeting strangers and look forward to greeting them rather than driving them away. Exposing the dog to new experiences will help the dog remain calm in new situations. Riding in various vehicles, walking on different types of surfaces, going in and out of different types of buildings, are all good experiences. And do not forget stairs. The worst time to realize that your dog has a fear of stairs is when you need to walk up a long flight of stairs with a large dog.

This can be very frustrating and potentially dangerous. So work on short flights of stairs and work up from there. Something to add to this is to go to vets office just for a visit. Of course you want to check with your vet first. But if you explain what you are working on, most vets probably will not mind. Just walk into the waiting room with the dog. Having some treats for the staff to give the dog also helps. Doing this will make visits for checkup and vaccinations much more pleasant.

With a little time and work, we can help our guardians welcome meeting friends and strangers alike. Our dogs will be friendly, social and eager to meet new people. This greatly reduces the chance of having an unfortunate bite incident. It also makes taking your dog out in public a relaxing stress free event for you, the dog and folks you may meet in your travels.

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SAVE ON

• • • • • • • • • • •

•

• • • •

•

• • 20

The geographical center of North America is near Rugby, North Dakota.

If you stretch a standard Slinky out flat it measures 87 feet long.

It is said that Des Moines, Iowa has the highest per capita Jello consumption in the U.S. Tennessee is bordered by eight states. Can you name them?

All three of the 1996 Presidential candidates, Clinton, Dole and Perot were left-handed.

Hamsters love to eat crickets.

The world’s largest bat has a wingspan of almost six feet.

Maine is the only state that borders on only one state.

Ralph Lauren’s original name was Ralph Lifshitz.

A coat hanger is 44 inches long if straightened.

The roads on the island of Guam are made with coral. Guam has no sand. The sand on the beaches is actually ground coral. When concrete is mixed, the coral sand is used instead of importing regular sand from thousands of miles away.

Woodard Ave. in Detroit, Michigan carries the designation M-1, named so because it was the first paved road anywhere in the US. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119.

Canada is an Indian word meaning “Big Village.”

In the Wizard of Oz Dorothy’s last name is Gail.

You can see on her mailbox.

Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was born on a day in 1835 when Haley’s Comet came into view. When he died in 1910, Haley’s Comet came into view again.

If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado.

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BRONSON ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING PRESCRIBED BURNING SEASON Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced that the state has achieved an important land management milestone during the recently completed fiscal year as a record number of acres both in State Forests and on private land were prescribed burned.

In all, more than 214,000 acres in the roughly one million-acre State Forest system were successfully treated with prescribed burning in fiscal year 2009-2010, up substantially from the then record 160,000 acres burned by Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) personnel the previous year. And statewide, DOF authorized burning of 2.7 million acres of private and public land, up from the previous record 2.3 million acres burned a year earlier.

“These numbers are all the more impressive considering the tough economy we’ve experienced, the many regulations faced by those who have chosen to burn and the cutbacks in both public and private budgets,” Bronson said. “This activity will make Florida safer from wildfires.”

Florida has long been recognized as the national leader in prescribed or controlled burning as it is indispensible in reducing thick underbrush and eliminating dead vegetation on forest floors as a means of mitigating the spread and intensity of wildfires.

Without these fuels to carry wildfire, countless acres of state land are spared the damage wildfires can cause, including the loss of valuable timber, wildlife habitat and injury and potential destruction of endangered species of plant and wildlife.

Jim Karels, Bronson’s Division of Forestry Director and a major advocate of prescribed burning, said that reducing the fuels in the forests is particularly critical today because so many new communities are being built near woods and forests.

“Because so many new and expanding communities are on the doorstep of forests, reducing the intensity of wildfires by the application of prescribed burning reduces the risk of property damage, injuries and loss of life in nearby communities,” Karels said.

Although vital to controlling wildfires, Bronson said that prescribed fire is also the most efficient and economical way to manage State Forest lands. It allows DOF personnel to improve wildlife habitat, control diseases, insects and invasive species and assist in the recycling of nutrients into the soil.

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R E C I P E S

Pumpkin and Butternut Creamed Soup Ingredients

6 cups cubed butternut squash 2 tablespoons butter 3 carrots, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup sour cream 8 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground black pepper salt to taste 6 small sugar pumpkins, halved and seeded 1 cup grated Asiago cheese, divided

Preparation

Place the butternut squash cubes in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain off water, and set the squash aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Melt the butter in a large skillet, then cook the carrots, onion, and celery until tender, about 10 minutes. Place the vegetables, cooked butternut squash, cream, and sour cream into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the blended vegetables to a soup pot; stir in the chicken broth, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over mediumlow heat, then simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the soup is simmering, place the pumpkin halves, cut sides up, on the prepared baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven until the pumpkin flesh is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Start the broiler, and place the pumpkin halves under the broiler about 6 inches from the heat source to brown the cut side of the pumpkins, if desired. Place a pumpkin bowl into a decorate soup plate; serve soup in the pumpkin bowls, and sprinkle each serving with Asiago cheese.

Yield: 4 servings Recipes courtesy of allrecipes.com

Easy ways to transform an uncooked pumpkin into the puree used in baking: Baking Method • Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy pulp. Save the seeds to dry and roast • In a shallow baking dish, place the two halves face down and cover with foil • Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for about 1½ hours for a medium-sized sugar pumpkin, or until tender • Once the baked pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree or mash it • For silky smooth custards or soups, press the pumpkin puree through a sieve Boiling Method • Cut the pumpkin in half, discarding the stringy insides • Peel the pumpkin and cut it into chunks • Place in a saucepan and cover with water • Bring to a boil and cook until the pumpkin chunks are tender THEFIELD AGAZINE OCTOBER • 22 Let theIN chunks cool, M and then puree the flesh in a2010 food processor or mash it with a potato masher or food mill

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Be careful not to

overwater in the fall

Fall in the Tampa Bay area is generally a time of very low rainfall (only about two inches per month, on average). But fall is also a time of shortening day lengths and diminishing light intensity, changes that lower a plant’s water requirement.

Here is some information that will help you determine which of your garden and landscape plants need water and how much: • Established palms and trees generally don’t require supplemental irrigation, while most established shrubs can survive just fine without rain or irrigation for several weeks – and probably longer if well mulched.

• Newly planted shrubs should receive 1-2 gallons of water (i.e. the capacity of a standard watering can) every four days for six months, after which they can be treated as established shrubs.

• Most vegetable garden plants, bedding plants, and lawns require irrigation once or twice a week if rain is lacking – although bahiagrass lawns are quite drought tolerant.

• A reasonable schedule (assuming no rainfall) would be to apply ½ to ¾ inch of water to these drought susceptible plants twice a week till about mid November, and then just once a week during the latter half of November and all of December.

• The best time to irrigate is early morning. Irrigating at this time minimizes the amount of water lost to evaporation. The worst time to irrigate is late afternoon or early evening because this can result in leaves staying wet overnight and being more susceptible to infection by disease causing organisms.

To determine how long it takes your irrigation system to apply ½ to ¾ inch of water: place several empty tuna cans (or similar straightsided containers) in a line from your sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern; turn the water on for 15 minutes; measure the depth of water in each can; calculate the average depth; and, finally, multiply this number by four to obtain the irrigation rate in inches per hour.

24

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

Cedar Trail Landfill A Division of

“It’s our home, too.”

A lot of people ask us, “Why do you care about Polk County?” The answer is quite simple, it’s our home.

Republic Services has been serving Polk County for years.

We have more than 300 employees that live and work in Polk County. Our employees are your neighbors, your friends and in some cases your family. We’re the people you sit next to in church, we’re the friendly faces that you see when you’re shopping and we’re the parents of the children who go to school with your children.

The people and business in Polk County are important to us. Why? Because you’re more than just customers, you’re our neighbors. After all, Polk County is our home too.

Mark Talbott General Manager

863-559-1594 2500 St. Rd. 60 Bartow, Florida Pictured Left to Right: Miguel Quevedo, Robert Mercer, Milena Restrepo, Gilbert Carranza and More event photos on page 29 Jose Trujillo INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

25

2010/2011 State Officers

By Karen Bowers The Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association held their annual Fall Field Day on September 25 at Quincey Cattle Company in Chiefland, Florida. Don Quincey, owner of Quincey Cattle Company, hosted the event, which included an old-fashioned tractor hayride tour of his operation. Levy Cattlemen’s Association provided lunch for everyone.

Quincey Cattle Company is a 12,000 head pre-conditioning operation where you will see many breeds ranging from purebred Brahmans to English type cattle. About 8,500 head of yearlings come here from Okeechobee to Madison. The calves stay here about 45 days then move on to areas across the United States.

Mr. Quincey states, “When calves leave here, they are healthy and bullet proof.” Mr. Quincey attributes his low death ratio and overall success to his Manager, Clayton Carter, who has worked for Quincey Cattle Company since he was 15 years old.

There were about 30 Junior Cattlemen present at the Fall Field Day. Gene Wingate of Manatee County is the Youth Advisor, and Frances Yarborough still helps out as much as possible. They launched a fundraiser at the Fall Field Day where anybody can have their brand placed on a picnic table, which will be auctioned off at the 2011 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention next June in Marco Island. The cost to have your brand put on the picnic table is $20 and all proceeds from the fundraiser will help send JFCA to compete at the NCBA Convention in Denver, CO in February. Marion County Junior Cattlemen will compete in Team Marketing, Seminole County Junior Cattlemen will compete in Quiz Bowl, and three Junior Cattlemen will compete in Public Speaking: Harley Zoeckler of Polk County, Kaitlin Gill of Hillsborough County, and Rebecca Lee of Seminole County.

One of the major tasks completed at the Fall Field Day was

26

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

the election of the new 2010/2011 State Officers. They are: President - Rebecca Lee of Seminole County Vice President - Kaitlin Gill of Hillsborough County Secretary - Haley Webb of Charlotte County Treasurer - Harley Zoeckler of Polk County Ex-Officio - Courtney Wingate of Manatee County & Curtis Evans of Okeechobee County Congratulations to all of the new FJCA Officers and good luck to all in Denver!

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By Kayla Lewis Lakeland Equine Rescue started with a dream and a wish. “It began in March,” said Vickie Tanner who, together with her husband Bob, owns the ranch.

“But the dream began before that.”

The dream was to take in abandoned, neglected, abused horses, or some that were just in need of a new home. Their program is to rehabilitate and relocate the horses to new pastures.

Rehabilitation and relocation, however, is not the only objective of the equine rescue center. “We rename every one of them [the horses] that comes,” Vickie said. Giving each horse that goes through the hands of everyone at Lakeland Equine Rescue a new identity and a fresh start is one of the main focuses of the center.

Vickie is assisted by Dawn Bozeman and Lori Teadt. Dawn oversees the different health care needs of the horses, while Lori works with them in the pastures and provides general care. Each horse at the center requires long hours of labor from Vickie, Dawn, and Lori, but the three manage it with a lot of laughter and fun. “Vickie contacted me and asked if I would be interested in helping,” Dawn explained about her involvement with rescuing the horses. “I tried to do it a long time ago, but you can’t do it alone.” The ladies at Lakeland Equine Rescue take what they do very seriously, and for good reason. Most of the horses that come in are not in perfect health. They pointed out two horses in separate stalls inside the spacious barn, who had come to the center nearly starved to death. “They were in the beginning stages of organ failure,” Dawn said. “Their coats had severe rain rot.

I spent days peeling layers and layers of dead skin off.”

“We spent six months trying to build their bodies up.” Lori added.

As it turned out both of the horses were pregnant, but one of them, Dawn explain, slipped the foal. “It was hard,” Dawn said.

“Realistically it was the right thing for her health, but it didn’t make it easier.” She spoke of the other horse that was still pregnant. “If we can have a successful foal that would be huge for us. It would just prove to us that we’re doing the right thing.”

Dawn explained that two of the main issues she noticed with the horses that came to the center was that, for most of them, the drop in the housing market and the high rate of home foreclosures left many of them without a home. The second issue was a lack of education among the former owners. “I think if people were educated the proper way they could keep horses,” Dawn said. “People can contact us for help, and it would be a better outcome for everyone.”

For every horse that they have been able to rescue there are countless others that still need to be saved, “There’s so many out

there,” Dawn said.

“I was affiliated with a rescue a few years back,” said Lori, “and that’s what made me aware of the need.”

To benefit the center, and showcase some of their horses, they will be hosting several events. On Saturday, October 16, they held an open class show at the Bartow arena. They explained that the goal was to make it possible for all types of classes to show. Vendors were there and they had a silent auction. Also they sold pumpkins from a pumpkin patch to commemorate the fall season, and sold baked goods.

On October 23, they will convert their barn into a “haunted” barn and host a Halloween party complete with hayrides and games.

“We want to try to involve the community in everything,” Dawn said.

She said that in the future they want to work with other counties as well. They have applied for their 503©, but it is still in the process of getting approval, however, they want to let the community know about their program and horses.

But what Vickie, Dawn, and Lori enjoy the most about the equine center is watching the development of the horses they bring in. They explained how some of the horses that came in were in such bad condition that they could barely lift one foot, but after some months, and not a little effort from everyone, they started pushing for food and running. Before long, their personalities start to peek out of what was once little more than emaciated bodies, broken bones, and damaged coats. “We love seeing the attitudes,” Dawn said.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

29

I must admit I get amused at how news is reported on TV, radio and newspapers. For example, in August of 2010 WFLA-Ch. 8’s lead story for their 5:30 pm news was about three dogs being stolen from a kennel. Must have been a bad news day, what with McCollum and Rick Scott obviously not have new mud to sling.

USA today does a pretty good job of keeping up with the news all over the US. On Friday August 27 in their “Across the USA,” that has news from every state, they had some startling news. For instances, in Bismarck, North Dakota the City Commission passed a law making it illegal to jump from bridges within the city limits.

Violators would face a fine, if they are still alive, of up to $500.

Now this is BIG news. In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina a costal night spot for bikers will soon be a Dollar General store. In Somerset, Massachusetts about 50 people were excited at Fox Hill Cove, after someone said they saw a shark fin in the water, but the local law enforcement discovered the so called “shark fin” was a piece of fin-shaped Styrofoam sealed with duct tape.

In Falmouth, Maine a teenager passed over a “bait car” with a laptop, cell phone and other valuables in it in the city park, and instead broke into the police surveillance van and took a bottle of water.

The town of Oakwood, Illinois will celebrate the opening of a grocery store after being without one for more than a year. And in Los Angeles a civil rights group is protesting the county’s sheriff’s plans to install a high-tech unit that shoots a high beam at unruly jail inmates.

In Orlando a police sub-station was evacuated when an elderly woman walked in with an old hand grenade. She said she found it while going through a relative’s belongings.

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OCTOBER 2010

My friend Bruce Rodwell knows how much I enjoy reading these newspaper goofs. He recently emailed me a few that I think you’ll enjoy. “Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.” Sign in a Laundromat: “Automatic washing machines, Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.” In a London department store: “Bargain basement upstairs.” Memo on the office bulletin board: “Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.” “After the tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.”

Outside a second hand shop: “We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?” Sign on a health food shop window: “Closed due to illness.” Seen at a safari park; “Elephants please stay in your car.”

Sign at hotel during a business conference: “For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the first floor.” Sign in a farmer’s field: “The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.” Message on a leaflet: “If you cannot read this leaflet it will tell you how to get lessons.” Notice on a repair shop door; “We can repair anything! (Please knock hard on the door - the bell doesn’t work.)”

Ever read the wedding announcements? They can be hilarious at times. Sometimes it would be better to use the couple’s entire name instead of hyphenating them. Examples: “Looney–Ward,” “Hardy-Harr,” “Wendt-Adaway,” and lastly “Dunnam-Favors!”

This past year they had a referendum on the ballot in Union County, Georgia to allow the sale of beer and wine. It passed, and one old timer that had been sipp’n a little shine made by some of the locals quickly converted to the legal stuff.

When the beer and wine went on sale, Gaston J. Feeblebunny (don’t laugh-that’s his name) who lives just outside of Blairsville, staggered home late the first night it was legal to sell the spirits. He quietly took off his shoes so as not to wake his wife, Belcher. Then silently tiptoed toward the stairs that lead to their bedroom. He misjudged the first step. Immediately he grabbed the banister, as his body quickly swung around and he landed on his rear end. The beer bottle he had in his back pocket broke as he landed and cut his rear end up pretty badly.

He covered his mouth instantly so as not to yell, jumped up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that the left side of butt cheek was cut and bleeding. He found a box of Band-Aids and as best he could, looking in the mirror where he saw blood, he the applied the Band-Aids. When finished he hid the almost empty Band-Aid box and stumbled his way to bed.

The next morning he woke up with a sore rear end and a terrible headache. Across the room was Belcher his wife staring at him.

“Well, you were drunk again last night, Feeblebunny,” she said.

He smiled and said, “Sweetheart, why would you say such a thing?”

“My goodness,” she said. “It could be I found the front door was open when I got up, or it could be the broken beer bottle at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing up the stairs to the bed, it could be those bloodshot eyes I am looking at now, but mostly it’s all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.”

I’ll leave you with a couple of thought to ponder. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase? Why is it that bullets ricochet off of Superman’s chest, but he ducks when the empty gun is thrown at him?

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

31

OCTOBER 15

NOVEMBER 5

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

OCTOBER 16

LOLA & THE SAINTS

NOVEMBER 6

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday – “Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” PLUS P.J. LEARY & THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS with special guest KEN BRADY (Lead Singer of The Casinos), featuring the 1967 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 12

COVER TO COVER

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Ralph Allocco & Second Wind perform before and after the show

OCTOBER 22

RICHIE MERRITT

Richie Merritt of the Marcels will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room with P.J. Leary and the Las Vegas Sounds.

OCTOBER 23

WITH THE LEGENDARY DELFONICS TRIBUTE REVUE AND ARTHUR “SUGAR BEAR” AIKEN

OCTOBER 29

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

“LET’S HANG ON” – A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLIE AND THE FOUR SEASONS

Hear the hits from one of the 60’s top bands The Four Seasons! “Sherry,” “Ronnie,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,”“ Ragdoll,” “Let’s Hang On,” and many, many more. P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds open and close the show. This event benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bobby Palermo plays several instruments and has composed many songs that he sings in his show.

Plenty of laughs, impersonations, and music.

PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds also perform.

OCTOBER 30

NOVEMBER 20

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 26

DESTINY

NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 3 & 17

BOBBY PALERMO

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show

A big hit and a Red Rose tradition!!! Fresh fruits, warm breads, roasted turkey, traditional dressing, seasoned prime rib, glazed ham, fresh fish, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, pasta, omelet/ waffle station, and an assortment of desserts, including chocolate fountains, are only a few of the many delighful dishes that will make your mouth water! Three seating times available. Call to reserve your table soon.

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

NOVEMBER 19

COVER TO COVER

THANKSGIVING BUFFET

Put on your dancing shoes as this band features adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Ricky Martin.

NOVEMBER 13

featuring the Grammy Award Winning “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind,” “La La Means I Love You,” plus much more, and lead singer of The Blue Notes, Arthur “Sugar Bear” Aiken. Hear songs like “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost” & many more. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock & Roll Revue will perform before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

NOVEMBER 25

NOVEMBER 13

A dynamite crowd pleaser! Destiny perform before and after the show.

SOUL MUSIC NIGHT

Vegas Sounds with Ken Brady of the original Casinos before and after the show in a Supper Club Atmosphere in the Ballroom.

“A NIGHT OF LEGENDS” SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES AND BOBBY HENDRICKS

Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead of the Shirelles and Bobby Hendricks, formerly of Bill Pickney’s Original Drifters perform, plus PJ Leary & The Las

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

DECEMBER 4

“SNOOPY’S CHRISTMAS” WITH THE ROYAL GUARDSMEN

The Royal Guardsmen are best remembered for their many epic hit songs from the late 1960s, including one about the “Peanuts” cartoon dog, Snoopy - the World War I flying ace “The Red Baron.”

DECEMBER 10 & 18

JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

DECEMBER – EVERY SUNDAY

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Begin your holiday by joining us in the Red Rose Dining Room for a wonderful buffet with special delights to bring in the Christmas Spirit, including an opportunity to get your photo made with Santa Claus!

SHOW RESERVATIONS Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!)

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room with the purchase of dinner.

Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

OCTOBER 2010

TEL: 813.752.3141

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WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia Owner/General Manager

OCTOBER 2010

33

NEW FARM CREDIT SENIOR LENDER

BRAD RHODEN

BLENDS PASSION FOR FINANCE AND AGRICULTURE

Brad’s father Harold, grandfather Rayford, son Blake and Brad

Brings Lessons Learned and Integrity from Five Generation s of Family Cattle Operations to New Position

By Jim Frankowiak Brad Rhoden is a happy man. He has been able to combine two of his passions, agriculture and finance, in his new position as a Senior Loan Officer with Farm Credit of Central Florida. “My family has been in Florida and involved with cattle for at least five generations,” said Rhoden. “There might be a sixth generation bridge and that would be my three times great grandfather who died in Virginia fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War. We know his widow had two sons by him prior to her remarrying in Florida and given the limited mobility of the time, we assume the family lived in Florida before he left for the war.

“I grew up in and around ranching and citrus. My first heifer was given to me by my father, Harold, when I was six,” said Rhoden.

“She was a solid white, Brahman heifer and very gentle. So gentle, that at the age of seven, I scared my grandmother badly when she saw me riding “Babe” in our pasture.”

“When I was about 20, my father and I partnered to take over what my grandfather Rayford could no longer physically tend to and expanded the operation. My dad, who is a Vietnam Veteran, retired from the State of Florida five years ago after 38 years of service as an engineer. He now manages the cattle operation and I have the responsibility for finances in addition to carrying as much of the labor intensive projects as my time allows.” The Rhoden’s occasionally hire contract work for ranch related tasks they consider too big or too time consuming for them.

“I owe my love and passion for agriculture to my grandfather and father,” said Rhoden. “And for that I will be forever indebted to them both.”

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

A 1996 alumnus of Florida Southern College with a degree in Business Administration – Human Resources, Rhoden’s background includes 14 years of working in investments and commercial banking. “Brad possesses five different financial planning licenses and could easily get a job with any firm on Wall Street if he so chose.

We believe his greatest strength as a lender at Farm Credit is his integrity and considerate manner with our Members,” said Reggie Holt, President and CEO of Farm Credit of Central Florida.

Married to Julie, a corporate office staffer for Publix and principal violist (first chair) in the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Rhoden readily admits that cattle and the symphony “don’t exactly match up, but we have a nice balance in our home,” which also includes two-year-old Blake who has dad “wrapped around his little finger.” The Rhoden’s are active members of Medulla Baptist where both substitute as Sunday School teachers and Brad is an usher.

Though just 36, Rhoden has “been blessed with the opportunity to do three things most in the financial industry will never experience. I opened a branch bank office, later managed a $100 million deposit office (the average bank branch has about $35 million on deposit) and went through a bank failure – Colonial Bank,” he said.

“Colonial, now BB&T in Florida, made the fatal flaw of putting too many eggs in one basket, real estate loans. I was on the fast-track for a senior management level position with Colonial. Even though my gut sensed it was coming, going through the failure was tough on me. I accepted a good job at BB&T and then watched as half of my peers were either laid off or left on their own.”

When the senior lending position opened at Farm Credit, RhoContinued on the next page

Julie, Blake and Brad den “prayed about it and then applied for the position because I wanted to combine my passions of agriculture and finance. I always thought I would end up at Farm Credit, and I am glad that it happened sooner than later,” said Rhoden. His territory includes Polk, Osceola and Brevard Counties and he maintains offices in Lake Wales and at Farm Credit of Central Florida’s main office in Lakeland. Rhoden is assisted daily by loan specialists Margie Gonzalez and Laura Donaldson.

Farm Credit is still lending, even in this tough economy. “Our board has always been prudent and never followed the trend of other financial institutions and their lending practices that may have contributed to our economic downturn. The association has taken positive measures to insure its long-term viability, including sensible adjustment of the underwriting standards. We want to be in a posi-

tion to meet our Member-Borrowers’ financial needs for generations to come,” said Al Bellotto, Sr., Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Chairman of the Board.

Farm Credit seeks to be the lender of choice to the agricultural and rural communities of Central Florida. As an agricultural credit cooperative, Farm Credit is owned by the Member-Borrowers who purchase stock/participation certificates in the association. “One of the most important financial benefits of being a Farm Credit member-borrower is having the opportunity to share in the association’s profits,” noted Rhoden.

For those interested in more information about Farm Credit, visit www.farmcreditcfl.com or call Brad Rhoden at (863) 676-1447.

***This is a low resolution documentIfor proofing only.*** NT HEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

35

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

Ahhhh Fall…one of my favorite times of year when you can just start to feel a change in the temperature outside, football season, bonfires, the excitement of Homecoming, Halloween, Fall Festivals, etc. The Polk County Federation Officer team and FFA members throughout the county are having some great times and planning lots more memorable events! FFA members throughout Polk County have been extremely busy this month with lots of exciting activities. District, Sub-District and Chapters President’s from each FFA Chapter throughout the State of Florida had the opportunity to attend the Chapter President’s Conference (CPC) September 18 -19, 2010, presented by the State Officer Team and Florida FFA at the Daytona Beach Hilton. Many of the Chapter President’s, including myself, came home to our Chapters with a variety of new leadership idea’s to share.

As everyone knows, our first county competition each year is Opening and Closing Ceremonies. If I do say so myself, I believe this year’s competition was the best Opening and Closing Ceremonies at Kathleen High School. Special thank you to all our judges who volunteered your time, Mr. Carlton and Ms. Hall for hosting us with great food provided by the Kathleen FFA Alumni and Matt and Misty McCall of Jumpsation Party Rentals for providing Karaoke to the FFA. While teams waited to compete, everyone had the opportunity to show off their vocal skills. This year’s winners for Opening and Closing in Middle School were: 1st place - Lake Gibson Middle FFA and 2nd place - Frostproof Middle FFA. High School winners were: 1st place - Kathleen High School and 2nd place - Lake Region High School. Thank you to all who participated!

Polk County hog exhibitors lined up early Saturday, September 25, 2010, to participate in ear tagging the hogs that will be shown at the Polk County Youth Fair in January 2011. Ms. Janice Jackson, PCYF, confirmed that they had approximately 430 students entered to show hogs. Best of luck to you all!

Florida FFA will be hosting the Annual Chapter Officers Leadership Training (COLT) workshop at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City on October 6, 2010. Your Polk County Federation Officer team looks forward to seeing all fellow Polk County FFA Officers teams there!

Lastly, have you ever wonder what one of the most competitive team competitions is around Polk County FFA members? Well on October 7 the Florida Division of Forestry will confirm that it is the District Forestry Competition held at Kissimmee State Park. This is a huge competition loved by all and the winning team from this event moves on to compete at the State Forestry contest. Study hard and good luck Polk County FFA !

Until next month – Keep promoting Agriculture and have fun doing it!

Shelby Freeman

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Alex Sink, Rick Scott Discuss Future of Agriculture Industry Leaders Hold Straw Poll on Florida Governor and Cabinet Races Candidates for Florida’s top political offices presented their plans for governing Florida agriculture to more than 230 industry leaders at the ninth quadrennial Farm Credit - Agriculture Institute of Florida Candidates Forum held September 24 at the Orange County Convention Center.

“We appreciate the candidates’ attention to agriculture and we hope they have a better understanding of our issues, because we need their support,” said Betsy McGill, president of the Agriculture Institute of Florida.

“We’re at a critical time in our state’s history with many challenges. But for agriculture, our economy would be in worse shape,” said Alex Sink, Democratic nominee for governor and Florida Chief Financial Officer, who grew up on a farm in North Carolina.

Agriculture is Florida’s second largest industry, contributing more than $103 billion annually to the state’s economy and employing more than 763,000 people.

Republican nominee Rick Scott told producers and agriculture leaders from across the state, “I pledge to sit down with this industry and others and make sure we’re the best state in the country.”

Industry leaders also heard from Attorney General Republican candidate Pam Bondi and the candidates for Agriculture Commissioner – Democrat Scott Maddox, Republican Adam Putnam and Independent Thad Hamilton.

In a straw poll following the Q&A with candidates, here’s how participants voted: Governor Rick Scott 70 Alex Sink 68 Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam 142 Thad Hamilton 5 Scott Maddox 3 Attorney General Pam Bondi 140 Dan Gelber 7 Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater 88 Loranne Ausley 9 About the Agriculture Institute of Florida and Farm Credit The Agriculture Institute of Florida is a volunteer organization of communications professionals from private companies, agricultural associations and individual farms throughout the state. Since 1970, AIF has been dedicated to promoting the value of Florida agriculture and empowering producers to work effectively with the media and the public. Farm Credit is a Customer-Owned business serving approximately 5,000 ranchers, farmers, growers and rural homeowners with $3 billion in outstanding loan volume.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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Predation on

Livestock

By Bridget Carlisle, UF/IFAS Polk County Livestock Extension Agent A friend sent me some photos taken by a rancher of his cows defending their calves from a bear attack. The photos, taken somewhere out west, were pretty amazing. Bears are not really a predator of concern in our part of the world. In Polk County we tend to see more attacks from coyotes or domestic dogs.

Loss of livestock to coyotes in Florida is most likely to occur during April-June when coyotes are denning and rearing pups. Studies from western states have determined that killing livestock appears to be a learned behavior not shared by all coyotes. Furthermore, having coyotes present that are not livestock killers may actually reduce risks to livestock because coyote family groups establish territories that they defend against other unrelated coyotes. Studies have demonstrated that when one or both members of a territorial pair are removed, new coyotes move into the area, and coyote densities in the area actually may increase as new individuals attempt to establish claims to available territory. If you are not experiencing loss of livestock to coyotes, removal of one or both of a territorial pair may result in the establishment of coyotes that have learned to prey on livestock, a behavior that also will be taught to offspring. Consequently, removal of non-problem coyotes may be counter-productive. If a problem with livestock loss is identified, control efforts should attempt to target the problem coyotes. This is both a less expensive and more effective strategy than indiscriminate control efforts.

There are numerous other causes of animal deaths and many predators will scavenge carcasses. Therefore, evidence of predators feeding on the carcasses of livestock does not serve as proof of predation. In general, livestock killed by predators will exhibit bruising and puncture wounds. Livestock that are already dead and are scavenged by coyotes and other potential predators do not exhibit bruising because their heart can no longer pump blood to the wound. Bruising beneath the skin, therefore, is a clear indication that predation has occurred. Other indications of predation include blood on the ground and with larger calves there may be evidence of a struggle, such as trampled and bloody vegetation. Killing patterns of different species can help identify the culprit.

Livestock damage from coyotes can be recognized by bite marks, bruises, and/or bleeding around the head and neck. This area is usually the target of an attack because coyotes generally kill prey by suffocation. Other signs of attack may be found on the hind legs and tail of livestock. Coyote canines are about 1¼ inches apart and are clues in identifying a coyote attack--as are the elongated tracks, hair and fecal droppings possibly found at the site.

Domestic stray dogs will sometimes “pack” and cause damage to livestock in our area. Domestic dogs tend to indiscriminately mutilate prey. Bites will be evident on multiple areas of the body. Dogs rarely feed on the prey, or they consume very little. Some dogs become efficient predators and attack prey in a fashion similar to coyotes, and some coyotes attack prey in an indiscriminate fashion similar to dog attacks. Therefore, other evidence, such as tracks and feces in the area of the carcass, are often essential to correctly identify the responsible predator.

For more information on identifying predation patterns of livestock predators or controlling coyote in Florida please refer to UF/ IFAS publications, The Coyote (Canis latrans) : Florida’s Newest Predator (#WEC 124) and Interpreting the Physical evidence of predation on Domestic Livestock (#WEC141). The University of Florida is conducting research on coyotes in south Florida. Information regarding biology such as reproduction and mortality as well as ecology and impacts on cattle operations are being collected. For more information on coyotes contact your county extension office and/or visit the “South Florida Coyote Study” website at http://wfrec.ifas. ufl.edu/range/coyotes/default.htm.

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Perfectly Fresh. Perfectly Priced.

VEGETABLE SALE

Fri. & Sat. Oct. 15th & 16th • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. Nov. 19th & 20th • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Fresh from the Farm to your Freezer!

Fresh Georgia Pecans coming in November!

Baby Butter Beans ............... $13.

Cranberry Beans ................. $15 Green Beans ....................... $13.

Pole Beans .......................... $13.

Speckled Butter Beans ......... $13.

Blackeye Peas ..................... $13.

Butter Peas .......................... $13.

Conk Peas ........................... $22 Crowder Peas...................... $13.

Green Peas ......................... $13.

Pinkeye Peas....................... $13.

Sugar Snap Peas ................. $15 White Acre Peas .................. $13.

Zipper Peas ......................... $13.

White Corn .......................... $12 Yellow Corn ........................ $12 Cream White Corn 4# ...........$ 6 Cream Yellow Corn 4# .........$ 6 Collard Greens.................... $12 Mustard Greens .................. $12 Turnip Greens ..................... $12

Spinach ............................... $12 Cut Okra ............................. $12 Breaded Okra ..................... $12 Whole Okra......................... $12 Sliced Yellow Squash .......... $12 Sliced Zucchini .................... $12 Brussel Sprouts ................... $12 Baby Carrots ....................... $12 Chopped Broccoli 5# ............$ 5 Broccoli ............................... $13.

Cauliflower ......................... $13.

Mixed Vegetables ............... $12 Soup Blend.......................... $12 Blueberries 5# .................... $15 Blackberries 5#................... $15 Raspberries 5# ................... $15 Cranberries 5# ................... $15 Mango Chunks 5# .............. $15 Pineapple Chunks 5# ......... $15 Dark Sweet Cherries 5#...... $14 Rhubarb 5# ........................ $10 Peaches ............................... $15 * All items 8lbs unless Noted

WALK-INS WELCOME

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Give us a call to be placed on our mailing list for monthly notification.

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FLORIDA BEEF COUNCIL

By Tracy Cox

Did you know that you can now “go lean” with your favorite protein? The Florida Beef Council does and it’s their job to make sure you know, too. Our mouths water at the thought of a T-bone steak right off the grill and not only is it delicious, but it is one of the 29 cuts of nutrient-rich lean beef that can be part of a healthy diet.

“Beef is the most naturally nutrient food,” said Polly Golden, the Council’s executive director. “It is a nutrient warehouse.”

The Florida Beef Council, a wholly-owned corporation of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, was founded in 1956 under the leadership of president, Jay B. Starkey, Sr. The Council encouraged a volunteer effort by Florida’s cattlemen to donate 10 cents per head of cattle sold, also known as the beef check-off, to fund its functions as the promotional and educational arm of the beef industry in the state of Florida. As the Council grew, the cattlemen’s interest grew and they agreed to increase their donation to 25 cents per head sold. Eventually, the initiative went national.

As part of the 1985 Farm Bill, the Beef Promotion and Research Act was passed and created a national beef check-off program requiring beef producers to pay one dollar per head on all cattle sold in their state. Half of those funds collected in Florida are sent to the National Beef Council and are designated for national promotion, research, consumer information and industry information programs.

The other half is used by the Florida Beef Council to disseminate nutritional and product information to the media, food service and retail industries, school educators, health professionals, consumers and producers.

“We work hand in hand with the National Council by taking our 50 cents and really extend into the state the national programs,” Polly said. “Our board looks at our budget and complexity of our state. Its philosophy is to use its limited resources to reach out to groups who teach others.”

The Florida Beef Council’s activities are governed by a board of directors comprised of representatives from all segments of the beef industry: cattlemen, dairy farmers, food scientists, and livestock markets. Chairman of the Florida Beef Council is George Kempfer, a fifth generation Floridian and descendant of one of Florida’s oldest ranch families.

“We want to get our message out to the consumers and help change the attitude about beef,” said Polly. “With 18.5 million consumers, the philosophy of let’s teach the teacher helps get the word out.”

As a result of investing beef check-off dollars in research, the beef industry has gone from representing six cuts as lean to 35 cuts today for inclusion in a healthy diet. With consumers’ increased focus on healthy lifestyle changes and a growing awareness of obesity, the Council’s two main focus groups are health professionals and the food industry. Health professionals include not only physicians and nurses, but also dieticians, the Florida Dietetics Association, and the Florida Diabetes Association. The food service segment includes food distributors, chefs, and culinary schools.

With approximately 4000 registered dieticians in the state, the Council participates as an exhibitor at the Florida Dietetics Association’s annual convention and sponsors a speaker from the national level. They recognize the need to do a considerable amount of work

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No Farmers No Food

with dieticians because a large percentage of their patient load is diabetics.

“Even dieticians are amazed to learn that 29 cuts of lean beef fall between the chicken breast and thigh in fat content,” Polly said.

“We look at all the diets to determine if it is good for you.”

For the food service industry, they conduct their annual Beef 101 Seminar. The seminar includes meat science topics and hands on workshops in cutting and grading practices. Company specific workshops are also conducted for their salespeople to invite key customers and chefs.

The Council also believes that you can never be too young to learn about beef. For school education programs, the Florida Cattlewomen Association is instrumental in reaching out to local schools with teaching kits for the kids. According to Polly, the kids’ favorite is the kit where they learn about beef by-products in their chewing gum, marshmallows, and baseball gloves.

“I can’t brag enough about the Florida Cattlewomen,” she said. “We really count on them to go into local areas, both in school education and one on one with consumers in supermarket promotions.”

The Florida Beef Council continues to build on their programs stature year by year. To increase the outreach of their educational mission, they created the Florida Voluntary Beef Check-Off where cattlemen can also donate a second dollar. By getting to keep this entire dollar, it has made a real difference in their programs.

“This is a very exciting time for us to be in the beef industry,” Polly said. “I feel proud of our producers’ willingness to financially support this. They are very much attuned to what the consumer wants.”

For a wealth of information, from nutrition to recipes, visit the Florida Beef Council’s and related websites at www.floridacattlemen.org and www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

Just what the doctor ordered.

A new, dedicated orthopedic wing.

We take the stress out of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Thanks to our exciting, new renovations, patients can now recover faster and more comfortably in their own specialized, private room. Our 10 luxury rooms are designed large enough to accommodate physical therapy equipment, so therapists can come to the patients. Rooms include flat screen TVs and access to an internet and media café – with computers and ortho-ergonomic furniture.

Even fold-out sleeper sofas allow family members to stay over night. It’s the perfect healing environment in every way.

New Orthopedic Wing 301 N. Alexander St. Plant City, FL 33563 southfloridabaptist.com For a referral to one of our orthopedic surgeons, call 813-443-2025

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

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In tests conducted at Louisiana Tech University, during the coldest winter in recent memory, cattle grazed on Prine gained .4 lbs per day more than cattle grazed on Marshall.

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By Lourdes M. Sáenz Photos by Lizbeth Mendieta

Barbecue is an old time favorite for most, and it is appreciated no matter if it is a quick grilling at a picnic, or a slow cooked, choice meat, bursting with all the flavors that come from the type of materials used in the process. There are many choices as far a restaurants doing the grilling these days, different styles, varied sauces, spices and woods or stoves used to cook or smoke, but to get a perfect balance and high quality barbecue outcome, there needs to be much more. The Rib Crib has been serving, with high standard, their mouth-watering barbecue since 1992, when the first restaurant opened in Tulsa, OK. Many more franchises have successfully followed, and for those of us living in Polk County, fortunately, one was started in the year 2000 in Lakeland. Following in the high standards of the founders of Rib Crib, Don Barclay has kept a successful and happy clientele, who continue to enjoy their tantalizing ribs and all the wonderful dishes that are a part of their menu. Keeping customers happy and coming back is one of their most important concepts.

What makes Rib Crib’s barbecue so special? Let’s start with high quality ingredients, including the best cuts of meats, and add the attention to every detail in the preparation, the slow cooking process with hickory smoke and the special blends used in their dry rubs or sauces to perfectly complement their cooking efforts. It has not been easy to maintain the high level of quality of this franchise, but they do not believe in cutting corners, or costs that would sacrifice their product. That is why they are successful and one of the best at what

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they do, barbecue!

The Lakeland restaurant on South Florida Avenue offers a laid back, casual, quiet and family oriented atmosphere. The decor is western, with vintage movie posters and fun details throughout, including a nice centerpiece horn chandelier with a facing wall mounting of a buffalo head, and a neon sign that reads “Eat Like A Pig.” With the variety of items on their menu and the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen, one feels ready to eat like one. The start of the menu boasts many appetizers, one of the most favorite being the chicken nachos, which came to our table as a heaping mound of chips topped with smoked shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and peppers and lots of melted cheese, with a side of sour cream and salsa, a perfect

start to any meal.

The restaurant offers great soups and a nice choice of salads, all very large in size and full of flavor and freshness. The ingredients are selected with great care and these have become favorites for many. The one we tried was the Dynamite Chicken Salad, a wonderful mixture of fresh greens, hickory smoked chicken breast, with hints of southwestern flavors in the toppings of corn and black beans and a wonderful extra, a cheese quesadilla rollup to complement it all. Sandwiches come in many varieties as well, all filled with the wonderful smoked meats and topped with fresh and tasty ingredients. Other unique items not to be missed are the Bar-BRito, a southwestern cheese tortilla stuffed with your choice of pulled meat, caramelized onions, beans, sour cream and cheese to complete a wonderful new twist to the well known Mexican dish.

Another unique creation of the Rib Crib is the Super Spud, a giant baked potato, shelled, filled to the rim with chopped brisket, melted cheese, sour cream and crumbled bacon, all fresh, tasty and wonderfully combining flavors with every bite.

And what can we say of their award winning ribs? The perfectly smoked racks of lean meats

are served dry rubbed to add your own sauces, unique recipes of the Rib Crib, or can be served “wet” upon request.

Ribs come in St. Louis-style or Baby Back, both finger licking good. Combination meat platters will please the most critical palate and satisfy hefty appetites.

We tried the rib, brisket and chicken platter and could not decide which was the best of the three. The side dishes varied and are as wonderful as their specialty meats.

Add to all of this a tempting array of deserts, from cheesecake, to fudge brownies or huge fruit cobblers served with ice cream and mountains of whipped cream, and you have an all around great southern meal. They serve beer and wine and have childrens menu items and specials.

The Rib Crib has a convenient drive through window for take home meals, and sells meat by the pound or family combos. They offer catering for events big and small, where they will deliver and set up complete meals, including choice of meats, sides and all the fixings. So go have a nice sit down meal with friends or family, enjoy their incredible barbecue at home with a take out combo pack, or call them for your next event and your guests will be more than satisfied.

RIB CRIB

4960 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2129 (863) 709-9090 Catering Phone: (863) 709-9090 All major credit cards accepted

Horses • Cows • Dogs • Cats • Rabbits • Birds Please contact our store for Weekly Sale Specials!

• Hunting Supplies • Pet Grooming Available • Hay-Coastal, Alfalfa & Orchard Alfalfa

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6320 US Hwy. 98 Bartow, FL. 33830

863-644-0011

Cell: 813.546.9771 Fax: 863.644.0245 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

47

Miss Sara Lunsford 2010 Polk County Cattlemens Sweetheart

By Karen Bowers

Miss Sara Lunsford is the 2010 Polk County Cattlemens Sweetheart. She is the 21-year-old daughter of Larry and Laura Lynn Lunsford of Bartow. Sarah attends Polk State College where she is majoring in Animal Science, and she works as a Receptionist for Beyond The Millennium Salon in Bartow.

Sara’s roots in the cattle industry started with both of her parents. Her father, Larry, started raising calves at a very young age, as well as showing heifers and steers. Her mother, Laura Lynn, grew up around both cows and horses.

Sara started showing cows in 2005. Her first heifer was a Brangus/Braford cross named Tazel she bought with her own money saved from showing hogs at the Polk County Youth Fair.

She then started raising calves. Her first was a twin Charbray heifer that turned out so well she was able to show at fairs.

She still has that Charbray she named Li’l Girl, and Li’l Girl produces calves every year.

Sara was very active in 4-H for eight years and FFA for four years. She raised steers both her Junior and Senior years of high school for the Polk County Youth Fair. She bought both of those steers from the Lightsey Cattle Company, and she did an excellent job. Not only did Sara get Blue Ribbons with both of those steers, but she also placed very high in the Weight Gain Contest for two consecutive years in a row, having the heaviest steers at the Fair. Sara always halter broke all of her show animals by herself.

Although Sara is too old to participate in the PCYF, she supports other youth by sponsoring FFA members with show animals for the fair.

Sara has represented Polk County in the Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Contest for two years. She first had to earn that position on the county level based on her knowledge of the beef industry. The Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Contest is not a

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beauty pageant. It is a very intense competition that includes a written test on the cattle industry, a PowerPoint presentation on a topic related to the beef industry targeted to a non-beef related audience, and two interviews by judges with random questions about the beef industry. Sara’s PowerPoint presentation this year was on the “Pasture to Plate” program.

Each contestant in the Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Contest is required to sell at least 450 tickets of Beef Basket Certificates donated by Lykes Brothers. Sara has topped all of the other contestants in sales for the past two years, and this year she sold 750 tickets. Sara also won the Boot Decorating Contest at the Convention this year. Her winning boot was decorated with cow brands, palmettos, sunflowers, horseshoes, a spur, and old time barb wire. Sara’s winning boot sold for $200 at the auction.

As the Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Sara assists the Polk County Cattlewomen in public events and beef demonstrations. She also visits elementary schools to inform children about the beef industry. When asked what she would like to share about being the Polk County Sweetheart, she replied, “I feel every girl that has grown up around cattle should take the opportunity to run for Sweetheart to inform consumers about our industry.” She also went on to say that it has been an honor and privilege to represent the Polk County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen as their Sweetheart, and she truly appreciates all of the support from Polk County. Not only did she get a chance to meet a lot of people, but she also has made new friends.

All young ladies interested in running for Polk County Sweetheart can contact Sara by email at brahmangirl21@comcast. net, or they can contact the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association or the Polk County Cattlewomen.

Farm & Ranch Liquidation AUCTION 10 AM • Saturday, November 13 • Auction On Site: 3500 Hodge Lane, Ft. Meade, FL 33841

Personal Property includes: 45 Cattle • 3 Registered Horses ‘62 Chevrolet Corvette • ‘84 Ford Bronco Honda Jet Skis • Honda Generators Dixie Chopper XF2600 quad loop 6’ Disk • Trailers • Tractor with Bush Hog power lift, box blade and spear 500 gallon diesel tank with electric pump 250 gallon gas tank with electric pump Saddles • Tack • Firearms Collection

Real Estate includes: • 3 homes on 218± acres offered in 8 parcels • Includes 40’± x 70’± insulated metal building with 4 roll up doors (3 have automatic openers) • 10 stall horse barn with feed & tack rooms

Previews:

• Real Estate: 11 AM - 3 PM, Sat., Nov. 6 • Personal Property: 2 hrs. prior to auction

863-644-6681 higgenbotham.com

M.E. Higgenbotham, CAI, FL Lic.# AU305 AB158

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Livin’ the Country Life Land and Animal Ownership November 6, 2010 Manatee County YMCA-Parrish Branch, Parrish, FL Sponsored by: The South Florida Beef-Forage Program University of Florida/IFAS Extension Over the past several years, Florida has experienced tremendous growth in the number of people purchasing and moving to small farms and away from urban areas. Many are raising livestock as a source of wholesome food, for profit, or just for fun.

At the same time, many of these folks have little or no previous experience with livestock or ownership of larger properties.

Many do not realize or are having difficulties with issues, problems and challenges that livestock ownership often entails.

This program is designed to help those who have just gotten started or are contemplating going into a livestock enterprise, to understand some of the ramifications and issues that may arise and how to avoid or perhaps handle these situations.

Registration fee for this school is $10.00 if returned by October 15, 2009, and $20.00 if returned after October 15, 2009 or at the door. Registration forms can be obtained by contacting one of the participating Extension Agents.

Agenda Registration and Introduction Florida Fence Law, Staying Out of Trouble – Staci Braswell Agriculture Exemptions, Right to farm and other regulations – Stephen Gran Ethical Responsibilities and liabilities of Livestock Ownership – Sgt. Kieth Noordzy Dealing with Weeds, Exotics and Invasive – Dr. Brent Sellers Environmental Quality Issues (Odor, flies, carcasses) – Randy Gornto Questions and Answers Evaluation and Dismissal Make all Checks payable to: South Florida Beef‐Forage Program South Florida Beef‐Forage Program c/o Pat Hogue 458 Hwy 98 N Okeechobee, FL Dates, times and locations are subject to change.

For more information call 941-722-4524.

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1 results from trials at The University of Georgia 2 results from trials at The University of Florida

SOUTHERN SELECT SHOW PIGS Saturday, October 30 Buyer Sign-In at 9:30 am, Preview pigs 9:30 am – 10:00 am Sale starts at 10:00 am

To ensure a good selection and quantity of pigs to choose from please call us at 813-781-0608 and pre-register by October 27.

Visit Southernselect.com for pictures of recent winners!

Pigs available for Strawberry Festival and State Fair Pigs will start at $200 Available at Harold’s: Full line of Honor Show Chow feed and supplements Honor Show Chow Showpig Grower Honor Show Chow Showpig Finisher Honor Show Chow Powerfill High Octane Supplements: Power Fuel & Champion Drive Remember, we’re always here to help you

813-689-1570 Harold’s Farm Supply 12990 MLK Blvd, Dover INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

53

By Karen Bowers

The 3rd Annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival was held October 1 and 2 at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. The Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Cattlewomen, Inc., and The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, as well as several county cattlemen’s associations and other rodeo organizations support the Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival. This event is a fundraiser for cattle research, educational programs, and scholarships.

The Rodeo Finals are a culmination of 15 qualifying rodeos all over Florida. To get here your team has to win on a county level. The 16 teams that participated this year were sponsored

by Florida ranches and businesses. Each team competed in eight different events at the State Finals including Saddle Bronc Riding, Colt Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Branding, Team Doctoring, Double Mugging, Cattle Sorting, and the Stampede Race. The Ranch Rodeo Finals are different from your regular rodeo because it requires team effort and all types of skill levels. Fred Waters, one of the Co-Chairman for the Ranch Rodeo itself, described the

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teams as working cowboys, the “best of the best,” who do this for a living every day back home on ranches. The Rodeo Finals is all about bragging rights – who is the best team in Florida. This year, Rafter G Livestock from the Curryville Ranch Rodeo claimed those bragging rights when they won the State Finals. Paul Grimaldi, Michael Gramaldi, Juan Alcazar, Cliff Lightsey, and Kaylon Rodriguez made up the winning team.

JMC Ranch of Lake Wales proudly represented the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association at the State Ranch Rodeo Finals.

JMC Ranch was started over 40 years ago by John and Martha Carter, and the Ranch is still owned by Martha. Mack Padgett has managed the cattle ranch since its inception, and he is a very well known and respected cattleman with everyone in the cattle industry. He was raised on the Lykes Brothers Ranch in Brighton and has worked cows for a living his entire life. The JMC Ranch Rodeo team is made up of five unique individuals who all know the meaning of heart and grit.

Sage Adams is 19 years old and attends Indian River State

College. She was active in high school rodeo, and she works for Adams Ranch in Ft. Pierce. Sage is the daughter of Billy Adams and granddaughter of Buddy Adams.

Jimbo Albritton started riding horses and cowboying at a very young age. He became a professional bullfighter when he was 17 years old. Jimbo handles the breeding and training of equine athletes for E.L. Partin Ranch. He also runs Flying A Performance Horses, which is his own business located at the Kissimmee Sports Arena.

J.B. Wynn grew up in Lakeland working cattle with his family. J.B. lives in Alturas with his wife LeighAnn. J.B. makes a living ranching and dayworking. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and is their Membership Chairman.

Bobby Conroy has been a cowboy most of his life. He lives in St. Cloud and has dayworked at many large ranches in Florida including JMC Ranch. He also calf ropes and trains horses.

Last, but not least, is Donald Conroy. Donald lives in Lake Wales with his wife Laurie and daughter Anna. Donald dayworks at JMC Ranch, as well as other ranches around Polk County. Donald has participated in both bull riding and bronc riding in rodeos for many years. Both Donald and Laurie grew up with Mack’s children.

The Cowboy Heritage Festival featured Saddle Making, Spur Making, Whip Making, Cowboy Poetry, Leather Crafts, Cracker Cow Camps, Cowboy Artwork, Storytelling, Swamp Cabbage Cooking, Native American Tribe Encampment, and a Beef Brisket Cook Off Contest. Ten teams competed in the Brisket Cook Off, and Polk County was

represented by Slow Southern Smoke. The team consists of Kregg and Francey Halbert with Susan and Bob Coward. Kregg is the pit boss for the team. Slow Southern Smoke has competed in professional BBQ’s for 10 years all across the southeastern U.S. They use pellet and barrel cookers, hickory for flavoring, and offer a variety of sauces. Slow Southern Smoke won the Beef Brisket Cook Off two years ago, and they have been invited to the Florida’s BBQ Association Triple Crown Invitational in December in Perry, Florida.

There were three vendors from Polk County at the Cowboy Heritage Festival. Palmetto Gals, Brandi Padgett and Lisa Manley, featured handmade, one-of-a-kind Western necklaces and bracelets. Brenda’s Western Bling, Brenda Hill, featured Western jewelry, handbags, and belts. Cracker Original Cow Whips and Art, owned by Ned Waters, featured one-of-a-kind, hand painted drawings and original cow whips. Ned also donated one of his original whips to the Whip Popping Contest as a prize.

And speaking of cow whips, Polk County ruled at the Whip Popping Contest.

Each

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competitor pops a cow whip for 45 seconds. They are judged on Most Original, Loudness/Sharpness, and Overall Performance. The competitors ranged in age from 4 years old to 72 years old. Michelle Perez of Mulberry won first place, and Tanner Ross of Alturas won second place. The following individuals from Polk County also did an excellent job in the Whip Popping: Taylor Ross, Lane Grubbs, Radley Facente, Hunter Massey, Holden Massey, and Travis Manley. Cary Lightsey is the Chairman for the Whip Popping Contest. The five judges this year were Stacy Wood, Marcia Lightsey, Dick Persing, David Hunt, and Donald Conroy.

The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association will be holding their 4th Annual Ranch Rodeo Competition in mid Febuary of 2011. Fred Waters states it is by popular belief that Polk County has the best county ranch rodeo in the state of Florida. Polk County invented the Colt Riding Event. Twelve teams, all sponsored

by Polk County ranches, will compete to see who will represent Polk County at next years State Ranch Rodeo Finals. If you are a P.C. Cattlemen’s member, admission is free. Tickets are $10.00 and Children 10 and under get in free. Fred promises that you will see things you have never seen before!

OCTOBER 2010

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OCTOBER 2010

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By Tracy Cox Healthy, living soil is the foundation of our food system.

Without it, healthy crops cannot be produced to nourish people.

Rhizogen, a company concerned about soil stewardship, has formulated a family of safe organic granular fertilizers for farmers, golf courses, ornamental nurseries, and gardeners to produce healthier plants and roots.

“Our products help them utilize the nutrients and restore soil health by putting life back into the soil,” said Alan Warren, President.

Formed in 2007, Rhizogen operates a 53,000 square foot state of the art manufacturing facility near Houston, producing a patented mixture of beneficial probiotic microorganisms and decontaminated poultry manure into a true granular biological fertilizer. The distinct features of Rhizogen’s fertilizers that set them apart from other fertilizers are the true granular form and the proprietary blend of microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi.

In order to decontaminate the poultry manure, it is exposed to extreme temperatures up to approximately 800 degrees. The manufacturing process rolls the poultry manure to produce small, uniform granules. The microorganisms and fungi were selected for their abilities to capture and assist delivery of nitrogen and other nutrients to the plants’ root systems. The microorganisms contribute to the overall mineralization and nutrient cycling process.

“The market has wanted a true granular product,” Alan said. “Our products are drum granulated for a true round granule which helps eliminate dust particles, which is often found in crumbled-pellet form fertilizers. Farms and golf courses simply do not want a lot of dust flying across their fields and courses.”

Different strains of bacillus help support plant root establishment, enhance soil biodiversity, and participate in the mineralization of organic matter in the soil. The mycorrhizal fungi create thousands of extensions of the plants’ roots, multiplying their ability to pull water out of the soil. Humates, decomposed organic matter, reduce soil compaction, which means growers do not have to water as often. Essential nutrients help the plants grow to be strong and robust.

“Biologicals are put in to make fertilizers work better,” said Alan. “Our fertilizer products have been matched up against and out-performed other poultry fertilizers and even synthetic (conventional) fertilizers.”

Proven effective with more than three years of USDA field trials, Rhizogen’s biological fertilizers help growers reduce their investment costs in a healthier plant environment and have demonstrated improved soil diversity, increased crop yields, increased nitrogen utilization, and enhanced nutrient

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

uptake.

A g - L I F E ® fertilizer, Rhizogen’s solution for the growing trend in farming and gardening towards fostering good practices in soil management, restores soil fertility for sustainable agriculture. It is certified for use in organic farming by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and/or Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

Products approved by OMRI and WSDA may be used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program, which sets the standards for organic farming. Ag-LIFE® fertilizers are listed as non-restrictive meaning the products can go on crops anytime before harvest because they are safe. There is no human waste, known as bio-solids, or heavy metals. Additional features include low odor and user friendly.

Because of the overuse of synthetic chemicals, soils have become lifeless and have deteriorated. With Rhizogen’s respect for the environment and its desire to safeguard our

natural resources, the company is utilizing science to bring soil back to its natural state.

Large commercial farms are also using Rhizogen’s products in conventional applications because they get a greater yield.

“Much of our product goes into the conventional farming market versus organic,” Alan said.” We ship product all over the U.S., Mexico, and even into Europe.”

While a big volume of Rhizogen’s business is agriculture, they are in all markets. Their ForeTURF® granular microbialfertilizer is a homogenized blend of six bacteria and two mycorrhizal fungi for golf course turf. Glomus aggregatum, a mycorrhizal fungus, demonstrates improved plant performance in sandy soils and is effective at colonization with time release fertilizers. ForeTURF® can also be used in ornamental nurseries and conventional farming.

Soil-CURE™, with seven different strains of beneficial probiotic microorganisms, can be blended in liquid fertilizer applications. GREENLIFE™ is a transition product line with Ag-LIFE® base material mixed with other conventional products.

Rhizogen’s exclusive Florida distributor is ProSource One. They serve customers in the farming, golf, lawn care and sports turf businesses, as well as customers in the ornamental, vegetation management, and aquatic and forestry industries.

To locate one of their Florida distribution outlets, visit their website at www.prosource.com.

For home gardeners, the same professional formulas, just in different packaging, are marketed under the “Better Naturally®” brand in lawn and garden centers.

For more information on Rhizogen and its products, visit their website at www.rhizogen.com.

Follow us on It’s FREE to join Twitter and become a fan of InTheField® Magazine Once you have joined for free, find us by searching: ITF Magazine

So you can just be the grower.

We’ll take care of the rest.

FERTILIZER • CROP PROTECTION • SEED Walk-ins are Always Welcome Audie Ham

Ornamental Sales

813-478-5806 D.C.#: 158*17*4837 Layla Drawdy

48 Champions in the 16 year history of our farm!

Show pigs available on the farm from $17500 and up.

Sales begin September 3rd.

The farm is open Friday afternoons by appointment and Saturday from 7a.m. until finished. Please call ahead to reserve your next quality show pig.

Delivery Available Robyn Glarner - owner

6135 St. Rd. 66, Sebring FL 33875 • 229-821-6108 www.glarnerfarmsshowpigs.com

Agriculture Sales

Mobile: 813-267-2246 D.C.#: 158*31*12301 3507 State Road 574 Plant City, FL 33563 (main office)

813-752-8342

813-757-2459 (fax) INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

59

28th Annual Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show What began in 1984 as a local county meeting with 50 producers and 10 allied vendors has grown to become the largest single-day cattle educational event and trade show in Florida. From the beginning, the Cattlemen’s Institute has been designed for Florida cattle producers who have a desire to increase their profitability by broadening their knowledge base. Each year’s educational seminars feature both state and nationally recognized experts with specific information for Florida cattle producers.

The 2011 Cattlemen’s Institute will be held January 20 in Kissimmee at Osceola Heritage Park located at 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, off of Highway 192 East (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway). The trade show will open at 8:00 am. and the program will begin at 9:00 am with comments from Florida Cattlemen’s President, Jim Strickland and University of Florida/IFAS Sr. Vice President, Dr Jack Payne.

The 2011 theme “Total Herd Management” includes the following seminars: Body Condition, Nutrition & Frame Size (Live Animal Demo) – Matt Hersom, PhD., UF/IFAS Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Tracking Your Progress/Use of Production Records (Panel Discussion) – Gene Lollis, MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center Buck Island Ranch; Chris Hardee, Hardee Farms; Kay Richardson, Richardson Bros., Inc. and Eric Jacobsen, Ag Reserves Deseret Cattle & Citrus; Bulls: Size Does Matter (Live Animal Demo) – Mike Milicevic, Lykes Bros.; Roland Starnes, Kensington Cattle Company and Bob Weaber, PhD., University of Missouri, Extension Beef Cattle Genetics Getting the Girls Ready/Heifer Development – Wes Williamson, Williamson Cattle Company Our trade show was designed to be a true “working” trade show. We strive to bring various farm and ranch feed, equipment and service providers together in one location so you, the rancher, can ask questions and get answers about products and services without having to spend several days driving from store to store. This concept has worked well from both the supplier and user side of the equation. Almost all the vendors and exhibitors who have participated in previous Cattlemen’s Institute Trade Shows have made comments about how much they accomplish and how many “serious” people they get to meet. Take time to visit our trade show and ask questions, and if you get a chance, thank the exhibitors for supporting the Institute. Encourage your suppliers to participate in our trade show. We still have space available. For exhibitor information, contact Randy Bateman at (321) 697-3000. The more exhibitors we have, the more other vendors want to be involved.

Additionally, the Trade Show Exhibitors sponsor a free steak lunch for all program participants.

For more information about the 2011 Florida Cattlemen’s Institute and Allied Trade Show, contact your local University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office. You can find your local county office at http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/ 60

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

Complete

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

GROVE

EQUIPMENT SERVICE INC.

OCTOBER 2010

61

C L A S S I F I E D S RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get one FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378 DECKING BRDS. & T1LL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378

STUMP GRINDER Shaver S-25 PTO mount. Less than 3 years old. Perfect condition, hardly used. Cost new $5,778. For sale for $2,500.

Lake Wales 863-528-3213

MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

John Deere Tractor 2355 2WD, 55 pto hp, 2100 hrs, canopy, clean $9600.00 (U13434) Call Fred 813-23-3673

KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift • Ready to work! $3,500.

Call 813-759-8722

New Holland TN55 Tractor/loader, 2WD, 45 hp, $13,000.00 (UUT7084) Call Fred 813-623-3673

CORIAN COUNTER TOP $15.00 Square Foot • Call Ted 813-752-3378

Ford 2000 Gas Tractor Restored, 2WD, 33 hp, PS, 3600 hrs, $4,950.00 (U13360) Call Fred 813-623-3673

DBL INSULATED Thermo Pane. Starting at $55.00 Call Ted 813752-3378 Beautiful Brooksville Horse Ranch, 51 Acres, Large 7 Stall center Aisle Barn, 5 Bay RV Garage, 4 Car Garage, Nice 3 Bedroom 2 Bath house, Private Lake, Private Pool and Much More! $699,000 http://alturl. com/i9rka (Old Video) Realty Associates (352) 346-5295

Used Post Hole Digger W/6” & 9” augers $500.00 (U13347) Call Fred 813-623-3673 Ford 3010S Tractor 2WD, handyman special $3000.00 (UT5634) Call Fred 813-623-3673 Ford 2000 GasTractor 2WD, 33 hp, $2500.00 (U13378) Call Fred 813-623-3673

CALVES FOR SALE Simmental outstanding pedigree, gentle.

813-967-4552 or 813-754-5370

MISCELLANEOUS Used farm implements.

Call Fred 813-623-3573

HUSQVARNA LZ 6127 Zero turn mower. 61” cut, 27 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty $7,499 (MSRP $9,699) C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671

2010 KAWASAKI MULE Trans 4010 $9,499 or $199.00 per mo.

Sky Powersports of Lake Wales 863-676-2245

SURPLUS WINDOWS DOUBLE INSULATED Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SIZES

Ford Industrial tractor/Loader modEL 515 2WD, 54 hp, runs good, $4500.00 (U13367) Call Fred 813-623-3673

WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens all sizes available in different frame colors.

Call Ted 813-752-3378

Deutz Tractor mod.1070 2WD, 70hp, runs good, $3975.00 (U13389) Call Fred 813-623-3673 Rear Blade 84” $175.00 (U13350) Call Fred 813-623-3673

T1LL 4X8 sheet B-grade $14.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378

2000 GMC Sonoma 4x4 4x4, auto, extended. $5,500 813-967-4552 or 813-754-5370

1984 KUBOTA B6200 2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower. $3,000 • 863-698-2967 NEW HOLLAND LS185B Skid loader. Includes bucket, forks, tree boom.

New tires.

1600 hrs. &16,000 U10805 813-623-3673 KUBOTA KX 41 Mini Excavator low hours. Quick attach bucket. Call Scott 813-764-0603 BEAGLE PUPPIES - AKC Bred from show champions, small tri-colored.

Females $500 - Males $450.

Taking deposits now. 813-752-8172 Brand New Mahindra 4025 Tractor, 41hp, power steering. $9,495 4.99% interest @ 72 months, 5 year warranty. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Kubota L2600 2wd, 2334 hours, 27hp. $2,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Kubota 1750 4x4 Hydro Stat Trans. 20hp. $3,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 1998 DODGE 4X4

NEED HORSE HAY? Tifton 44/85 round & Square.

Call Jimmy O’Bryan Farms (352)303-3070 Need replacement cattle? (352)559-2769 BACKHOE/LOADER 2004 Diesel 1200 hrs 4x4 shuttle shift clean serviced large machine.

Private Owner! $37,500 813-685-4203 $3,900 By Owner 7/10 of an acre south east of Zephyrhills Pasco County. For house or mobile home.

Total price $44,900. Call 813-752-9596 2 ACRES +/- SMALL FARM For Rent north of Plant City has irrigation.

Call 813-752-9596. $3,900 DOWN BY OWNER 1 acre north of Plant City. Mobile home on property being sold as is. Total Price $39,900.

Call Today!!! 813-752-9596 $900 DOWN BY OWNER Mobile home lots in Pasco County.

70 x 110. Total price $5,900.

Call 813-752-9596 $4,900 DOWN BY OWNER 1.1 acre on Withlacoochee River.

(2 Lots) Hernando County, Total Price $69,900. Call 813-752-9596 $1,400 DOWN BY OWNER Lake Wales small lot (50 x 160) Backs up to Lake Effie. Total price $9,900.

Call 813-752-9596 $1,400 DOWN BY OWNER 2 lots in Frost Proof for mobile home.

111 x 140 total price $12,900.

Call 813-752-9596 $2,900 DOWN BY OWNER 1.75 acres (2 parcels) on Hwy. 98 in Polk County. For home or mobil home.

Total Price $32,900. Call 813-752-9596 $3,900 DOWN BY OWNER 2 acres fro home or mobile home. Fort Meade area.

Total price $39,900. Call 813-752-9596 TRUSSES Pole Barn? New Home? Addition?

For FREE quote on your truss needs call Standard Truss 863-422-5964 or email standardtruss@verizon.net 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON Dyna Glide Streetbob with only 368 miles.

Excellent condition, garaged kept, covered.

Extras added and ready to ride! $12,000.

Serious Inquiries Only. Call 813-659-3402

Automatic, AC, $3,500 or best offer.

Good Condition (color black) Call Gary 813-752-3099 KING 12FT OFFSET HARROW Cut out blade $3,499 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 HAY FOR SALE 4X5 rolls. Tifton 44, Star Grass, Clean Bahia Grass.

Delivery Available. Call Charlie 813-763-4967

OCTOBER 2010

For classified info:

(813)759-6909 info@inthefieldmagazine.com

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

63

rhizogen

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

fertilizers High Performance Organic, True Granular, Microbial, Fertilizers.

• • • • • •

Billions of beneficial microbes inside plus mycorrhizal fungi True granulated and homogeneous products Safe-Sterilized, low odor, and free of pathogens The most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the U.S. Fully allowed under NOP, with no restrictions Research verified and field tested

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NURSERY

ORCHARD

TURF

FOR PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION CONTACT:

4094 Paul Buchman Highway Plant City, FL 33565-7404 (813) 752-1177 www.prosourceone.com 64

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2010

LANDSCAPE