Central Florida Ag News September 2022 by Central Florida Media Group

vol 13 | issue 3 | september 2022 GET EXPLORETREKYOURONCLOSETO HOME WITH ‘TREK TEN TRAILS’ NEW DIGS MUSEUM TO THERAPYNONPROFITSIGNIFICANCETEACHOFAGAMISSIONOFTRUSTOFFERSEQUINETOHELPVETERANS PRESORTSTD U.S. 335eagPostPAIDPermitNo.Lakeland,Fl. PRSRTSTD US #2118POSTAGEPAIDTAMPA,FLPERMIT Ag Recreation edition The Voice of Agriculture for Our RegionTASTEUSHERRECIPEwww.FloridaAgNews.comSPOTLIGHTINFALLWITHTHEOFPUMPKINSPICEA BREATH OF FRESH AIR BONNET SPRINGS PARK TO BRING TOUCH OF AG TO LAKELAND

2 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com Get Event Details and Order at chick DAYS PICK UP YOUR CHICKS AT 301 Bert Schulz Blvd, Winter Haven, FL | (800)720-1134 CHICKDAYSFLORIDA.COMORDEREARLYORDEREARLYPlaceYourOrders!MarkYourCalendars! INCUBATORS • BROODERS • FEED • TRAPS • COOPS • SCALDERS • FOUNTS • FENCING • TRANSPORT • FEEDERS • NESTING BOXES • MEDICATIONS • EGG HANDLING • NETTING

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KubotaUSA.com based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor Study. Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local

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based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor Study. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. 2KBB04032_BX2680_PF_Q2_0606.indd POLK TRACTOR COMPANY 3450 Havendale Blvd. NW Winter Haven, Fl 863-967-065133881 BX Series 16.6-24.8 HP Easy operation There are many jobs. And one tractor to do them all. Call today to schedule a demo of the versatile BX Series sub-compact tractor. Part of our tractor lineup rated #1 for durability and owner experience in the U.S.* • Variety of available attachments • Swift-Tach Loader is easy to install and remove • Easy-to-use hydrostatic transmission • ROPS height fits easily in standard size garages POLK TRACTOR COMPANY 3450 Havendale Blvd. NW Winter Haven, Fl 863-967-065133881

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FloridaAgNews.com CONTENTS | september 2022 15 NEW DIGS

For the past 30 years, the Woman of the Year in Agriculture title has been awarded to Florida women who have made outstanding contributions to the Florida agriculture industry. On August 22, Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried named Madeline Mellinger, owner and founder of Glades Crop Care, as the 2022 Woman of the Year in Agriculture for her contributions to integrated pest management.

You don’t have to be an expert hiker or an avid outdoorsman to take advantage of all that nature has to offer. That’s the message the Trek Ten Trails program hopes to hammer home. The free, web-based recreation program, which launched back in 2007, is intended to make nature more accessible in order to get families off the couch and out among the nature of Polk County’s many parks and nature preserves.

Among the encroaching urban sprawl of Lakeland is the new Bonnet Springs Park — a 168-acre, privately funded and operated public park scheduled to open October 22. Located just outside downtown Lakeland on the east shore of Lake Bonnet, the new park was designed to bring a bit of nature and agriculture to an otherwise urban area. Learn more on page 12.

GET YOUR TREK ON

2022 WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN AG

A MISSION OF TRUST A Lakeland nonprofit is giving veterans an outlet in an effort to stem suicide rates among the nation’s heroes. The Veterans Ranch uses equine therapy to rebuild trust and help vets find peace. Founder and Vice President J.R. Smith talks about what spurred the organization’s creation and the goals that drive the group.

Copyright © 2022 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Florida AgNews is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this 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 in

magazine

The new Bonnet Springs Park will bring more green and a newfound appreciation for agricultural spaces to the city of Lakeland, but just inside there’s something else that is also creating quite a buzz — the Florida Children’s Museum. The revamped museum, formerly known as Explorations V Children’s Museum in downtown Lakeland, is nearing the completion of a new facility to educate children on the significance of Florida agriculture and history.

photo provided by Suite (863)

BONNET SPRINGS PARK On the Cover vol13 issue3 september2022 GET EXPLORETREKYOURONCLOSETO HOMEWITH ‘TREK TEN TRAILS’ NEW DIGSMUSEUM TO SIGNIFICANCETEACHOFAGAMISSIONOFTRUSTNONPROFITOFFERS EQUINETHERAPY TO HELP VETERANS PRESORTSTD U.S. 335agPostPAIDPermitNo.Lakeland,Fl. PRSRTSTD US POSTAGEPAIDTAMPA,FLPERMIT#2118 Ag Recreation edition The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region www.FloridaAgNews.com RECIPE SPOTLIGHTUSHER IN FALL WITH THETASTE OF PUMPKIN SPICE A BREATH OFFRESH AIRBONNET SPRINGS PARK TO BRINGTOUCH OF AG TO LAKELAND Departments 23 A g-Rec 26 Recipe Spotlight 28 In the Heartland 30 A g Community 31 Classifieds 38 From the Editor’s Desk 5 Publisher’s Letter 7 President’s Letter 9 Signs of the Season 10 Calendar 16 Angle’s Letter 17 FFA Corner 18 AgriShopper PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald PROJECT MANAGER David Kiessling ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Juanita Halter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Catala, Grace Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, J. Scott Angle, Tim Craig, Julie Gmitter, Charleigh Wood, Lindsey True CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Baxter Troutman, Mike Roberts, Dr. Katie Hennessy, Scott Thompson, Marty Higgenbotham, Phillip Rucks CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Dawn Lewandowski DELIVERY DLS Distribution The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region PUBLISHED BY 56 Fourth Street Northwest,

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FOR GENERATIONS, my family has called Florida home. My ancestors homesteaded in Medulla (aka Southwest Lakeland) in 1883, which means I have learned how to take full advantage of the recreational opportunities the great state of Florida and our moderate climate offer.From fishing in Charlotte Harbor every chance I get to an annual trip to the Keys with my family in search of bugs (aka Florida lobster), I know I’m right where I belong. That’s the thing about ag-recreation, there are so many possibilities that if you can’t find something that appeals to you, well … you likely just don’t have your eyes open! You don’t have to be an avid hiker or sportsman to seize the opportunities, though there are certainly enough activities to keep even those people entertained as well. Agrecreation is as tame or wild as you make it! Looking for a late afternoon stroll at a nature preserve?LookingDone.tospend a weekend roughing it while you hunt wild boar? You can do that, too! Take a peek inside at AgriShopper (page 18) and our feature on the Trek Ten Trails program (page 24) to learn even more ways to enjoy the outdoors.Inthis edition, we talk about the highly anticipated Bonnet Springs Park that is opening this October in Lakeland. The park is going to be an exciting outlet for Central Florida and especially Polk County. Of course, all the new activities and exhibits planned at the Florida Children’s Museum make the park an even more enticing option for children. You can learn more aboutthose activities on page 15. What are you still doing here? Get out there, and thanks again for reading Central Florida Ag News ag

“We identified strong candidate genes that may control trifoliate orange’s tolerance to citrus greening, strong candidate genes for citrus nematodes, candidate genes for cold hardiness, and others,” Deng says. “These candidate genes seem to be good targets for engineering or editing for citrus greening resistance.” This genome sequence will make it much easier to develop new citrus breeding tools that can be used to speed up the development of citrus cultivars. New DNA markers can be used to select desirable, promising citrus plants years before they flower and bear fruit. DNA markers can help citrus breeders eliminate hundreds or thousands of unwanted citrus plants when the plants are only several months old and it can help in finding rare plants with better citrus greening resistance. The sequencing, analysis, and releasing of the trifoliate orange genome are direct results of close collabo rations among Deng laboratory at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Gmitter laboratory at the UF Citrus Research and Education Center, Rokhsar laboratory at the UC Berkeley, and Albert Wu and Shengqiang Shu at the U.S. Depart ment of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI). With the status our citrus industry is in I hope this is sooner rather than later in developing better tolerant citrus to HLB. by Phillip Rucks Produces shoots and trunks yearly…. need to replant every year Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of the shoots are rich in nutrients- especially proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fiber is and and gluten free.

Bamboo Gains Traction as Alternative Crop for Citrus Growers • Hardy versatile tree that can grow nearly ft in three years • Provides crop protection from wind and disease • Reduces soil loss, nutrition loss, agricultural chemical drift and irrigation loss • Now contracting 2022-2023 • New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available • Largest screened commercial nursery in the US • tested true-to-type citrus varieties and rootstocks available • Now contracting for 2022-2023 • Licensed grower chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks • Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates • Licensed for new released •varietiesNowcontracting for 2022-2023 •

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There’s No Excuse for Boredom CONTACT INFO: FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS, CONTACT MORGAN AT MORGAN@CENTRALFLORIDAMEDIAGROUP.COM | 863-248-7537 EXT. 11 If you would like to be a part of the Central Florida Virtual Ag Expo - register online at https://centralfloridamediagroup.com/central-florida-ag-expo/ PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY, INC. Phillip Rucks, Owner 863-635-1948 •info@rucksnursery.com P.O. Box 1318 Frostproof, FL 33843 • www.ruckscitrusnursery.comwww.ﬂoridagrownspecialties.com Was the Secret to Saving Citrus TreesJust Unlocked? CITRUS PEACHES EUCALYPTUS WINDBREAKS BAMBOO • Hardy versatile tree that can grow nearly 40 ft in three years • Provides crop protection from wind and disease • Reduces soil loss, nutrition loss, agricultural chemical drift and irrigation loss • Now contracting for 2021-2022 • 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 • Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks • Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates • Licensed for new released •varietiesNow contracting for 2021-2022 Completely Renewable • Produces shoots and trunks yearly…. no need to replant every year • Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees • The newest

This will continue for the 80-100 year lifespan of the bamboo plant. Bamboo is particularly well suited to growing in Florida, preferring a moist, humid climate. Several varieties are being evaluated for uses in Florida. Up until recently, one of the largest concerns with growing bamboo in Florida was the lack of a proper processing facility in the state, meaning that all bamboo harvested in Florida would be shipped o for processing. However, Rizome Bamboo has recently announced that they are seeking to build a processing facility within the state of Florida, meaning that the costs associated with converting raw bamboo into workable construction materials would be signiﬁcantly reduced, turning a greater proﬁt for both the growers and for Rizome. An existing construction materials company, Bamcore, located in Ocala, manufac tures bamboo for building dry wall.

free.

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As an agricultural product, bamboo has a myriad of uses. The young shoots of certain varieties can be harvested and processed for culinary uses, whereas older plants can provide wood and ﬁber material which can be processed into anything from construction materials to Bamboofabrics. is also an ecological crop. One acre of bamboo can sequester up to 20-40 tons of carbon dioxide per year while generating thirty-ﬁve percent more oxygen than an acre of trees.

Bamboo plants need less maintenance before becoming established. There are currently relatively few pests or diseases which threaten bamboo, so few insecticides, fungicides, or other chemicals are necessary. Weed control is essential for establishing new planting. This is not to say that bamboo can survive without maintenance – young shoots need to be periodically thinned, for example, to ensure culm development - but still considerably less than Therecitrus. is approximately three-year lead time before the plant will have harvestable growth. Edible bamboo shoots can be harvested at about the three-year mark, with wood becoming harvestable at approximately ﬁve years.

True, the future of bamboo in Florida looks promising, but it is not without challenges. Bamboo has not been grown in large-scale commercial operations in Florida for more than a few years, and it remains to be seen what sorts of issues can arise from this ﬂedgling crop.

The high-quality trifoliate orange genome assembly is freely available online to citrus researchers and other researchers at their ﬁngertips. Dr. Deng mentions this genome has become a genomic resource of enormous value to them. It can facilitate their e ort to clone genes or edit genes for citrus greening disease resistance, save their time, reduce costs, or speed up the development of new resistant cultivars.

Very importantly, trifoliate orange and its hybrids possess genes that can provide a high level of tolerance to citrus greening and resistance to Asian citrus psyllids. Deng says trifoliate orange has been a very important breeding parent for citrus breeding and a major source of valuable genes for improving citrus. It can provide valuable genes and gene sequences for using the latest biotechnologies and precision breeding to improve varieties, for resistance to citrus greening and other major diseases.

Phillip Rucks

ﬁber and is

NELSON KIRKLAND, Publisher nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com superfood, nutrients- especially proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and low in fat and sugar, gluten

As citrus greening continues to ravage the Florida citrus industry, many growers are looking for alternative crops to supplement their income. One crop growing traction among citrus growers is bamboo.

CFAN | 5FloridaAgNews.com

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PUBLISHER LETTER

Trifoliate orange and its hybrids have been widely utilized as rootstocks in citrus production. They accounted for 82% of the top 20 rootstocks used in the 2018-2019 citrus propagation cycle, according to Dr. Zhanao Deng, professor of Environmental Horticulture at UF. He also led and coordinated the trifoliate genome sequencing, analyses, and mining e orts, and oversaw the production of the ﬁnal paper.

However, the Florida agriculture industry is a tough breed, and whatever challenges bamboo may face in the future, this crop could prove to be an option for many struggling growers.

“The most popular rootstock at present time, US-942, is a trifoliate orange hybrid,” says Deng.

the shoots are rich in

Trifoliate orange and its hybrids beneﬁt scion citrus cultivars in multiple ways including resistance to citrus tristeza virus, citrus nematodes, tolerance to citrus seedling damping-o , root and foot rot, and gummosis.

president’s column & since 1942 www.pcfb.org Phone: 863.533.0561

During the Political Forum, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their platform and answer member questions. (All 2022 General Election candidates invited)

Polk County Farm Bureau Protecting

Location: 1702 Hwy. 17 South, Bartow 33830

CFAN | 7FloridaAgNews.com

Sincerely, LEIGH ANN WYNN President, Polk County Farm Bureau Polk County Farm Bureau Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942 www.pcfb.org Phone: 863.533.0561

Leigh Ann Wynn President Michael Matteson Vice-President Dean Evans Past President Corby Myers Treasurer Christian P. Spinosa Secretary Brett Costine YF&R Chair Scarlett Jackson Women’sCommittee Chair Location 1350 East Main Street Building A, Ste. 4 Bartow, FL 33830 Ofﬁce Hours 9Monday-Fridaya.m.to5p.m.

Speaking of the October 6 Annual Meeting, registration to attend is now open for our 80th Annual Membership Meeting. We will also have a Political Rally and Forum prior to the annual meeting: 5-6 p.m. Political Rally Mingle with candidates, members, and guests. 6-7 p.m. Political Forum

You can register to attend by contacting Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-514-4280 or via your smartphone with this QR Code: We are still accepting sponsors for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring our 80th Annual Membership Meeting, please contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-514-4280.

Carole McKenzie Executive Director Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator 2021-2022 Board of Directors

Larry Black Charles Counter Kenny DeVane Leslie W. Dunson, III Dean T. Evans Ellis Hunt, Jr. Scarlett Jackson Jack James, Jr. Nelson Kirkland Daniel Lanier Ed Lassiter David Lawson, Jr. Kyle R. Story Matt Story John W. Strang Kevin M. Updike Keith Walter

Jimmy Williams Agency Manager Bartow Office Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 James L. Moser, Jr. 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

Looking forward to seeing our members and friends on October 6!

James L. Moser, Jr. 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 Calling from Lake 863.676.3187Wales Member Services Carole McKenzie Executive Director Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator 2021-2022 Board of Directors Larry Black Charles Counter Kenny DeVane Leslie W. Dunson, III Dean T. Evans Ellis Hunt, Jr. Scarlett Jackson Jack James, Jr. Nelson Kirkland Daniel Lanier Ed Lassiter David Lawson Jr. Kyle R. Story Matt Story John W. Strang Kevin M. Updike Keith Walter

annual Youth Speech Contest on August 23 with 11 great participants who presented their speeches on the topic “In addition to food and fiber, what other positive impacts in your local community can be attributed to agriculture?” It is always inspiring to hear students’ unique perspectives on topics presented by the Florida Farm Bureau in these contests. Jasmyn Billano of Haines City Sr. High and Charleigh Wood of George Jenkins High School were runners-up in the contest. Bartow High School student Emma Self is the first-place winner for the second year in a row! I’m thrilled to report that Emma also won the Florida Farm Bureau District 5 Contest and will now go on to compete at the state level. Emma will share her winning speech with us at our 80th Annual Membership Meeting on October 6. Congratulations to all students who participated!

Promoting Polk Agriculture

Barry Walker Jason Yates Calling from Lake 863.676.3187Wales Member Services

WeGreetings!heldour

Jimmy Williams Agency Manager Bartow Ofﬁce Agents Phone: 863.533.0561

7 p.m. Dinner and 80th Annual Membership Meeting

8 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com 7TH ANNUAL the A Golf an d Tennis Event at Country Club of Winter Haven Supporting the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Winter Haven Hospital Patients THANK YOU SPONSORS AN D TEAMS All proceeds from the 2022 events will go to support the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Fore the Love Sponsors: Mike & Janine Mahalak | John & Tracy Scheck FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Online Auction & Raffle Drawing Country Club of Winter Haven 4200 Country Club Road South, Winter Haven SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 - 9:00 AM Presented by: Legacy Sponsor: Cassidy Family The Golf and Women’s Tennis Tournament For More Information: WHH Foundation (863) whhfoundation@baycare.org297-1781

PUMPKINS IN HISTORY

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

NOT A HUGE PRODUCER OF PUMPKINS, FLORIDA STILL GROWS ITS SHARE

Florida is not particularly well-known for its pumpkin production. However, pumpkins are grown in every state in the U.S., including Florida, as well as on every continent except Antarctica! According to UF/ IFAS, “Howden” and “Jackpot,” are pumpkin varieties that grow well in Florida for jack-o’-lantern use. For those looking to grow pumpkins that can reach the 200-pound range, look to varieties like “Big Max,” “Big Moon,” and “Atlantic Giant.” Scientists believe pumpkins have been present on this continent for at least 9,000 years since seeds found in Mexico have been dated to 7000 B.C. It is thought that pumpkins and other squash were the first crops to be domesticated in the Americas. The various gourds and melons known as “vine vegetables” are called cucurbits and are all part of the Cucurbitaceae family. The indigenous people of North America have historically grown pumpkins along river banks along with beans and sunflowers in the method of planting known as the “Three Sisters Method.” In Florida, Seminole pumpkins were grown by the Calusa, Creek, and Miccosukee tribes. The pumpkins were often sliced and dried for long-term storage, although the thick skin of the Seminole pumpkins made it possible to store the gourds whole for months, even in the humidity of Florida. In a dryer region, whole pumpkins could last up to a Pumpkinsyear.made an excellent food staple because in addition to the plentiful, nutritious flesh so easily stored

The days are growing shorter, and the gourds are growing large and ripe, ready to harvest from spiraling vines for our dinner tables and autumn celebrations. Although pumpkins are not the orange fruit one typically associates with Florida, it’s true that we produce our fair share here.

THEFINANCINGFUTURE Farm Credit of Central Florida is an Agricultural Credit Association. We provide financing for Farms, Homes & Land across 13 counties in Central Florida. We have offices in Lakeland, Plant City, Brooksville & Plant City. For more information check out our website.

Financing for Farms, Land and Homes CALL US TODAY 866-245-3637 FarmCreditCFL.com NMLS# 685850 flytn

Over time, pumpkins were eventually relegated to the trough as livestock feed as the United States moved from a primarily agrarian lifestyle to a more urbanbased Pumpkinsone. began to show up on porches when Irish immigrants brought their native cultural traditions with them to the New World and introduced Americans to the jack-o’-lantern.

The United States produces roughly a billion pounds of pumpkins each year, generating more than $100 million in farm revenue. Six states produce 40 percent of those pumpkins, with Illinois at the top of the list. Pumpkins are grown in every state, however, and the bulk of those gourds are currently destined for crafts rather than the dinner table. by TERESA SCHIFFER

Unsurprisingly, when European colonists settled throughout the Americas, the hearty pumpkin soon became a regular feature in their diets. Although pumpkins are not specifically mentioned in the historic records of the Pilgrims’ famous first Thanksgiving feast, odds are they were consuming these and other cucurbits throughout the season.

for future use, there are varieties that can be eaten when still green and immature. In addition, the flowers and seeds of the plant are also edible.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PUMPKINS

Every Saturday, Grady Goat Farm hosts a fun and relaxing yoga class featuring their famous goats. Tickets are $15 for each attendee. This delightful event benefits Project G.O.A.T. (Global Offensive Against Trafficking), a charity that works to protect children. Grady Goat Farm is located at 12551 Franklin Rd in Thonotosassa. Learn about this incredible farm and all that they do by visiting their website at gradygoat.org.

SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO

10 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER 2022

Ninety of the world’s best bull riders will be competing for their piece of a $100,000 cash prize at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St in Lakeland. Fun events for the whole family include a boot scramble for kids on Friday, a dance-off on Saturday, and the opportunity to show off your own bull riding skills on a mechanical bull. Volunteer to play Money the Hard Way for a chance to win $200 by being the one to pull a ribbon off the neck of a real bull! Tickets start at $17, and children under age 3 get in for free. Get your tickets by going to www.rpfundingcenter.com or calling the RP Funding Center Box Office at (863) 834-8111.

SEPTEMBER 24

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 in trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit ranch-resort/activities/rodeo/.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-westgateresorts.

Herpetologists and reptile enthusiasts will love this convention! Reptiles and other exotic species will be on display and for sale at this exciting exhibition. Tickets for both days are only $15, or just $11 for Saturday only, $12 for Sunday only. Kids ages 5 to 12 are $6, and ages 4 and under get in for free. Taking place in the Exhibit Hall at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St in Lakeland. Get your tickets by visiting www.repticon.com/tickets/.

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS

GRADY GOAT YOGA TAMPA BAY

SEPTEMBER 10 – 11 F.I.R. EXPO – REPTICON REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW

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

There is also a link at www.TampaBayBeekeepers. com. It is $30 per person for adults, $15 for youth ages 11 to 18, and kids under 11 may enter for free with a paying adult. Stations will be set up to teach participants everything from how to start a hive to honey extraction and more.

Every second Thursday of the month you can take your favorite canine with you to enjoy a large selection of beer and enter a raffle to win a gift basket. Sponsored by Orchid Springs Animal Hospital and held at Union Taproom, located at 245 W Central Ave #102 in Winter Haven, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (863) 268-4921 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, AND 24, OCTOBER 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

SEPTEMBER 10 AND 24, OCTOBER 8 AND 22 • DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES

SEPTEMBER 23 – 24 ULTIMATE TEAM CHALLENGE BULL RIDING

SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, AND 24, OCTOBER 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

The Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association is putting on this fun and informative day of learning at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd in Dover. Registration opens that morning at 8 a.m. and the event will begin at 8:55 a.m. or you can register in advance by visiting www.eventbrite. com and searching for “2022 Honey Bee Seminar.”

SEPTEMBER 8 AND OCTOBER 13

CURB MARKET

SEPTEMBER 24 HONEY BEE SEMINAR

PUPS & PINTS

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.

OCTOBER 8

OCTOBER 20

Bok Tower Gardens Director of Horticulture, Brendan Huggins, will present this monthly series that looks at the redesign of a historic Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr. garden. This event is free with admission and will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Alexander Discovery Center. Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. For more information, please visit www.boktoergardens.org.

CFAN | 11FloridaAgNews.com CALENDAR

FESTIVAL An

At Plant City Garden from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N Collins St in Plant City. Details at www.plantcitygardenclub. org/calendar/.

REFLECTION POOL GARDEN

The Lake Wales History Museum will host the 45th annual Pioneer Days Festival from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. It is fun for the whole family and free with historical demonstrators, pioneer camps, craft market vendors, live music, festival refreshments, car and tractor show, and a Pumpkin Patch activity area for kids. The Museum is located at 325 S Scenic Hwy in Lake Wales. You can learn more at museum/.visitcentralflorida.org/featured/lake-wales-history-www. –N BREWS BBQ FBA Sanctioned BBQ

POLK FALLFESTCOLLEGESTATE

Balmoral Bar & Grill is kicking the season off right with the traditional German celebration of beer, authentic food, and polka music! No need to travel to the Black Forest for this one, Balmoral Bar & Grill is located at 124 Kenny Blvd in Haines City. Festivities run from 7 – 10 p.m. For more information, please go to www.balmoralbarandgrill.com/events/.

SCHIFFER

OCTOBER 1 • OKTOBERFEST

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with local businesses, organizations, and College clubs as they offer a plethora of homemade arts, crafts, and products for sale. This is the first festival after a two-year COVID hiatus, so show the school your support as they raise funds for scholarships and other programs to benefit students. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Vendors can register a booth until October1 by calling Lozell at (863) 297-1050 or emailing fallfest@polk.edu. Polk State College is located at 999 Ave H NE in Winter Haven.

compiled by TERESA

SEPTEMBER 24 GARDEN FEST AND MORE

22 ROCK

Blanton Family Lagoon

But among the buildings, sidewalks, and ex haust fumes is the new Bonnet Springs Park — a 168-acre, privately funded and operated public park scheduled to open October 22. Located just outside of downtown Lakeland on the east shore of Lake Bonnet, the new park was designed to bring a bit of nature and agriculture to an other wise urban area. At the new site, an all-out effort is being co ordinated to make sure visitors get a chance to see, learn about, and experience some of what Florida offers in its ecosystems and agriculture.

The vision is for the park to be a place close to the city’s urban core “where art, recreation, fun, and tranquility intersect by design.”

Bonnet Springs Park to Bring Touch of Ag to Lakeland by PAUL CATALA photos provided by BONNET SPRINGS PARK T TO THE NORTH IS US 92, one of the busiest east-west roads in Polk County. To the east, west, and south, encroaching urbanization continues to cast more concrete into Lakeland. Breath of Fresh Air

12 | NewCFAN

FEATURE | edition

According to Josh Henderson, Bonnet Springs Park’s chief executive officer, they are well on the way to accomplishing that goal Henderson — who served as vice president of operations and revenue for a privately funded public park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 2017 to 2020 — was asked to work in developing Bon net Springs by David Bunch, who learned of Wedding Lawn

Henderson’s work through research on the Tul sa park. One of the impetuses for the new park, says Henderson, is to enhance Lakeland by cre ating a bridge from the northwest quadrant of the city to downtown and expand downtown’s recognition.“Wefeel through nature, culture, recreation, and education, the park can enhance the lives of all in the area who chose to visit. It’s helping make an already great city an even better place to live, work, and play,” says Henderson, 47. Part of reaching those goals involves bringing as much nature to the park as possible – basi cally bringing some country to the city. To help accomplish that, park staff and workers already have planted more than 3,700 trees on the prop erty while saving as many other trees as possible during the construction process. Among them, staff and landscape crews planted a variety of native species, including hardwoods, citrus, and palm trees. Additionally, future plans call for park staff to develop shows and host exhibits based on horticulture. “It’s sort of like Central Park is an icon in New York City; our goal is, in time, we want to be the equivalent of Central Park but for Central Flori da,” Henderson says. Other aspects of the park that will highlight the area’s natural landscapes have also been in corporated into the design.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Rooftop Bar Mims Family Boardwalk

The guest center is the first building visitors will see as they enter the park. It holds the Wat son Clinic Gallery, which tells the history of the park property, the people who built and worked the railway there, and the general history of the surrounding areas and industries. There, Hen derson says guides will discuss the impact of Publix supermarkets, citrus farming and cultiva tion, and aspects of the surrounding phosphate industry.TheWelcome Center overlooks the AgAmer ica Heritage Garden — a garden that pays hom age to the railway and citrus industries with a linear style of foliage plantings. There are hard wood, flowering, and citrus trees, and a wooden play train structure for children.

GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center Event Center

Henderson says as the history gallery focus es on people, the GiveWell Community Foun dation Nature Center features the environment and what is being done by humans to help repair it. “We talk a lot about native animal species that can be seen in the park as well as the importance of pollinators. There is also a classroom that seats 40 for field trips,” he explains. “We have an outdoor classroom for field trips and have the ability to use the Harrell Family Greenhouse for educational programs as well.” The opening of the park and its construc tion and operations were mostly accomplished through a gift to the city from Barney Barnett’s late wife, philanthropist Carol Jenkins Barnett, daughter of the late Publix Founder George Jen kins. She died in December. She and her hus band were instrumental and involved in the be ginnings of Bonnet Springs Park back in 2015 to

14 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

The Florida Children’s Museum will have a strong focus on agriculture and outdoors-related exhibits and activities for children, says Kerry Falwell, the museum’s chief executive officer.

A Breath of Fresh Air continued

THE NEW BONNET SPRINGS PARK will bring more green and a newfound appreciation for agricultural spaces to the city of Lakeland, but just inside there’s something else that is also creating quite a buzz — the Florida Children’s Museum.

The largest children-related themed gallery will be called Harrell Family Charities Front Yard, says Falwell. Sponsored by Harrell Family Charities, a Lakeland foun from page 13

The museum, formerly known as Explorations V Chil dren’s Museum in downtown Lakeland, is creating its new facility to educate children and their parents on the sig nificance of Florida agriculture and wildlands.

2016 when the idea was conceived; the project is almost seven years old, explains Henderson.Asforgetting visitors onto park grounds and to experience what it offers, Henderson says there are areas and exhibits to interest everyone and it’s all free. The hope is visitors to the park can tailor each visit to the day’s needs and have a variety of experiences on each trip with recreational, educational, fit ness, and arts/culture opportunities.

The park is also home to The Flori da Children’s Museum, formerly known as Explorations V Museum in downtown Lakeland.“There is a little something for almost everyone,” Henderson says. ”This park will be a repeatable experience and our goal is to make guests for life who advocate for the park and support our events.” ag

Bonnet Springs Park Highlights • Lakeland Regional Health Circulator, 2.5-mile long walking and biking path • 6.5-acre Blanton Family Lagoon to allow kayaks and paddleboats • AgAmerica Heritage garden • Harrell Family Botanical Gardens • GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center • Event Center • Boathouse • Butterfly Conservatory • Wetland boardwalk • Classrooms with aquariums • Walkway amid tree canopies • Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse • Nature playgrounds Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse Kiwanis Treehouse FEATURE | education Children’s Museum Will Teach About Florida Ecology andbyAgriculturePAULCATALA New Digs

Explorations V already had ag-related exhib its such as the popular “O is for Oranges,” a citrus-related section, museum staff wanted to significantly increase ag riculture and nature activities and exhibits. Falwell says the museum seeks to demonstrate how the state still has a strong agricultural presence.

tral Florida destination for individuals who want an enjoyable day out, schools on field trips, couples getting married, and even big corporate get-togethers and events.

“When we were designing the new facility, we real ly wanted to think about what’s current in agriculture, what’s really driving our economy, and what are the new and emerging areas that we can share with families?” ex plains

TheFalwell.museum is adding themed areas to its building, such as the 3,800-square-feet “Watermelon Seeds” sec tion that teaches guests 6 years old and younger about the growth cycle and production of watermelons from seed lings through to the early developmental stages.

It will span 47,800 square feet indoors and outdoors to accommodate an estimated 100,000 visitors each year, double the guests the facility served in downtown Lakeland.Although

The idea behind Bonnet Springs is that it’s not just a “Lakeland” park, it’s a Cen

ALL THE RESEARCH POINTS to the fact that optimal citrus growth, fruit yields, and juice quality are all affected by nutrients.

Furthermore, research also shows that deficiencies create low yields and affect revenue. Ensuring your citrus receives adequate nutrients is a must, for both macronutrients and micronutrients.

Recommendations for Macronutrients and Micronutrients

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.

“We’ll have really interesting conver sations about other subjects like land erosion. It’s a fun way to show off the out door ecology of Florida.”

• Micronutrients should be applied to the root zone via fertiga tion or spreaders; this will improve root flushes and tree health.

“We’re talking about the dig industry and what they find when they dig, like ‘Why is there a whale bone in Central Florida?’” Falwell says.

Along with “Dig and Pick,” a 100-feetlong, 17-feet-tall play alligator structure made mostly of steel has been built near by as another fun diversion for children.

In the new AgAmerica Farm for chil dren in kindergarten through fourth grade, kids can don costumes and act out the roles of farmers, doing everything from harvesting crops, to taking them to a roadside stand to sell or loading them onto a truck bound for supermarkets.

• Utilize split applications of nutrients. For fertigation, that’s a minimum of 12 splits annually; for dry soluble fer tilizer, use four split applications; for controlled or slow-release fertilizer, utilize two to three applications every year.

CFAN | 15FloridaAgNews.com

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

The Front Yard will include the phos phate mining corporation Mosaic’s “Dig and Pick” activity, where the ins and outs of Florida’s phosphate mining industry will be explained along with the why and how of the great finds often unearthed during the mining process.

Macronutrients include primary macronutrients—the “big three” of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—and the secondary macronutrients of Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These macronutrients—especially the primary macronutrients—have the greatest impact on yield, growth, and fruitMicronutrientsquality. are those nutrients that help plants to take up and move macronutrients throughout the plant; these include boron, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and others. Research has shown that micronutrients are especially important for citrus trees dealing with citrus greening.

“We’re representing our communi ty, and you can’t represent Polk County without agriculture.” ag

dation that gives grants to educational institutions and charitable organizations, the Front Yard will be an enclosed out door gallery just less than 8,000 square feet. It will feature an exhibit called “Florida Under Our Feet,” which explores Florida biology.

• Use supplemental foliar sprays to correct deficiencies in “real time.”There are also recommendations that are meant to ensure the optimal availability of nutrients. These include:

• To optimize yields, to ensure optimal and rapid tree growth, and to achieve the right pound solids and Brix/acid ratio in the juice, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) should always be applied in equivalent ratios with phosphorus (P) being least in the ratio.

GETTING THE MACRONUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS RIGHT by MIKE ROBERTS

“Almost everything is new,” says Fal well. “We were coming from a building that was 22,000 square feet and we’re moving into a space that just under 48,000 square feet. Everything in the old location was built mostly by volunteers on-site and built in 1999, so it was time.”

• Test soil pH and keep it in the optimal range of 5.8 to 6.5. Re search shows this is especially important for citrus trees infect ed by citrus greening.

• Nutrient soil testing is important, but do not rely on it. Use leaf tissue testing to ensure that all nutrients in the soil are available to the plant.•Useleaf tissue testing to get all nutrients in the optimal or high range of UF/IFAS rec ommendations.

To build the new museum exhibits and displays, a $7 million capital cam paign was implemented, and profession al exhibit designers and fabricators were hired. The upgrades in construction and design were all done to help children learn about themselves, their family, their neighborhoods, and the community, she says.“The museum represents the are as many of the children live in,” Falwell adds. “Where we are in Central Florida, agriculture is such a big part of that. It’s so common and frequent in lots of chil dren’s lives,” she says, citing children of migrant workers and children who live in agricultural areas surrounded by hun dreds of agricultural acres.

• There are currently no recommendations for ratios for second ary macronutrients, but applying current recommendations for applications will help improve root health and immunity (Ca and S), metabolism (Mg), and growth (S).

• If a leaf tissue test shows a nutrient in the excessive nutrient concentration range, consider omitting that nutrient in the next four to six months.

Evergreen recommendations from UF/IFAS concerning ma cronutrients and micronutrients include:

The folks at UF/IFAS are working on new recommendations to guide BMPs, but there are nutrient recommendations that are evergreen for Florida citrus growers.

16 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

LIKE YOUR EXTENSION AGENT, I can’t do an important part of my job from the office, unless you consider a Ford Explorer an office. To visit face-to-face with Extension agents, researchers, farmers, and ranchers, I drive 30,000 miles a year. When I joined UF/IFAS in July 2020, I pledged to visit Extension offices in all 67 counties. I got to Hillsborough Extension a year and a half ago, and Polk Extension in February and December 2021. I fulfilled my 67-county pledge on April 8 in Lake City by breaking a ceremonial runner’s finish line tape at the Columbia County Extension office. It wasn’t mission accomplished. It was mission acknowledged. Food is our middle name, and it’s our job at UF/IFAS to help food producers stay profitable so they continue to feed the world and protect the planet. Extension is a crucial piece of how we do that.Throughout my visits, I got a good look at the work our Extension agents do in your community. While the particular programming and services differ according to community needs, my statewide tour revealed a few things Hillsborough and Polk Extension have in common with the other 65 offices: Our relationships are strong. I heard stories of agent-farmer friendships that go back decades and met many of them. In most counties, there is a deep and abiding trust between UF/IFAS Extension faculty and the farmers they serve. You want to do good while doing well. I heard repeatedly that you are committed to being good stewards of the environment, that you want to protect the land you rely on for a livelihood. You also donate food to the needy, raise money for scholarships, and volunteer on civic boards and in schools.Yourely on science. Farmers repeatedly told me they would not be in business were it not for the innovation to which agents gave them access and sometimes helped absorb the risk of trying something new. Our future is bright. In numerous counties, I met 4-Hers. All of them were articulate, motivated, service-oriented, courteous, and engaged. I could see the future leader in each of them and the emerging intellect that will make them our next generation of problem-solvers. My travels aren’t limited to Extension offices, of course. UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Director Stephen Gran invited me to accept an award for UF/IFAS as the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s agribusiness of the year.That trip was also rewarding for the opportunity to visit with then-Hillsborough County Farm Bureau executive director Judi Whitson, as well as Jason Conrad, chairman of the Florida Beef Council and a board member of the Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Florida 4-H Hall of Famer Betty Jo Tompkins. In addition to Extension visits, traveling to Hillsborough and Polk counties means checking in at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences program in Plant City, and the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin.

FROM THE DESK OF Dr. Angle A Fulfilled Pledge and a Promise for the Future

Stephen Gran with V Pat PlantCity

I’m not done learning from you and the stakeholders you serve. I’ll continue to visit Hillsborough and Polk counties to remind myself who we work for—every citizen of Florida! Most of them don’t live here on campus. I’m planning to come your way to attend the Florida Ag Expo at Gulf Coast REC on November 2. And if you invite me, I may even be able to visit your farm sometime. Like our Extension agents, I’ll do my best to come to you. See you soon.

J. Scott Angle @IFAS_VPjangle@ufl.edu

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).

The 94th Florida FFA State Convention and Expo, held in June, was one for the books. Awards, competitions, guest speakers, energetic sessions, and workshops filled the week for those who had the opportunity to attend. With more than 25 Polk County FFA chapters in attendance, District Eight and Polk County were very well represented at the Convention. Polk County chapters took home top honors in several events, including: • State FFA Agriscience Fair Team Competition: Division IV Social – Lindsey True and Wilhelmina Ulrich, Frostproof FFA • Creed Speaking LDE - Clayton Keene, Lake Wales Sr FFA • Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration CDE: Consumer Use – Cassidy Edwards and Wilhelmina Ulrich, Frostproof FFA • Land Judging CDE – Madison Carlton, Ally Keim, Jody Witter and Charleigh Wood, George Jenkins Sr FFA • Poultry Evaluation CDE: High Individual Middle School – Nathan Boyd, Frostproof Middle FFA • Forestry CDE – Taija Santos, Ally Keim, Charleigh Wood and Madison Carlton, George Jenkins Sr FFA Several Polk County members also were rewarded for their years of dedication and hard

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a ﬁnancial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,166,732 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the ofﬁcial views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/ HHS, or the U.S. Government. a FREE

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

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

for

SCHOOL MAY HAVE BEEN OUT for the past three months, but that hasn’t stopped FFA events. From thousands of students gathering at the Caribe Royale in Orlando for the Florida FFA State Convention to more than 100 students visiting O’Leno State Park for a weeklong Florida FFA Forestry Camp, FFA members have been busy staying active in events bigger than what they have in their chapters at home. These students have had the chance to not only learn more about the FFA organization but also to meet new people outside of their own chapters that can help influence and shape who they become as a member and a person.

CFAN | 17FloridaAgNews.com

FFACORNERS

On-Farm Readiness ReviewSign up

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Summer Didn’t Slow Student Participation by CHARLEIGH WOOD, Polk County FFA Federation President

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

Even though Florida is known for its amusement parks and beaches, it’s also home to many amazing hiking trails, waterways, and scenic landscapes. As the cooler temperatures of fall find their way to our Sunshine State, try rolling down your windows and taking a road trip to an outdoor adventure.

If you’re looking for some ideas, we’ve got you covered.

THE KEY TO RABIES IS PREVENTION

Hiking

If you’re looking for a great place to take your horse out riding this fall, you can find untouched wilderness at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park with wild horses and bison roaming the area. You can also explore this area via a day hike or go for a bike ride.

Horseback Riding

by GRACE HIRDES

Paddleboarding Rock Springs Run/ King’s Landing in Apopka offers paddlers some of the most beautiful scenery in Central Florida. King’s Landing offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, from self-guided rentals, adventure tours, and even nightly escapes that will have you gazing under the stars. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in true Florida nature, wildlife around every paddle and emerald waters below. The crystal clear waters will quickly take you away to paradise.

Your Guide to Central Florida Ag-Recreation

AGRISHOPPERSHOPPERAGRISHOPPER

If you want to see a great variety of birds, head on out to the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area Osprey Unit where you’ll get excellent opportunities to see anhinga, the great blue heron, great egret, little blue heron, green heron, wood stork, bald eagles and many ospreys. In the fall, the best time to visit is between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.to see a variety of butterflies as well.

The incubation period for rabies varies, and it can even take up to one year before clinical signs are evident in an exposed mammal. The most common way for a horse to be exposed to the rabies virus is through bite wounds, so careful disinfection of any wounds with gloves is essential. Prompt quarantining and veterinary attention for any horse exhibiting neurological signs are critical. A rabies diagnosis is confirmed by examining the brain. This is an important step to identify any exposure and start prophylactic treatment for any people working with the horse. There is no treatment for rabies infection once clinical signs are observed. The key to rabies is prevention!

18 |

Fall in Florida brings with it a bounty of food harvests, making it a great time of year to visit local Florida farms. Spend the afternoon at a farmers market stocking up on fresh fall vegetables and handmade jams and butter. Walk Don’t Ride Bok Tower Garden in Lake Wales offers walking trails perfect for all ages, with its interpretive signs giving info about all the surrounding flora, fauna, and wildlife. Its moderate walking trails covered by the shade of the Florida oak trees are perfect for anyone looking to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather without putting in a lot of effort.

Manatee Watching

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY

CFAN RABIES IS A VIRAL DISEASE caused by Lyssavirus, which affects all warm-blooded animals including horses and humans. Rabies is endemic in wildlife, so there is a risk of exposure throughout Florida. Rabies is uncommon in horses, and it is 100% fatal once clinical signs appear. Clinical signs are related to the central nervous system and can include aggression, muscle tremors, convulsions, depression, lack of appetite, circling, ataxia/incoordination, selfmutilation, shifting lameness, or even recumbency. These signs can be similar to other viral diseases, infections or colic, so it’s important to contact your veterinarian if you notice any abnormal behavior.

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

Shop in Local Farmers Markets

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.

Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore the many trails in Florida, so load up your gear and take an early morning hike at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. While hiking the trails you may see a variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, wood storks, great blue herons, and many other wading birds, as well as vistas across Lake Hancock and Banana Creek Marsh. Keep an eye out for alligators if you hike along the banks of Lake Hancock.

Check out Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa where the waters are a constant 72 degrees, making fall the perfect time to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. You can also look for manatees at Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, the largest winter refuge for manatees on the Gulf Coast. Take a trolley tour to the boardwalk to see the manatees, or take a kayak out on the water and see these creatures up close up until November 14 when they restrict water activities to only allow swimming in the spring.

Birdwatch

Go for a Bike Ride

The 362-acre property of Holloway Park in Lakeland had been mined prior to 1950 and was left in a rugged state with lots of ridges and valleys perfect for a nature bike ride It is home to a variety of plants, trees, and shrubs that provide food and shelter to a variety of wildlife. Conservation projects at Holloway Park include native vegetation restoration, nest box installations, and shoreline improvements for wading birds. The Park is a multipurpose recreational site, offering crosscountry trails for races, but also open for nature enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. So as we all look forward to pumpkin spice and everything nice, make your plans to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and all the scenic landscapes Florida has to offer.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends yearly vaccination for all horses, donkeys, and mules. The vaccine is effective at preventing rabies but needs to be administered before exposure to the virus to be effective. Rabies is zoonotic. This means that it can be transferred to people so vaccinating your horses is a great way to protect your family. Talk to your veterinarian about setting up an appointment to get your horses vaccinated.

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The clip is an apt introduction to the Lakeland nonprofit in two ways. First, Smith speaks in a tone and style that is at once friend ly, passionate, and direct, reflecting the organi zation’sSecond,personality.he’strying to raise money for some one in immediate need, meaning the organiza tion is flexible enough to try different things to reach its mission.

“We sat down and the light bulb turned on,” says Smith. “I spent the whole lunch writing on napkins. Thirty napkins later, I had it all down, and, by December 2017, we were a nonprofit.”

A Mission of Trust

THE TREATMENT

The early signs of foot rot are lameness and swelling of interdigital tissues or around the hairline of both hooves. Eventually, the skin splits open to reveal a foul-smelling, necrotic inner material of infected tissue. Left untreated, the swelling may continue up the foot to the fetlock or higher.

According to an October 2021 article in the New York Times, the overall suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times as much as the rate for ci vilians. However, among veterans aged 18-35, the rate is 2.5 times that of all civilians.

Equine Therapy to Help Veterans by TIM CRAIG photos provided by THE VETERANS RANCH VETERANS RANCH YouTube episode from August tells you everything you need to know about the nonprofit.

THE SIGNS

A A

THE PREVENTION

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.

Lakeland Nonprofit Offers

“We didn’t make the goal through the vid eo, but I thought we should give it a try and see what happens,” says Smith. “We were able to raise the money in another way and help in that situation, though.”

A direct, well-stated goal and the flexibility to try to reach it through different channels has been a hallmark of The Veterans Ranch since it started in October 2017.

The idea for The Veterans Ranch came scribbled on a bedside note — a barely legible “ranch” on the page — written at 3 a.m. Smith, along with his wife, Pam, had been looking for a way to help veterans.

The earlier treatment can be implemented, the more likely it is to be successful. First, the area should be cleaned and examined by a veterinarian to confirm if the cause of the lameness is indeed foot rot. If it is, they will typically prescribe a topical treatment, although antibiotics could also be used. Move the animal to a dry area during the healing phase — but if the infection does not improve within three or four days, you should call the vet again.

“My dad was a Vietnam vet, my uncle was in the Navy, and my grandfather was in World War II,” says Smith. “We had been looking at ways to help, but there are a million dog pro grams — and they are doing great work — and we didn’t want to become part of the white noise.”Smith did a lot of reflecting and praying on the word “ranch,” but just couldn’t find a way to fill in the blanks. Then came a lunch at Chili’s.

20 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

FIGHT FOOT ROT IN FLORIDA CATTLE

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

On the video, there’s a man with glasses and a goatee, black hat and black shirt, and he’s talk ing about how this episode is different; saying they need donations for an immediate need.

“We’ve got some needs that we’ve got to meet for a veteran in the local community,” says the host, J.R. Smith, founder and vice president of The Veterans Ranch, a nonprofit organiza tion that uses equine therapy to help veterans and put an end to veteran’s suicide.

The mission of The Veterans Ranch is to assist veterans and families through Equine Therapy, which involves equine therapy that promotes human physical and mental health.

FOOT ROT IN CATTLE is a deceptively treacherous malady. Not only is it easy to misdiagnose foot rot (approximately 20 percent of all lameness treated by veterinarians is caused by foot rot), but when left untreated, foot rot can be debilitating, if not fatal, to the animal. Foot rot can easily develop in areas of less than ideal ground cover or when there is too much moisture — conditions certain to be found in many Florida pastures. So what can the rancher do to keep a minor pain in the hoof from becoming a major issue?

As the infection is dependent on two external factors — sharp gravel or brush to break the skin, and extended time on moist ground — the best prevention is to minimize exposure to these conditions. Try to maintain pasture land as smooth as possible, and try to minimize the time the animals are standing around in wet, humid, congested areas — such as where the herd has deposited feces. Lastly, a solid nutritional regimen can help keep your cattle’s immune system ready to fight off an errant infection. by BAXTER TROUTMAN

FEATURE | community

“The statistic when we started out was that there are 22 veterans a day committing suicide,” says Smith. “What people don’t share is that that number is up post-Covid.”

THE CAUSE Foot rot is caused by a fairly common bacterium. Typically, the skin between the hoofs protects the interdigital space from these bacteria in the outside world, but if an injury occurs to the foot or the hoof matter (such as abrasions caused by rough surfaces, rough terrain, hard stalks, and sharp gravel), external contaminants can enter the system. Then, if the animal spends a lot of time in overly moist environments, this infection can progress into foot rot.

Agriculture Is Our Passion West Stuart Avenue 2nd Floor Lake Wales, FL 33853 Telephone (863) 638-1619 Fax (863) 638-0512 Email Websiteinfo@storycompanies.comwww.storycompanies.com

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“Horses, when it comes to the fight or flight in stinct, are flight 99 percent of the time,” says Smith. “So, we start by giving the veterans a grooming brush and showing them how to get the trust. We try to get them to stop thinking about everything that is going on with their lives and to just make a connection.”Thetherapy works, too. Smith recalls a time from one of their rides when a veteran nearly had a breakdown — yelling at his wife about how he hat ed the idea of being on a horse and wanting to just go home. A fellow veteran took charge, says Smith, and cajoled the veteran into talking about the prob lem.“He said, ‘Guys, I’m from the Bronx, I have no idea what I’m doing,’” says Smith. “Once he was able to talk about it, we were able to get him com fortable. About an hour later he gets back from his ride grinning ear to ear. He even asked if he could go on the afternoon ride, as well. “At the end of the day, he was able to build a better bond with his wife,” says Smith, “and he was able to stick his chest out a little further because he overcame a fear.”

Heading into 2020, the nonprofit was starting to gain momentum. Smith and the board were begin ning to look for property for a permanent home. Then Covid hit. “After Covid, the prices of property in Florida went up,” says Smith. “We had to put the idea of getting our own property on the backburner.”

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“I appreciate how the program can be altered to fit a particular person’s needs because we are not all alike and neither are the horses.”

Outside of Polk County, The Veterans Ranch teams up with the South Florida Reining Horse As sociation in Tampa, The Tampa Chapter of Cow boys for Christ and exhibits at booths at events like the Florida Gun Show at the Fairgrounds, as well as other events in Orlando and Palmetto.

The Veterans Ranch has also focused its fund raising in two key ways. “If we can get 20,000 people from Polk County giving $22 a month we could build our own facility and reach more veterans,” he says. “That’s less than one average family’s visit to a fast-food restaurant.” Another fundraiser called “Do you give a buck about Veterans?” uses a Give-Send-Go campaign. “If a million people gave $1, imagine the effect,” he says.Learn more at theveteransranch.org ag

EQUINE THERAPY To combat that, the nonprofit uses equine thera py, usually capped with day-long trail rides, helping the veterans build a bond of trust with an animal that doesn’t naturally trust.

Duane Stamm of the U.S. Marine Corps had the opportunity recently to see firsthand the trans formative power of equine therapy when he and members of the Tampa VA Network spent the day with The Veterans Ranch.

The Story Companies are comprised of Florida agriculture management entities. Since 1945, these family owned and operated corporations have provided services to Florida agriculture including land holdings; citrus, peach and blueberry caretaking; and marketing of various commodities on over 7,000 acres. For over 70 years the Story’s have been providing superior service with outstanding returns. Please contact us to see how we may be of service to you.

Now, The Veterans Ranch is focusing on getting the word of what it does out to the public, particu larly in Polk County, which has upwards of 30,000 veterans, according to Smith.

“The main thing we’re doing is trying to let peo ple know we’re here,” he says. “We’re the hometown nonprofit, serving the veterans in our backyard.”

“I learned that a horse can sense a person’s heart rhythm and connect on a level that is unlike that of any other creature,” he says. “My experience that day allowed me to be in the moment and find a peace that is difficult to obtain in our fast-paced world.” Stamm underscores the importance of finding that peace and the program’s unique ability to fa cilitate that.

Welcome to the 2022-23 school year. I hope you had a great summer and you are ready to get involved in some exciting ag opportunities. Participating in various activities is a great way to stay in touch with friends from past FFA events or to build stronger friendships within our local chapters. There are plenty of events already planned for this fall. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Summer Didn’t Slow Student Participation continued from page 17

FFACORNER

Two local students who will be attending the National Convention as competitors are Wil helmina Ullrich and Lindsey True from the Frost proof Senior FFA Chapter. They will be compet ing at the National Agriscience Fair in the Social Studies Category. They created a project, titled “Understanding Consumers Milk Selection.” Their project included a survey to determine how knowledgeable people are on milk labeling and exploring common misconceptions within the dairy industry. The project also researched what influences consumers’ milk selections. Their pro ject has been preselected as a finalist. Their competition interview will take place on September 16. Upon completion of their interview, they will be attending the National Convention to find out how they placed. Best of luck to them.

Now is the perfect time of the school year to begin considering whether you want to be a part of a CDE team. What is a CDE team? CDA stands for Career Development Events. There are many opportunities out there for both middle and high school students. Some of the categories include Citrus, Forestry, Tool ID, Poultry, Live stock, Horticulture, Creed, Vegetable judging, OH Demo, Nursery and Landscape, Soil and Land judging, and OCC. Anyone can try out to be a member of a team; no experience is required in most instances.

Plenty of Events on Tap for Fall by LINDSEY TRUE, Polk County FFA Federation Vice President H HEY EVERYBODY!

In July, more than 100 FFA members from around the state gathered at O’Leno State Park in High Springs, Florida, for Forestry Training Camp, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service. This camp gave members an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in topics such as dendrology, forest cover types, compass and pacing area calculations, map reading, equipment identification, timber cruising, and more. For Polk County’s George Jenkins Sr. FFA State Champion Forestry Team, it also offered a chance to polish their skills before heading to the national contest in Indianapolis this fall. Each year, the camp recognizes the top campers following a skills assessment. This year’s Top Campers included five members of the George Jenkins chapter, with graduating senior Taija Santos, who took top honors at camp, Madison Carlton, Aiden Comisky, Jody Witter, and Charleigh Wood, as well as Joseph Shelton, from the Bartow Sr. FFA Chapter, and Ethan McKinnon, from the Auburndale FFA Chapter, all scoring in the top 12. As overall Top Camper, Santos earned a scholarship to the Forestry Program and the University of Florida. ag

I hope everyone has a great start to the year! ag work within the FFA organization with the presentation of their State Degree, the highest degree that the State FFA Association can bestow on a member. Additionally, Auburndale Sr. FFA’s Mykaela Billingsley and Tessa Mullis were elected to serve as District VIII President and Secretary, respectively, for 2022-23.

This fall the National FFA Convention will be held in Indianapolis on October 25-29. This is an amazing opportunity for many Polk County FFA members. They will have the chance to tour the nearby agricultural industries and learn how they are operated. While at the convention, they will be able to attend different sessions highlight ing issues related to agriculture from different perspectives. They will be able to hear the nation al officer team as they run opening and closing ceremonies. They will hear officers’ retiring ad dresses, inspiring speakers, and the accomplish ments of FFA members from around the world.

22 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

We start the year with several scheduled events for the month of September. September 22 is the County OCC, located at Winter Haven High School. High School check-in is at 3 p.m. and middle school check-in is at 5 p.m. Good luck to all the teams competing. Are you interested in developing or improving your leadership skills? Then consider the COLT Conference at the LTC center on September 26-29 (select one day to attend). Another com petition you may be interested in is the County Creed Contest at Auburndale High School on October 4. High school check-in is at 3 p.m., and middle school check-in is at 5 p.m. Again, good luck to all those competing.

— Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast: two fish.

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• Set the bag limit to one fish in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast regions.—This is a reduction to the bag limit in the Northeast region. “With this new forward-thinking management approach, we’re trying to do what’s best for this fishery. This agency is committed to working proactively to conserve the redfish fishery in Florida for future generations while balancing stakeholder interests,” said FWC Commissioner StevenTheHudson.changes to redfish management regions and regulations, as part of FWC’s new management approach, will better capture regional differences and improve angler satisfaction. The new management approach includes annual reviews of the redfish fishery and redfish regulations may be changed each year in response to the reviews. For more information, including the July 2022 Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC. com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”Forcurrent recreational redfish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Redfish.” This page will be updated with the new regulations when they take effect. ag

• Allow only catch-and-release fishing for redfish in the Indian River Lagoon region.

FWC Approves Changes for Redfish in State Waters

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Over 40 years of local jobs and vendors in the community

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AT ITS JULY MEETING, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new management regions and regulation changes for redfish in state waters following the final rule hearing. These regulation changes went into effect September 1: Establish nine redfish management regions. Prohibit captain and crew from retaining a bag limit of redfish when on a for-hire trip. Reduce the off-the-water transport limit from six to four fish per person. Reduce the vessel limit in each of the management regions to be: — Panhandle, Big Bend, Northeast: four fish.

ag-recag-recFlorida Update

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myfwc.com/news/all-news/redfish-722/

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FloridaUpdate

FEATURE |

“The program was inspired by the fact that Polk County had acquired several new conser vation lands through a 1994 county environ mental lands referendum,and many people were not aware that those preserves existed or were open to the public,” says Marian Ryan, president of Friends of the Park. “In addition, significant numbers of new res idents have moved here from out of state and have no knowledge of the incredibly diverse eco systems we have here.”

Polk County’s Trek Ten Trails Program an Easy Way to Explore Parks, Nature

by GRACE HIRDES A ARE YOU LOOKING FOR a great way to have some outdoor fun in Central Florida this fall? You don’t have to be an expert hiker or avid outdoorsman to take advantage of all that nature has to offer. That’s the message the Trek Ten Trails program hopes to hammer home. The free, web-based recreation program, which launched back in 2007, is intended to make nature more accessible in order to get families off the couch and out among the nature of Polk County’s many parks and nature preserves.

How It Works Before you start your adventures, you’ll need to get a game card. They are available at all Polk County libraries, Circle B Bar Reserve, and on line at friendsoftheparks.net/trek-ten-trails. Trekkers can choose trails to hike and then val idate their game cards when they complete the trail. You can collect up to 10 different stamps on your game card by using the self-inking stamp in the geocache located along the trail. You can find instructions on how to find the geocache with or without a GPS on your trail factsheet. Once your game card is full, you can send it to Marian either through US postal service or via email to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion and a souvenir token at their Annual Celebration. Game cards are due by November 7.

24 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

For each trail cycle, Trek Ten Trails Coordi nator Briana Boston and Ryan try to select trails that are spread out across the county as well as trails with different lengths.

“We keep a trail in the program for two years and then replace them to keep the adventures fresh,” Ryan says.

“All of our hikes include a geocache that can be found with or without GPS. Those are located about a half mile to a mile into each property so

Get Your Trek On program

The Annual Celebration will be held Novem ber 12. The celebration includes refreshments, Certificates of Completion, path tags, a guided hike, a Geocaching International Film Festival Reel, and a prize drawing. After the celebration, a new Trek Ten Trails cycle will begin.

I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED the Crutchfield Estate Distribution Auction that I wanted to begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Our country is in dire straits, and I believe we all need to be seeking common ground and God’s blessings for all in every effort.

The buyers on our mailing list responded from all over America, we had both online and in-person bidders amounting to more than 200 registered involved buyers.

I introduced the Crutchfield family we were working for to the audience. They have been supporters of the Sebring community for many years. The auction’s success was personal for us, as we have great respect for the family, and we wanted the community to have that same sense. Our Higgenbotham Auction crew had a single purpose, and it was to provide the family with the retirement of their dreams!

CFAN | 25FloridaAgNews.com

hikers get a good experience. We have had hikes on 43 different properties so far, all within Polk County.”

AUCTIONS AREN’T A SECRET, BUT THEY ARE A SECRET WEAPON

Some of the trails include:

While each cycle highlights differ ent trails with new geocaches, Ryan says hiking in the Green Swamp or in ancient scrub woods offers stunning seasonal highlights of flowers and colors.

The Crutchfield Auction of 1,483-plus acres of grove was offered in 75 tracts that included development land in Highlands County and a majority of them being offered as absolute properties.

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

• Circle Bar B Reserve for fabulous bird ing and more alligators than you can count

The accelerated auction method of marketing facilitated 75 properties changing hands efficiently at fair market value. The buyers came from as far as Wisconsin, Missouri, Georgia, California, New York, and all over Florida to attend one of the largest auctions conducted in Florida in the past 20 years.

• Gator Creek Reserve, which is the per fect place for a dip into a corner of the Green Swamp

• Saddle Creek Park, which has a 2.4-mile round-trip birding trail and a connector to Tenoroc

This sale proved again something that I have known for more than 62 years: If you advertise the property will be sold at absolute auction, the buyers will respond. Those of us in the auction industry understand this is not a secret, but rather a secret weapon to maximize the profit return for our clients. We were so blessed that the community of buyers understood the property values and bid accordingly!Ournext sale is a fun Fall Firearms & Ammunition sale on September 24 at our ranch at 2200 Ewell Road in Lakeland. See you at the auction!

When the dust settled, more than $22 million of property was sold in less than four hours at the lovely historic Circle Theatre. (Kudos to Harry and his Theatre staff!)

We tailored the marketing with direct mail, social media, newsprint, radio advertising, and my favorite — personal visits and direct phone calls to known investors/buyers many of whom have become buyers/friends over the years. Finally, we sent a text reminder of the actual sale time and location.

The auction was properly advertised, with multiple avenues of advertising utilized. This was a complicated sale, so details were of the utmost importance. We began with the direct mailing of hard copy brochures using our in-house mailing list created over 62 years of marketing by the auction method of sales.

• L akeland Highlands Scrub offers a close-up look at the Lakeland Ridge, an ancient island when Florida was beneath the seas

by MARTY HIGGENBOTHAM

• SUMICA, which is one of the natural lands in Polk County where birding is especially superb. If you are wary of hiking alone or are new to the park or geocaching, Friends of the Park offers hosted hikes in the fall and spring of each year. Hosted hikes usually start at 9 a.m. For more info on the next hosted hike, contact Ryan at 863-2075206 or marianryan@gmail.com

“Our hosted hikes have been especial ly popular with single hikers who might, rightfully so, be hesitant to hike alone in remote areas,” she says. “We were espe cially surprised to find that many home schoolers use the program!” You won’t regret getting out there, Ryan says. “Polk County has some of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. Beau ty, science, technology, and health can all merge in the outdoor experience. For chil dren and adults alike, contact with nature is linked to better health, less stress, better mood, and reduced obesity – an amazing list of benefits that no other product can match. It can also result in hobbies that last a Learnlifetime.”more at friendsoftheparks.net/ trek-ten-trails ag

“Polk County has some of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. Beauty, science, technology, and health can all merge in the outdoor experience. For children and adults alike, contact with nature is linked to better health, less stress, better mood, and reduced obesity – an amazing list of benefits that no other product can match. It can also result in hobbies that last a lifetime.”

• Crooked Lake Prairie, which is a re freshing excursion into habitats found on the high hills of the Lake Wales Ridge

— Marian Ryan, president of Friends of the Parks

Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons Ginger, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon each Vanilla, 1-1/4 teaspoon

(Adapted from foodnetwork.com)

SpotlightRecipe

Y YOU KNOW IT’S FALL when you start hearing about all things pumpkin spice. It’s one harbinger of autumn that gained so much popularity that scientists have researched to find out what exactly is behind the fan following. As it turns out, the flavor evokes a feeling of nostalgia and comfort for many people. Smell is not only one of the strongest senses, but it also is intricately linked to memory. It’s the pumpkin spice smell that pulls us in. That scent reminds us of happy times and wonderful childhood memories.

ROASTEDLUNCH: GARLIC AND PUMPKIN SPICE HUMMUS

(Adapted from halfbakedharvest.com)

26 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com

Kick Off Autumn With The Taste of Pumpkin Spice by CAROL CORLEY

EASYBREAKFAST:PUMPKIN SPICE DANISH

Ingredients Olive oil, 1/2 cup Garlic, 3 cloves crushed Garbanzo beans, 15-oz can Pumpkin puree, 1 cup Tahini, 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, 2-1/4 tablespoons Pumpkin spice mix, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste Pumpkin seeds, 1/3 cup Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Roast crushed garlic cloves mixed in olive oil in a small oven-proof bowl in the oven preheated to 375F until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Then take the roasted garlic plus 2 tablespoons of residual oil from the dish. Place in a food processor and add garbanzo beans, pumpkin puree, lemon juice, tahini, pumpkin spice mix, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth, place in a serving bowl and top with any remaining olive oil. Refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of two hours. When ready to serve, put pumpkin seeds with a pinch of salt in a saucepan on medium-high heat and toss until fragrant. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over hummus, serve slightly chilled.

Directions Stir together sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Separately, stir together pumpkin puree with vanilla and add 2 tablespoons of the sugar-spice mix. Lay the puff pastry flat on a clean cutting board, spread evenly with the cream cheese, slowly spread the pumpkin mix over the cream cheese, cut each sheet lengthwise into 6 strips 1/2 inches wide each. Fold each sheet in half lengthwise then twist several times. Place each on one of two baking sheets lined with parchment paper, then brush each pastry generously with butter and sprinkle with remaining sugar-spice mix. Bake 20-25 minutes in an oven preheated to 375F. You could have this with pumpkin scrambled eggs or frittata.

Now, it’s possible to enjoy this happy fall flavor at every meal of the day. But first, how do we make our own pumpkin spice mix? Generally, it would include ground spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Recipes generally call for more cinnamon than the other spices, and with cloves the least. One such recipe, adapted from several sources, calls for 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1-1/2 teaspoons each of ground nutmeg and ginger, 1 teaspoon each ground allspice and cloves. The mix can be altered to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients Frozen puff pastry thawed, 2 sheets Pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup Cream cheese softened, 6 ounces Butter melted, 4 tablespoons

Ingredients

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Ingredients Crust: Graham cracker crumbs (can be gluten-free), 1-1/2 cups Yogurt, 5 tablespoons vanilla/plain Baking cocoa, 2 tablespoons Brown sugar, 1-1/2 tablespoons Salt, 1/8 teaspoon

Ground beef, 2 pounds lean Bacon, 8 slices HamburgerArugula buns, 4 Maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Salt and pepper to taste Pumpkin puree, 8 tablespoons Mayonnaise, 1-1 1/2 tablespoon Pumpkin spice, 1/3 teaspoon

Filling Pumpkin: puree, 15 oz can Cream cheese, 24 oz softened Eggs, 3 lg, room temp., lightly beaten Egg yolk, 1 large, room temperature Sugar, 1-1/2 cups Sour cream, 1/4 cup Flour, 2 tablespoons all-purpose Vanilla, 1-1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin spice mix, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

CFAN | 27FloridaAgNews.com

Where your family fun begins.

Directions Mix maple syrup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Fry bacon in a pan until crisp, then when done brush with maple syrup and brown sugar mix. Set aside. Form 4 patties with ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Patties should be half an inch wider than buns. Put a thumbprint in the middle of each patty, then grill on a hot grill about 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Mix together pumpkin puree, mayonnaise, and pumpkin spice and set aside. Place arugula on the bottom of each bun, top with hamburger patties, then pumpkin puree mix, and finally bacon.

Directions Mix together cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cocoa, salt, yogurt in a small bowl. Press onto the bottom of the greased 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 350F. Cool. Beat together cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, sour cream, flour, vanilla and spices. Add eggs and extra yolk. Beat until blended. Pour into the crust. Place springform pan with crust and filling onbaking sheet, bake at 325F about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours until center is almost set. Cool one hour or longer, then refrigerate overnight.

DESSERT: PUMPKIN SPICE CHEESECAKE (Adapted from tasteofhome.com)

DINNER: PUMPKIN SPICE BURGER (Adapted from burgerartist.com)

Celebrating our 60th anniversary IN STOCK NOW!

Lela Love, chair of Archbold’s Board, adds, “This easement is a win for Archbold, for Florida and for all who care about the beauty of our lands and their wild inhabitants.” ag

FloridaAgNews.com Highlands County J In The Heartland

by JULIE GMITTER

Gene Lollis, ranch manager at Buck Island and a former president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, adds, “Cattle have been part of the Florida landscape for 501 years, and cattle ranching has played an integral role in Florida’s history. My hope is that this purchase, and many more easements like this, can be concluded soon to preserve this history. I pray that these lands, waters, and wildlife will exist forever for the generations to come.”

JUST 15 MILES NORTHWEST of Lake Okeechobee lies Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch, a 10,000+ acre area of land that is home to a working cattle ranch of nearly 3,000 cattle. On August 23, Governor Ron DeSantis and his Cabinet announced a proposed conservation easement of 1,883 acres within Buck Island Ranch. The addition of this conserved land would contribute more acreage to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Buck Island Ranch is part of the headwaters of the Everglades. The property is currently an active cattle ranch surrounded by valuable grassland habitats with diverse — and threatened — flora and fauna. Dr. Betsey Boughton, Archbold’s Director of Agroecology Research at the Ranch, describes these grasslands as “a stunning mosaic of species, rich prairies, and wetlands that [exemplify] the imperiled grassland region of south-central Florida.” The acreage also serves as the living laboratory for both the Archbold’s Agroecology Research Program and the USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research LTAR network.Thetwo parcels of land on the eastern and western boundaries of the ranch will be included in the acreage, which will provide connectivity for and provide the ability to continue open grazing and cattle ranch operations without incident, as well as protect the threatened species within the open grassland on the Theproperty.Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, as well as a grant awarded to FDACS from the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under the USDA Grasslands of Special Significance, are both providing funding for this new conservation easement. Dr. Hillary Swain, Archbold’s executive director, says, “Our goal is to protect and enhance Florida’s grasslands. This easement will contribute towards Archbold’s ability to sustain Buck Island both as a protected working landscape and as a vital research center serving Florida agriculture and environment.”

Conservation Easement for Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch Approved

Working on a farm can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you’re not alone. Nine in ten farmers cite financial issues, farm business concerns and fear of losing their farms as mental health stressors. Call 211 to speak to someone who will listen and provide the resources you need to get through tough times. Calls are confidential and can be anonymous. more at 211.org

Farming is stressfulHelpisavailableCall211OrText‘FarmFL’to898-211

Learn

Congratulations

30 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com community Zooming in on agriculture in your community. photos provided by Polk County Farm Bureau

Congratulations to Emma Self of Bartow High School, who won first place in the Polk County Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest as well as the Florida Farm Bureau District 5 Emma goes on to the state competition in late October. She will also deliver her winning speech at the Polk County Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting on October 6. Jasmyn Billano of Haines City Senior High won second place, and George Jenkins High School’s Charleigh Wood took third place. to all who participated!

Polk County Farm Bureau 2022 Youth Speech Contest All presenters at the speech contest First-place winner Emma Self Second-place winner Jasmyn Billano First-place winner Emma Self of Bartow Sr. FFA Third-place winner Charleigh Wood

Contest!

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Rubio said that bill — introduced as the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act (S. 4394) — had broad bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives, including companion legislation introduced by 15 U.S. representatives from Florida. The act could have lowered the required Brix level for not-from-concentrate orange juice from 10.5 percent to 10 per cent.While some say that they will continue to work through the process with both the Legislature and the FDA to lower the required Brix, the bill’s de feat leaves many growers reviewing their options as it relates to meeting the standard with their current trees. While a patented Tree Defender’s Individ ual Protective Cover may not leap to the top of their list, there is evidence that maybe it should.

Two key studies of Brix levels in fruit show that a Tree Defenders IPC can increase Brix levels. The first, conducted by Dr. Fernando Alferez from the University of Florida, showed that IPC-covered trees had a Brix level of approximately 10.9 percent — which is above the Food and Drug Adminis tration standard. Trees without Tree Defenders reported a Brix level of 7.5 percent; significantly lower. More recently, we received results from a field trial of commercial black berries studying similar Brix levels. Plants that were grown inside the Tree Defenders were significantly larger and more robust. The Brix lev els were similarly significant: Berries from uncovered plants averaged 7 to 8 percent Brix levels. Berries from plants in Tree Defender IPCs averaged 12 to 13 percent Brix levels. We are very pleased with the results of both of these studies, which show that the use of Tree Defend er IPCs not only help keep a tree safe from the harmful effects of pests and disease, it pro motes the kind of sustainability all of us in the industry are seeking. We are all striving to make Florida citrus great again. Needless to say, that would be a sweet deal indeed. DELIVERS BIG BRIX

This column is sponsored by Tree Defender, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

For the past 30 years, THE WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN AGRICULTURE TITLE HAS BEEN awarded to Florida women who have made outstanding contributions to the Florida Agriculture industry. On August 22, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services named Madeline Mellinger, owner and founder of Glades Crop Care, Inc., as the 2022 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, this award is given to the recipient at the Florida State Fairgrounds during the Florida State Fair in Tampa. As the founder and CEO of Glades Crop Care, Mellinger revolution ized the way Florida farmers approach pest control in their crops, including but not limited to fresh vegetable crops, citrus, rice, and sugarcane. Glades Crop Care was founded by Mellinger in 1972 and she remains the CEO of the company today. During the past several decades, Mellinger worked to demonstrate to growers how need-based pesticide application could benefit their operations, versus the old industry standard of calendar-based appli cation.Inthe past, the outstanding women in agriculture have received the Wom an of the Year award for their work in the cattle, vegetable, timber, citrus, row crops, equine, horticulture, tropical fruits, sugar cane, dairy, agricultural journalism, and agricultural education and outreach areas of the industry.

36 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com Call Bill Snively (863) 412-1919 DESIGNED FOR USE IN COW CALF OPERATIONS OR FEED LOT APPLICATIONS ECONOMICAL SOURCE OF PROTEIN & CONCENTRATEDENERGY SOURCE OF LINOLEIC FATTY INCREASEACIDIN WEIGHT GAIN FEED FREE CHOICE OR IN GRAIN RATION EASY TO PURCHASE & EASY TO FEED TANKS AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

by SCOTT THOMPSON

2022 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

Irrigation Services of Central Florida, Inc

Jimmy Durden - Irrigation Specialist 863-875-5524 Cell 863-287-1166 / Fax 863-875-5582 email irrigationservices@hotmail.com 510 US Hwy 92 East / Auburndale, FL

BIO: Scott Thompson is co-founder of Tree Defender, Radical Ag-Tech, and Care Planet Technologies. He is a Central Florida native with a background in agribusiness, food manufacturing, and bioscience. people

“Agriculture Irrigation is our specialty –when you need an experienced, reliable and proven irrigation company, call on us, you won’t be disappointed! We know your irrigation needs.”

FEATURE |

NEWS for Florida citrus growers in August when the U.S. Senate blocked a Sen. Marco Rubio-sponsored bill that would have lowered the Brix level of not-from-concentrate orange juice.

IT WAS NOT-SO-SWEET

Honored as Innovator in Integrated Pest byManagementJULIEGMITTER

“It’s an honor to announce Madeline Mellinger as this year’s Woman of the Year in Agriculture,” says Fried. “Madeline has dedicated 50 years to Flor

BOOST

TREE DEFENDER

Glades Crop Care’s Madeline Mellinger

CFAN | 37FloridaAgNews.com In 2021, investedMosaicover $3.56MinNorthAmericatoaddressfoodinsecurityandhunger.MONTHHUNGERSEPTEMBERwww.mosaicfloridaphosphate.comISACTION Blueprint for an Amazing Agriculture Website

Hillsborough River State Park - 15402 U.S. 301 North • Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Pets are welcomed as long as they are leashed. Plus, there are countless activities you can participate in at this park, including paddling, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, geocaching, fishing, camping, and bicycling.

Along with a beautiful beach for dogs to enjoy, there are also two very large offleash areas — one for small dogs and one for large ones. There are outdoor showers for rinsing, cleanup bags provided, and even fresh drinking water. If you’re more in the mood for something purely Fido-focussed, there are also many great dog parks, including the following popular ones: DiOGi Dog Park at Loyce E. Harpe Park on Carter Road on the very southern edge of Lakeland Dog Leg Woods Dog Park on Cleveland Heights Boulevard in Lakeland Lake Crago Dog Park off Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland Dog Park on Denton Avenue in Auburndale

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THIS EDITION HAS BEEN packed with ideas and inspiration to get you out and about where you can catch a breath of fresh air. But what about the dogs? If you’re anything like me, nothing makes your adventures more perfect than being able to share them with your fur baby.

There are some places you would think would allow dogs that, in actuality, don’t — Circle B Bar Reserve and Hollis Garden, both in Lakeland, are just two of those places, as well as Homosassa State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Your next adventure is waiting for you and your dog! ag The name says it ALL! Call or visit Labor Solutions online for more information. (863) 297-4200 • Toll Free 1-877-758-5035 www.laborsolutions.com INDUSTRIES • Agriculture • Clerical • Construction • Manufacturing • Production • 3rd Party Logistics • Supply ManagementChain SERVICESSTAFFINGPROVIDING for the farmer, rancher, harvester, transporter, packer, marketer and everything in between • Temporary and Permanent Personnel • Workers’ Comp • Payroll Services We are a progressive company offering personnel and staffing services to both our clients and employees. We are committed to helping you increase producitivity by lowering cost and reducing risk.

• Auburndale

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2022 Woman of the Year in Ag continued from page 36 ida’s agriculture industry and is an innovator in the field of integrated pest management. As a business owner, scientist, and mentor, she has contribut ed greatly to the development of Florida’s next generation of growers and our agricultural industry as a whole. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate her with this award.” In addition to founding Glades Crop Care, Mellinger also has served on numerous agricultural committees and boards, such as the UF/IFAS Ever glades Research and Education Center, a vice president search committee, and co-chair of the UF/IFAS Strategic Planning Committee. She and her husband, Charles Mellinger, helped make the Doctor of Plant Medicine Program at the University of Florida a reality, helping guide Florida’s future innovators in agriculture. She also founded and launched the Foundation of Environmental Agriculture Education, which is a scholarship fund for students majoring in crop production or related fields. This is not the only award or recognition Mellinger has received for her lifetime of work in the industry: she was also named a Friend of IFAS in 2014 and was one of Flor ida Trend’s Living Legends for 2018-2020

Fort DeSoto Paw Playground and Beach 3500 Pinellas Bayway S • Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Although the program has been awarded to Florida women annually for more than three decades, the award ceremony got an upgrade/enhancement in 2001. Since then, attendees of the award ceremony are shown a documen tary about the recipient and their contributions. Booklets outlining the same are also given to attending members at the award ceremony. ag

38 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com JESSICA M c DONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com Now for the Ultimutt Experience From the Editor’s Desk

Luckily there are tons of great dog parks and regular parks that you can still enjoy with paws in tow.

LABOR SOLUTIONS FOUNDER Baxter Troutman is a 4th generation Florida cracker, citrus grower and businessman. He served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives and he understands the challenges we face today. In our present working environment, more than ever; it is important to work with someone who can help navigate labor laws, worker protection standards, wage and hour compliance, insurance and regulatory matters. Labor Solutions was founded in 1997. Like us on Facebook

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bcpoffer.ringpower.com | 888.748.7464 Se Habla Español: 863.600.6247 *Offer valid from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 on new compact (Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Micro/Mini Excavators, Skid Steer Loaders) and small (Backhoe Loaders, Telehandlers, Small Track Type Tractors, Small Wheel Loaders) Cat® machines sold by participating Cat dealers to customers in the USA or Canada. Purchase and delivery must occur during offer period. Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Payments based on 36-month loan. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options, or attachments. A Protection Package is explained as a qualifying Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) and/or qualifying Equipment Protection Plan (EPP). The credit of up to $500 USD can only be applied toward the purchase of a qualifying Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA). Amount of the credit cannot exceed the price of qualifying CVA. CVA must include 1-year Preventative Maintenance Parts Kit, TA1 annual Inspection, signed CVA contract, and Product LinkTM. Amount of credit towards CVA is the same for all models. In some areas, EPP might be sold separately from the CVA. 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. Need equipment? You’ve got it. Need expert advice? We’ve got you. Looking for deals? We have them with 0% for 36 months on Cat ® compact equipment. Because in this world, your world, Ring Power is here for you. 0% FOR 36 MONTHS. $0 DOWN. 0 HASSLE. + $500 USD TOWARDS A PROTECTION PACKAGE* YOUR WORLD. OUR TOP PRIORITY.

40 | CFAN FloridaAgNews.com 0% APR FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS ON SELECT NEW MODELS In lieu of other rebates on some models With approved credit @ CCAP. Offer ends 10-22-22 THE LOW PAYMENT KINGS! THE CERTIFIED AGRICULTURE/AGPACK PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE WITH THE PURCHASE OF NEW RAMS, JEEP WRANGLERS, GLADIATORS, GRAND WAGONEERS, WAGONEERS & MANY QUALIFYING USED VEHICLES - RAM, JEEP, FORD, CHEVROLET, GMC, TOYOTA & NISSAN MODELS As an established Certified Agriculture Dealership, we can offer you exclusive benefits with our AgPack. The AgPack is a powerful package of farm and ranch management tools worth $30,000. We are one of very few dealerships offering ag-friendly financing from one of the nation’s largest agricultural lenders. AgPack is FREE & available on all new Rams, Jeep Gladiators, Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Grand Wagoneers, Jeep Wagoneers and many used vehicles that are under 6 years old with less than 75,000 Miles Take advantage of a free fleet analysis with the Low Payment King, Ralph Mahalak Jr. With over 44 years of experience, Ralph understands how to overcome today’s challenges with gas and electrical vehicles and wants to help get you ready for the future. Call Ralph directly at 734-735-1233 OVER 1700 IN-STOCK & INCOMING CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, SUVS & PROMASTERS AVAILABLE AT WWW.LOWPAYMENTKINGS.COM WE CAN SHIP ANY VEHICLE ANYWHERE IN THE USA Sale Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-6pm • Service Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-7pm, Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm LW LAKE WALES Lake Wales, One Mile South of Eagle Ridge Mall 863-676-0733 LakeWalesChrysler.com WINTER HAVEN 299 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven 863-299-1243 WHDodge.com POSNER PARK Davenport, One Mile South of I-4 on HWY 27 863-438-3333 PosnerParkChrysler.com Sale Hours: Monday-Thurs 9am-8pm Fri-Sat 9am-6pm Service Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-7pm Fri 7am-6pm • Sat 8am-4pm 2022 Jeep Gladiator 2022 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Big Horn 4Dr 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4DR ProMaster Cargo New 2022Wagoneer Series I ProMaster City 2022 RAM 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 2022 RAM 3500 Tradesman Regular Cab 4x4 2022 RAM 2500 Tradesman Regular Cab 4x4 Service Body 2022 RAM 3500 LARAMIE CREW CAB 4x4 4DR All new Grand Wagoneer OWN @ ONLY $40,000* OWN @ ONLY $61,650*OWN @ ONLY $65,480* OWN @ ONLY $64,050* OWN @ ONLY $61,500* OWN @ ONLY $102,500* STARTING @ ONLY $89,980* RESERVE THE ALL-NEW 2023 GRAND WAGONEER L TODAY. 1 FOOT LONGER THAN THE CURRENT MODEL. LARGEST JEEP EVER BUILT. *Includes rebates. State fees, tax, title, tag, doc and dealer fees additional. Offer ends 10/22/22 MANY AVAILABLE SELECT YOUR PRO MASTER WORK VAN, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! CARGO OR PASSENGER WAGON, LOW TOP OR HI-TOP, SHORT OR LONG YOUR CHOICE OWN @ ONLY $39,500* FARMERS & RANCHERS SAVE WITH

Central Florida Ag News September 2022

Articles inside

Get Your Trek On

A Mission of Trust

New Digs

A Breath of Fresh Air