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The Voice of Agriculture in Florida

FloridAgriculture VOLUME 79, NO. 4 â€¢ JUNE 2019

FROM THE FIELD TO CAPITOL HILL INNOVATIVE AQUACULTURE EVERGLADES FAMILY FARM A MICHAEL HANGOVER

www.floridagriculture.org | www.FloridaFarmBureau.org

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 2019 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 8 10 12 16 18 28 29

MIXING PLANTS AND FISH FOOD FROM THE ‘GLADES CASH FOR YOUR PHOTOS THE STORM IS NOT OVER FARMERS IN WASHINGTON CARES CELEBRATION CLASSIFIED ADS CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 12-14 FFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference, Daytona Beach. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/2vlejFq. July 25 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Moultrie, Ga. For more information, visit https://sunbeltexpo.com/. Aug. 9

Deadline for Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Photo Contest. To submit a photo, visit http://bit.ly/30lTok5. See also, Page 10 in this edition.

Cover: In May more than 70 Florida Farm Bureau members traveled to Washington, D.C. so they could discuss federal policy issues with our Congressional delegation and executive department officials.

Non-member subscriptions are not available.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

FROM THE PRESIDENT

GOV. DESANTIS DESERVES A WORD OF THANKS ALL OF US AT FLORIDA FARM BUREAU have

been working for months to convey the scope of the disaster Hurricane Michael inflicted upon Panhandle communities. The deaths, the massive destruction and the sheer misery caused by the storm shocked residents of the region to a degree that they have difficulty expressing their sense of loss. Our farm families are facing many years of recovery to restore their livelihoods. Some of them are still struggling with basic cleanup and repair. As Jackson County farmer and Florida Farm Bureau Director Jeff Pittman recently said, “You first have to recover your capacity to produce something, then you have to grow it so you can sell it.” According to researchers at the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, crop, animal and animal product losses were $138 million. Timber and forestry losses exceeded $1.3 billion. In some areas, the entire agricultural infrastructure

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

will have to be reconstructed. Many farm families need help to accomplish such a task. We received some initial good news in May confirming that our efforts to communicate the need have been recognized. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he was activating an emergency loan program for farmers who suffered hurricane-related losses in the region. As the Governor explained, this temporary program offers up to $200,000 to each applicant, is available at no interest and must be repaid in two years. Borrowers can draw from a total loan fund of $25 million. I sincerely appreciate the Governor’s willingness to act on a Farm Bureau call for assistance. Although the program does not include all Panhandle agricultural producers affected by the storm, it is a tangible expression of support. He has stepped up to lend a hand for families threatened with financial ruin. If they lose their properties or cease producing, their surrounding communities will also be injured.

John L. Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President

Local food production will disappear and so will jobs and the excellent natural resource care that conserves water, greenspace and wildlife habitat. There are plenty of demands placed upon the state budget for a host of good purposes. Sometimes our rural communities need public assistance as a jumpstart to recover after a major calamity. This is one of those times for the Panhandle. Gov. DeSantis has visited the region and observed the devastation firsthand. He recognizes that the farmers and ranchers there are in trouble. He has taken a step forward to support them. We look forward to working with him on a variety of recovery efforts as our farm families struggle to restore their livelihoods.

COMMODITY CORNER

Florida Aquaculture

Shrimp is the leading species of Florida aquaculture in terms of value at $51.6 million.

Monroe County leads the state in aquaculture production, harvesting approximately 10,464,207 pounds annually.

Aquatic crops include fish, plants, mollusks, crustaceans and reptiles.

Florida aquaculture products earn roughly $100 million in sales annually, half of this revenue being tropical fish. Sources: UF/IFAS and Fresh From Florida

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION CAPTURES

NATIONAL AWARD FLORIDA FARM BUREAU Federation’s

Public Relations Division has earned a top national honor for producing the organization’s 2019 Annual Report. In May the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recognized the report with the Best Graphic Design award “for a pamphlet, brochure, special publication or premium item that best promotes Farm Bureau.” The Florida document summarized the progress in a wide range of activities and programs during the 2019 Farm Bureau membership year. Work on the content and design of the document was a team effort by staff members in the division.

Farm Credit is the only agricultural lender that gives you money back for becoming a member. We are a cooperative, which means our borrowers are our owners and they serve on our Board of Directors. This year, Farm Credit returned $21.7 Million in cash back to our borrower through dividend payments.

FarmCreditFlorida.com I 866.824.5626

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

A tank of fish grown at Marineland Aquaponics.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

Fish Farm By Amanda Overstreet, Communications Coordinator

IMAGINE PRODUCING a high quality product grown at a rate nearly 10 times faster than in soil with a smaller carbon footprint. The science behind this method of agriculture is known as aquaponics. A resourceful method of food production, aquaponics systems use effluent from fish to grow plants by combining re-circulating aquaculture (RAS) and hydroponics. Jean-Sebastien Gros is the managing director and on-site project manager of Marineland Aquaponics, a state-of-the-art marine harvesting operation in Putnam County. Conveniently located next to Deep Creek on the St. Johns River, Marineland Aquaponics is the successor and repurposing of Anguilla Fish Farm, a flow-through aquaculture system that produced hybrid striped bass, Anguilla eels and tilapia for over 35 years. 6

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

“Anguilla Fish Farm was completely devastated by Hurricane Matthew in 2016,” Gros explained. “The farm encountered exceptional flooding and the entire electrical grid was wiped out. Over half a million fish were lost in just a few hours.” Gros said that the operation was hit once more in 2017 when Hurricane Irma barreled through the state, this time even harder. His partner and avid conservation leader, Jim Jacoby, purchased the farm in April of 2018 to convert it to a resilient and sustainable RAS system. Gros brings with him 30-plus years of executive management experience working in large scale

aquaculture, specifically farmraised salmon produced in Chile. He has also supported aquaculture projects worldwide in Haiti, China and Vietnam. Marineland Aquaponics is his latest project and it is scheduled to be completed with its first phase by September of this year. The project will transform the flowthrough aquaculture system into a complete re-circulation system that uses cutting-edge aquaponics techniques. Suzanne Archer is the Technical Program Coordinator for Agricultural Assistance with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and learned of Marineland Aquaponics’ project through one of the district’s costshare programs. The SJRWMD partnership awarded Marineland Aquaponics with funding in the amount of $250,000 towards project costs. “This project is one of the most

(ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARINELAND AQUAPONICS)

exciting things we’ve seen in over 10 years,” Archer said. The state-of-the-art recirculation system will eliminate all discharge offsite by recycling 100 percent of the fish waste as a nutrient source for plants. Archer explained that Anguilla Fish Farm had a consumptive use permit from the SJRWMD for 4.31 million gallons of water per day. Gros’ project will use less than 100,000 gallons of water per month and discharge zero of the 3.7 million gallons of surface water permitted into the St. Johns River. “We are in a state that has been plagued with red tide, green tide and algal blooms, and unfortunately, a lot of fingers are pointed at agriculture,” Archer explained. “The positive things that Marineland Aquaponics is doing to conserve and protect our natural resources is just really amazing.” The property consists of 31 acres with plenty of room to expand. Gros originally planned to grow bait fish, catfish and lettuce for the local regional market but the project has evolved into much more. “We plan to grow marine shrimp and hemp which is much more valuable and it doesn’t change our infrastructure,” he said. “We’re going to be selling our products all over the world

1 Fish produce waste

The Aquaponics Cycle

3 1

Plants filter water that returns to the fish

2 1 Microbes and worms convert waste into fertilizer for plants

under the Fresh From Florida label. It’s all about high standards and quality assured, sustainable production.” Marineland Aquaponics will also offer an agritourism venture and welcomes students and visitors for tours of the facility where they can learn about how aquaponics farming is sustainable. David Dinkins has been an Extension Agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for more than 30 years. “Agritourism is a growing industry in the tri-county area and it is a great way to educate the public on agricultural practices,” he said.

“Gros and Jacoby have put a lot of time into researching this project and have sought expertise from us at UF/IFAS,” Dinkins said. “Not all farms are set up for agritourism but Marineland Aquaponics is designing their project with that in mind.” Gros is excited about working with farmers in the area and has hopes of partnering with other growers in the future. “Our project is all open cards and we will share our successes and failures with everyone,” he said. “This project could fundamentally change agriculture in this area forever.” For more information, visit https://marineland aquaponics.com/. Infrastructure of the new re-circulation project.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

Growing IN THE EVERGLADES

By Corey Darnell, Videographer and Graphic Designer

LEWIS POPE III, OWNER OF POPE FARMS, is a thirdgeneration farmer in the Everglades Agricultural Area in the South Florida region. His agricultural enterprise produces sweet corn, green beans, sugarcane and cabbage. Pope Farms is located in Pahokee, near the southeastern side of Lake Okeechobee. Pope’s grandfather began farming in the area in the early 1930s. Pope Rows of corn at the family’s farm.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

started working on his grandfather’s operation at a very young age and then became fully involved when he was 19 years old. It was shortly after he became involved on

the farm that he joined his county Farm Bureau. Pope began as a member of the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau in his early twenties.

“THE EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA...FEEDS THE U.S. WHEN THERE AREN’T WINTER VEGETABLES ANYWHERE ELSE.

”

Lewis Pope in front of one of his tractors at the farm.

An ear of corn on the stalk.

He worked with the county Farm Bureau for the past 19 years to help with the annual Sweet Corn Fiesta. The Sweet Corn Fiesta is an annual event held in West Palm Beach to educate and inform the public about the importance and economic value of agriculture to the local community while promoting the crop. Over time, Pope says that labor has been a big issue with the amount of available workers

getting scarce. He has also been involved with Florida Farm Bureau’s advisory committees. According to Pope, his involvement on the Florida Farm Bureau Labor Advisory Committee has allowed him the opportunity to learn valuable knowledge about the H2A worker program. Recently, Pope Farms hosted a class from the Everglades Preparatory School in the corn fields. Pope said that most of these students had never visited a farm before and he felt it was important to teach young people where their food comes from. Along with the crop production, Pope is also involved with a packinghouse facility in Belle Glade, Florida known as Branch: A Family of Farms.

In this packinghouse, the crops come straight from the fields and are loaded off trucks to a conveyor belt where they are sorted by hand and then packed into crates. Those crates are then stacked onto pallets and moved to be washed down with chilled water before being packed on trucks ready to be shipped out. Sweet corn from Pope Farms can be found at supermarkets and grocery stores all over Florida with the green and yellow Branch logo. One of Pope’s main motivations for farming is to work toward maintaining this farm in the family. “I am sixty years old now and I still enjoy going out to the fields every day to run our harvest operation.”

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION’S 2019 PHOTO CONTEST

Win Cash Prizes! TRY YOUR HAND at winning up to

$500 while you help showcase our state’s people, its agriculture and its natural beauty. Snap a photo and submit it as an entry in Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 2019 Photo Contest. All Florida Farm Bureau members are eligible, except Florida Farm Bureau employees and members of their immediate families. To join, visit https:// floridafarmbureau.com/ membersignup/. Photos must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 at: https:// floridafarmbureau.formstack.com/ forms/2019photocontest. CATEGORIES

• On the Farm (includes farm and ranch scenes, farm animals, people at work on farms and ranches, farm technology and agricultural products) • Natural Florida and Wildlife (includes rural locations, natural resources, coastal views, open landscapes and wild creatures) 10

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

• Children, Families and Pets (includes any one of these subjects or any combinations) ELIGIBILITY

Employees of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies and their immediate family members are not eligible. RULES

• To be considered in the contest, all entries must be submitted by the deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. • Each contestant may enter only one photo. • Each entry must be at least 1MB in size. Low-resolution images cannot be accepted. • A completed entry form must accompany each submission. • Photos may be published by Florida Farm Bureau Federation in various print and electronic media. • Winning contestants will be notified as soon as possible.

PRIZES • Overall Winner: $500 • First Place in Each Category: $150 • Second Place in Each Category: $75 • Third Place in Each Category: $50

We will attempt to arrange for check presentations to the winners at county Farm Bureau annual meetings. JUDGING

An outside judge will evaluate the entries and select the winners. The final determination of winners and ultimate decisions about any question or concern regarding eligibility, rules and judging of the 2019 Photo Contest will be made by Florida Farm Bureau Federation. For more information, contact G.B. Crawford at gb.crawford@ffbf.org or Rachael Smith at rachael.smith@ffbf.org.

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

Farm Bureau Members Form A Strong Voice At The State Capitol By Adam Basford, Director of State Legislative Affairs

oing into the 2019 legislative session, there were plenty of unknowns. Not only did the House and Senate have new presiding officers and burgeoning freshman classes, there was a new Governor and Commissioner of Agriculture who were each looking to have an impact on legislative issues impacting agriculture and the environment. This session ended up like many others: some issues were positive, some were negative and most were a little bit of both. Our state continues to need a strong voice for agriculture standing for good policy that benefits both our producers and our state as a whole. Florida Farm Bureau relies heavily on our membership to keep agriculture at the forefront of discussion and decision-making.

HURRICANE RECOVERY

The Legislature included important sales tax benefits for farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael. Most helpful is a sales tax rebate program for materials used to repair or replace buildings and fences on farms. Materials purchased from the date of the storm until June 30

will be eligible for a sales tax rebate. After the session, Gov. DeSantis also authorized a bridge loan program that will benefit farmers in the affected region. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REFORM

The time was right for the Legislature to reform how Florida’s Constitution is amended. Lawmakers passed a bill that furthers Farm Bureau’s policy supporting a more deliberative Constitutional amendment process. Any group gathering voter signatures must now register with the state and its hired workers cannot be paid on the number of signatures obtained. Ballot measures must indicate the initiative’s effect on the state budget and the estimated economic impact. BUDGET ISSUES

After hundreds of Florida Farm Bureau members sent messages to show support for the Fresh From Florida program, the chambers agreed to fund the program at its current level. The Rural and Family Lands program received no funding this year.

UF/IFAS ended up with $1,750,000 in new funding, with just one program being unfunded. The budget includes an additional $1 million in recurring funds for research and Extension programs. It also includes $750,000 in non-recurring funds for the Florida 4-H program. HEMP

A bill strongly supported by Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried passed this session creating the framework for establishing commercial hemp production in Florida. The bill authorizes the Florida Department if Agriculture and Consumer Services to set rules for industry licensing, qualitycontrol standards and security procedures for the crop. It also creates an advisory council and stipulates that the Florida Farm Bureau President is allowed to appoint a member. States have authority to begin the process of commercially producing hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. We continue to monitor these important issues and we will keep you informed about them. If you have any questions, please contact our legislative office. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

A STRUGGLE FOR

Restoration HURRICANE MICHAEL RECOVERY

By G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations

leak. Other service vendors helped put together temporary irrigation lines and delivered generators. But such services are expensive. The business is relying about waist height was pretty upon savings while Hennen much gone.” and his team attempt to pay for One greenhouse was a restoration and reconstruction total loss. The hurricane blew work. And Oglesby is still at 50% apart or ruined fans, irrigation of its production capacity after systems, lighting, heaters and more than six months. other equipment as well as shade “This storm has been more covers and roofing. The walls of a challenge than anything that of buildings were riddled with I have been involved in since holes. Virtually no part of the I started with the company in properties escaped damage. 1982,” Hennen said. Although Some damage posed employees have resumed emergencies for both the production, the cost of recovery company and its neighbors. has been overwhelming. For example, the winds Hennen, also an owner, ruptured a gas line in one of the emphasized that the staff has greenhouses. Mary McKenzie, documented the enormous an owner and daughter of the losses inflicted by the hurricane. company’s founder, Ray Oglesby, “But the insurance companies recalled, “You could see the have done nothing but give us vapors. One of the heaters had problems. Over six months have been pulled off the building and passed and they have sent us the line was shooting gas into limited funds and are delaying the air. We could not shut it off.” additional payments A specialist from Pensacola for ridiculous reasons.” drove for seven hours through Based upon experience so rubble and debris so he could far, “The lack of funding from get to the facility and stop the the insurance companies is

FLORIDIANS WHO SUFFERED LOSSES due to Hurricane Michael last year have trouble summarizing their experiences. The destruction in affected areas was so overwhelming, its impact cannot be easily conveyed. In April, after a data analysis, scientists at the National Hurricane Center announced that Michael was a Category 5 storm with catastrophic winds of 160 mph. The hurricane affected farm commodities in 25 Florida counties. For many agricultural producers in the Panhandle region, the ordeal of recovery continues to be a daily grind. Gary Hennen has reason to question whether the operation he has helped to lead for nearly 40 years can even survive. Hennen, president of Oglesby Plants International, Inc. in Calhoun County, said the plant propagation business lost 80% of its inventory along with buildings and equipment. “The storm picked up an air conditioning unit and threw it into a wall, knocking it down,” he recalled. “All of the plastic in the greenhouses was completely blown away. Everything from 12

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

slowing down our progress and limiting our ability to bring our employees back to full employment.” Oglesby, the largest private employer in the area, maintains a work force of 85 people throughout the year. During peak periods of activity from May to October, that number can increase to more than 100. Some employees have been with the firm for 40 years. The company specializes in using various tissue culture techniques to propagate plants for sale to wholesale nurseries throughout the world. Most of them are patented varieties either developed by Oglesby or licensed by other plant breeders. Founder Ray Oglesby was a pioneer in the development of tissue culture propagation, leaving a legacy of innovation and enterprise success that the current owners, including his son, David, strive to maintain. With a process that begins in the laboratory and is completed in two-and-a-half acres of greenhouse space, the business can produce tens of millions of young plants each year. The economic impact of Oglesby extends far beyond its properties. Kristy Terry, executive director of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, said the company is “one of the cornerstones for employment for our county. “It is hard to put a dollar

figure on what the impact would be if it closed because there are so many levels of impact they have on our community,” Terry explained. “Just within the employment they offer and the property taxes that they pay, the partnerships they offer to organizations here and the donations that they make – there are just so many levels of their involvement in our community.” Oglesby also enjoys a prestigious national and international reputation within the ranks of ornamental horticulture. “They are one of the few primary sources of starter plants,” said Ben Bolusky, CEO of Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. “They are a pillar of the Florida nursery and greenhouse industry – especially tropical foliage and house plants – and they have been a phenomenal operation for decades.” Hennen, his fellow owners and their employees are committed to sustaining their enterprise, despite the financial crisis they face. Their burden would be substantially eased with a bit of help from their insurance carriers. “We are bound and determined to bring this company back,” he promised. “One way or another, we are going to make it work.”

1. Co-owners Mary McKenzie and Gary Hennen pause in a company greenhouse. 2. The Oglesby firm has sold products to wholesale customers worldwide for many years. 3. This greenhouse is an example of the property destruction inflicted by Hurricane Michael. 4. Wholesale customers from across the world buy products from Oglesby Plants International, Inc.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

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

Disaster Relief, Trade Reform Dominate D.C. Meetings By JohnWalt Boatright, Director of National Affairs

early 75 Florida Farm Bureau members gathered in Washington, D.C. last month to engage in a three-day advocacy conference. On Tuesday, May 14, Florida producers convened at American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) offices for an afternoon briefing session that covered environmental issues, pending disaster relief legislation, current international trade negotiations and the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. At this session AFBF President Zippy Duvall conferred the coveted Golden Plow Award upon Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03), joining Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick in recognizing the Congressman’s outstanding contributions in support of agriculture during his tenure. The first day concluded with a welcoming reception at the Embassy of Canada in partnership with the leadership at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The well-attended event merited

the attention of the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton; he provided gracious opening remarks to the group. Wednesday offered a briefing breakfast, at which attendees received refreshing pointers on the best practices in advocacy, an address from Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02) and words of encouragement for productive meetings throughout the day. Farm Bureau members then spread across Capitol Hill in pursuit of good policy for Florida agriculture. Disaster relief funding and trade reform for our seasonal and perishable producers dominated conversations with Hill staffers and Congressional members, and those same themes carried over into the final day with overlapping meetings on the Hill and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At USDA, Florida Farm Bureau members had the privilege of speaking with Undersecretary Greg Ibach and Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. Given the lingering issues with relief from Hurricane Irma in

2017, and the pressing need for supplemental funds following Hurricane Michael in 2018, officials were responsive and attentive to the concerns of Florida growers. Down the street in the Rayburn House Office Building, President Hoblick, other farm association leaders and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried addressed an open hearing that specifically focused on our state’s agricultural issues. Two-thirds of Florida’s Congressional delegation were present, a recordbreaking attendance that was appropriately noted. The busy schedule culminated with meetings held by the Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Leadership Committee. Committee members learned about advocacy strategies from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discussed trade policy with Embassy of Canada representatives and even met with White House staff on various organizational priorities. It was a banner week for Florida Farm Bureau members in Washington, D.C.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

GRASSROOTS MEMBERS TRAVEL TO NATION’S CAPITAL By Rachael Smith, Communications Manager

1 Florida Farm Bureau members paused for the camera at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s office building. 2 U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis received the Friend of Farm Bureau award from constituents for his support of farm families. 3 A delegation of Farm Bureau visitors appreciated being hosted by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. 4 A large contingent of guests posed with U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, fourth from left, outside of his office. 5 U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, center, discussed policies with North Florida Farm Bureau members.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, see the album at http://bit.ly/2QIP6EI.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

lorida Farm Bureau members from across the state visited Washington, D.C. for the annual Field to the Hill advocacy trip, May 14-16. Members visited with the Florida Congressional delegation to discuss federal policy issues such as hurricane disaster relief for the

Panhandle, water quality in South Florida, trade policy reform, the Farm Bill and agricultural labor. Volunteer leaders attended an advocacy training, a Florida Agriculture Global Partners Reception at the Embassy of Canada and visited with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials.

6 U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, center, greeted members at the steps of the Capitol. 7 Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick, right, shares a laugh with Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, David MacNaughton, and Jack Payne, UF/IFAS senior vice president, during a May 14 reception at the Canadian Embassy. 8 President Hoblick, second from right, addressed members of Florida’s Congressional delegation on May 16. He was joined by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner and Florida Forestry Association Executive Vice President Alan Shelby. 9 South Florida members held lengthy discussions with U.S. Rep. Brian Mast. 10 U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, center, met with Farm Bureau members at various times during the week. Florida Farm Bureau presented him with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Golden Plow Award for his advocacy on behalf of farm families. 11 A group of Farm Bureau visitors held a positive meeting with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

A CONTINUING TRADITION By Cacee Hilliard, CARES Coordinator

FOR NINETEEN YEARS, Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership have recognized the best environmental stewards in the Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basins – our farmers and ranchers. The annual Suwannee CARES Celebration is a continuing tradition that brings together hundreds of people for an evening of fellowship in recognition of environmental stewardship. During the 2019 Suwannee CARES Celebration held in May at the UF/IFAS NFRECSuwannee Valley in Live Oak, 11 new recipients were honored. Each of these families exemplifies an agricultural heritage of hard work and protection of the land and 18

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

natural resources, while feeding a growing population. “My family has farmed in Florida since the early 1800s. Today, I work alongside my children to carry on our family’s legacy of protecting our environment,” said Melissa Land, Land Agribusiness. Best Management Practices, or BMPs, assist farmers and ranchers in their efforts to protect water quality as well as conserve water and nutrients throughout each of their operations.

Some of the practices implemented by our 2019 CARES recipients include installing soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation to reduce water use by as much as 60%, using variable rate and GPS technologies to reduce nutrient use by up to 40% and fencing off wetlands and rotational grazing to improve water quality. “Florida’s farmers and ranchers work to protect nearly one-third of our entire state’s landmass while producing a high-quality and safe food supply,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick. “Farm Bureau takes great pride in recognizing those who are voluntarily protecting our state’s land and natural resources.” To date, more than 800 farmers and ranchers have been recognized by the CARES program. The first Suwannee CARES Celebration was held in 2001 when the program was created. This annual event remains the heart and soul of the program. Learn more about each of the producers recognized by visiting the 2019 Recipients section of the CARES website at www.ThisFarmCARES.org.

Use this QR code to view highlights of this year’s event.

MEET OUR 2019 SUWANNEE CARES RECIPIENTS

Gramâ€™s Legacy

TK Moseley Farms

Circle M Farms

JHC Farms

4 Star Farm

Kingsley Cattle

WW Cattle

Southern Pioneer Farms, LLC

McGehee and Sons Farm

Land Agribusiness

IS Ranch FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

EXPERIMENTING WITH CITRUS

Limes and Lemons By Alex Lucas, Communications Coordinator

RALPH CHAMBERLAIN is the general manager of Edentown Company, a 2,560-acre citrus farm in Charlotte County. Although owned by an outside stakeholder, Chamberlain takes responsibility for the farm as if it is his own.

Mature limes are ready for harvesting.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

“My family grew up on this farm, my son learned how to drive out here and it’s what made him want to pursue a career in agriculture,” said Chamberlain. He noted that after decades in agriculture, he still continues to be excited by the prospect of having success growing things on the farm and is willing to try to grow crops that are not widely grown in the state. “If someone tells me something can’t be grown here, I want to prove them wrong,” he said. Chamberlain praises the degree of freedom that he has been given to experiment on the farm. Previously he has experimented with crops such as pomegranates and plums with little success. However, he

found a place growing peaches, which were sold in various stores across the southern half of the state. Like many farmers and ranchers in Florida, Edentown Co. and Chamberlain took a big blow from both disease and poor weather conditions in the last few years. Multiple disasters struck the farm, including citrus canker and then Hurricane Irma, which wiped out the peaches, and later, huanglongbing (also known as HLB or citrus greening disease). These disasters persuaded him to expand the citrus operation to include both limes and lemons. “Limes and lemons are traditionally grown in south Florida, near Miami, because of their sensitivity to the cold. There are a lot of opportunities for growing lemons and limes

Ralph Chamberlain, manager of Edentown Company.

in the state,” said Fredrick Gmitter, professor of citrus genetics at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center. Limes have been growing in Florida since the 1830s, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. In the 1930s Persian (or Tahitian) limes were planted here and suited Florida’s environment. Total lime production peaked in the state during the mid-1980s. However, commercial lime production in the United States declined and Florida’s production suffered after severe winter weather and citrus canker. With the decline of domestic production, Mexican limes became dominant in the U.S. market. Mexico supplies most of the limes consumed in this country. Lemons have been a part of the Florida landscape since the 1800s. According to the Citrus Research and Education Center, the lemon can be a valuable product because of its uses as a fresh fruit, as a processed juice and as a source of oil extract. “The real value of lemons is in the fruit’s peel oil,” said Gmitter. Growing limes and lemons can be particularly difficult in Florida. Generally, the two varieties of citrus

Lemon blossoms on a tree.

do not tolerate cold weather. Despite their difficulty and the challenges that they present, Chamberlain has found success growing Persian limes and Bearss lemons. A relatively small commodity in this state, usually reserved for backyard gardening, limes require more intensive work than other citrus varieties because they can be harvested three or four times a year. The Bearss lemons also have a unique growing cycle compared to limes or oranges and are typically ready to harvest during the hottest months in Florida when labor is in short supply. Chamberlain said the lime trees on the property have already been harvested within the first year of planting and he hopes to get at least three more in this growing season. The addition of limes and lemons to the orange production means that the farm is harvesting nearly nine months per year. “Our biggest challenge here is labor. Like most of the state we are having trouble finding enough labor to harvest throughout the year – particularly in the hot summer months and into August and September,” explained Chamberlain. The experimental crop of limes and lemons looks promising and

Chamberlain plans to expand the acreage of the crops. Chamberlain is looking forward to new experiments. He is looking to start a trial of avocados on the farm. Chamberlain‘s attitude and overall optimistic outlook is what got them through the particularly difficult last 18 months and helps him continue to expand the farms’ horizons. With extensive wetlands on the property, the farm is also a rich habitat for native wildlife. As Chamberlain drove on the property recently, he pointed out a herd of deer, an American alligator and several species of birds. “Every day out here is a new adventure and one that I am excited to continue,” said Chamberlain.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

3FFB Field District Representative Eva Webb, left, and Palm Beach County Extension Director Ron Rice recently hosted Madeline Fox of WLRN radio in preparation for a tour of local farms.

5District 2 Farm Bureau Women toured the Florida-Georgia Citrus packinghouse in Jefferson County as part of their April meeting.

5Dan West, center, has been inducted into the Florida Federation of Fairs Hall of Fame. The Manager of the Manatee County Fair and a Florida Farm Bureau State Director, he accepted the award with his wife, Tracy, and sons, Sam, Jesse and Jay, at the Florida Federation of Fairs Convention in May.

5Approximately 5,000 guests were on hand at the 2019 Sweet Corn Fiesta held April 21 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event spotlights sweet corn and the area growers who produce it. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

Blooming Artists SCENES OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURE

orth Florida first-grade students recently displayed their drawing skills in special poster competitions. Sponsored by local Farm Bureaus in Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette and Madison counties, the

contests required the children to compose scenes of Florida agriculture. The exercises sparked the artistic imagination of some talented young people. Examples of their creations are included below.

DRAWINGS BY 1ST GRADERS

Jefferson County

Madison County

Hamilton County

Jefferson County

Lafayette County

Madison County

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

CATTLE PRODUCTION HELPS SUPPORT FLORIDA’S ECONOMY By Tom Nordlie, UF/IFAS

s Florida approaches the 500-year anniversary of the introduction of cattle in 1521, a new report from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) demonstrates just how important beef and dairy production have become to the state’s economy. The report also shows a recent increase in Florida cattle exports. In 2017, Florida’s combined beef cattle, dairy cattle and allied enterprises generated revenues totaling $16.8 billion, and supported 118,191 full-time and part-time jobs that represented 1.0 percent of the state’s total workforce in calendar year 2017, said economist Alan Hodges.

The lead author of the report and director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program, Hodges said the revenue and employment figures account for indirect and induced regional multiplier effects. Perhaps the most noteworthy trend revealed by the report was a steep increase in beef and dairy shipments to other states and foreign destinations. In 2007 cash receipts from domestic and international export sales of Florida cattle and calves, beef and dairy products totaled about $465 million. By 2016 the figure had more than doubled, passing the $1 billion mark. The report is available free of charge at https://bit. ly/2NXTMiF.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

Grill The Chicken To Keep Cool

eep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients make these refreshing dishes perfect solutions for toasty days. Zesty mustard, spicy Sriracha (hot sauce) and

rich buttermilk lend a marinated flavor upgrade to traditional grilled chicken. Featuring ingredients across the food groups, this dairy-fueled recipe from Milk Means More is a well-rounded meal filled with nutritious flavor. Find more refreshing meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 16 MINUTES SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk • 1 tablespoon mustard powder • 1 tablespoon Sriracha • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 2 teaspoons paprika • 4 chicken drumsticks, bone in, skin on • 4 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on • vegetable oil, for grill • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley • lemon, cut into wedges (optional) DIRECTIONS:

• In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mustard powder, Sriracha, garlic and paprika. • Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag; pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for two hours or overnight. • Heat the outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess; discard the marinade. Lightly oil the grill grates. Transfer the chicken to grill and cook, turning occasionally, 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. • Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. (Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More)

Salad • 3 cups baby spinach • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts • 1/2 cup sweet red pepper rings • 1/2 cup sweet yellow pepper rings • 1 cup avocado chunks • 1/4 cup thinly shaved red onion • To make the salad: Toss the spinach and romaine on large platter. Scatter the red and yellow peppers, avocado and onion over greens. Dressing • 1 cup plain yogurt • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (3 small limes) • 2 tablespoons milk • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper • To make a dressing: In a blender, combine yogurt, lime juice, milk, chives, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend on low until a smooth consistency forms and chives are completely incorporated. Transfer the dressing to jar with tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until serving. (Courtesy of Family Features)

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

Florida Fresh Strawberry Tiramisu INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds fresh Florida strawberries • 1/3 cup Florida orange juice • 1 ¼ cups strawberry preserves • 1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur • 1 1/3 pound Italian mascarpone cheese, room temperature • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled • 1/3 cup natural sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 52 ladyfinger cookies DIRECTIONS:

• Whisk the preserves, one-third cup of orange liqueur and the orange juice together. • Place the mascarpone cheese and two tablespoons of orange liqueur in a large bowl; fold just to blend. Using a whisk, beat the cream, sugar, vanilla and remaining two tablespoons of orange liqueur in another large bowl to soft peaks. • Stir one-quarter of the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone mixture to lighten. Fold in the remaining whipped cream, a small amount at a time. • Slice half of the strawberries. Spread a half cup of the preserves mixture over the bottom of a three-quart serving dish or a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. • Arrange enough ladyfingers over the strawberry mixture to cover the bottom of the dish. Spoon three-fourths of a cup of the preserves mixture over ladyfingers, then spread two and a half cups of the mascarpone mixture on the top. • Arrange two cups of sliced strawberries the over mascarpone mixture. Repeat the layering with the remaining ladyfingers preserves mixture and mascarpone mixture. • Cover with plastic and chill at least eight hours or overnight. Slice the remaining strawberries. Arrange over the tiramisu and serve. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

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 North Central Florida business for sale. Pastured chicken, turkey, pork and eggs. Farmers market sales average 6 figures last 4 years. Loyal customer base. Established 2009, Salatin model. Will train. 352-372-2684. 99K.

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 FOR SALE RANCHWORX PLANTER 12 X 42 W/ GANDY DROP SEEDER $20,000 352.214.6220 FEEDER WAGON, 3-ton and 6-ton, creep feeder available on 3-ton. Call 813-626-4554. 5 V-crimp GalvaLume Roofing & Accessories For Farms & Ranches. Cypress Feed Trough & Mineral Boxes Call: 772-473-1714 tripsonmt@aol.com Ask for Mark. FOR SALE John Deere Chisel Plows 16ft $2000 and 20ft $3000 Lockwood/Renke Center Pivot $8000 Call/Text 904-509-2589 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 $$$ WANTED $$$ Tractors, Mowers, Farm Equipment and Related Parts Any Condition. Call 813-626-2609. WANTED FARM TRACTORS PLUS FARM EQUIPMENT. RUNNING OR NOT. MORE CASH PAID. CALL 813-626-4554.

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 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.

FISHERIES 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. 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. FLORIDA 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. 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

LEGAL SERVICES 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 Website: 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

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

LEGAL SERVICES

PLANTS AND SEEDS

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

$50. GIANT TIMBER BAMBOO Plants Clumping Tropical (Bambusa Vulgaris) Florida Native Seller! FASTEST GROWING PRIVACY PLANT! Easy care! Reaches over 60ft tall w/ 5â€? diameter culms. Great canopies & shade. This is for 1 plant from 2-4 ft high w/ 1-2 culms/stalks. zones 8-12. Delivery usps 2-3 day priority. Pictures & order online www.buy-bamboo.com Questions, James @ 352-577-2012

LIVESTOCK Registered Angus Cattle For Sale Ohana Farms Bull Calfs, Cows, Heifers, Pairs 386-212-1006 FOR SALE 3 Hair Sheep Rams (Katahdin), Freshly Weaned Available Now, 904.351.8118 BEAUTIFUL SURI ALPACAS FOR SALE Choose from show, breeding, pet/fiber quality alpacas. Good livestock investment potential. Easy on pasture. www.SweetBlossomAlpacas.com Dade City, FL 813-335-7387 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULL for sale bull calf 10 + months $1,000.00 Solid Performance Bloodlines 813-713-6345

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Ramp Truck, 83 GMC, White Model C7D042, V8, Good Condition, 58k miles, $4800 jsp1060@hotmail.com FOR SALE Registered Texas Heeler Puppy ONE MALE (FULL MERLE) LEFT! Hanging Tree Lineage, Working Stock Dog Available Now 904.351.8118 AKC REGISTERED BEAGLE PUPPIES FOR SALE in NW Florida. Call 850-554-1062 or email Allenmanning59@gmail.com. www.thebeagleman.com

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

REAL ESTATE The Forestry Company Don Curtis, Broker 850.584.8887 FOR SALE 255 acres Beautiful rolling hills farm in Madison County, FL. This land is vacant but has a beautiful home site with rolling hills and legacy live oaks scattered around the property. It has approximately 1 mile of frontage on the paved C.R. 14, a few miles south of I-10. Currently 86 acres are being farmed. $2,900/acre. FOR SALE -26.73 acres MOL of vacant land in Taylor County Florida - Zoning Ag2 - 1 unit per 10 acres. Ideally located for nearby hunting, fishing and camping get away. Corner of paved Highway 98 and Powell Hammock Road. Beautiful mature planted pines and natural timber close to Econfina and Aucilla Rivers. Located thirty minutes south of Tallahassee and twenty minutes west of Perry. Only a twenty minute drive to St. Marks and Wakulla County. $2,450.00 per acre. 10 acres Highlands County, Lake Placid Fl. 330 ft road frontage, pole barn,fenced and pond. 120,000.00 Contact Steve Cooper at 863-441-0524

June 2019 REAL ESTATE All Realty Services www.myallrealty.com 95.93 acres, gorgeous land with pond and solid home. 3br/2 ba. Madison, FL. $490,000 150 acres, gorgeous home & barn on rolling land with planted pines. Greenville, FL. $549,000 98 acres, perfect hunting/farming land with open cypress ponds. Greenville, FL. $425,000 33.26 acres, wooded area for hunting or clearing for homesite. Jennings, FL. $92,900 55 acres, freshly cleared land, great for planting crops or development. Madison, FL. $154,000 305 acres, cattle ranch with 3br/2ba home. Madison, FL. $1,500,000 440 + acres, working cattle farm with wellbuilt cattle coral and 4 br mobile home. Greenville, FL. $995,000 345 acres, cattle ranch with 1250 square ft. home and out-buildings. Madison, FL. $1,150,000 180 acres, hunting tract in Madison County. Greenville, FL. $486,000 17 wooded acres, good for future homesite. Greenville, FL. $50,000 7.3 acres, 12,000 sq ft. of warehouse space and 3br/2ba home. Lee, FL. $245,000 61 acres, two beautiful homes, horse barn, equipment shed, and other outbuildings. Pinetta, FL. $625,000 Gary Silvernell, Realtor Associate 334-355-2124 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 484 Acres, Lafayette Co, The area is well known for its fantastic hunting and fishing, Pave Road, Pines and Hardwoods. $1,350/acre. 1,152 acres in Lafayette Co. Managed Timberland, Planted Pine, mixed with Hardwood Bottoms, Excellent Hunting. $1,500/acre. 7,588 acres of high quality timberland, Planted Pine, Hardwood Bottoms, Excellent Hunting. $1,450/acre. Call Pat Duane at 352-867-8018 Southern Pine Plantations of Fla. Owns the property it sells. Polk County, East of Lake Wales,FL 1acre with recreational property with deeded access to Lake Weohyakapka (Lake Walk in Water) and hunting on adjacent Florida Wildlife Management area. Beautiful corner property with unlimited possibilities. 29,500 Owner 352-443-2482

REAL ESTATE For Sale located in Hollister,Fl. Pasture land-130 acres; 30 acres planted pines. Fenced and cross-fenced. House has 1bed/2b, garage, very large LR, new metal roof. Currently zoned agriculture. $600,000. No owner financing. Interested call 386-328-4016, 386-350-0532, or 386-972-0156. LONGLEAF LAND COMPANY Land for sale in Northwest Florida and South Alabama Contact Jody Jones 334.493.0123 longleaf@longleafland.com www.longleafland.com 145 Acre Sod Farm / Gadsden Co FL Zoned for 40+ houses. 120+,- Acres / Jackson Co FL Will divide. 51 Acres / Grady Co, GA Close to Cairo, Thomasville & Tallahassee 607 Acres / Thomas Co, Georgia 35 Acre floodable duckpond 75 Acres / Liberty Co, FL - on the Ochlockonee River. Access by way of the river D. E. BILLINGSLEY Lic Real Estate Broker AL / FL / GA / MT FL - 850.510.3309 MT - 406.203.4191 Fax - 1.866.593.0228 DE@debillingsley.com www.debillingsley.com Poultry Layer-Breeder Hen Facility in NE Florida. 49.19 ac.; five, modern and updated, cage-free layer houses capable of conversion to breeder hen houses; generators; a 40’ x 100’ equipment building; and a four-bedroom, two-bath manufactured home. The farm is certified organic, Egg-Landís Best, Publix, and numerous other certifications. Contact Larry Saucer @ 386-365-1794. Saucer Realty & Capital. CAPITAL GAINS TAX FORGIVEN CAPITAL GAINS tax legally forgiven, on the sale of Real Estate, Stocks, C-Corps, S-Corps, Livestock, Family Businesses, and even if selling to family members without having to do a 1031 exchange. We have the capability of converting taxable income to tax Free, lifetime income. INHERITANCE TAXES ELIMINATED-Maintain 100% control of your current assets. Magnify the value of your estate for your heirs TAX FREE. Hoffman Associates (754) 755-1212

JUNE CROSSWORD Crossword ACROSS 1 Soldiers' meal 5 Like kitten videos 9 Charley horse, e.g. 14 Malicious 15 Soon, to a poet 16 Woodshop machine 17 Largest city on the island of Hawaii 18 USPS manager 20 Common wild card 22 Be full of 23 Curved path 24 Shakespearean barmaid 25 No walk in the park 26 Lean and sinewy 27 Hosted a newscast 29 Literary twist 31 Hotel freebie 32 Digitally enhance, as a recording 34 Patio of sorts 36 Try 40 Stretch out 42 Rat's place 43 Lodge resident 45 From now on 47 Reclined 48 Break bread 50 Unsavory 51 Frequently, in verse 52 Remote button 53 Guts 54 Paternal 57 Take a needle to

by Margie E. Burke 1

18 20

45 48

61 64

59 October 31 option 60 Anagram for "wane" 61 Opera solo 62 Char 63 Shoved off 64 Indian flat bread DOWN 1 Word of indifference 2 D.A.'s need 3 Hit man's accessory 4 Show bad posture 5 Superhero garb 6 A, in Acapulco

7 Taqueria offering 8 Set foot in 9 Hit hard 10 Faux ___ (blunder) 11 Reach, as a goal 12 First #1 hit for The Four Seasons 13 Compassion 19 Practice Zen 21 Harmonized hymn 24 Hold on! 25 Macho guys 26 Donned 28 Flute's kin 30 PRNDL pick 33 Barber's offering

35 Bridle attachment 37 Lotion ingredient 38 Corsage flower 39 Do as directed 41 Bona fide 43 African adventure 44 Litter member 46 Ethel of Broadway 47 Hay holders 49 Hubby's mom, for one 52 Parcel 53 Small salamander 55 Old crone 56 Boy toy? 58 Rather, for one

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE BY THE FLORIDA PORK IMPROVEMENT GROUP AND THE NATIONAL PORK BOARD The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2019 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 31, 2019. in conjunction with a Board of Directors’ meeting of the Florida Pork Improvement Group at the Florida FFA Association office, 5600 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida. All Florida pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the check off deducted. For more information, contact the Florida Pork Improvement Group at 352-384-2633.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

REAL ESTATE

Suwannee County

CROSBY & ASSOCIATES, INC. Real Estate Brokerage 863-293-5600 www.crosbydirt.com

HAW CREEK RANCH & TIMBERLAND-Flagler County-1200± Acres - Located in Flagler County, Florida, Middle Haw Creek Ranch and Timberland offers a variety of uses. Whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, a hunter, a cattle rancher, or a timber investor, this property offers it all. The property is located near large metropolitan areas and Florida’s east coast, making it easily accessible. The land can be described as "Old Florida" Pine Flatwoods with scattered cypress heads, oak hammocks and palmetto stands. This property is teeming with wildlife. Deer, turkey, hogs, and other Florida wildlife species call this property home. Hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities are readily available and ideal for this site. BRING OFFERS!!! Asking Price: $5,880,000 or $4,900/acre.

Several vacant lots/acreage available from 1-5 acres in Suwannee County. Call Kellie Shirah 386-208-3847 N. FL. Farm located in Columbia County. 35+ Acres, 2 creeks, large pond & pasture. Home & several outbuildings. $259,975 Call Kellie Shirah 386-208-3847 MLS#104401 38 Acre mini farm waiting for you. Paved road frontage fenced and cross fenced, a wraparound screened porch, plus large metal outbuilding with bay door and workshop. The home is over 2,000 Sq.ft. built in 202 and features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a screened breezeway to the bonus room/office, and a master bedroom that has a private entrance off the back porch. $339,500. Ronnie Poole, 386-208-3175 MLS#104344 Horse farm in N. FL. Large 4 bd/4 ba on 19+ acres with pool, barn, riding arena & great location. $439,900 Call Kellie Shirah 386208-3847 MLS#101126 This 160 acres is great recreational property with hunting and fishing. Has 89 acres with 27 year old slash pines. Balance of property in hardwoods and long leaf pines. This property has merchantable timber. Property also has gentle roll with good elevations. Build your home overlooking Crawford Lake and enjoy the view of the water and the surrounding farmland. Deer and turkey are plentiful on this parcel. $3,602.50 per acre. Ronnie Poole, 386-208-3175 MLS#96691 152 acres located in North Suwannee County. This property is fenced with pasture for the animals. Property is scattered with oaks and would make a nice homesite. $3,750 per acre. Ronnie Poole, 386-208-3175 MLS#104390 POOLE REALTY, INC 127 HOWARD STREET LIVE OAK, FL 32064 Office: 800-557-7478

FARM LEASE- OKEECHOBEE, FL450+/- Irrigated Farmland... Total property acres are +/-640 acres. Land is irrigated via wells and a large surface water pond on the south property line. Farmland formerly used for silage corn crops, with the last crop harvested in May of 2018.. http://properties.crosbydirt. com/415655-lease HENDRY COUNTY - LABELLE, FL$525,000 Located in the eastern part of Lehigh Acres, near Labelle, this site represents an investment opportunity that can support agricultural uses as the area matures. Suitable for livestock, farming, hunting, or homesites. http://properties.crosbydirt. com/482702-sale CHARLOTTE COUNTY, PUNTA GORDA, FL- 650 Irrigated Acres $3,390,000 This Charlotte County agricultural tract is a former citrus grove with expensive irrigation infrastructure. Much of the grove has been removed and burned, allowing for quick transition to other crops, if desired. https://crosbydirt.com/property/650irrigated-acres-multiple-uses LONGLEAF LAND COMPANY Land for sale in Northwest Florida and South Alabama Contact Jody Jones 334.493.0123 longleaf@longleafland.com www.longleafland.com Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker CONTACT Carter or John Evans 407-422-3144 www.maurycarter.com Continued on next column...

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019

SPRINGWATER RANCH 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! ASKING PRICE: $6,205,000 or $5,000/acre LAKE HARNEY PINES PRICE REDUCED - 123+/- acres-Located SE of Lake Harney, Volusia County, FL-This 123+/- acres is perfect for timber investment, recreational uses, hunting and other outdoor activities. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Orlando, make this your own perfect weekend getaway. The property is secluded and offers ultimate privacy. Deer and turkey are abundant. Located minutes away from the St. Johns River, which offers additional recreational boating and other opportunities. Long term timber investment opportunity. NOW: $245,385 or $1,995/acre WAS: $367,770 or $2,990/acre.

LABOR HOUSING ATTENTION GROWERS 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.

Loans made for farmers by farmers, since 1916. Farm Credit is the nation’s leading provider of credit to agriculture and rural America.

866.824.5626

FarmCreditFlorida.com Loans for land, homes & country living

APRIL/MAY SOLUTION Solution to Crossword: L A C U N A

I R O N A G E

M R R I G H T

A N T A C I D

L E E T I D E

S W E E T E N

B O P O W A O N A T T B E A U N A S T C H K C Y A N O M E S R E E T E R D I V C A E A N A S E T

A N I S T O N A L D E N T E

R O O T

A N N O T R A I T F E T B E E S T T A E R

W A C E M I R L I T

A C R E A R E A R A G S C U T C K L E U L A R T E R N L E M O T I N G S P A C R A M O U P E S L E T H E R E

(PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY GREB, USDA/ARS)

An adult worker honey bee collecting pollen.Â Worker bees have bodies that are specialized for pollen and nectar collection. Bees pollinate such crops as blueberries, avocados, cucumbers, onions, oranges and grapefruit.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | JUNE 2019