VOLUME 39 NUMBER 2 • 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 The 2012 First Maid and Florida Strawberry Festival Queen
EPA “Endangerment” Finding Imperils the Economy — and the Rule of Law Two years ago, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its assertion that CO2 emissions pose a danger to public health — an “endangerment” finding under the Clean Air Act — EPA created a perilous new threat to the U.S. economy by paving the path for destructive new federal regulations over any business or entity, large or small, that emits CO2. But more than that: EPA was also acting as a common scofflaw, barreling through procedural stop signs and red lights that are explicitly posted in federal law. PLF takes a stand in federal court
First Maid Calli Jo Parker
Queen Chelsea Bowden
Judges Chose Calli Jo Parker, above left, as First Maid of the Florida Strawberry Festival in the 2012 Pageant held shortly before the opening of the annual event. Chelsea Bowden, above right, was selected 2012 Queen. She is the daughter of Pam Bowden
and a student at Durant High School. Calli Jo is the daughter of Kenneth and Dee Parker of Plant City and attends Hillsborough Community College. Both young ladies are very active in community events in East Hillsborough County.
FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS. The circle is completed when youth volunteer at the Polk County Youth Fair. Left to right: Hannah Terrebonne,Frostproof FFA; Morgan Carlton, Lake Wales FFA; Olivia Harper, Sentinel FFA; and Shelby Freeman, Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. See more on Pages 7-14-16 and 26.
Ted Hadzi-Antich Senior Staff Attorney
Last week, a federal appellate court in Washington, D.C., heard litigation against the greenhouse gas edict, including PLF’s lawsuit against EPA’s illegal regulatory joy-riding. PLF Senior Staff Attorney Ted HadziAntich was at the attorneys’ table as a three judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeal for the D.C. District weighed the issues. Legal News Line reported that PLF “argues that the EPA’s finding is invalid because it did not submit its work product for independent scrutiny by its Scientific Advisory Board, as required by the Clean Air Act.” EPA ignores science — and the law The Science Advisory Board — or SAB — is a panel of top scientists from universities, research institutions and other highly regarded organizations, empowered by federal law to review any
new “criteria document, standard, limitation, or regulation” that the EPA proposes to issue under the Clean Air Act.” EPA is legally required to have the SAB review its work on CO2 — and EPA broke the law by ignoring this obligation. As The Wall Street Journal quoted Ted Hadzi-Antich when our lawsuit was filed: “EPA violated its statutory duty — and the public trust — by recklessly making a sweeping judgment about [carbon dioxide] emissions without independent review by scientists of the highest caliber, as required by law.” Sucking the air out of the economy?
Watch coverage of the issue — including comments by Ted Hadzi-Antich — on CBN News
The economic impact of this EPA power play? The Journal reported that “hundreds of thousands of currently unregulated sources will suddenly be subject to the EPA’s preconstruction permitting and review, including hospitals, malls, restaurants, farms, and colleges.” The cost? Potentially, trillions of dollars. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that “one million midsized to large commercial buildings . . . [could] become regulated . . . [including] one-fifth of all food services, one-third of those in health care . . . and even 10 percent of buildings used for religious worship.” The lawsuit over the illegally issued greenhouse gas finding is only one example of PLF taking on EPA when the agency pushes command-and-control regulations over Americans. (We’ll keep you posted as we await a ruling!)
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2012 Florida State Fair Champion of Champions By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Congratulations to this year’s Champion of Champions and Champion Youth Winners at the Florida State Fair. This program is about who excels on a point system in showmanship, record book, public speaking, poster design and more! Notice Grand or Reserve Champion is not in the list for points. It isn’t. This contest is all about the hard work and effort the youth put into their projects making for level competition.
Right to left, above: 6th Place Champion of Champions- Kylie Philipps from Inverness 5th Place Champion of Champions Erica Curtis from Winter Haven 4th Place Champion of Champions Karah Bradley from Lady Lake 3rd Place tie Champion of Champions Erin Jones from Trention 2nd Place Champion of Champions Elizabeth Surface from Lithia 1ST Place - AMY ODOM FROM HOWEY-IN-THE- HILLS
4-H Dog Champions at Florida State Fair
Youth Llama Show Champions at Florida State Fair
Right to left: Junior Champion – Shannon Piquet from Pinellas Park Intermediate Champion – Cassie Kennedy from Plant City 4th place Senior Champion – Kimberly Holmes from Ocala 3rd place Senior Champion – Nicole Sieling from St. Pete 2nd place Senior Champion – Dolan Sprout from Lake Wales Champion Youth for Dog Show – Amber West from Riverview
Right to left: Junior Champion – Savannah Morgan from Brandon Intermediate Champion – Jaclyn Debolt from Zephyrhills 4th place Senior Champion – Jamie Ruehle from Nakomis 3rd place Senior Champion – Haley Wright from Silver Springs 2nd place Senior Champion – Katherine Spencer from Lakeland Champion Youth for Llama Show – Alex Rodman from Sarasota
Youth Rabbit Champions at Florida State Fair
Youth Dairy Champions at Florida State Fair
Right to left: Junior Champion – Hannah Hoover from Tampa Intermediate Champion – Joseph Hoover from Tampa 4th place Senior Champion – Vanessa Rodriguez from Tampa 3rd place Senior Champion – Renee Hoover from Tampa 2nd place Senior Champion – Amy Odom from Howey in the Hills Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Erica Curtis from Winter Haven
Right to left: Junior Champion – Nicholas Hammer from Lutz Intermediate Champion – Cara Zeveney from Parrish 4th place Senior Champion – Allyssa Thayer from Brandon 3rd place Senior Champion – Mark (Ty) Hamilton from Riverview 2nd place Senior Champion – Helena Polansky from Land O’ Lakes Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Kacee Langford from Newberry
continued on page 10
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Polk County Youth Fair Revives the Grand and Reserve Champion Carcass Competition By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s no one knew who won Grand or Reserve Champion for about two weeks. That’s because the decision was made AFTER the Fair as the decision was based upon the carcass grade being judged while it hung in the meat locker. When times changed, so did the Fair and around the 1980’s the decision was made that the steer show judge would decide Grand and Reserve Champion during the Fair. Yet times have changed and in
Reserve Champion Carcass FFA member Tyler Bacon
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keeping with those changes the Polk County Youth Fair has returned to the carcass grading portion of the steer show. This time though, instead of waiting two weeks for grading after the show, ultra sound technology is used to make the decision. They said the reason for the comeback is that packers now often use ultrasound to grade in the commercial industry and they want their youth to learn more on how the beef industry operates on the commercial end.
Polk Youth Fair Grand Champion Carcass went to FFA member Tanner Kinney.
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2012 Florida State Fair Champion of Champions continued from page 4
By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Youth Steer Champion at Florida State Fair
Youth Poultry Champions at Florida State Fair
Youth Sheep Champions at Florida State Fair
Right to left: Intermediate Champion – Cassidy Hasting from Plant City 4th place Senior Champion – Jordan Gaylord from O’Brien 3rd place Senior Champion – Alexander Fernandez from Plant City 2nd place Senior Champion – Travis Theige from Oxford Champion Youth for Steer Show – Erin Jones from Trenton
Right to left: Junior Champion – Emily Jennings from Dade City Intermediate Champion – Timothy Hoover from Tampa 4th place Senior Champion – Rodrigo Cotrina from Miami 3rd place Senior Champion – Patrick Thompson from Doral 2nd place Senior Champion – Kevin Quincosa from Miami Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Elizabeth Surface from Lithia
Right to left: Junior Champion – Angela MaCayla Phillips from Plant City Intermediate Champion – Trevor Rosso from Deland 4th place Senior Champion – Melissa Knowles from Deland 3rd place Senior Champion – Jessie Coleman from Plant City 2nd place Senior Champion – Brandi Hines from Dade City Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Tyler D’Angelo
Youth Goat Champions at Florida State Fair
Youth Swine at Florida State Fair
Youth Beef Champions at Florida State Fair
Right to left: Junior Champion – Isabel Perdomo from Wesley Chapel Intermediate Champion – Sarah Treadway from Ruskin 4th place Senior Champion – Demi Bauta from Miami 3rd place Senior Champion – Ashley Gleaton from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Alexis Demeria from Tampa Champion Youth for Goat Show – Elizabeth Bender from Oak Hill
Right to left: Junior Champion – Drake Treffeisen from Lake Panasoffkee Intermediate Champion – William Jameson from Lake Panasoffkee 4th place Senior Champion – Shelby Rae Adams from New Smyrna Beach 3rd place Senior Champion – Kylie Philipps from Inverness 2nd place Senior Champion – Jeffrey Mitchell from Zephryhills Champion Youth for Swine Show – Courtney Wingate from Myakka City
Right to left: Junior Champion – Kaylee Stallard from Plant City Intermediate Champion – Mason Bishop from Orange City 4th place Senior Champion – Brittany Skaggs from Gainesville 3rd place Senior Champion – Shelbi McCall from Mayo 2nd place Senior Champion – Karah Bradley from Lady Lake Champion Youth for Beef Show – Erin Jones from Trenton
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from Deland
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“The Difference” by Myke Morris - Contributing Editor
What makes the difference? T h e difference between a diamond and glass? One can scratch the other but, one will break a girl’s heart and the other can win it. Have you heard the story about Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody? Something important needed to be done. Everybody knew it and Everybody agreed all around that it really needed attention. It was something that Anybody could do. Somebody thought that it was so important and so easy that surely Everybody would give it their all and it would be taken care of. Everybody knew Somebody could do it. Nobody thought it shouldn’t be done. Nobody thought that Anybody failed to understand how easy it was and how important. In the end, Nobody did it, since Everybody knew about it and Anybody could do it, surely Somebody would see that it was done. Naturally then, Somebody got upset because Nobody did what Anybody could have done and Everybody had agreed was important. Everybody got mad about it. Nobody had any excuse but, of course, wouldn’t accept any responsibility for the situation, either. All this because Nobody had never realized that Somebody wouldn’t do what was Everybody’s job in the first place. What a difference Anybody could have made. Two hunters came across a bear
so big that they dropped their rifles and ran for cover. One man climbed a tree while the other hid in a nearby cave. The bear was in no hurry to eat, so he sat down between the tree and the cave to reflect upon his good fortune. Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, the hunter in the cave came rushing out, almost ran into the waiting bear, hesitated, and then dashed back in again. The same thing happened a second time. When he emerged for the third time, his companion in the tree frantically called out, “Woody, are you crazy? Stay in the cave till he leaves!” “Can’t,” panted Woody, “there’s another bear in the cave.” What a difference a simple decision can make. The legendary boxing coach Angelo Dundee knew that sometimes the difference was in the details. In 1963, before Cassius Clay changed his name to Mohammed Ali, he fought Henry Cooper at Wembley Stadium in London. Cooper decked Clay late in the fourth round and Clay stumbled back to the corner, dazed and so unnerved that he didn’t seem to want to continue the fight. Dundee noticed a small tear in one of Clay’s gloves. He stuck his finger in it and pulled it larger then called for a new pair. The story is that gave Clay time to recover and he was able to win the fight. The BBC radio recording proves that the one-minute interval was prolonged by only three seconds.
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A little time can make a big difference. See if you can imagine being the very best at something. Not just the best you can be, but the very best in the world. And imagine that what you are so good at is something that gets a lot of attention in the media and is very popular. You probably are imagining playing a sport in America. But make this a sport that is popular throughout the world. And then imagine being signed to play on one of the very best teams, with the very best coaches. I’m not finished. Imagine all this when you have just graduated high school. And then imagine giving it all up. Elena Delle Donne was a high school, now college, basketball player called the best in the country, and maybe even the world. The 2008 USA Today Player of the Year who was signed to play for the nation’s best program, who quit after two days because she realized that there was something more important in life than being the best at something. It was something Anybody really could do and Everybody should be glad to do. Something Nobody should
What a difference a simple decision can make.
fail to do and, thankfully, something Elena did. Elena left basketball because of her older sister. As incredible as are the skills, coordination, and passion of Elena are the lack of those things in Lizzie Delle Donne. Lizzie was born with cerebral palsy – without sight, or hearing. She only knows her little sister by her special touch and smell. Now Elena did not leave basketball for good but she left the best program in the country to go back to enroll at the University of Delaware, in her hometown of Wilmington, to be near her sister. She didn’t play her freshman year. Now, as a junior, she is the best in the country and was on the gold medal team in China last summer. In the more important sense, Elena never left anything – she simply chose to give Lizzie the love that she could give. She realized that the glory, and money, and fame would not mean anything if she did not give the one thing that was most important – her love -- to Lizzie. That is what makes all the difference – love.
1 Timothy 1:5 (ASV) But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:
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2012 Polk County Youth Fair- It’s All About the Youth, From Horses to Table Settings By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
With no rides, nor tickets to generate revenue, the Polk County Youth Fair continues to serve its youth. Totally supported by the generosity of the people and businesses in Polk County, this event helps keep over 3,000 youth active in developing lifelong skill sets. Those skills range from timeliness by getting their entry forms entered in time; to working with others to help make their project a success. Along the way they make friends, lifelong friends and often strenghthen family bonds, as parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters help each other with their projects. As many at the Fair will tell you “the Polk County Youth Fair is not about the winning, it’s much more than that”. Here are some scenes from this year’s Fair.
Tyler Lesnick and his little sister, Kristen of Great Oaks Pioneers 4-H Club, with their Silkie Cockerals. The Buff (Simba) received 2nd place ribbon and the Blue (Spike) received 1st place ribbon. Tyler has been raising silkie chicks for one year. There were over 250 poultry entries this year.
Leanna Morris with Bartow SR FFA proudly displays her Reserve Champion Citrus Tree as well as her Tri Color Award winning Coleus. She has been involved with the plant project three years and loves it.
According to Marty Higginbotham the swine judge saw only a “Wee bit difference between the Grand and Reserve pig” – shown by FFA member Megan Carlton.
It lasted until almost 11:30 PM but persistence paid for Jesse Bibby with Hoof N Horn 4-H as he won Junior Showmanship at the Polk County Youth Fair.
FFA member Moriah McCulls walks her pig during the pig auction, while Marty Higginbotham called out for bids and Lloyd Sowers with Channel 13 News looked on. Her pig sold for $14 a pound!
Dish gardens add color to any Fair and the winning bidder’s home or office.
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Reserve Champion was awarded to Clayton McCall, with Lake Gibson FFA, who also won Grand Champion Showman.
Kelsey Whitt with Dreamcatcher’s 4-H digs deep with her horse and a grin as she rounds the poles during the horse show that ranges from English to Western competition.
Call it a pig square dance, but in reality it is time for pigs to be judged. Over 350 pigs were shown at this year’s Fair.
Over 350 rabbits could be found during the rabbit show. Here Hoof N Horn 4-H members Rexanna Abbey with her bunny Mr. Jingles, and Cierra Abbey with Bambi are all smiles during check in.
Over 700 people witnessed Christopher Wyngate with Sunny Days 4-H win Grand Champion Steer. He is proof you do not have to show black steers to win. This year over 74 steers were shown with the highest packer price in history of $1.10 per pound. Grand Champion went for $4 a lb. Anna Dodd -Southern Variety 4-H received Judges Choice for her place setting titled “Out of Africa”.
Everyone is a “winner” at the Fair, as evidenced by the canning contest. All it takes is the desire to learn new skills and apply that knowledge to your project.
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Not often seen in today’s Fairs is the fresh garden vegetable contest.
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Hillsborough County Fair Queens Attend Agricultural Hall of Fame page22
Hillsborough Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin and Junior Harvest Queen Georgia Foster graced this year’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet at the Florida State Fair on February 14. They were accompanied by their FFA Advisor Susan Mayo and past Board Chairman and Secretary of the Hall of Fame Foundation, Myke Morris. The 34th annual induction ceremonies were kicked off with a reception and then welcome by Hall of Fame President Reggie Brown. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was John Hoblick, President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Four distinguished agriculturists were inducted by Commissioner of Agricultural Adam Putnam. Also in the audience were past Commissioners Doyle Conner and Charlie Bronson. In addition to past inductee Doyle Conner, a number of other past inductees were in attendance including Roy Davis and Bob Morris, both associated with the County Fair. The unusually diverse group of 2012 inductees included Laurence Cutts, nationally recognized apiary industry expert from Chipley; Bob Fuchs, internationally acclaimed orchid grower and breeder from Homestead; Gerald Mixon, blueberry pioneer from Winter Haven; and Sid Sumner, dedicated beef producer and industry advocate from Wimauma. The Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s agricultural industry. “The 2012 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees were chosen not only because of their commitment to improving their own craft through technology and innovation, but also because of their willingness to share these advancements with the industry as a whole,” said Commissioner Putnam. “I commend each of these Floridians for their contributions to the agricultural industry and our state.”
Standing: FFA Advisor Susan Mayo, Hillsborough Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin, and Junior Queen Georgia Foster (seated L to R) Hall of Fame inductee Roy Davis and wife, Leta.
Left to Right: Hillsborough Fair Junior Queen Georgia Foster, former Commissioner of Agricultural and Hall of Fame inductee Doyle Conner, and Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin
Left to Right: Hillsborough Fair Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin, Cattleman’s Sweetheart and former Harvest Queen Kaitlyn Gill, and Junior Queen Georgia Foster.
Left to Right: Hillsborough Fair Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin, Hall of Fame inductee Roy Davis, and Junior Queen Georgia Foster.
Left to Right: Hillsborough Fair Junior Queen Georgia Foster, Commissioner of Agricultural Adam Putnam, and Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin.
Left to Right: Hillsborough Fair Junior Queen Georgia Foster, former Commissioner of Agricultural Charlie Bronson, and Harvest Queen Morgan Boykin.
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Volume 39 • Number 2 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
Volume 39 • Number 2 • 2012 • Farm & Ranch News
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At the Polk County Youth Fair It’s More Than Just Showing By Stephanie Farmer - Associate Publisher
Friends helping friends. When youth volunteer at the Youth Fair the circle is complete. Left to right: Hannah Terrebonne-Frostproof FFA, Morgan Carlton Lake Wales FFA, Olivia Harper Sentinel FFA and Shelby Freeman Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart.
Here the Lay family enjoys photos on Laura Whitt’s camera. Friends and family competing, yet still having fun together. That is what’s important.
Parents and children working together is a common site, such as Marcie Ray, with Hoof N Horn 4-H, and her Dad as they sit in the show ring. Beside them is her Reserve Champion 2- year old Winter Heifer trophy.
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Families passing-on their traditions, friends passing-on what they have learned, and many volunteering. That’s what exhibiting should be all about. Over time ribbons fade and trophies tarnish, but families, friends and a community helping one another can last a lifetime.
Kyle Lay has grown up showing cattle, KT Spencer has grown up showing dogs with 4-H at the Youth Fair. As a teen KT helped teach Kyle how to show his German Shepherd in 4-H and AKC shows. In return, Kyle helped teach KT the beef project.
It also takes a community of businesses and individuals willing to bid on the steers, pigs, cakes and plants during the Fair as well as volunteer from show committees to ring stewards.
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