VOLUME 39 NUMBER 3 • PH. 813-737-NEWS (6397) • E-MAIL: FARMRANCHNEWS@AOL.COM • WWW.FARMAND R A N C H N E W S . C O M
Agriculture’s Most Trusted Source For News, Views and Advertising Since 1974
Kallee Cook received Grand Champion Angus and Supreme/Overall Heifer at the Florida Strawberry Festival. She also won Grand Champion Angus at the Florida State Fair.
A Special “Thank You” to Our Advertisers We would like to take a moment to say, “Thank you!” to our advertisers. It is because of you, that Farm & Ranch News is able to help 4-H, Extension, FFA and agriculture in a variety of ways in front of and behind the scenes locally, statewide and nationally. When we received a call for help regarding the proposed closing of Citrus County Extension and 4-H, it was your advertising dollars that helped put Stephanie Farmer and her truck on the road to help and support in a variety of ways. It is your dollars that help us continue to support their efforts, too. But, that hasn’t been the only issue you have been involved with. The last couple of months have been quite packed
as far as advocating on a variety of issues all around our state. This current publication of Farm & Ranch News addresses only a few of the issues we have been involved with, as we do not publicize all the advocacy we do, but Stephanie’s truck and cell phone knows where she has been and who we have tried to help. We just wanted to publicly tell each and every one of our advertisers – “thank you” and ask our readers to please continue to support our advertisers. Their dollars help support Extension, 4-H and FFA and in turn our dollars should help support them as well. Again, thank you! George Parker - Publisher
Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Amanda Squitieri is Polk County’s New 4-H Agent 4-H has been a part of my life since I was eight years old. I participated in all sorts of 4-H projects like rabbits, poultry, sewing, public speaking, and baking as well as 4-H events such as Congress, Legislature, and Camp. In addition, I had the opportunity to work for Hillsborough County 4-H for four years as a program coordinator. I was also a camp staff member at 4-H Camp Ocala for a summer. Through all of my experience in 4-H, I have seen the important role that the 4-H program plays in developing responsible and caring leaders. It is such a unique program that has so much to offer the youth within the community. Unlike traditional youth
programs, 4-H’ers “learn by doing” and engage in hands-on activities that interest them while gaining valuable knowledge and skills and of course having fun! I am grateful to the 4-H program for all of the wonderful opportunities and life skills that I have received through my experiences. And I look forward to giving back and returning the favor to the youth of Polk County. Amanda Squitieri
4-H Youth Development UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service
1702 US Highway 17 South Bartow, FL 33830 P: 863-519-8677 x105 F: (863) 534-0001 E: amsquiti@ufl.edu W: http://polkextension.com
the davis report By Roy Davis- Associate Editor
Regulatory Agencies Perform Better and Produce More with Less Money and People I have been negligent in my duties for a couple of months now. Never in the 22 years that I have been writing “The Davis Report” have I missed 2 deadlines in a row. As a matter of fact, I believe I have missed only one other deadline in all of those years. I extend my apologies to our readers for these transgressions. Many of our regulatory agencies are operating with fewer employees today than they have had available to them in past years. Our Environmental Protection Commission once had around 170 employees, and it now does its job with less than 140 employees. The Southwest Florida Water Management Division (SFWMD) once had more than 800 full time employees for many years, but they now do their job with less than 650. The Hillsborough County Department of Planning and Growth Management now has less staff than in past years, though I cannot offer approximate figures for that department. Logic tells me that with staff reduced by 15 to 20 percent, a lot of their previous work would go undone. NOT SO!!! Each of these departments is telling us how they have improved their efficiency by leaps and bounds. I hate to tell you this, but I have been advocating for YEARS that if we only would reduce the number of employees these department heads must be responsible for, more work would get done in less time, and the departments would surely operate more efficiently! It looks like the budget battles of next year will bring still more cuts, maybe not as severe as recent years, but cuts none-the-less. If we can lose another 10% (more or less) of employees in these departments (yes, add building and zoning departments in there also),
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then maybe we can get permits issued in much less time and with much less anguish. Maybe we can get all sorts of regulatory hassles eliminated. Please be advised that I am not holding my breath, but maybe there is hope. I have heard it said that the reason it seems that more is being done with fewer employees is that building has dropped off so much, and the workload of the various departments is not as great. There is probably some truth to that, but I believe that as more permits are issued, we can find ways to accommodate these increases by improving efficiencies and eliminating redundancies, rather than adding back employees. I have also noticed one efficiency in government that might interest you folks. Recently I had to take care of a little matter with the Polk County Building Department. In doing so it was necessary that I seek the help of a Polk County Commissioner. Polk County does not have as much population as does Hillsborough, but it has quite a lot. The land mass of Polk County is comparable to Hillsborough. While Hillsborough County has seven (7) county commissioners, Polk County has only five (5). Each Commissioner in Hillsborough County has two (2) legislative aides, while each Polk County Commissioner has about 2/3 of one legislative aide. How can that be, you say! Well, the five commissioners have a total of three legislative aides; which is to say, they share the three aides among the five commissioners. They seem to get their work done. I was handled very efficiently even though I was not personally known to any of the people with whom I dealt on my issue. I am not prepared to say that Hillsborough should do the same, but it needs some
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study. If such a change proved feasible, can you imagine how much taxpayer money would be saved? And now will you allow me to change the subject? For those readers who have followed my column for many years, I am sad to report that Kelly Wishau has been seriously ill for several months now. She has been in and out of Plant City’s South Florida Baptist Hospital on a regular basis, having undergone several surgeries for a number of different things. It is my considered opinion that the breakdown in her health might very well have been exacerbated by the wetlands citations handed out to her by our Environmental Protection Commission, and the harsh manner they used in dealing with her. It is true that we were finally able to bring her problems with EPC to a satisfactory conclusion, but the three years that she had to endure those pressures must have had a dilatory effect on her health and well-being. I should also mention the fact that their methods also put a serious financial “hurting” on Kelly. There is no way to really know, but I am convinced that these problems had a direct effect on her current health problems. Kelly only asks that you pray that if it be God’s will, could he please help her good health finally return to her. Many of our regulatory agencies have important jobs to do, and I suppose we must accept that. I do believe they sometimes set their priorities onto strictly following the exact department policy AS THEY SEE IT, and they sometimes lose sight of the fact that they are dealing with human lives and emotions. I do remember a gentleman named Henri Marx who was a welder for one of our phosphate companies. Henri worked regularly and earned a pretty
good salary. He managed his finances so that he was able to purchase 55 acres of land in the Keysville area. He spent several years fencing the property, clear ing the fields and tilling and grading so that he could bring in high grade cattle. He and his wife built a nice, but modest, house on the land. He did all this and he continued to improve more of his pastureland. He made a couple of simple mistakes and drew the wrath of our EPC. Around 1986 Henri came to me and asked for my help. I spoke to a couple of high level county staff about the case, and in each case I was told that Henri Marx was a nut who was looking for trouble. I was advised to steer clear of Henri’s issues. At the time I did not know any better, and I followed that advice. The EPC hounded Henri for 3 years or more. Henri fought for awhile, but could not prevail without help. The conflict that was caused by this EPC battle caused Henri and his wife to split and divorce. As I learned more about how some people were treated in these cases, I finally began to help Henri. We finally got the case settled, but Henri’s enthusiasm for his ranch was gone. He had to sell his cows in order to pay the EPC their $12,500 fine. A couple of years later he sold his dream ranch. I cannot ever forgive myself for letting this man down at his time of great need. It took me a couple of years to realize that citizens with such regulatory problems are not always trying to take advantage of the system for their own personal gain. Sometimes they are right and they simply need some help. I hope I never run into another case like either of these two.
Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
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Jackson County Farmer Wins $2,500 for Graceville High FFA Through America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM
G o r d o n and Lady Dietrich of Graceville have been selected as the winners for America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. The donations are available through the Monsanto Fund. The Dietrichs have designated Graceville High School FFA
to receive the award in Jackson County. In 1,245 eligible counties in 39 states, farmers could win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit. The Monsanto Fund expects to invest more than $3.1 million in local communities. America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. Nearly 60,000 farmers participated in the second annual Grow Communities program, which is designed to benefit nonprofit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. For more information and to see a full list of winners, visit www. growcommunities.com.
Darby Hasting / Nephcure Foundation Teen/Adult Night Out Benefit
Mark your Calenders! May 19th, 6:00 P.M. Red Rose Ballroom! Great Food, Drinks and D.J. Fun for All Ages! Weekend Trip Giveaways, Dancing and A Great Way to Support a Beautiful 15-year-old Young Lady who is battling FSGS (an incurable disease)
Tickets for Adults are $50.00. (This includes Drink Tickets)
Tickets for Teens are $15.00
Sponsors are Needed Please contact Julie Hasting (813) 695-1783 for Sponsorship information or any questions. Darby Hasting has a Fund set up at Bank Of America if you would graciously like to make a Donation. Darby was diagnosed with FSGS last year and this has taken quite a toll on her. Her Faith, Her Family, & Her Loving Friends have been a Huge Support system for Her. Unfortunatly it is not enough. There are Medical Bills and the Prescriptions will continue to take the rest of her life. She is also facing the possibility of a Kidney Transplant. We would like to see Our Sweet Community come together and make This Event a Success!
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Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
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Rep. Dennis Ross Announces 2012 Hillsborough County Satellite Office Hours CONGRESSMAN DENNIS A. ROSS
Representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District
Rep. Dennis A. Ross has announced that his staff will conduct its third round of satellite office hours this May. The satellite hours are held on a monthly basis in various locations throughout Congressional District 12. Upon announcing these hours, Congressman Ross said, “With our Lakeland district office located in the geographic center of the district, we want to be certain we are making our services easily accessible to all constituents in District 12. Navigating the bureaucracy of the federal government is never easy and I am hopeful anyone who needs assistance will take advantage of the resources our office offers.” Constituents will be able to meet with caseworkers from Ross’ staff in the location they find most convenient. Privacy authorization forms will be available to those seeking assistance with an issue involving a federal agency.
The scheduled times and locations are listed below:
Hillsborough County Satellite Office Hours Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce 9-10 a.m., 1651 Sun City Center Plaza, Sun City Center, FL 33573
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Riverview Branch Library 10:30-11:30 a.m., 10509 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33578 Brandon Chamber of Commerce 12:30-1:30 p.m., 330 Pauls Drive, Ste. 100, Brandon, FL 33511 Temple Terrace Public Library 2-3 p.m., 202 Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 Thonotosassa Branch Library 3:15-4 p.m., 10715 Main Street, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Rep. Ross will soon release next month’s schedule for satellite office hours in Polk and Osceola counties. Dennis Ross, son of Bill and Loyola Ross, was born in 1959 and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He graduated from Auburn University and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He has served as in-house counsel to the Walt Disney Company and as an associate of the law firm of Holland & Knight. For the past 20 years, Congressman Ross owned and operated his own law firm, last known as Ross Vecchio, PA. He previously served in the Florida Legislature from 2000 until being term limited in 2008. Dennis and his wife, Cindy Hartley, were married in 1983 and have two sons, Shane and Travis. In the 112th Congress, Dennis serves on the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (Chairman of the Federal Workforce, Postal Service & Labor Policy Subcommittee) as well as the Education & the Workforce and Judiciary Committees.
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Congratulations to the Pasco County 4-H State Livestock Judging Champions!
Team members from left to right: Tristan Taylor, Matthew Jennings, Blake Holtzhower, Jeffrey Mitchell and Coach Chuck Combs (not pictured: Coaches Tracy Jennings and Christie Mitchell)
The 2012 State 4-H Livestock Judging contest was held Saturday, April 14th at the University of Florida Horse Teaching Unit in Gainesville. 4-H teams from all over the state were represented with each county being able to enter one senior team. The contest consisted of 8 placing classes, keep-cull gilts
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keep-cull heifers, feeder cattle evaluation, class questions and oral reasons. The state winning Pasco County team will now advance to the National 4-H Livestock Judging contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky November 3-16th.
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Write to Save Citrus County Extension and 4-H By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson listens as Dale McClellan explains how the effects closing Extension will have on the ag industry.
On April 9th Cathy Pearson, the Citrus County Assistant County Administrator, confirmed a rumor during the Citrus County Ag Alliance meeting: Citrus County Extension and 4-H were on the list for proposed cuts. Since 2007 property values have been in decline causing the county to cut over $20 million from the budget and over 100 jobs to reduce expenses over the last five years. Unfortunately, property values are expected to decline again this year with an anticipated shortfall of $4 to $7 million. The actual numbers won’t be known until around June. The county is faced with one of three decisions: (1) Raise the millage rate (meaning property taxes) which would average $46 per person. (2) Reduce services or (3) balance their budget with the money they have in reserves. As a result, the County Commissioners decided to do choice number two and are now faced with the grim task of cutting social services. Something they have avoided until now. To be cut are the Bi-Centennial swimming pool used by the public and local high
schools for their swim meet practices, two senior centers, two libraries and the closure of Extension and 4-H. There are other services on the cutting block as well: such as aquatic weed control. On April 24th the Commission is hosting a meeting to hear from the public as to their opinion on the cuts and why the proposed cuts should not occur. They are also asking for help as to ideas on where they could make cuts to avoid these proposed cuts. $46 might not sound like a lot, but if you are a farmer like Dale McClellan, the president of the Citrus County Ag Alliance quickly pointed out, the cost will be more. He estimated it would cost him an additional $1500 in property taxes for his struggling dairy farm, not counting the impact to ranchers and others who own land. District County Extension Director Eric Simonne gave a presentation during the UF –IFAS Citrus County Extension Stakeholders meeting a few days later, stating that the Extension office has had more than it’s share of cuts since 2007. Over the last five years, the coun ty has cut their funding
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4-H members gather for a potluck brainstorming session on what they can do to help save Extension and 4-H.
by about 50%. Extension staff alone has been reduced from 14 to 7 people. Cathy Pearson said the county began actively marketing tourism and business last fall. They have been attending a variety of trade type shows informing the public as to the advantages of moving to their county and are working on bringing new business such as a helicopter plant to their county as well. She said the good news is the county is beginning to see some positive effects such as an increase in tourism this year. The county is also doing some creative thinking. Instead of closing the 4-H Canning Center, they have offered it to the historical society. To cut expenses they are offering a building they own on the County Fairgrounds to the Fair that they can use to then generate more funds and hopefully host more overnight type events encouraging tourism. While that is a good start, the issue now is for Extension and supporters to work hard at educating the value of Extension and 4-H to their Commissioners at every meeting possible. The
April 24th meeting is only the beginning. There will be town meetings held around the county to discuss the budget and many others as the final budget is not due to the Legislature until October 1st. The encouraging news is that Citrus County’s $32.5 million ag industry is a very supportive one. They are already at work passing out data and other information to the Commissioners and the public. 4-H members and supporters, many who are two and three generation 4-H members and leaders, held a covered dish supper at a local park discussing various ways to do the same thing. They all know the grim reality- Extension and 4-H will be closed if they do not educate. Farm & Ranch News as well as Horse & Pony News will be keeping up with this issue. You can help by writing their Board of County Commissioners at 110 North Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450 explaining the importance of Extension and 4-H. For the latest updates go to www.farmandranchnews.com and click “Subscribe Free” to join our email loop.
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Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
This year’s 2012 Florida State Fair was unique as Governor Rick Scott and his cabinet held their first-ever cabinet meeting on the Fairgrounds. Six different stations covered the Grand Opening with Cabinet members Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi and Adam Putnam officially open the Florida State Fair. They were joined by FFA and 4-H State Officers. What better way to experience some of Florida’s diversity than to visit the Fair?
First-Ever Cabinet Meeting held at the Florida State Fair By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Summerlin Academy JR ROTC member Christian Waters is a volunteer at FWC exhibit.
The Governor enjoys ole time dancing and bluegrass at Cracker Country.
Governor Rick Scott joined the cabinet at a breakfast held in Cracker Country meeting State Fair Ambassador Pamela Mayo, FFA State Officers James Sharpe and John Modrow, and 4-H State Officers Rachel Wise and Brittany Avant.
Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
Poultry Chair Mike Schmidt shares some loveable chicks with Ann Scott.
Touring the livestock arena and visiting exhibitors.
A resolution was presented recognizing the Fair. The FFA State President addressed the cabinet speaking about trip to China, how that ag represents 17% of America’s workforce, the importance of ag education, and more. After the meeting the Governor toured the Fair meeting some of the over 1,400 exhibitors.
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Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
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Final Applications for NRCS Organic Initiative Due June 1
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for the agency’s Organic Initiative. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012. The NRCS Office Locator is available at http:// go.usa.gov/Uo8. Nationwide, NRCS has nearly $50 million in financial and technical assistance available to certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually.
The Organic Initiative offers a wide array of conservation practices specifically designed for organic production. The top five Organic Initiative conservation practices are cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation, and fencing. Practices will help selected applicants meet many requirements of their USDA Organic System Plans and stay in compliance with USDA’s National Organic Program. Learn more about the Organic Initiative at http://go.usa.gov/Uo9 and find out about other NRCS initiatives and programs at http://go.usa.gov/UoX.
Polk County Sheriff’s Department Hosts Gun Safety Course, Saturday, May 12 The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is hosting another Gun Safety Course Saturday May 12th at the Burnham-McCall Training Center on Old Bartow/Eagle Lake Road in Bartow (the Sheriff’s Pistol Range). The Gun Safety Course morning session will start at 8 and end at 12 noon. Class size will be limited to twenty (20) persons. The person to contact to register for the session is Sergeant Howard W. Martin, Sergeant Spcial Operations Agricultural Unit, Polk County Sheriff’s Department at (863)-534-7205. The following will be re-
quired for the Gun Safety Course: eye protection (sunglasses or glasses), approximately 100 rounds of ammunition, handgun: revolvers or semiautomatic, closed toe shoes, and knee length pants. This course will be only for handguns only: no long guns, shotguns or rifles. This class will suffice for the Gun Safety Course that is a requirement for your Concealed Firearm’s Permit. Application permits will be available at the range on May 12th.
‘Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!’ Weekend Offers Angling Fun Women are invited to explore the finest of fishing at the next “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” seminar, hosted May 18-20 at the Pirates Cove Resort and Marine, 4307 Southeast Bayview St. in Stuart. Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in conjunction with the Sport Fish Restoration Program, “Ladies, Let’s
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Go Fishing!” is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sport fishing and promoting conservation and responsible angling. During the three-day, hands-on event, FWC educators will demonstrate ethical angler habits, such as safe hook removal, release techniques, fish venting and more. Local fishing guides will
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provide instruction on fishing techniques and methods. Past participants found the event worthwhile. “Being able to pick, choose and move between skill stations was terrific,” said Mary Hackney of Naples. “I loved the flexibility.” “I learned more about fishing in
two days than from my dad in 20 years,” said Georgia Allen of Bonita Springs. On the final day of the seminar, women may embark on an optional fishing adventure. To learn more, visit ladiesletsgofishing.com, call 954-475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofishing.com.
Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
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“Choices”
by Myke Morris - Contributing Editor
Ahh, the choices we make as we go through life. One year, a man decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot for her Christmas gift. The next year, he didn’t buy her a present. When she asked why, he replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!” And that’s how the fight started... Timing might be everything. M y wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping the channels. She asked, “What’s on TV?” I said, “Dust.” A n d that’s how the fight started ... Sometimes it pays to choose your words carefully. My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging drinks down as he sat alone at a nearby table. I asked her, “Do you know him?” “Yes,” she sighed, “He’s my old boy-
friend. I heard he took to drinking right after we split up all those years ago, and I was told tonight that he hasn’t been sober since.” “My stars,” I said, “Who would think a person could celebrate that long?” And that’s how the fight started ... A little kindness sometimes is called for. I rear-ended a car the other morning..... So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn’t believe it. He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, “I AM NOT HAPPY!” So, I looked down at him and said, “Well, then which one are you? Grumpy?” He hit me on the knee! ... Sometimes it is best not to ask questions. When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept telling me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, fishing, the truck, hunting ... Always something more important.
Choices – be sure you make the right choice while you can still choose.
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Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a minute and then went into the house. When I came back out I handed her a toothbrush. I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.” And that’s how the fight started ... Sometimes it is just best to smile and let her wonder what you were up to this time. My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversa ry. She said, “I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200 in about 3 seconds.” I bought her a scale....... And that’s how the fight started ... Candor does not help make good gift choices! I understand that if you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. I have also been told that the ordinary bat, a remarkably agile creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly
and, probably, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash. Now, a bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself... “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt Choices – be sure you make the right choice while you can still choose. So Ahab sent unto all the
children of Israel, and gathered the prophets (of Baal) together unto Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? If Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:20-21 (ASV)
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Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
The Winners of the Tampa Bay Regional Envirothon The Tampa Bay Regional Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource education program for high school students. It is a field-oriented program in which students, working in teams of five, learn to use critical thinking skills, work as a team, and develops problem-solving and communications skills to answer written questions or conduct hands-on investigations about environmental issues. The program focuses on the following five areas of study: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils/Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issue. The current environmental issue is different each year. These interrelated and broad study areas teach a holistic approach to natural resource conservation and can easily be incorporated into a teaching
curriculum for high school students in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. The regional envirothon was held on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the St. Petersburg College in Seminole, FL. The high school is represented by a five member team or teams and an advisor. The regional winners are as follows: 1st Place Canterbury School of Florida (Pinellas County); 2nd Place East Bay High School (Hillsborough County); and 3rd Place T.R. Robinson High School (Hillsborough County). Teams were also recognized by scoring high in each category – Aquatics – Alternate Team 4 – Moss, Forestry – Brandon Senior High School, Soils – Newsome High School, Wildlife – Plant City High School, Current Environmental Issue – Alonso High School and Oral Question – Canterbury School of Florida.
1st Place – Strawberry Crest High School Jake Maxel, Kegan Casey, aadvisor Jordan Newsome, Kade Green and Alex Duke
Land Judging Contest
The Land Judging contest is a middle school and high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation. Land Judging enables each participant to learn how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop productions and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship. Soil, land and home-site evaluation, provide a setting for students to investigate the soils in their region, the environment that surrounds them and their effect on their daily lives. The Annual Land Judging contest was held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Dennis Carlton site with students from Hillsborough County Public Schools – Randall Middle School, Newsome High School, Armwood High School, Spoto High School, and Strawberry Crest High School. Pam Walden, Agri-Business & Natural Resources with Hillsborough County Schools, coordinated the contest. The food was prepared and provided by a dedicated and a long time veteran of the Land Judging Contest, Douglas Holmberg. The lunch and awards ceremony was held at the Hinton’s Farm off of Sydney Dover Road. The winners of the 2011 contest are as follows: High School - 1st Place Strawberry Crest High School with a high score going to Kade Green; 2nd Place Newsome High School; and 3rd Place Armwood High School; Middle School – 1st Place Randall Middle School with the high score going to Nick Dosik.
1st Place- Canterbury School of Florida Advisor Sean Murphy, Steven Winessett,Taylor Kreis, Lacy Adams, Emily Winessett, Simone Leeper, Scottie Smith (advisor).
2nd Place- East Bay High School Taylor Eads, Rachel Garcia, Melissa Pegley, Rebecca Rouch, Joseph LaRoche, Antonella Aviles, and Emily Hind.
3rd Place- T.R. Robinson High School Dauwd, Juliahna, Larry, Devin, Zack and Ariele
Poster Contest
1st Place – Randall Middle School Josh Meyers, Andrew Brown, Nikolai Doski and Alexandra Aponte.
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The Poster Contest gives the elementary students in Hillsborough County the opportunity to express their knowledge and understanding of conserving water and other natural resources through their talent and creativity in art. The 2012 Theme is “Soil to Spoon”. It is important to understand where the food comes from that you eat each day. You see a wide variety of products in your local grocery store. But where does it all come from? What is the connection to the soil you walk on each day? This poster contest helps them gain a better understanding of the process the food takes. The winners are as follows: 1st Place Maria Pardo, Gibsonton Elementary School, 2nd Place Hunter Orchard, Gibsonton Elementary School, 3rd Place Madison Campbell, Gibsonton Elementary School. The winner’s posters were displayed in the 2012 State Fair Ag Hall of Fame. The winner’s posters will compete at the Annual AFCD Area Meeting. The winners will then go on to compete with other posters at the Annual AFCD State Meeting.
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Positive Happenings in the Hillsborough County 4-H Horse Program By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Brent Broaddus, Hillsborough County 4-H Agent, teaching ethics to the parents and leaders.
Over 30 youth attended the Safety and Ethics seminar.
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With Brent Broaddus, Hillsborough County’s 4-H Agent at the helm, the County’s 4-H Horse Program is undergoing some positive changes. Unlike other 4-H animal projects, there is no Champion of Champion program for these youth involved in horse. Thus a lot is not learned such as reproductive and digestive system, ethics, etc…. things that are offered to Florida State Fair exhibitors from poultry to steer with the Champion of Champions program. As Brent points out, 4-H is not about the program- it’s not about horseback riding- it’s about youth development. In fact, you do not have to own a horse to participate in the 4-H horse project, there is a horseless component as well. As a result, he has started making positive changes to the program. His first step was an Ethics and Safety Seminar for youth, parents and leaders. A carded AQHA professional, Julie Allen, was brought in for the hands on safety portion. She taught proper trailer procedures such as youth 16 and under that they should not be loading horses, the importance of keeping distance when riding in a show-ring, dangers of leading your horse with a finger in the halter, legal
and illegal bits, why hay nets are unsafe compared to hay bags and much more. Brent taught ethics utilizing visual tools such as a ladder to explain that 4-H horse is not about kids riding and wining ribbons, it is about youth development. He utilized videos that explained how youth, even though competing, should still get along, how to treat judges, helmet safety and more. Various businesses like Manna Pro, Florida Mineral and Salt, Antioch Feed, Hay Depot, Lay’s Western Wear and others helped sponsor this event with giveaways for the youth. They all said they understood the importance of this event and some even wished that Safety and Ethics be taught statewide as in other states. This is only the beginning. Brent has many other positive changes coming such as horseless camp, a clinic on how to put on a horse show, achievement day –tied into the use of the 4-H Horse Project books and more. Remember you do not have to own a horse to participate. To learn more call the 4-H office at 813-7445519 or go to http://hillsborough4h. ifas.ufl.edu/ to find a club near you.
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Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam Releases Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 2011 Annual Report
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has released the 2011 Annual Report for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, providing a snapshot of the department’s priorities and accomplishments for the calendar year. This is the first annual report released by the department under Commissioner Putnam’s leadership. “As Commissioner of Agricult-
ture, I pledged to support Florida’s $100 billion agriculture industry, expand opportunities for energy production, manage the state’s natural resources and safeguard consumers,” said Commissioner Putnam. “This annual reports demonstrates how we built on successful department programs and initiatives to champion these issues throughout the state and nation.” Commissioner Putnam delivered the annual report to the Governor, Attorney General, Senate President and Speaker of the House, as required by Florida Statute. The annual report outlines some of the many ways in which the department supports Florida’s agriculture industry, enabling it to grow by $150 million in cash receipts over the last year. The report also summarizes efforts to safeguard consumers’ health and well-being. Through the department’s consumer hotline, 1-800-HELP-FLA,
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and website, www.800helpfla.com, consumer assistance operators responded to 214,284 calls from consumers with questions or comments and recovered nearly $6 million on behalf of consumers. It highlights the department’s efforts to conserve Florida’s rich natural resources, including the enrollment of 826,840 acres in Best Management Practices (BMPs) to store water and reduce phosphorus loads in the Northern Everglades. These BMPs include, among other things, water control structures, fertilizer and irrigation management practices and wetland buffers, all of which help conserve the state’s limited water resources. The report also provides an overview of the department’s new responsibilities, including the transfer of the state’s school nutrition program and Office of Energy as a result of measures passed during the 2011 legislative session.
In addition to summarizing the department’s activities during the last year, the report outlines the legacy of Commissioner Charles H. Bronson, who, among his many achievements, successfully negotiated the settlement with British Petroleum (BP) to combat the effects of the 210 Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill on Florida’s seafood industry. The department’s settlement with BP provides $20 million for the testing and marketing of Gulf seafood, with which the department is working to restore consumer confidence in the safety of Florida Gulf seafood products. The full text of the annual report can be found here: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/pubs/pubform/pdf/ FDACS_Annual_Report_2011.pdf. For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook and Twitter.
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Volume 39 • Number 3 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News