VOLUME 38 NUMBER 5 • 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 2011 FFA State Officer Screening Committee has Selected the Below Student Members as Candidates for Florida State Officers Presidential Candidates Charlie Brown, Avon Park FFA Haley Webb, Charlotte FFA Area I Candidates Karis Smith, Blountstown FFA Sydney Stone, Sneads FFA Area II Candidates Kaitlin Donaghy, Middleburg FFA Taylor Langford, Trenton FFA Area III Candidates James Barringer, New Smyrna Beach FFA Julia Morgan, Pine Ridge FFA Area IV Candidates Nathaniel Lawson, Kathleen FFA Shelby Oesterreicher, Bartow FFA Area V Candidates Brittany Coleman, Durant FFA John Modrow, Riverview FFA Area VI Candidates Ricardo Muniz, Coral Reef FFA James Sharpe, Okeechobee Brahman FFA Thirty-two student members took part in the 2011 Screening Process. These student members were challenged with an individual interview, written exam, individual and group problem solving activity, SAE
interview, Agricultural Education Interview, and conversational exercise. The selected candidates will seek election at the 83rd Florida FFA State Convention. The primary responsibility of a state offi cer is to
serve the Florida FFA Association, Agricultural Education and Agriculture as an ambassador in local, state and national activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors and others to embrace and uphold the FFA mission.
DALE ROWELL of Lithia is shown with his grandson, Brantley Kunce, in their garden of black-eye peas. They harvested three bushels in the first picking of the season and have gathered six more bushels since then. Rowell says they normally only get three bushels all season. He purchased his seed from Brownlee Citrus & Garden Center in Plant City.
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Volume 38 • Number 5 • 2011 • Farm & Ranch News
Funding Approved to Reduce Groundwater Withdrawals at Five Strawberry Farms in the Dover/Plant City Area The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board last week voted to help fund $1.9 million in projects that will help reduce groundwater withdrawals in eastern Hillsborough County by 550,000 gallons per day and 18 million gallons for frost/ freeze protection. All five projects are located on strawberry farms within the proposed Dover/Plant City Water Use Caution Area. During the 11-day January 2010 Freeze Event, the combined pumping of Dover-area farmers dropped the aquifer level 60 feet in some locations, resulting in 140 sinkholes and impacting more than 750 wells. The District developed a management strategy with incentives to reduce groundwater use over time, well construction standards and regulatory limitations on water use in the area. To implement one component of the strategy, the Board voted to create a new water use caution area in the Dover/Plant City area. The projects are funded under the District’s Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) Program, an agricultural cost-share reimbursement program that conserves water and protects water quality. Funding is being provided by the District’s Governing Board and the Alafia River Basin Board. Astin Farms Astin Farms, Inc. will be reimbursed up to $263,240 for two surface water irrigation and tailwater recovery systems at Astin’s 526-acre South Farm and 19acre Karpee Road strawberry farms. These projects will reduce groundwater withdrawals normally used for bed preparation and crop plant establishment, as well as reduce the amount of groundwater pumped for frost/freeze protection. FARMS funding will help pay for pump stations and piping. The project’s total estimated cost is $484,307 and could reduce groundwater withdrawals by an average of 156,600 gallons per day and 9.4 million gallons for frost/freeze protection. San-Way Farms San-Way Farms, Inc. will be reimbursed up to $165,868 for a surface water irrigation reservoir and tailwater recovery system at its 70-acre strawberry farm. The project will reduce groundwater withdrawals normally used for bed preparation, crop plant establishment and daily irrigation, as well as reduce the amount of groundwater pumped for frost/freeze protection. FARMS funding will help pay for a pump station, filters, an in-line chlorinator and piping. The project’s total estimated cost is $334,183 and could reduce groundwater withdrawals by an average of 96,740 gallons per day and 4.4 million gallons for frost/freeze protection. Sewell Farms Sewell Farms, LLC will be reimbursed up to $92,480 for 25 acres of row covers and a surface water irrigation and tailwater recovery system at its 108-acre strawberry farm. The project will reduce groundwater withdrawals normally used for bed preparation and crop plant establishment, as well as reduce the amount of groundwater pumped for frost/freeze protection. FARMS funding will help pay for a pump station, an intake screen and piping, as well as 25 acres of row covers. The project’s total estimated cost is $152,292 and could reduce groundwater withdrawals by an average of
88,400 gallons per day and 4.1 million gallons for frost/ freeze protection. Sizemore Farms Sizemore Farms, Inc. will be reimbursed up to $395,182 for a surface water irrigation and tailwater recovery system at its 242-acre English Creek strawberry farm. The project will reduce groundwater withdrawals normally used for bed preparation, crop plant establishment and daily irrigation. FARMS funding will help pay for pumps, pump sheds, piping, a weather station, a tailwater recovery tile system, culverts and filtration systems. The project’s total estimated cost is $540,000 and could reduce groundwater withdrawals by an average of 146,190 gallons per day. Sydney Farms Sydney Farms, Inc. will be reimbursed up to $110,500 for a surface water irrigation and tailwater recovery system at its 111-acre Donini Farm strawberry
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farm. The project will reduce groundwater withdrawals normally used for bed preparation, crop plant establishment and daily irrigation, as well as reduce the amount of groundwater pumped for frost/freeze protection. FARMS funding will help pay for pump stations and piping. The project’s total estimated cost is $390,360 and could reduce groundwater withdrawals by an average of 64,450 gallons per day and 374,000 gallons for frost/freeze protection. To qualify for FARMS funding, projects must be located in the District and include one or more of the following best management practice strategies: • Use an alternative water supply or technology to reduce groundwater use. • Improve irrigation water quality and watershed ecology by reducing reliance on poorer quality groundwater. • Restore or augment water resources and ecology in priority areas. For more information and details on how to qualify for the FARMS Program, visit the District’s website at www.WaterMatters.org/farms/.
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Energy Must Be Produced in America by Americans! There is no doubt that the most critical prob- tive fuel has increased, lem this country has today is the severe shortage of oil the price of corn has produced in this country. I believe that a fact of life in sharply increased also. our world of today is that our economy cannot be suc- This drives the price of cessful if we cannot depend on a plentiful supply of oil cattle feed up and forces that is produced in this country. the American housewife So why is it that our government makes up to spend much more on By Roy Davis- Associate Editor rules and regulations that make it absolutely impos- her weekly groceries. sible for American workers to produce petroleum from The farmer must spend American natural resources? much more on fuel to get the groceries and the meat to Only a few years ago we were told that all the market. This, too, must ultimately be paid for in higher “known natural petroleum reserves” in the whole world prices by the American consumer. would run out by the year 2000. The alarmists told us Solar energy must be the answer. You must adthat we must fi nd alternative energy sources by 2000 mit it is a great idea. Just how expensive is it to build a or the world would go dark. Many countries have dili- photo voltaic production center? I have no idea. I also gently searched for such alternative energy sources and do not know how expensive the maintenance of such a many advances have been made. None of these sourc- facility will be. I can only believe that if this form of es have shown that they would fi ll the void that would energy production were that cost effective, we would be created if we actually depleted the world’s supply of already have many of them. I am told that less than 1% natural petroleum products. of America’s energy comes from the sun. There was a time that nuclear energy was goWe now know that we have vast oil reserves ing to prove to be the answer to the worlds need for en- under the Gulf of Mexico. We also know that if we do ergy. In America, the environmental “whakos” vilifi ed not drill for this supply of oil, China will be drilling the nuclear demon to the extent that no new nuclear for it just off our Florida shores. They will be using facility has been constructed in this country for more the interest they receive from the money we pay them than 25 years. There are plans to build and bring on for the loans they have made to our government. Our line two or three new nuclear power plants in the near President apparently gave the government of Brazil future, but it is questionable whether any of them will two (2) billion dollars to help them drill for oil in their now be built, considering the nuclear disaster brought own country. We do not even buy our oil from Brazil. on by the cataclyzmic earthquake in Japan. The oil rig accident in the Gulf of Mexico gave Keep in mind that many more American work- our President an excuse to place a moratorium on any ers have died in oil production in this country than have drilling in the gulf. It has been more than a year now died or been injured in production of nuclear energy. and all those people have been out of work for all that Yet, regulatory rules and restrictions make it almost time while we still purchase our oil from our enemies. impossible to increase our nuclear power production. The American taxpayer is paying unemployLet us then look at wind energy. Leta and I ment compensation to all of these unemployed oil have seen the vast windmill “farms” in the West and workers, and there is much talk of raising the unemvarious other parts of our country. We have only seen ployment tax on small businesses in order to help pay them in areas that are open land. There was a plan to benefi ts to all these unemployed oil workers. I am abbuild a windmill farm offshore in New England. The solutely certain that the oil workers would rather go planning was all done and approved. It would have back to work than to continue to depend on handouts added power to our grid in the Northeast. A few folks from American taxpayers. from around Cape Cod decided that this might spoil We have vast oil reserves in Alaska and in their view of the water. They got Teddy Kennedy on Canada that we could be tapping. But we are not. The their side of the issue and he was able to overcome this largest oil reserves known to man have been discovered project. The “Whakos” won again! So we must con- in vast open areas of North and South Dakota. Governtinue to purchase oil from our enemies. ment regulations are making it very expensive and very Alcohol production from this nations over- diffi cult to bring these oil reserves into production. A stocked corn supply must be the answer. It seemed this pipeline must be approved that would bring this product would be a boon to agriculture and it would bolster the to areas of the country that could refi ne and distribute price of corn to our farmers. We soon found that we it. How many jobs would this create? Yet this pipeline could add only 10% alcohol to the gasoline that our ve- has not been approved, and there is no assurance when hicles burn. Apparently, technology has not caught up it might be approved. with this need. It is still much more expensive to proThere is also the problem of the devaluation duce alcohol from corn than it is to produce gasoline of the American dollar that is caused by the fact that so from petroleum. Our government makes up the differ- many of our dollars are being sent to countries that are ence by heavy subsidies to the production of alcohol. not our friends. These dollars are sent to pay for oil that And who do you suppose pays for this subsidy? The we could be producing in our own country with AmeriAmerican taxpayer of course. continued on page 19 Since the production of alcohol for automo-
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DJ Nominated to Attend National Young Leaders Conference Don Wetherington, AKA DJ, from R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, has been nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Robertson, to attend the Jr National Young Leader Conference (JrNYLC), this fall in Washington. The Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) helps scholars develop and sharpen their leadership skills by examining the leaders of the past and empowering them to make a positive social impact in their community and the world. DJ has always been an excellent student. This year he will be the only fifth grader that will graduate with a perfect record of straight A’s throughout his elementary school. He has been recognized in the past for his leadership qualities and can be found always offering a helping hand whenever needed. He has a love for music, and enjoys playing sports. This year he has participated in Strings Orchestra, he is a Greenie, and is part of the Beatification team. DJ is looking forward to attending football this year as well. He and his family is doing numerous things to raise the funds for DJ to take advantage of this great opportunity he has been given. Attending this conference will make a huge impact on his development, and guide him to be a
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stronger person. He will be able to take all that he learns from this conference and apply them to the community throughout his life. The trip to Washington will cost $2790.00 This amount includes enrollment, tuition, materials, attire, meals, travel expenses and more. If you would like more info on this program, the website for the JrNYLC is http://www.cylc.org/jrnylc/. You can go to www.dj2000.org, to keep track of DJs progress on the fundraising, make a contribution, or contact the family. A note from his teacher, Mrs. Robertson: I have had the privilege to teach DJ Wetherington this year in 5th grade. He is a straight A student who exhibits all the characteristics of a true leader. His peers look up to him for guidance in academics as well as socially. He is a model student, always eager to learn new things, and is quick to volunteer for any project needed to be completed. He has shown his maturity throughout the school year. I feel DJ will benefit from attending the JrNYLC program by applying the new skills he learns to his everyday life, as well as sharing his experiences with others.
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GULF COAST TURF & TRACTOR’s RANDY SHEARIN is pictured with the new line of Vermeer hay baleing equipment at their Plant City location. Vermeer’s Rebel Model 5410 starts as low as $19,936, says Shearin.
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Florida Brahman Association Spring Field Day & Dynamic “12” Heifer Sale Photos by Stephanie Farmer Barthle Brothers Ranch was host to this year’s Florida Brahman Association annual event with Florida Mineral and Salt most appropriately being one of the sponsors.
Retired Pasco High FFA teacher Ed Dillard conducted the livestock judging contest.
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Republicans Celebrate End of Florida’s Legislative Session By Stephanie Farmer-Associate Publisher
The same day that the Florida Legislative session ended, Republicans gathered for the largest crowd ever at the Hillsborough County Republican Party’s 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner titled “A Night to Celebrate Florida.”
State FFA Officer Nicole Liles was at the event as well as Dover nurseryman Roy Davis, seen here with Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. Atwater told the crowd that “we have a balanced budget. Few states can say that as other states are going bankrupt.”
Senate President Mike Haridopolos (above with Roy Davis) not only attended but spoke. He said, “We started the session with a $4 billion deficit… We ended by balancing the budget with no taxes and no fees raised! The focus was on spending less…We cut $4 billion in the State of Florida and $300 million in taxes.” He went on to say that he wants to pass significant immigration reform next year. He is for the E-verify check and the fact that if you commit a crime you are deported.
Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi were the first speakers. Attorney General Bondi spoke about Florida taking on the pill mills, fighting the Obama health care law and working against the EPA from bankrupting the state by imposing regulations. Bondi said that we have an incredible governor and he is “one of the best men I know who is determined to make the State a better place.” She thanked Gov. Scott for his friendship and leadership. Governor Scott spoke about his first session. He said we just could not imagine “how many people come to my office wanting things during the session. Everyone has an idea on what to spend money on, but not what to cut.” He talked about his commitment to 7,000 new jobs in Florida and the need to run the state like a business by reducing the cost and size of government. “We have reduced fees, reduced taxes and passed real education reform.” He thanked the Legislature and supporters for their efforts this session. His last comment was, “I will do my best, hold me accountable.”
Former Speaker of the House Johnnie Byrd and his wife Melanie were in attendance, shown here with Stephanie Farmer. Republicans and supporters from all walks of life were in attendance.
State Representative Rich Glorioso of Plant City with his wife Judy.
Polk County Sheriff’s Agriculture deputies need the public to be aware of an unknown male subject who is posing as an Agricultural detective. On 05/16/2011 at approximately 1330 hours at the Mad-
dox Ranch in Lakeland, Florida, a subject who identified himself as a Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Detective attempted to gain access to the ranch property. The subject would not give the reason why he wanted access to the property. When asked for the subject to show credentials, the subject took out a wallet and flashed a badge, which was described as a six point gold star. The subject was refused access to
access to the property and advised he would return with a warrant. The subject is described as an Italian looking male, approximately 6’ feet tall, black mustache, tight crew cut hair, mid 30’s also wearing a black baseball cap with the word ‘SHERIFF’, on it. The subject was driving a newer model black long wheel base, Suburban or Yukon with dark tinted windows and standard Florida tag. Anyone who is confronted with this described incident is asked to immediately notify a listed Agricultural Crimes member at the listed numbers.
Please report all suspicious activity to thePolk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Crimes Unit
Deputy Laurie Smith Cell 287-7870 Direct Connect 158*17*25782
Deputy Andy McKee Cell 287-4563 Direct Connect 158*17*25777
Deputy Robert Keen Cell 287-3918 Direct Connect 158*17*25783
Deputy Dave Butler Cell 287-2225 Direct Connect 158*17*6224
Deputy Mike Ard Cell 287-5496 Direct Connect 158*17*5862
Deputy Sarah Taylor Cell 287-7791 Direct Connect 158*17*2073
Deputy Jay Scarborough Cell 287-2224 Direct Connect 158*17*6223
Deputy Paul Wright Cell 287-2226 Direct Connect 158*17*6225
Sgt. Howard Martin Cell 863.287.7079 Direct Connect 158*17*1658
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Deep Water Horizon and Florida Aquaculture
By Stephanie Farmer
When the Deep Water Horizon blew at the Macondo well, its affects sent tremors through the Gulf Coast waters like no other disaster in history. At the same time it sent an upswing in interest in all forms of aquaculture. This was prominently noticed at the recent Small Farms Conference in Kissimmee, Florida. Every year this conference has a vast array of workshops from vertically growing crops to raising livestock. Normally, the aquaculture seminar has about 15 to 20 interested individuals. This year, it was standing room only with about 100 people in attendance. With the American economy floundering, people are looking for ventures to help support their families. As a result of the spill, there is a perceived growth in the aquaculture industry; albeit in some areas it could be short-lived. As the oil caused Florida fishermen to “hang” their nets, some Gulf Coast towns stood in solidarity for the American fisherman. During the fishing moratorium, some local seafood restaurants refused to replace their fresh Gulf Coast seafood with products from overseas. Instead, some restaurants actually rewrote their menus for only American farm raised catfish or other American food fish products as a way of showing support for the American fisherman. This resulted in food fish operations such as catfish farmers reporting a huge upswing in demand for their product. In fact, some say they sold out! Now that the cap is on the well, some feel that farm raised catfish aquaculture has reached an upswing “cap”. Yet, in reality for many the interest is still at an all-time high and in the future a shortage in wild caught food fish is predicted. If you hop in a boat with Florida Panhandle clam fisherman Van Lewis to see his leases, for a land based farmer, one of the most striking views is instead of rows of fence posts dividing property lines, you see rows of PVC pipes dividing the Florida coastline of Alligator Harbor into 46 – 1.5 acre leases for raising clams. Here clammers such as Van were affected by Deep Water Horizon in a different way. Before the spill, Van had planned to increase his clam production. But, as a result of the spill, he instead found himself trained and working on the water with his employees scouting for oil in the BP Vessels of Opportunity Pro-
gram. Yet, while he received an income from BP with demand waning for his clams, he encountered an unexpected problem. When he signed the BP work contract, he had agreed not to use his boats for any other purpose except BP work. This caused Van a major, unexpected problem. When a clam farmer raises clams, he starts with very small “seed” clams. These are placed in mesh bags inside his watery lease. As the clams grow, he transfers them into larger and larger bags until harvest time. Because Van signed on with BP, he was unable to transfer his spring planted seed into larger bags, causing them to overcrowd and begin dying off. He tried selling them, but at the time most clam farmers weren’t interested for obvious reasons. Eventually, he found one clam farmer who purchased them at a discounted rate, transferred the growing seed into larger bags, then transported and planted them on his lease. But, this all affects Van’s harvest for next spring as it takes about 12 months for clams to go from seed to harvest and now he does not have a spring 2011 crop. Even though, the oil only got within ten miles of the Florida coast, these clam aquaculture operations were and still are affected by reduced interest in their product. But slowly that is starting to change. As the oil in the Gulf spread, so did the need for safety in the food processing facilities. Surprisingly enough the phrase, “the nose knows” is a perfect fit. Oil has a distinct smell, which upon training can be easily picked up by processors. According to Bill Mahan, UF Sea Grant Agent, “a person’s nose is a faster, more economical way to screen the seafood.” Thus the government trained a variety of professionals on how to sniff out oil, including Bill, who in turn worked with processors. In Apalachicola, the Florida Oyster Industry Lab is the support system for an industry that operates similar to the clammers, with water leases from South Carolina to the State of Texas. While the lab has not been asked to study the effects of Deep Water Horizon oil on oysters, their charge is with helping people safely eat raw oysters. Currently they are studying Vibrio vulnificus, a species of bacteria that can affect people especially with compromised immune systems. According to a
brochure by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference: “For those at risk, infection can lead to death within two days. Early, aggressive antibiotic treatment is the most effective therapy.Vibrio vulnificus rarely affects healthy individuals. When it does, symptoms are mild and temporary.” The Oyster Industry Lab is studying not only methods to process oysters for the raw market such as irradiation, freezing with nitrogen, and heat shock for safer raw eating, but also evaluating those methods making sure neither the taste nor integrity of the meat is compromised. As Charlene Burke, UF biological scientist with the Oyster Lab said, “A good oyster smells of the sea and is milky white.” Currently, the FDA is starting a crackdown with the possibility of new raw oyster regulations. With a $500 million industry at stake, the oyster lab’s work is very important to this segment of the aquaculture industry. As far as BP, just like the clam industry, the oyster industry has been hit hard by the oily mess in the Gulf and the BP Vessels of Opportunity Program. But, there are signs the industry is slowly beginning to resuscitate. While the shrimping industry was hit hard by the oil disaster, Wood’s Fisheries in St. Joe, Florida were thankful they started farming shrimp back in 2006. For over 150 years this family has been in the wild shrimp business from fishing the Gulf waters to operating their own processing facility. Unfortunately, due to over 90% of all shrimp consumed in the U.S. is now coming from overseas markets, the price has had a lot of ups and downs over the last 15 years. As a result, in 2006 the Wood family began raising farm raised shrimp 20 miles inland in five acre ponds for niche markets, as they could see a growing interest in antibiotic free, farm raised quality shrimp. When the oil disaster hit, with fisheries closed and public fears mounting, they were able to offer their farm raised shrimp as an alternative, expanding their market area. Farm raising shrimp is not without its difficulties and currently, Wood’s Fisheries has the only operation of its kind in Florida. Before delving into this venture, family member Mark Godwin studied similar operations in West Texas and worked at a shrimp oper-
Raising coral in the wild Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory
Preparing to grade his clams
Clear is good, while cloudy indicates the presence of bacteria. Charlene Burke UF biological scientist Oyster Industry Lab
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article also published in Fish Farming News-a national publication
ation for a week in South Carolina gleaning knowledge from the lab to pond side of shrimp aquaculture. Mark has also leaned heavily upon research from Texas A & M and Auburn Universities. The biggest hurdle for the shrimp industry is pricing, but niche marketing via aquaculture is a help. Currently, they are in the process of expanding their 25-acre operation to 100 acres by 2012. But, as Mark is quick to point out, this is a long term investment. He said, “There are people who think they can make a fortune with farm raised shrimp, but they have no clue.” Aquaculture is agriculture with 24/7 days and all the ups and downs of conventional agriculture. With the spill, interest has definitely grown in aquaculture’s food fish production. Mote Marine Laboratory, based in Sarasota, FL, grows species like snook and redfish for restocking purposes (due to current laws), while other species like pompano are studied for their potential role in commercial aquaculture of food fish. Mote’s biggest aquaculture effort, however, is growing freshwater Siberian sturgeon to produce meat and caviar. Mote raises and sells sturgeon meat and caviar to all four corners of the U.S. (Sales are to wholesalers — including some of the biggest in the caviar market — not direct to consumer). According to Jim Michaels, Mote’s Sturgeon Aquaculture Demonstration Program Manager, “In reality, raising sturgeon is tough. Depending upon the species, it can take 4 to 5 years before a farmer can see a positive cash flow,” Yet, that’s where the research comes in as Mote works at developing new ways of raising not only sturgeon but other varieties of food fish for a quicker, positive cash flow. Their efforts focus on inland, tank-based recirculating systems that limit the, amount of freshwater needed and reduce the environmental footprint. Both marine and freshwater species are grown in these recirculating systems. Others are studying food fish production, such as Harbor Branch Oceanographic and the USDA researchers who are studying pompano for aquaculture production. With prices between $18 and $20 a pound, their hope is that Pompano can become sustainable aquaculture by seeing how many times they can compress their spawning a year and other factors. The BP spill woke many up to the need for commercially grown coral for replanting in areas that are already showing the affects of pollution, disease
and climate change. Add the spill and you get the big picture. While growing coral from fragments for restoration purposes is being studied at Mote’s Tropical Laboratory in the Florida Keys, certain species are available for commercial production for home aquariums, at Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums, a private company located at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute campus in Ft. Pierce, FL. They sell aquarium coral to markets around the world. Kevan Main, Director of Mote’s Center for Aquaculture Research and Development, said that growing coral in tanks can be easier than in the wild because we can control water temperature and other factors. Mote’s efforts focus on two threatened species of coral (elkhorn and staghorn), as well as other species. During the Small Farms Conference I was told there is anticipated growth in the aquatic plant industry for replanting in areas damaged by the BP spill. One UF professor told me that while the upswing does exist, the farmers who will benefit the most are those who are already producing, as it takes time to grow the plants. Now that the Macondo well has been capped, BP has provided 10 million dollars to Florida researchers through the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) to study the effects of the oil that was released. Researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute received one of the 27 grants awarded to study the effects starting at the very bottom of the food chain. They are studying the effect of oil and dispersant on algae and zooplankton who feed the shrimp that in turn feed fish. They are also studying the effects of oil and dispersant on bait shrimp, oysters and conch. No one really knows the long-term effects. If the bottom of the food chain is broken or damaged, it will have a big affect on offshore fisheries. That in turn could have a rippling effect in generating more interest in farm raised salt water bait fish, shrimp, bivalves and food fish. As can be seen, the Deep Water Horizon oil spill had and still has varying affects upon the aquaculture industry. Yet, you also see the continued need for the industry to lean upon our Universities and local Extension Agents. University Extension Agents are constantly kept abreast of the latest in research being done to enhance the industry, help with disease id, and work on solutions.
Pompano inside the tanks Photo courtesy of Harbor Branch Oceanic
The oyster lab’s equipment is so modern they can detect specific types of bacteria within 24 hours using new rapid methods, compared to the five days it takes the older FDA method.
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UF Sea Grant Agent Bill Mahan in front of shrimp boat. He was trained to sniff out oil for processors.
Van not only raises hard clams, he also is helping UF Statewide Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Agent IV Leslie Stumer (also known as the Queen of Clams) with her ongoing four years of research for commercial production of the Sun Ray Venus clam species.
Clammer Van Lewis “fishing” for his clam bags with a PVC “fence line” in the background dividing out the 46 State of Florida clam leases in Alligator Harbor. Van leases four.
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Energy Must Be Produced in America by Americans! can workers. Our dollars are worth less so we must pay more of them for each barrel of oil that we import. The American farmer suffers more that any other segment of the country because we must sell our product for the price we are offered. Since our product is usually perishable, the
product is probably worthless a day or so after we are offered a certain price. The price of fuel rises, we cannot wait until it drops to move our product to market, or to till our fi eld. We simply must pay the price. The only answer is that if we want affordable food in this country, we
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must get government out of the way and we, the voters of this country, must seek the politicians who will stop lying to the voters. We must obtain our own oil at the hands of American workers, using American resources to move the product to facilities and distribution. Any politician who will stand in the way of this goal is unamerican and must be removed from offi ce. ONLY YOU, THE AMERICAN VOTER, can do that. I look forward to seeing you at the polls in 2012.
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the davis report By Roy Davis- Associate Editor
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Annual 4-H Day in the Capitol
Over 500 4-H members from around Florida descended upon Tallahassee in what Legislators call the “sea of green” for the annual 4-H Day at the Capitol.
Above, Commissioner Adam Putnam and below, Senator Ronda Storms, both former 4-Hers, addressed the crowd during the lunch break. Adam was 4-H State President, Ronda was not only a 4-H member but her mom was inducted in the 4-H Hall of Fame.
The keynote speaker was Governor Rick Scott. He talked about the importance of educating our youth, jobs and explained to them that when laws are passed they impact lives. As a result, people run for office to make sure what they believe in is what happens in our State. He said he hopes to see them one day in the House or Senate. A believable statement as several former 4-Hers do serve in Tallahassee.
They visited the old Florida Legislative chambers, performed a mock legislature and then watched the current one in session.
Stephanie Farmer with Farm & Ranch News was also one of the speakers.
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4H members met a variety of people like former Governor Bob Martinez
Members and leaders had the opportunity to try on the gear our National Guardsmen wear and learned about the 4-H support program for them called Operation Military Kids.
Many witnessed their first demonstration, such as these protestors to anti immigration legislation.
“We, the people of the State of Florida”
Volume 38 • Number 5 • 2011 • Farm & Ranch News
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Florida Wildlife Conservation Day at the Capitol By Stephanie Farmer-Associate Publisher A crowd of over 200 youth gathered in Tallahassee for FWC Day at the Capitol. This is a time when the FWC educates not only the public about Florida wildlife but also our Legislators as this event takes place in the Capitol courtyard.
Attending youth got to meet Jake, one of the FWC’s working dogs. These dogs are trained not only to look for deer, duck, turkey, alligators and dove but also people if they get lost in the woods, criminals, and perform mutual aid calls (where the FWC works together with police and other law enforcement). It takes 480 hours of training before a dog can be sworn in by the Governor for duty. In fact, Jake has aided in over 150 arrests and found numerous guns and knives including 5 murder weapons.
Commissioner Adam Putnam dropped by for a visit during the event. He is seen here speaking to FWC Commissioner Rodney Baretto and Ron Bergeron.
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Several booths were set up during the event teaching fishing, water safety and more. Here youth from Conley Elementary are given a short seminar on what to do with bears.
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Now the EPA Wants to Regulate Farm Dust! By Stephanie Farmer
Sounds like a bad joke, but unfortunately it is true! The EPA is considering regulating dust on American farms! The good news is some in Congress are already advocating on this issue. According to South Dakota GOP Congresswoman Kristi Noem the “EPA is in 5 year review of the clean air act…there is a lot of discussion around upgrading those regulations and making them almost twice as stringent than they
have been in the past.” “It could impact people farming fields or driving down gravel roads”, she said. She went on to say, “We all have kicked up dust driving our car or truck on unpaved roads and in our fields... that’s life in rural America.” She has introduced HR 1633, the Farm Dust Prevention Act. “It stops the EPA from imposing more stringent standards for a year… it distinguishes
the difference between rural dust from urban dust and would keep the EPA from imposing regulations, unless the EPA could put forth substantial adverse health findings”. “This shows this EPA is out of control and that the regulations they are continuing to generate are detrimental to agriculture and are not based on scientific fact,” said the Congresswoman. As Floridians we know this is
true, as we battle the EPA about another issue, the Water Nutrient Act, which also is not based upon scientific fact and detrimental to not only Florida agricultural but urban Florida as well. If you would like to hear the full interview of Congresswoman Kristi Noem on AgriTalk radio, go to www.farmandranchnews.com and click our scrolling news text.
Gun Ownership Skyrockets, Violent Crime Drops Again
T h e FBI estimated that the number of violent crimes decreased 5.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, including a 4.4 percent decrease in the number of murders. Because the U.S. population increased during the period, the figures
imply that the total violent crime per capita rate and the murder rate decreased more than six percent and five percent, respectively. Based upon the preliminary data, it appears that violent crime fell to a 37-year low and murder fell to a 47year low. The FBI will report final figures for 2010 later this year. The decrease in crime coincided with an increase in the number of privately owned guns, particularly hand
Interesting and sadly, rather true The Obituary of Common Sense Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: - Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn’t always fair; - and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are
in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
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guns and detachable magazine semi-automatic rifles. For example, Americans bought over 400,000 AR-15s in 2009, and trends in AR-15 sales over the last few years suggest a similar number for 2010. Those who have followed the gun control issue for a few years probably have noticed that with crime declining and gun numbers rising year after year, gun control groups have all but abandoned their previously perennial
claims that more guns equal more crime. Even their friends in the news media don’t believe it anymore. The Violence Policy Center and, breaking with past habit, the Brady Campaign didn’t even try to claim that the decrease in crime in 2010 was attributable to gun control.
consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense
was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights I Want It Now Someone Else Is To Blame I’m A Victim
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Confused By the Different FFA Awards? Here’s a Quick Primer! (Information gathered from the National FFA Website) Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards honor FFA members who have recognized a market opportunity that was overlooked by others and conceived a plan to pursue that opportunity. Agriscience Fair Open to students in grades 7-12. Students participate in research projects in their local communities and then prepare a scientific report and display for judging at the national level. Competition is divided into five categories: Botany, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biochemistry/Food Science/Microbiology. Agriscience Student Recognition Program-The Agriscience Student Program recognizes high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in the agricultural industry. The program provides scholarships to FFA members planning to pursue a college degree in agricultural science while helping to provide a reliable supply of Agriscience graduates to meet the private and public agribusiness sectors’ needs. It is also designed to educate parents, school officials and the public about career opportunities and placements available for Agriscience students. Recognition is available at Chapter, State and National levels. Agriscience Teacher of the Year-The Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes outstanding agricultural educators who emphasize science concepts, principles and applications in their curriculum. Recognition is available at Chapter, State and National levels. American FFA Degree is the highest level that can be achieved as an FFA member. This final step in the FFA Degree system encourages students to grow and achieve personally to establishing themselves in an agricultural career. Attaining the American FFA Degree requires a solid commitment to agriculture
and FFA. CDE’s For students who ask their teachers “When will I ever use this in the real world?” Career Development Events (CDEs) are the answer. Since 1928, FFA has worked to create CDEs that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios CDEs build on what is learned in agricultural classes and the FFA. The events are designed to help prepare students for careers in agriculture. Classroom instruction comes alive as students demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. CDEs test the abilities of individuals and teams in 23 major areas of agricultural instruction. FFA Conferences –A series of leadership and personal growth conferences. For member conferences, you don’t have to be an officer to participate. The only requirement is a desire to grow, learn and have fun. These Conferences are EDGE, MFE, ALD and the Washington Leadership Conference. FFA Global Program-Gives students and teachers the opportunity to explore global agriculture through experiences that demonstrate agricultural practices and cultural traditions of other countries.
FFA. H.O Sargent This award, true to the spirit of the award as it was created prior to the combining of NFA and FFA, recognizes and celebrates success in achieving and promoting diversity in agricultural education and FFA. National Chapter Award program is designed to award FFA chapters who actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Based on a chapter’s Program of Activities (POA) local FFA chapters are recognized for working in established areas called “quality standards.”The standards are organized into three divisions: Student development; Chapter development and Community development. Recognition is available at the state and national levels. New Century Farmer shows the value of pursuing a career in production agriculture and provides students with an opportunity to advance their leadership, personal and career skills especially in the areas of: Entrepreneurial leadership, Flexibility and adaptability, Technical and functional knowledge, Visioning, Decision making and implementation and Continuous improvement.
Honorary Degrees and Awards- These awards are given to exceptional teachers, individuals and companies who have demonstrated continued success and support of the FFA and/or agricultural education. The recipients are invited to participate in an award ceremony and to receive recognition onstage.
PALS-a mentoring program that matches high school agriculture students with elementary school students. Developed by the National FFA Organization, the program helps those involved to build trust in others and develop positive selfesteem, both of which are critically lacking in many of today’s challenged young people.
H. O. Sargent Diversity Award -commemorates the New Farmers of America (NFA) and to recognize their role in the history of agricultural education and
Agricultural Proficiency Awards program like the FFA motto, helps you set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local,
state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. Risk Management Essay Contest -develop an understanding of the principles of risk management and learn how to select the proper strategies to minimize risk and maximize returns. SAE program is a planned practical agricultural activity, which supports skill and competency development, career success and application of specific agricultural and academic skills a student has learned through classroom instruction in agricultural education. A SAE program is the actual, hands-on application of concepts and principles learned in the agricultural education classroom. Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers in cooperation with parents, employers and other adults who assist them in the development and achievement of their educational and career goals. Star Awards honor outstanding members at each degree level. Anyone who earns an FFA degree is eligible for recognition. Move up through the FFA Degree ladder and strive for Star Awards as you go.
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Volume 38 • Number 5 • 2011 • Farm & Ranch News
“All But The Last” by Myke Morris - Contributing Editor
Almost everyone has heard of the second Punic war and knows that it involved Hannibal crossing the Alps to invade the Italian peninsula. You may not know that it resulted from the defeat of Carthage by Rome in the first Punic war or that these are called “Punic” wars from the Latin name for Carthage, Punis, which indicated the Phoenicians who had founded Carthage. Hannibal’s father had been the leading Carthaginian general in the first war and was so shamed by the defeat, and the tribute Rome exacted as a result, that he had the young Hannibal swear on the altar of the Phoenician god vengeance against Rome. You know that Rome won the war but what you may not know is how many times Rome should have surrendered before it won. The war raged for 16 years,
mostly on the Romans’ home ground, and one of the greatest battles of all time, studied by generals and historians for over two millennia, was fought two years into the war. The battle of Cannae was a great slaughter. In the August heat of the Italian sun, 80,000 Romans faced a Carthaginian army of 40,000. Until that time, the best success Rome had achieved had been under the leadership of Fabius Maximus, whose strategy had been to avoid battle. “Fabius the Delayer” gave his name to the strategy of avoiding the fight and ever since these have been known as “Fabian tactics.” But Fabius strategy would be the best Rome had in almost 16 years. For at the end of that single day in August, about 67,000 corpses lay on the battlefield - and 60,000 of them were Roman! That is a greater number of Roman dead than US dead in the entire Viet Nam war with nearly 2.6 million serving!
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How could Rome loose so great a battle and still win the war? Indeed, Rome lost every major battle, but the last one. And those last four words are the key. The few survivors who carried the news to Rome put the city into a panic. Now virtually without defense, Romans imagined Hannibal marching in (and it took little imagination). But Rome battled on for another 14 years until a consul, who had been a young man at the Battle of Cannae, took the war across the Mediterranean to Carthage and won. In history, and in our individual lives, it isn’t the defeats or the length of the wars that decide the outcome. It is persistence. From such persistence was born the empire of Rome. Zig Ziglar says Napoleon held that he was able so successful on the battlefield because he understood the value of 5 minutes. Most often, it is the last
five that matter most. A thousand defeats can be wiped away with one more try.
“And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink”
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