Central Florida Ag News February 2022

www.FloridaAgNews.com

The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region

vol 12 | issue 8 | february 2022

Strawberry edition

A SWEET FUTURE

SUGAR CANE GROWERS CO-OP FOCUSES ON SUSTAINABILITY

POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR

DON’T MISS OUR EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

SERVING SMALL FARMS

MICRO FARM CROP INSURANCE TARGETS A VITAL SECTOR

INNOVATION IN THE FIELDS

HARVEST CROO: RELIABLE LABOR, NO GUESSWORK

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On the Cover

ridaAgN

vol 12 |

issue 8

| febru ary 2022

The Voice

of Agric

ews.com

Florida is aglow with glistening Straw berry A SWEET FUTURE editio red berries ripe for the picking n PO LK C this time of year. Our state is YOUTH OUNTY FAIR the second-leading state for SERVIN G SMA LL FARM INNOV strawberry production, so it’s IN S ATION THE FIE L D S no wonder that Plant City has established itself as the Winter Strawberry Capital BERRY HUNG RY? of the World. If you’re headed out to the fields to pick your own, AgriShopper on page 22 will have some great tips for you.

CONTENTS | f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 2

ulture fo

r Our Re

gion

SUGAR FOCUSECANE GROW ERS S ON SU STAINA CO-OP BILITY

DON’T MI PHOTOS SS OUR EX CLUSIVE FROM THE EV ENT

HARVES T LABOR, CROO: RELIA BL NO GU ESSWOR E K

PRES PRSR ORT T STD STD U.S. US POST Posta ge AGE PAI PAIDD Perm TAMP it No. A, FL 335 PERM Lake IT #2118 land , Fl.

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MICRO FA TARGET RM CROP IN S A VIT AL SECT SURANCE OR

WE’VE GOT RE FOR YO CIP UR U-PIC ES K HAUL

CFAN |

Departments 5 7 9 16 22 23

Publisher’s Letter President’s Letter Signs of the Season Angle’s Letter AgriShopper Ag-Rec

24 26 28 31 34 38

10

INNOVATIONS IN THE FIELD

12

ENSURING A SWEET FUTURE

14

1

Calendar Recipe Spotlight In The Heartland Classifieds Agri-News Editor’s Last Word

Labor shortages, labor costs, and waste are just a few of the challenges strawberry growers face.

Innovation that has been in the works for years may help to alleviate some of those concerns. Harvest CROO technology brings automated harvesting, grading, and packing to the field. It consists of a 40foot long transporter that moves through the field on wheels, plucking every ripe berry with robotic hands located underneath the body of the transporter.

Members and employees of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida are part of an ongoing efort to make sugarcane farming and harvesting more sustainable. Helping to lead that sustainability effort is Patrick Arnold, SCGC agriculture technology manager. Arnold explains the various aspects the 44-member cooperative is focusing on to ensure a future for the industry.

POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR

Our photographer was on hand to capture the excitement. Check out more of our photos and see more on CentralFloridaAgNews.com/YouthFair.

30 SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL FARMERS

The dawn of 2022 is bringing new hope for farmers. As of January 31, farmers or ranchers with $100,000 or less in annual revenue may be eligible for the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) new Micro Farm Crop Insurance. The Micro Farm insurance plan gives farmers protection for all commodities on their farm, all covered with one insurance policy. This insurance plan is geared toward any farm with less than $100,000 in approved revenue, including farms with specialty or organic commodities (both crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identity preserved, specialty, or direct markets. That’s a huge win for Florida, where 90 percent of farming operations are classified as small farms.

4 | CFAN

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PUBLISHER LETTER

When Labels Matter IF THERE IS ONE POINT we try to drive home regardless of the time of year, it’s the importance of shopping local and supporting our local farmers and ranchers. That’s especially true right now when strawberries are in season, blueberries are coming into season, and demand is going up.

Over the past two decades, U.S. farmers have increasingly faced an overwhelming onslaught of rising costs and foreign competition. Tens of thousands of family-owned farms succumb to the challenges each year, closing not just their doors but also avenues for future generations in agriculture.

Now, more than ever, U.S. farmers need to know they make a difference. They need to know their nation is behind them, that the U.S. consumer is willing to pay a little more if it ensures that we are not dependent upon foreign countries for our families’ food.

How can you support farmers? Well, that’s

the easy part. Right now, farmers all around Florida are opening their fields for strawberry and blueberry u-pick. Instead of making fresh fruit just another chore for your weekend trip to the store, take your family and make a day out of picking your own! Not only does this support local farmers, but you may even pay less than you would at the grocery store. Add to that the benefit of knowing exactly where it was grown and cutting out the middleman from the farm-to-table journey, and it ends up being a win all around.

If you don’t have time for u-picks, that’s okay! Just make sure the fruits and vegetables you pick up at the grocery or farmers market were grown in the U.S. Stores right here in Florida, surrounded by fields of berries, are selling foreign fruit. Don’t be fooled! Make a point to check the label.

Thanks for reading Central Florida Ag News, and don’t forget to #ThankAFarmer! ag

NELSON KIRKLAN D, Publish nelson@c er entralflori damediag roup.com

Donaldson Sweet Orange

Lesson to the Wise: Attend the Field Days. You never know what might happen.

Donaldson

This tree was planted in 1994 (28 years ago)

Parson Brown/Cleo Parson Brown

others thought its flavor was better than a Hamlin.

Growers, processors, packers and nurserymen met at the Whitmore Foundation Farm on December 3rd in doing So what happens now? NVDMC serves as the master a farm tour of the variety display, rootstock trials, licensor for USDA-ARS citrus varieties. NVDMC atscion trials, new scion plantings, replicated tritended the December Mutual Board meeting and als of advanced material, and NVDMC’s variety got clear direction to do whatever was necesdemonstration block introducing the citrus insary to work with USDA-ARS in Ft. Pierce to produstry to some of the orange and orange-like vide interested growers access this material as selections in the USDA collection. Several of soon as possible. Such steps require the close the selections drew praise from participants, cooperation of USDA Tech Transfer and FDACS but one seemed to garner a disproportionate DPI. USDA-ARS Fort Pierce has propagated share of attention: The Donaldson Sweet Orthis material in a quarantine greenhouse and

by Phillip Rucks ange.

ARS and processors are evaluating fruit and juice quality. Since the field day, the Donaldson Orange We don’t know much about the origins of the Donaldson was immediately entered into the FDACS Parent Tree Sweet orange. New Varieties Development & ManageProgram (commonly referred to as cleanup) and given ment Corp. (NVDMC) and USDA are scouring records far priority status. and wide for any information about this variety. It may be a unique one of a kind orange and it may be an heirloom The fruit test were split into two batches. The Donaldson variety that never gained widespread popularity. The earfruit was extracted then with Fresh N’ Squeeze extractor liest mention found of Donaldson so far, dates back to and then pasteurized them with a microthermics unit.

1961 at the old USDA Hiawassee Farm. The tree was latBatch 1 Batch2 er relocated to the Whitmore Foundation Farm. The tree Brix 11.07 11.04 now at Whitmore appears to have been propagated from Acid 0.721 0.695 the original source in 1994. The Donaldson is thought Ratio 15.35 15.88 to be a true sweet orange. The single specimen is on a Color Number 34.1 33.7 Swingle rootstock and appears quite healthy. It shows Vit. C mg/240ml 151 153 some HLB symptoms, but has a dense canopy, a normal Scott Oil 0.015 0.016 crop load, and the fruit is holding firm to the tree. Some Limonin (ppm) 0.9 0.6 of those present at the Field Day thought Both batches had a very good orange flavor. the Donaldson resembled a Hamlin, while

PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY, INC. Phillip Rucks, Owner

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CFAN | 5

11

Columns

A GREAT DEAL FOR YOU AND YOUTH IN AG Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch and Chop-N-Block are committed to supporting the future of agriculture in Central Florida, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is! For a limited time, they are offering amazing, high-quality beef that was raised by local ag students for sale to the public at an incredible price.

12 MITIGATING AND ASSESSING FREEZE DAMAGE IN CITRUS

While Florida is known as the Sunshine State, freezing temperatures are not unheard of. The threat of a citrus freeze is ever-present during the winter months, and low temperatures can easily lead to freeze damage in citrus trees. Citrus trees can experience heavy damage to wood, leaves, and fruit when exposed to freezing temperatures, either through a rapid decrease in temperature or an extended duration of freezing temperatures. Here are some tips for citrus growers for identifying and dealing with freeze damage in citrus trees.

16 GO WHERE THE CUSTOMERS TAKE YOU

When adapting to changing times is vital to your business, the needs of your customers help you identify the direction you need to go. Ben Adams Jr. of Adams Cold Storage reveals the best business advice he’s ever received. “No” is an ending.

“Let’s see” opens a conversation. “Let’s see” creates new partners. “Let’s see” is the first step in going where customers take you.

18 URGENT HORSE EMERGENCIES

Equine diseases and injuries can cause major issues with your horse’s health, so it’s important to be proactive in preventing and treating problems before they get out of hand. Dr. Katie Hennessy explains what you need to know about colic and respiratory problems in horses.

25 AG COMMUNITY TAKES CARE OF ITS OWN

The 75th Polk County Youth Fair has come and gone, but it certainly is not forgotten! Final auction totals aren’t available yet, but the sale prices are expected to exceed $1 million. The week’s sales involved plants, hogs, and steers. The record-breaking highlight of the sale was selling the steer that was owned by Todd Donley, who was killed in a tragic auto accident.

Purchase your tickets now to win a

NEW JOHN DEERE 560E GATOR!

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit PCFB Ag Education and Youth activities. Tickets are $20.00 each, or 6 tickets for $100.00. The drawing will be held May 13, 2022 and you will not need to be present to win. To purchase tickets, visit the Polk County Farm Bureau website or Facebook page, or scan the QR code at right with your smartphone to go directly to the ticket purchase site. You may also call the Bartow office at 863-533-0561.

863-533-0561 • www.PCFB.org • Facebook.com/PolkCountyFarm Bureau 6 | CFAN

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Polk Polk County County Farm Farm Bureau Bureau Protecting & Promoting Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942 Polk Agriculture since 1942 www.pcfb.org www.pcfb.org

Phone: Phone: 863.533.0561 863.533.0561

Member Member Services Services

p r e s i d e n t ’s c o l u m n

Carole McKenzie Carole McKenzie Executive Director Executive Director

Lori Kuehl Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator Program Coordinator

2021-2022 2021-2022 Board Board of of Directors Directors

Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black President Charles Counter President Charles Counter DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Scarlett Jackson Scarlett Jackson Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Lanier Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Lanier Ed Lassiter Secretary Ed Lassiter Secretary David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Matt Story Matt Story Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Women’s Kevin M. Updike Women’s Kevin M. Updike Committee Chair Committee Chair Keith Walter Keith Walter

Location Location 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South Bartow, FL 33830 Bartow, FL 33830

Offi Office ce Hours Hours

Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 9 9 a.m. a.m. to to 5 5 p.m. p.m.

Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams Agency Agency Manager Manager

Bartow Bartow Offi Office ce Agents Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 Phone: 863.533.0561 James James L. L. Moser, Moser, Jr. Jr. Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams

Haines Haines City City Offi Office ce Agent Agent 203 203 S S Dixie Dixie Drive Drive Phone: Phone: 863.421.4545 863.421.4545 Rhonda Rhonda Ambrose Ambrose Winter Winter Haven Haven Offi Office ce Agents Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens 3039 Cypress Gardens Road Road Phone: Phone: 863.299.3892 863.299.3892 Barry Barry Walker Walker Jason Jason Yates Yates

Congratulations to all who participated in this year’s Polk County Youth Fair! For 75 years the Polk County Youth Fair has served to foster personal discipline, a strong work ethic, and community responsibility in our local youth. (I know it did for me!) This year was certainly no exception, and we applaud all volunteers and participants on another successful year.

Registration is now full for this year’s Polk County Agri-Fest event that will offer Polk fourth-grade students and teachers a March 7 – April 1 virtual event and March 14 – 18 in-person event. A special thanks to Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation for its support of this event and helping us continue to educate young minds about the benefits of agriculture.

At the midpoint of the state legislative session, Florida Farm Bureau continues to closely monitor its top legislative priorities including redistricting maps, SB 1000/HB 1291 regarding rate tailoring, and SB 1210/HB 909 relating to the development of current and former agricultural land. You can get regular updates throughout the session by registering to receive Florida Farm Bureau AgWatch bulletins via the Advocacy link at www.floridafarmbureau.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available to assist Polk County Farm Bureau in continuing our vital agriculture education and advocacy messaging. For more information, please contact Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561 or carolem@pcfb.org or use your smartphone to scan this QR code to visit our sponsorship link.

SAVE THE DATES - Please mark your calendars for these upcoming PCFB events.

April 14

Central Fl Ag Deputy Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Barn on the Lake, Fort Meade

April 28

Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Stuart Center, Bartow

May 13

Harvest Celebration 6 p.m., Barn on the Lake, Fort Meade

August 23

Youth Speech Contest 4 p.m. Stuart Center, Bartow

October 6

PCFB Annual Meeting & Political Forum Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Stuart Center, Bartow

We hope to see you at these events! In the meantime, we encourage members to contact us if we can assist in any way.

Sincerely,

Calling Calling from from Lake Lake Wales Wales 863.676.3187 863.676.3187

FloridaAgNews.com

LEIGH ANN WYNN President, Polk County Farm Bureau CFAN | 7

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56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE (863) 248-7537 Copyright © 2022 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Florida AgNews is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Florida AgNews makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein, however, neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials.

FloridaAgNews.com

of the SIGNS SEASON

Florida a Key Player in Nation’s Strawberry Production

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

EACH WINTER, we get to celebrate the sweetness of the season with farmfresh, Florida-raised strawberries! The juicy, naturally delightful treats of nature are big business here, bringing roughly $350 million to Florida farmers each year. More than 8,000 acres of Florida’s cropland is devoted to growing these “accessory fruits,” as they are known to botanists.

Strawberry Facts

Though most of us would agree that a strawberry is a fruit – a berry, specifically – that’s not technically the case. Scientists call strawberries an “accessory fruit” or “false fruit” (also known as a “pseudocarp”) because the succulent, pulpy part of the plant that we eat is actually multiple fruits consisting of many tiny fruits embedded in a large, fleshy flower structure.

What we call the strawberry itself is technically a greatly enlarged stamen.

The 200 or so little “seeds” stuck all over the outside of the berry are the real fruits. Those are called “achenes,” and within each one of these is the actual seed. The achenes are closer in form to a nut, but not many would consider the strawberry to be in that particular family.

It’s not really necessary to know these biological details of the plant in order to recognize the value of the strawberry, especially in Florida. There is evidence that humans have been cultivating strawberries for thousands of years, and they became established in the Americas in the early 1800s.

Farmers in Florida quickly began raising the crop, and now we are the second-largest strawberry-producing region in the U.S., with only California offering up more berries each year. Plant City is recognized throughout the globe as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

From November to March, Florida strawberry growers supply our nation, and beyond, with the favorite fruit of American children and adults. February

FloridaAgNews.com

and March are the peak production times, and Plant City’s beloved Florida Strawberry Festival has been taking place annually during the final weeks of winter since 1930. The only interruption to the yearly celebration of Plant City’s biggest crop occurred in the 1940s, during and immediately following World War II.

Timing Matters in Strawberry Production

It’s important that strawberries be harvested at just the right time, as they will not continue to ripen once they have been plucked. Varieties such as Sweet Sensation, Florida Brilliance, Rosa Linda, Sweet Charlie, and Strawberry Festival have been specially developed, primarily by scientists working with the University of Florida, to thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate, producing delicious berries on low-growing plants that can be harvested 50 or 60 times in one season.

Strawberries are generally picked and packed immediately into the plastic clamshell containers that they’ll be sold in. Heat and humidity are not kind to the harvested berries, so they must be stored in coolers as quickly as possible. From there, they are transported to the markets where they’ll be sold to consumers. The whole process of getting strawberries from the field into the customers’ hands only takes about four days.

Strawberries pack a nutritious punch, containing high levels of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants like quercetin, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins. Research has shown that eating an average of eight strawberries per day can have the effect of lowering blood pressure while improving memory and heart health. Some research has even indicated that regular consumption of strawberries may also help reduce obesity and lower the risk of certain types of cancer. ag

CFAN | 9

FEATURE | e d i t i o n

Innovation in the Fields Harvest CROO Technology Helps Growers Overcome Challenges

by TERESA SCHIFFER

O

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES any type of grower in Florida faces right now is a shortage of manual labor. Finding enough hands to harvest a crop is imperative to prevent massive food waste, but sometimes that is practically impossible to do. If a farmer does manage to round up enough workers to bring in a crop, there is the very real risk that some of them might move on to the next farm before all the work is done.

Currently, roughly 25 percent of any strawberry grower’s fields go unpicked altogether each season due to a lack of manual labor available.

Harvest CROO was born of this necessity for reliable labor to harvest crops.

Harvest CROO is a modular robotic vehicle that automates the harvesting, grading and packing of strawberries. It consists of a 40-foot long transporter that moves through the field on wheels, plucking every ripe berry with robotic hands located underneath the body of the transporter.

Joe McGee is the CEO of Harvest CROO 10 | CFAN

Robotics, the company that developed and finetuned this technology. He has been on the company’s board since December 2018 and has been there as the robotic harvester developed from a prototype into a machine that is ready to be deployed in the field for its initial trials. In the past three years, he has seen a number of technical issues resolved to result in a truly effective robotic harvester.

The Harvest CROO makes use of the most

innovative, cutting-edge technology available to perform its tasks. It is equipped with a LIDAR system that provides the Harvester with a 360-degree, three-dimensional view of a field, allowing for precision navigation through rows of strawberries while avoiding collisions with people and other obstructions. The machine’s vision system scans each berry and determines whether it is ready for picking. The berry is then further inspected and determined to be suitable for the fresh market, processing, or rejection.

Sixteen independent robots are nestled beneath the transporter carriage, each with six picking hands capable of gingerly removing the ripe fruit from plants. Harvest CROO can be operated at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures during the process, making it easier to harvest and transport the delicate berries FloridaAgNews.com

A GREAT DEAL FOR YOU AND YOUTH IN AG

without causing any bruising or damage. The harvester can move through one acre in about two and a half hours. Strawberries need to be harvested every three days, so one machine can maintain about 25 acres, returning to each plant every three days.

McGee describes the process of using the Harvest CROO, “We will start at the beginning of the season, we will use a thing called a monopole, and we take the dimensions of the field. We know the spacing of the rows.

The Harvester then can go out, we can get a work order and tell it to pick a certain section of the field, and it goes and does that. It picks the strawberries and transfers them. We use a solution that cleans and washes the strawberries. We then pack the strawberries into the clamshell. The solution allows us to hydrocool the berries and also removes pathogens like e. coli, salmonella, and listeria.”

This hands-free approach to harvesting

JOE McGEE

FloridaAgNews.com

makes for a much cleaner system. Since the berries are not handled by humans during the process of harvesting, there is no transfer of viruses or other pathogens from them.

Another benefit is that by harvesting, sorting, and storing the strawberries on the transporter, bad berries are not being discarded into the field, thereby increasing environmental cleanliness by reducing the amount of waste in the field that could attract mold, rodents, or other pests. Berries that are picked, cleaned, and packaged this way are also showing an extended shelf life.

The Harvest CROO has the potential to increase profit from strawberry production for farmers in numerous ways. In addition to increasing the yield through its careful, thorough harvesting methods, automated harvesting will allow farmers to bring in all their berries in a season, instead of having to helplessly stand by as fields go unpicked due to insufficient manual labor available.

As for concerns that this automation will ultimately put real people out of work, that’s unlikely. Labor shortages are such an issue already, that using this technology will allow farmers to reallocate the workers they have to other tasks, such as the weekly grooming and maintenance of the plants that strawberries require. Placing new plants in the field at the beginning of each season is another job that is not expected to be automated anytime soon.

Plus, there will be new positions available for trained technicians to perform maintenance and repairs on Harvesters onsite. Training programs are being established with Florida schools in order to prepare students for these new careers.

For now, the Harvest CROO will only be available for strawberry growers in the U.S., primarily in Florida and California. In the future, there may be adaptations possible that make this type of technology available to a wider range of growers. ag

DARK HAMMOCK LEGACY RANCH and Chop-NBlock are committed to supporting the future of agriculture in Central Florida, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is! For a limited time, we are offering amazing, high-quality beef that was raised by local ag students for sale to the public at an incredible price.

These kids did an outstanding job of raising their beef cattle and showing them at the recent Polk County Youth Fair. This meat has been graded and certified by the USDA as Choice beef. We are proud to be able to give these ambitious students a chance to market their products, and we’ll be returning a share of the profits to the students themselves so they can continue their journey and purchase the steers they’ll raise for 2023.

We understand the importance of teaching the younger generations about agriculture. There’s not a single one among us who doesn’t rely on agriculture for our survival, and the only way we can really attain food security as a nation is by supporting our local farmers. If we expect to have local growers and ranchers to provide us with necessities in the future, we need to cultivate a passion for agriculture in the youth.

When we support our local farmers and students, we are investing in our future as a strong, healthy society. You can do your part to show your support by purchasing the exceptional beef produced by local ag students from Chop-N-Block. We are offering the meat at a specially reduced price to make it more accessible to the public.

This beef is available for a limited time for $8.50 per pound, a dramatic cost savings for you, the consumer! Beef of this quality would normally retail for over $12 per pound in a traditional grocery store.

You can choose to purchase an entire steer or just half, and we will have the meat packaged, labeled, and ready for you to pick up at your convenience.

If you aren’t able to take advantage of this special offer at this time, don’t worry! We’ll be participating in several more youth fairs throughout the state from now until mid-April, so we’ll be offering this deal again soon.

For more information, contact Chop-N-Block Custom Meat Processing in Winter Haven at 863-662-1007.

by BAXTER TROUTMAN This column is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www.

DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.

CFAN | 11

MITIGATING AND ASSESSING FREEZE DAMAGE IN CITRUS

WHILE FLORIDA IS KNOWN as The Sunshine State, freezing temperatures are not unheard of. The threat of a citrus freeze is ever-present during the winter months, and low temperatures can easily lead to freeze damage in citrus trees. Citrus trees can experience heavy damage to wood, leaves, and fruit when exposed to freezing temperatures, either through a rapid decrease in temperature or an extended duration of freezing temperatures. A recent UF/ IFAS Tip of the Week shared tips for citrus growers for identifying and dealing with freeze damage in citrus trees.

Tips for Freeze Damage in Citrus

First and foremost, the article advised Florida citrus growers to utilize the Florida Automated Weather Network to know when freezing temperatures are possible so that practices that can help stop freeze damage before it starts—like micro-sprinkler irrigation—can be used at the right time. Citrus is relatively cold-hardy, but damage to citrus from cold temperatures can occur in some scenarios. Freeze damage in citrus is most likely to occur when there is a rapid decrease in temperatures or when those freezing temperatures stick around for an extended amount of time.

Once freezing temperatures have come and gone, it’s time to look for signs of freeze damage and remedy that damage as much as possible. The tips maintained that growers should mitigate freeze damage by taking the following steps: • Wait until the spring when the flush is fully expanded and mature to assess damage after a freeze.

• Pruning freeze-damaged branches should take place only after new growth begins and fully develops late in the spring or in the summer.

• The fertilizer rate should be reduced but applied more frequently based on the amount of tree damage until the trees recover to their original canopy size.

• Freeze-damaged trees will lose their leaves; this leads to less transpiration, so the amount of water required should be reduced.

• Assure that weeds are well under control as weeds will compete with citrus trees for water, nutrients, and light, causing undue stress.

• Apply fungicide in May and July to control greasy spot.

Mitigating freeze damage in citrus once it has occurred includes being patient in identifying the extent of the damage done, pruning dead or damaged branches once identified, and helping the trees to avoid stress from disease, pests, and weed competition while meeting the trees’ water and nutrient needs.

by MIKE ROBERTS This column is sponsored by Griffin Fertilizer Co., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Mike Roberts is the Vice President of the Frostproof, Florida-based Griffin Fertilizer Co. Roberts joined the company in November 2011. He has spent the majority of his career in the fertilizer/agchem industry. Roberts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in citrus production from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. For more information, visit griffinfertilizer.com.

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FEATURE | c r o p

Ensuring a Sweet Future Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative’s Patrick Arnold Works to Keep Sugar Industry Sustainable, Eco-friendly

by PAUL CATALA

M

Motorists traveling on county and state roads in South-Central Florida have grown familiar with the dark plumes of smoke emanating from vast acres of sugarcane. But that could change as the practice of burning sugar fields to remove leaves and the tops of plants before harvest is used less and less.

Still, every year from October to May, the burning takes place in some of the more than 400,000 acres of sugarcane fields in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee. But through the efforts of concerned members and employees of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative (SCGC) of Florida, an ongoing effort to make sugarcane farming and harvesting more sustainable is at the forefront.

Helping to lead that sustainability effort is Patrick Arnold, SCGC agriculture technology manager.

The SCGC is an agricultural enterprise taking sugar from cane fields in South Florida to homes, restaurants, and food manufacturing facilities throughout America and internationally.

The co-op is composed of 44 small to medium-sized member farms growing sugarcane on approximately 70,000 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Members

farms are located in Palm Beach, Hendry, Highlands, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.

Based in the SCGC mill and offices in Belle Glade, Arnold is in his 16th year with the co-op. One of his top priorities is staying apprised of new sugarcane production technologies to help the industry become better stewards of the land and commit to farming in a sustainable fashion.

Speaking from his home in Moore Haven – two houses down from where he was raised — Arnold says his position was just created in 2021. He says this role in sugarcane production equipment technology is helping to reduce harvester fuel consumption and lessening the environmental footprints in the fields while increasing profits.

“The biggest majority of that revolves around John Deere’s (agricultural machinery) technology on the new harvesters and tractors. They’re providing us with CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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CFAN | 13

FEATURE | c l o s e u p

Polk County Youth Fair JANUARY 22-28, 2022 | BARTOW photos by TOM HAGERTY

14 | CFAN

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CFAN | 15

GO WHERE THE CUSTOMERS TAKE YOU I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT the best piece of business advice I ever received. It was from a family friend and successful business owner. One day, over a meal, he said, “Go where the customers take you.”

Sometimes the deepest advice comes in the shortest of sentences.

That advice has been valuable throughout my career, but it has become more poignant over the past two years or so.

We’re facing one of those situations now. As you may know, Wal-Mart, with more than $341 billion in sales, is by far the largest grocery store chain in America. Its number of stores is more than three times as many as second-place Kroger and thirdplace Publix.

Recently, Wal-Mart changed some of its notification requirements for its suppliers.

Basically, they wanted to better be able to track its myriad of products from the supplier to the storage warehouse to the distribution center to the store.

It kind of makes sense: I know that, depending on my emotional tie to a package, I watch my Amazon tracking notices like a hawk (and get home as soon as possible when it arrives!).

But why would Wal-Mart require this? Because technology makes it possible.

And technology is one thing we do pretty well.

The way our information systems are set up, we are able to keep close track of products as they enter, are stored, and ultimately, leave our facility. Our reputation — and our clients — depend on it.

So when a client asked if there was a way to help with this new requirement for information on shipments that end at Wal-Mart, we listened.

Listening, of course, is the key.

“No” is the easy answer — after all, the extra work for our IT department to set up the process, as well as the hours of additional training to staff — these are real costs. But instead of the easy answer, we say, “We currently don’t, but I’ll see if we can.”

“No” is an ending. “Let’s see” opens a conversation.

“Let’s see” creates new partners.

“Let’s see” is the first step in going where our customers take us.

FROM THE DESK OF

Dr. Angle

Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP

UF Plant Breeding Program Draws Top Talent to Help Florida Growers A REIGNING BIG TEN CONFERENCE track and field champion is training on the front lawn at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. It’s the only spot at the center where he can throw a javelin 200 feet without spearing a crop or puncturing an irrigation line.

What Mark Porter really wants, though, is to be a gene jock. That’s slang for a molecular biologist. Porter came to the University of Florida because he saw it as the best place to pursue the Ph.D. he needs to be a champion plant breeder.

For at least the next four years, Porter will be working for Dr. Seonghee Lee in Balm on how to develop strawberries that make money for Hillsborough and Polk growers. He’ll search the strawberry genome for clues on what makes sweeter and flavorful berries.

Porter is one of seven budding scientists from around the world who arrived in Florida in August to work with Plant Breeders Working Group faculty in creating Florida crops. They’re the first UF Institute of Food and Agricultural

Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences students whose Ph.Ds. will have a specific plant breeding designation.

They join a UF/IFAS team that has released more than 250 fruit, vegetable, and other plant cultivars in the past decade. The Ph.D. students’ job is to advance the work of your front-line breeders across the state.

The Ph.D. program adds momentum to a plant breeding program that I would argue is already the nation’s finest. It’s got 27 faculty working on more than 50 crops, a royalty stream that has financed state-of-the-art lab facilities, one of the nation’s most robust reinvestment of royalties into research, and a UF artificial intelligence initiative that will give the team better tools and at least three more faculty.

The Ph.D. candidates help researchers take even more shots at identifying the best plants for your fields. For example, GCREC tomato breeder Dr. Sam Hutton’s student will work on building resistance in tomato varieties to prevent CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

by BEN ADAMS, JR. This column is sponsored by Adams Cold Storage, LLC, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Ben Adams, Jr. is an owner and president of Adams Cold Storage, LLC, in Auburndale. He has been directly involved in citrus production, warehousing and distribution, as well as state and community support, since 1980. His facility incorporates some 250,000 square feet of multitemperature warehousing, and is AA rated by BRCGS.

16 | CFAN

Photo by Catherine Wofford, UF/IFAS

FloridaAgNews.com

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CFAN | 17

URGENT HORSE EMERGENCIES EQUINE DISEASES AND INJURIES can cause major issues with your horse’s health, so it’s important to be proactive in preventing and treating problems before they get out of hand. At Polk Equine, we strongly recommend that every horse owner develop a good working relationship with their veterinarian.

Ensuring a Sweet Future continued from page 12

Colic

Colic is a general term for abdominal pain and there are numerous causes such as ulcers, torsions, sand, and impactions. Horses that graze on sandy soil can consume enough sand that it irritates and collects in the colon, causing sand colic. Significant changes in weather can alter the amount of water your horse drinks which can cause dehydration. Whatever the cause, colic needs to be treated immediately.

Signs to watch for include lethargy, diarrhea, dry/tacky gums, pawing, looking at their flanks, and excessive lying down. Banamine is often used as a first step in treatment, but it’s important to remember that it can cover up signs and not actually fix a problem. If you decide to give your horse banamine, let your veterinarian know that you may need them and take all food away from your horse. They should be allowed free access to water. Depending on your horse’s pain level and duration of signs, your vet may need to see the horse to give laxatives and fluids. Severe cases can require surgery.

While most horses that receive prompt treatment survive colic episodes, prevention is key. Adding electrolytes to the water can help encourage drinking, and sweeping the feeder mats can decrease the amount of sand consumed.

Respiratory Problems

Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza are the equine equivalents of the common cold/flu, but they need to be taken seriously so they do not develop into a more severe issue. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), commonly known as “heaves,” is an allergic reaction that worsens the more the animal is exposed to an allergen. It can be hard to distinguish between respiratory causes because the symptoms are similar.

Symptoms that indicate respiratory issues include fever, cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy. A horse with COPD will often develop a “heave line” along the bottom of the belly due to the overworking of the abdominal muscle caused by hard breathing. Call your veterinarian if the symptoms persist past a few days, or if the horse’s temperature goes above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the illness affecting the horse and may involve antibiotics, bronchodilators, corticosteroid drugs, and general supportive care. The best way to prevent respiratory illnesses is to isolate your horses from new horses, provide ample ventilation in a clean stall, and maintain appropriate vaccinations.

Colic and respiratory issues are common complaints and should be addressed without delay.

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY This column is sponsored by Polk Equine, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Katie Hennessy graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 with a degree in large animal health and equine medicine. She completed an advanced internship at The Equine Medical Center of Ocala and is currently the owner and practicing veterinarian at Polk Equine. Her expertise ranges from small and exotic creatures to large animals, specializing in equine medicine.

18 | CFAN

Patrick Arnold

automated systems for cleaning sugarcane with extractor fans, yield monitors and automatic SmartClean machines,” explains Arnold, 43. “On the tractors, they will shift themselves, read the load and acquire set speeds that help with fuel consumption and reducing emissions.”

For the 2021 sugarcane harvest of about 17.1 million tons, Arnold says 27 percent of the crop was cut “green,” meaning it wasn’t burned off.

He says the SCGC is introducing a fleet of 35 to 40 harvesters, some of them contracted, and three-quarters of them set up with the latest harvesting technology. As older harvesters are phased out, he says 32 of the newer machines should be equipped with SmartClean technology.

That innovation provides harvesting cameras and sensors that ultimately lead to adjusting the amount of trash going back into the field or onto the mill wagons.

“Having SmartClean reduces fuel consumption and increases profits in the fields for the growers, bringing down the footprint for us as well,” he says. “It’s a great environmental tool.”

Arnold says the SCGC was formed in the late 1950s when local, private, smallscale farmers got together to make a unified mill capable of producing sugar. He says the idea was to invest in a co-op for “fair pricing” where “everyone had a hand in what was going on at the mill to pro-

vide sugar.”

Currently, the SCGC has sugarcane on about 75,000 acres, with other agriculture growing to push its property to more than 100,000 acres, in addition to acreage provided by brother mills such as U.S. Sugar.

The scope of SCGC in South Florida keeps Arnold circulating about South Florida.

Arnold began his career in the sugar industry in 1998 as a research assistant for Florida Crystals. He then spent from 2001 to 2005 as Glades Sugar Industry Supervisor for PRIDE Enterprises, Belle Glade.

He joined the SCGC in 2005 as a unit supervisor-mapping technician.

Arnold says his role in helping to advance harvesting techniques while monitoring environmental impacts will remain crucial. He says the sugar industry is changing in innovation and data-driven programs – both in the field and the factory.

“It’s becoming a high-tech job where we’re looking at all sorts of data and learning from it to make better decisions whether environmental things or farming or processing,” he says. “Because we’re made of member-growers, all of us are in the same boat. We want to make a living ourselves, but we also want to have this legacy for our kids to be able to farm land and be productive in the farming industry in the future.” ag FloridaAgNews.com

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Alafia River Rendezvous JANUARY 12-23, 2022 | HOMELAND photos by VENUS SANSOM

20 | CFAN

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Lear n More

AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER Ripe for the Picking

by GRACE HIRDES

STRAWBERRY SEASON MIGHT JUST BE ONE of our favorite seasons! We can’t wait to get out in the fields and get enough strawberries to make our jams, jellies, and favorite fruit salads plus pick enough to put in the freezer for later. So if you’re one of those strawberry lovers who is planning on heading to the field, here are a few basics you’ll need to know.

BEFORE YOU GO The most important thing you should remember is to always call before you go to the farm. Strawberries are affected by weather more than most crops, and when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon.

You’ll also want to prepare accurately before you leave. Be sure to pack your own containers for picking and storing your strawberries as well as a drink and snack. You’ll also want to bring a hat or sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt and closed-toe shoes is also a good idea.

HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE The million-dollar question once you get there is how many should you pick? U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound so it’s good to know that one pound of fresh strawberries is about two-thirds of a quart. If the berries are reasonably plentiful, it usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart. So figure out how many you will need for your baking needs, and 22 | CFAN

be careful not to overpick! Strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and they only last a couple of days in the refrigerator. If you have any extra, you can easily freeze any berries that you can’t immediately use. To freeze, just was the berries, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. You can find vacuum food sealers at your local grocery store, and they make saving and stories berries simple! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.

IS IT RIPE? Once you get to the field, how do you know if you’re picking the right strawberries? Are they ripe enough? Are they too ripe? How can you tell? Use these simple tips to pick the perfect berries every time.

Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue to ripen after they are picked! It is important to choose plump and firm strawberries.

Look for plump berries. If the berries are starting to look “dry” or shriveled, they are getting old.

If you have ever wondered how to tell if a strawberry is ripe, all you have to do is look at the tip of the strawberry. If the tip is completely red, the strawberry is ready to eat.

If you’re taking a shortcut and picking up berries at your local store, make sure to check for fresh, green leaves. After the berries are picked, the green leaves will start to dry and wilt. Fresh, green leaves mean that the berries are fresh, too.

Check the size! Weather and growing conditions can affect the size of strawberries. Smaller berries are often sweeter, but bigger berries are delicious, too!

HOW TO PICK A STRAWBERRY PROPERLY It’s important to pick your strawberry correctly in order to prevent damage to the fruit. Once you see a berry your would like, grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

Once the stem is broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand. Repeat this process until you have about three to four berries in your hand. Next, carefully place the berries in your container and repeat the process until you have enough strawberries. Be careful not to overfill your containers as that will mash and bruise the berries.

PICKING ETIQUETTE When you go strawberry picking, remember that u-pick is likely how the farmer earns a living.

Be courteous. The plants can be damaged and crushed by careless feet, so be careful not to step on either the plants or strawberries. Be gentle with the strawberry plants, and use a careful hand to spread the foliage while looking for strawberries. Be careful to pick only fully ripe strawberries. Picking and then discarding partially ripe strawberries means that the farmer takes the loss. Making a mistake comes with the territory, but excessive carelessness can cost the farmer a lot of revenue. ag FloridaAgNews.com

ag-rec e t a d p

a d i r Flo myfwc.com/news/all-news/otw-turkey-222/

U

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Latest on Wild Turkey Management THERE’S SOMETHING AWE-INSPIRING about turkey hunting on a spring morning in Florida.

Maybe it’s the freshness of the early morning darkness. Or the rowdy chorus of birdlife at dawn.

The most likely explanation for what makes it so special, though, is hearing the gobble of a wild turkey booming across the landscape! For those of you who yearn for that experience, you don’t have long to wait. The season dates are as follows on lands outside of the wildlife management area system: • South of State Road 70: March 5 – April 10 • North of State Road 70: March 19 – April 24 While many wildlife management areas require a quota permit, there are over 40 that don’t. Before heading to a WMA you want to hunt, carefully review its regulations brochure. Some WMAs require a quota permit for a portion of their season while a daily quota permit issued from the check station is needed at others. In addition, area season dates, bag limits, shooting hours and other rules may vary from statewide seasons and other WMAs. Find a list of no-quota permit WMA hunting opportunities at MyFWC.com/Turkey and click on “2022 Spring Turkey Hunt Guide.”

Florida also has two Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Weekends, which are available to youth 15 years old and younger who are supervised by an adult.

• South of State Road 70: Feb. 26-27 SHOWTIMES: Sat and&Sun Sat Sun Noon and 1 pm

• North of State Road 70: March 12-13 Youth hunt weekends occur on many WMAs and on lands outside of the WMA system. Learn more and find places to hunt by visiting MyFWC. com/Turkey and clicking on “Youth Turkey Hunt Weekends.”

Working for the Wild Turkey

Florida is home to two subspecies of wild turkey — the eastern and the Osceola or Florida wild turkey. The Osceola occurs only on the Florida peninsula, which makes the Sunshine State a popular destination for turkey hunters looking to complete a slam. Learn more about completing a slam at NWTF.org, by clicking on “Hunting,” then “Turkey Records” in the dropdown menu and “About Slams” button.

To ensure healthy wild turkey populations throughout Florida and provide sustainable hunting opportunities, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) wild turkey management program continues to work on several objectives outlined in the strategic management plan including monitoring wild turkey abundance and distribution and improving wild turkey habitat on public lands.

Wild turkey hunters have been and continue to be important advocates of Florida’s wild turkey management program. Revenue from the turkey permit required to hunt wild turkeys in

Florida (unless exempt) helps fund wild turkey research and management. Hunters also provide information through surveys and other wild turkey monitoring efforts and give their input during the rulemaking process for statewide and WMA hunting opportunities. The following summaries outline the progress FWC is making with support from turkey hunters.

Monitoring Wild Turkey Populations

The FWC relies on several methods to monitor wild turkey populations in Florida. Using harvest information and comparing it to hunter effort is an important way for biologists in Florida and throughout the country to monitor population trends. For over 30 years, the FWC has conducted an annual survey after spring turkey season to get a better understanding of turkey hunter effort, success and satisfaction. In 2020, the FWC replaced its traditional mail-in survey with a more efficient phone survey to get a higher response rate, more timely results and better accuracy because the survey is conducted immediately after turkey season to allow for improved hunter recall. The Wild Turkey Hunting Status Reports for 2020 and 2021, which show estimates for turkey hunter numbers, hunter-days afield, turkey harvested, hunter satisfaction and more, are available at MyFWC.com/Turkey. ag

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CFAN | 23

F E B R U A RY — M A R C H 2 0 2 2 OCTOBER 21, 2021 – MAY 5, 2022 POLK COUNTY VISITOR CENTER FLEA AND FARMERS MARKET

Every Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Central Florida Visitor Information Center (CFVIC) in Davenport hosts a Flea and Farmers Market. Lots of vendors will be on hand offering fresh, local produce, beautiful arts and crafts, unique jewelry, home goods, and more. This is a great way for visitors to get a taste of genuine Florida fare while picking up discounted attraction tickets and souvenirs. CFVIC is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport. If you need more information or would like to become a vendor, please contact Dennis Budde at (863) 4202586 or email Dennis@visitcentralflorida.org.

FEBRUARY 17 & 24 • AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

This two-day Zoom webinar covers a variety of topics for understanding the processes of running an agricultural business. Luis Rodriguez Rosado, Small Farms and Pesticide Education Agent for Polk County, will be presenting the information. The sessions will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register for this free presentation by visiting www.eventbrite.com and searching for “Agricultural Business Workshop.”

FEBRUARY 22 – 24 • UF FLAVOR SUMMIT – VIRTUAL EVENT

After last year’s postponement due to COVID-19, the University of Florida is excited to be hosting the 2022 Flavor Summit – Industry Perspectives online! Industry professionals are invited to learn about the science behind flavor with this virtual event. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center and the UF Center for Smell and Taste are co-hosting the event.

For more information on registration and the special evening social kickoff to the conference, please visit www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/flavorsummit/.

MARCH 5 SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO

This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd in River Ranch. Enjoy the antics of cowpokes and bronco busters as they show off their skills trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more.

Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.”

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.westgateresorts.com.

FEBRUARY 12 & 26, MARCH 12 & 26 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.

FEBRUARY 26 DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS CURB MARKET

FEBRUARY 25 • PRIVATE APPLICATOR TRAINING CLASS

After last year’s postponement due to COVID-19, the University of Florida is excited to be hosting the 2022 Flavor Summit – Industry Perspectives online! Industry professionals are invited to learn about the science behind flavor with this virtual event. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center and the UF Center for Smell and Taste are co-hosting the event.

For more information on registration and the special evening social kickoff to the conference, please visit www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/flavorsummit/.

FEBRUARY 25 – 27 This vibrant, eclectic market brings the community JEEPIN’ WITH JUDD together every Saturday in Downtown Lakeland with fresh, local produce, live plants, and a variety of hot foods and handcrafted wares. It is located on the 200 block of N Kentucky Ave in Lakeland from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday (except in August) and is a production of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Learn more at www. downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org.

24 | CFAN

Join the fun with Sheriff Grady Judd and 2,200 Jeeps at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow! Participant entry tickets are all sold out, but you can still take part as a spectator for FREE and purchase General Raffle tickets on site for all kinds of jeep-related accessories and memorabilia. Proceeds from the event will benefit Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. For more information, please visit www.jeepinwithjudd.com.

MARCH 3 – 13 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Come out and enjoy the best strawberry shortcake around at this beloved annual festival! Hillsborough County celebrates its bountiful strawberry harvests with headline entertainment including The Beach Boys, Lady A, Boyz II Men, and The Oak Ridge Boys, youth livestock shows, exhilarating rides, and informative exhibits. The Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds are located at 2209 W Oak Ave in Plant City. Tickets start at $4, and tickets for the concerts vary. You can find complete details online at www. flstrawberryfestival.com.

FloridaAgNews.com

C A L E N DA R

MARCH 8 • LUNCH & LEARN: FLORIDA GARDENING FOR SNOWBIRDS & NEW RESIDENTS

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and Haines City Water Utilities are collaborating on this in-person class to offer valuable information for new and part-time residents of the Sunshine State about gardening and landscaping in Florida. Seating is limited and lunch is provided for pre-registered participants, so sign up now at www.gardeningforsnowbirdsmarch2022.eventbrite.com.

MARCH 10 • PUPS & PINTS

Every second Thursday of the month you can take your favorite canine with you to enjoy a large selection of beer and enter a raffle to win a gift basket. Sponsored

by Orchid Springs Animal Hospital and held at Union Taproom, located at 245 W Central Ave #102 in Winter Haven, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (863) 268-4921 for more information.

AG COMMUNITY TAKES CARE OF ITS OWN THE 75TH POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR has come and gone, but it certainly is not forgotten! We started with the national anthem and the Lord’s Prayer, and we were blessed with a safe and successful event!

We don’t have the final auction totals yet but the sale prices will exceed $1 million. The week’s sales involved plants, hogs, and steers.

The record-breaking highlight of the sale was selling the steer that was owned by Todd Donley, who left us too soon. Todd was born on August 19, 2004, and he was recently killed in a tragic auto accident.

When there is a tragedy of this nature, the agriculture community never fails to come together to support the families.

Ranchers, farmers, and business professionals from auto dealers, insurance companies, and funeral homes contributed to the purchase of Todd’s steer. These are the people who support our community, so remember to support them, too. Once Polk County Youth Fair tallies are finalized, supporters will be easily identifiable.

Initial numbers indicate we raised $45 per pound for the steer — by far the highest-selling steer I have ever sold in my 40 years of selling at the Polk County Youth Fair. This money will go a long way in helping the family through this tragedy.

The Polk County Youth fair is one of the largest fairs of its kind in the state of Florida. We have some 500 youth projects, involving everything from baking, sewing, photography, horticulture, and even horsemanship. This fair hosts no midway rides. It is entirely made up of youth projects.

Again, the auction method of selling allows the community to express in real dollars what the youth have accomplished. The Leadership skills that are developed by the program are second to none. The youth coming through this program go on to be the best doctors, vets, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and political leaders. They are the best of the best. I’m proud of every one of them!

Americans will always rise to take care of their own and step up in a time of need.

I’m only sorry that we could not broadcast this event nationwide. Our politicians need to understand what Americans are really like.

They need to respect our rights and realize that we don’t need all of their regulations and interference from Washington, D.C. Our Christian heritage-based society really works. When you see Christain Americans come together, as a community, it is a wonderful thing.

Till next time, God bless!

See you at the auction!

by MARTY HIGGENBOTHAM MARCH 12 • SPRING OBSESSION

The 19th annual celebration of garden, art, and music will be held for a second year at lovely Lake Crago Park, located at 525 Lake Crago Dr in Lakeland, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Presented by the Lakeland Rotary Club, the family- and dog-friendly event will feature tons of plants for sale, plus garden art, prize drawings, plant seminars, a fun children’s area, and tasty BBQ. Proceeds benefit the new “Know and Grow” program in Polk County public schools. For more information, please visit www.springobsession.org.

FloridaAgNews.com

This column is sponsored by Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Marty Higgenbotham, founder and president of Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., has conducted approximately 12,000 auctions, selling everything from cemetery lots to shopping centers and everything in between.

He graduated from Reisch Auction College in 1959. Since then, he has sold in 49 states and five foreign countries. Clients include Wal-Mart, Albertson, Sinclair, AutoZone, HUD, and the states of Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Florida, to name a few. He lives with his wife in Lakeland.

CFAN | 25

Recipe Spotlight

Berries Are Perfect for Breakfast, Bark, So Much More

by CAROL CORLEY

O

ONE OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE DESSERTS, strawberry shortcake, has a tie to literature — Shakespeare, actually. Does anyone remember Alice Shortcake in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (1602)?

Shortcake was found in an English cookbook dated 1588, and “short” is actually a 16th Century English word not referring to height, but meaning crisp. Early English shortcakes were a crisp, crumbly cake like a biscuit or cookie.

And then the Americans got ahold of it, about mid-1800s. At that time, it was made with a heavy pastry similar to a pie crust, which was filled with mashed strawberries and frosted. French pastry chefs added heavy whipped cream as a topping in the early 1900s. Today’s recipes tend to have a base of biscuit or sponge cake.

There are many ways to enjoy strawberry shortcake, and in Florida, it might just become the official state dessert — something the Florida Senate backed unanimously. ag

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

(Adapted from globalkitchentravels.com)

Strawberry Ingredients Strawberries, 5 cups hulled and quartered Sugar, 2/3 cup Biscuit Ingredients Flour, 3 cups all-purpose Sugar 1/2 cup Baking powder, 4 teaspoons Salt, 3/4 teaspoon Butter, 1-1/2 sticks cold and cut into small pieces

Eggs, 2 large Heavy cream, 1/2 cup Vanilla extract, 1-1/4 teaspoon pure Cream Ingredients: Heavy cream, 1-2/3 cups Powdered sugar, 2-1/2 tablespoons

Directions In advance, toss together strawberries and sugar and let them sit while preparing the biscuits.

For biscuits, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla. Cut butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, butter should be the size of small peas. Add egg-cream mixture and blend until just combined.

Have a baking sheet ready, lined with parchment paper, and sprayed with non-stick spray. While that sits, take a 1/4-1/2 cup measuring cup sprayed with non-stick spray and fill with batter, dropping the mixture on a baking sheet in mounds, one for each biscuit. Bake for 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 375F and allow to cool. The size of the measuring cup will depend on the size of the biscuit desired.

Pour cream ingredients into an electric mixer bowl, mix for 2 minutes, then add sugar and mix until desired whipped cream consistency.

Assemble shortcakes by placing a biscuit on a plate, topping with whipped cream and strawberries, top with another biscuit, and a bit of whipped cream.

STRAWBERRY-CHOCOLATE GREEK YOGURT BARK

(Adapted from eatingwell.com)

Ingredients Strawberries, 1-2/3 cups fresh, sliced Greek yogurt, 3 cups whole milk, plain

Maple syrup, pure, or honey, 1/4 cup Chocolate chips, 1/3 cup mini Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon pure

Directions Mix together yogurt, sweetener of choice, and vanilla, spread into a 10-x-15-inch rectangle on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread on top the sliced strawberries and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm then cut into 32 pieces.

26 | CFAN

FloridaAgNews.com

CREAMY STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST BAKE

(Adapted from tasteofhome.com)

Ingredients Strawberries, 3 cups fresh, sliced Sugar, 2-1/2 tablespoons Confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup Cream cheese, 8 oz softened Cinnamon bread, 1 loaf cut into bite-sized pieces Eggs, 5 large Half-and-half cream, 1 cup Whipped cream sweetened, as desired Orange zest, 1-1/2 tablespoon grated Orange juice, 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract, 1-1/4 teaspoon pure Directions Take 2 cups of sliced strawberries and toss with sugar. In a separate bowl, beat until smooth the cream cheese, confectioner sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

Place half the cubed bread in a 13x9-inch greased baking dish, spoon cream cheese mixture over the top, layer with remaining bread and strawberry mixture.

Take eggs and cream and whisk together until blended, then pour over the top.

Refrigerate overnight, covered.

The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and bake uncovered in an oven preheated to 350F, about 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then serve topped with whipped cream and remaining strawberries.

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CFAN | 27

In The Heartland Heart-

Highlands County

Agriculture Tours Offer a Glimpse of the Real Florida

W

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS correspondent

WHEN YOU THINK OF FLORIDA, you may think of citrus. In Highlands County, we live among the many orange groves. We are the thirdto fourth-largest citrus-producing county in the state, depending on the year. We are also an agricultural county. Ranches, dairies, sod and tree farms, and ornamental nurseries dot the landscape.

We drive by them every day on our daily tasks and they mostly go unnoticed. Some of them are on the back roads of our rural county and rarely seen. If you love farming and are an inquisitive person, you now have a chance to see the inner-workings of our county’s finest industries.

UF/IFAS Extension, Highlands County has been offering Agriculture tours for some time.

Those who attend are always pleasantly surprised at the day’s activities. A favorite of all is the ribeye steak lunches that we cook for them. Usually, the setting is a ranch, Kissimmee River, or a view of Highlands County’s largest lake, Istokpoga. Stops include all types of agriculture ventures. This year we have one tour to offer, and we expect it to sell out quickly.

This tour will be on March 17 and is considered our south horticulture tour. We first stop at Windmill Farms, a 100-acre grower of flowering perennials that are shipped throughout the United States. They grow about 5 million plants annually, so you may have bought their plants at any number of stores across Florida and the southeast. We then head to the southern end of our county to Duda Farms, where they explain the process behind

28 | CFAN

growing sod in their Lake Placid location. They also speak about their other South Florida ventures such as their large vegetable growing operations.

We then take you to fourth-generation caladium farmers Bates, Sons, and Daughters. You’ll tour their barn and learn about their business that farms field caladiums and sell pre-finished potted caladiums. You’ll then be taken to Windy Point Park near the shores of Lake Istokpoga, Florida’s fifth-largest freshwater lake. There you’ll be served your ribeye steak lunch. After lunch, we’ll learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and the nine principles that keep your yard healthy while protecting our waterways and ecosystems.

We’ll finish the day at one of Highlands County’s best-kept secrets, the Secret Garden Winery and Farm. A family-owned and -operated winery and event destination where we can learn about their business and still have time to browse their shop.

We look forward to spending the day with you.

To reserve your spot on the Ag Tour, call the Extension office at (863) 402-6540. The cost is $75 per seat.

About the author: David Austin is the UF/IFAS Horticulture Agent for Highlands County. You can follow him on Facebook at his Hometown Gardener page or email him at davidaustin@ufl.edu. ag

FloridaAgNews.com

A benefit for the Foundation’s new Polk County Mobile Medical Clinic Program

al u n n a 11th

PRESENTED BY ANONYMOUS

97.5 WPCV Adamson + CO., P.A. Air Care Team Arrive Alive Traffic Control, LLC Bartow Ford Company Bernie Little Distributors Central Florida Ag News Central Florida Exteriors Chevrolet Center, Inc. The Deplorables Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance Haven Magazine Henkelman Construction, Inc. The Irredeemables Jerue Companies Eric And Cady Johnson KEGEL Kelley Buick GMC L.H. Travis, Inc.

LowPaymentKings.com powered by Mahalak Auto Group McEnany Roofing, Inc. Mixon Family Foundation Oakley Transport, Inc. Olson Construction, Inc. SabCon Underground Scared Hitless SouthState Bank The Story Companies Thielen Environmental Today & Tonight Magazine Travis Resmondo Sod Tucker Paving, Inc. Wauchula State Bank Whitehead Construction Winter Haven Hospital The Winter Haven Sun

SUPPORTING SPONSORS Andy Thornal Company - Allen Wyatt Polk Sporting Clays Eric Bachnik Prince & Sons, Inc. Dunson Groves Victor Smith Law Group, P.A.

For more information on how to sponsor or participate in next year’s Shooter Showdown: (863) 292-4138 or whhfoundation@baycare.org

FEATURE | b u s i n e s s

Spotlight on Small Farmers

New Micro Farm Crop Insurance Now Available

by MATT COBBLE

T

THE DAWN OF 2022 is bringing new hope for farmers. As of January 31, farmers or ranchers with $100,000 or less in annual revenue may be eligible for the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) new Micro Farm Crop Insurance.

The Micro Farm insurance plan gives farmers protection for all commodities on their farm, all covered with one insurance policy. This insurance plan is geared toward any farm with less than $100,000 in approved revenue, including farms with specialty or organic commodities (both crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identity preserved, specialty, or direct markets.

According to RMA, eligibility for Micro Farm coverage requires that a grower or rancher: • Be eligible to receive federal benefits; • Be a U.S. citizen or resident; • File either a Schedule F tax form or other farm tax form that can be converted to a Substitute Schedule F for 2019 through 2021; • Have no more than $100,000 of approved revenue; and • Have no more than 50 percent of total revenue from commodities purchased for resale.

Research conducted by RMA indicates that 85 percent of producers who sell their products locally have gross sales totaling $75,000 or less, making them eligible to take advantage of this new insurance product.

According to the University of Florida, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises, 90 percent of Florida’s farming operations are classified as small farms, estimated to be more than 40,000 farming

30 | CFAN

operations. This was determined by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) qualification of a small farm as having less than $250,000 in total sales. With this in mind, while not every socalled small farm will qualify for the Micro Farm policies, the majority of Florida’s farming operations should meet the guidelines.

As with most crop insurance, Micro Farm coverage provides protection against the loss of insured revenue due to unavoidable natural causes that occur during the insurance period.

Micro Farm protects a farming operations against the loss of revenue earned, or expected to earn, from: • All commodities on the farm (except for timber, forest, and forest products; and animals for sport, show, or pets).

• Commodities produced during the insurance period, whether or not those commodities are sold.

• Commodities bought for resale during the insurance period.

Micro Farm “insured revenue” is the total amount of insurance coverage provided by this policy. Your crop insurance agent and Approved Insurance Provider determine the farm’s “approved revenue” using the following information: • Whole-Farm History Report; • Farm Operation Report; and

• The coverage level you choose (50-85 percent) multiplied by the approved revenue is the insured revenue amount.

A major difference between most policies and the Micro Farm coverage is that the Micro Farm policies allow for market readiness and post-production operations, like canning, freezing, or other processing activities, to be included in the allowable revenue when calculating coverage. This was meant to simplify the paperwork needed for the smaller farming operations the policy was intended for. However, any revenues from other sources, such as souvenirs or bottled water, would need to be excluded from this calculation.

Other benefits available within the Micro Farm policies include: • Coverage Levels: All coverage levels will be available to producers using Micro Farm. This will enable producers to purchase the 80% and 85% coverage levels without providing additional paperwork.

• Underwriting and Recordkeeping Requirements: Micro Farm minimizes underwriting and recordkeeping requirements, and producers will not have to report expenses and individual commodities.

• Prices and Yields: Commodities are not assigned individual prices under Micro Farm.

Instead, one value for all commodities on your farm operation is established based on the average allowable revenue of the previous three years.

Micro Farm is available for the 2022 crop year.

Sales closing dates are January 31, February 28, or March 15 depending on the producer’s county. ag

FloridaAgNews.com

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Offices in Frostproof, 863-635-2281, and LaBelle, 863-675-7444 _______________________________________ Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc. Citrus, peaches, eucalyptus, bamboo, etc.

863-635-1948 • info@rucksnursery.com ruckscitrusnursery.com • floridagrownspecialties.com _______________________________________

ANIMAL SERVICES _______________________________________ Quality Veterinary Care for your Horses and Cattle POLK EQUINE - (863) 287-8413 PolkEquine.com

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FARMING INNOVATION LLC Hedging and Topping of Blueberries, Peaches, and Olives.

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Ring Power Corporation Special Financing Rate - 0% for 60 months, $0 down.

(888) 748-7464 • CatRentalStore.com _______________________________________ • Irrigation Services of Central Florida Ag irrigation is our specialty, Jimmy Durden, Irrigation Specialist - (863) 875-5722. _______________________________________ Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Throughout Central Florida!

24/7 Claims Reporting Toll Free (866) 275-7322 floridafarmbureau.com _______________________________________ Garrison Property Services We’re the Key to Making Life Easy for You! Real Estate, Lawn Care, Pest Control, and more! 863-439-6550 GarrisonPropertyServices.com _______________________________________ AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT - Lake & Pond Maintenance - Permitting - Re-Vegetation Manual & Mechanical Removal (863) 412-1919 • waterweed1@aol.com _______________________________________ ADVANTAGE HEDGING & TOPPING We care for citrus, peach avocado, mango trees and more. Hedging, mowing, topping, trimming right of ways, heavy equipment transport. 863-557-0424

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CONCEALED CARRY GUN SAFETY COURSES -starting at just $40.00 per person. Call (863) 655-1010 to register for the next class. Tell ‘em AgNews sent ya.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ______________________________________________________________ My Payroll Solutions LLC has over 20 years of experience in matching small businesses, Agriculture Companies and harvesters to staffing services and employee leasing companies, which provide payroll services with workers comp coverage and assistance with H2A applications for our clients. For more information contact Jeff H Futch at 863-835-1130.

HIRING!

Ag News magazine is looking for a creative, outgoing, and organized person to represent our brand and our suite of advertising products. If you love the rural lifestyle and the ag community and are a charming and/or persuasive salesperson who could sell sawdust to a lumber mill, we want to meet you. We’re looking for someone with integrity who truly cares about their customers.

If that’s you, please send an introductory letter and your resume to Nelson@CentralFloridaMediaGroup.com

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CFAN | 31

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FIELDSEQUIP.COM CFAN | 33

AgriNEWS

A More Environmentally Friendly Way to Control Strawberry Pests

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent

T

THERE’S GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS as we near the height of the strawberry growing season. University of Florida scientists have found a way to better control the chilli thrips that can make strawberries virtually unmarketable – and it means using fewer pesticides.

Florida growers produce about 11,000 acres of the fruit each season. With the new, biological control method, farmers could save up to 5,000 gallons a year in pesticides that would otherwise be used on the crop, said Sriyanka Lahiri, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of entomology.

While pesticides kill thrips, they also can destroy predatory mites, pollinators and other beneficial insects, which can result in a pest resurgence and thus, less fruit yield. As a substitute for pesticides, Lahiri’s new research points toward using mites to control the thrips (a bug).

In recent years, chilli thrips have caused significant economic damage to strawberries. It feeds on plant tissues and reduces fruit size, leaving farmers with far fewer strawberries to sell.

But the news from Lahiri’s lab comes at an optimal time. Most strawberry growers have planted their fruit for this season.

The strawberry season comes to a peak in January and ends in early March across a huge swath of western and central Florida – mostly in the Tampa Bay region.

In newly published research, UF/IFAS entomologists found that a biopesticide and the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii can more effectively control chilli thrips than using traditional pesticides. With the treatments, scientists saw little damage to the strawberries.

Specifically, Lahiri, a faculty member at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, put thrips on a UF/IFAS-bred ‘Florida Radiance’ strawberry plant. Then, she sprayed the biopesticide and added predatory mites and saw less fruit damage because the biopesticide and mites eliminated most of the thrips.

“This is especially relevant for organic strawberry production, because there are very few effective tools to manage thrips that are also certified to be used in organic production,” said Lahiri. About one-third of the strawberries cultivated in Florida are organic. ag

Sign up

for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.

For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.

To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas. ufl.edu/extension/events

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

34 | CFAN

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There When You Need Us!

Polk Equine provides large animal veterinary services within parts of Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties in Florida. Polk Equine works with horses, cattle, goats and sheep. Our primary task is to solve our client’s animal medical problems by maintaining the highest standards in veterinary medicine.

Polk Equine is a mobile unit that provides services in:

General Medicine & After Hours Care Lameness • Reproduction Digital X-Rays Dr. Katie Hennessy, DVM Dr.Hennessy@polkequine.com Ophthalmology Dentistry

Call Us Today! We Come to You! Polk Equine services 24 hour emergency calls for clients. Normal business hours are: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. We look forward to hearing from you!

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CFAN | 35

R E N

A F F

R O C

P

Polk FFA Starts the Year Off Right

by JESSICA ANDERSON

POLK COUNTY FFA FEDERATION has been extremely busy since returning in January from a much-needed holiday break. January started with the county Livestock Judging contest where middle and high school students gathered at Bartow High School to practice their livestock evaluation skills on bulls, steers, lamb, and swine. Many schools and teams are preparing for the state livestock judging contest that will occur in a few short weeks. The results of our county contest on January 13 at Bartow High School are as follows:

High School First place: Haines City A team Second place: Bartow Senior A team Third place: Lake Gibson A team High Individual for high school students was Cody Metzker from Lake Gibson High Schools Middle School

First place: Frostproof Middle A team Second place: Winter Haven Christian Middle Third place: Westwood Middle High Individual for middle school students was Hunter Brantley from Frostproof Middle Congratulations to our livestock judging students! We wish you all the best as you proceed to the next round of competition!

Florida FFA held the district round of career and leadership development events on January 25. Polk County falls in District 8 (out of 12 total districts statewide) for Florida FFA and held these events at Kingsford Elementary in Mulberry where tractor driving, creed speaking, and parliamentary procedure among other events had students battling to earn the top spot. Students had to qualify in first place in their respective sub-district round of competition to be eligible to join us at the district event. The students earning first place at the district event are those who will be one of the top 12 in the state event for Florida FFA. The results of our district events and those students who will be representing our district in the state contests are below.

Tractor Driving First place: Joseph Shelton, Bartow Senior FFA Second place: Wyatt Renfro, Auburndale Senior FFA Opening and Closing Ceremonies First place: Frostproof Middle FFA • Second place: Kathleen Middle FFA Creed Speaking First place: Clayton Keene, Lake Wales Senior FFA Second place: Haylie Stephens, Kathleen Middle FFA Prepared Speaking Middle School First place: McKenzie Woodruff, Dundee Ridge Middle FFA Second place: Leland Legos, Westwood Middle FFA Prepared Speaking High School First place: Reanna Brown, Haines City Senior FFA Second place: Mykaela Billingsley, Auburndale Senior FFA

Extemporaneous Speaking Middle School First place: Elizabeth Young, McLaughlin Middle FFA Second place: Kyle Sereno, Westwood Middle FFA Extemporaneous Speaking High School First place: Dustina Garcia, Haines City Senior FFA Second place: Brooke Butler, George Jenkins Senior FFA Parliamentary Procedure Middle School First place: Bartow Middle FFA Parliamentary Procedure High School First place: George Jenkins Senior FFA Second place: Fort Meade Senior FFA Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work up to this point in the competition. We are excited to see some of the names mentioned above to bring the state title back to Polk County!

We are also very appreciative of our volunteers and supporters who help to organize and prepare these competitive events for our students and also those that serve in a judge capacity. Without a community to support agricultural education, these types of events would be nearly impossible to put together for our students. We recognize the hard work and dedication these individuals provide and we thank you! ag

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UF Plant Breeding Program continued from page 16

the emergence of any potential future strains of fusarium wilt. All seven will get the training and the Florida industry focus to prepare them for careers breeding solutions to Florida farmers’ challenges.

Our breeders have long had Ph.D. students, of course, in horticultural sciences, agronomy and other disciplines. The new plant breeding curriculum offers specialized instruction and research in creating cultivars. Employers sifting through resumes look specifically for degrees in plant breeding. So do students looking for degree programs.

Porter was on the cusp of accepting an offer at another land-grant university. If UF/IFAS had not offered the degree specifically in plant breeding, Porter says, he and his javelin and his ambition to help farmers through science would likely have gone to another state.

The UF/IFAS program has few peers in the nation. UC Davis, for example, does not offer a plant breeding Ph.D., nor does Penn State, where Porter studied as an undergrad.

Our edge is your edge. Better breeding will help the Florida fruit and vegetable industry keep ahead of your global competitors in agriculture.

Porter still has a year of eligibility left to compete in athletics, and he hopes to participate in his first Gator track and field meet on March 31 in Gainesville. Because he’s so far from campus, he trains in isolation at GCREC. Throw, walk 200 feet, retrieve, throw again.

Porter can throw on almost any day that he has the energy left after working with his most important teammates—other graduate students and scientists in Lee’s lab—in the greenhouse, the field, or the lab.

Any day except one. The field is off-limits to him on Florida Ag Expo Day in November. I expect the field will be full of your trucks, and I don’t want to have to explain to you why there’s a javelin through your windshield. ag

Editor’s Last Word

Help Is On the Way After Record Freeze

JESSICA McDONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

FLORIDA AGRICULTURE HAS FACED ITS SHARE of setbacks, and the recent freeze certainly didn’t help. At the tail end of January, a strong cold front brought prolonged record-breaking freezing temperatures and wind that damaged crops. While it was initially thought the state had not suffered any damage, reports of damage later emerged.

Since the freeze, the state has been coordinating with counties, agricultural producers, and others in the agricultural industry to assess the damage and deliver aid.

Officials from the Department of Economic Opportunity visited counties that were affected, touring crop damage and meeting with producers to discuss recovery challenges.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order 22-27 to provide assistance to impacted counties. That order allowed certain size and weight restrictions to be waived in order to quickly transport emergency equipment, supplies, personnel, or agricultural food commodities and citrus.

On Feb. 8, DeSantis requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture issue a Disaster Declaration for counties that suffered losses. He also activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to better evaluate the fallout from the freeze.

Any Florida producer who suffered damage is urged to participate in the survey. You can do this online at https://floridadisaster.biz/ BusinessDamageAssessments. ag

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