FloridaAgriculture April/May

FloridAgriculture The Voice of Agriculture in Florida

VOLUME 80, NO. 3 • APRIL/MAY 2020

Farm Bureau

Member

Recipes STILL GROWING FOOD RESTORING PANHANDLE FORESTS A SPECIAL CROP

www.floridagriculture.org | www.FloridaFarmBureau.org

OFFICERS

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

John L. Hoblick Brantley Schirard Jr. Steve Johnson Rod Land DIRECTORS

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11 District 12 District 13 District 14 District 15 District 16 District 17 District 18 District 19

Jerry Davis Jeff Pittman Henry McCrone Michael Dooner Rod Land Jon Deas Thomas Ford Ed Shadd Adam Cook Jeb Smith Kelly Rice J. Daniel Peterson Mark Byrd Steve Johnson Dan West Ken Harrison Mark Sodders Jacob Larson Mark Wilson

STATE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair Vice Chair

Danielle Daum Victoria Hunter

STATE YF&R LEADERSHIP GROUP

President Immed. Past Pres.

Ryan Armstrong Adam Cook STAFF

Editor Communications Mgr. Communications Coord.

Graphic Designer

G.B. Crawford Rachael Smith Amanda Overstreet Alex Compton

FLORIDAGRICULTURE (ISSN 0015-3869) is published Jan.-Feb., March, April-May, June, July, Aug.-Sept., Oct. and Nov.-Dec. for $3 per year in member dues by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, 5700 S.W. 34th Street. Periodical postage paid at Gainesville, FL and additional mailing offices. It was established in 1943.

Copyright 2020 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

Main telephone number: (352) 378-8100.

Printed by Panaprint - Macon, GA.

CONTENTS 6 FLORIDA WINE 8 RETURNING TO GREEN 10 MIRACLE BERRY 14 FARMING FOR EVERYONE 15 TALLAHASSEE REPORT 16 TASTY FOODS 19 WASHINGTON REPORT 28 CLASSIFIED ADS 29 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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POSTMASTER Send address changes to: FloridAgriculture, P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL 32614-7030

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For advertising questions, contact our Communications Coordinator by telephone at (352) 374-1535, by e-mail at amanda.overstreet@ffbf.org or by hard copy: FloridAgriculture Amanda Overstreet P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL 32614-7030

S pecial Note: Several Florida Farm Bureau events previously scheduled for dates through May 15 have been postponed as of the press deadline. New schedules will be announced on the Federation’s website and social media platforms as they are developed.

July 10-12 Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Ft. Myers. For more information and to register, visit https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/yfr2020/.

Cover page: See the collection of delicious recipes submitted by Farm Bureau members on Pages 16-17.

Non-member subscriptions are not available.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

3

FROM THE PRESIDENT

DEPEND UPON AGRICULTURE IN UNSETTLING TIMES EARLY THIS YEAR news reports informed us that a novel Coronavirus had emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Since then, this virus has been spread throughout the world, inflicting disease on an increasing number of victims.

In less than three months steep increases in cases prompted public health officials in virtually all nations to identify the outbreak as a pandemic.

Researchers are studying the Coronavirus as well as COVID-19, the illness it causes. Older people and those with compromised health conditions have been especially at risk for serious illness or death. But even some young adults have been susceptible to life-threatening symptoms.

As of late March nearly 6,400 cases had been reported in Florida, with spikes in the numbers expected every day.

Leaders of governments at all levels have scrambled in response to the Coronavirus.

To attempt containment, regular public activity has been sharply limited.

Businesses have been closed, airlines have grounded planes and interrupted travel and

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many workers find themselves without employment – at least for a while.

Tourism, a central part of Florida’s economy and tax base, has been crippled.

Empty theme parks, resort hotels and sports stadiums do not generate income for either those venues or public services.

Once again, agriculture stands tall as Florida’s one dependable foundation of our quality of life. Farmers and ranchers continue to work every day, producing an abundance of food for the nation and the world.

Our national and state leaders recognize the importance of steady farm production and distribution of food. The Department of Homeland Security has designated agriculture as a “Critical Infrastructure Industry,” urging farm families to maintain their regular work schedules. State officials have also endorsed this designation and called upon public support for our farmers and ranchers.

There will be no slowdowns or interruptions of food production. Farm families have lived through national upheavals before,

John L. Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President

such as the recession that began in 2008. They remained stalwarts of our society by growing food and contributing to their communities then, and they will be just as strong in the days and weeks ahead.

Florida Farm Bureau will continue to support them as the Voice of Florida Agriculture.

We are fully operational as a grassroots organization for the duration of this crisis. We will make sure that our public officials keep the transportation and distribution network for farm products open for the benefit of everyone.

We remain vigilant as we monitor the pandemic and the responses to it. I pray that it will end soon and that your family remains safe and healthy.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Wind Down

WITH A GLASS OF FLORIDA WINE

By Amanda Overstreet, Communications Coordinator

AGRITOURISM IN OUR STATE appears in many forms from corn mazes to U-Picks to wineries. Farm owners have even turned their barns into elegant wedding venues and family farms have become the destination for farm tours and field trips alike.

Fresh grapes are ready to be pressed.

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These innovative avenues of business have opened new doors for farmers and their families not only to maintain a successful operation but also increase public knowledge of agriculture.

Located just 35 miles north of Walt Disney World and nestled in the rolling hills of Clermont, Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards has been producing grapes for wine since 1989.

Charles Cox, President of Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, said that his venture in the Florida wine industry began in Tallahassee in the early 1980s where he experimented growing grapes on just five acres.

Today, Lakeridge Winery produces roughly 100,000 cases per year, or over one million bottles. “We feel that if there is one thing to point to as a factor to the success of our wine company, it would be the way we have integrated agritourism into our business plan,” Cox said.

The winery offers a unique experience for all visitors hoping to taste some of Florida’s most premiere wines. Open seven days a week, Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards offers tastings, guided tours of the facility and vineyard and a unique wine and gift shop.

The 127-acre estate, the largest winery in the state, attracts more than 160,000 wine enthusiasts annually. Visitors flock to the lush grounds to sample some of Florida’s most premiere wines and attend year-round festivals and events.

Grape varieties grown include the native varieties of

Lakeridge wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands and can be found at supermarkets throughout Florida and South Georgia. For winery details during COVID-19, please refer to their website, https://www.lakeridgewinery.com

A gorgeous sunset at Lakeridge Winery in Clermont.

The grapes mature in the late summer and are picked with mechanical harvesters for efficiency. The mechanical harvesters allow a harvest of 40 and 132 tons per shift, depending on the specific requirements of the Winemaker.

Wine is produced onsite in a 30,000-square-foot facility.

Operations manager Barry Hus said that what makes Lakeridge Winery’s tours different is the amount of educational information that is offered.

“We take the time to educate our guests on how to evaluate the wine. So they have knowledge of wine in the future.”

Guests learn about the five “S’s” of sensory evaluation, see, swirl, smell, sip, swallow and savor.

The combined effects of these senses and processes make each of Lakeridge wines distinctive.

“On Saturdays we have food trucks and people can come and enjoy our outdoor wine bar and take in the beauty of the estate,” Hus said. “A lot of people don’t realize that these rolling hills exist and are taken by surprise when they come to visit.”

There are 88 wine producers in the Sunshine State.

There are approximately 550 aces under vine in Florida.

Florida ranks 7th in the nation in wine production.

More than 1.9 million gallons of wine are made in Florida annually.

Source: Florida Grape Growers Association

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKERIDGE WINERY AND VINEYARDS)

the red Noble, bronze Carlos and Welder Muscadines, along with the production of Vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Muscadine grapes are native to the Southeast. The Noble, Welder and Carlos varieties flourish in Florida because of their disease resistance and adaptability to our warm, humid climate.

In addition to the 70-acre vineyard in Clermont, grapes are also grown at two other locations in the state. Lakeridge Winery also contracts with other local growers who specialize in growing Muscadine grapes and provide additional varieties.

J.R. Newbold is the President of the Florida Wine and Grape Growers Association and is one of Lakeridge’s contracted growers. His 10-acre vineyard, located in Putnam County, has been producing Noble grapes for Lakeridge for 11 years.

“Lakeridge has been a great partner to work with,” he said.

“They are pioneers in the Florida wine industry and are supportive of their partner growers.”

DID YOU KNOW...

A glass of Southern White, one of Lakeridge's most popular varieties.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Reforestation AFTER HURRICANE MICHAEL

By G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations

(PHOTO COURTESY OF AFM)

A Long-Term Project:

ONE OF HURRICANE MICHAEL’S lasting impacts has been the destruction of forests in Florida’s Panhandle. The storm turned much of the rich, green expanse that once extended from Tallahassee to Bay County into broken tree trunks and piles of branches.

Restoring timber acreage in this region is a monumental task that will require years of work and investment. The success of this reforestation will largely determine the long-term condition of natural resources, wildlife habitat and economic opportunity in a number of rural communities.

The Florida Forest Service has reported that more than 2.8 million acres of timber suffered damage due to the hurricane, ranging from moderate losses to complete devastation. Agency officials identified an area stretching westward from Port St. Joe to beyond Mexico Beach and northward to Blountstown as a “catastrophic zone.”

Chuck Mathis, region manager for American Forest Management (AFM), a timber, 8

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resource and land consulting firm, said, “I have never seen anything like this. It was like one huge tornado.” Lost timber value exceeded $1.3 billion.

In addition to the immediate cost in timber, producers affected by the storm must invest in clearing destroyed trees and replanting. Once these tasks have been completed, many of them will have to wait for another 20 years of growth before they will receive a return from their properties.

AFM district manager Ray Sharp pointed out that the most valuable trees suffered the most.

“The more well-managed the stands were, the more damage they absorbed,” Sharp noted. “Trees at age five and under did okay. Stands older than that were devastated.”

Bill Waller is one of many local foresters still recovering from the massive destruction caused

by Hurricane Michael.

The process of land clearing is also a necessary for wildfire control. Dead and dying wood create fuel that can transform a small burn into a massive conflagration. Florida Forest Service officials have repeatedly expressed warnings about this potential wildfire threat.

As foresters began their recovery efforts, they salvaged what wood was left. Bill Waller, a local consultant who manages sites in Calhoun, Jackson and Bay counties, noted that the initial

work was slow because so much of the land was saturated with water.

“It was so wet the first half of 2019 that a conventional logging crew could only work on very dry land with very good access,” Waller explained. “Timber could be salvaged within six months only on the driest sites. We were able to get probably half of the best quality timber salvaged because of wet weather and we were lucky to get that much.”

Meanwhile, market prices at various mills plummeted because other owners were also trying to sell salvaged wood. Waller’s salvaged product lost 85% of its market value compared to prices prior to the hurricane.

Now, nearly two years later, landowners still struggle with clearing and replanting. They face unprecedented expenses in restoring these forests. The cost can be as high as $1,000 an acre.

In general, a crew using heavy equipment can clear and replant about 20 acres each day on dry land. For example, on one set of large parcels AFM oversees in the catastrophic zone, Mathis estimates that replanting cannot be finished on this land until 2025.

Foresters agree that the challenge of paying for such work has slowed restoration. They have called for the release of federal cost-share funds appropriated for Hurricane Michael recovery through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Most private landowners are waiting on help from the government to help get this area reforested,” Mathis said. “Many of them have not even started.”

Large investor groups have started to replant without assistance, but all proprietors will need assistance for the work to restore forests.

BEFORE

AFTER

Producers estimate that reforestation may not be completed by 2025.

JohnWalt Boatright, Florida Farm Bureau’s director of national affairs, said the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the USDA are attempting to devise a cost-share model that is similar to the farm disaster relief provided after Hurricane Irma.

The need is well documented.

“We are in frequent contact with both agencies and our Congressional offices,” Boatright added. “Cost-share will not make our producers whole, but timely assistance will help them with replanting.”

Waller cited his own family’s experience as a case in point.

He emphasized his need for cost-share support to complete replanting. With money from salvage, he was only able to

plant seedlings on about onethird of his damaged acreage.

“We’ve got several hundred more acres left that we can’t afford to restore without some kind of help.”

If work on restoring forests can continue, the entire region will benefit. The process involves more than recovering the livelihood of timber producers.

It will generate green space and speed the recovery of natural resources throughout the region.

“We are creating wealth from a renewable resource and we do that over and over again, year after year,” Waller said. “If you can’t make a living growing trees, the land is going to go to some other use. That other use will not be as beneficial to water quality or to wildlife in the area.”

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Growing And Caring For A

Unique Crop

By Tyra Phillips, Dade County Farm Bureau

IN DIFFICULT TIMES a positive accomplishment or contribution reminds everyone that there is good reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

Many Florida farmers serve as inspirational examples by their success at producing food and fiber every day. Some of the crops they grow are unique. One MiamiDade County farmer has created a thriving business with a small-sized berry known as miracle fruit.

Miracle Fruit Farm, which sits on six acres, got its humble beginnings in 2012-2013. The miracle fruit tree itself however has been around for much longer than that. Originating from Ghana, it was first introduced into 10

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South Florida by David Fairchild.

Back in the early 1970’s Pine Island Nursery owner Colleen Boggs recognized the importance of the fruit and began selling seedling trees at the nursery. Her keen ability to forecast the benefits that this fruit may have for future generations led her son, Erik Tietig, to start Miracle Fruit Farm.

Pulling up to the farm off a small dirt road, it initially looks like many others that spot our landscape here in Homestead with two large shade houses that are

impeccably maintained. It isn’t until you open the door, that you see the vast difference.

According to Tietig, CEO for the company, miracle fruit trees do not do well in our complicated south Florida soils. They actually flourish in pots. Within the shade houses are approximately 7,000 trees currently.

The beauty here is that the same tree can have flowers, young fruit and ripe fruit all at the same time.

This allows for perpetual harvesting of the fruit year-round, at least four days a week. Tietig, who has worked in fruit crops all of his life, knows no other fruit crop like it.

He breeds a superior crop that improves the genetics of the

Erik Tietig checks a miracle fruit plant.

trees. Currently, they have eight variations of miracle fruit on site.

Seedlings take three to five years to grow and the average age of their trees is seven.

Although they use organic practices, they are not certified organic growers. They adhere to the highest food safety standards and are proud to state that.

What exactly makes it a miracle you ask? Back in the late 1990’s, a customer of Pine Island Nursery who was a cancer patient tried the fruit and realized that it brought back his taste buds that had been lost due to chemotherapy. Once the customer posted those results online, the market for the fruit took off.

To sum it up simply as Tietig did during a recent tour, normally the taste of a lemon is sour. With miracle fruit, it would make the sour flavor diminish to a palatable taste. In the case of something like a strawberry, it would enhance the sweetness.

This little fruit has put pleasure back into eating for many cancer patients.

Approximately one inch in length and oval in size, the fruit is very fragile. Once picked it has a shelf life of two to three days before the proteins start to break down. After that time, the fruit’s benefits are lost. So, shipping the fruit once it has been picked and packed must be done quickly.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or in the other ways that the company processes it. They have found that if the fruit is freeze-dried it can be preserved indefinitely. Freeze-drying is a great process that removes the moisture and oxygen from the fruit, takes about 32 hours.

It is then offered in a tablet form, better known as “Miraculous” melting tablets.

The tablets have no artificial flavors, no preservatives, are non-GMO, have zero sugar, are both gluten free and suitable for

various diets. For cancer patients, this is so important.

In addition to producing a desirable crop, Tietig welcomes newcomers into the incredible Farm Bureau family. His warmdown-to-earth personality pairs well with the mission he is on.

He has a calmness to his voice as he explains the natural benefits that this fruit has for many people – a welcomed trait that you would expect from someone growing such a product.

A walk through the rows and rows of potted trees on a warm, sunny South Florida day, makes visitors feel privileged. The farm can seem almost sacred.

Plants are carefully grown, planned and maintained to make sure that the recipients of this unique fruit felt as special as the product that they are fortunate to receive.

For more information, including online ordering, visit the Miracle Fruit Farm’s website: www.miraclefruitfarm.com FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Still Farming FOR ALL OF US

Florida’s farmers and ranchers are continuing to produce and harvest food for people in our state, across the nation and throughout the world.

Their daily labors create the foundation of stability for our families and our communities.

Thanks to help from FFB Field District Representatives, we collected comments several of them have made during the public health emergency. These farmers and ranchers volunteered their remarks while busy at work.

"Just as the sun rose this morning on our farm, we are sure our family will continue to provide you with a safe, abundant food supply.”

–ROBERT HAMMOCK, GLADES COUNTY

“The American farmer and rancher will continuously provide a safe and abundant food supply for our country.

We will do what is necessary to make sure the food is available to the consumer as always. So stay calm.

We will weather this storm.”

–BRITTANY LEE, ALACHUA COUNTY

“We have a passion and love for farming, which is why we continue to get up every day to tend our fields, look over our cattle and milk our cows, among many other things farmers and ranchers do every day to keep us fed.”

–BRYAN JONES, ST. JOHNS COUNTY

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"This has not affected my normal work day. I’m still leaving the house at 7 a.m. every day and getting home at 8:30 p.m. every night.”

“We will be able to maintain the same levels we have always maintained to make sure the shelves stay full of quality protein.”

– ROBERT ATWOOD, LAKE COUNTY

“During these uncertain times, Florida’s farmers and ranchers are committed to continue to work overtime to make sure your families have enough food for your table.”

– KEITH WEDGWORTH, PALM BEACH COUNTY

“Florida farmers provide safe, fresh fruits and vegetables to America.

It’s harvest time and our farm is proud to feed the American people.”

– JOHN ALGER, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

–CHRISTIAN SPINOSA, POLK COUNTY

“We are working hard to feed our nation. I am thankful for everyone in the ag industry for making this possible.”

–BUDDY MCKINSTRY, PALM BEACH COUNTY

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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STILL FARMING FOR ALL OF US

“We live in a country that is fortunate to be self-sustained and have the ability to provide for our nation each day. So please don’t worry, your food will be there. And we will continue to get the job done.”

–B.J. WILKERSON, GILCHRIST COUNTY

“As agriculturalists, we know what it is like to pour our blood, sweat and tears into something and have it be taken away by unforeseen conditions. But we also know what it is like to be in a bleak situation that turns around to be an absolute blessing.”

–BRAD ETHERIDGE, LEVY COUNTY

“Farming has always been a passion for my family and me. We are blessed to provide food for our community and nation during these trying times. Florida farmers like us are committed to keeping grocery stores stocked.”

–ETHAN BASORE, PALM BEACH COUNTY

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“There are enough problems in the world.

Don’t worry about your food. We’re still working to stock the shelves.”

– J RYALS, DESOTO COUNTY

TA L L A H A S S E E R E P O R T

A Successful Session For Agriculture

By Adam Basford, Director of State Legislative Affairs

O

n March 19, the Florida Legislature wrapped up the 2020 legislative session after a six-day extension caused by a delay in budget negotiations.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created significant uncertainty about Florida’s economy and there may be a need for the Legislature to meet again to revise the budget based on updated revenue forecasts.

However, for now, we can report that Florida Farm Bureau has had a successful session both with funding agricultural priorities as well as in the policy arena.

Over the course of the session, two policy priorities emerged as being vitally important. Because of recent blue-green algae outbreaks and Gov. DeSantis’ focus on environmental issues, water quality was a key issue.

The governor also sought to fulfill a campaign promise to pass a bill that would ensure that employers were hiring legal workers through the use of the E-Verify system.

WATER QUALITY

SB 712 was the comprehensive water quality bill that largely incorporated the recommendations from the Governor’s Blue-Green Algae Taskforce. It passed both chambers unanimously and was sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield.

The House companion was sponsored by Rep. Bobby Payne and Rep. Blaise Ingoglia.

The bill transfers the regulation of septic tanks from the Florida

Department of Health to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, creates a water quality grant program to assist in the transition from septic tanks to central sewer system, requires water management districts to update storm water permit requirements and reinforces Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) authority to conduct Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation verification.

For Farm Bureau, the bill adds credibility to the agricultural BMP program through the two-year verification process and supports additional research by FDACS and UF/IFAS to develop new BMPs. It also includes language that prevents initiatives that would grant legal rights to nature.

E-VERIFY

SB 664, sponsored by Sen. Tom Lee, also passed both chambers and is headed to the governor’s desk. However, the Senate bill was amended by the House and was passed with the provisions in HB 1265 by Rep. Cord Byrd.

Generally, the Senate’s approach was to mandate the use of E-Verify by public and private employers with certain exemptions for certain private employers. The House approach allowed private employers to verify the employment eligibility of their workers by using E-Verify or by utilizing the federal I-9 verification process.

Farm Bureau believes that any immigration legislation should be

adopted at the federal level. But during the session, we strongly preferred the House position because it allows employers to continue using the federally authorized system and because it does not create an additional regulatory burden.

BUDGET

Several budget items that are of particular importance to agriculture ended up in a good place after facing potential cuts earlier in session.

At the end of the day, the most important UF/IFAS request for additional workload dollars was funded at $3.8 million, with $1.7 of that being recurring dollars. These funds allow UF/ IFAS to carry out the essential research and Extension services that the agriculture industry depends on.

The FDACS budget also ended up much better than where it started. The Fresh From Florida program will be fully funded at $5.9 million. The Rural and Family Lands Program will receive $8.7 million this year after being zeroed out in 2019. The Office of Ag Water Policy also received funding for eight additional staff provisions that will be integral to implementing provisions of SB 712 that call for BMP verifications.

Successful outcomes in our top priorities this year were essential, and we appreciate the Legislature and our members for their hard work to make it happen.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

15

FARM BUREAU RECIPES

! e t i t e p p A Bon

• 1 15 oz. can each of small red beans, black beans and cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.

• 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic • 1 large purple onion, diced • 1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes, or fresh • ¼ cup white wine vinegar • 2 ribs of celery • 1 medium fresh pepper of your choice • ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional) • 1 tsp. thyme • 1 tsp. oregano DIRECTIONS: • In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT chicken.

Add 1 tsp. of your favorite seasoning.

• Pour into a large baking dish.

• Place seasoned chicken thighs on top, skin side up. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour until chicken is 165 and golden brown.

• Serve with iced tea and your favorite cornbread. “Mine is superthin, lacey Hoe Cake.”

FloridAgriculture would like to share a collection of recipes from our county Farm Bureau presidents. Enjoy!

• Sea salt • Course ground black pepper

Trout Almondine with Red Potatoes and Asparagus Winston Rushing, Alachua County Farm Bureau • 2 lbs. small red potatoes • 1 stick butter • 1 cup sliced almonds • 2 tbsp. lemon juice • 3 tbsp. chopped parsley • 1 cup flour • 1 cup milk • 1 egg • 4 large boneless trout fillets (6–8 oz.)

• Chopped garlic and shallots to taste 16

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

DIRECTIONS: • Boil potatoes. Steam asparagus (use colander over boiler for potatoes) • Melt butter in skillet. Brown almonds and set aside.

• Dry fillets. Dredge in egg/milk. Dust in flour. Place in skillet with butter; cook 3 minutes on each side. Medium to medium high heat. Do not burn butter.

• Serve on plate with potatoes and asparagus. Place almonds over fillets, sprinkle with lemon juice. Add parsley to potatoes.

• Serves well with Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Lawson’s Chicken, Tomatoes and Beans Lawson Taylor, Gadsden County Farm Bureau • 8-10 chicken thighs seasoned as you wish. “I use LT’s seasoning salt not available in stores, sorry.”

Fried Green Tomatoes Gary Reeder, Manatee County Farm Bureau • Green tomatoes • White Vinegar • Flour • Cornmeal • Frying Oil DIRECTIONS: • Cut tomatoes into thin slices and soak in vinegar and sugar for 10 minutes.

• Add a mixture of 2/3 flour and 1/3 finely ground cornmeal.

• Deep fry in peanut oil or canola oil.

Beef Rib Steak with Swamp Cabbage Herbert Harbin, Osceola County Farm Bureau • Beef Rib Steak • Salt • Pepper • Swamp cabbage • Oak wood DIRECTIONS: • Rub steak with salt and pepper and cook on an oak wood fire with a side of boiled swamp cabbage.

Aggression Cookies Donna Blommel, Pasco County Farm Bureau • 3 cups brown sugar • 3 cups margarine or butter • 6 cups oatmeal • 1 tbs. baking soda • 3 cups flour • Granulated sugar (to dip dough in prior to baking)

• Add garlic and onion to sauté until soft. Then add the liquid broth.

Add vegetables, starting with the toughest.

• Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for several hours. Add herbs, salt and pepper and Splenda to taste about ten minutes before serving.

• *A small cabbage can be substituted (cored/chopped) for bok choy.

DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees • Put all ingredients in a large bowl.

Mash, knead and squeeze until combined • Form into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet • Butter bottom of small glass and dip in granulated sugar. Use bottom of glass to mash balls of dough flat.

• Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Robert's Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Robert Norman, Baker County Farm Bureau

Crusty Pound Cake Jerry Davis, Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau • 1 ½ cups butter, softened • 1 tsp. almond extract • 3 cups sugar • 3 cups allpurpose flour • 6 eggs • ½ tsp. salt • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: • Cream butter well in a large mixing bowl; add sugar gradually, mixing until texture is fine and mealy.

• Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add flavorings.

• Combine flour and salt; stir flour mixture into batter, beating until flour is moistened. Do not overbeat.

• Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch tube. (Do not preheat oven.)

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and cake shrinks slightly from side of pan.

• Cool in pan 15 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack right side up and complete cooling. Yield: one 10 inch cake

Hearty Vegetable Soup Fred Segal, Broward County Farm Bureau • 18 cloves whole garlic, sliced • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 2 large onions, coarsely chopped • 6-8 quarts of water • 3 beef or chicken bouillon cubes • 6-8 large carrots, peeled and chopped • 6 stalks celery, chopped • 4 sweet peppers, cored and chopped • 2 large or 8 baby bok choy, chopped • 6 kohlrabi, peeled and chopped • 18-20 plum tomatoes, peeled and chopped • 1 cup torn fresh basil and thyme leaves • 1 cup Splenda® crystals, (optional) DIRECTIONS: • Spray a very large pot with cooking spray, preferably olive oil. Then place oil in bottom of pan, heating gently.

• Capful of vegetable oil • Cupful of bbq sauce • 1/2 cup cider vinegar • 1/2 cup chicken broth • Handful of brown sugar • Squirt of yellow mustard • Tease of worchestershire sauce • Touch of chili powder • Big onion chopped • Crushed fresh garlic • Pinch of thyme • 4-5 lb pork roast DIRECTIONS: • Throw the oil in the bottom of the cooker and put the pig in next.

Pour the bbq sauce on em’ and cover him up with the apple cider and chicken broth.

• Throw in the brown sugar, and squirt of yellow mustard. Toss that onion, chili powder, garlic and thyme on em’ cover him up good.

• Cook for 5 to 6 hours • Remove from cooker and shred meat with big forks. It should fall apart!

• Throw back into slow cooker and stir meat in the juices, keeping it covered.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

17

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

F

arm Bureau volunteers have a welldeserved reputation for supporting their communities. Their work with Food Check-Out Week events in February exemplified that living legacy.

Part of a series of Our Food Link activities that connect farm families with consumers, Food Check-Out Week has become a major celebration in various areas around the state. It was originally observed as the week when, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most families in this country have earned enough income necessary to pay for their annual food bill.

The celebration now also highlights the abundance of safe, nutritious food available because of our farmers and ranchers, as well the community-minded service of farm families.

Farm Bureau members organized and led direct conversations with consumers as they donated fresh foods and money to food banks, Ronald McDonald House facilities and other charitable organizations.

Last year Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers donated more than 20 million pounds of food to Floridians in need. Many other Farm Bureau volunteers donated substantial amounts of food, money and time for various charitable purposes.

Duval County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members Susan Stutsman, right, and Bonnie Bailey greeted Brandon and Courtney Cooper at the Duval Station Publix as part of the local organization’s Food Check-Out Week event. Duval County Farm Bureau paid the grocery bill for the Coopers and another lucky family. Farm Bureau members also donated more than $5,000 worth of food to a nearby food bank and $1,500 to the Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House.

Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee member Brenda Gayle Land, joined by other District 2 volunteers, presented a check to Traci Proctor, executive director of the Tallahassee Ronald McDonald House.

The Farm Bureau volunteers also gave more than $1,000 worth of food to the facility as part of Food Check-Out Week activities.

HONORING OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Nassau County Farm Bureau volunteers held a Food Check-Out Week event at Publix in Yulee, in partnership with Micah’s Place, a facility that helps families in need of shelter.

They also donated fresh produce, dairy foods and meals valued at $600 to a local food pantry.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

Jimmy Cunningham recently retired from his post as Escambia County Farm Bureau President. He has completed more than 35 years of service to the local organization.

Current ECFB President Jerry Sheppard, right, presented him with a plaque and a Farm Bureau watch on behalf of the board of directors.

WA S H I N G TO N R E P O RT

CORONAVIRUS DELAYS LONG-AWAITED TRADE FIELD HEARINGS

By JohnWalt Boatright, Director of National Affairs

O

n Jan. 9, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) promised a series of actions in response to a decades-long plea from Florida agriculture for corrective trade action.

This followed truly heroic efforts by Florida Congressional members and state agricultural leaders throughout the negotiations that led to the signing of the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement.

One of the commitments made by the USTR office included field hearings in Florida and Georgia to engage directly with growers and owners of agriculture-related businesses affected by unfair trading practices experienced since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The national trade office also pledged that staff members would be working with agricultural producers to “identify and compile documentation on trade distorting policies” and secure further assistance from agencies such as the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In keeping with the January

promises, USTR scheduled the first field hearing on April 7 in Plant City, the “winter strawberry capital of the world.” The strawberry has joined a growing list of fruits and vegetables that have succumbed to recent import surges from Mexico.

Additionally, these field hearings should invoke significant consumer interest.

Preserving local farms by fighting for fair trade will help ensure a domestic supply of fresh, abundant and cost-effective food supply. It will also sustain

Unfortunately, the catastrophic spread of the Coronavirus forced a postponement of these hearings. A future date will likely be identified once it is safe again to convene in large gatherings.

Such a public hearing affords an opportunity to Florida farm families who have struggled under these unfair Mexican trade practices for years. It may also be a forum for bygone farmers who could no longer justify staying in business as long as foreign subsidization and dumping remain the norm.

the economic stimulus to local communities, and the numerous jobs on which those communities and rural families depend.

As an agricultural community, we must remain vigilant as we confront our longstanding, as well as our insurgent, challenges.

Please rest assured, knowing Florida Farm Bureau is working for our members to ensure business can continue as usual without undue disruptions while we cope with the largest public health crisis in a century.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Looking for Agricultural News?

SUBSCRIBE TO FLORIDA FARM BUREAU’S MONTHLY ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER

• Research News • Legislative and Policy Updates • Farmer Profiles • Latest Ag Apps

Sign up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION at http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/ floridagriculture_enewsletter/

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

Help us teach students about Agriculture!

USDA: INDUSTRIAL HEMP FACES CHALLENGES

Buy the AgTag®

$20 of your purchase helps educate our kids!

Through your purchase of the Florida Agriculture License Plate, Florida Agriculture In The Classroom is able to provide: • Funds for school gardens • PreK–12 agriculture curriculum • Teacher and volunteer grants • Workshops and farm tours • Florida Agriculture Literacy Day • And much more!

Visit agtag.org to learn more.

A

ccording to a new report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, industrial hemp has received a big boost in the past seven years from government-sponsored pilot programs.

Acreage reported by such programs across the nation increased from zero in 2013 to over 90,000 acres by 2018.

More than 146,000 acres of industrial hemp are now officially planted.

Researchers at the agency’s Economic Research Service (ERS) noted several challenges that became apparent after these tests were begun: • The need for state legislation that allowed hemp to be grown or cultivated • The difficulty of acquiring critical production inputs such as seeds, insecticides herbicides and credit • The inconsistency of various state requirements • The lack of basic data and information for farm decision making The ERS cautions that, as with other crops, hemp will not be economically viable in every state. Farmers are not likely to plant or process hemp if more profitable options exist.

Future viability of hemp production will be affected by a combination of factors: • Competition from other domestic crops for acreage • Global competitors in hemp and hemp products • The availability of market information and transparency • The regulatory environment There is no uniform, comprehensive data source for the emerging crop or a requirement to report a consistent set of data for the pilot programs.

The USDA report is posted at http://bit.ly/38VbhtV. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

21

11 Florida locations to serve you.

Shop Online at

AgProCo.com

Sign up

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

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

To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training.

Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events

Funding for this statement was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

A Stable Relationship FREEZE-DRIED STRAWBERRIES AND ICE CREAM

By Kim Kaplan, USDA/ARS

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esearchers have shown that some freeze-dried berry powders – especially freeze-dried strawberry powder – can act as outstanding stabilizers in ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts.

Freeze-dried strawberry powder is such an effective stabilizer that frozen dairy desserts with it included will maintain their shape even after reaching room temperature, according to Agricultural Research Service research food technologist Cristina Bilbao-Sainz with the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit in Albany, California.

To be technically classified as ice cream, it must contain between 10% and 16% milkfat; everything else is called a frozen dairy dessert.

Without a stabilizer, ice cream – home-made or commercial – can become unpleasantly crunchy with the growth of large ice crystals. It can happen in either or both the ice

cream maker or the freezer, when temperatures change.

Stabilizers also slow down melting, prevent wheying off (the leaking of a clear watery serum), help avoid shrinking during storage and increase the perception of creaminess.

Standard stabilizers such as sodium alginate, guar gum, iota carrageenan, xanthan gum and carboxymethyl cellulose are commonplace. But people tend to react negatively to these unfamiliar, chemical sounding names when they appear on an ice cream label, assuming these must be artificial ingredients.

Actually, many do come from natural sources. For example, sodium alginate is extracted from brown seaweed.

Bilbao-Sainz became intrigued with the idea of freeze-dried fruit powders as ice cream stabilizers when an all-natural dessert maker came looking for scientific facts about them. The possibilities of freeze-dried fruit powder have been previously known but not technically quantified.

“We discovered that some of the freeze-dried fruit powders – especially strawberries – completely

prevent the melt-down of dairy frozen desserts similar to ice cream made with whole milk, whole whipping cream, sugar and skim milk powder,” Bilbao-Sainz said.

“Freeze-dried berry powder will absorb moisture from the premix base, improving its stability and texture to the point where the frozen dessert will keep its shape even after ‘melting’ to room temperature.”

In Bilbao-Sainz's testing, adding 3.5% of either strawberry, raspberry or blackberry freeze‐dried powder reduced the water available for ice crystal formation during stirring and freezing, preventing crystal growth and slowing melting. That translates to adding about 0.7 ounces for a 1-quart home ice cream maker.

Strawberry powder was the best stabilizer, completely preventing melt‐down, followed closely by raspberry. While blackberry powder prevented the frozen dessert from wheying off, the foam structure still collapsed, so it lost its original shape.

Using freeze-dried strawberry powder as a stabilizer in frozen dairy desserts such as ice creams also means accounting for the added strawberry flavoring.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

23

Stress Management RESOURCES FOR FARM FAMILIES

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ccording to opinion polls as well as informal discussions, financial risk is a major source of stress for farmers and ranchers.

Adverse weather, market conditions, labor shortages and plant and animal disease, among various other forces, create daily pressures. No one is immune to the effects they impose over time.

In a national poll of farmers and farmworkers commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), 91% of the respondents agreed that financial issues affected their overall mental health. The poll also indicated that farmers are less likely than other rural residents to spot warning signs of negative stress impact.

In response, the AFBF has partnered with Michigan

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

State University, Farm Credit and National Farmers Union to offer a Rural Resilience Training Program at no cost to Farm Bureau members.

The program will give participants the skills to understand the sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress and suicide, identify effective communication strategies, reduce stigma related to mental health concerns and connect farmers and ranchers with appropriate mental health and other resources.

Farm Bureau members may register for this online training at http://bit.ly/3barwnz.

Florida Farm Bureau has provided multiple resources for help with stress management.

Visit “Coping with Stress” under Quick Links of www.floridafarmbureau.org.

UF OFFERS SELECT

High School Program

T

his summer, Florida high school students will have the opportunity to experience college life at the University of Florida while learning how the agricultural, natural resource and life sciences impact their families and communities around the world.

Selected high school juniors and seniors will participate in the Florida Youth Institute (FYI), a weeklong summer program sponsored by the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and The World Food Prize Foundation.

“To be considered for FYI, I wrote a short essay examining solutions to nutritional access in Alachua County. I learned the need for locally fine-tuned answers that empower children and families by bringing them closer to their food’s production,” said Kavina Peters, a 2019 FYI participant and a junior at Eastside High School.

“Participating in FYI gave me hope in my generation’s ability to help end food insecurity in our world. Change starts with asking how we can help.”

FYI participants will: • Engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations.

• Experience indoor and outdoor laboratories and campus facilities.

• Meet CALS Dean Elaine Turner, faculty, staff members and current students as well as FDACS personnel.

• Examine issues in agriculture, life sciences and natural resources.

• Experience one week in a campus residence hall.

• Reflect on worldwide challenges such as food security.

Although applications have closed for 2020, more information about the program is posted at https://cals. ufl.edu/prospective/fyi/.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS)

By Dana Edwards, UF/IFAS

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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Fresh Salad Recipes For Springtime

T

he spring season brings to mind flowers blooming and plants springing back to life, making it the ideal time to enjoy fresh produce in meals throughout the day.

Salads are of course one of the easiest ways to combine the flavors of your favorite fruits and veggies, but you can take your greens to the next level with refreshing recipe ideas.

A salad menu is not limited to lunch or appetizers – the Breakfast Salad Bowl makes for an energizing start to the day by combining classic salad ingredients with quinoa, bacon and avocado.

As a more traditional mix to enjoy at the family table, the Salmon and Grains Salad Bowl brings together salmon, tomatoes and chickpeas on a bed of lettuce topped with ranch dressing.

Find more ways to create hearty salads this spring at litehousefoods.com/iheartsalad.

Salmon and Grains Salad Bowl

Breakfast Salad Bowl

SERVINGS: 2

SERVINGS: 2

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ounces salmon • 2 tablespoons paprika, divided • salt, to taste pepper, to taste • 15 ounces chickpeas • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 ounces Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce • 1 cup red quinoa, cooked • 6 ounces NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes • 2 tablespoons Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing DIRECTIONS:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Sprinkle salmon with one teaspoon of paprika and season it with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake on a lined baking sheet 15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness.

• In a bowl, toss the chickpeas in olive oil and the remaining paprika; add salt and pepper, to taste. Add the chickpeas to a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 F 30-40 minutes.

• Add the lettuce to a plate or bowl. Top with quinoa, chickpeas, salmon and tomatoes. Drizzle with ranch dressing.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

• 10 ounces NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 2 ounces Fresh Express Baby Spinach • 1 egg • 2 bacon strips, halved • 1 cup quinoa, cooked • 1/2 avocado, sliced • 2 tablespoons Litehouse Jalapeno Ranch Dressing DIRECTIONS:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the tomatoes in one tablespoon of olive oil. Bake the tomatoes on a lined baking sheet for 40 minutes.

• In a skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the baby spinach until wilted, stirring as necessary.

• Cook the egg as desired. Remove the egg from skillet and set aside. Add bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, turning halfway through.

• In a bowl, layer quinoa, bacon, avocado, egg, spinach and tomatoes. Drizzle with jalapeno ranch dressing.

(Courtesy of Family Features)

Healthy Home Cooking Taco-Stuffed Florida Bell Peppers INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 3 large Florida bell peppers (your favorite color), halved lengthwise, seeds removed • 1 pound lean ground Florida beef • 2 cups Florida tomatoes, diced • 1 cup Florida zucchini, diced small • 1 cup Florida squash, diced small • 1 cup onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced • 1 lime, juiced • 1 teaspoon oregano • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder • 1 tablespoon chili powder • 2 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded (or your favorite) • Olive oil, for cooking • Various toppings, such as tortilla chips, sour cream, and cilantro • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

• Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Add olive oil and chopped onion to the preheated pan and cook until translucent.

• Add garlic and ground beef to the cooking onions.

Brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.

• Add the lime juice, dry spices, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash; stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

• Add about half of the cheese to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Evenly stuff each pepper half with the beef mixture. Top each stuffed pepper with the rest of the cheese.

• Place the stuffed peppers on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with chips, salsa and sour cream.

(Courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

27

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BAMBOO FARMERS WANTED Farmers, growers, investors One time crop purchase One time planting 80-100 years life span 6 month plant guarantee 10 year crop buy back contract $15k-$25k per acre annual profits Contact us today Onlymoso USA corp 954.530.3385 info@onlymososales.com

COLLECTIBLES Coins, currency, sterling silver flatware, gold/silver jewelry, and more. We are #1 on Angie's List, NATIONWIDE! Visit us at www.CoinAppraisal.org or contact us directly at 727.488.7899

EQUIPMENT 5 V-crimp GalvaLume Roofing & Accessories For Farms & Ranches.

Cypress Feed Trough & Mineral Boxes Call: 772-473-1714 tripsonmt@aol.com Ask for Mark.

WANTED FARM TRACTORS PLUS FARM EQUIPMENT. RUNNING OR NOT. MORE CASH PAID. CALL 813-626-4554.

FEEDER WAGON, 3-ton and 6-ton, creep feeder available on 3-ton.

Call 813-626-4554.

FOR SALE Ramp Truck, 83 GMC, White Model C7D042, V8, Good Condition, 58k miles, $3000 jsp1060@hotmail.com $$$ WANTED $$$ Tractors, Mowers, Farm Equipment and Related Parts Any Condition.

Call 813-626-2609.

P.T.O GENERATORS - GENERATORS 10kw thru 100kw New & Used Generators for Home Standby Industrial & Commercial Generators 20kw thru 2000kw Diesel E-mail: craig@gentelpower.com www.gentelpower.com 407-466-4427 or 407-498-0866

FEED & HAY PANGOLA HORSE HAY Under cover and up off the ground 4 x 5 rolls, $50, fertilized, herbicided, Polk County, John Day,407-448-5608 Call or text

FISHERIES SHONGALOO FISHERIES Channel catfish, certified Florida bass, bluegill, grass carp, shellcrackers, warmouth, koi, and gambusia for stocking. See complete list at www.shongaloofisheriesinc. com. Hampton, FL. 352-468-1251.

FISH FARMS Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Grass Carp (Permit Req.) & Koi (Ornamental Carp) Contact: Florida Fish Farms, 9684 CR 705, Center Hill, FL 33514. 352-793-4224. Visit our website: www.floridafishfarms.com.

PONDSTOCKER Bass, Bream, Catfish, Tilapia, Koi, Grass Carp, Shinners and Gambusea Minnows.

Pond Supplies. Licensed and experienced.

Call today! Cal Trotter. 1-321-952-9176.

Palm Bay, FL. SERVING SOUTH FLORIDA Native Fish Stocking - Grass Carp - Tilapia Fountain & Aeration Systems Complete Lake Management ALLSTATE FISH & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 1-800-270-6558 www.allstatemanagement.com

GOOD THINGS TO EAT FARM BUREAU BUYER'S CLUB Check out the back page for the Florida Farm Bureau Buyer's Club June Sale! We're offering Coloma Fruits & Vegetables, Farmland meats and many more items!

Contact your local County Farm Bureau for more information!

HELP WANTED Earn $60,000/yr. part-time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business.

Agricultural background required. Home Study Course available. 800 488-7570 or www.amagappraisers.com

LABOR HOUSING ATTENTION GROWERS

PREMIUM HAY & SPRIGGING SERVICE: Jiggs, Tifton85, Perennial Peanut, Coastal.

Horse-quality square bales (limited rolls), fertilized & irrigated fields. Feed stores welcome. Clean digging stock. Call Haystack Farms at 386-963-3505 or 855-326-8873. www.haystackfarms.com.

Labor Housing for H2A and/or Domestic Workers available… EXCELLENT LOCATION (Western Palm Beach County) Approx. 1 hr. drive to Boynton/Delray, Vero/Ft. Pierce and Devils Garden Full Kitchen and Mess Hall Permitted and ready for immediate occupancy Capacity: Up to 1,000 persons Contact: Chuck Royal (561) 996-6581 Ext. 113 Also additional location in Moore Haven Glades County. Call for details.

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Charles F. Woodhouse, Esq. MBA, JD, MS Food Safety Graduate Certificates in Food Law and Packaging Attorney Specializing in Agriculture and Food Law Food Safety Modernization Act Compliance PACA and Florida Broker/Dealer Complaints Crop Insurance and Risk Management Programs Representation before County Committees, State Committee, and National Appeals Division Matters Woodhouse Shanahan PA Agribusiness Industry Regulatory Compliance Washington, DC & Cedar Key, FL E-mail: cfw@regulatory-food-science.com www.seafood-and-produce-law.com Blog: www.food-label-compliance.com Tel Cedar Key, FL 352-278-1110 Tel Washington, DC 202-293-0033 FAX 202-478-0851 Michael Martin Martin Law Office Agricultural & Environmental litigation Defective products and seeds Crop insurance All litigation issues state or federal 863-686-6700 Lakeland, FL Representing four generations of farm and ranch families.

Email: Mike@martinpa.com Website: www.martinpa.com

LIVESTOCK REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS for sale bull calf 1 year, gentle $1,000.00 Solid Performance Bloodlines 813-713-6345 Registered Angus Cattle For Sale Ohana Farms Bull Calfs, Cows, Heifers, Pairs 386-212-1006

MISCELLANEOUS

FEED & HAY

COASTAL BERMUDA HAY Barn stored-$50, Field kept-$40 Irrigated and fertilized.

Frank Quincey Levy County 352-538-7077 or 352-463-2953

LEGAL SERVICES

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

Cemetery Plot For Sale: Meadowood, Timberlane Road Veteran Garden, Block 150, Lot C, Grave 1 - $2000 OBO - I pay transfer fee 229-251-5510.

AKC Registered Beagle Puppies for sale in NW Florida. Call 850-554-1062 or email Allenmanning59@gmail.com.

PLANTS & SEEDS Alternative Fruit Crops All of the latest and greatest varieties of avocado, dragon fruit, guava, longan, lychee, macadamia nut, mango, peach, pomegranate, and more.

Call Pine Island Nursery (305)233-5501. www.PineIslandNursery.com

PLANTS AND SEEDS Low chill peach trees adapted for Florida in 3 gallon pots.

Lamar Costine Nursery, 3410 Raulerson Rd. Lakeland, FL, 863/858-5182.

REAL ESTATE MADISON CO. 365 ACRE COW/CALF RANCH, FENCED & CROSS FENCED. 3 PONDS WITH ONE STOCKED WITH BLUEGILL & BASS. CUSTOM 4BR & 2 BATH HOME WITH FAMILY ROOM, FIREPLACE AND SCREEN PORCH. LARGE POLE BARN WITH LARGE WORKSHOP, STABLES WITH TACKROOM. (ALL WITH ELECTRIC & WATER) 2 ACRES OF BLUEBERRIES. LOTS OF TURKEYS AND DEER IN THE WOODS. A MANAGERS 2/1 MH ON SITE TOO. $1.290 MILLION FAUST REALTY GROUP 239.298.6473 LONGLEAF LAND COMPANY Land for sale in Northwest Florida and South Alabama Contact Jody Jones 334.493.0123 longleaf@longleafland.com www.longleafland.com National Land Realty Real Estate Brokerage 863-293-5600 www.NationalLand.com DESOTO COUNTY - Arcadia, FL 535 AC Grove & Farm - $3,600,000 - Call Chip Fortenberry 863.673.9368 or Squire Smith 863.559.0307 DESOTO COUNTY - Arcadia, FL 400 AC Premium Farmland - $2,600,000 Call Justus Koester 239.898.0163 POLK COUNTY - Fort Meade, FL 2,543 AC - AG Land- $8,899,500 Call Trevor C. Willams 863.289.7222 POLK COUNTY - Lakeland, FL 100 AC - AG Land- $425,000 Text Neil Combee 863.559.6585 CHARLOTTE COUNTY - Punta Gorda, FL - 40 AC Farmland Homesite- $469,000 Call Justus Koester 239.898.0163 LAKE COUNTY - Yahala, FL 260 AC Equestrian Estate with 6,100ft of frontage on Lake Harris - $11,000,000 - Call Squire Smith 863.559.0307 or Ben Crosby 863.293.5600 Five acres in Interlachen.

One block off S.R.20.

Beautiful, high and dry.

Must see. $28,500.

Contact Danny at 386-867-3478.

April 2020

REAL ESTATE Southern Pine Plantations North and Northwest Florida 377 Acres, Jackson Co, 148 acres Cultivated farm land, Irrigated, 15,400 sq. ft. packing shed, 2,400 Sq. ft.

Cooler. $2,950/acre 7,611 acres managed commercial timberland, Planted Pine, Hardwood Bottoms, Excellent Hunting. $1,200/acre. SOLD!!

Call Pat Duane at 352-867-8018 Southern Pine Plantations of Fla. Owns the property it sells.

50 Acres of beautiful Old Florida with shady oaks trees and flowing creek. $375,000. Tons of wildlife and great for hunting deer, hog and turkey. 3 bed, 2 bath home with well and septic. On Hwy 31, south of Arcadia, DeSoto County.

Welcome to your peaceful, quiet country paradise with lots of opportunity for hunting and fishing. Zoned A-5.

This beautiful property is priced to sell at only $7,000 per acre!

Melissa Bajsa, CMTG Real Estate Group, 863-430-3977.

11 Acres: Two buildable folios 30 min. from Ocala 173 Finley Road, Hawthorne, Fl Asking: $160,000 (305) 905-2284 141.48 ACRES Holmes County.

Over 1900ft frontage on Ten Mile Creek.

Great hunt camp or homestead for the peace and quiet Includes 3/2 1388sf block home.

Abundance of wildlife. Mostly in mixed hardwood virgin timber.

Located in the Florida Panhandle North of Panama City Beach. MLS 689885 $399,000.

Call, Text Debbie Roney Smith 850-209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com American Gold Realty 4420 Lafayette St Marianna, 32446.

For property searches http://realtordrs.com/

APRIL / MAY CROSSWORD Crossword ACROSS 1 Priceless?

5 Head monk 10 Long in the tooth 14 Enlarge, as a hole 15 System of beliefs 16 Whimper 17 Jason's ship 18 Surfer's need 19 "___ and shine!"

20 Empty group, in math 22 Tolerated 24 Sound a bell 25 Like some witnesses 28 Sequel's sequel 30 Familiar with 31 Barnyard bleat 34 Office door adornment 38 "SNL" specialty 40 Divisible by two 41 Fine thread 43 Macbeth's burial place 44 "Semper fidelis", for one 46 Exxon Valdez, e.g.

48 Be in arrears 49 Typeface option 51 "Right you ___!"

52 He played Henry V and Richard III 55 Kind of lily 59 7-Up alternative 61 Ideal, as a society 63 Butcher's cut 64 Torah teacher 67 Something to pull

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Get the pot going Dentist's tool Falls behind Look intently Santa's reindeer, e.g.

73 It's genuine, in Germany DOWN 1 He played Danny in the original "Ocean's 11" 2 Air again 3 Bird of prey 4 Skin softener 5 Top of the heap 6 Clear soup 7 River bottom

8 Laudatory lines 9 Salad ingredient 10 Time for showers 11 Traveler's aid 12 End of a threat 13 Legal title 21 Docking spot 23 Storage containers 26 Place to go play 27 Witch's work 29 Wis. neighbor 32 Top-notch 33 Many miles off 34 Clownfish of film 35 Swear 36 Rock from outer space

37 Garlicky mayo 39 Luau fruit 42 Pilot's announcement, for short 45 Newspaper bio 47 Shell competitor 50 Exaggerate 53 Eyelid cosmetic 54 Moscow money 56 Lavender flower 57 Bust a gut 58 Feeling of anxiety 59 Give a hand?

60 Cornmeal cake 62 Pinball error 65 Missile's path 66 Mare's mouthpiece

Solution available online at FloridAgriculture.org or in next issue.

PERENNIAL PEANUT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

Catch Our Facebook Buzz

Perennial Peanut is a high quality persistent tropical forage legume that can be grazed or fed to livestock. It can be stored as dry hay or silage and is an ideal substitute for imported alfalfa.

Perennialpeanuthay.org

www.facebook.com/FlaFarmBureau

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

29

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker CONTACT Daryl Carter or John Evans 407-422-3144 www.maurycarter.com

CENTER HILL BLUEBERRY FARM Sumter County 20± Acres ORGANIC CERTIFIED BLUEBERRY FARM AVAILABLE FOR SALE! A turn-key ready blueberry farm to add to your portfolio. Farm equipment available for sale too! See production information. This highly productive blueberry farm is located in Sumter County, FL, just east of I-75. Good inter-connectivity for sending fruit to packing house as well as easy access to farm. ASKING PRICE: $450,000

HOG BAY FARM FARM & SOLAR OPPORTUNITY! UNDER CONTRACT - DeSoto County 1,387± Acres - This property is 1,387± gross acres and 1,300± net acres of tillable land. Although formerly used for an organic citrus operation, this property has been used for the farming of alternative crops. This property can offer potential income streams from various uses: tomatoes, watermelons, citrus, cattle, hay, sod and many other varieties of row crops. Solar companies take notice! There is a high tension transmission line that runs the northern boundary of the property. Given the amount of usable acreage, the subject site would work nicely as a solar farm.

ASKING PRICE: $7,351,100 or $5,300/ acre.

AUNT ZELMAS BLUEBERRY FARM Alachua County 26± Acres Active commercial and U-Pick Florida blueberry farm for sale! 22 net growing acres. Varieties include Farthing, Scentilla, Star, Prima Donna, Sweet Crisp, and Windsor. All bushes planted in 2011. This property boasts both commercial harvesting and U-Pick.

However, the U-Pick operation is robust and brings customers from all over the state. The property has a small store on site to accommodate customers that come for U-Pick season. For more details information on the farm, please visit: www.auntzelmasblueberries.com.

ASKING PRICE: $650,000.

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HAW CREEK RANCH - Flagler County- 190.5± Acres - Various land tracts for sale that are available between 20 and 40± acres. These lots are perfect for estates, ranchettes and recreational purposes. PRICED TO SELL. Use this land as a place to transform and make an estate, a small recreational property, use for agricultural purposes and more.

These pieces can be perfect for small hunting properties as well.

20 to 40 Acre Tracts - $5,500/Acre to $7,500/Acre (1,200± acres available in total - Call for details) SPRINGWATER RANCH PRICE REDUCED! Lake County 1,241± Acres - This property offers the comforts of the country with proximity to major cities. Springwater Ranch is located roughly an hour northwest of Downtown Orlando and is just a short twenty minute drive north of Mount Dora, FL. The ranch is mostly improved pasture and boasts gorgeous elevation changes throughout the property. This property is a working cattle ranch but would double nicely as a sod operation. THIS WON'T LAST! NOW: $5,584,500 or $4,500/acre WAS: $6,205,000 or $5,000/acre

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

Have you heard the news?

Land and Commercial Division of

Crosby & Associates, Inc. HAS MERGED WITH

National Land Realty We are the same great people providing you with a wider range of services nationwide.

NationalLand.com (863) 293-5600

MARCH SOLUTION Solution to Crossword: L O T S

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PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE (352) 378-8100 Ext. 1535

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Jake and Tiffany Sache, Florida Farm Bureau’s 2020 Achievement in Agriculture Award recipients, pose with their children, Emmalee, Sadie and Kade on the family farm. As the top winners in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture Award Program, they received a new Ford Crew Cab 4x4 F150 truck. For information about Florida Farm Bureau contests and award programs for Young Farmers and Ranchers, visit https:// www.floridafarmbureau.org/programs/young-farmers-and-ranchers/.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | APRIL/MAY 2020

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