VOLUME 40 NUMBER 11 • PH. 813-737-NEWS (6397) • E -MAIL : FARMR ANCHNEWS@AOL.COM • W W W.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 Those Who Cannot Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat it
the davis report By Roy Davis- Associate Editor
I have always felt that the best and most accurate way to look into the future is to look back into events of the past. Over and over again we can see how the pattern of events have repeated themselves. In the historical era of Egyptian dominance, they were the most advanced group of people of their time. Without any of the modern implements that we use today, those folks constructed buildings that still stand today, almost 5000 years later. Right here in Tampa, I remember when taxpayers paid for the construction of housing projects, constructed to give poor people a decent place to live. Most of them were built in the 1950’s. Less than 60 years later our Government is tossing those families out of these dilapidated structures so they can be torn down to build new structures. We are told the “old” housing structures are too run down for real people to live in. I wonder how they became that run down? Could it be that these poor people did not appreciate these housing units because they had no investment in them? Government did not appreciate these housing units enough to spend enough taxpayer money to maintain them adequately. Could it be that our society has become so affluent that we feel we have so much surplus income that we can afford such extravagant waste? I remember when Leta and I visited
Heidelberg, Germany around 1985. We stayed in the Zum Ritter hotel in “old” Heidelberg. It was one of the highest rated hotels in the area. The hotel was intricately arranged in parts of three old buildings. I mean really old. Those buildings were actually more than 450 years old at the time. They do not tear old buildings down over there. They maintain them and continue to use them. The Egyptians developed such an effluent society that they began to expend vast amounts of assets in the building of tombs and other monuments for their leaders. Had these assets been utilized in an orderly manner for the purpose of maintaining and feeding a stable society, the Egyptians might still be the dominant society of today. The Roman Empire lasted for more than 400 years as the dominant society of the day. They thrived by capturing other societies around their known world, and exploiting their assets. The Romans became so rich that they could expect the captured societies to build their buildings, provide their entertainment (often at the cost of the lives of the entertainers). As the Romans became “too full of themselves” their world went downhill, and their dominance failed. The Dark Age was a period when it seems that no country really dominated the world. It was in these times that we now are learning that societies on the continents of the new world reached such high levels of existence. In what is now our America, the native peoples built elaborate condominium units in cliffs, and developed elaborate climbing systems to reach these impossible dwellings. They learned to farm the land and grow their own food. They learned to store these crops to sustain their families during the off seasons. They learned to live together as a society, and administer to their leaders so they could have or-
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY QUEENS The 2013 Harvest Queens, above, selected at the 20th Anniversary of the Hillsborough County Fair are Haley Riley and Cloe Tew, Jr. Harvest Queen. Harvest Queen Riley will receive a $1000 scholarship for participating and winning her crown upon enrollment in any Florida college or university.
derly government. Recent findings tell us that their final failure came slowly as these various societal groups fought among each other to try to take the assets and the lands of the others. It seems there are never any true winners of wars in the long run. Little disasters of weather, drought, and famine were turned into large disasters, as there never are ultimate winners in these wars. In the long run everyone seems to lose. There never has been a dominant society that has risen to the top and stayed there. The Greeks, the Egyptians, the Chinese, the British, the Mayans and Incas, the early Native Americans all were the dominant society of the world at one time or another.
Natural disasters, coupled with greed and wars, exacerbated by the complacency of opulence, all creep into the dominant society and bring it down. Do you recognize the trend? Do you see this happening in our America today? It has been only 500 years since the first European set foot on the soil of what is now America. That happened in 1607 along the Jamestown River in what is now Virginia. Only 230 years or so ago, those few courageous Americans wrested control of this country from Great Britain. It could be said that this event was the beginning of the decline of the great British Empire, upon continued on page 5
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Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
HILLSBOROUGH SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT 2013 LAND JUDGING CONTEST The Soil and Water Conservation District in Hillsborough County and U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) sponsored an annual Land Judging Contest at Alderman’s Ford Park in Lithia, Florida on November 6, 2013. This competition is for middle and high school 4-H and FFA students. The students judge, as individuals and as a team, the physical properties of the soil, identify improved land management practices for various types of farming, and judge the limitations of the soil for home sites. Winning teams from local contests are eligible to compete at the State Contest, and the state winners compete at the National Contest. Soil is a basic natural resource used by humans to meet one or more of their needs. It provides raw materials, stores water and nutrients, and supports growing plants that produce food and fiber. It also provides space for cities, highways, recreation, and wildlife. Nothing surrounds us more in our daily lives. But, like so many things important to life, soil goes unnoticed until we learn to appreciate it. The co-coordinator for the
Land Judging Contest is Pam Walden, Supervisor of Agriculture & JROTC with Hillsborough County Schools. The 2013 soil judging site was located at Charanji Duggal’s field in Lithia. Juan Vega and Chuck Bailey of USDA-NRCS and Mr. Duggal were instrumental in preparing the site for the contest. Douglas Holmberg prepared and delivered a tasty barbecue lunch. Mr. Holmberg has faithfully prepared food for the Land Judging Contest for 22 years. The following Hillsborough County public schools participated: Randall Middle School (1st Place), Martinez Middle School (2nd place), Turkey Creek Middle School (3rd Place), Newsome High School (1st Place), Plant City High School (2nd Place), and Armwood High School (3rd Place). Juan Vega, Soil Scientist for USDANRCS, giving an over-view to the students as Charanji Duggal looks on. 1st Place Winner – Randall Middle School 1st Place Winner – Newsome High School
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School Farm Tours at the County Fair By Stephanie Farmer-AssociatePublisher
It is amazing how little our youth know about livestock and where our food comes from. One of the special events at the Hillsborough County Fair is the School Farm Tours. Each year over 500 children get to witness first hand cows being milked, see their first fully feathered turkey, hear the oinking of pigs, baaing of sheep as well as other livestock. A group of volunteers mainly youth 4-H and/or FFA exhibitors help with these tours.
First hand and for most first time seeing where milk really comes from thanks to Jared Upthegrove.
4-H Dog Project leaders Sally and Jerry Manning allow the youth to pet a dog, while explaining dog safety. Surprisingly many youth had never pet a dog before.
Of course there is nothing more funny to these youth than watching the Robinson’s Racing Pig show!
Look at the excitement on their faces upon seeing their first turkey!
For many youth, this was their first encounter with pigs. Exhibitors did a question and answer session.
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Those Who Cannot Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat it
the davis report By Roy Davis- Associate Editor
which “the sun never set”. Today, I see our two political parties at war with each other. I see each party jockeying for advantage over the other, regardless of the damage their tactics might cause to the good of our entire society. I see us spending our assets to appease far-off governments and distant peoples. I see religious rights being taken from Americans, while political correctness demands that our schools observe religious holidays that are recognized by Muslims and other “fringe religions”, while the people who practice these religions worldwide, try to bomb our cities, and cause other terrorist acts that cause us to diminish our assets in order to fight a war with them. It distresses me when I see our government sending vast assets all over the world to relieve suffering caused by every conceivable kind of natu-
ral disaster. Yet, when a hurricane destroys a great American city like New Orleans, only a few token gestures are offered to our victims by other countries. If we kept the majority of these assets at home, we could better care for our own. It could also be said that each citizen chooses where he (or she) wishes to live their life. As this person accepts the advantages of this location, he must also accept some responsibility for the bad things that might happen at that particular location. Is it the responsibility of the government to rebuild the homes of those who did not purchase insurance to cover their damages, while those who did obtain insurance must fend for themselves by fighting with the insurance companies for fair settlements? History leaves no doubt that there will come a time when our great America will enter a decline. A valid argument could be made that this process has already begun. Right now it looks like a snowball beginning to roll down the hill. We can only speculate as to how steep the hill is and how fast it will accelerate. I do not foresee our current government getting control of this process and changing the direction of current events. It seems the do-gooders are in control of our future at this time. I could go on and on with this line of thought, but I believe you get my point. If you have any thought along this line why don’t you jot them down? If you spell most of the words correctly, our editor will print your ideas. I personally guarantee it.
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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“Thoughts for the Season” by Myke Morris/ Contributing Editor
‘A poor old widow, living in the Scottish Highlands, was called upon one day by a gentleman who had heard that she was in need. The old lady complained of her condition, and remarked that her son was in Australia and doing well. “But does he do nothing to help you?” inquired the visitor. “No, nothing,” was the reply. “He writes me regularly once a month, but only sends me a little picture with his letter.” The gentleman asked to see one of the pictures that she had received, and found each one of them to be a draft for ten pounds.’ (Moody’s Anecdotes) This may be the condition of many who, once a year, thank God for peace and rejoice in a brief picture of God’s love. If only once a year you think of these things and neglect active service the remainder of the year, you may be like that poor widow with a treasure in a drawer. A treasure that was useless because she didn’t understand what she had. In Ephesians 3:11 we are told that Christ gave us some marvelous gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These treasures are given for a purpose, which will comprise a gift for Him that is clearly what He desires. Ephesians 4:12-16 (ASV) “for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through page6
that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.” It is my prayer, always, that we will work on these things all year long. I hope I’m offering you who celebrate a crackllin’ that will remind you of a sentiment so often expressed in “Holiday Wishes”. “May the peace and joy of the season stay with you throughout the year” and may the love of God be ablaze in all our hearts every day. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3, ASV) “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ASV) “Fear Not” Many times in the Scripture, men seemed to have every reason to be very afraid. Let me give you a few brief “cracklins’ when Jehovah said “Fear not.” 1. Zacharias in Luke 1:13: As he ministered before the altar, an angel appeared to him and he was afraid. But the angel said: Fear not “because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.” 2. Mary had every reason to be afraid when the angel Gabriel announced her coming pregnancy before her wedding but, (Luke 1:30) “the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou
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hast found favor with God.” 3. Joseph had very good reason to be afraid when he found Mary to be pregnant, again before their wedding, for the penalty for fornication in the Old Law was death by stoning. But God’s messenger told Joseph, (Matthew 1:2023) “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.” 4. The twelve apparently felt fear when Jesus sent them out on a mission that they had never been on before, to themselves teach what He had been teaching them, but without his presence to guide them or His influence to provide for them. He told them, (Matthew 10:30) “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” 5. The women were afraid when they didn’t find Jesus in the tomb but found an angel instead. But the angel told them, (Matthew 28:5-6a) “Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said.” And then, when they saw Jesus Himself, He told them (verse 10) “Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” 6. Near the close of his life,
the apostle John was very afraid when he saw the One whom he had not seen for so many years and (Revelation 1:17) “fell at his feet as one dead.” But Jesus “laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not” 7. Jesus knew His faithful disciples in Smyrna would be afraid as “the synagogue of Satan’ blasphemed and many would be thrown into prison (Revelation 2:9-10), but He told them “Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer.” Is it any wonder, when we have such testimonies, that among the terrible people listed in Revelation 21:8 whose “part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death” at the top of the list are “the fearful, and unbelieving?” Revelation 21:7-8 (ASV) “He that
overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.”
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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Arts & Crafts at the Hillsborough County Fair Not everything is livestock, food and rides at the Fair. Arts and crafts are a big part as well. Yummy baked goods are a tasty craft!
Hard to believe this beautiful fall decoration was made from recycled dryer ducts in the Recycled Yard Art Contest.
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Fair contests like this canning contest help keep age old “arts” alive via competitions.
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Quilting contest on display
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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S C E N E S
By Stephanie Farmer-Associate Publisher
F R O M T H E 2 0 1 3 H I L L S B O R O U G H
Fair President George Parker proclaims the opening of the Fair’s 20th Anniversary and of the newly constructed 20,000 square-foot exhibition center.
The County Fair teaches our youth life skillsets such as how to teach others as Jessica Kleist is doing with Kensle Heinke who wanted to learn how to lead a calf.
After a long day of moving cones and keeping things orderly for the horse show, these volunteers got a moment to have some fun of their own.
Bay Area Bandits put on a pistol an competition during the Fair.
The County Fair is made up of 99% volunteers such as Julie Allen with Poultry.
C O U N T Y F A I R page12
Old electric poles were recycled during the Fair and turned into rough-cut lumber which will be used to construct a Pioneer Village.
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Mike Morris ordering some of the famous mini-donuts offered at the Fair.
Jr. Harvest Queen Chloe Tew helps out at bake sale. 100% of funds raised go to the l stock department to benefit the youth.
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
nd rifle
Participating in their 1st Cow Whip contest are Tucker and Tanner O’Neil. Shown here with Harvest Queen Catherine Wellen.
Livestock Chair Gene Holcomb taking a break in the Dairy barn.
the live-
Exhibitors of all ages showed a large variety of sheep breeds. Over 75 sheep were exhibited this year.
Beef exhibitors keeping their eye on the judge during the showmanship contest.
Gathering of the Poultry Show winners of all ages with Mike from Uncle Mike’s Bar- B- Que.
Haley Zvirblis displays Megan Switzer’s Blue Ribbon winning American Fuzzy Lop.
Special thanks to the Hillsborough County Mounted Posse for volunteering this year with parking.
The Rotary Club Chili Cookoff makes for family time and great tasting food.
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Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service January 2014 Free Seminars Announcement by UF/IFAS-Pasco Cooperative Extension Service
January Seminars: 1/4/14 Dade City No Seminar Saturday, 9:00 - 11:00 AM Extension Program held at Clayton Hall, Pasco Fairgrounds 36702 SR 52 Dade City 1/7/14 Hudson All About Turf - want to have a more attractive lawn? Discover how to properly mow and fertilize your lawn, plus manage pests and weeds in this free Pasco Extension seminar. Tuesday, 6:30 - 7:40 PM Extension Program held at Hudson Library 8012 Library Road (off Fivay Road) Hudson 1/11/14 Land O’ Lakes Delicious Florida Tomatoes - January is the time to start your tomato plants indoors for spring crops. Discover which varieties are best and how to grow delicious tomatoes at this free Pasco Extension seminar.
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Saturday, 9:00 - 10:30 AM Extension Program held at Land O’ Lakes Community Center 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41 Land O’ Lakes 1/25/14 Port Richey Growing Tomatoes in Florida - January is the best time to start your tomato plants indoors for spring planting. Come to this free seminar to gain a better understanding of what varieties grow best in Pasco gardens. Saturday, 10:00 - 11:00 AM Extension Program held at Home Depot 10017 US 19 Port Richey Extension programs are free, can provide reasonable accommodation with advance notice, and are open to all persons regardless of age, race, color, sex, disability, religion or national origin. Pre-registration is not required for most of our programs, but contact Extension to be certain and to assist us with planning http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml. For more information, call the Pasco County Extension Office - (352) 518-0156; (727) 847-2411; (813) 996-2411.
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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S C E N E S
By Stephanie Farmer-Associate Publisher
continued from page 13
F R O M T H E
Livestock exhibitors have to start somewhere - Pee Wee Showmanship gives them a good early start.
Volunteers are the “heart” of the Fair. Shown here are Danielle Boyd, Jordan Heinke and mom Jessica Heinke hanging a banner.
Gabby Taylor washing her calf, Jody. Youth learn the importance of looking your best before entering the showring which translates into other parts of their lives.
2 0 1 3 H I L L S B O R O U G H
v Austin Holcomb diligently clips his dairy cow during the 1.5 hour clipping contest.
Sierra Phillps from Lennard FFA (seen here with her hen) was an active poultry exhibitor this year. Not only helping with their care, but also with the School Farm Tours.
Not all livestock were large such as these pygmy goats. Left to right Mom Kathy Roberts, Ambria Llauger with Patrick and Lindsey Roberts with her goat Bandit.
C O U N T Y F A I R page22
Special thanks to Sam Astin of Astin Farms for purchasing the Grand Champion Pig from Zachary Bozemon for $16 per lb!
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Becca Holcomb steps out for her first pig show.
Kaitlyn Cinammon from Newsome FFA grooms Lylac while Kendall Reed grooms her ewe Ivy.
Volume 40 • Number 11 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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