Central Florida Ag News July 2021

www.FloridaAgNews.com

vol 12 | issue 1 | july 2021

The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region

cıtrus report ANNUAL

2021 SEASON RECAP GROWERS UPBEAT DESPITE FAMILIAR CHALLENGES

CUPS RUNNETH OVER MIXON BROTHERS’ TREES THRIVE UNDER SCREENS

GETTING IT RIGHT

GRIFFIN FERTILIZER PROMOTES 4RS, NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP

FLORIDA ROOTS

LARRY BLACK RECEIVES CITRUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Permit No.FL 335 TAMPA, PERMIT #2118 Lakeland, Fl. PAID PAID

PRESORT STD PRSRT STD U.S. Postage US POSTAGE

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CFAN | 1

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www.Flo

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CONTENTS | j u l y 2 0 2 1

| issue

1 | july

ews.com

2021

The Vo ice of Ag ricul

ture fo r Our Re gion

On the Cover cıtrus ANNUAL

July marks the end of the 2020-2021 Florida citrus season, and for some growers, it’s been a season of both surprises and challenges. While there was a possible ray of positive news late in the season, there are long-term issues the industry continues to battle. We talked with growers to find out how they fared this season.

CUPS RU While growers throughout the report OVER NNETH 2021 SE state battle citrus greening, there ASON R GETTING ECAP IT RIGHT are at least two growers who are giddy with excitement as FLORIDA ROOTS their crop matures. It may not be a matter of how the Mixon brothers are growing their crop that gives them the edge. Rather, it’s a matter of where. The answer: under cover. Read more on page 20. photo by JOHN MAGEE GROWER S UPBEAT FAMILIA R CHALLE DESPITE NGES

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.

12 ANNUAL CITRUS REPORT

vol 12

FloridaA

MIXON BROTHE RS’ TREES THRIVE UNDER SCREENS

GRIFFIN FERTILIZE 4RS, NU TRIENT R PROMOTES STEWARD SHIP

LARRY BLA CK REC CITRUS ACHIEVE EIVES MENT AW ARD

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CFAN |

14 GETTING IT RIGHT WITH THE 4RS

In elementary school, children are taught the 3 R’s — reading, writing and ’rithmetic. But in agriculture, it’s the 4Rs that are important – the right source, right rate, right time and right place. Some of the top names in ag met with influencer “The Farm Babe” to discuss the 4Rs and spread awareness.

18 FLORIDA ROOTS

For Larry Black, Florida citrus isn’t just a career, it’s a culture he’s been entrenched in since birth. Black, the general manager of Polk County’s Peace River Packing Co., was recently named as the recipient of the Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award. With a long family history in citrus, spanning five generations in the Fort Meade area, he has been personally involved with the industry for most of his life.

Gardening Tips for JULY SUPER h s i Ban ickets BIO Ask About

Mole Cr

1

Departments 5 Publisher’s Letter 7 President’s Letter 9 Signs of the Season 10 Calendar 16 Angle’s Letter 22 Ag-Rec 23 AgriShopper

24 Agri-News 26 Recipe Spotlight 28 In The Heartland 31 Classifieds 34 Ag Community 36 FFA Corner 37 Editor’s Last Word

GIVE AZALEAS for the summer fertilization of your lawn. Good time to repair, renovate or plant a lawn.

MOLE CRICKETS roses weekly with good fungicide & spray for mites, spiders, thrips, etc. Fertilize regularly.

PRUNING azaleas after July 1 cuts down on next year’s blooms.

MOW lawns with a sharp blade at the proper height - NOT too short.

WATCH for scale, insects, whiteflies, chinch bugs, sod, web and army worms, mole crickets, etc. We have what you need to fight this constant battle!

Doty Farm & Garden Supply, Inc.

Plants • Pottery • Pets & Supplies • Purina Chows 299 6th Street SW • Winter Haven, FL • 293-9730

BLADE SHARPENING SERVICE • Knives, Scissors, Chain Saws, Lawn Mowers and more!

4 | CFAN

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PUBLISHER LETTER

Raising Crops and Awareness A FARMER’S WORK IS NEVER DONE. We’ve heard that sentiment before, and we know how much truth resonates in that single statement.

Even when the seeds are planted, the fruit is picked and the fertilizer measured, there’s still more. What exactly? Advocacy.

Even with the number of ag supporters working on our behalf in Washington, nothing carries the same weight as hearing it from the source. We are the source.

We have to stand up for agriculture not only in the field, but in the hallways and public forums. We can’t change minds by laying low; we have to tell our story.

That said, there are two proposed tax increases up for discussion in Washington right now that would have devastating effects on Florida Growers. Florida Citrus Mutual has explained them in the following clear and poignant terms:

• New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available • Largest screened commercial citrus nursery in the US • DNA tested true-to-type citrus varieties and rootstocks available • Now contracting for 2021-2022

PEACHES • Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks • Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates

• Now contracting for 2021-2022

another of the same kind without any realized gain.

Let your voice be heard, and maybe all of our voices together will create a call far too loud to ignore. Reach out to the Florida delegation. You can find contact information at floridahousedc.org/congressional-delegation/. ag

HLB, or citrus greening, can infect most citrus trees and ing the infected citrus trees to have a lower titer of the even some citrus relatives. Because it is so easily pathogen, resulting in less damage and better growth. vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, citrus farmers can Using HLB-tolerant rootstocks and scions can help keep trees producing marketable fruits at a good yield. expect to combat this disease at some point.

Chronically infected HLB trees become Dr. Hailing Jin at the University of California weakened due to a blockage of nutrient Riverside is working with natural peptides to movement from the leaves to the root combat HLB. The UCR technology is in the system, as a result of the HLB pathogen early stage but has promising results in the damage to the phloem. Fruit from HLB-inlaboratory and greenhouse demonstrating fected citrus trees is small and lopsided, with that citrus-derived, stable antimicrobial juice that is abnormally bitter, high in acids peptides (SAMPs) were effective in preventand has no marketable value. Affected trees ing HLB infection on young citrus trees, and in

by Phillip Rucks treating young HLB-infected trees. This often die due to other pre-existing stresses such as blight, phytophthora, tristeza and others peptide is found in the fruit of greening-tolerant that they cannot overcome.

Australian finger limes, which has been consumed for The UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center says hundreds of years, according to Jin. The peptide HLB is now confirmed in all commercial citrus-growing treatment only needs to be applied a few times per year, counties in Florida and also identified in most non-com- making it a more cost-effective option for growers to mercial citrus-growing counties on residential proper- keep HLB under control. Furthermore, UCR researchers ties. With such a high disease rate and billions of dollars say this peptide can be used in a vaccine-like solution to in financial impacts over the years, planting the right protect young healthy plants from infection because it is able to induce the plant’s innate immunity to the HLB citrus is essential in this time of HLB. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation bacteria.

(CRDF) has been working with breeders to develop Planting rootstocks that have shown great success in greening-tolerant citrus rootstocks and scions and trials is a great idea to start outright. Keeping an eye on conducting field trials of three promising CDRF the latest research in other areas of preventing and rootstocks in 2020. Ongoing research aims to eradicate reducing infections will help put you on the positive side of this disease with innovative solutions.

HLB but there is so much that can be done to make the disease functionally inconsequential, allow-

PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY, INC. Phillip Rucks, Owner

FloridaAgNews.com

NELSON KIRKLAND , Publishe nelson@ce r ntralflorida mediagrou p.com

What Citrus Should I Plant in the Era of HLB?

CITRUS

• Licensed for new released varieties

The first tax increase would tax grower assets at death, even if no land or other assets have been sold. A tax rate of up to 43.4 percent would apply on all the unrealized capital gains of a grower the year he/she or the spouse dies.

It doesn’t matter that the land is in continuous use as a farm or that the only way to raise the money to pay the tax is to literally sell the property. This is on top of the existing federal estate tax.

The second tax issue is a new tax on land swap transfers … transfers that offer farmers the opportunity to defer the potential tax liability created by a land sale. Growers buy and sell land all the time. This isn’t done so much for a profit, but rather to put land deemed for another use to the best use. The tax code has always recognized that these exchanges are not meant to “cash out” income, but rather to simply trade in one business asset for

EUCALYPTUS WINDBREAKS

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863-635-1948 •info@rucksnursery.com P.O. Box 1318 Frostproof, FL 33843 • www.ruckscitrusnursery.com www.floridagrownspecialties.com

CFAN | 5

Columns 13 JULY SUMMERTIME GARDENING KNOW-HOW

It’s July, and the Florida summer is upon us, which means it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge that will keep your lawn and garden looking victorious for the remainder of the summer. Now is the time for summer fertilization of your lawn. Repairing, renovating and planting are also good ideas. Bill Doty shares tips to help you make the most of the season.

16 BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP

One of the most interesting things Adams Cold Storage does each year is host leadership students from Auburndale High School and give them a glimpse of how their food goes from the farm to their table. They learn how food comes from every corner of the world on its way to restaurants, grocery stores, cruise ships and airlines.

24 THE RISE OF THE RELATIVELY NEW TIFTON-9

Baxter Troutman continues to delve into varieties of grazing stock with a look at a relative newcomer – a Bahia cultivar known as Tifton-9. Tifton-9 Pensacola Bahiagrass is a variant of Pensacola Bahia. Tifton-9 has been shown to be particularly vigorous in the seedling stage, which gives the plant a quick stand establishment and greater resilience against weeds.

25 PREPARE YOUR HORSE FOR A HURRICANE

Hurricane season is here, and it’s important to be prepared to minimize stress and make sure everyone stays safe. Developing a plan in advance will help eliminate split-second decision-making and hopefully avoid making mistakes or forgetting something. Dr. Kattie Hennessy talks about important things to remember for each part of the storm and offers tips to keep your horse safe.

34 INCORPORATING LEBBECK MEALYBUG MANAGEMENT WITH CURRENT PROGRAMS

Lebbeck mealybugs were first discovered in Florida in citrus trees in 2019. They have since been found in commercial groves in 11 different counties and in residential citrus in two counties. Learn more about the challenges of combating this pest.

35 THE AUCTION PRICE IS THE APPRAISAL VALUE

Marty Higgenbotham has been selling Lakeland and U.S. real estate for the past 60 years and is no stranger to economic cycles like this. He points out that the auction price of real estate is the appraisal value, regardless of what the appraisers say. They cannot evaluate today’s or tomorrow’s value.

SAVE THE DATE!

79th Annual Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, October 7th, 2021 , beginning at 6:30 p.m.

AT THE BARN BY THE LAKE IN FT. MEADE

Sponsorships are available for this event.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event or need additional information, please contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561.

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

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Polk County Farm Bureau Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942

p r e s i d e n t ’s c o l u m n

www.pcfb.org

Phone: 863.533.0561

Member Services Carole McKenzie Executive Director

Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator

2020-2021 Board of Directors Dean Evans President Leigh Ann Wynn Vice-President Kevin M. Updike Past President Corby Myers Treasurer Michael Matteson Secretary Daniel Lanier YF&R Chair

Larry Black Barrett Chandley Charles Counter Kenny DeVane Leslie W. Dunson, III Ellis Hunt, Jr. Scarlett Jackson Jack James, Jr. Nelson Kirkland Ed Lassiter David Lawson, Jr. Christian P. Spinosa Kyle Story Vic Story John W. Strang Keith Walter

Location

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

Office Hours

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

Jimmy Williams Agency Manager

Bartow Office Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 James L. Moser, Jr. Blake Nicholson Jimmy Williams Haines City Office Agent 203 S Dixie Drive Phone: 863.421.4545 Rhonda Ambrose Winter Haven Office Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens Road Phone: 863.299.3892 Barry Walker Jason Yates

We recently submitted our County Recognition Program Application to the Florida Farm Bureau. For those who may not be familiar with this program, this is our opportunity to share our county members’ many great agriculture advocacy efforts in the areas of Public Relations, Leadership Development, Organizational Management, Legislative and Farm Bureau Policy efforts, and Ag Education and Promotion. We are always amazed at our members’ accomplishments and passion for the agriculture community when we put this record together each year. I want to thank all of our member volunteers who make it possible for the Polk County Farm Bureau to rise above, year after year.

Along those lines, a big congratulations to our Polk County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee that was recently recognized with the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Activity Award. The Women’s Activity Award recognizes counties that have an active Women’s Committee and who are actively engaged in educational activities within their communities to promote agriculture throughout the year. A special thanks to Scarlett Jackson, the PCFB Women’s Committee chairperson, and to all of the PCFB Women’s Committee members.

Congratulations, ladies!

Save the Date! The 79th Annual Polk County Farm Bureau Membership Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 7th, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn by the Lake in Fort Meade. All active members will receive invitations by U.S. mail. Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or need additional information, please contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561.

I want to challenge those in the agricultural industry who are not members of the Farm Bureau or are not actively engaged in helping to shape the future of our industry to become involved. There are policies being developed at many levels that could very likely affect your business, and your voice is needed. Membership is easy, inexpensive, and the benefits far outweigh the cost.

One way to become involved is through Florida Farm Bureau’s Advisory Committees. Advisory Committee members provide guidance to the Florida Farm Bureau Board of Directors on policy-related issues. Any Farm Bureau Active member can participate on these committees. For more information, visit floridafarmbureau.org/ get-involved/ and contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561 by Friday, August 13th if you are interested in participating on a state advisory committee.

I wish everyone a continued safe and enjoyable summer.

Sincerely,

Calling from Lake Wales 863.676.3187

FloridaAgNews.com

DEAN T. EVANS President, Polk County Farm Bureau CFAN | 7

DIXIE CHOPPER MOWERS

POWER THROUGH COMMERCIAL CUTS QUICKER & EASIER

The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region

www.Fl o ridaAgNews.co m PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald MARKETING DIRECTOR & DIGITAL SPECIALIST Morgan Driggers

LI

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PROJECT MANAGER David Kiessling ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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Juanita Halter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Catala, Erika Aldrich, Grace Boggess Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Tim Craig, J. Scott Angle CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Baxter Troutman, Mike Roberts, William “Bill” Doty, Dr. Katie Hennessy, Ben Adams Jr., Marty Higgenbotham CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Carole McKenzie, John Magee, Morgan Driggers CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Dawn Lewandowski DELIVERY DLS Distribution

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FIELDSEQUIP.COM

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8 | CFAN

56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE (863) 248-7537 Copyright © 2021 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

SIGNS of the SEASON Florida Temperatures, Humidity Ideal for Watermelon

by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

FEW THINGS SAY “SUMMER” like fresh, juicy watermelon! Luckily for Florida residents, no one grows tastier watermelons than the Sunshine State! Florida is a leading producer of watermelons, and you can find them at your grocery store, at roadside stands, and farmer’s markets. Explore watermelon production in Florida to get the lowdown on summer’s favorite fruit.

History of Watermelon Watermelon is believed to have been originally cultivated in Africa, with watermelon seeds being found in the tombs of pharaohs in Egypt and other ancient African sites. A member of the cucurbit family, watermelon is related to pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, squash, and other melons.

European colonists brought the seeds to North America, and it is thought that both Spanish settlers and Native Americans were growing watermelons in Florida as far back as the late 1500s. Watermelon needs warm temperatures and can tolerate high humidity, making it a perfect crop for Florida.

Watermelon Production in Florida Florida ranks at the top for watermelon production in the country. While our state harvests watermelon year-round, we are the only watermelon supplier for the rest of the country from December to April, according to UF/IFAS Extension. Watermelons are grown all over the state, but the leading region for production is in the North-Central region of the state—namely Suwannee, Gilchrist, Alachua, Lake, Levy, Marion and Sumter Counties. Other areas that see significant production include the west-central region, the southwest region, and the northwest region. The 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture ranked Levy County as having the largest watermelon acreage in the state, and Gilchrist County as having the second largest acreage of watermelon; the two counties combined produce more than 20 percent of Florida’s watermelon crop.

Florida watermelons make their way into the far reaches of the country.

Central Florida’s Mack Farm has a watermelon division, McMelon, that grows watermelons near year-round and ships their crop as far away as Delaware and Maryland.

FloridaAgNews.com

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) maintains that Florida was ranked second in watermelon production in 2018, growing 24.5 percent of the nation’s watermelon and garnering $160.8 million in cash receipts for that harvest year. In 2019, The Sunshine State ranked first in the nation for watermelon production, growing 29 percent of the nation’s total value for watermelon, a value of $162 million.

In 2020, Florida produced 8,568,000 CWT of watermelon on over 25,000 acres. Watermelon growers averaged 340 CWT per acre for a value in production dollars of $157.4 million, according to the USDA’s NASS 2020 State Agriculture Overview for Florida.

Watermelon consumption is on the rise, with the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) maintaining that the annual per capita consumption of watermelon for the country reached about 19 pounds per person in 2017.

Similarly, production acreage has increased for growing watermelons in Florida.

In 2015, UF/IFAS Extension listed Florida growers as harvesting 21,000 acres of watermelon, and the USDA’s NASS calculated 2020’s harvested acres at 25,200 acres. The highest acreage for watermelon production in the last 15 years or so was in 2008 where Florida growers harvested 26,100 acres of watermelon.

Choosing the Perfect Watermelon Watermelons retain their freshness after harvesting for about three to four weeks. According to Watermelon.org, the marketing arm of The Florida Watermelon Association, you should look for a few things when buying a watermelon. First, look for a watermelon that is firm, symmetrical, and free from bruises, dents, or cuts. Next, make sure the watermelon has heft; 92 percent of a watermelon is water, so it should be heavy! Last, look for a creamy, yellow spot on the watermelon’s underside; this is called the “ground spot,” and it’s proof the watermelon ripened in the sun to perfection.

Always make sure to wash a watermelon before cutting into it, whether you’re putting it in a fruit salad, using it as an ingredient in a recipe, or eating it fresh off the rind! ag

CFAN | 9

JULY - AUGUST 2021 CALENDAR JULY 17 DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS CURB MARKET

JULY 10 & 24, AUGUST 14 & 28 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 other 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, awardwinning 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 lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market

JULY 31 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 visitwestgateresorts.com.

This vibrant, eclectic market brings the community 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 downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org.

AUGUST 12 CHAMBER NETWORKING LUNCH – SALUTE TO AG This luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Grimes Family Agricultural Center, located at 2508 W Oak Ave in Plant City. Registration is $25 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members.

For more information, please contact Emily Pierce, Community Relations, at (813) 754-3707.

AUGUST 18 – 19 CITRUS, VEGETABLE, AND SPECIALTY CROP EXPO JULY 23 – 25 OPEN SEASON SPORTSMAN’S EXPO Hunting seminars, one-on-one talks with industry experts, Trophy Deer Contest, and hundreds of vendors offering hunting products and services will be on hand at this fun-filled, family experience.

Everyone must have a ticket to enter, and there will be door prizes. Adult tickets start at $10 for one day, and children under 12 are free (but still need a ticket to enter). Get yours today at openseasonsportsmansexpo.com. Hours are 2 – 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.

AUGUST 1 HUMANE SOCIETY OF POLK COUNTY’S BOWL A RAMA This family-friendly fundraiser will benefit the Humane Society of Polk County and feature bowling, 8-Pin No-Tap, raffles, food, and more!

It is $200 to register a 4-person team to bowl, or $25 for a single admission to the event without bowling. The fun takes place from 1 – 4 p.m. at Cypress Lanes Family Fun Center, 2010 Dundee Rd in Winter Haven. For more information, please visit humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org/events/ bowlarama-2/.

Educational workshops, exhibits, prestigious speakers, equipment demonstrations, and more will take place at this exciting, informative event. Hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, August 19. The expo will be held at Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd N in Fort Myers. Find more details online at citrusexpo. net.

AUGUST 26 CITRUS PACKINGHOUSE DAY This free event features workshops and seminars for citrus industry professionals. The J.T. Leslie Award will be presented to someone who has made significant contributions to the industry. This is the 60th anniversary of the event. It will run from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will be held at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center Ben Hill Griffin Hall in Lake Alfred. For more information or to register, please go to packinghouseday2021. eventbrite.com.

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

10 | CFAN

FloridaAgNews.com

The following activities and resources are still available online for those choosing to avoid public spaces for safety reasons.

FEDERAL CROWDSOURCING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE CATALOG

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s website is an excellent resource for fun ways to engage children in various aspects of agriculture. They have posted several ideas for educational activities that can be done at home with kids. You can find their website at agfoundation. org.

Get involved with major scientific studies and data collection by participating in one or more of these projects! There are hundreds of ongoing projects throughout the U.S. that need the public’s help to gather information. For example, WeDigFLPlants is seeking to fully document the amazing array of plant diversity and distribution in Florida, and you can contribute to this undertaking any time you go on a nature walk. For this and more research projects to help with, visit citizenscience.gov.

VIRTUAL TOURS OF NATIONAL PARKS OF THE UNITED STATES Take a virtual tour of many of these fascinating areas from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do to get started on your explorations is go to earth.google.com and search for “National Parks of the United States.”

FEEDING MINDS PRESS

ORLANDO MAKERS ONLINE This online farmer’s market is showcasing over 50 Central Florida vendors selling a variety of handmade goods. Join them on their Facebook page every Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

FloridaAgNews.com

If you are looking for some excellent books to introduce children to the wonderful world of agriculture, look no further than Feeding Minds Press. This organization is a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and is dedicated to publishing accurate and engaging children’s books about agriculture that help readers understand where their food comes from and who grows it. These outstanding, educational books can be purchased at feedingmindspress.com.

VIRTUAL FARM TOURS The American Dairy Association invites you and your family to learn what life is really like on a modern, working farm. Their website is chock full of wholesome material for kids and adults to virtually experience all the excitement of raising dairy cows.

Simply visit americandairy.com and check out the Dairy Diary blog for lots of great content.

CFAN | 11

FEATURE | e d i t i o n

Annual Citrus Report Growers Faced Familiar Challenges, But Late Rally Holds Hope for the Future

by TIM CRAIG

J

JULY MARKS THE END OF THE 2020-2021 Florida citrus season, and for some growers, it’s been a season of both surprises and challenges. While there was a possible ray of positive news late in the season, there are longterm issues the industry continues to battle.

As the season got underway, the USDA’s official October forecast predicted 57 million cases from Florida groves — a somewhat significant 15 percent drop from 2019-2020 final output of 67.3 million. The numbers continued to slide through the season, according to the monthly USDA forecast updates. In December, the forecast dropped to 56 million. In January it dropped to 54 million. By April and May, the forecast had dropped to 51.7 million.

June’s forecast update saw a slight late-season rally, up to 52.7 million boxes — 30 million for Valencia and 22.7 million boxes for non-Valencia oranges. The final forecast is scheduled to be published in mid- to late July. Final totals will be published later this year.

For growers, the season provided new challenges but also new points of hope.

“It was kind of a confusing season — we met our expected yield count, but the fruit quality

12 | CFAN

levels were way down and we had trouble meeting the minimum brix levels pretty much all season,” said Charles Counter of Counter Ag Services in Haines City. “That was the biggest thing; but overall, the fruit prices were good and yield was OK.” Counter said that part of the confusion through the year included what he described as a “beautiful, uniform bloom” that he had not seen in the past several years and which gave him hope for a higher-than-expected crop. However, after the bloom, the effects of the drought hit the trees hard.

“We went 45 days without rain, and that’s when the trees needed it the most,” he says.

“That’s something we haven’t experienced before.

The trees used all of their stored carbohydrates during that uniform bloom and when the rains didn’t come, their health suffered.”

The lack of rain and the long-term effects of

greening took a toll on the trees, particularly the older ones. Counter said he saw a lot of dropped leaves and fallen branches. He started a regimen of spray fertilizers to feed the root system and to try to build the trees back up and get the crop back on track. The extra efforts paid off, particularly in the younger trees.

“The young trees responded well and have pretty much recovered by now,” he says. “Among our older trees, though, the recovery has been slower.”

For Rob Petteway of Petteway Citrus and Cattle in Zolfo Springs, the bloom was a good sign; but that was before the effects of the drought.

“When that bloom happened, I thought, ‘This is going to be great,’ but by May 1, the groves looked terrible, with dead limbs, especially on the trees that were 20-plus years old,” says Petteway. “But now when I go out to the groves, I see that things are looking stronger. Since FloridaAgNews.com

“It was kind of a confusing season — we met our expected yield count, but the fruit quality levels were way down and we had trouble meeting the minimum brix levels pretty much all season. That was the biggest thing; but overall, the fruit prices were good and yield was OK.” — CHARLES COUNTER OF COUNTER AG SERVICES IN HAINES CITY

we’ve been getting rain, things are coming back pretty decent. You know, orange trees are pretty resilient.”

The dry weather caused other surprises, including a delay in picking some of the Valencia oranges, according to Petteway. “They kept waiting to get the brix ratios to where they wanted them,” he says. “It was a nightmare to get the fruit picked.”

Petteway also said that the production side faced setbacks at overwhelmed processing plants.

“Because of COVID, the processing plant had to lay a bunch of people off,” he says. “Then, because of the extra government money that became available during the pandemic, they couldn’t hire enough people and there were a couple of lines that couldn’t run. So there were problems all the way around.”

The challenges growers faced this season exist under the looming, continual threat of greening that has plagued the industry for over 15 years.

For Ray Royce, the Executive Director for the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, and the growers he sees during the season, these issues are intertwined.

“Obviously the rains late in the season helped out a lot, but looking back, my biggest concern is that we cannot continue to withstand a 30-50 percent drop rate,” he says. “We’ve learned to keep a tree viable, how to have a good bloom and for the tree to function, but the question now is how do we get a higher percentage in the truck?”

Royce said he sees trees three to four months out from harvest that look healthy, but when he sees the color of the stems, he knows that the fruit will eventually shake loose before harvest.

He also said that he’s not hearing growers share success stories about things they can try that work to combat these issues.

“It’s going to come down to growers sharing information with each other and we need the research community to make a short-term priority on how to get higher quality at the end of the season,” he says. “I say ‘short-term’ FloridaAgNews.com

because we don’t have time for a multi-year study and published research, we need people’s best-educated ideas and take those ideas out of the small, research groves and get those trees out into a real-world situation. Long-term, we need an answer as to how we breed ourselves out of this situation. How do we breed resistant or tolerant trees for the next generation?”

Despite it all, though, both Counter and Petteway took the ups and downs of this season in stride and remain committed to and positive about Florida’s citrus future.

“I think that because of the uniform bloom and the late rally, we could see a more uniform size of the fruit and the maturation could be more consistent next season,” says Counter. “Every season seems to be different because of the effect of the greening, but the groves are still alive and a lot of people didn’t think that would be possible when we first started seeing (greening) 15 years ago.”

For Petteway, part of his optimism for the future can be seen in his certified greenhouse citrus nursery that operates as part of Petteway Citrus and Cattle and produces over 50,000 trees per year.

“We keep selling citrus trees, so I don’t think (the industry) is going anywhere,” he says. “Every year has its problems and every year has its bright spots, but we will always remain very bullish on citrus.” ag

JULY SUMMERTIME GARDENING KNOW-HOW IT’S JULY, and the Florida summer is upon us, which means it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge that will keep your lawn and garden looking victorious for the remainder of the summer. Now is the time for summer fertilization of your lawn. Repairing, renovating and planting are also good ideas.

Before planting, don’t forget to work organic materials, such as peat, manure and compost, into your soil.

For this month, spraying your roses weekly with a good fungicide such as Thiomyl, Daconil, Dithane or M-45 is key to the plant’s health. Rose bushes are especially hungry plants, so feed them on a regular basis.

Remember, weeds grow at a lower fertility level than turf grasses. Weeds thrive when a lawn is hungry. Feeding and mowing your lawn on a regular schedule will result in vast improvements. Since fungus diseases thrive in July, watch your grass and use a good granular turf fungicide if you see disease rear its ugly head.

Spider mites attack most plants and can do serious damage. Fight back using a miticide, such as Merit—a tactic that is tried and true against these problematic pests.

Make sure you watch for scale insects, as well. Whiteflies, chinch bugs, sob web and armyworms are some of the more common nuisances. We have exactly what you need for these battles and the know-how to guide you, so you can ultimately win the war and free your lawn and garden of these pests.

by WILLIAM "BILL" DOTY This column is sponsored by Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is the owner of Doty’s Farm and Garden Supply Inc. Founded in 1954, Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc. has been there for every one of their loyal customer’s budding needs.

Bill Graduated from Winter Haven H.S. and then Florida State University, where he learned invaluable lessons in listening, asking questions, and reading anything related to the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and our readers each month.

CFAN | 13

FEATURE | c r o p s

Getting It Right With the Griffin Fertilizer Forum Promotes Crop Nutrient Stewardship story and photo by PAUL CATALA

B

IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, CHILDREN are taught the 3 R’s — reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. But in agriculture, it’s the 4Rs that are important – the right source, right rate, right time and right place.

• Right source: Match the fertilizer type to the specific crop.

• Right rate: Match the amount of fertilizer needed for that specific crop.

• Right time: Ensure nutrients and fertilizers are available when crops can best absorb them.

• Right place: Apply nutrients and fertilizers where the crops have access to them.

Known as the best way to promote crop nutrient stewardship, the 4Rs help balance the goals of the farmer, the industry and the government.

They help improve on-farm economics, crop productivity and fertilizer efficiency while preserving and maintaining the surrounding environment.

It’s the 4Rs that recently brought together some of Florida’s top names in agriculture to discuss and emphasize their importance. Among the reasons to implement the 4Rs are that managed fertilizers support cropping systems that provide economic, social and environmental benefits.

Poorly managed nutrient applications can drive down profit, promote a loss of soil nutrients and reduce water and air quality.

The 4R discussion at Griffin Fertilizer in Frostproof was hosted by Griffin Fertilizer Vice President Mike Roberts. He was joined by Michelle

14 | CFAN

Miller, an Archer-based writer, ag influencer and public speaker known as “The Farm Babe”; Glenn and Mark Beck of Beck Brothers Citrus Inc. in Windermere; David Royal, a seventh-generation Floridian and nutrient stewardship program manager for The Nature Conservancy; Mary Hartney, president of the Florida Fertilizer & Agrochemical Association; and Robert Watson, fertilizer division sales representative for Ben Hill Griffin Inc. in Frostproof.

Roberts, who’s been with Griffin for 10 years, says he met Miller through Facebook and invited her to join the forum. Miller explained how she became “The Farm Babe” with about 200,000 followers and whose ag-related columns reach

on social media reach 2 - 3 million viewers per month. She grew up on Wisconsin farms and started “The Farm Babe” ag advocacy website in 2014.

“My goal is to take the science behind farming and food and make it digestible to the average consumer,” she says. “We’ve got to move our messages about agriculture forward, and that’s also a goal.”

Spreading awareness of the 4Rs is one way to make that move, particularly in regard to becoming self-sufficient farmers, adds Glenn Beck, who recently became president of Florida Citrus Mutual.

“You have to be willing to roll the dice; there’s no guarantees. I wish people would realize it all can’t come from somewhere else,” he adds. “That may be good for some things, but food shouldn’t be one of them.”

Ag is a work in progress.

Florida farmers are often multi-generational.

My goal is to continue that family heritage. I’ve got to take care of the land because the land takes care of me.

— DAVID ROYAL, SEVENTH-GENERATION FLORIDIAN AND NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

FloridaAgNews.com

4Rs

As for Florida citrus, according to the USDA, in 2019-2020 there were about 400,000 acres of citrus-bearing groves with more than 53 million citrus trees in the state. Royal discusses the impact of the freezes between 1980 and 1985 that “forever moved citrus north of I-4 to south of there.”

He says the 4Rs allow those farmers to grow more with less and to protect the environment, helping improve and protect water quality even as citrus greening continues to adversely impact groves.

“We have a patient on life support, and every day we’re doing what we can to keep that patient alive,” he says.

Royal gave the group a slide presentation focusing on Florida water quality problems driven by population growth. He also discussed Senate Bill 712, passed in June of last year, that is designed to protect Florida’s water resources by minimizing the sources of nutrient pollution.

It’s tied into the 4Rs because its implementation helps address water-quality issues and objectives.

“Ag is a work in progress. Florida farmers are often multi-generational. My goal is to continue that family heritage,” Royal says. “I’ve got to take care of the land because the land takes care of me.”

According to the University of Florida Institute of Agricultural Sciences, the 4Rs are a simple management concept that can help growers implement appropriate management practices for fertilizer application. That, in turn, will enhance FloridaAgNews.com

the sustainability of agriculture.

Currently, growers are required to provide nutrient application records to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services every two years as a result of SB712.

Prior to concluding the forum, the attendees describe some of the facets of the 4Rs that they’ve found beneficial and regularly implement. Glenn Beck says the practice helps promote “sustainabil-

ity” and “longevity” while helping prevent abuse of land stewardship resources.

“You won’t find a better group of stewards than ag people – 99 percent of them are genuinely concerned,” he says. “They’re trying to get peak performance with the lowest impact possible.”

The Florida 4R Certification Program launched in January 2020. The state was the third in the United States to implement the program. ag

From left, David Royal, Mike Roberts, Michelle Miller, Rob Watson, Glenn Beck and Mark Beck.

CFAN | 15

BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS we do each year here is host leadership students from our local high school (Auburndale High School — Go Bloodhounds!) and give them a glimpse of what we do here at Adams Cold Storage and the role we play in how their food goes from the farm to their table. We actually have one of those students working for us this summer, earning money for college — that’s another thing we like to do as often as possible, but that’s probably a story for another column!

We take them into our state-of-the-art, 7.1-million-cubic-foot freezer and show them the technology that helps us keep track of our customers’ inventory; and how, with that technology, we are able to select over 400,000 cases for orders a month with over a 99.9 percent accuracy — which is higher than the industry standard.

We show them the food that comes from every corner of the world on its way to restaurants, grocery stores, cruise ships and airlines in opposite corners of the world. We talk about how we supply foods for the major zoological parks around the country and about how we supply the food that feeds Sea World’s famous whales. That goes over well.

We then warm them up, relatively speaking, in our 32-degree coolers and talk about how we store all of the school lunches for the state of Florida and how, when natural disasters hit, we help get the food from our facility to where it needs to go.

And it all happens in their little hometown in Central Florida.

These leadership students are not unlike most people in the general public: They have no real thought as to how food appears on their plate at mealtime.

The more time working in the food supply chain, the more I realize that part of my job is helping bridge that knowledge gap.

Knowledge is power, and I firmly believe that the more people understand all of the effort it takes to responsibly grow, to safely store, and to efficiently ship their favorite foods on a consistent basis, the more committed they will become to taking care of all of the supply chain’s needs.

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

Nutrition Recommendations, and Hope, for Florida Growers IF THERE’S ONE THING we’ve learned about HLB, it’s that nutrition can make all the difference.

We also know that what works in your grove may not in others. So a team led by Tripti Vashisth of the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred is delivering personalized nutrition recommendations to 80 groves statewide, many of them in Hillsborough and Polk counties. The team analyzes soil and leaf samples, interprets results and produces reports tailored to each grove.

And they’re doing it at no charge to growers.

Vashisth’s team has packed, toted, explained, and delivered kits to growers who signed up two years ago for what we call the nutrition box program. The boxes come with leaf and soil sample testing kits and self-addressed envelopes to send them to the lab.

Vashisth and her colleague Davie Kadyampakeni at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus REC analyze the results. With the help of UF/IFAS citrus Extension agents, they let you know how you can do an even better job feeding your trees. It’s a personalized analysis of what’s happening in your grove.

Vashisth, a state Extension horticulture specialist and associate professor, has never waited for you to come to her.

As of this writing, she was planning to be at the UF/IFAS Extension booth at the Citrus Expo in Fort Myers in August. She has personally delivered citrus boxes and distributed them to growers in Hillsborough County, Immokalee, Fort Pierce, and Lake Alfred. At a Highlands County OJ squeezer, she spent an entire lunch answering questions from a single grower about manipulating flowering.

Vashisth has been able to figure out what’s useful to you because she asked. She surveyed growers who reported their operations had remained profitable and discovered something they had in common was a tailored nutrition strategy.

Anyone can do it with the right leaf and soil sampling, Vashisth said. It’s Vashisth’s hope that the growers’ experience in the nutrition box program will be habit-forming so that growers will continue to sample, test and adjust fertilization rates at their own cost once the program ends.

This kind of work has taken on extra urgency under new reporting requirements for the

continued on page 30

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

Tripti Vashisth

FloridaAgNews.com

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Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Payments based on 60-month lease or loan. The offered Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) includes 3 maintenance parts kits (exception: small wheel loader includes 6 kits); TA1 equipment inspection; Product LinkTM; and a 3-year/3,000-hour Powertrain, Hydraulics and Technology Equipment Protection Plan (EPP); and fi nal drive oil only for compact track loaders and mini excavators. The maintenance parts cover the fi rst 1,500 hours^ (estimated 3 years, ^3,000 hours for small wheel loader) of machine utilization. The kit contains one set of parts for regular planned maintenance under normal operating conditions. In some severe applications where maintenance parts need to be replaced more frequently, additional parts will be at customer’s expense. Offer excludes additional maintenance FloridaAgNews.com CFAN | 17 parts, dealer labor, wear parts, S·O·SSM and fl uids. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options or attachments. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details.

Florida Roots Larry Black Receives Citrus Achievement Award

by TERESA SCHIFFER

F

FOR LARRY BLACK, Florida citrus isn’t just a career, it’s a culture he’s been entrenched in since birth. Black, the general manager of Polk County’s Peace River Packing Co., was recently named as the recipient of the Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award.

With a long family history in citrus, spanning five generations in the Fort Meade area, he has been personally involved with the industry for most of his life.

“I feel very honored to have been named,” Black says. “The industry has had some difficulties to navigate, but we have a bright future ahead of us and a lot to look forward to.”

Black’s great-grandfather started Peace River Packing Company in 1928 with a group of local growers. Eventually, he bought out the other growers to be the sole owner of the business. Since that time, the family has owned and operated Peace River Packing Co. “From a very young age, I was always interested in the citrus industry,” Black recollects. “I had a lot of respect for those leaders and the families who had worked within the citrus industry, and also citrus has been the fabric of the local community and economy for a very long time. It’s part of our identity in this part of the state. We have a long, proud history in the citrus industry.”

As a family business, Larry Black’s operation 18 | CFAN

is unique among Florida citrus growers because it focuses more on the fresh fruit market than most other growers do. Most of the state’s citrus groves are dedicated to growing oranges intended for juice processing facilities. Peace River Packing is pretty evenly divided between growing fruit for processing and growing fruit for fresh consumption. They produce primarily oranges, but they also grow some grapefruit and tangerines.

Black enjoys being an active member of the state’s agricultural community and takes part in several organizations aimed at furthering the goals of Florida citrus growers. He is a member of the Florida Farm Bureau, which is Florida’s largest farm advocacy organization. This group has been serving the needs of Florida’s farmers and ranchers for decades by upholding traditional, familyoriented values and creating opportunities for private enterprises and volunteer services.

LARRY BLACK

Florida Citrus Mutual is another group that Black works closely with. This is a lobbying organization that advocates for the interests of citrus growers in the state. Black is also closely involved with the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, which oversees research funding that goes toward overcoming obstacles that Florida growers face, such as the greening disease that has plagued citrus groves for the past 15 years.

Black has served as president at some point for all three of the above-mentioned organizations and is a current board member for the Polk County Farm Bureau and Florida Citrus Mutual. In January, Black stepped down as president of CRDF after serving for 10 years and reaching the term limit. During that time, the primary issue that the CRDF targeted was greening.

“There hasn’t been the breakthrough in FloridaAgNews.com

technology that we’ve hoped for – yet – but an incredible amount has been learned about the basics of HLB,” Black explains. “The scientists understand a lot more about the bacteria today than they did when it first came to Florida 15 years ago.”

Greening isn’t the only challenge that Black has faced during his career in citrus. When he attended college in the 1990s, the situation for citrus growers in Florida was very different from what it is today. Black attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland for his undergraduate degree in their citrus program, then he got his MBA from the University of South Florida.

“When I entered the industry after college in 1997 when I started my professional career, we had very large crops and extremely low prices, below the cost of production,” he recalls. “So we had

the yield, but the pricing environment was very difficult, and it remained low until the 2004-2005 hurricanes and some other factors changed the dynamic.” With an incredible 244 million boxes of oranges harvested in one year back then, the prices for citrus were frustratingly low, until hurricanes and greening drastically reduced the annual yields.

The current citrus yields are nowhere near what they were in the ’90s – about 55 million boxes of oranges were filled in this last season. New varieties and rootstocks that are coming down the pipeline from the research labs have Black optimistic about the future though. Future trees are expected to have a greater resistance to greening, as well as more of the characteristics that consumers want to see in their juice oranges.

“I think that will be a great opportunity for the citrus industry,” he comments. “We want to grow

GARRISON’S GROVE SERVICE We provide full or customized grove management. We have full equipment services for groves large or small. Highly skilled operators and a hands-on crew, we’ll be there to take care of your investment.

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a premium product. The location here is ideally suited for citrus.”

Florida citrus has faced many challenges over the years, but with dedicated growers like Black enthusiastically forging a path into the future, the forecast is anything but dismal. “The citrus industry has a huge economic impact on the state of Florida, particularly the center of the state, the rural areas,” Black says. “It’s an economic driver in all sectors of our economy due to the goods and services that the citrus industry needs to produce our crop, but also on the processing side – the jobs at the processing plants, the packing houses. We have three strong brands that are anchored here and have a big investment here and are committed to our future. They are consumer brands that people around the world trust, and I think that’s a great asset for our industry.” ag

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FEATURE | c i t r u s

CUPS Runneth Over Brothers Jerry and Keith Mixon Keep Trees Thriving With Citrus Under Protective Screens

by PAUL CATALA

photos by JOHN MAGEE

F

WHILE GROWERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE battle citrus greening, there are at least two growers who are giddy with excitement as their crop matures. It may not be a matter of how they are growing their crop that gives them the edge. Rather, it’s a matter of where. The answer: under cover.

Jerry and Keith Mixon have an operation that has yielded acres of success, all under protective screens that stave off the Asian citrus psyllid.

Since July 2018, the brothers have owned and managed Mixon Family Farms, a 60-acre compound of about 20,000 trees using a method called Citrus Under Protective Screen. CUPS, as

it’s called, is a system that uses protective, highdensity polyethylene screens to protect the crop from citrus psyllids while minimizing the amount of fertilizer, water and pesticides necessary to yield high-quality fruit.

Since its conception in 2015, the CUPS growing method has gained in popularity as citrus greening

continues to ravish groves around Florida.

The CUPS system originated at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce and was first tested at UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Since then, approximately 300 to 400 acres of CUPS groves have sprung up around the state.

During a recent workday at Mixon Family Farms in Alturas, the Mixons – along with Mixon Family Farms manager Sean Brantley — peruse their CUPS crops. Among them: 40 acres of Early Pride, a low-seed, early-maturing mandarin hybrid tangerine; 10 acres of Bingo, seedless Mandarin oranges; 5 acres of Sugar Belle, a mandarin hybrid that resembles the bell-shaped Minneola tangelo; and 5 acres of low-acid, vibrantly colored grapefruit.

All of the Mixons’ trees are thriving under the cover of the screens on the former abandoned outdoor citrus farm operation. Aside from protection from the citrus psyllid and other pests, the benefits of CUPS include the protection of natural resources and decreased need for pesticides and fertilizer. The system encourages

continued on page 24 20 | CFAN

FloridaAgNews.com

FIVE FACTORS IMPACTING FLORIDA CITRUS THE USDA’S MAY REPORT SAYS FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION IS DOWN—BUT WHY?

Florida citrus production forecast is down five percent since the start of 2021. While COVID-19 spurred demand for immune-boosting citrus, several challenges are creating roadblocks for citrus growers who continue to work hard to meet increasing demand.

S U P P LY C H A I N D I S R U PT I O N S

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With consumers engaging in pandemic pantry preparation, the demand for OJ surged 13 percent in mid-March 2020.

While demand is there, increasing costs of fertilizer, insecticides, and transportation are creating higher input costs for Florida growers and making it harder for them to compete with global competitors.

FA R M L A B O R

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Florida growers faced increasing demand with limited access to skilled labor.

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While useful to many, the H-2A program is a complicated and expensive process, adding pressure to grove owners who are looking to secure adequate labor during peak seasons.

GLOBAL COMPETITION

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In 2019, it was estimated that Brazil and Mexico exported between 145-164 million gallons of frozen concentrate and not from concentrate OJ, well over the current market demand.

Excessive global imports have suppressed Florida grower prices in subsequent seasons.

THE RESILIENCE OF FLORIDA CITRUS

Border restrictions in 2020 further compounded the issue of farm labor shortages in the U.S.

DISEASE AND PESTS

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Florida commercial citrus acreage shrank to 419,542 acres as of the 2019-2020 growing season—a 44 percent decline from the 748,555 acres in 2004, prior to citrus greening disease being discovered in the U.S.

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The drop rate for Valencia oranges increased five percent from 2019 to 2020.

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Potential solutions include advanced nutritional supplements, reflective mulch, heat treatments, bactericides, and biotechnologies.

A DV E R S E W E AT H E R

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The Florida citrus belt is centered at a crossroads of severe storms that come from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

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In 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed tens of thousands of trees, resulting in an estimated 50 percent decline in the 2017-2018 Florida citrus crop.

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The areas of Florida citrus production that experienced the largest rates of decline were where Irma had the greatest impact.

Despite these challenges, Florida citrus growers continue to meet demand—but they shouldn’t have to do it alone. In June, $32.6 million in citrus-related funding was approved in Florida to support research for building resilience within Florida citrus groves. Beyond federal funding, AgAmerica is committed to helping citrus growers thrive. From flexible operating lines to competitive consolidation plans, Florida growers can sleep well knowing they have an agricultural lender who knows the industry on a personal level and will fight for the long-term success of their citrus operation.

CONTACT AGAMERICA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FLEXIBLE FINANCING AND CUSTOM SOLUTIONS.

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a d i r o l F ag-rec

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

myfwc.com/research/manatee/ rescue-mortality-response/ume/

Manatee Mortality Event Along the East Coast THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) continues to investigate a high level of manatee mortalities and respond to manatee rescues along the Atlantic coast of Florida. Responding to live manatees in need of rescue remains a top priority for the FWC and partners from the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership. FWC manatee biologists have been working hard to respond to public reports of distressed manatees and rescue manatees that need assistance (preliminary rescue summaries). The FWC takes manatee conservation seriously by actively implementing science-based conservation measures that are making a difference for manatees and habitat.

These manatee mortalities have met the criteria to be declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) by the Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed the UME determination.

Moving forward, the FWC will continue to coordinate closely with our federal partners, participate in the investigative team, and conduct analyses related to the cause of the UME. Working with these partners, FWC staff will explore both short- and long-term and small- and large-scale response options, including aquatic habitat restoration.

Environmental conditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern. Preliminary information indicates that a reduction in food availability, seagrass, is the primary factor in this event.

We will continue with a comprehensive investigation and share information as it becomes available. The FWC has always done a rigorous and thorough job at investigating threats to manatees.

As water temperatures have warmed, manatees have naturally dispersed from their winter habitats, SHOWTIMES: Sat and&Sun Sat Sun Noon and 1 pm

traveling to other areas of the state and beyond. This dispersal should lead manatees to better habitats.

FWC will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with our partners.

Ways you can help manatees: Call FWC’s Wildlife Alert toll-free number: 1-888404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone if you see a sick, injured, dead or tagged manatee.

Boaters will find them easier to spot if they wear polarized sunglasses and keep a lookout for signs of manatees such as the circular “footprints” they trace on the top of the water or their snouts sticking up out the water.

Look, but don’t touch manatees. Keep your distance when boating, even if you are steering a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Be a good role model for others so that they learn how to watch and enjoy manatees without disturbing the animals.

The plate you buy matters; support FWC manatee rescues and research. Next time you renew your tag, consider a “Save the Manatee” license plate!

Show your support for manatee conservation by proudly displaying a manatee decal. These highquality stickers feature original artwork and are available from your local Tax Collector’s office with a $5 donation.

FAQs What should I do if I see a dead or injured manatee?

If you see a dead, sick, or injured manatee, please report it to the FWC so our staff can assess and respond as appropriate. You can reach us by calling our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (1888-404-3922) or #FWC on a cellphone.

Why are manatee deaths increasing along the Atlantic coast?

While the investigation is ongoing, initial assessments indicate the high number of emaciated manatees is likely due to a decline in food availability.

Seagrass and macro algae coverage in this region and specifically in the Indian River Lagoon has declined significantly.

What is the FWC doing to help?

Florida has invested over $2 million annually for manatee conservation. FWC staff respond to public reports of dead or distressed manatees. You can reach us by calling our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone. FWC staff and partners continue to prioritize response to manatees in distress. The FWC coordinates manatee rescue operations and transports manatees as needed to partnering critical care facilities. The FWC and collaborators are working with critical care facilities to get a better understanding of problems in manatees rescued from the Atlantic coast region. Manatee Rescue Information The FWC retrieves carcasses of dead animals to collect data that will provide insight into the high level of mortality along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. FWC manatee biologists verify and record the location of all reported manatee carcasses. Depending on the condition and current circumstances, staff collect biological information and samples, and may perform a necropsy to determine cause of death. Staff often leave carcasses in secluded areas to decompose naturally as it is a source of food for many other species.

Read more at myfwc.com/research/manatee/ rescue-mortality-response/ume/ ag

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AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER Create a Garden Getaway

WHETHER YOU HAVE A SPRAWLING LAWN or a relatively compact space to work with, everyone loves a fun backyard garden, and summer is the perfect time to plant those heat-loving annuals as well as several varieties of bulbs. So, if you are considering redoing your garden this summer, here are some fun ideas for you to help fit everything into its respective environment. Before you get started on your garden, choose which of our top 14 designs fits your style so that the elements in your backyard garden complement each other.

OCK BORDER. A rock border is a simple 1. R yet attractive and functional. It helps to keep mulch inside a designated area and weeds from spreading into the garden. This project is number one because it requires a very low amount of work and it looks fantastic. You can find a great selection of stones at Tracy Stone Company located at 1061 County Road 540A in Lakeland. You can even change the look to match your theme with a variety of stones.

5. FLOWER-DRAPED PERGOLA. Pergolas are always a favorite as they add some complexity to the design while blending with plants around them. To find the perfect plants to form your pergola, try planting some vines or roses at the base. Doty’s Farm and Garden in Winter Haven has a beautiful ivy you could plant around your pergola.

TONE PATH. Stone paths give off a classic 2. S look and can also be designed according to your taste as stones come in all shapes and sizes and can be anything from purely decorative to highly functional. If you put them in the lawn, try placing them down into the lawn for a more discreet look and to make it functional when mowing the lawn.

ARDEN POND. Garden ponds come in all 3. G shapes and sizes but do require a lot of work.

Time and materials include a liner, digging tools, and the plants you want to offset the pond. You’ll also need to choose whether you want a fish pond, decorative pond, or one with a water fountain. When you’ve made your choice, get your supplies, create your design, and enjoy the beauty of your backyard garden pond.

PATTERNED FLOWER BED. The best thing 4. about designing your flower garden is that you get to choose your colors. When you go to purchase your plants, try patterning your colors, setting different plants against each

6. BIRDBATH GARDEN. Try adding a birdbath garden to your yard for a fun twist. While it can be fun watching birds splash in the water, sometimes you can get more enjoyment out of the flowers you’re growing in that birdbath and how amazing they look. Especially since there are no limits on what can be planted, whether you would like something more colorful or are leaning toward something more vinelike and green. Doty’s Farm and Garden in Winter Haven sells a nice selection of bird baths that you could use in your garden.

STONE WALL GARDEN TIERS. If you’re 7. planning a more complicated project this summer, try adding a stone wall garden tier to your yard. All you’ll need is some well-shaped stone walls and lots of dirt. While this can be a massive project, the results are well worth it.

8. SPILLED FLOWER PLANTERS. If you have old planters, try tipping them over and planting

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other, and finding which color patterns match your style. Check out Doty’s Farm and Garden Supply in Winter Haven for your flowers.

your flowers in such a way that it appears the planter has spilled and created a beautiful garden that is spreading over your yard. You can find some of the most beautiful blooms at the Green House Garden Store in Lakeland.

9. WHEELBARROW PLANTERS. Do you have an old wheelbarrow lying around your home or garden? If not, check out some antique stores in your area such as the Vintage Warehouse in Lakeland. You can leave it stationary in your yard and fill it with plants or add it as a centerpiece to an already existing garden.

Either way, your wheelbarrow may be just the touch you need for your yard.

10. F ENCE PLANTERS. If you have a fence around your yard, try adding a splash of color to the top with a window box filled with vibrant blooms. You can find beautiful blooms as well as a wooden window box at Doty’s Farm and Garden in Winter Haven.

ONTAINER GARDENING. If you’re 11. C working with a small space, try brightening up your deck, porch or yard with oversized pots and planters. You can fill them with anything from tomatoes to annuals to wildflowers. This can also be very helpful in creating a beautiful privacy wall if you live in a closed-in area. You can find plants at the Green House Garden Store in Lakeland, they also sell exquisite pots to add to your area.

REPURPOSED SHUTTER GARDEN. Have 12. you recently done some remodeling to your home and have some old shutters laying around? If not, ask around and see if you can find some. These old shutters make for a great addition to any porch or small area as you can plant your small plants such as succulents in them or add some vines for a nice flowing effect.

INE-COVERED FENCE. If you have a patio 13. V or deck with fences around the border, try adding some ivy as a natural privacy barrier to shield your patio and give it an exquisite look. Check Peterson Nursery and Garden Center in Lakeland for your vines.

Crafting a fun outdoor space doesn’t have to be difficult; it can even be enjoyable. With some creativity and a fun hunt for just the right items, you can create the perfect space. ag

by GRACE BOGGESS HIRDES

CFAN | 23

THE RISE OF THE RELATIVELY NEW TIFTON-9 CONTINUING OUR LOOK at varieties of grazing stock, this month we examine a relative newcomer – a Bahia cultivar known as Tifton-9.

Tifton-9 Pensacola Bahiagrass is a variant of Pensacola Bahia, developed by Dr. Glenn W. Burton in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service at the University of Georgia Agricultural Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia.

Tifton-9 is a patented bahiagrass variety, and interested buyers should verify that any seed, sod, or sprigs are certified before purchasing.

Compared with other varieties of bahiagrass, Pensacola types have a higher cold and frost tolerance.

Tifton-9 in particular has been shown to be particularly vigorous in the seedling stage, which gives the plant a quick stand establishment and greater resilience against weeds.

Once established, Tifton-9 typically produces 30 to 40 percent more forage per year and shows to be just as digestible as other Pensacola varieties.

Tifton-9 is especially prone to crossbreed with other Bahia varieties, especially Pensacola stock. If allowed to crossbreed, many of the benefits Tifton-9 is renowned for will be diminished.

Ideally, Tifton-9 should be planted in a field that has never grown Bahia and thus has no competing stock or seed. Former row crop fields are well suited for this.

If a rancher wishes to convert a field of Bahia into a field of Tifton-9, there is a process that can be followed.

First, plow the field using a moldboard plow, to ensure any remaining seed is buried too deeply to germinate.

Second, plant some form of annual forage crop (such as pearl millet or sorghum-sudangrass) during the warm season and either a small grain, ryegrass, or clover during the cool season. This will minimize or eliminate any leftover Bahia.

Third, plant Tifton-9 between February and July, ideally using a precision seeder to ensure a uniform depth of ½ to ¾ inch. The field should be prepared by tilling and using a finishing disk that leaves a smooth surface, free of debris.

IFAS recommends planting at least 4 pounds of seed per acre, although up to 15-20 pounds per acre may yield a fuller stand of grass.

CUPS RUNNETH OVER continued from page 20 faster growth, produces higher quality and yields per acre and ensures high levels of food safety and security.

According to the Mixons, the cost of their CUPS structures was between $25,000 to $30,000 per acre. IFAS states CUPS can significantly increase the cost of planting a citrus grove due to the high cost of screen house construction, which can be up to $1 per square foot. Additionally, the 40- to 50-mesh high-density polyethylene screen may need replacement every seven to 10 years at up to 50 cents per square foot.

It took approximately nine months to construct the Mixons’ screens through an Apopka-based contractor. The Mixons built another 40 acres on their own.

“It proves the concept you can really produce with these screens,” Jerry says, holding a sliced grapefruit. “I’ve been able to harvest all of the citrus – we hit a perfect window. It’s a relatively small operation. I can come out here, enjoy and make sure it’s all going in the direction we charted for the year.”

Keith, a Jacksonville native and 1981 graduate of Winter Haven High School, says with CUPS, Mixon Family Farms is targeting a harvest of 400 to 600 boxes of fruit per acre;

an outdoor grove might get about 200 per acre. He adds that much of that production is due to the CUPS minimizing plant predation by the citrus psyllid, which contributes to greening and wind damage to trees in highwind situations – tropical storms, tornadoes and hurricanes.

“The citrus psyllid is larger than the net openings. With CUPS, we’ve excluded all the large pests, which in turn, helps prevent greening,” adds Keith.

According to IFAS, for a CUPS production system to be profitable, the higher cost of CUPS must be offset by the highest possible yield of premium-quality fresh fruit with a high market price, which has been on an upward trend in recent years. That can partly be attributed to having the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ “Fresh from Florida” name, which promotes Florida agricultural products through consumer marketing campaigns and partnerships.

“We can take advantage of (CUPS) and produce really great quality fruit. ‘Fresh from Florida’ means a lot,” says Jerry, a 1979 graduate of Winter Haven High School.

Using the CUPS system, growers can optimize management practices, states

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.

24 | CFAN

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PREPARE YOUR HORSE FOR A HURRICANE

IFAS. Those practices include “pest and disease management, planting densities, variety and rootstock selection, irrigation and fertilization, hedging and topping, harvesting, and marketing,” which the Mixon brothers also mention.

As they make a final lap around one of the CUPS groves, Jerry mentions he and his brother also have lime and lemon trees into their groves, “just to see what they’d do in these structures.”

As they stand at a lime tree, he says so far, those trees have done “amazingly” – just as the rest of their citrus crops have done.

Overall, Jerry and Keith say they foresee

CUPS growing and harvesting becoming more popular as greening and development continue to decimate traditional citrus-growing techniques and groves.

“It helps produce what customers want – high-quality, good-looking, thin-skin, tasty fruit. I think they’ll compete with any other fruit out there,” says Keith. “(CUPS) kind of opened up a window because with greening, we had struggled with taste, appearance and productivity. The system has been really succeeding out there and our passion is to have great tasting, beautiful fruit; this system does that.” ag

HURRICANE SEASON is here, and it’s important to be prepared to minimize stress and make sure everyone stays safe. Developing a plan in advance will help eliminate split-second decision-making and hopefully avoid making mistakes or forgetting something. Here are some important things to remember for each part of the storm and some tips to keep your horse safe.

Before the Storm is even on the radar, you should have a plan of what conditions you will evacuate in and where you plan to go. Make sure to know what route you will take and confirm that the desired destination will be available to welcome you. It is a good idea to do a safety check on the trailer and put printed driving directions, coggins, vaccine records and your emergency animal care first aid kit in the truck or tack room of the trailer. Feel free to come back to your plans as you approach a potential hurricane for any last-minute revisions or just to review. Emergency plans for you and your family should be updated yearly for the most effective results.

Make sure your horse has two forms of identification; one permanently on their body (microchip/tattoo) and a temporary, readily visible one that can be attached in the event of a storm. If evacuating, leave at least 72 hours before the storm hits.

If you are unable to evacuate, consider whether you’ll be keeping your horse in an open field or in a barn, bearing in mind power lines, barn structure, trees, and any debris that could pose a risk. Remove any debris from your property. If the farm is subject to flash flooding, turn the horses out so they do not become trapped in rising water. Keep two to three weeks of hay and feed in airtight containers and as high up as possible. Store clean water in advance, and have emergency supplies like flashlights ready.

Make sure to follow the equine identification suggestions above.

After the storm, when it’s safe to do so, clean up any debris and damage that might have occurred during the storm. Be sure to replenish any supplies before the next hurricane.

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.

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CFAN | 25

Recipe Spotlight

Scallops Perfect for Sizzlin’ Summer Nights

by CAROL CORLEY

W

WHEN IN THE SEA, a scallop is a rather lovely creature.

The critters inhabit a beautiful fan-shaped shell that would look pretty cool as an arrangement. The shells can be smooth or knobbed, and colors range from purple to orange, red and yellow.

Other than humans, the primary being that wants to eat a scallop is a starfish, but lobsters, crabs and other fish have been known to partake. Known as bivalve mollusks, they can actually swim by clapping their shells together, creating a jet of water that propels them forward.

At the store, you can buy sea scallops or bay scallops. Sea scallops are quite a bit larger and tender, and bay scallops are known to be sweeter. Both kinds are low in calories, fat and cholesterol, and high in proteins, iron, phosphorus, selenium and vitamin B12.

They are also incredibly tasty and tender — a true favorite of mine, yet I have never cooked scallops until recently. Ashton Tap and Grill Restaurant in Lake Ashton offered a cooking class, and I had to sign up. Chef Sean Miller taught me, and 21 other students, everything we needed to know to make lemon butter scallops with fettuccine. Manager Annie Toth promises future classes with different dishes.

Cooking scallops is surprisingly easy — all you need is a hot pan, butter, flavorings and patience. Still, there are a few tricks. First, Miller says, remove the central adductor muscle that connects the scallop to the shell because it would be edible but tough. Second, pat dry the mollusks before cooking. Third, don’t turn the scallops too often! Only turn once to brown appropriately.

Here is the recipe used in our class, and I have paired it with a vegetable dish and a dessert. ag

26 | CFAN

LEMON BUTTER SCALLOPS WITH FETTUCCINE (From Lake Ashton Tap and Grill, used with permission)

Ingredients U-10 scallops (which means 10 to a pound), 9 (3 per person) Cold butter, 3 oz chopped Garlic clove, 1/4 tsp chopped Peas, 2 oz frozen Lemon juice, 2 oz Parsley, 1/4 tsp Fettuccini noodles of choice, 5 oz cooked per package directions Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese, 1 oz shaved Directions Start with a pan over medium-high heat and melt 1 oz butter, season scallops and gently place in the hot pan after butter has melted. Cook, flipping only once, until translucent in the middle, about 2 minutes per side. Set cooked scallops aside and keep warm.

Add remaining butter to sauté pan and melt, add garlic and simmer until it smells good, add lemon juice to deglaze pan, scraping sides and bottom. Add peas, chopped parsley, cooked noodles, with salt and pepper to taste, tossing together to heat all.

Once pasta is nice and hot, arrange on plates, top with cooked scallops and a healthy sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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T BI

Trusted Advisors

TO FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS FOR OVER 80 YEARS. BTICPA.COM

BROCCOLI BACON SALAD (Adapted from delish.com)

Ingredients Salad: Broccoli, 2 heads cut into bite-sized pieces Bacon, 4 slices cooked dry, crumbled Carrots, 2 medium-sized shredded Red onion, 1 medium-sized thinly sliced Cranberries, 1/3 cup dried Almonds, 1/3 cup sliced Salt and pepper to taste Dressing: Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons Salt and pepper to taste Directions Add broccoli florets to a large pan with 4 cups of boiling salted water. Cook until tender and with a slotted spoon, immediately remove florets and plunge into a ready bowl of ice water. Drain florets once cooled. Then combine in a large bowl with remaining ingredients.

Pour dressing over salad and stir to combine.

LIGHT LEMON FLUFF (Adapted from tasteofhome.com)

Ingredients Evaporated milk, 12 oz Graham cracker crumbs, 1-1/2 cups Butter, 1/3 cup melted Lemon gelatin, 1 package (0.3 oz) Water, 1 cup Lemon juice, 3 tablespoons Cream cheese, 8 oz Sugar, 3/4 cup Vanilla extract, 1-1/2 teaspoon pure Directions

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Refrigerate a large metal bowl, mixer beaters, and milk for at least 3 hours.

In a smaller bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Keep out 2 tablespoons for topping and press remaining crumb mixture into a 9x13” baking dish and chill.

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a small bowl, stir in lemon juice and cool.

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl. When smooth, add gelatin mixture and mix well.

Meanwhile, beat evaporated milk until soft peaks form and fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour all into the crust, sprinkle with crumbs that had been set aside, and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

• Mulching • Hedging • Bush Hog Mowing • Topping

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April Miller, owner

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CFAN | 27

In The Heartland Changing Needs

Highlands County’s Ray Royce Talks About Friction Points With BMPs

by MATT COBBLE

C

CITRUS GROWERS STATEWIDE have expressed concern recently over the way the Best Management Practices for Water Quality/Quantity have been implemented. Ray Royce, Executive Director of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA), offers some insight into the history of the BMPs, and tries to restore peace of mind to the citrus industry.

The BMPs were developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy in the mid-1990s amid growing concerns about nutrient leaching from agricultural operations into groundwater and natural waterways. In 2002, the BMPs were revisited and revised, to better reflect the current research. They were again revised in 2012, with many specific agricultural industries, including citrus, receiving individualized BMP Manuals.

When the Clean Waterways Act (Senate Bill 712) was signed into law in 2020, one of the requirements of the law was that agricultural producers who submitted a signed Notice of Intent to Implement would be audited biennially, or once every two years.

To have a standard against which to measure, these auditors have been referring to the recommendations

28 | CFAN

published by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. However, many growers have balked at the practice of measuring compliance with the BMPs against this one set of standards, especially since these guidelines were intended to be just that — guidelines — and were not published from a regulatory standpoint.

Part of the problem, Royce feels, is that the guidelines published by UF/IFAS, while based on valid and extensive research carried out at the time, were still published roughly 15 years ago. Meanwhile, 15 years’ time has brought a number of significant changes to the Florida citrus industry, not the least of which is the ongoing battle against citrus greening disease, or HLB (huanglongbing).

“The growing environment has changed, in light of greening,” Royce says. “It decimates the

root system, which impacts the way that nutrients are absorbed. Naturally, this also affects the way nutrients need RAY ROYCE to be applied.” Even the researchers at IFAS are saying that their recommendations were for healthy trees, and that the guidelines they published in the past are not necessarily relevant in the current growing environment. This supports the common sentiment that more research will need to be conducted to revise these recommendations for trees affected by citrus greening.

In light of all of this, a group (of which Royce is a part) is working with FDACS/OAWP, UF/IFAS and growers statewide to create a new set of BMPs. “The research community is starting to have a conversation with regulatory and political bodies, hoping the pace for the new manual will allow for appropriate research-based knowledge to come to the forefront,” Royce says.

“Everyone involved in this process wants to get

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Highlands County it right. If that means we need to slow down the timeline to initiate new research projects, that’s the step we’ll take.”

While the BMPs were initially drafted, they sought to address growing levels of nitrogen in the water supply. In recent years, this focus has shifted to phosphorus.

“We recognize that agriculture is only a portion of non-point source nutrient buildup,” Royce states. “But we all have our role to play in nutrient mitigation.”

Other recognized sources include development along the Kissimmee River basin and the proliferation of septic tanks in Central Florida. Solutions to address these factors are also being considered by their relevant industries as a part of the Clean Waterways Act. “The situations we’ve been seeing, such as algae blooms on Lake Okeechobee and red tide, are documented as far back as the time the Spaniards first arrived in Florida,” Royce recalls. “These are natural phenomena, at least in part. But we’ve also seen an uptick in these phenomena, so it’s clear something is

The situations we’ve been seeing, such as algae blooms on Lake Okeechobee and red tide, are documented as far back as the time the Spaniards first arrived in Florida.

These are natural phenomena, at least in part. But we’ve also seen an uptick in these phenomena, so it’s clear something is affecting those natural causes.

— RAY ROYCE

affecting those natural causes.”

In the meantime, while the workgroup is working to revise the BMPs, Royce feels the existing guidelines are the best guidance for citrus growers.

“Growers need to be as efficient as possible with fertilizers, maximizing plant use of nutrients and minimizing runoff and water contamination,” Royce says. “They should utilize soil or tissue analysis by

IFAS protocol labs to determine appropriate use.”

Royce also recommends growers maintain documentation of these test results, and adjust their fertilization usage accordingly.

“The BMP program was never intended to make it impossible for citrus growers to produce a crop.

We all need to remain level-headed, and do what is reasonable, without putting growers out of business.” ❤

Student Growth is Industry Growth Florida Agriculture in the Classroom is a leading collaborator and trusted provider of PreK-12 educational resources and teacher professional development programs focusing on awareness and knowledge of agriculture and natural resources in Florida.

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Learn More at AgTag.org

CFAN | 29

NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS, AND HOPE, FOR FLORIDA GROWERS continued from page 16 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy best management practices. I know you know— because you’ve told me in no uncertain terms—that UF/IFAS needs to work with FDACS to update citrus nutrient BMPs that work for both growers and the environment.

That’s why we have been updating our Citrus Production Guide annually as we learn more about what works where. And it’s why we’ll be seeking state support to expand research to inform nutrition recommendations to keep citrus profitable and our water clean.

Meanwhile, Vashisth and company are generating data from the program that she hopes will inform what to do about hard cases like Hamlin sweet oranges and Swingle rootstocks. That could ultimately deliver a nutrition strategy that’s much cheaper than ripping trees out and replanting with something else. And it could show the path to both compliance and profitability.

It gives us space to pick up the pace for micropropagation. That will get new cultivars into your fields faster.

It won’t be the first UF/IFAS facility that blueberries built. Alto Straughn’s generosity made possible the construction a decade ago of the Extension professional development center that bears his name. The new building will not only house breakthroughs in breeding, but also a large lecture hall and laboratory classrooms to continue preparing College of Agricultural and Life Sciences students to become top professionals.

We have a national crisis in agricultural science infrastructure. A study done for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities last year estimates the national need for upgrades at $11.5 billion.

Government assistance is unlikely to meet that need. The blueberry building will be funded largely by royalties. We can do that because we have one of the nation’s most aggressive royalty reinvestment rates.

It’s a case of innovation begetting more innovation. The more successful we are, the more we can invest in your future success, and we look forward to it. ag

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.

Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

30 | CFAN

®

FloridaAgNews.com

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS _______________________________________ GRIFFIN FERTILIZER Here for the grower, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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

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HunterVickers 863-287-2351 vickershunter@yahoo.com We’re putting science to work for generations to come. The Mosaic Company, leaders in reclamation ecology Visit MosaicCo.com/Florida _______________________________________ • Cost Effective Citrus Management & Marketing - Please contact us today to see how we may service your needs. 638-1619 StoryCompanies.com _______________________________________ • Certified Public Accountants - Bunting Tripp and Ingley - A Tradition of Excellence for more than 80 Years - (863) 676-7981 _______________________________________ • ADAMS COLD STORAGE - Florida’s Best Multi Temp 3PL - (863)967-3800. info@adamscoldstorage.com _______________________________________ • Blade Sharpening Service - Knives, Scissors, Chain Saws, Lawn Mowers & More. Doty Farm & Garden (863) 293-9730 _______________________________________

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Attention Citrus Grove Owners: INTERESTED IN PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY LEGACY? Lease us your grove and we will invest the money necessary to accomplish that.

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CFAN | 31

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32 | CFAN

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CFAN | 33

INCORPORATING LEBBECK MEALYBUG MANAGEMENT WITH CURRENT PROGRAMS

community

LEBBECK MEALYBUGS were first discovered in Florida in citrus trees in Highlands County in 2019, and they have since been found in commercial groves in 11 different counties and in residential citrus in two counties. These insects feed on fruit, leaves and stems, and the damage they do ranges from ruining fruit for the fresh fruit market and causing tree damage to stunting the growth of young trees, creating a buildup of sooty mold, and even killing young trees; they may even contribute to fruit drop.

UF/IFAS’s Lauren Diepenbrock gave a presentation on the lebbeck mealybug and the importance of incorporating lebbeck mealybug management into current management programs at the 2021 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute.

Zooming in on agriculture in your community.

2021 Will Putnam Young Farmer and Rancher Scholarship Recipients

Challenges in Combating Lebbeck Mealybugs

There are a handful of challenges Florida citrus growers face in managing lebbeck mealybugs. For one, the instars of the various stages of the insects’ life cycle are tiny and blend in with the bark of citrus trees, making them hard to spot. Unfortunately, lebbeck mealybugs are not usually detected until the damage they cause becomes apparent because of this. Another challenge is that many of the insects’ stages don’t feed, meaning systemic control materials will not reach all stages.

Additional challenges include other insects. First, as an invasive species, there are only a handful of predatory insects that target lebbeck mealybugs, but research in other areas of the world has shown that using predatory insects is an important factor in mealybug control. Furthermore, research has shown that ants in the grove—mostly imported fire ants— will “fam” lebbeck mealybugs for the mealybugs’ honeydew and protect the mealybugs from predators.

Lastly, lebbeck mealybugs are easily dispersed by the wind, tools, and even workers, and they are not barred from reaching young citrus trees by Individual Protective Covers like Asian citrus psyllids.

Recommendations for Lebbeck Mealybug Management

photos provided by CAROLE McKENZIE

Taylor Gutmann

Research is ongoing according to Diepenbrock into the best practices for managing lebbeck mealybugs, such as the best times to manage infestations, the best combinations of adjuvants and insecticides, and more. Diepenbrock shared the following current recommendations: • Combine lebbeck mealybugs management with management for other pest programs you’re currently doing. Control materials that target Asian citrus psyllids during flush also impact mealybugs.

• Target control applications to the trees’ phenology and the mealybugs’ life cycles.

• Look into taking advantage of predatory insects like the ladybeetle known as the mealybug destroyer, predatory flies and caterpillars, and lacewing larvae. Consider using systemic and materials with “softer” chemistries to preserve predatory insect populations.

• Control imported fire ant populations.

• Minimize the transfer of mealybugs by sanitizing tools and machinery and working in clean parts of the grove before working in infected parts of the grove.

Stay up-to-date with research• based recommendations for mealybug management.

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.

34 | CFAN

Sarah True

Peyton Chandley

FloridaAgNews.com

community Zooming in on agriculture in your community.

Low Payment Kings Polk County AgPack AgRally June 23, 2021

Warner University’s Swindle Agriculture Complex, Lake Wales photos by MORGAN DRIGGERS

THE AUCTION PRICE IS THE APPRAISAL VALUE AN ARTICLE IN THE LEDGER on June 20 concerning Lakeland real estate was interesting and quite informative.

It was about the housing market conditions today.

I have been selling Lakeland and U.S. real estate for the past 60 years. We have seen five economic cycles like this.

I stood on Gary Road in Lakeland for my first Florida real estate auction. I had two people show up at the sale — one couple came around the house and looked at me while standing behind a palm tree. It was like they had never heard an auctioneer before.

Times have changed, and so have the real estate prices.

Now, our typical audience at a house sale in Lakeland will be about 30 to 40 people with at least five to 10 registered buyers.

The article also talked about realtors getting more than the listing price. Many more mentioned that they received more than the appraisal on the property. There are two things I would like to point out.

One, I taught certified auctioneers the sale of real estate at auction for 30 years at the University of Indiana.

Let me tell you that the auction price of real estate is the appraisal value, regardless of what the appraisers have to say about it.

They are great professionals, but the only guide they have to value is yesterday’s prices. They cannot evaluate today’s or tomorrow’s value. They rely on past comparable prices, yesterday’s value, on a rising market it doesn’t reflect today’s news.

Two, the true value of real estate or any other commodity is what someone is willing to pay, based on the terms and conditions of the sale. That’s what the auction method brings to the market every day. If you have property up for sale, why take what one or two people will offer when we will assemble 10 to 20 prospective buyers at the front door?

Give me a call, and I will gladly give you an estimate of values and sell it with no commission to you as the seller. Our appraisal is free. You can’t beat the price.

See you at the auction!

by MARTY HIGGENBOTHAM 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.

FloridaAgNews.com

CFAN | 35

R E N

A F F

R O C

Polk Students Past and Present Represent at State Convention

by DUSTINA GARCIA, Polk County FFA Federation Officer

L

LOOKING BACK at last year with COVID-19 in full swing, many obstacles had to be overcome and problems solved. One way Florida FFA did this was by making its 2020 state convention a virtual event. This year, at the 93rd Florida State Convention and Expo, not only were things back in person, but everyone was able to feel its full effect. It was a great reminder of how big an impact FFA can have for some in our state, and more importantly, our county.

Throughout the week of sessions and workshops, Polk County Students were able to listen to great speakers, learn new skills and, of course, build better connections with others.

From hearing FFA State President Riley Rowe speak words of triumph and lead the convention hall to attending workshops on important topics like “How to build your brand” and getting a chance to stop by the shopping mall, there was a little something for everyone. Now, doing all these remarkable things isn’t complete without sharing your experiences with others. Polk County students made it a point to meet each other and spend time together.

Along with the experiences gained, we also had quite a few chapters produce members who got the chance to go on stage and receive countless

different awards or recognitions. With such active members, the Polk County FFA showed it was capable of a little bit of everything.

The following is a list of just some of the amazing honors our members received: • Courtesy Corps recognition • State Degrees • Career Development Event Awards • Leadership Development Event Awards • Proficiency Awards • Advisor Awards While all this was going on, there was one more important thing taking place during the week — the voting on the new state officers. With delegates being chosen from each chapter to cast the votes, they had the opportunity to vote on a state president, area state vice president, district

Irrigation Services

president and secretary.

Tyler Brannan, a former officer for the Auburndale high school FFA chapter, was a state officer candidate this year for the Area 4 state vice president position. With Reanna Brown (Haines City Sr. FFA), and Payge Dupre (Lake Gibson FFA) running for district president and Mykaela Billingsley (Auburndale High School FFA) running for district secretary, Polk County students, past and present, were making a name for themselves.

Wrapping up the week on Friday, many people from all over the state of Florida came together to witness the final session of the 93rd State Convention and Expo. With so much anticipation, everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting to hear who the new state officers would be. Finally, once it came time for the big announcement, it was with immense joy that Tyler Brannan was named our Area 4 state vice president. Overall, this was not only just an event to attend, but a place for students across Polk County to mingle and memories to be made. ag

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36 | CFAN

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Call Bill Snively (863) 412-1919 FloridaAgNews.com

Editor’s Last Word

Commission Approves $29.12 Million Budget for Department of Citrus JESSICA McDONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

CAPPING OFF our annual Citrus Report edition of Ag News, the Florida Citrus Commission recently approved a $29.12 million preliminary 2021-22 operating budget for the Florida Department of Citrus.

The Department’s total preliminary budget reflects a 50 percent budget increase of $9.75 million over the previous season. That increase is largely the result of an increase in general revenue funding from the State of Florida for marketing. The majority of the budget will fund domestic marketing programs aimed at driving sales of Florida orange juice. The total domestic marketing budget for OJ is more than $18 million.

The budget includes $5 million in recurring funding plus an additional $12 million from the state’s Citrus Recovery Program to support domestic marketing programs. It also includes $500,000 in recurring funds for research. The department will receive $3.54 million in Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program funds from the United States Department of Agriculture to be used on international programs as well as have a

carryover of $108,067 in previously unspent Agricultural Trade Promotion funds for use on Fresh Orange programs in Canada. The budget is based on a conservative estimate of 50 million boxes of oranges and 4.2 million boxes of grapefruit, and 900,000 specialty boxes of citrus.

The Department’s 2021-22 budget includes an increase in administrative costs for information technology improvements. Health and Wellness Research allocations increased to restore previous cuts, and there was a decrease in the general revenue allocations to new variety research programs.

Marketing programs in 2021-22 will build upon the success of the Department’s current eCommerce campaign to drive sales of Florida orange juice. Since July, the program has resulted in more than $23 million in attributed sales of 100% orange juice. The program will be expanded to include a wider target audience and partner with regional, national, and online retail chains.

A final budget for 2021-22 will be presented in October. ag

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CFAN | 37

— AUCTION —

TURN YOUR GUNS INTO CASH! Estate of Ben Hill Griffin, III • Personal Property 10 AM • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Rocking H Ranch 2200 Ewell Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811

Seeking Consignments for Our Firearms Auction – September 18th

Preview: 2 Hours Prior To The Auction

Do you have a gun that you just don’t use & you would like to sell it?

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Perfect Way to Settle an Estate Long Guns • Hand Guns Antique Firearms Huge Collection of Oriental Rugs, Firearms, Liberty Gun Safe, Tiger Oak Davenport Ammunition • Knives Desk, Signed Norman Rockwell Prints, Full Bedroom Suites, Extensive Amount of Hunting Equipment • etc.

14K Jewelry, Florida Gator Memorabilia, Leather Sofa and Chairs, Beautiful Walnut and Oak Dining Table, Bronze Bull, Bronze Remington The Bronco Buster, Bronze Eagle, Tiffany Candlestick with Appraisal, Faberge Presentation Box with Appraisal, Gator Yeti Cooler, Oil Paintings and Much Much More!

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Make Sure Your Services, Location & Contact Info are Easy to Find

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38 | CFAN

Make Your “Contact Us” Option Clearly Visible on Your Website

FloridaAgNews.com

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

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CFAN | 39

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