VOLUME 40 NUMBER 4 • 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 Florida’s $1 Billion Strawberry Industry Seriously By Stephanie Farmer Threatened by Mexico
This is no ordinary group of people listening to Carl Grooms. This is a group of government officials with Congressman Dennis Ross to the far right and mixed in the group aides for Senator Marco Rubio, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Tom Lee, Representative Dan Raulerson, UF researchers and growers who want to help the industry.
As an active advocate for agriculture and its youth, this is a story I never thought I would be writing as this issue hits close to home. I grew up in Plant City. This is my home. I’ve known and know strawberry farmers in this area throughout my life. But, Florida’s $1 billion economic generating strawberry industry and over 50,000 American jobs are in serious trouble. In fact, if solutions are not found within a few years, it could be history. Ponder this: according to the Florida
Strawberry Growers Association Plant City is no longer the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, its Mexico. According to a report from the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center “the very survival of the industry is being threatened and the number one factor is Mexico competition”. According to Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s Ted Campbell: “With Mexican production increasing 20-30% per year, Florida is the deer in the headlights…we could easily become
County Fair Elects Officers, Adds 7 New Directors to Board The Greater Hillsborough County Fair has elected new officers and added 7 new directors to the board for the 2013 Fair. Elected as officers on April 18 were George Parker, Jr. - President; Earl Lennard, former Hillsborough County School Superintendent and
Supervisor of Elections-Vice-President; Suzie Churchwell - Treasurer; and Janet Aversa - Secretary. Current President Ken Anderson, co-owner of Brandon Auto Services, automatically becomes Chairman of the Board under the group’s By-Laws. All officer positions become effective July 1, 2013.
collateral damage.” David Spivey with Spivey Farms told me that if solutions are not found within the next year or two their 30-acre (which is average size of a strawberry farm) will have to close. He is not the only grower sadly shaking his head with this information. Take a moment and talk to Carl Grooms and other strawberry growers. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsak visited the industry during the Florida Strawberry Festival. As I spoke with him about this issue, he sadly shook his head and said, “This is just like what happened to Florida’s tomato growers years ago”. He was referring to when NAFTA first took place and Florida became flooded with Mexican tomatoes, shutting down about 80% of Florida’s tomato growers in less than 12 months. “If we do not find solutions to help the Florida strawberry industry, the Florida blueberry industry will be next.” This is because Mexico is expanding blueberry production into our season for that fruit as well. So, what has happened to Florida’s strawberry industry over the last 4 years? In a clamshell, Mexico’s strawberry growing season is now the same as Florida’s- December to March. Mexico now exports over 351 million pounds of strawberries to the U.S. of which 74% of that total are sold between December and April. That is 1.8 times Florida production! In a current UF report Florida Strawberry Industry: Threats, Chal-
lenges and Insights from a Comprehensive Industry Survey “Dr. Guan’s survey shows 65 percent of the respondents believe the industry will continue to go down when asked where the industry is going in the next 3 years. The fear is well founded; the Mexican strawberry acreage jumped dramatically recently, from 17,000 acres in 2010 to 20,800 in 2012 and 25,100 in 2013. The situation will further deteriorate in the coming years; so far there is no evidence that suggests Mexican acreage is going to stop increasing any time soon. What is surprising is who is buying Mexican land and expanding production at a rate of 20 to 30% annually. It is mostly large California companies, some of whom have nationally recognized names whom consumers recognize as originally being exclusive American farmers. Consumers purchase their products, thinking they are helping the American farmer. But, that is no longer always the case. If consumers read the fine print on the container of these recognizable brands they would be surprised as sometimes it is a product of the U.S. and other times it will state product of Mexico. In fact, one well known brand is currently building a huge packing house in Texas for housing more Mexican exports to our Country. So, what is the “lure” for these California growers to expand operations
New directors are Beth Bravis, retail service leader at Centerstate Bank in Brandon, Plant City, Riverview and Valrico; Mary Der, chairman of the Family Living Committee; James Garner, branch manager of Walden Woods SunTrust Bank in Plant City; Anthony Gill, Lithia cattle rancher; Donnie Johnson, Swilley/Johnson Electric of Plant City; Bob McElheny, vice-president of Gator Ford, Seffner; and Ronda Storms of Valrico, former
Hillsborough county commissioner and state senator. Their position became effective upon election. The 20th anniversary of the County Fair will be celebrated this fall when the Fair opens for its five-day run Wednesday, October 16 thru Sunday, October 20. Parker, publisher of the Farm & Ranch News, was a founding director in 1993 and will be serving his 3rd term as President of the Fair.
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Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation District Land Judging Contest
The 2012 Hillsborough Soil and Conservation District Land Judging Contest was held on December 5, 2012. Sam Astin provided the soil judging site and food for lunch was prepared by Douglas Holmberg. Mr. Holmberg has been preparing food for the Land Judging Contest faithfully for about 20 years. This competition is for middle and high
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school 4-H and FFA students. The students judge, as individuals and as a team, the physical properties ofthe soil, identify improved land management pracices for various types of farming, and judge the limitations of the soil for home sites. Winning teams from local contests are elitices for various types of farming, and judge the limitations of the soil for home sites.
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Winning teams from local contests are eligible to compete at the State Contest, and the state winners compete at the National Contest. The lunch and awards ceremony was held at the Hinton’s Farm off of Syndey Dover Road. Coordinator of the event is Pam Walden, Supervisor for Agri-Business & Natural Resources with Hillsborough County Schools.
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
The 3rd Key in “5 Keys to Victory”
In the past two issues of the Farm and Ranch News we have been studying the Pastor Dick Moore five keys to living a victorious life as a born-again believer. We are using James 1:2-4 of the New Living Translation Bible as our key passage which states, “2 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. So far we have learned that when trials come into our life, we must first seek to have an “Attitude of Joy” as we as we go thru life’s tests. We gain this attitude of joy by understanding that God is in full control of every aspect of our life and it is up to Him for what takes place in our daily walk with Him. Having this attitude of joy is a choice only we can make for ourselves. In last month’s issue we saw that we also need to have an “Understanding Mind” in order to see what God is up to in our life. Only when we get in on what
He is doing will we learn whatever truth He has for us. This month we continue to the third step to having victory over our trials, which is to have a “Submissive Will”, this means we must be willing to do what God says when He says it. KEY #3 – A SUBMISSIVE WILL James said in verse 4 of our text, “But let endurance (patience) have her perfect work.” Whatever you do, don’t fight the trial! The only productive way out of a trial is for you to GO THROUGH IT! Psalm 37:5 (NLT) – Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help you. Every true believer is indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit and is His responsibility to teach us the lessons of life that our Heavenly Father wants us to embrace. Therefore, when we are faced with a trial, Holy Spirit endeavors to lead us through it and reveals to us the principles we are to glean from it. So it is important that we not fight against Holy Spirit, but rather be submissive to Him and He will be faithful to lead us in the right path. (Of course the Enemy is placing rebellious thoughts in our minds at the
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
same time thus causing a conflict in our mind, which calls for us to have to make a choice as to which voice we will follow). This calls for us to learn how to hear God’s voice and make the right choice! Remember, face your trials with a Joyful Attitude, an Understanding Mind and a Submissive Will. Next month we will look at another weapon that will help us to be victorious over the trials of life. Blessings to you as you grow in the Lord.
Rev. Dick Moore
Pastor of Parkway Baptist Church in Plant City
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continued from page 1 Florida’s $1 Billion Strawberry Industry Seriously Threatened by Mexico By Stephanie Farmer
in Mexico? It boils down to increasing profits. Just the fact that labor costs are less automatically increases profits, but there is more. Mexico is not held to the same growing standards as in the U.S. They can use cheaper weed, pest and disease control methods that our growers are not allowed to use as the USDA deems them unsafe. Thus our American growers use more expensive alternatives which in and of itself makes for disproportional monetary competition. So, while American consumers demand the USDA put these requirements on our U.S. growers to keep our food safe, consumers in turn buy produce from countries without these safety regulations because imported produce is cheaper and/ or the labeling is so small they can’t read where it is grown. Our family farms are bogged down with so many government rules and regulations that at times it crosses the line on being ridiculous, costing growers and again cutting their profits, while Mexico has less regulatory expenses. Finding consistent help is very difficult. Growers are having to close fields even during peak season due to labor shortages. It’s not they don’t try to hire Americans, they actively try. Immigration is a huge issue that needs to be resolved, and quickly, to help not only strawberry farmers, but all farmers across our country. Another grower spoke of needing to hire 600 workers for his field. He was only able to get 136 who worked sporadically, thus causing him to close some of his fields. Immigration issues are having a huge impact on growers. A meeting was held during the Florida Strawberry Festival with a variety of government officials who actively want to help find solutions. Congressman Dennis Ross personally attended as well as the aides for Senator Marco Rubio, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Senator Bill Nelson, Florida Senator Tom Lee, and Florida Representative Dan Raulerson. They met with growers to not only brainstorm solutions, but also take the ideas generated to their offices to try to work on bringing them to fruition. Many of the topics discussed were immigration, government regulations and most importantly marketing. Secretary Vilsak the week prior suggested the need to push marketing encouraging Floridians to purchase not only Florida strawberries, but also Florida produce. He was quite disturbed upon learning that the Leon County School System was purchasing California strawberries during the Florida strawberry growing season! He said, “Floridians need to support their growers!” He was encouraged to hear that Orange County Schools and others were supporting the Florida strawberry industry with purchases. He stated that the current Farm Law had taken out a lot of the support for specialty crops such as strawberries, but marketing was the key
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to saving the industry. He offered to set up USDA hubs to help with the distribution of strawberries throughout the State as well. Discussion during the meeting with the government officials included encouraging the use of large “Grown in Florida” stickers on containers to help educate consumers, due to the fine print on current produce labeling. Carl Grooms told them how his wife had purchased asparagus thinking it is was product of the U.S. but the fine print was so small she didn’t immediately see that wasn’t the case. She returned the asparagus. Congressman Ross explained how he is actively working on the immigration issue and other issues the growers came up with. Marco Rubio’s aide offered to look for more marketing grants with Castor, Nelson and the other aides offered ideas and help. Then there is YOU, the consumer. We have seen and felt the monetary effects of our industrialized nation shipping out factories and jobs overseas. There are less jobs, the country is struggling. It’s great we all enjoy the “American Farmer” commercial, but we need to do more than hit the “like” button. We can partner with our grocery stores to help stop this trend to help save the American and Florida farmer. Some grocery stores realize this is a serious issue and are actively trying to help. I was in a Sweetbay Supermarket recently where they had tags indicating “Grown in Florida” and Publix had “Product of Florida” on some of their produce labels. As consumers we need to start right now getting into the habit of taking 5 seconds or less to read where the produce we buy is grown, you might be surprised. Remember, this is not just a Florida strawberry issue, the Florida blueberry industry is also in the “crosshairs” as well as other farm commodities. Many of us know that Wal-Mart brought Mexico strawberries right into the heart of Plant City, the center of Florida’s struggling strawberry industry, during the strawberry season this year. As Ted Campbell with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association said in a 2/07/2013 Tampa Bay Times interview “I understand what they’re trying to do, but this is just insulting to our community that depends so much on our local crop, and that’s the point I was trying to make, that this is just inappropriate.” We literally need to share with others around the Country the need to READ THE FINE PRINT and save a family farm as this is not just a strawberry industry issue it impacts all produce commodities. Take a moment and thank your grocer and email their corporate office if they are visibly labeling Florida and US grown produce, but contact them if that’s not the case requesting they make changes and explain why. Because no matter the costs, regulations, etc... it comes down to YOU the buyer. As American consumers - the buyers of produce- saving our American and Florida family farms is in our hands.
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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“True Value” by Myke Morris - Contributing Editor
It is one of the ironies of mortal existence that the things of greatest value are both right under our noses and so hard to see. Often that is the case of those things that have true value. Things have to change to fit different circumstances, populations, etc. but the true values never change. It is fundamental to the meaning of truth that truth is an absolute constant – it never changes and never contradicts itself though sometimes our human limitations make it seem so. I was talking to my friend from the Green Swamp, Paul Elliott, some time ago and he brought up the value of hunting. Now, he and I both like to hunt and feel strongly that it is a valuable thing to promote and protect. But hunting is not a true value in and of itself. It is valuable because of what it teaches about respect for the earth, for life, for cooperation, etc. And it sure teaches patience. Of the so called “Christian virtues” listed in II Peter 1:5-7, patience or perseverance is a rare quality as things seem to move from faster to fastest. Fundamental to the meaning of the word, lost in our modern thinking, is commitment; a value all too rare today. A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting and talking to a man for whom I had been praying daily for several years. Dr. Thomas Sutherland had been a hostage in Lebanon and, while I made it a daily practice to entreat on behalf of them all, I mentioned Dr. Sutherland by name for personal reasons, though I had never heard of him before his abduction. When it was announced at a State 4-H Foundation Board meeting that he would be at the state congress, I made it a point to take my children. Dr. Sutherland’s message, well supported by his good wife, can be summed up pretty simply, “Commitment is everything.” As years literally drug on with no change in the situations of those hostages, as the Media lost interest, and, as Mrs. Sutherland shared, incredibly, even their friends urged her to give up, to focus her attention on their children, it was only her strong commitment that finally brought the day Dr. Sutherland got off a plane on American soil with his family. He made it clear that it was only his faith in her commitment and in his God that kept him alive. I understand that when William of Normandy sailed across the English Channel to challenge the rightful Saxon king (you can see where my preferences lie) for the crown of England, upon landing he told the boats to sail back to Normandy. William wanted his men committed to his cause, with no way to escape if page6
things did not go well. At Hastings, Harold was defeat- face day after dreary, hopeed and William seized the crown, changing the course less day because he knew of world history. There has never been another Saxon his wife’s commitment. In king in England. Mrs. Sutherland’s case it In 1519 Hernando Cortez sailed his fleet of was the determination to eleven ships into a harbor that would become known make one more call, knock as Vera Cruz (the name means “true cross”; I’ll come on one more door, to keep back to that). With six hundred men he had come to de- his memory alive because she knew he was counting feat Montezuma and seize the wealth of the Aztecs for on her. Spain. It would have made sense to leave guards with True commitment is a true value far too rare in the ships, as they might be needed to retreat and I imag- our world today. ine that is what his men expected him to do. But Cortez It has been said that there are three characterishad come for nothing less than victory so, emphasizing tics of someone who is crucified: his determination even more than William, he gave the he can only face one direction order to “burn the boats.” The boats were burned - all he cannot go back eleven - and with the total commitment to the cause that he has no further plans of his own engendered, Cortez went on to victory. Almost all the media today thrives by getting That illustrates commitment! people excited. That’s not always a bad thing but real improvements come when people are not just excited (Luke 9:23 KJV) but determined - really committed. Real commitment “And he said to them all, If any man will come after suggests thinking through consequences. (Biggest me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, problem with our government today – politicians re- and follow me.” spond to excitement rather than committing themselves to improvement.) It took real commitment to build this nation - years of toil, persuasion, and sacrifice. What we often forget is that commitment is made up of little South County on Gulf City Road things, small acts, minor stands. It is determination Long Term Lease Possible to act consistently for what seem to be insignificant principles that add up to the great things we celebrate. In Dr. Sutherland’s case, it was the commitment to
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Farm Land for Lease 85 acres
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Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
The Mosaic COMPANY named one of Ethisphere’s 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies Mosaic recognized for leadership in ethical practices for second year in a row The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) has received its consecutive recognition as one of Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies. The coveted honor acknowledges companies that outperform industry peers through ethical behavior. Mosaic was first honored in 2012. According to Ethisphere, a record number of nominations for the World’s Most Ethical Companies
were submitted from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. The companies selected for 2013 are those that truly embrace ethical business practices and demonstrate industry leadership. “This distinction provides proof that our more than 8,000 employees are successfully translating Mosaic’s promises into meaningful action globally,” said Jim Prokopanko, President and CEO of Mosaic. “Our culture of accountability continues to benefit stakeholders and the communities where we live and work. With this recognition, we’re honored and inspired to continue growing our corporate citizenship initiatives—as we work to help the world grow the food it needs.” Ethisphere’s methodology for the World’s Most Ethical Companies list includes reviewing nominations and examining each company’s code of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; investments in innovation and sustainable business practices; activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers. Learn more about Mosaic’s values, ethical practices and sustainability at www.mosaicco.com/sustainability. About The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a singlesource provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. www.mosaicco.com About Ethisphere Institute
The research-based Ethisphere® Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. Ethisphere provides the only third-party verifications of compliance programs and ethical cultures that include: Ethics Inside® Certification, Compliance Leader Verification™ and Anti-Corruption Program Verification. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.
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Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
Kubota Expands $73 Million Georgia Production Facility Continued Expansion Extends Company’s North American Manufacturing Capabilities, Increases Distribution Efficiencies and Creates 200 New Jobs Kubota Corporation has announced the grand opening of its new $73 million manufacturing facility at Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE) in Jefferson, Ga. The 522,000-square-foot plant on the 88-acre site recently began production of Kubota’s 30- to 50-horsepower compact tractor models. The grand opening event was co-sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota tractors and equipment. Kubota began doing business in Georgia approximately 40 years ago, with its first operations located in Norcross. In the mid-1980s, Kubota purchased its first office building in the state at the current Southeast Division headquarters in Suwanee. Since that time, Kubota has further expanded its operat-
tion in Georgia to include Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA) in Gainesville; its National Distribution Center (NDC) in Jefferson; and Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE), also in Jefferson. Today in Georgia, the company employs more than 1,700 people at Kubota facilities and has 43 dealerships that retail and market Kubota-branded products. “We are committed to making investments that will enable us to grow our business to meet the strong demand for Kubota tractors here in the U.S.,” said Mr. Henry Kubota, president of KIE. ”Our goal is to efficiently deliver quality products that provide value to our customers and with the expanded capabilities that our new plant will deliver, we can achieve that goal today and into the future.” Added to existing facilities in the state, the recent expansion brings Kubota’s total footprint of manufacturing and assembly space in Georgia to 2.1 million square feet. The new facility is located on the same site as the existing KIE property in Jefferson, which
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currently produces Kubota implements, including loaders and backhoes. Once fully operational, the new facility will add hundreds of new jobs to support the production capacity of 22,000 units annually. The announcement comes on the heels of Kubota’s recent 40-year anniversary in the U.S. In 1972, Kubota entered the market with three tractor models; today, the company offers a complete line of tractors up to 118 PTO horsepower, and is the industry leader in the under 40-horsepower tractor segment. Kubota products currently manufactured and assembled at Georgia facilities include RTV utility vehicles; BX-Series subcompact tractors; Z-Series commercial and residential zero-turn mowers; and Kubota implements and attachments, including loaders, backhoes and mower decks. Just added at the new KIE facility are the Kubota L3200 and L3800 compact tractors. “We are honored that Kubota has decided to expand its presence in the city of Jefferson,” said Jim Joiner, mayor,
the city of Jefferson. “Kubota has been an excellent corporate citizen and we look forward to our continued partnership involving this third expansion in the McClure Industrial Park. Creating much needed jobs in our community is a priority of the City of Jefferson. We welcome Kubota’s expansion and the new jobs that will be added to their operations.” The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partnered with the development authorities of Jefferson and Jackson County and the City of Jefferson to manage the KIE expansion. GDEcD senior regional project manager Susie Haggard managed this expansion on behalf of the state. “Georgia’s 40-year business relationship with Japan has been the foundation of success for Kubota and hundreds of other Japanese companies here,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “Our unique package of workforce, location, affordability and global access is very attractive for international companies looking to expand their markets.”
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Mini-FARMS CostShare Program Available This program is also offered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to all “farm” types (including cow/calf, crops, turf, groves, etc.). The program is for farms of 100 acres or less and is available to all counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District. It offers 75% reimbursement up to a maximum of $5,000 for implementation of any of the following: · Soil moisture probes/tensiometers · Soil/tissue testing to determine fertilizer recommendations · Water table observation wells · Weather station w/ET measurement · Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Sources/Software · Culverts w/Riser Board Structures · EC/Salinity measuring devices or equivalent technologies · Surface water irrigation pumps, controls, filtration, infrastructure · Groundwater irrigation controls, filtration, infrastructure
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· Totalizing flow meters for systems not required to meter by WMD · Closed-pipeline water delivery/tailwater recovery · Water quality test kit · Petiole sap test · Soil pH testing kit · Permanent fertigation facility · Wetland exclusion fencing/temporary fencing for denuded areas · Other approved water quality improvement projects · Other approved water conservation projects For more information, contact: Jessica McCoy Stempien Environmental Specialist III Florida Department of Agriculture &Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy 7601 Hwy 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 Jessicalea.stempien@freshfromflorida.com Phone: 813-985-7481 x2125
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Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
Festivals and Fairs Are Hands-On Ambassadors for Agriculture
Haley Riley, Jared Burnette and Rhonda Burnette look on as she blow dries a calf, giving her a handson experience.
Rhonda Burnette talked about the life skill sets our youth receive from showing at events.
Handling a steer, prepping for show, working as a team, those are things for those who show are a normal part of life. But, to “outsiders” agriculture is a different world that they want to understand. Such is the case with our Fairs and Festivals. These events and the youth participants are great ambassadors for agriculture. Such was the case during the Florida Strawberry Festival with U.S. Representative Kathy Castor’s aide Victoria Kirby. She came to learn more about agriculture and it’s needs by attending the strawberry meeting, then wanted to meet the youth involved in agriculture. Along the way she asked questions of not only me, but also the exhibitors and parents giving her a better understanding of why we do what we do.
By Stephanie Farmer
Kim Hutchingson and Justin Hagen explain the hows and whys of clipping, while Victoria got to see how these events encourage teamwork between adults and youth.
Macy Gay with her 1269-pound Mane Cross named “Baby”. Macy explained what it takes to raise her “Baby”.
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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2013 Florida Stra By Stephanie Farmer
Grand Champion steer with exhibitor Jake Maxwell was purchased by a host of friends and local businesses.
First time beef exhibitor Haley Riley with Tomlin FFA was all smiles. She tried her best to get her calf to face the camera, but he preferred nuzzling her FFA jacket.
Justin Stallard from Durant FFA won Reserve Champion as well as 1st place in Intermediate Showmanship.
Grand Champion Swine was shown by Ashlyn Gude with Turkey Creek FFA
Morgan Belsley with Durant FFA won 1st place Senior showmanship. Prior to the Festival her steer became ill losing lot of weight. She did a lot of work to help get him healthy and back on track yet was quite nervous at weigh in. Her steer not only made weight but also helped her win showmanship.
Jake Maxwell proudly shows his Grand Champion Steer with whom he also won 3rd place in Senior Showmanship.
Inner city youth Lindsey Graves from Barrington Middle FFA in Tampa is a 2nd time exhibitor. FFA in the school system expands the educational opportunities for youth; they normally would not get to experience.
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Choloe W 4-H and ral plant. $1,250.
Festival sponsors, bidders and volunteers make these events successful for these 4-H and FFA youth.
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
awberry Festival This year’s Florida Strawberry Festival broke all attendance records according to Paul Davis Festival Manager. In fact the last Saturday had a record breaking attendance of 85,000 and the last Sunday hit another record of over 98,000! Total for the last Friday thru Sunday was 260,000 people! What’s just as awesome is the sheer number of people who were exposed to agriculture thanks to events like you see below.
Reserve Champion Swine was shown by Country Folks 4-H member Jayce Ware
Meranda Mayo with Durant FFA and her 4-month old Maine Simmental beef calf named “Jug”.
Emily Fry with Antioch Critters 4-H proudly displays her with her Summer Sunset Jasmine and Copper plants.
Wineinger with Antioch Critters her 15-gallon Podocarpus SpiHer lot of three plants sold for
Reserve Champion Plant went to Taylor Harrell with Tomlin FFA. Her 5 15-gallon Lucky Nut Trees sold for $1,000.
This year’s sheep show had 44 exhibitors and 94 sheep. While they did do the more serious showmanship and breed contest, the Festival sheep committee always makes sure it ends with the ever fun costume contest.
Aubrey Lingo of Tomlin FFA won Champion Woody Ornamentals with her Knockout Rose Standards.
Dairy exhibitors Shay Lynn and Taylor Boyd having a little fun between events. There is so much more to exhibiting than ribbons. Exhibitors make friends that last a lifetime.
Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
4th grader Conner Woods with Antioch Critters 4-H and his Hampshire pig. When asked why he was showing he smiled and said, “I’m saving for a car when I get older!”
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Invites Feedback on Draft Rule
New “Florida Cattle Identification Program” is Designed to Protect the Cattle Industry and Mitigate Spread of Disease
Over the last five centuries, Florida’s oldest industry has faced – and endured – its fair share of challenges. In the past, Florida cattle have struggled with animal disease outbreaks, such as Brucellosis and Tuberculosis and those diseases, present in other states, still threaten our cattle today. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) works with Florida’s cattle industry to prevent, diagnose and control serious diseases. Animal identification is important in quickly identifying diseased and exposed animals and is critical in preventing the spread of disease within a herd or between herds. It would improve the state’s ability to trace livestock in the event of a serious animal disease such as tuberculosis or bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) and is vital to maintaining markets for Florida cattle. Through the development page14
and implementation of a new Florida Cattle Identification Program, FDACS hopes to protect Florida’s cattle industry from widespread animal disease and strengthen its reputation for high quality products on the national market. Introduced in March, the draft Cattle Identification Rule would require that adult cattle and bison moving within Florida must be identified with official, individual tags. FDACS will assist cattle producers in meeting requirements by providing tags at no cost, as well as information and steps to comply with the new rule. During May and June, FDACS will host workshops throughout the state inviting feedback on the draft rule and input from stakeholders will be considered before final adoption of the draft rule in October. The final rule would be effective in January 2014.
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Invites Feedback on Draft Rule
continued from page 14
New “Florida Cattle Identification Program” is Designed to Protect the Cattle Industry and Mitigate Spread of Disease
The draft Florida Cattle Identification Rule will not only help to protect the industry from the spread of disease, but it will also assist Florida producers in meeting requirements of the new USDA Animal Disease Traceability Rule. The federal rule, effective March 11, 2013, requires livestock, including adult beef cattle and all dairy cattle, with some exceptions, be officially identified in order to move across state lines. The following Frequently Asked Questions was developed to answer the most common questions regarding the draft Florida Cattle Identification Rule. These questions and answers have been discussed with leading cattle producers in hopes of providing beneficial information to cattle owners and industry partners. Florida Cattle Identification Rule – Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is the purpose of the Florida cattle identification rule? A. Identification of cattle is critical in confirming disease, identifying animals exposed and preventing disease spread within a herd or between herds. The purpose of this rule development is to improve the state’s ability to trace livestock (cattle and bison) in the event of a serious animal disease such as tuberculosis or BSE and is vital in maintaining markets for Florida cattle. Q. What are the basic parameters of the Florida rule? A. This rule would require that, unless specifically exempt, adult cattle and bison moving intrastate within Florida must have official, individual identification. Exemptions include: animals moving directly to recognized slaughter establishments; animals moving to approved tagging sites to be tagged; and animals moving to another premises with acceptable same ownership as part of normal management practices. Q. What is official identification and why is individual identification of cattle important? A. An official, individual identification number is a nationally unique number permanently associated with a specific animal utilizing a USDA-provid
ed tag or a purchased tag from a USDA approved source. Tracking of a specific animal is only possible with individual identification and proper record-keeping. State or federal officials will track USDA-provided tags and manufacturers will track tags they distribute. This traceability will aid in identifying other animals that may have been a source of the disease or exposed by an animal found to be diseased. With official identification, an investigation can quickly limit the number of animals involved in a disease investigation and reduce the time needed to respond. This results in more rapid disease control and less impact on affected producers. An effective response to a disease outbreak helps to ensure market access for Florida cattle. Q. What does the federal regulation on traceability require? What do I need to move my animal interstate? A. Unless specifically exempted, livestock moved interstate must be officially identified and accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI). Cattle moving directly to slaughter or to an approved tagging site are not required to be officially identified prior to movement. Q. Under the draft Florida rule, could a producer move his/her adult cattle from one pasture to another without official identification? A. Yes, cattle remaining under common ownership that are moved from one premises to another as part of normal farm or ranching operations and would be exempt from the ID requirements of this proposed rule. Q. What tags can I use? A. Only “Official Identification Devices” (Tags) can be used as official ID. Official tags are those approved by USDA and tracked by their manufacturers in approved database systems. Official tags have unique numbers and are imprinted with the USDA Official Eartag Shield. These tags may be purchased from approved tag manufacturers or metal tags may be provided at no cost by USDA. In addition to “official identification,” other types of tags can be used for herd man
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agement at the discretion of the owner. The USDA website, www.aphis.usda. gov/traceability/, provides a listing of approved tags. Q. Where can I obtain tags? A. Official identification tags, with the USDA seal, can be purchased from any of the approved manufacturers. In addition, Official National Uniform Ear-tagging System (NUES) metal tags are available from USDA at no charge. These tags would be assigned to a specific location (premises) and are currently available from any Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, District Office. Q. What about cattle less than 18 months of age? A. Under the draft Florida rule, cattle under 18 months of age, would be exempt from the official identification requirements for movement within the state of Florida. Under the federal rule, beef cattle under 18 months of age are exempt from the official identification requirements unless they are moved interstate for shows, exhibitions, rodeos, or recreational events. Under the federal rule, all sexually intact dairy animals must be officially identified to move interstate. This exempts steers and spayed heifers born prior to March 11, 2013. All dairy animals born after March 11, 2013 must be officially identified to move interstate. Q. Can the rule be changed based on comments and input received? A. Yes, the preliminary text of any draft rule can be changed based on input received. FDACS will continue to work closely with the Florida Animal Industry Technical Council’s Subcommittee on Animal Disease Traceability, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Animal Health and Inspection Committee, livestock market owners, individual producers, and all stakeholders in development of the final rule. Q. What is the timeline for implementation of this rule? A. Proposed Rule-making
Timeline: March 15, 2013 – Published Notice of Rule Development in the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) April 2013 – Publish announcements of the following rule workshops in the FAR May 16, 2013 7:00 - 10:00 pm Florida Farm Bureau Headquarters 5900 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608 June 4, 2013 6:30 - 9:30 pm Jackson County IFAS, Extension Service 2741 Pennsylvania Ave Marianna, Florida 32448 June 11, 2013 7:00 - 10:00 pm Highlands County IFAS, Extension Service Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agricultural Center 4505 George Blvd. Sebring, Florida 33875 June 18, 2013 2:30 – 5:00 pm Florida Cattlemen’s Convention Marriott Hotel 800 Collier Boulevard Marco Island, Florida 34145 August 2013 – Publish Notice of Proposed Rule The notice will contain a provision stating the proposed rule will take effect on January 1, 2014. The proposed rule text will be published in the Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal and other industry publications. The public will be able to request a hearing and/or submit written comments. The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) will also review the proposed rule and provide comments. August to December, 2013 – Review of input and final revisions to proposed rule December 2013 – File Final Rule January 1, 2014 – Final Rule to take effect. Contact: Stephen Monroe Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Animal Industry Telephone: 850-410-0944 e-mail: Stephen.Monroe@FreshFromFlorida.com
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District Works With Growers to Battle Citrus Greening As citrus greening becomes an increasing problem across Florida, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with growers that are exceeding their permitted water quantities due to the disease plaguing their groves. Citrus greening, formal name Huanglongbing, is a bacterial disease that causes trees to produce sour, deformed fruit. Citrus greening has spread to all of the state’s 32 citrus-growing counties. University of Florida economists estimate the disease has caused $4.5 billion in economic damage and 8,200 lost jobs the state. The District is in the midst of a three-year study with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Sciences (FDACS). The goal of the study is to develop, adopt and help implement best management agricultural practices that will protect and conserve water resources while maintaining a viable economic product. The study also will evaluate the amount of water assigned to citrus groves affected by greening. The District has seen an increase in the number of growers citing citrus greening as the cause for over
pumping. Some growers use a treatment process that requires more watering to combat the disease. The District’s Regulation Division is working with growers on the issue and evaluating the potential for the modification of the growers’ permits until the IFAS study has been completed. “The District is dedicated to pursuing compliance enforcement but prefers to get ahead of potential impacts by proactively working with our permit holders,” said Brent White, the District’s compliance manager for water use permits. Growers who over pump because of the disease are required to provide documentation showing the existence of the disease from an approved expert in the field and an estimate of the acreage affected. If the violation is attributed to citrus greening, the permit will be held under review by the District’s compliance staff until an analysis into the effects of greening conditions on water demand can be concluded. Potential citrus greening cases will not be referred to the District’s Office of General Counsel until the study with IFAS and DACS is complete. For additional information, call Brent White at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4214.
20-Year Water Use Permits Now Easier to Obtain Citrus growers operating within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) now have fewer special requirements to meet to obtain a 20-year water use permit. As part of the statewide effort to improve consistency in water use permitting programs, the District recently amended its permitting rules by eliminating several special requirements for qualifying for a 20-year permit. Some of these special requirements included participation in the District’s Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management (FARMS) program and the use of reclaimed water. Growers can now apply, renew and substantially modify existing permits for a 20-year permit as long as the statutory and rule requirements related to the conditions for issuance are met. Growers who have permits issued from page18
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January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2012 that are in compliance with permit conditions can submit a letter requesting an extension of the permit duration. Growers operating within water use caution areas (WUCAs) will need to continue to meet special WUCA requirements. Growers are also encouraged to take advantage of the District’s ePermitting online permitting system at WaterMatters.org/ePermitting, which provides fast access to permit information and allows growers to submit their permit applications and data online. In addition, growers can request pre-application meetings with District staff before submitting their permit application. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please call the District’s Tampa Service Office at 1-800836-0797.
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Volume 40 • Number 4 • 2013 • Farm & Ranch News
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Hillsborough County 4-H Fun Field Day June 15th! By 4-H member Victoria Isgett
Hillsborough County’s 4-H Youth Leadership Council is inviting everyone of all ages to come out to the 4-H Field Day! It is a day full of exhilarating activities and you learn all about what 4-H is and get involved in all the provided activities. It’s a chance to meet new people interested in the same things you are! After all, wouldn’t you like to know people with the same interests as you outside of your school and community? The 4-H Field Day will
be hosted at Edward Medard park, located on Turkey Creek Road south of Highway 60, on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various activities include a raffle, where baskets will be raffled off and sports of all sorts. There will be a concession stand to purchase food and beverage products. The 4-H Youth Leadership Council greatly appreciates your participation in helping your county’s 4-H Council. If there are any questions, please contact the 4-H office 813-744-5519.
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