March 2020 FloridAgriculture by FloridAgriculture

The Voice of Agriculture in Florida

FloridAgriculture VOLUME 80, NO. 2 â&#x20AC;¢ MARCH 2020

IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT FLORIDA CHEESE A FAMILY MARKET

BIOSECURITY

ON THE FARM

www.floridagriculture.org | www.FloridaFarmBureau.org

OFFICERS

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

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

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

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

STATE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair Vice Chair

Danielle Daum Victoria Hunter

STATE YF&R LEADERSHIP GROUP

President Immed. Past Pres.

Ryan Armstrong Adam Cook STAFF

Editor Communications Mgr. Communications Coord. Graphic Designer

G.B. Crawford Rachael Smith Amanda Overstreet Alex Compton

FLORIDAGRICULTURE (ISSN 0015-3869) is published Jan.-Feb., March, April-May, June, July, Aug.-Sept., Oct. and Nov.-Dec. for $3 per year in member dues by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, 5700 S.W. 34th Street. Periodical postage paid at Gainesville, FL and additional mailing offices. It was established in 1943. Copyright 2020 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Main telephone number: (352) 378-8100. Printed by Panaprint - Macon, GA. 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

HOMETOWN CREAMERY

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

12 FRESH TO THE CONSUMER 15 TALLAHASSEE REPORT 16 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU MEETING

19 WASHINGTON REPORT 23 A FIRST FESTIVAL 28 CLASSIFIED ADS 29 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 19-21 FFB Women’s Leadership Conference, Melbourne. To register, visit https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/wlc2020/. March 24

National Ag Day. For more information, visit https://www.agday.org/.

April 28-30

FFB Field to the Hill Trip, Washington, D.C. To register, visit https://floridafarmbureau.formstack.com/forms/ftth_2020.

Cover photo: Farm biosecurity is a vital responsibility for everyone. See Pages 8-9.

Non-member subscriptions are not available.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

FROM THE PRESIDENT

ADVOCATING FOR FLORIDA CITRUS THREE YEARS AGO, AS HURRICANE IRMA swept

through much of Florida, the storm caused a devastating fruit loss in the commercial citrus acreage concentrated in the southern counties. The losses at that time, combined with greening disease, sharply limited the volume growers could provide for their main bulk customers – processing plants. Ninety percent of Florida’s oranges are used for juice. As a result, processors began to purchase citrus from foreign sources. They entered into multiyear contracts to buy a cheaper raw product from Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Since then Florida citrus growers have managed to increase their production. By implementing progressive management techniques and utilizing the guidance of UF/IFAS researchers as well as other scientists, they are growing larger volumes of fruit.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Some estimates suggest, for example, that the Sunshine State’s orange crop for the 20192020 season may be 60% larger than the 2017-2018 harvest. The processors’ storage tanks are now full and will remain full, while the demand for Florida juice oranges remains flat. So farm families who produce citrus are struggling to maintain a livelihood because there is currently no effective mechanism to protect them from the surge in foreign juice imports. Smaller growers feel the pressure perhaps more than their peers with greater resources. But the crisis is real for all of them. The newly adopted United States-Mexico-CanadaAgreement (USMCA), as now structured, does not create a remedy for Florida growers, including citrus producers. Florida Farm Bureau is advocating for all Florida citrus growers in discussions with the Trump administration,

John L. Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President

including the office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, as well as the American Farm Bureau and Congress. We appreciate Congressman Greg Steube’s work in seeking a solution to this complex problem. Our goal is to create a level playing field for Florida citrus growers. As a seasonal crop, citrus is subject to the pressures of a volatile international marketplace, regardless of whether the food is ultimately consumed as juice or as whole fruit. Florida Farm Bureau will continue to support our citrus producers as we work together with federal and industry partners to seek a fair resolution. We seek trade policy that offers fair conditions for competition while encouraging the free trade of farm products between our country and the rest of the world.

COMMODITY CORNER

Florida Strawberries A BERRY SWEET TREAT

Florida ranks as the 2nd state in the nation in strawberry production.

Florida grows 10% of the total U.S. value of strawberries. According to the USDA, Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries and 1.8 pounds of frozen strawberries per person each year.

Florida-grown strawberries are valued at $337 million.

Sources: USDA and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Kevin and Shelby Lussier of Hawthorne Creek Creamery.

Finding

A Niche IN A DIVERSIFIED MARKET By Amanda Overstreet, Communications Coordinator

KEVIN AND SHELBY LUSSIER are young entrepreneurs who are creating their own niche for artisan cheese in eastern Alachua County. Kevin was born and raised on his family’s dairy farm, Lussier Dairy in Hawthorne, where hard work and a love for agriculture was instilled in him from a young age. Lussier Dairy opened in 1992, and the family-run operation milks roughly 650 cows twice a day. Kevin’s parents, Matt and Linda, have provided a platform for him to diversify the dairy into the family’s newest venture, Hawthorne Creek Creamery. Shelby and Kevin met while attending college at Jacksonville University where Kevin played football and majored in business and Shelby majored in marketing. Upon graduating in 2016, the couple decided to move back to Kevin’s hometown 6

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

of Hawthorne, a far stretch from Shelby’s hometown of Peachtree City, Ga., a suburb of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. “I fell in love with my hometown,” Kevin said. “I grew up here and I always knew I wanted to come back.” The two married in 2018 and quickly became involved in the family business. In January, Kevin and Shelby embarked on a new adventure when they became the owners of Hawthorne Creek Creamery, located just a few miles from Lussier Dairy. The creamery

specializes in artisan cheese made from fresh, locally produced milk. The heart of the creamery are the cows. “We have strictly jersey cows at the creamery,” Kevin said. “At the dairy we milk a mix of Jersey, Holstein and Jersey-Holstein crosses.” Kevin explained that Jersey cows’ milk has a high butter fat content, which helps their yield in how much cheese is produced per batch and it is a “huge hit with the chefs.” Hawthorne Creek Creamery produces Havarti, Swiss, Gouda and Tomme, an earthy cheese with a natural rind, similar to Brie. Kevin said that the cheese making process is much like following a recipe. First, the milk is pumped straight from the cows into a 200-gallon

Havarti cheese in an aging room.

cheese vat, where it is then heated to a certain temperature, depending on the variety. Then, cultures are added with a rennet, which allows the cheese to curdle. Once the rennet has set for an hour and the cheese is fully cooked, a process in which hot water is added to the vat simultaneously, the curds are ready to be cut. In making Tomme the Lussiers create an exception to the general process because with this variety, the outside of the vat is heated to allow the cheese to cook through steam. Next, the whey is drained off and the cheese is placed into molds in the shape of a wheel where it is transferred to a press, flipping and rotating the wheels while pressing. The cheese will sit in a brine bath before being air dried in a 50-55 degree aging room. “We paint all the cheese molds, with the exception of Tomme, which will grow a natural rind of mold, with two coats of a vegetable-based coating where they will age for at least 60 days before being sold,” Kevin said. Kevin and Shelby prepared their first batch of cheese on Jan.

15, 2020 and it will be ready for re-sale in March. The Lussiers are working with two distributors, Fresh Point and Halpern’s, in getting their cheese on the market. Hawthorne Creek Creamery is one of the only artisan creameries that produces 100% Florida-made cheese. Every part of the cheese making process is done right at their facility. “We want to let people know we are here and just getting started,” Shelby said. Shelby is in charge of marketing efforts for the creamery and explained that they will be offering online sales with their website. “We are local, we want to support our local businesses and our community,” Kevin said. “Being local is a huge selling point

for us and we plan to hit some farmers markets and events in town in the future.” The cheese was first debuted at the Alachua County Farm Bureau’s Farm-City Week Festival at the Cade Museum last fall and it was a huge hit. Kevin and Shelby are active members in the Alachua County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers program. Kevin serves as co-chair of the group. He is also a member of Farm Bureau’s Dairy Advisory Committee and sits as a member of the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce. Alachua County Extension Director and Livestock Agent Cindy Sanders has worked with the Lussier family on their dairy and explained that, “Kevin is very eager to learn.” “I have worked with Kevin and his father on pastures, forages and weed control and fertilization,” she said. “They have implemented Best Management Practices and always follow UF/IFAS recommendations and are strong supporters of Extension.” Check out Hawthorne Creek Creamery’s Facebook Page and follow them for updates on cheese availability in the future.

Shelby cuts samples of Tomme, a soft and earthy cheese with a natural rind.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Protection against infectious organisms requires constant vigilance.

FARM BIOSECURITY IS

Food Security By G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations

“IF YOU VALUE the quality, affordability and availability of food you put on your family’s table, you should concern yourself with farm biosecurity in this country.” This advice from Richard Miranda, State Plant Health Director for the USDA’s Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is not routinely heard by most Floridians. They have not experienced the effects of food animal disease pandemics or the collapse of crop harvests due to dangerous, infectious organisms. So their recognition of the risk is minimal. Yet the threat is real. Escalating global travel and trade volumes have steadily increased the likelihood that such organisms can enter the United States and attack the domestic food supply as well as the stability of the nation. 8

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

An animal health crisis could cost the United States export markets, inflicting severe economic disruption. Widespread crop failures would limit food availability and push steep spikes in retail prices. That is why inspectors with APHIS and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) work daily to screen an enormous volume of plant and animal materials at the state’s borders and entry ports. In 2018, for example, Florida seaports alone received 110 million tons of cargo. The USDA also conducts inspections in foreign locations before many items are shipped.

The agencies focus on the highest risks. One of the most worrisome animal afflictions, for example, is foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious malady that can require large-scale euthanasia of cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. Eradicated in the United States in 1929, it is still present around the world and poses an immediate emergency in any affected location. Sometimes, a menace gets through despite the screening process. Citrus greening disease, a native of Southeast Asia, has spread across Florida since it was first discovered in 2005 and substantially reduced the state’s signature crop. Basil downy mildew, introduced here in seed more than a decade ago, can ruin the sweet corn crop. Packing materials can harbor damaging pests. The escape of the redbay ambrosia beetle from the

(PHOTO COURTESY OF USDA/ARS)

Poultry producers guard against introductions of avian influenza.

Veterinary Officer. “We could face a deliberate act to hurt our economy, our producers and our food supply.” All experts agree that as a fundamental line of defense, farm owners must actively maintain biosecurity, including keeping the operations isolated from contaminants, adopting effective plant and animal sanitation, providing good animal care and limiting access by visitors. “We hear all the time from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health departments about how to prevent the spread of disease among people,” noted Florida State Veterinarian Michael Short. “Those principles are really the concepts we are applying to farms and ranches as well,” he said. Effective application requires vigilance. “The thing about biosecurity is that it is expensive, and it is inconvenient,” explained James Roth, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University. “You have to implement it all the time. “It means that everybody on the farm must be aware of the biosecurity rules on that farm and make sure they follow them – even when they are in a hurry,” Roth said. Knowledge of procedures is the key to success. Austin recommends that each agricultural property owner should have a formal biosecurity plan. “Farms should also have a person who is responsible for implementing the practices written in the plan and assuring that the system is followed,” he said.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF USDA/APHIS)

Port of Savannah in 2002 allowed the pest to spread deep into Florida’s peninsula, damaging ornamental trees as well as avocado groves. Individual travelers and small shipments also contribute to the risk. “A lot of the plant pest problems we have had in Florida in the last 15 to 20 years have been brought in through passenger baggage and the mail system in packages,” Miranda pointed out. Dangers can also emerge from wildlife within U.S. borders. Feral hogs, plentiful in the Sunshine State, are vectors for pathogens and parasites that inflict fatal sickness in cattle. Wild waterfowl can contaminate poultry houses with avian influenza, a viral infection that has the power to destroy entire flocks of chickens and turkeys. Equipment transported from one farm to another can spread agricultural pests and diseases if it is not disinfected. Perhaps the worst case scenario is a move by terrorists to introduce an assault on food production. “Agro-terrorism is certainly a risk to keep in mind,” said Richard Austin, APHIS Florida District

Inspections of materials brought through ports of entry into the United States are conducted to reduce the risk of introducing non-native organisms.

Given the societal risks at stake, non-farmers also have vital responsibilities for the maintenance of biosecurity. When returning from foreign nations, travelers must follow the guidelines and prohibitions established by APHIS and the Division of Plant Industry and the Division of Animal Industry at FDACS. Visitors at farms must respect and abide by the rules of biosecurity set for those properties. They must never enter a farm or a ranch without prior authorization, for example. “We need to educate the traveling public and the general public and get them to understand that farm biosecurity is everyone’s job,” Miranda said. “They need to understand the importance of agriculture and the necessity of biosecurity.” FOR MORE INFORMATION: Center for Food Security and Public Health http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/ Secure-Food-Supply/index.php USDA/APHIS http://www.hungrypests.com Florida Division of Animal Industry https://www.fdacs.gov/ Divisions-Offices/AnimalIndustry Florida Division of Plant Industry https://www.fdacs.gov/ Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Community Support POLK COUNTY VOLUNTEERS By Carole McKenzie, Polk County Farm Bureau

seven days’ worth of food. Local students, along with church and community members, help each year with their donations. “Kids Pack” is a FUMCA weekly mission program that services students in need at four local elementary schools. Each week about 68 students at these schools receive non-perishable food items such as applesauce, crackers, granola bars and juice boxes, often packed by youth volunteers. Nestled strategically between Auburndale High School and Stambaugh Middle School, the POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU’S “First Lady,” Renee Evans, church hosts an annual teacher/ staff appreciation breakfast where is the Missions Program co-chair at the First United Methodist Church of Auburndale (FUMCA) where the adage is to love Jesus, personnel from both schools enjoy a home-cooked breakfast love others and be in service to your community and the world. and receive a thank you bag Evans describes her church the year to benefit their programs. complete with discount cards donated from local businesses. family of 120 as “the kindest, most An annual pumpkin patch sale, For their “No Hungry Hounds” generous and caring people.” These themed lunches and dinners and words are evidenced by their many the popular “Smoked Boston Butts program, donations of bread and peanut butter and jelly are contributions to the needs of local Barbecue” where Dean Evans and students and families. Evans has a friends cook up the delicious meat collected to provide nourishment passion for the FUMCA Missions to sell, all help support the mission for Auburndale High School football players between football Program, and a heart for teaching team programs. practice and home. In turn, young people the importance of A major outreach program of serving others. She is also the wife the team is the “Blessing Baskets” football team members volunteer to help with various activities at of Dean Evans, Polk County Farm program. Held each Saturday the church along with the Reserve before Thanksgiving, about Bureau’s current president. Officer Training Corps, band Along with her mission 60 in-need families per year members and Auburndale High receive personal hygiene items, program teammates, Evans and Stambaugh Middle School household goods and five to conducts fundraisers throughout Renee Evans, third from right, and members of the team that organizes community support activities.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Student Government groups. The church also hosts a “5th Quarter” safe place celebration party for students following football games. Last fall, the mission team began participating in the “Uniform Closet” program at two local elementary schools when they realized that some students had no jackets for cooler weather days. Through donations they were able to provide jackets for 70 students who otherwise would likely have gone without. The youth group at FUMCA recently held “Souper Bowl Sunday” as they joined other youth groups across the nation in collecting cans of soup and dollar bills at church on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2. The youth donated their soup can and cash collections to the mission team’s Blessing Baskets and Kids Pack projects. Every few years, Evans and her team take a mission trip to the Red Bird Mission Work Camp in southeastern Kentucky. The Red Bird organization has been providing ministries in this economically distressed rural region of the Appalachian Mountains for generations. Extensive unemployment and poverty leaves many family homes in the area in dilapidated condition. The Work Camp offers volunteers the opportunity to help by making home repairs like replacing roofs and broken windows, painting and building handicap ramps. Evans says the trip and work accomplished there are an honor. “Serving

in an area like that where conditions are so very poor is an experience that I can tell young people about in the hopes of inspiring them to serve wherever and however they can.” she said. To assist the local UthMpact program, the FUMCA team recently participated in “Project Prom” by collecting donations and serving as a “shopping” location for the project. UthMpact members are middle and high school students representing schools

Young volunteers help arrange Kids Packs with non-perishable food items.

High school students enjoy the postgame celebrations after football games.

throughout Polk County with the goal of educating peers about the importance of healthy decisions. Project Prom provides free suits, dresses, shoes and accessories to prom goers who pledge to make wise decisions and commit to refrain from alcohol, recreational drugs and other risky behaviors. “What I love about this program is that you will most often see those teens who received nocost attire donate it right back after prom for someone else to enjoy,” said Evans. Evans believes that her primary mission lies in

teaching kids to give back to other young people. “For me, the most rewarding part of what we do is seeing kids helping kids. That is something that can’t be bought, but has to be experienced for them to realize the value of being the best human being they can be,” she said. From Blessing Baskets, to Kids Pack, to Project Prom and 5th Quarter Celebrations, Evans and the FUMCA community seek to follow and teach young people to follow a basic Biblical directive: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

A Family Destination FARM AND RETAIL MARKET By Susan Salisbury, Correspondent

STEVE BEDNER AND HIS WIFE, MARIE, long-time Palm Beach County vegetable growers, opened Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market west of Boynton Beach in 2010. They believed there was a demand for a family-oriented retail farm market and U-Pick.

Steve and Marie Bedner have developed family-oriented retail markets and a u-pick operation in Palm Beach County.

A decade later, their instincts have proven to be correct. The store, U-Pick and other attractions such as a corn maze, have become wildly successful, attracting droves of customers from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties. 12

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

“It will be the next-level store for us,” Steve said. “We are going to have a full-blown butcher and sell fish.” Because they once sold “It’s a family destination,” said produce at the West Palm Beach Steve, who co-owns and operates greenmarket, they know they the business with Marie. have a customer base. “Farming is hard enough, “We are the only real farmer’s but when you add the retail market in this county, where it aspect in, it becomes a real is direct from farm to table. The challenge,” said Marie. “But we other farm markets buy the stuff saw the change in the farming from purveyors,” Steve said. environment out here. You The Bedners grow can see there’s more homes to sustainably, using the same support retail. For us to stay in methods as organic growers. it, we thought diversity was a They are not certified organic great way.” because that would require In 2016 the Bedners opened shutting down for three years, a second retail market in Delray Steve said. Beach. It specializes in houseAs with the Delray Beach made sandwiches, soups such as store, the produce will be picked shrimp and corn chowder, and from their Boynton farm and salads sought after by downtown delivered each day. The new workers. store, at 7,800-square-feet, will This summer they expect be the size of the Boynton and their third location to debut as Delray interior spaces combined. the anchor store at Flamingo The addition of the third Place, a new complex on Dixie market was the idea of Lane Highway in West Palm Beach. Brooker, general manager of

Bedner’s retail markets, who has years of experience in the retail grocery business. “You have to find what works in your area and what the community wants,” Marie said. That has resulted in growing kale and other items for customers who like to juice and “hot, hot peppers” for those who participate in chili competitions. The shelves filled with shiny eggplant and pristine bell peppers look perfect because they haven’t been handled multiple times through distribution channels – just once from their field to the market, Steve said. “It comes from our field and onto the shelf. It doesn’t sit in a cooler. That makes all the difference in the world,” Marie said. The Bedner family has farmed on the 80-acre site since 1980. Steve’s father, Arthur, started farming in Palm Beach County after moving from Broward County in 1960. The number of farms in the area has decreased dramatically. Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is separate from Bedner Growers, the commercial side of the family’s business. It is run by Steve’s brothers, Bruce and Charles, and nephew Jesse. They grow 1,500 acres of bell peppers and 500 acres of cucumbers in Palm Beach and Martin counties. It is sold up and down the East Coast, Steve said. “It is such a challenge to farm with our competition being Mexico. The whole NAFTA deal, which is now the USMCA, is still not benefiting Florida, either,” Marie said. “South Florida was

The quality of the freshly-harvested foods has gained a loyal following in the surrounding area.

the winter vegetable capital of the world at one time. That’s no longer true.” The Boynton farm location is well known for its fall festival with a popular pumpkin patch – filled with pumpkins grown elsewhere – since they do not grow well in South Florida. As many as 20,000 people attend each weekend from late September through October. Attractions include gem mining, bounce houses, a petting zoo, food trucks, live music and more. The seven-acre U-Pick with seasonal strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers and cucumbers in season will remain as the Bedner’s only U-Pick. More than 26,000 children a year experience a field trip to Bedner’s, where they ride around the field in an open-air trailer pulled by a tractor. “We had so many phone calls on the farm side, when we were just farming, from teachers wanting to bring the kids out,” Marie said. “We really saw a need in the community to educate.”

Bedner’s employee Jenny Gatto works with teachers to organize the field trips, and former USDA vegetable agent David Legg teaches the children about planting, growing and harvesting. The retail markets bring customers clamoring for the more than 50 varieties of vegetables including red, green and savoy cabbage; white, orange and purple cauliflower; eight types of tomatoes, celery, Romaine, Boston and iceberg lettuce; Eggplant Sicilian and Eggplant Italian. Customers can also select from hundreds of other items, including wine, cheese, honey, salsa, hummus, tortilla chips, fresh-squeezed orange juice and baked goods. Many are produced in Florida. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Data Sharing MAY RAISE FARM INCOME

detailed information. Rewards able to increase their income by may be in the form of direct providing detailed information premiums for their commodities, about food production. minimized risk because of Food processors, packaged substantially reduced quality goods companies, restaurants, control issues, increased levels retailers, food service companies of trust with other stakeholders, and consumers are asking for more sales or supplemental more farm-level data than ever income. before. Both food companies and A new report by the U.S. farmers share a common goal Farmers and Ranchers Alliance of lowering the cost of data indicates that this interest collection. They also agree that has been spurred by a quest farmers should be able to enter for more transparency about data one time and take advantage food production as well as a of the entire reporting process. protective need to manage risk Farmers also emphasized in supply chains. their interest in having access to The report, titled Navigating the complete data used by other the Food Metrics Maze, is a stakeholders. In other words, the summary of findings from a information available should be national survey of company accessible by all parties. managers, farmers, organizations Respondents agreed that and other respondents transparency and attention to conducted by the alliance. Posted food quality will benefit both at https://usfarmersandranchers. groups. org/usfra-metrics-report/, the More wide-ranging document includes a list of most partnerships between farmers and of the survey participants. companies may be a common As the alliance indicates, option in the future. In such the proliferation of requests for circumstances, each party will farm-level information poses a have mutual responsibilities for time-consuming and complex sharing the risk of agriculture as demand upon all stakeholders, well as opportunities for benefiting especially agricultural producers. from additional returns. But farm families could also These relationships might be be rewarded by collecting such established in a variety of ways.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

At the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory farm in Fort Pierce, technician Anna Sara Hill and entomologist Steve Lapointe record data in a citrus grove.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY GREB, USDA/ARS)

FARM FAMILIES will likely be

Long-term agreements could become the pathway toward the creation of legally binding partnerships. Florida Farm Bureau is a sponsor of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, an association of farmers, food companies, scientists and others seeking to develop sustainable food production systems that also support a strong agricultural economy.

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

Proposed 2020 State Constitutional Amendments By Adam Basford, Director of State Legislative Affairs

lorida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) policy states that the Florida Constitution should be the founding document that describes the powers, duties and functions of the state government. The policy also opposes measures that could be addressed through the regular legislative process. The 2020 amendments below are proposals that have already made ballot status or are pending Florida Supreme Court approval through the citizen initiative process. FFBF board members will likely review them at their next regular meeting. Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections Sponsor: Florida Citizen Voters

Florida Supreme Court Approval: Yes This amendment states that only United States citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, permanent residents and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election.

Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage Sponsor: Florida for a Fair Wage

Florida Supreme Court Approval: Yes This amendment raises minimum wage to $10.00 per hour effective Sept. 30, 2021. Each September 30 thereafter, the minimum wage shall increase by $1.00 per hour until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting Sept. 30, 2027. Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet Sponsor: All Voters Vote, Inc.

Florida Supreme Court Approval: Pending This amendment allows all registered voters to vote in primary elections for state legislative seats and the offices of governor and cabinet, regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office appear on the same primary ballot. The two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and the winner is determined in a general

election. The candidate’s party affiliation may appear on the ballot as provided by law. This would be effective Jan. 1, 2024. Amendment 4: Voters Approval of Constitutional Amendments Sponsor: Keep our Constitution Clean PC

Florida Supreme Court Approval: Pending This amendment requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections. FFFB is also supporting House Bill 7037 by Rep. Jamie Grant. This legislation makes the Constitutional initiative process more deliberative, including raising the threshold of voter petitions to trigger language review, transparency measures requiring disclosure of out-of-state participation and shortening the amount of time groups have to gather petitions. It will also require groups pushing for a ballot initiative to pay for the signature verification process with local supervisors of elections’ offices.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

LEGACY FLORIDA MEMBERS ADD TO THEIR

2 02 0 A M E R I C A N FA RM B U R E AU M E E T I N G

MORE THAN 90 Florida Farm Bureau members and staff traveled to Austin, Texas to attend the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention and Tradeshow, Jan. 17-22. Members celebrated the past year’s achievements and represented Florida as Farm Bureau policy priorities were set for 2020. Florida Farm Bureau hosted a member reception on Saturday, Jan. 18 to provide a brief overview of what to expect during the convention. President John L. Hoblick recognized Florida’s

top competitors in the national Young Farmers and Ranchers competitions and acknowledged DeSoto/Charlotte County Farm Bureau member Morgan Norris, who was elected as chairman of the 2020 national YF&R committee. President Donald Trump spoke at the Annual Convention on Sunday, Jan. 19 for the third consecutive year and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue served as keynote at the closing session on Monday. The convention’s theme, “Sustaining America’s

Agriculture,” featured workshops focusing on enhancing soil health and improving water quality. Other workshops highlighted precision agriculture and labor shortages, increasing competition and mitigating risk and protecting food safety. The agenda also included a Farm Dog of the Year Contest, an Ag Innovation Challenge and a series of TED-style talks on the Cultivation Stage. The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee more than doubled its goal for the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities with $237,000 raised collectively by state women’s committees. The 102nd Annual Convention and Trade Show will be Jan. 8-13, 2021 in San Diego, Calif.

1 Jake and Tiffany Sache represented Florida well in the YF&R Achievement in the Agriculture Award competition. Their son, Kade, joined them as they received a plaque from Lynne Farr, right, a member of the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. 2 Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick proudly carries the Florida state flag during the opening session of the meeting.

For a convention recap, photos and videos, visit https://www.fb.org/newsroom/ technology-and-sustainability-highlighted-at-afbf-2020.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

3 FFB State Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Danielle Daum makes a point as she offered comments during the AFBF Women’s Meeting. 4 U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the AFBF Annual Meeting for the third consecutive year. 5 A young Alachua County Farm Bureau member received a gift at the trade show. 6 Members of the Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Leadership Committee gathered for the AFBF Women’s Meeting. 7 FFB President Hoblick and his wife, Kara, hold a copy of an educational book for elementary school students offered this year through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. 8 DeSoto/Charlotte County Farm Bureau’s Morgan Norris has been selected by members of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s YF&R Committee as its Chair. She will serve for one year. 9 Florida’s Excellence in Agriculture Award winners, Kyle and Alisha Patterson, delivered effective presentations at the AFBF Annual Meeting.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

FLORIDA MEMBERS TRAVEL TO AUSTIN

10 FFB Director Michael Dooner, right, and his wife, Jacqueline, paused with Scott Christmas of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. 11 An impressive range of exhibitors greeted attendees at the AFBF Trade Show. 12 Pete Dola of Alachua County Farm Bureau provides suggestions as he participated in the national Discussion Meet. 13 Gray Smith and his wife, Kathy Jo, relaxed at the reception for FFB members. 14 Okaloosa County Farm Bureau President Keith Free and his daughter, Molly Huffman, share a smile at the trade show.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

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

Living a Legacy of Preservation By JohnWalt Boatright, Director of National Affairs

arlier this year, Florida Farm Bureau was invited to address an environmental conference at the University of Florida. The meeting focused on “Defending the Rights of Nature,” building upon emerging local movements to assign human rights to inanimate natural resources. The title of our session was “Defending our Biosphere through Agricultural Policy,” and it featured individual presentations from agriculture on conservation programs at the state and federal level. Our session also included an overview of the state’s Office of Agricultural Water Policy, the regulatory arm that works with farmers to follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) so they can better manage resources and help preserve the environment. These topics formed a comprehensive view of agriculture’s positive contributions to our environment on a local, state and national level. It was great opportunity to share agriculture’s conservation story with people who are generations removed from any agricultural interaction. The audience was primarily composed of university students and faculty, environmental advocates and interested members of the public.

The setting teed up a prime opportunity to spotlight the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program, which recognizes hundreds of Florida producers who manage their agricultural lands by implementing science-proven BMPs. Christian Spinosa, shown in the photo at right, of Putnam Groves Inc., is one such producer. In these current times with 98% of the public removed from the farm (yet dependent on that small population for their food supply), agriculture is often labeled as the sole culprit of our environmental woes. Conferences such as these provide an opportunity to correct the record. It is not practical nor fair to expect today’s farmers, such as Christian, to solve the decades of nutrient loading that have settled into our lands and waterways. This “legacy loading” is a massive undertaking to rectify, mandating a multi-year, multi-pronged, collaborative approach from every single citizen in our state. That approach requires continuous reinvestment in federal conservation programs, enhanced public funding for septic-to-sewer conversion and ensuring the integrity of scheduled scientifically-based water management projects throughout the state. These are policy objectives reinforced

Christian Spinosa, a cattle and citrus producer, takes a soil sample to measure nutrient levels as part of outstanding land management.

regularly by Florida Farm Bureau to our lawmakers. Today, misinformation is rampant and political agendas are rarely hidden, which makes it more important than ever for Florida Farm Bureau to “Be the Voice” of our hardworking producers, in keeping with our own organizational theme this year. At the beginning of our session at the conference, the moderator introduced the agricultural panel with an appropriate acknowledgment: “Farmers and ranchers are the ultimate stewards.” Indeed, they are. Let us continue to honor that legacy of environmental stewardship. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

Florida Farm Bureau Women pose with Dr. Jennifer Taylor, the 2020 Woman of the Year in Agriculture, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.

FARM BUREAU WOMEN SPONSOR STATE AWARD By Rachael Smith, Communications Manager

he Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee sponsored the 2019 Woman of the Year in Agriculture Luncheon. A new venture for the committee, the prestigious luncheon was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Feb. 10. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried welcomed the audience and congratulated Dr. Jennifer Taylor with the distinguished award in recognition of her work to advance Florida agriculture. Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Danielle Daum also congratulated Taylor and said it was “an honor to recognize

such a respected and passionate woman in agriculture.” Taylor is an organic farmer and has made farming a family tradition. Since 2010, Taylor’s farm, named after her grandmother, Lola’s Organic Farm, has produced a diverse harvest of organic fruits, vegetables and specialty crops. The farm also serves as a learning center for other growers in the region. Taylor is an associate professor at FAMU’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and a small farm specialist in FAMU’s Cooperative Extension Program. Taylor recently received the Rodale Institute’s Organic Pioneer Award for her

“Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Danielle Daum said it was “an honor to recognize such a respected and passionate woman in agriculture.” contributions to the organic farming movement. Taylor joins 35 other women who have earned the respect and admiration of their peers by making outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

USDA/ARS-developed fruit bars capture freshharvested taste.

TURNING FOOD WASTE INTO

Healthful Delights By Sandra Avant, USDA/ARS

ome are damaged, bruised, or oddly shaped and cannot be sold to retail customers. But instead of being tossed in the garbage, these foods are getting a second chance, thanks to scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Albany, Calif. Tara McHugh, director of the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, and her team in the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit are experts at using cuttingedge processing technologies.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN AUSMUS, USDA/ARS

Tara McHugh, food technologist and director of the USDA/ARS Western Regional Research Center, with some of the many products researched and developed by her team in the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

“Adding value to specialty crops and plant-based waste materials by developing novel, healthy ingredients and functional foods is one of the main focuses of the unit's research,” McHugh said. McHugh developed the world's first all-fruit bar using a novel processing technology she and her team invented. Each bar is packed with 100-percent fruit and has no preservatives, fillers or other artificial ingredients. The bars are made of unmarketable fruit that would normally be discarded. “This technology was needed to manufacture nutritious, valueadded, shelf-stable, 100-percent fruit products,” McHugh says. “It supports U.S. fruit growers, reduces waste and increases consumption of healthy foods.” Columbia Gorge Delights, a fruit-grower-owned company in North Bonneville, Wash., had an exclusive license on this invention

and commercially produced the fruit bars, called Just Fruit, from 2003-2016. The company was able to create 40 new jobs in an area where unemployment was high, McHugh says. The bars were sold all over the world, including in Japan and Canada. In 2016, Columbia Gorge Delights was sold to ZEGO Foods, which continues to manufacture and sell Just Fruit bars. McHugh and her team also invented a way to cast fruit and vegetable purees into edible films that can be used as wrappings and coatings for other foods. The films are excellent barriers to oxygen and moderate barriers to moisture. They also exhibit superior color, flavor and aroma and have excellent flexible properties and good nutritional value. The films can improve food safety. Working with Origami Foods, which later became NewGem Foods, McHugh co-led the commercialization of fruit and vegetable-based edible films. The patented films are exclusively licensed and sold by NewGem Foods, located in Fife, WA. She used the same technology in collaboration with East-West Medical Research Institute to develop the first edible fruit straw. In addition, they found that incorporating natural essential oils from oregano, thyme, cinnamon, allspice, clove and lemongrass into apple- and tomato-based films and coatings helped to fight against E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. This research not only supports small businesses and U.S. growers, but also reduces waste and increases consumption of healthy foods.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROD HEMPHILL)

The festival featured exhibits inside the Cade Museum of Creativity and Invention showroom.

INAUGURAL AG FESTIVAL SETS A HIGH MARK

n an effort to reach a nonagricultural audience, the Alachua County Farm Bureau Food and Agriculture Festival was held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. This event was planned by the District 4 Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Program in collaboration with the Alachua County Women’s Program and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville. The vision behind the creation of the event was to engage with a non-agricultural audience and educate guests about the importance agriculture plays at the local, state and national level. Held during Alachua County’s Farm-City Week, the event featured displays at the museum to highlight The Science of Food. An inventor who spent a career working in the field of agriculture was also on hand to meet with visitors. The inventor

By Kevin Korus, UF/IFAS

displayed 28 United States patents that he obtained during his 47 years of work for an agricultural irrigation company. The entry fee to the museum was waived for visitors during the day and outside of the museum there were 27 booths for the display and sale of local commodities with hands-on learning activities. The booths were made up of local producers, local business owners, UF/IFAS Extension agents, Florida A&M University students, UF collegiate clubs, the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association and state agencies representing agriculture and food production. There were also four food trucks present with vendors who provided information about the production of the major commodities used to make the items for sale. Support for this event was provided by Florida Dairy Farmers Inc., Lussier Dairy,

Members of the District 4 Young Farmers & Ranchers Program were the leaders in organizing the event.

Alliance Dairy, Florida Farm Credit, Florida Blue Farms, Hawthorne Creek Creamery, Gatorland Kubota, Nutrien, Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Peanut Federation. Throughout the day, 1,650 people attended the festival and received educational information on agriculture and food production. This broke the Cade Museum’s single day attendance record! This was the first year that this festival was held, but will likely become an annual event, based on its success. FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

RAISING

Non-Traditional Livestock

lpaca and llama are not familiar animals on most Florida farms. But they are becoming more visible livestock in the Sunshine State. Visitors had a chance to see plenty of them at the 2020 Florida State Fair livestock exhibitions in February. Seventeen FFA and 4-H members were able to bring their animals to the event, thanks to the support of Golden Spirit Alpaca Ranch in Odessa. The young people sponsored by the ranch represented middle and high school programs in Central Florida. At the fair the Florida Alpaca and Llama Association coordinated a three-day event that offered students opportunities to compete in showmanship and performance events. Two competitors, Aviva Blatt and Raina Ishak, won Champion of Champion awards.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS IN ACTION

The King Ranch in Palm Beach County was a major stop on a recent farm tour for North Carolina Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers. Paul Grose, vice president of operations at the ranch, served as host for the group.

Dade County Farm Bureau Executive Director Tyra Phillips, left, presented a Florida Farm Bureau Mini-Grant check to Avocado Elementary School teacher Morgan McClain in January.

Union County Farm Bureau Ed Shadd and Lake Butler Elementary School Principal Marcie Tucker presented Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program awards to Camryn Tempest, Leigha Crowe and Layla Crowe, the grand prize winner on Feb. 21. The program is designed to inspire vegetable gardening among young people.

Lisa Franklin, second from right, an FFB teacher Mini-Grant recipient, along with Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau Directors Tommy and Ann Holt and Buddy McKinstry, visited with guests at the Palm Beach County agricultural booth during the South Florida Fair.

Hendry/Glades County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Gracelyn Byrd and Jarad Plair set up an informational booth at the Hendry County Fair.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

FAMILY MEALS NOURISH GOOD HEALTH

or busy families, finding time to eat together is not always easy. But family meals nourish the spirit, brain and overall health. Children who grow up sharing family meals are also more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior as adults, such as sharing, fairness and respect. In addition, adults and children who eat at home more regularly are less likely to suffer from obesity, and increased family meals are associated with greater intake of fruits and vegetables. You can find inspiration to make one extra family meal happen each week with recipes like Meatballs or Barbecue St. Louis Ribs from the family-focused cookbook “Family Table by Robert Irvine.”

Cheese, Veal and Pork Meatballs • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 Spanish white onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups diced bread (such as baguette) water 2 large eggs 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 1 pound ground pork 1 pound ground veal 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil 3 cups basic tomato sauce

4. Divide the mixture evenly to form 10-12 meatballs, using your hands to roll them into shape. 5. In large saute pan placed over high heat, brown the meatballs in grapeseed oil on all sides. 6. Place the browned meatballs in a separate saucepot with basic tomato sauce. Bring the combination to a simmer and finish cooking for about one hour. (Courtesy of Family Features)

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, sweat onion and garlic. 2. In a large bowl, soak bread in water for one to two minutes. Strain the excess liquid. 3. In a separate large bowl, add eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and the onion-garlic mixture. Combine the ingredients, then add ground meat, soaked bread, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley and oregano. Mix thoroughly.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

(COURTESY OF FAMILY FEATURES)

DIRECTIONS

SAVORY TREATS Florida Sweet Potato and Carrot Cupcakes • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups mashed Florida sweet potato (½ cup separated) 1 Florida carrot, grated 1 cup Florida pecans, candied and crushed 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/8 teaspoon sea salt 1 cake mix, store bought or homemade Cream cheese frosting, store bought or homemade

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees if you are using the homemade recipe (if you are using store-bought, follow the package instructions). 2. Prepare the cupcake batter using the box mix or the homemade recipe provided. Once the batter is prepared, place the cupcake liners in the cupcake pan and set aside. 3. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, white pepper and sea salt and set aside. In another small bowl combine 1½ cups of the mashed sweet potato and one half of the spice mixture. Fold this mixture along with the grated carrots into the cupcake batter until combined. 4. Using an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter into the liners (about two-thirds full). Do not overfill. Bake for about 16-18 minutes (if using the scratch-made recipe) or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Set it aside to cool completely. 5. Meanwhile, fold in the remaining half cup of sweet potato mixture into the cream cheese frosting. When the cupcakes are completely cooled, cover each cupcake with a desired amount of frosting. 6. Sprinkle the crushed pecans and a small amount of the remaining spice mixture on each cupcake. Keep the cupcakes in a cool, dry area until ready to serve. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

EQUIPMENT

HELP WANTED

LIVESTOCK

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

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

Earn $60,000/yr. part-time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Home Study Course available. 800 488-7570 or www.amagappraisers.com

BULLS: Fullblood Wagyu Bulls for sale 11+ months. Registered. Highly sought after bloodlines. Call/text 904-351-8118

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

5 V-crimp GalvaLume Roofing & Accessories For Farms & Ranches. Cypress Feed Trough & Mineral Boxes Call: 772-473-1714 tripsonmt@aol.com Ask for Mark. John Deere Chisel Plows -16ft $2000 and 20ft $3000 Lockwood/Renke Center Pivot $8000 Call/Text 904-509-2589

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

$$$ WANTED $$$ Tractors, Mowers, Farm Equipment and Related Parts Any Condition. Call 813-626-2609.

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.

FOR SALE Ramp Truck, 83 GMC, White Model C7D042, V8, Good Condition, 58k miles, $3000 jsp1060@hotmail.com

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

EQUIPMENT

FEEDER WAGON, 3-ton and 6-ton, creep feeder available on 3-ton. Call 813-626-4554. 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 1985 John Deere 1050, 38 HP, Diesel, 2-WH Drive, w/power steering. 555 Hours! Excellent condition, has been garaged since new! Comes with 6’ HOWZE Grooming Mower and a HOWZE Bushhog. $8,900 CASH, 850-582-3806

FISHERIES 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. 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. PONDSTOCKER Bass, Bream, Catfish, Tilapia, Koi, Grass Carp, Shinners and Gambusea Minnows. Pond Supplies. Licensed and experienced. Call today! Cal Trotter. 1-321-952-9176. Palm Bay, FL. SERVING SOUTH FLORIDA Native Fish Stocking - Grass Carp - Tilapia Fountain & Aeration Systems Complete Lake Management ALLSTATE FISH & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 1-800-270-6558 www.allstatemanagement.com

GOOD THINGS TO EAT FARM BUREAU BUYER’S CLUB Check out The Florida Farm Bureau Buyer’s Club on the back of the magazine! We’re offering fresh Florida grown sweet corn, discounted turkeys and hams for Easter! Contact your county Farm Bureau to order now!

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

LEGAL SERVICES 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 Charles F. Woodhouse, Esq. MBA, JD, MS Food Safety Graduate Certificates in Food Law and Packaging Attorney Specializing in Agriculture and Food Law Food Safety Modernization Act Compliance PACA and Florida Broker/Dealer Complaints Crop Insurance and Risk Management Programs Representation before County Committees, State Committee, and National Appeals Division Matters Woodhouse Shanahan PA Agribusiness Industry Regulatory Compliance Washington, DC & Cedar Key, FL E-mail: cfw@regulatory-food-science.com www.seafood-and-produce-law.com Blog: www.food-label-compliance.com Tel Cedar Key, FL 352-278-1110 Tel Washington, DC 202-293-0033 FAX 202-478-0851

LIVESTOCK Registered Angus Cattle For Sale Ohana Farms Bull Calfs, Cows, Heifers, Pairs 386-212-1006 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS for sale bull calf 9 + months $1,000.00 Solid Performance Bloodlines 813-713-6345

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

Perennialpeanuthay.org

8 Wangus F1 cross heifers exposed to Fullblood/Reg. Wagyu Bull. 4 calves born. Call/text 904-351-8118

MISCELLANEOUS AKC Registered Beagle Puppies for sale in NW Florida. Call 850-554-1062 or email Allenmanning59@gmail.com. John Halvorsen, Jowett & Wood, Inc. 904.707.3644 Provide technical assistance to eligible producers and landowners who implement practices to protect soil, water, air quality, or wildlife habitats. Eligible participants are able to receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices on their owned land through EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program). A Technical Service Provider works for producers on behalf of USDA, NRCS and will maintain the confidentiality of any producers they help through NRCS EQIP.

PLANTS & SEEDS Alternative Fruit Crops All of the latest and greatest varieties of avocado, dragon fruit, guava, longan, lychee, macadamia nut, mango, peach, pomegranate, and more. Call Pine Island Nursery (305)233-5501. www.PineIslandNursery.com

PLANTS AND SEEDS Low chill peach trees adapted for Florida in 3 gallon pots. Lamar Costine Nursery, 3410 Raulerson Rd. Lakeland, FL, 863/858-5182. Sweet Potato Plants Virus indexed Georgia Jet and Florida Gold sweet potato plants. Preorder now 386-867-2545

REAL ESTATE Five acres in Interlachen. One block off S.R.20. Beautiful, high and dry. Must see. $25,000. Contact Danny at 386-867-3478. 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. 7,611 acres managed commercial timberland, Planted Pine, Hardwood Bottoms, Excellent Hunting. $1,200/acre. Call Pat Duane at 352-867-8018 Southern Pine Plantations of Fla. Owns the property it sells.

March 2020

REAL ESTATE LONGLEAF LAND COMPANY Land for sale in Northwest Florida and South Alabama Contact Jody Jones 334.493.0123 longleaf@longleafland.com www.longleafland.com MADISON CO. 365 ACRE COW/CALF RANCH, FENCED & CROSS FENCED. 3 PONDS WITH ONE STOCKED WITH BLUEGILL & BASS. CUSTOM 4BR & 2 BATH HOME WITH FAMILY ROOM, FIREPLACE AND SCREEN PORCH. LARGE POLE BARN WITH LARGE WORKSHOP, STABLES WITH TACKROOM. (ALL WITH ELECTRIC & WATER) 2 ACRES OF BLUEBERRIES. LOTS OF TURKEYS AND DEER IN THE WOODS. A MANAGERS 2/1 MH ON SITE TOO. $1.290 MILLION FAUST REALTY GROUP 239.298.6473 50 Acres of beautiful Old Florida with shady oaks trees and flowing creek. $375,000. Tons of wildlife and great for hunting deer, hog and turkey. 3 bed, 2 bath home with well and septic. On Hwy 31, south of Arcadia, DeSoto County. Welcome to your peaceful, quiet country paradise with lots of opportunity for hunting and fishing. Zoned A-5. This beautiful property is priced to sell at only $7,000 per acre! elissa Bajsa, CMTG Real Estate Group, 863-430-3977. DISCOUNTED PRICE 141.48 ACRES Holmes County. Over 1900ft frontage on Ten Mile Creek. Great hunt camp or homestead for the peace and quiet. Includes 3/2 1388sf block home. Abundance of wildlife. Mostly in mixed hardwood virgin timber. Located in the Florida Panhandle North of Panama City Beach. MLS 689885 $399,000. Call, Text Debbie Roney Smith 850-209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com American Gold Realty 4420 Lafayette St Marianna, 32446. For property searches http://realtordrs.com/ Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southeast Trophy Deer Association invites you to

SPRING FLING

MARCH CROSSWORD Crossword 1 2 3 4 ACROSS 1 Gave the slip 14 5 Pants style 18 10 Battery contents 17 14 Gawk at 20 15 Woody or Gracie 23 16 Bygone bird 17 Change of 26 27 28 heart? 19 Burr-Hamilton 34 event 39 40 20 Floral leaf 21 Like a stop sign 43 23 Hindu social 48 47 class 25 One of ten in 52 53 FDR's coin 56 57 26 Ghostly figure 29 Take the bait 63 31 Compass dir. 34 Angelic feature 66 35 Fairy tale's 69 second word 37 Travolta walk 39 Switch on 41 Fastest feline 67 Squirrel away 43 Part of LCD, in 68 Salty drop math 69 Seating section 44 Liniment target 70 Metric heavy 46 "Get a ___ on!" weight 47 Miss the mark 71 Drop-off spot 48 Plaster base 50 Snoop Dogg, DOWN e.g. 1 Quite a few 52 Still-life fruit 2 Folklore monster 54 Companionless 3 Insult response 56 Winter pelter 4 Persistent 59 Desktop icon 5 Spending limit 63 Like some 6 Divvy up coffees or teas 7 Sugar pill, say 64 Impossible to fill 8 Monopoly pay66 Fancy trim ment

by Margie E. Burke 5

16 19 21

25 29

37 41

50 54

58 64

59 65

9 10 11 12 13 18 22 24 26 27 28 30 32 33 36

Still in one piece Extra charge Kitchen surface Creative spark Chatty Cathy, e.g. Trellis piece Migratory birds Put a lid on Humpback, e.g. Marathon entrant Paneled art in a church Progress slowly Slick It'll knock you out Kind of moss

38 Geographical zone 40 Mythical strongman 42 Male protagonist 45 French song 49 Matisse, for one 51 Start to freeze? 53 Respected one 55 Live's partner 56 To the ___ (fully) 57 Exotic berry 58 Not taken in by 60 Out for the night 61 Coal refuse 62 "Take one!" 65 Golf ball support

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

AU C T I O N & E X P O April 3-4, Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport With Keith Warren of Deer & Wildlife Stories Plus! Educational Seminars, Raffles, Giveaways, Antler Competition, and Auction (with deer items, hunting/fishing trips, rustic furniture, guns and more! ) Meet & Greet deer farmers, preserve owners and state/national industry experts Starts Fri., 12 PM & Sat. 8 AM - 6 PM Friday Dinner & Sat Lunch on us! FREE ADMISSION! Learn More: www.southeasttrophydeerassociation.com or contact Laurie at laurie@bdrlwhitetails.com

Catch Our Facebook Buzz www.facebook.com/ FlaFarmBureau

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

REAL ESTATE

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

AUNT ZELMAS BLUEBERRY FARM Alachua County 26± Acres - Active commercial and U-Pick Florida blueberry farm for sale! 22 net growing acres. Varieties include Farthing, Scentilla, Star, Prima Donna, Sweet Crisp, and Windsor. All bushes planted in 2011. This property boasts both commercial harvesting and U-Pick. However, the U-Pick operation is robust and brings customers from all over the state. The property has a small store on site to accommodate customers that come for U-Pick season. For more details information on the farm, please visit: www. auntzelmasblueberries.com. ASKING PRICE: $650,000.

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!!! NOW $4200/ acre or $5,040,000 - WAS $5,880,000 or $4,900/acre

HOG BAY FARM FARM & SOLAR OPPORTUNITY! UNDER CONTRACT - DeSoto County 1,387± Acres - This property is 1,387± gross acres and 1,300± net acres of tillable land. Although formerly used for an organic citrus operation, this property has been used for the farming of alternative crops. This property can offer potential income streams from various uses: tomatoes, watermelons, citrus, cattle, hay, sod and many other varieties of row crops. Solar companies take notice! There is a high tension transmission line that runs the northern boundary of the property. Given the amount of usable acreage, the subject site would work nicely as a solar farm. ASKING PRICE: $7,351,100 or $5,300/acre. Continued on next column

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.

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

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020

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

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE CONTACT: 352.374.1535

ORGANICS

Growing Organic? Certified Organic

Earthworm Castings

1500 LB. Bulk Bags or Truck Loads Custom Blends Available Call 888-282-1920 for Pricing and Delivery Options EarthSoil, Inc. Fleming Island, Florida Florida Fertilizer License #F002695 www.earth-soil.com

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(PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY GREB, USDA/ARS)

Old World Climbing Vine grows on cypress trees in South Florida. The weed forms huge skirts that fires can climb to reach treetops. Trees without the fern usually survive fire. The weed is an example of how an invasive plant can harm native species in Florida.

FLORIDAGRICULTURE | MARCH 2020