FloridAgriculture Vol. 79 No. 1

The Voice of Agriculture in Florida

FloridAgriculture VOLUME 79, NO. 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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www.floridagriculture.org | www.FloridaFarmBureau.org

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OFFICERS

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

John 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 Brad Etheridge 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

Sarah Carte Danielle Daum

STATE YF&R LEADERSHIP GROUP

President Immed. Past Pres.

Adam Cook Andrew Taylor STAFF

Editor Communications Mgr. Communications Coord.

Communications Coord.

Videographer/ Graphic Designer

G.B. Crawford Rachael Smith Alex Lucas Amanda Overstreet Corey Darnell

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 2018 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

Main telephone number: (352) 378-8100.

Printed by Panaprint - Macon, GA. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: FloridAgriculture, P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL 32614-7030 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

CONTENTS 6

A SPECIAL PROJECT

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GROWING AN ALTERNATIVE CROP

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COW HEALTH

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STORM COSTS

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NATIONAL CELEBRATION

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18 AT THE STATE CAPITOL 28

CLASSIFIED ADS

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Feb. 12 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet, Tampa.

For more information and tickets, visit http://floridaaghalloffame.org/.

Feb. 18-22 Food Check-Out Week. For more information, visit https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/fcoweek/.

March 5-6 Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Days, Tallahassee.

For more information, send email to christine.scovotto@ffbf.org.

March 28-30 Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Leadership Conference, Orlando.

For more information, visit https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/ programs/farm-bureau-women/.

Cover: The Florida Legislature begins its 2019 session in March. See what state leaders are saying about farm issues inside.

Non-member subscriptions are not available.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

A CHRONICLE OF IMPROVEMENT WITH THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW YEAR, many of us think

about plans for the future while we reflect on the past.

The recent World War I centennial has attracted much publicized attention, especially the recognition of how our nation has changed since 1918.

Some dangers that were present then remain with us. Despite the hopes of many generations, warfare remains an evil force in the world.

Although medical science has achieved remarkable breakthroughs, we still face the specter of disease. The terrible influenza epidemic of a century ago stands as a warning that communicable illness poses a constant danger.

But over the course of the past century we have been able to make exceptional improvements in daily living. Our fundamental accomplishment is the ability to produce an abundant food supply for our people and the world at large.

We have done this while our population has shifted to urban areas. Now, a relatively small number of our people make a living on farms and ranches.

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Their food productivity deserves the highest praise.

The dedication of farm families to their calling guarantees that the nutrition necessary for good health and active lives is available for everyone.

A sound agricultural policy is essential if we are to continue this unprecedented success.

Less than a year after World War I ended, farm families across the country began organizing the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

They did so to establish a unified voice of agriculture.

The Farm Bureau organization has been instrumental in shaping legislation that affects farmers and ranchers. It has also been influential in reaching out to inform non-farmers about the many benefits of agricultural production.

Just to cite a few milestones, Farm Bureau linked agricultural programs with natural resource conservation legislation and also supported the creation of electric power systems in rural areas during the 1930s. It helped introduce the school lunch program and endorsed international trade agreements in the 1940s. In the following decade it actively

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

John L. Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President

sponsored the creation of improved soil conservation initiatives.

The list of positive accomplishments is a lengthy one that extends into our own time. The one constant theme of this chronicle is that each success has improved the quality of life for our entire society, either directly or indirectly.

I cannot predict the agricultural achievements that may occur in the next 100 years. But I can say with confidence that Farm Bureau’s role will not change.

In this, the AFBF’s centennial year, I am certain that your grassroots organization will continue to be the unified voice of agriculture.

COMMODITY CORNER

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is also called summer squash.

DID YOU KNOW?

It is in the same family as cucumber and melons.

Yellow squash is in season from September – July.

The squash skin is full of Vitamin C.

Florida is the 2nd largest producer in nation.

Source: www.freshfromflorida.com

FFBF Earns National Awards

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he fine work by our volunteers, state board, county employees and state staff in the past year has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

Florida Farm Bureau Federation received the AFBF’s State Awards of Excellence in all categories evaluated.

The categories include Education and Outreach, Advocacy, Membership Value and Business and Leadership Development.

Awards of Excellence reflect the dedication and effectiveness of our Farm Bureau family.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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Middle School Students’ Project FROM 3RD PLACE TO NATIONAL WINNERS

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By G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations

ore than 40 Floridians won awards for a range of projects at the 2018 National FFA Agriscience Fair in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 24-27.

One of the most notable of these projects was completed by two middle school students from Fort White: Trace Taylor and Trey Tyre. They captured the national 1st place award in their division for the Environmental Services/ Natural Resource Systems category.

The students planned, designed and conducted a test applying naturally-occurring microbes to corn and collard green plants.

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Their goal was to determine whether the mixture would help stimulate plant growth and food productivity.

Wayne Oelfke, their agriculture teacher, encouraged them to launch the project and consult with both university researchers and private vendors.

After beginning the project as 6th graders, the experimenters devoted more than a year to completing it.

They planted the corn in a 2,500-foot plot and placed the collard greens in a small pool of water. Implementation required weighing the roots every day over the course of many weeks as they grew the plants.

Root size and plant vigor improved markedly over time.

In addition, the trial indicates that the technique will aid production even in the midst of harsh climate conditions.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

The results hold implications for food production not only here, but in developing nations around the world.

“Our mindset going into this was that we wanted to help people who can’t grow crops in their areas,” Taylor said.

A reduction in fertilizer use may be the most significant dimension of the project. “We have had problems with fertilizers leaking into aquifers,” Tyre added.

“We wanted to find a way to combat that.”

Trace’s father, Jim Taylor, observed their progress with the trial and also accompanied them to Indianapolis. “They knew what they were talking about,” he said.

“They studied it, they completed their experiments and they documented it.”

The same zeal drives them as they continue to present their work to other public audiences. “Their faces really light up when they make their presentation,” Taylor noted.

Both awardees expect to pursue the trials in the future – perhaps at the college or university level. Use of the mixture in hydroponic systems appears to offer much promise.

The young men also share a laudable humanitarian purpose.

“This entire project has taught us that we need to focus more on others than ourselves to make sure everybody is okay,” Trace Taylor said.

Ironically, the team received a 3rd place award for their work in their local district competition.

“To win at state and become number one in the nation for it is really amazing,” Taylor said. “We feel like we can do so much more with this project.”

CITRUS COUNTY WOMAN WINS NATIONAL AG

Innovation Honor

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itrus County rancher Anette Skoog has claimed a national award for her innovative agricultural business.

She was named a finalist in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Ag Innovation Challenge. For this honor, she received $15,000.

Her business project, Elite OviGen Inc., has developed a software system that helps sheep breeders track and manage animal, production and financial data.

Skoog presented an overview of her company at the AFBF’s 2019 Annual Meeting. Along with three other national finalists, she competed for the title of national Rural Entrepreneur of the Year by presenting an overview of her business at the meeting’s trade show on Jan. 13.

A veterinarian as well as producer of beef cattle and sheep, she is the first Florida Farm Bureau member to be named as a finalist in the five-year history of the competition. In addition to marketing opportunities, finalists have opportunities to meet with potential investors who can provide more capital for their ventures.

“The recognition and visibility for your business and ideas –

being a top four finalist – is invaluable,” she said. “It gives a huge possibility to reach a broader audience and opens new doors that can help us grow and develop our company.”

Skoog explained that she and her family members have worked to create the software business for many years. “Our plan is to build and grow our company in this area of Florida and hire people locally,” she said.

The Ag Innovation Challenge provides business entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their operations before a national audience and earn start-up capital.

Participants also gain access to other private investors who can help underwrite their projects.

Support for the program has been provided by Farm Credit, Farm Bureau Bank, John Deere, Country Financial and Farm Bureau Financial Services.

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FLORIDA’S

Newest Flavor

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By Amanda Overstreet, Communications Coordinator

any people associate olives with the warm Mediterranean coasts of Italy, France and Greece. And while they would be correct, you might be surprised to know that plump and juicy olives can be grown right here in the Sunshine State.

A group from Gilchrist County is determined to put Florida-grown olives on the map. Mike and Connie Casey are partners of River Run Olive Oil Company, a perfectly suited name for their specialty olive oil shop in downtown High Springs.

Their venture began in 2014 as they were approaching retirement.

“Research started in Georgia,” Connie explained. “We toured a number of nurseries and large operations and found that Florida is very close in lines of latitude with the Mediterranean.”

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A friendship and partnership with the St. John and McArthur families, both Gilchrist County farm families, has made the olive farm a reality.

“The St. John and McArthur families have put up the land and the financial resources to further this venture,” Mike said. “It is a partnership we are very fortunate to have.”

The first tree was planted in Trenton in 2016. Today, the grove consists of roughly 95 acres and approximately 70,000 olive trees, all of which were planted by hand.

Mike explained that they have what is called a European Model located at the olive grove, which is two acres of trees planted on 20 ft. x 20 ft. squares, similar to a checkerboard.

The purpose of this model is to experiment with different varieties of olives to see which ones grow the best.

“There are more than 165 trees

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

and over 16 different varieties of olives that grow in this area,” he said. “Once fully ready to harvest, the goal is to have this part of the grove turned into a U-pick.”

The trees are growing on land that was once a cypress mulch processing plant and it is all completely irrigated. The Caseys use soil moisture sensors and work with the Suwannee River Water Management District to regulate their water use.

Mike explained that the olive trees are self-pollinators and that the trees will pollinate and set fruit between March and May. Harvest begins in September.

“It has been a very steep learning curve,” Mike said. “It is intense management and high capital. We are constantly learning something new throughout the process.”

“There are research projects going on all of the time in the grove,” Mike explained.

University of Florida Institute of

Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) students visit the grove and collect soil and moisture samples.

The Caseys have been working closely with UF/IFAS Extension Scientist Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman for the last two and half years on pest control.

She specializes in entomology and nematology and recently finished a two-year study funded by a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services block grant.

“The survey that we completed has helped us get a much better picture of what is going on in groves around the state,” Kaufman said. “The grant provided the funds we needed to check out different groves and determine if production practices impact pests.

“There are a lot of entrepreneurs out there as well that are putting a lot of time and resources into trying to make olives work,” she said.

Predicting the future of the commodity is difficult. River Run’s olives are currently not mature enough for harvesting and processing, but the Caseys’ goal is to have them ready to be sold instore within the next two years.

“The agriculture community has been very supportive of our business,” Mike said. “We are all working together to get our product on the market as quickly as possible.”

“We decided that if we were going to achieve success in the growing process, we needed a plan for the finished product,” Connie said. “And that’s how the store came about. You have to get started somehow and now we have the shop to bring it home to.”

Mike and Connie Casey operate River Run Olive Oil Company in High Springs.

Olive trees set fruit in the spring. They are harvested in the fall.

Oil is stored in stainless steel containers called fustis.

Olive oil sold at River Run comes from all over the world and there are different varieties coming into the shop all of the time.

Oil is stored in stainless steel containers called fustis and is tightly sealed for guaranteed freshness. The fustis line the walls of the charming shop while sample tables are set up in the middle for customers to taste the oils and vinegars with freshly baked bread.

River Run offers a collection of infused olive oils and vinegars that are flavored with natural plant-based oils.

These products have become increasingly popular among customers.

“Arbequina olive oil is the workhorse of the industry,” Mike explained. “It is the most popular olive oil variety to infuse because of how well it carries the flavors.”

River Run also offers cooking classes on the third Thursday of every month with a local chef who uses the olive products in the recipes.

There are about 40 people per class and everyone gets a small sample of what the chef prepares.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: • https://riverrunoliveoil.com/ • https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_olive_production

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BREEDING

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Better Beef

By Alex Lucas, Communications Coordinator

eef cattle producers use innovative technologies to improve animal performance well-being and increase the profitability of their enterprises. The use of technologies is a major contributor to the safe, wholesome and affordable beef supply in the United States.

Animal health and welfare are top priority of ranchers across the state and nation.

In addition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Guidelines emphasize lowstress cattle handling and properly maintaining records.

Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated, state-implemented program that provides information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers on better handling techniques. These techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific

Low stress handling can benefit both beef cattle and ranchers.

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

knowledge to raise cattle under improved management and environmental conditions.

“My cows are used to people being around them. When we work them, I have a philosophy of slow and easy. I try to keep my cows in as low-stress situations as possible, which makes for happier, healthier cows in my opinion,” said Herb Harbin, a cattleman from Osceola County.

“I use BQA practices on my ranch and find it important

to do so. I think it’s a good program because it helps give confidence to consumers and shows that we do everything to care for the land and our animals,” noted Harbin.

Increased emphasis on proper handling techniques pays off in more ways than one.

In addition to handler safety, and based on results of a recent Kansas State University study, more docile cattle might also provide an advantage in reproduction.

Excitable temperament is closely to related fear-related behavioral responses that have detrimental effects on the reproductive function of beef heifers and cows, independently of breed type. Temperament could influence cattle reproduction indirectly by decreasing nutritional status, and directly by altering the physiological mechanism required for ovulation and conception.

“Generally, we’re better understanding the longterm effects of stress and cow temperament on these herds,” said Dr. Matt Hersom, an associate professor at the University of Florida.

“The animals which have better temperament are more likely to produce offspring with the same docile temperament which we see as beneficial since as they move through our production

system, they are generally handled and managed more,” explained Hersom.

Another study conducted

by Oregon State University yielded similar results. The study concluded that cows with adequate temperament had a six percent higher pregnancy rate as well as a seven percent higher calving rate. Additionally, these cows yielded calves with an average of 36 more pounds at their weaning weight.

In addition to genetic selection of temperament, improved care of the animals includes adapting them to human handling.

“Proper handling is important because a lot of times you see cattle that may have been mishandled and they remember that. After that, any time you try to work with the cow it can have a more wild temperament,” noted Hersom.

It was reported that cattle accustomed to human handling had calmer temperament, reduced blood cortisol concentrations, and increased luteinizing hormone concentrations, the hormone responsible for ovulation, compared to nonacclimated cattle.

University of Florida researchers have also shown that cooler, calmer cattle can produce more milk and meat.

“The BQA Certification helps. It is a way to ensure

Studies have shown that temperament is correlated with fertility.

Calmer calves may produce more milk and meat.

that we have proper handling – this is just as important as genetics and management.

It is a holistic aspect that has a great influence on cattle temperament, safety and profitability for producers,” explained Hersom.

To learn more about Beef Quality Assurance visit www.bqa.org.

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The family-owned nursery is a wholesale operation growing plants for customers in Florida and across the nation.

Growing

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PLANTS AND A BUSINESS

By Corey Darnell, Videographer and Graphic Designer

urseries in Florida provide plants for gardening, conservation, forestry and many other agricultural endeavors. These operations grow plants in open fields, container fields or in greenhouses, depending on the requirements of the plant.

The goal of a nursery is to start plant growth from a variety of sources – seeds, cuttings and other plant parts – then grow them to a useable size to sell to retailers, farmers and the general public.

Florida’s nurseries have a vast economic impact in the state.

According to a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ study, between 2010 and 2015 nursery

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and landscaping enterprises across the state created 28,000 new jobs and employed a total of 232,650 people.

The nurseries in Florida with sales to markets outside the state brought in nearly $1.6 billion of net revenue. According to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida’s greenhouse, nursery production ranked second in the nation in 2017.

One such operation in Florida with sales to other markets outside the state is Hackney Nursery.

Located in the heart of Gadsden County, this wholesale operation is more than 600 acres with roughly 160 acres of irrigated bed space and over 100 greenhouses and shade houses on the property.

The Hackney Nursey has been

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

family owned and operated since 1991 when George Hackney, president of Hackney Nursery, bought out Super Nursery.

“Out of college I went to work with my uncle in Cairo, Georgia who had one of the largest nurseries on the east coast.

I worked with him for 15 years before deciding to purchase my own.” said Hackney.

A majority of the plants that are grown and sold out of this location are woody ornamentals.

The nursery specializes in container-grown shrubs, perennials and groundcovers.

Plants propagated at Hackney Nursey are sold in branded and non-branded containers and are shipped out of the Panhandle to locations all over the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The nursery’s largest clients are primarily landscapers and

A Florida-grown Iris at the Hackney Nursery.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTIN HACKNEY)

independent garden centers.

The North Florida Research and Education Center located in Quincy plays a role in determining which plants are suitable for specific environments. Experts at the center look into specific pests and diseases that affect plant health and provide that information to plant developers.

Plant development companies, like Southern Living Plant Collection, use this information to refine their plant varieties to create hardy plant products capable of meeting specific environmental conditions and customer expectations.

After these varieties are refined, Hackney Nursery and other ornamental plant businesses acquire, grow and sell them to consumers.

“Hackney Nursery is a licensed grower for Southern Living Plant Collection and grows the finished product after development for the plant variety is completed,” mentioned Martin Hackney, Nursey Sales Representative.

One popular brand that makes its way through the Hackney Nursery in the spring time is the Knock Out rose. The nursey grows the Star Roses line of plants specifically with a target readiness date for Mother’s Day. Hackney Nursery grows and ships a wide variety of plants in containers ranging from quarts to 30 gallons.

To learn more about Hackney Nursery, visit www.hackneynursery.com.

Knock Out roses are popular plants that are ready for sale around Mother’s Day.

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A Crushing Toll

STILL REELING FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL

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By G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations

ackson County farmer Larry Ford has faced his share of destructive weather. But Hurricane Michael was the worst storm by far to strike his community.

“I’ve been growing cotton since 1991,” Ford said. “We have had three or four systems come through here, but nothing like this. The amount of destruction is just beyond belief. It just annihilated the cotton crop.”

The October hurricane swept through multiple Florida Panhandle counties, leading to the death of more than 30 people, blowing apart or badly damaging thousands of homes and disrupting public utility services.

Farm families have reported colossal losses to crops, animals, buildings and fences. According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), timber operations suffered the greatest financial blow.

The total cost to foresters is at least $1.3 billion.

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Ford said the hurricane walloped 90 percent of the timber in his county. “In a lot of areas the timber is just gone. It is flat on the ground.”

Washington County forester Lamar Munroe said a thick stand of trees he owns west of Chipley held together during the storm. But he lost a six-acre parcel located in the town.

The hurricane winds decimated woodlands on vast expanses eastward into Gadsden County.

“What I have seen from about Chipley to Chattahoochee is almost total destruction of bigger planted timber – either blowdowns, broken off trunks or not enough trees remaining standing,” Munroe said.

Foresters face a long-term challenge, he noted. “To have it (timber) in a usable condition is going to take a very long time.”

Other farm operations also suffered severe damage. UF/IFAS researchers calculate that losses to the region’s crops, animals and animal products total $138 million. This number, revised with detailed field

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

data, includes $53 million in cotton, $19 million in peanuts and $15 million in nursery and floriculture crops. Agricultural commodities in 25 counties were affected.

“Some of the areas with the most significant agricultural losses only had winds in the tropical storm range, but they happened to have a lot of high-value agricultural production,” said Christa Court, a UF/IFAS food and resource economist.

The current estimates will likely increase as producers gradually work through the recovery process. They are still absorbing expenses for cleanup work, building and equipment repair, animal care and numerous other tasks.

“We will be digging out from under the destruction for a long time,” said Shepard Eubanks, Gadsden County Extension director.

“Farmers are resilient, independent people. But they are struggling here.

The financial impact of the storm has been huge.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS)

Early estimates indicated that at least two million acres of timber were lost because of the storm.

Hurricane Michael blasted more than 150,000 acres of cotton in the Panhandle.

The hurricane destroyed roads, communications connections and other basic infrastructure throughout the region.

“It’s so overwhelming, it’s hard to put into words,” Eubanks added. “Members of the agricultural community are working one day at a time.”

Regardless of commodity, Larry Ford acknowledged that farm families face a long-term burden. “It will take years to get over it,” he said. “Crop insurance will help. Programs that the federal government will hopefully implement will also help.”

Ford pointed out that the farm destruction has affected the entire community. “Insurance will give you about 40 percent of what you were going to sell. It’s going to have a dramatic economic impact in the county.”

Some business leaders have expressed the hope that local economies can diversify as they rebuild. Kristy Terry, executive director of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, is looking for investors to participate in the reconstruction.

“At this point, it is just hard to say how far-reaching the impacts will be,” Terry explained. “There are opportunities now and that’s the way we want to approach these challenges. These are opportunities to rebuild stronger, modern and more efficient than before.”

Less than a week after the hurricane shattered the region, Vice President Mike Pence promised that the Trump administration would “marshal the full resources of the federal government” to help farm families recover.

“We will rebuild these crops and these communities,” Pence said. “We will restore the Sunbelt region bigger and better than ever before.”

Florida Farm Bureau has established a relief fund to help farm families struggling with agriculture-related losses inflicted by the storm.

To apply for assistance from the fund, visit https://floridafarmbureau.formstack. com/forms/hurricanemichael.

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CHANGING

Agriculture’s Narrative

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By Rachael Smith, Communications Manager

March 5-May 3.

FloridAgriculture had the opportunity to visit with both new and veteran state leaders last month to hear their perspectives. These elected officials are key in creating and supporting sound agricultural policy statewide.

Early discussions have hinted that Hurricane Michael relief, water quality and quantity, labor shortages and research funding are priorities.

Newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried looks forward to advocating on behalf of Florida agriculture in Tallahassee and

Washington, D.C. “From labor shortages and trade concerns with the new USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), to climate change and water issues, to citrus greening and invasive species, to destruction from strong storms like Hurricane Michael—I know our agriculture community has plenty of obstacles to navigate,” said Fried.

“I’m here to give our agriculture community the support they need and work together to build a partnership,” added Fried.

Her sentiment was echoed among the lawmakers we spoke with. Each member, deeply rooted in agriculture, voiced a passion for telling agriculture’s story.

Sen. Ben Albritton is a fourth generation citrus grower.

As chairman of the Agriculture

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new year could mean a new narrative for agriculture during the 2019 state legislative session,

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Committee, he looks forward to educating new members of the legislature on the importance of agriculture statewide, especially when it comes to water quality.

“Blue green algae and water quality challenges are paramount and negatively impact our coastal economies,” said Albritton. “When we have large-scale discussions on water quality, it is important that agriculture has a voice.”

Highlighting sound science and agriculture’s Best Management Practices is one way to do that.

“When you look at the advancements we (agriculture) have made, the technologies deployed and the massive reduction in our nutrient footprint through Best Management Practices, we are doing a great job and these stories need to be highlighted,” said Albritton.

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“Our farmers and ranchers are some of the best environmentalists in the world and the farming community deserves to be treated with respect and recognized for doing the right thing for the right reasons,” added Albritton.

Sen. George Gainer, Agriculture Committee vice chair, represents a span of counties completely devastated by Hurricane Michael.

With Florida timber losses valued at $1.3 billion, Gainer’s main priority is to provide relief for farmers and ranchers impacted by the storm.

He says it is important for legislators to know the perils that farmers and ranchers are facing.

“You can’t go back after we’ve lost something,” said Gainer.

First year Rep. Josie Tomkow is a third generation cattle rancher who is eager it to share the importance of protecting her grandfather’s agricultural heritage with fellow legislators.

“We’ve got 60 days,” said Tomkow, “and my hope is to work alongside legislative leaders and use my position to advocate for farmers and ranchers so they can carry on their family business and legacy.”

Tomkow has always been interested in state politics and helping people. “Telling your story in

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person at the state or nation’s capital in your jeans and boots can make a real impact,” she said.

Rep. Lawrence McClure is a strawberry grower from Hillsborough County. Top issues for McClure will center on water quality, preserving land, property rights and transportation. Another priority for McClure is changing the story of agriculture.

“Something has happened within the last decade to agriculture,” he said. “Somehow the people who produce our food for our country are perceived as less than stewards of the environment,” he added. “I can’t name one farmer who fits that mold.

We have to do a better job of telling our story whether it’s politically or in the community.

“If we can shift the narrative back, that would be fulfillment during my time here,” stated McClure.

Rep. Chuck Clemons’ family roots are deep in agriculture, dating back to before Florida was a state.

A priority for Clemons is highlighting the importance of funding for land grant universities.

His home county of Alachua houses the state’s largest land grant institution – the University of Florida. He says that many people don’t realize the correlation between

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research universities and agriculture.

“It’s an uphill battle for funding,” said Clemons. “Research universities only thrive if they have the resources to do the work they need to bring those benefits to growers.”

A perfect example of this causal effect is citrus greening, a disease that has reduced orange production in Florida by 25 percent. The reduction in oranges means higher prices for orange juice, which ultimately impacts the consumer’s pocketbook at the supermarket.

“Agriculture is key to our state’s economy,” said Clemons. “We’ve got to maximize our effectiveness in telling agriculture’s story or it will get the short end of the stick,” he said.

Clemons says that part of maximizing that effectiveness is being part of an advocacy organization such as Florida Farm Bureau Federation. He says that members who are involved in the process can help the future of agriculture.

One step Florida Farm Bureau members can make in advocating for agriculture and telling their story is to attend Farm Bureau Days in Tallahassee, March 5-6. To register, visit https://www.floridafarmbureau. org/legislative-days/.

1 Sen. Ben Albritton, pictured with Adam Basford, FFB Legislative Affairs Director is grateful for the support of Florida Farm Bureau and its role in advocating for farm families. 2 Rep. Chuck Clemons, pictured with Lance Pierce, Asst. Director of Legislative Affairs 3 Sen. George Gainer will advocate for hurricane relief for Florida farmers. 4 Rep. Lawrence McClure looks forward to changing agriculture’s narrative. 5 Rep. Josie Tomkow is excited to advocate for farmers and ranchers statewide. 6 Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried visited with FFB Board members in Gainesville

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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Sign up

for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The first Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (PSR) compliance dates have arrived. Sign up now to request a Free On-Farm Readiness Review, offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an opportunity to receive on-farm education and assistance to help farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements.

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

To take full advantage of the OFRR and prepare 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.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services.

LCYFFL1118

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

SFBLI.COM

CELEBRATIONS OF 2019 FARM-CITY WEEK

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arm-City Week is held annually in communities across Florida and the nation just before Thanksgiving to celebrate our food abundance. The week also highlights the many partnerships between farm families and our general society helping to make a variety of food available for everyone.

ALACHUA Alachua County Extension Director Cindy Sanders, Amanda Morgan, Alachua County 4-H program coordinator, and UF/IFAS staff member Jeri Shell were on hand at the Alachua County Farm-City Week Luncheon.

JEFFERSON Lance Braswell, agency manager, presented a gift bag to Jefferson County Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest winner Emily Brock during a Farm-City Week Luncheon in Monticello.

CLAY Cattle rancher Josh Farley provided the keynote address at the 46th Annual Farm-City Week Luncheon in Clay County.

OKALOOSA Okaloosa County Farm Bureau members, the local Extension office, the Crestview Rotary Club and other volunteers collaborated to hold a food distribution for more than 150 area families on Nov. 16.

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

THE FARM BILL SHOWCASES FARM BUREAU’S INFLUENCE

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By JohnWalt Boatright, National Affairs Coordinator

he close of 2018 prompted a huge sigh of relief from farm families with the completion of the 2018 Farm Bill.

On Dec. 20, President Donald Trump joined with congressional leaders and industry stakeholders to witness the last major legislative victory of the 115th Congress – the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

Comprised of state presidents, members, and staff, a strong Farm Bureau presence was in the room, and for good reason, as the President signed the legislation into law.

The adoption of the 2018 Farm Bill is the culmination of months of relentless education and grassroots advocacy at its finest. Every state Farm Bureau collaborates closely with the American Farm Bureau to inform decision-makers proactively on good policy and encourage a watchful eye on funding deadlines.

Florida Farm Bureau members and staff have stormed the halls of Congress, armed with talking points and reinforced with the true stories of daily farm struggles.

In June 2017, nearly 18 months earlier, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee initiated a series of listening sessions throughout the country. The first one was held in Gainesville, and Florida

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THE 2018 FARM BILL • Funds citrus greening research • Enhances the safety net for crop and dairy production • Earmarks money for animal disease prevention • Launches pilot project for feral hog control • Supports grant program for fruits and vegetables • Strengthens USDA disaster relief programs

Farm Bureau joined our Georgia counterparts to offer the initial testimony before congressional lawmakers as they began their 2018 Farm Bill deliberations.

This process reaffirms, yet again, the credibility and influence of Farm Bureau as the leading voice of our agriculture. That voice would not exist without the involvement and support of our members.

The 2018 Farm Bill reinvests and strengthens the crop insurance, disaster relief and safety net programs for producers at a time when we are experiencing nearly a 50 percent decline in farm income over the past five years.

It reauthorizes a critical Florida Farm Bureau priority with $125 million for citrus greening research, as well as continued resources to fund leading projects

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

by our land-grant institutions.

The new bill also devotes resources to longstanding needs, such as funds for animal disease prevention and management, including a vaccine bank to combat outbreaks, and pilot money to tackle an ongoing, growing nuisance – feral hogs.

The process is always a marathon, not a sprint, but one in which Farm Bureau has proven well conditioned to complete with favorable results.

Although the Congress adopts the Farm Bill at five-year intervals, its implementation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes a constant impact upon farm families as well as our larger society.

From beginning to end, from developing to implementing a Farm Bill, Farm Bureau is the ever-present Voice of Agriculture.

A Shrinking Farm Labor Supply

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any U.S. growers of laborintensive crops have long relied upon immigrant workers from Mexico.

New data and analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) suggest that the numbers of unauthorized Mexican immigrants in the United States declined significantly after 2007.

The ERS study also suggests there has been a long-term decline in the number of people from rural Mexico who want to work in either U.S. or Mexican agriculture.

Meanwhile, demand for farm labor both here and in Mexico is rising.

Several indications suggest that the farm labor market is tightening in the United States: • Reports of labor shortages from farmers, growers, and ranchers • Rising farm wages • Greater employment of nonimmigrant, foreignborn farmworkers through the H-2A

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Temporary Agricultural Program, as indicated in the program’s certification and visa statistics • A decline in the number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico living in the United States, as estimated by researchers studying Mexican immigration to the United States Decreasing unauthorized immigration from Mexico stems from a variety of causes, according to the ERS report, suggesting that rural Mexico is not likely to generate a steady supply of farmworkers for U.S. agriculture in the future.

Mexican agricultural employment has expanded since 2008, serving businesses whose fruit, vegetables, and tree nuts are partly exported to the United States. There has also been growth in nonagricultural employment opportunities in the Mexican economy, particularly in the service sector.

Rising educational

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

levels in rural Mexico have enabled workers to take advantage of the new employment opportunities outside of agriculture. In addition, the Mexican fertility rate has been declining.

U.S. agricultural employers may find it difficult to offset the decreased supply of farm labor from Mexico with more farmworkers from other countries. The United States will have to compete with Mexico and other countries in the Americas that are also expanding agricultural production and recruiting farmworkers.

Recruiting from countries more distant than

Mexico may be costlier and many of the factors that pull Mexicans out of farm work – such as rising education levels and a growing service economy – are at play in other developing countries.

In responding to these long-term challenges, U.S. agricultural employers are likely to continue selecting crops and improving technologies to reduce labor requirements.

They will also adopt management strategies that increase productivity and encourage employee retention.

The report is posted at https://www.ers.usda. gov/publications/pubdetails/?pubid=90831.

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HOLIDAY CHEER FOR FARM WORKERS’ CHILDREN

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embers of the Dade County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee brightened the Christmas holiday this year for more than 200 children of area farm workers with a toy giveaway.

Farm Credit of South Florida, the National Association of Women in Construction and all of those who attended and supported the Holiday Party and Toy Drive held by the Dade County Farm Bureau and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association joined in the project.

The toy giveaway was held at the South Dade Skill Center, with extra gifts provided through a “Make a Child Happy” drive managed by Homestead Councilman Larry Roth.

Hundreds of the toys were provided with the help of an online Amazon Wish list for this year’s event.

This feature allowed a more convenient experience for those who wanted to donate, but either were

Volunteers prepare to hand out hundreds of toys at a holiday event coordinated by the Dade County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

unable to find the time to shop or could not drop off their donations at the Dade County Farm Bureau office.

Dade County Farm Bureau Women plan to enhance the online donation process for this event so they can continue to spread holiday cheer for children in the years to come.

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY). The advertised APYs are accurate as of 12/21/18 and subject to change without notice. Minimum initial deposit of $1,000. Federal withdrawal restrictions apply. Fees could reduce earnings on the account and a penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. The Bank reserves the right to limit deposits taken under this program. See complete terms and conditions at www.farmbureaubank.com. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation. 12.2018

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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FLORIDA GULF SHRIMP AND SWEET PEPPER STIR-FRY INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • • •

1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 Florida bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced 1 tablespoon Florida honey 1 cup Florida orange juice 1 large onion, sliced 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Olive Oil for cooking Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Lightly coat the shrimp with the cornstarch. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated sauté pan. Carefully add the coated shrimp to the sauté pan and cook until almost done, about three minutes.

3. Remove the shrimp from the pan and add the peppers and onions. Cook the peppers for four minutes.

4. Add the honey, orange juice and soy sauce to the pan. Turn the heat up slightly. Bring the liquid ingredients up to a boil.

5. Turn the heat back down to mediumhigh and add the shrimp back to the sauté pan. The sauce should thicken and the shrimp will be cooked after three minutes.

6. Serve over brown rice.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds.

(Courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Are you doing your part to keep consumers lovin’ beef?

When you sell your cattle at the local auction market, you pay your $1 per head beef checkoff to invest in maintaining strong demand for your product. But did you also know that when you buy or sell cattle through private treaty sales, club calf sales, online sales, and/or sell beef through a farmer’s market, to your friends and neighbors, you also need to pay your share of the $1 per head beef checkoff?

Have you sold cattle within the last year outside an Yes auction market?

Have you bought cattle within the last year Yes during a private treaty, club calf, or online sale?

Have you sold freezer beef at any point during the last year? Yes

No No No

If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, please take time to fill out The Beef Checkoff Compliance Form below. If you have questions, contact the Florida Beef Council at 1-407-846-4557 or www.floridabeef.org. Please send your form and investment directly to: Florida Beef Council,P.O. Box 421929, Kissimmee, FL 34742-1929 It is essential everyone to remit the $1 per head beef checkoff to build for the future of the beef industry.

NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR BUSY SCHOOL NIGHTS Tuna Sliders with Green Chilies

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hen school is back in session, the real test for parents is not in the classroom, but in the kitchen.

Between breakfast, lunch and dinner – not to mention snacks – meal planning seems endless and daunting.

With convenient options like canned ingredients on-hand, parents can have the makings of a wholesome homemade meal right at their fingertips.

Canned foods not only help cut down on prep time in the kitchen, but also deliver nutritional benefits. In fact, kids and adults who use six or more canned foods per week are more likely to have diets higher in 17 essential nutrients, according to a study published in Plus, cans provide year-round access to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and keep food fresh and flavorful without the need for preservatives and additives.

From on-the-go breakfasts to hearty dinners and everything in-between, a well-stocked pantry – or your “cantry” – full of canned proteins, fruits, vegetables and soups can help busy parents get through the week with creative meals they can feel good about serving their families.

For more information about the nutritional benefits of cooking with canned foods and to find flavorful recipes for the back-to-school season, visit CansGetYouCooking.com.

SERVINGS: 12 • 1 can (5-ounce) tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked • 1 can (4.25-ounce) chopped green chilies • 1/4 cup Florida diced celery • 1/4 cup diced red onion • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley • 6 slider rolls • lettuce leaves DIRECTIONS

1. In large bowl, combine tuna, green chilies, celery, red onion, mayonnaise and chopped cilantro; toss to mix well.

2. Top the bottom half of each roll with lettuce leaves; cover with the tuna mixture and the top half of the roll.

(Courtesy of Family Features)

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