Heartland In The Field

APR 2014

AGRICULTURALISTS:

First Stewards of the Land

Saturday, April 19, 2014

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4

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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April 2014

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April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

5

APR 2014

Departments 16 Heartland’s Fishing Report

April Features 32 37

Arial image of Adams Ranch

A Luxury Resort with a Commitment to the Environment

Enjoying Florida’s Natural Beauty & Leaving it Better for the Next Generation

By Ron Lambert

40

44

The Sexton Family: A Rich History, Respecting the Land & A Promising Future

By Ron Lambert

48

Watercress Farms, Inc.: Going Green from the U.K. to the U.S.

By Dixie Thomas

52

A Passion for Sustainability through Agriculture

By Kyndall Robertson

54

Motorworks Brewing

By Dixie Thomas

58

Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network

By Levi Lambert

60

Special: County Fair Updates

74

The Arcadia Rodeo 2014

Photos and Article by Kathy Gregg

By Capt. Mark King

18

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Capt. Chris O’Neill

20

April Hunting Spotlight:

Cavin Turner

24

Lightsey Cattle Company: Stewards of the Land

By Robbi Sumner

56 We Are What We Spray

Citrus Update: Conservation and Growers

By Justin Smith

31

Travel Feature: Go Green Getaways

By Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl

72

FFA Journal

By Wally Martin

73

Youth Spotlight: JD Oden Catching The Big One

By Robbi Sumner

80 Florida Cattlewomen’s Association

Recipe: Corned Beef Brisket with

Roasted Vegetables & Lemon-Mustard Sauce 84

A Series on Florida Literature: Across the Everglades

By Brady Vogt

91

Ag Calendar

Look out next month for

Florida’s Watermelon Industry 6

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

’s e in z a g a M d n la t Hear

‘GREEN’

ANNUAL

In honor of Earth Day on April 22 and our commitment to conservation and the environment, this month’s magazine is printed on recycled paper. In doing some research, we found some interesting facts about paper and recycling!

Did you know?

• Paper is biodegradable and nearly 60 percent of all paper in the U.S. is recycled • Only 18 percent of all electronic devices are currently recycled and e-waste constitutes the single largest waste export in the U.S. • Paper is actually more sustainable and environmentally friendly than e-mail as computers require electricity and almost all electricity can be P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!

traced back to being produced using fossil fuels • Recycling half the world’s paper would free 20 million acres of forestland • Each of us uses an average of 700 pounds of paper products per year and paper makes up almost a third of the material that goes into landfills • Paper is in itself a “sustainable product.” For every tree harvested for paper production, three are planted in its place

This month’s magazine is printed on recycled content paper and the paper is recyclable. Please be responsible and dispose of properly.

PH. (813)708.3661 OR (863)381.8014

HEARTLAND A Way of Life.

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7

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Executive Editor Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@heartlanditf.com Business Manager Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Levi Lambert Brian Norris Kyndall Robertson Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Dixie Thomas Contributing Writers Kathy Gregg Rusty Hartline Laurie Hurner Capt. Mark King Capt. Chris O’Neill Brady Vogt Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D.C. Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Casey Wohl Tina Yoder Social Media Director Brian Norris Photography Karen Berry Regina Blackman Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Editor’s Note We, at Heartland Magazine, believe in conserving our resources for future generations. In conjunction with Earth Day on April 22, we have put together our Annual ‘Green’ issue where we are focusing on Agriculturalists as the First Stewards of the Land. Throughout the magazine, we are spotlighting several farmers, ranchers, landowners and others in the agricultural industry that are true conservationists in every sense of the word.

Families like the Lightseys of Lightsey Cattle Company and the Sextons of Oslo Citrus and Treasure Family Ranch are several generations of born and bred Floridians who respect their lands and work together with the state to make sure there will still be a part of “Old Florida” for many years to come. Read about Lightsey Cattle Company’s efforts on page 40 and all about what the Sextons are doing to preserve the land for a promising future on page 44.

There are many industries that one may not directly associate with agriculture, such as a brewing company, but Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton has challenged that assumption.

The new brewery in the Heartland has partnered with a local rancher and donates all their spent grain to his small cattle operation. Production Manager Dave Byrn jokes, “Beer goes to feed the local humans, and the spent grain goes to feed the local animals, which then ends up feeding the humans, again.” You can read more about what they are doing to help the environment and our community on page 54.

In preparing for this issue, we discovered there are so many in the Heartland that are conserving their lands and resources and being great stewards of what the Lord has provided that we decided not to keep these stories to just one issue. Over the next few months, we will highlight more of what the Heartland is doing right and if you know of someone we should be featuring, please let us know! E-mail me at morgan@heartlanditf.com or give me a call 863-381-8014.

We’ll see y’all In the Field,

Commissioner of Ag Adam Putnam and I at the Taste of Florida Agriculture reception in Tallahassee. Read more about my trip on page 15!

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661.

Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five.

All contents Copyright 2014. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email morgan@heartlanditf.com. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2008.

April 2014

Fresh From Florida: Nurturing Success.

Growing the Future.

B&W Quality Growers Richard and Steven Burgoon Fresh From Florida Members since 2001.

“For five generations and over 140 years our family has specialized in growing premium quality fresh and flavorful watercress and baby leaf specialties.”

“We are proud members of Fresh From Florida and salute their ongoing efforts to help Florida’s farmers bring fresh and healthy foods to the Americas and beyond.”

For more information on member benefits visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call (850) 617-7399.

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

9

APR 2014

Index of Advertisers 30 A&K Development

65 Glisson’s Animal Supply

79 Quality Liquid Feed

42 Agro Culture

94 Glisson’s Animal Supply

55 River Pasture Metal Art

23 Andy Thornal

53 Griffin’s Carpet Mart

19 Seedway

79 Arcadia Stockyard

25 Helena Chemical

85 Send Me Mission 5K

43 Bankers South

29 Hicks Oil Company

92 Spring Lake Hardware

83 Big T Tire

15 Highlands County Cracker Shoot

20

81 Cattlemen’s Livestock

13 Highlands County Farm Bureau

51 St. Lucie County

26 Center State Bank

26 Howard Fertilizer

4

Central States

11 KeyPlex

93 Stampede

2

Creel Tractor

92 LaBelle Feed

92 Superior Muffler

67 Creel Tractor

47 Lee and Associates

46 Taylor Oil Company

60 Cross Ties

47 Marmer Construction

72 The Andersons

92 Cross Ties

92 Michael G. Kirsch

27 tree T-PEE

36 Desoto Fun Shoot

3

19 Trinkle Redman Coton

72 DeSoto Machine Shop

34 Mosaic

62 US Sugar Corporation

58 E&S Equipment

59 Mosaic

76 Walpole Feed

95 Everglades Farm Equipment

46 Newton Crouch

96 Watering Hole

17 Farm Credit

23 Okeechobee FFA

30 Wauchula State Bank

39 Fields Equipment

71 Okeechobee Youth

58 Wicks, Brown, Williams CPA

81 Florida Mineral

Livestock Show

92 Winfield Solutions

9

5

Pathway Agriculture

21 Women In the Outdoors

FL Dept of Ag

Moreno Firms

Spurlows Outdoor Cattlemen’s Association

19 Yetti Outfitters

34 Florida Fence Post

24 Peace River Citrus

42 Glade and Grove Supply

69 Quail Creek Plantation

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Tina Yoder

Lee and Hendry

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Cindy Cutright

morgan@heartlanditf.com

tina@heartlanditf.com

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Levi Lambert

levi@heartlanditf.com

10 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

April 2014

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 11

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266

1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Matt Harrison

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell

Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner

Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison

FARM BUREAU

President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal

Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson

Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer

Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

MANATEE COUNTY

6419 US HIGHWAY 27 S. • SEBRING, FL 33876

5620 TARA BLVD, STE 101 • BRADENTON, FL 34203

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Dawn A. Hines, Clint Brown

FARM BUREAU

President………Scott Kirouac Vice President…Doug Miller Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Frank Youngman

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Sam Bronson Steve Farr Charles Guerndt

Charles Lanfier Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds

Trey Whitehurst Jeff Williams Marty Wohl

Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

FARM BUREAU

President……Gary Reeder Vice President…Jim Parks Secretary……..Ben King Treasurer……..Robert Zeliff

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington

12 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Mike Shannon

April 2014

ANDY NEUHOFER FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Thank You...

To Highlands County Farm Bureu’s Heritage Sponsors

Farm Bureau members from across the state attended FB Days in Tallahassee on March 17th and 18th. The annual legislative briefing dinner took place at the Tallahassee Car Museum on the evening of the 17th. During the day Tuesday, members met with their legislators to discuss issues affecting agriculture.

Because of the diligence of Farm Bureau members, we have been successful in the past in maintaining and gaining favorable legislation to protect and enhance Florida agriculture. This year will be no exception as we work on our legislative priorities.

The first one is SB 312 and HB 575. The purpose of the bill is to expand sales tax exemptions for replacement parts of power units and irrigation equipment. Some trailers under $20,000 and equipment used for storage of agricultural products are included in the bill as well.

Our mission is to increase the net income for farmers and ranchers. Reducing their tax burden is one way to accomplish that goal.

Another item in SB 312/ HB 575 includes protections of Agriculture Assessment (Greenbelt) for agricultural lands used in dispersed water storage programs. Also, landowners would be able to establish baseline wetland and surface water conditions before implementing BMPs. The second priority, SB 1206 and HB 575 deals with the importance of agricultural certifications and the need for agricultural careers.

We support SB 1464/HB 703 to reduce duplicative environmental regulations. We support SB 1138 and HB 1135 to provide liability protection for farmers who allow gleaners to come in and pick produce for food banks.

We also support the expansion of agri-tourism to allow farmers another means of increasing and diversifying their revenue.

On the national level, we continue to work on and monitor issues affecting agriculture as the EPA is proposing changes to the Worker Protection Standards and working to increase their authority on water issues.

As we move ahead, I encourage those who wish to get involved to contemplate your strengths and provide a means to make Farm Bureau stronger.

April 2014

Please support these businesses!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 13

Farm Bureau Days

By Morgan Taylor Norris

O

n March 17-18, Tallahassee was flooded with boots and cowboy hats as the annual Farm Bureau Days brought Farm Bureau members from across our Sunshine State to lobby on behalf of the agriculture industry.

The first night was a dinner and briefing for all participants on various legislation that will affect agriculture from tax exemption to land issues to ag certification. The dinner was held at the Tallahassee Car Museum and was a delicious feast of meats and any vegetable you could imagine. There was great representation from the Heartland area and a special group was honored that night; The Palmetto High FFA Chapter is celebrating 75 years and brought several students from Manatee County to our state’s Capitol to learn about the legislative process.

The next day was full of meetings with legislators, committee meetings and touring the Capitol. It was a great day for all ages as the Palmetto students are just beginning to learn about the lawmaking process and how it directly affects their lives to Farm Bureau Day veterans who have been representing and fighting for our industry for years. I went with the Desoto/ Charlotte Farm Bureau on behalf of the Young Farmers and

Ranchers committee and we spent the day with UF’s Collegiate Farm Bureau members. County Farm Bureaus met with their local legislators to put a face to the bills that they are voting on and so the lawmakers will make educated and informed votes.

We were able to sit in on the House Ag & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, had a group meeting with Speaker Designate and other House members, and attended the House Ag & Natural Resources subcommittee where they discussed House Bill 487 regarding Agriculture Industry Certifications.

The evening ended with the “Taste of Florida Agriculture” reception in the State Capitol Courtyard where Florida Farm Bureau Members could meet with legislators and other industry members in a more casual setting. The reception featured mouth-watering Fresh From Florida fare including sweet Strawberry Shortcake, juicy sliders prepared by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Cajun Shrimp and Grits to name a few.

For more information on the Florida Farm Bureau, to get involved in your local organization or to attend next year’s Farm Bureau Days, visit www.floridafarmbureau.org

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

2014 Cracker Shoot presented by

HIGHLANDS

Saturday, April 12, 2014 - 8:30 am Quail Creek Plantation -Okeechobee, FL

paRtiCipation levels • Gold SponSorShip 600.00 $

Includes up to 6 shooters, lunches, use of shooting cart, Gold Sponsorship signage and recognition during awards ceremony

• Team SponSorShip $400.00

Includes 4 shooters, lunches & a station sponsorship sign on course

• STaTion SponSorShip $100.00 Includes sign on a course station

• individual ShooTinG $100.00

Includes 100 target shooting round & lunch

ReseRvation FoRm Please sign me up for:

14th annual

spoRting Clays touRnament 100 Target Clay Shoot

• Great Shooting • Fellowship • Lunch • Exciting Prizes • Raffle

Additional raffle tickets will be sold during event.

o Gold o Team o Station o Individual - Additional Lunches $25.00

o Enclosed is my check for $ __________________________ or o Bill me $ _______________________________ Sponsor name _______________________________________Contact name ________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________Fax _________________________________________ please include team member names on the back of this form. For additional info call 863-385-5141 Mail or Fax form to HC Farm Bureau, 6419 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33876, Fax 863-385-5356

ShooT parTicipaTion limiTed To firST 300 paid enTranTS

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 15

HEARTLAND’S

FISHING REPORT T

Captian Mark King

he weather here in South Florida has been good and the bass fishing here on Lake Okeechobee has been great. The lake has been producing a lot of bass and some really nice ones are being caught daily out here on the big lake. The bass are still spawning and as we get into April, the bluegill will start spawning; that means even more for the bass to eat. The water level is going down some with it being around thirteen and a half feet above sea level right now.

The outside edge or grass line seems to be the place to be whether you are fishing with artificial lures or live bait. Now there are days that the wind blows too hard to fish along the outside grass line and you do have to move in to find cleaner water and bass, but the closer to open water, the better. I have been catching a lot of bass and almost all the bigger ones pitching a Gambler Why Not with a ½ ounce weight along the outside grass line from Kramer Island up to the Turners Cove area. I like to just pitch in into reed heads and scattered grass and let it hit the bottom, bounce it a couple times and if you don’t get a hit, then move on. I have also been doing pretty well on Gambler Ace’s back in areas like East Wall, Coots Bay and Ritta Island. On really windy days, I have been still catching some bass back in behind the outside grass line at Long Point and in the Buzzards Roost on swimbaits and frogs. The wild shiner bite has been really

good also fishing the outside grass line if the wind will let you. Using six to eight dozen shiners a day is no problem right now and we have been catching some really nice bass.

April is a great time to come to Lake Okeechobee and catch bluegills on the beds and also a great time to catch bass feeding on the bluegill. Crickets are the choice bait for bluegill but Beetle Spins work equally as well. Now is a great time to book a tarpon trip with me for May or June in the Florida Keys as days are filling up fast. I target the migrating giant tarpon around the bridges in the Florida Keys and if catching one over a hundred pounds is on your bucket list, let’s get a trip booked. Good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.

Captain Mark King

is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Gambler Lures, 13Fishing Rods, Hoffmann’s Lures, Mojo Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, Moon Shine Attitude Attire, TFO Fly Rods, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and www. tarponinthekeys.com

Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.

16 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

JUST ANOTHER REASON TO BE A MEMBER OF

FARM CREDIT OF FLORIDA

THIS YEAR WE ARE GIVING BACK $5 MILLION TO OUR BORROWERS. IT’S OUR WAY OF REWARDING OUR LOYAL MEMBERS. THAT’S RIGHT. CASH BACK. JUST FOR BEING A MEMBER.

WE KNOW AG. WE LOVE AG. WWW.WEAREAG.COM

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 17

SW FLORIDA GULF COAST

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

W

ithout question, the month of April is one of my favorite times of the year to target world-class angling opportunities here in SW Florida. Our Gulf of Mexico and inshore bays and backcountry areas are teaming with hordes of migrating species of reel screaming quality fish. My inshore target is undoubtedly the linesider snook, which are in full migration mode as they head toward the beaches to spend the summer spawning and feeding. If you point the boat into the gulf, you’ll find endless schools of voracious species like bonito, spanish and king mackerel that are feeding along the surface on football field size pods of baitfish as they flood into the area.

Inshore anglers will enjoy some of the best fishing this year. Spring tides will bring higher flood tides to the backcountry estuaries. With the additional water comes more access to the far backcountry areas with bay style boats that have been shut out most of the winter. Fish like snook, redfish and mangrove snapper will begin to occupy “the trees” or mangroves to feed on crab and smaller baitfish that will take up residence there during the spring and summer months. One of my favorite lures to deploy when fishing mangroves is the Bomber Saltwater Grade Paradise Popper, armed with a nice lively shrimp or baitfish set a depth appropriate to the area you are fishing. The cork can be used to drift baits along the bushes and keep the bait off of the bottom. Additionally, the cork provides a great visual aid to quickly set the hook and prevent the fish from swimming into the structure, causing the inevitable break off when the fish of a lifetime decides to take your offering.

Nearshore and Offshore reefs and wrecks will be home to a myriad of species like spanish mackerel, kingfish, shark, grouper, sheepshead and many others. The water clarity will remain excellent for another

18 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

few months, so sightfishing to big fish is world-class this month. Nothing beats dropping down with a speargun to target groceries for a fresh fish dinner.

If you haven’t been spearfishing before, you are really missing out.

It doesn’t require an expensive set of dive gear because there is so much structure located locally in the shallows or bridges and other nearshore fish havens; all you need is a mask, snorkel and of course a gun. Remember when spear fishing, fish appear larger under water than they really are and it’s important to recognize a legal fish before you take it. What you don’t want to do is make this mistake and come to the surface with a nice bag of tasty critters and the FWC is there to meet you with a measuring stick and a ticket for you.

Another benefit of spearfishing is you can pick what’s for dinner. It’s a fast process and a ton of fun along the way, so give it a try.

Tarpon Season is getting cranked up here in the silver king capital of the world!

Thousands of these amazing fish are pouring into Boca Grande Pass and our surrounding waterways to feed and spawn for the next three months. Anglers travel from around the globe to fish onboard the Tail Chaser charter boat to target this prolific species. If catching a tarpon is on your bucket list, now is the time to make the call to come down for some of the world’s best fishing.

Booking a charter this time of year is a great opportunity to spend the day “catching”.

My company offers inshore and offshore charters with a hand-picked team of worldclass guides to satisfy your private or corporate fishing needs. All of my guests receive complementary Tail Chaser t-shirts as well as the best service in the business.

Captain Chris O’Neill

is a full time fishing guide and host of The Reel Saltwater Outdoors radio show. Captain Chris is regularly seen on TV shows like Big Water Adventures, Florida Sportsman, Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal and others. As a retired U.S. Army hovercraft pilot, he has accrued over 25 years of saltwater experience and has targeted gamefish around the globe.

His Reel Saltwater Outdoors Seminar Series has become the largest in the state and he speaks to thousands of anglers annually. His passion for fishing is contagious and you can always expect to have a great adventure when fishing onboard the Tail Chaser.

To book a charter visit www.tailchasercharters. com or www.bocagrandetarpon.com for more information. You can listen to his FISH ON FRIDAY radio show via www.wengradio. com or the WENG app from 4-6pm weekly.

Capt. Chris operates out of the world-class Gasparilla Marina in Placida, FL, just minutes from Boca Grande Pass (the tarpon capital of the world) and Charlotte Harbor.

April 2014

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April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 19

April’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters 1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com

CAVIN TURNER

Ten year old Cavin Turner of Sebring was excited to shoot his first turkey! Cavin, a fourth grader at Cracker Trail Elementary, went hunting with his dad Shad on private property in Ft. Meade when he shot the turkey with his 20 gauge.

Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com

8th Annual

Women

In tHe

outdoors

hosted by

Quail Creek Plantation & nWtF 013 2 & 2012 t

en v e t Bes e nation in th

April 25 - 26, 2014 Okeechobee, FL

www.regonline.com/wito2014 Over 25 Classes Offered Including:

Shotgun • Handgun Safety • Concealed Weapons Archery • Swamp Cabbage Cooking • Fly Fishing Self Defense • Outdoor Digital Photography Canoe/Kayaking • Trailer Backing • Fire Side Cooking

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 21

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION POWERHOUSES –

right here in Florida!

T

wo NWTF chapters in Florida claimed prestigious awards February 15th at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

The annual awards recognize local, state and provincial chapters that lead in conservation fundraising, education and outreach events.

The Florida chapters recognized for their outstanding work in 2013 included:

• The Wekiva Springs Strutters, headquartered in Apopka, Fla., won first place in four national award categories: Total Membership Achievement, Total Sponsor Membership Achievement, Greatest Net Income, and Best of the Best Local Chapter.

• Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek, headquartered in Okeechobee, Fla., won first place in the national award category for the 2013 Best Event in the Nation Award with 151+ participants.

22 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

“The NWTF stands for the things I believe in; family, the outdoors, hunting, conservation, patriotism, guns & God. No where else I’ve been is there ALWAYS a prayer of Thanks given before meals, the Pledge of Allegiance solemnly said before an American flag, and every veteran and service member recognized and honored for protecting our freedom. So many people don’t realize the National Wild Turkey Federation goes way beyond caring for the wild turkey. We care about people and the future of our way of life.”

Brenda Valentine, NWTF National Spokesperson NWTF chapters hold more than 2,000 Hunting Heritage banquets each year to raise funds for NWTF conservation and outreach initiatives. These banquets bring together local NWTF members, volunteers, and like-minded sportsmen and women in the name of conservation. Each year, thousands of NWTF members and volunteers flock to banquet halls and civic centers across North America to share stories, a delicious meal and common goals — conserving wildlife and protecting our hunting heritage.

If you’ve never attended a Hunting Heritage Banquet, you’re in for a treat! You’ll find games, raffles and auctions with lots of chances to win exclusive NWTF merchandise and firearms. Each year’s banquet auction package changes.

You’ll find exciting new products, including NWTF Guns of the Year, high-quality prints, sculptures and decorative items that allow attendees to bring their outdoor lifestyle home.

If you have attended a Hunting Heritage Banquet, we welcome you back and encourage you to bring a friend! Find the next closest banquet in your area at www.nwtf.org April 2014

As volunteers of the NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors outreach program, chapter committee members seek to educate by extending an invitation to women in their community to enjoy the great outdoors at ladies-only events. Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek, hosts one of the largest Women in the Outdoors events in the country, welcoming more than 220 ladies to last year’s event at the beautiful Quail Creek Plantation. Since 1998, NWTF volunteers have worked through the Women in the Outdoors program to share the outdoor tradition by providing expert instruction and handson education through events designed for women.

To find out more information and to register for Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek’s upcoming event on April 26, please visit www.regonline.com/wito2014.

Lifetime member Reggie Gordon is already raising grandson, Carter, in the ways of the NWTF!

THE COOLER YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

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April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 23

by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE

By Justin Smith

Conservation and Growers Conservation is not usually the first thing that pops into the mind when thinking about citrus or citrus growers. Even growers themselves don’t really think about it, necessarily.

For citrus producers, as well as all agriculturalists, conservation is just second nature. It is something that is born into a grower. Farmers and Ranchers are the original conservers of the land.

Just think about it, an agriculturalist depends on the land for

their livelihood. It takes care of their family and in most cases, for many generations. The land and its resources are loved by these individuals just like it is another part of their family.

For that reason alone, growers are true conservationists.

Using the idea of a green operation may have just become popular in the last few years to the general public, but it has always been a part of producing food, especially citrus. Yes, technology has increased the ability to “be green”. More efficient engines, recycling, and computerized monitoring have made many strides within the last generation, but these concepts have always been present in agriculture.

For anyone who does not have direct access to agricultural operations, there are many opportunities to tour farm operations throughout the state. Many of the local Chamber of Commerce offer farm tours, local associations and even Farm Bureau have events that introduce interested parties to agricultural operations and how they have conservation on the forefront. In the Heartland area, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program offers tours on a regular basis.

These types of farm tours are very informative and facilitate interaction between growers and conservation enthusiasts.

Over and above the just normal practices, there are programs growers can voluntarily take part in. Some of these include the Best Management Practices or BMP’s. These are comprehensive plans developed by State and National standards to protect and preserve natural resources. Many of the BMPs are done by growers on a regular basis without being enrolled in the official plan. But, by signing up to voluntarily certify the BMPs are being followed, growers can be recognized for their efforts of implementing conservation in their overall management plan.

24 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Many years ago citrus got its own BMP program. It was highly accepted by citrus producers because it was, for the most April 2014

part, what they tried to do anyway. Which is to maximize all usages of water, chemicals and any other input in order to have the most efficient effect on the tree with the least impact on the environment. This type of management just makes sense. It not only saves the environment and resources but it saves money as well.

Currently there is another BMP program being developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture, these are wildlife BMPs. This program identifies wildlife species that have the potential to be impacted by agricultural operations and lays out a plan to best minimize the negative impact on these species. One of the animals listed in the, soon to be published, Wildlife BMP is the Sand Hill Crane. Wauchula, one of the cities in the Florida Heartland, gets its name from this large avian species. Any citrus producer in this area will do anything they can to protect this majestic bird. This is just one very small example of how conservation is near and dear to the hearts of growers.

Yet another example of citrus growers taking part in conservation is the Citrus Health Management Areas (CHMA).

This is a program that is grower organized and grower driven. The idea came to the industry as a way to minimize pesticide applications and maximize results. The program works by several growers getting together in a given area

April 2014

and planning the best type of pesticide to use and a target time in which to apply it. The information is then publicized to all the growers in that area. This is totally voluntary, but it has proven to be very effective. By coordinating these sprays, the growers have found much less pesticide resistance and much more control because of the large area that the sprays cover in a very short amount of time.

One more way growers can benefit by really putting conservation on the forefront of their long-term management plan is by the use of conservation easements. Several years ago the Florida Legislature voted to allow land owners to take advantage of significant ad valorem tax incentives by putting their properties into a conservation easement.

This takes a commitment and is not for every agricultural operation. However, it does give growers with long-term plans an option, and motivation, to maintain habitats for many species of both flora and fauna.

So, the next time the idea of conservation or “being green� comes up, one of the first things to think of are agricultural producers including citrus growers. As the population of the planet continues to grow, so will the need for increased awareness of conservation. It only makes sense for the ones who work with the land to be leading the endeavor and we should all work together.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 25

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April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 27

HIGHLANDS MUSEUM OF THE ARTS

Citrus Labels & Crate Expectations Art Exhibit Opens at Highlands Museum of the Arts (MoTA)

In conjunction with the citrus art exhibit, HAL is also hosting several citrus-themed events:

• COCKTAILS & CULTURE: CITRUS - On May 1, art will focus on citrus culture, cuisine and cocktails with the second ‘Cocktails & Culture.’ Citrus industry representatives will discuss the history of the citrus industry while attendees savor the flavors of citrus from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. • ART UNCORKED: FUNKY CITRUS TREE - In April and May HAL’s popular Art Uncorked goes orange with two citrus-themed paintings, including a Funky Citrus Tree and your very own Citrus Label.

• GET SAUCED: CITRUS - On May 15 at 6:00 PM, local celebrity chef Mac Gentlmen, from the Palms of Sebring, will lead attendees through the perfection of citrus sauces. While Chef prepares the tastings, attendees will learn culinary techniques to try at home. Citrus-themed cocktails and light snacks will be provided.

Support for this exhibit provided by: Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Highlands Co. Tourism Development Council (TDC), Sen. Denise Grimsley, Bagwell Lumber, Citra Harvesting, Christy Crews, Kahn Citrus, Hicks Oil Company, Wheeler Farms, Inc., S.Y. Hartt & Sons, Inc. and James & Jeri Wohl.

MoTA is open from 1-7 PM on Thursdays and Fridays and 1-4 PM on Saturdays. Admission is free for HAL members, students with proper ID and children under 12. There is a $5/person admission for adults who are not HAL members.

For more information, event details and HAL membership opportunities, please visit the Highlands Art League website at www.HighlandsArtLeague.org or call (863) 385-5312.

The Highlands Art League’s (HAL) Museum of the Arts’ (MoTA) newest exhibit, “Citrus Labels and Crate Expectations,” officially opened on March 6 with a ribbon cutting by Sebring Mayor George Hensley and is on display at the museum through May 31. This contemporary exhibit includes a collection of 24 citrus labels that represent the thousands used in Florida between the late 1800s and the 1960s that decorated the ends of wooden crates that transported Florida citrus, as well as live citrus trees, citrus equipment and tools all hung by local artist Hector Nieblas.

28 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

Above: Citrus labels and picking bags hang in the Highlands MoTA. Top Right: A live citrus tree is used to depict the cycle of tree life.

April 2014

Above: Citrus crates and antique citrus farm equipment line the Museum walls.Â

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 29

30 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

TRAVEL FEATURE

GO GREEN GETAWAYS

Tips to Keep Your Next Trip Eco-Friendly

By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl

Green travel no longer means sleeping in tents and showering once a week. Today, all travelers should be cognizant of how much energy they use while vacationing and practice responsible travel. With the World Travel and Tourism Council projecting that global tourism will increase from a $7.1 trillion industry in 2007 to a $13.2 trillion industry in 2017, it is more important than ever for all tourists to ensure the only thing left behind is a footprint.

Even during a fun-filled getaway, there are things we can all do to make sure the vacation is everything we expect while remaining “green.” Casey Wohl, The Getaway Girl ® has a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies and recommends the following tips for staying “green” during your next getaway.

What Can You Do to Stay Green During Your Girls Getaway?

ACCOMMODATIONS – Make sure the hotel you patron is environmentally friendly. Do they recycle?

Do they have a towel and sheet reuse option? Be sure to provide feedback to the hotel regarding your stay and their environmental practices.

YOUR HABITS – In keeping with eco-friendly habits you should already practice at home, turn off all electrical devices (television, lights, heat, air conditioning) when they are not in use, reuse your towels and sheets, keep showers brief, turn off water while brushing your teeth and bring your own toiletries.

TRANSPORTATION – Use public transportation (or walk or bike) whenever possible, rent a hybrid car, travel in groups, use the hotel van and take fewer and longer trips to reduce energy usage.

SIGHTSEEING – Buy local products to support the local economy, travel with an environmentallysensitive tour operator, do not disturb the natural environment during outdoor activities, take only the necessary brochures and maps and don’t buy endangered species products.

FOOD – Try to eat locally grown food to support the local economy and reduce transportation, carry bottled water with you and refill as needed, pack a few plastic bags for saving half-used items.

April 2014

Casey Wohl is the Travel Correspondent for the nationally syndicated Daytime TV Show, is the author of the Girls Getaway Guide travel book series, and is a Travel Expert/Blogger.

She also owns and manages Gray Dog Communications, a strategic marketing, public relations and branding company based in Sebring, FL with clients in industries such as travel, non-profit, agriculture, economic development and real estate. For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 31

A Luxury Resort with a Commitment to the Environment

STREAMSONG® Resort’s centerpiece – a 216-room luxury Lodge – officially opened in January, unlocking the full experience of the property’s 16,000 natural acres and setting the stage for Streamsong to become the discerning traveler’s destination of choice. Miles away from typical Florida beach hotels or theme park resorts in the small community of Bowling Green, Streamsong features critically-acclaimed golf, world-class bass fishing, a sporting clays facility, a unique grotto-style spa, exceptional food offerings, stunning vistas, wildlife and more in a natural Florida setting.

Streamsong® Resort has been developed by The Mosaic Company and is founded on a commitment to its surrounding resources. From awe-inspiring golf courses and enchanting nature trails to sumptuous dining and ethereal spa experiences, Streamsong will operate in concert with its environment.

This appreciation for the land’s inherent beauty creates an unparalleled luxury resort.

“Our mission at Streamsong is to redefine what guests, particularly golfers from all over the world, should expect from a luxury resort,” said Richard Mogensen, Streamsong’s general manager. “With the opening of the Lodge, our guests can now experience this incredible place in its entirety. From a breathtaking natural environment to luxurious accommodations, fantastic dining and incomparable guest service, Streamsong will no doubt emerge as one of the most unique destinations in the United States and the world.”

At the resort, guests can experience Streamsong Red, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and Streamsong Blue, designed by Renaissance Golf Design (Tom Doak), which are known as “must plays” among serious golfers.

In their first year of operation, Streamsong Red and Blue topped GOLF magazine’s list of the “Best New Courses You Can Play” and were recently ranked as the 12th and 14th best resort courses in the United States by Golfweek.com, among other accolades.

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April 2014

Remembering

Robert Butler September 25, 1943-March 19, 2014

Streamsong guests can also take guided excursions on the property’s prolific bass fishing lakes; explore bird-watching and wildlife along a tranquil nature trail; test their aim at the resort’s sporting clays facility; indulge in European spa treatments; and take a dip in the lakeside infinity pool.

At the Lodge’s three restaurants, guests can enjoy a culinary journey with dishes to tempt every palate. They can savor contemporary Italian cuisine like osso buco, stone oven-roasted duck breast and chicken involtini at SottoTerraTM; indulge in traditional Floridian comfort foods like Apalachicola oysters, conch chowder and buttermilk fried chicken at P2O5TM; or sample pub-style small plates including sriracha glazed chicken skewers, warm blue cheese potato chips and buffalo pork rinds at Fragmentary BlueTM. Expert in hosting small executive gatherings, larger groups and private special events, the resort includes more than 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting space as well as unique settings like a rooftop meeting room and terrace, covered breezeway and 40,000 square feet of distinctive outdoor venues for memorable events.

Robert Butler was one of the twenty-six Florida artists called the Florida Highwaymen. The Florida Highwaymen traveled throughout the state in the 1950’s to 1980’s selling their paintings along the roadside and out of their car trunks.

My mother-in-law, Annie Laura Glisson, was one who enjoyed when he would stop by. I believe because so many of his paintings were of where he grew up in Okeechobee and my mother-in-law who grew up along the Kissimmee River could appreciate the way he saw and painted the natural beauty of Florida’s backwoods. The detail, even the detail in colors, not one shade of green but oh so many; that swamp, that field, those animals, they came to life.

Mr. Butler’s work as a Florida Highwayman will be remembered for many years to come in our homes, offices and throughout many government offices.

Our thoughts are with the Butler Family at this time, Rhonda Glisson, Publisher

Award-winning architect Alberto Alfonso designed Streamsong’s Lodge to showcase and celebrate the property’s natural environment. Guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass and offer stunning views of the property’s lakes and surroundings. AcquaPietraTM, a 7,000-square-foot grotto-style spa with seven unique pool experiences and nine treatment rooms, is a metaphor for the prehistoric seas that once covered the region. Fragmentary Blue, the Lodge’s rooftop lounge, provides the perfect spot for incomparable sunrise and sunset viewing and stargazing.

The property’s golf Clubhouse – which opened in January 2013 and is also designed by Alfonso Architects – features banquet space with sweeping water views, 12 guestrooms, Restaurant Fifty-NineTM - a steak and seafoodthemed restaurant, and a bar, lounge, and golf shop.

Located between Orlando and Tampa, Streamsong is convenient to two international airports and six regional airports accommodating private aircraft. To learn more about the resort or book a reservation, visit www. streamsongresort.com.

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 33

Mosaic proudly welcomes the CF Industries phosphate team.

We are celebrating a partnership that will strengthen Florida phosphate operations and help the world grow the food it needs. As we combine our expertise, deep experience and facilities, we can learn from each other to enhance operations, while growing careers for a combined workforce of nearly 4,000.

Mosaic is committed to supporting the local communities where our employees live and work. Here’s to growing a bright future together.

We help the world grow the food it needs.

ÂŽ

mosaicco.com/florida

34 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

Ag Environmental Leadership Award The Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award has been presented annually since 1994. The program spotlights the environmentally innovative farming practices of the state’s growers and ranchers.

PROTECTING FLORIDA’S RURAL LANDSCAPE Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. (CTF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit land trust that works with private landowners to protect their farms, ranches and timberlands.

It was founded in 1999 by a group of professional conservationists to address the need to protect rural land and natural areas in Florida. To date, the CTF has helped to preserve over 10,000 acres of special Florida lands.

CTF works with landowners to find the best land conservation solution to meet their long-term financial and land management needs. Options include conservation easements, purchase or donation of land, carbon credits and assistance with landowner succession and estate planning.

The Farmlands Program strives to protect working rural lands such as farms and forestland. The goal of the program is to help meet the needs of farmers and ranchers who want to protect their land for the future and to ensure that a new generation of farmers has access to affordable farmland.

Landowners often face a double-edged sword. Their land is worth more for development than as a farm or ranch.

By providing landowners with information about the estate, property and income tax and financial incentives of asset based farming opportunities and conservation programs, landowner are able to make comprehensive decisions about their land and long-term financial future.

There are several outreach and educational programs that address a full range of land conservation strategies with an emphasis on the financial and tax advantages to landowners. The projects provide information, training and assistance to both beginning and experienced farmers, as well as agency representatives, attorneys and other stakeholders.

For more information on the CTF, visit their website at conserveflorida.org April 2014

Nominees for the awards come from different parts of Florida’s agricultural industry, but they all share a commitment to protect and preserve Florida’s resources while continuing to provide agricultural products for society.

Nominations for the awards are evaluated by a committee composed of representatives of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, The Nature Conservancy, the state’s Water Management Districts, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Dairy Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and the Florida Forestry Association.

The deadline for submitting nominations is May 1.

We are proud to highlight past recipients of the award from our area: 1994

Adams Ranch, Inc., Fort Pierce Babcock Florida Company, Punta Gorda Rafter T. Cattle Company, Avon Park

1998

Longino Ranch, Arcadia V & W Farms, Avon Park

1995

1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2005 2007

2010 2012

Bright Hour Ranch, Arcadia Davie Dairy, Inc., Okeechobee Schroeder Manatee Ranch, Bradenton Lykes Bros., Inc., Okeechobee

Pacific Tomato Growers, Palmetto Carlton 2 X 4 Ranch, Arcadia

Williamson Cattle Company, Okeechobee Stan Carter, Port St. Lucie

Larson Dairy, Okeechobee

Buck Island Ranch, Lake Placid Butler Oaks Farm, Lorida

Arapaho Citrus Management, Fort Pierce Southern Accent Farm, Okeechobee

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 35

DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce With Title Sponsors

Mosaic and Seacoast National Bank Present the 5th Annual

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Shooting starts at 8:30 a.m.

Please arrive early to sign up.

Square One Sporting Clays Club 7500 SR 70 West — Lake Placid, FL

PARTICIPATION LEVELS: TITLE Sponsorship………..$1000

Includes up to 6 shooters, lunch, use of a shooting cart, Recognition as presenting in conjunction with the Chamber in all flyers, banners, articles, communications, and advertisements. Limited to one title sponsor per industry.

GOLD Sponsorship………….$500

Includes up to 6 shooters, lunch, use of a shooting cart, Gold Sponsorship signage & recognition during awards ceremony

TEAM Sponsorship………….$325

Includes 4 shooters, lunch and a station sponsorship sign on course.

STATION Sponsorship……..$50 Includes business sign on a station

Individual Shooters………….$65

Includes 100 target shooting round and lunch.

Youth under 18…..$50

Lunch Only

(Includes pulled pork and chicken along with all the fixins’) …...$20 All levels include one raffle ticket per registered shooter.

ENTRY FORM: Please send Check and Application Form to: DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, 16 S Volusia Ave, Arcadia FL 34266, Fax to 863-494-3312 or Email to chamber@desotochamberfl.com. To Pay by Credit Card, Call the Chamber 863-494-4033. All proceeds benefit the Chamber’s mission to promote and enhance growth and prosperity.

Please sign me up for the following level: ____TITLE ____GOLD ____TEAM

Payment by:

____STATION

____CHECK - Payable to DeSoto Co. Chamber

____INDIVIDUAL ____YOUTH ____Bill me

____Credit Card

Sponsor Name:__________________________ Name (s): ___________________________ Address:________________________________________________ Zip Code____________ Phone:_______________________________ Email: ______________________________

36 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

____LUNCH ONLY

April 2014

Enjoying Florida’s Natural Beauty &

Leaving it Better for the Next Generation

By Ron Lambert

I am a tremendous fan of being outdoors. Granted, I don’t spend as much time out in the woods as I would like to. For the most part, that is my fault. After all, I live very near a nice little tract of a mixed swamp and hammock that is home to a nice assortment of deer, turkey and other small game. At certain times, there are way too many feral hogs, what I politely call piney woods rooters.

I want to try and share my thoughts and impressions on a short trip that I took on Monday ,March 10th .

On the beautiful afternoon of March 10, I took a short trip and was a guest of Dr. Barbara Carlton on a prime example of a ranch where cattle and wild game both coexist in a form of harmony in and with nature. A little about Dr. Barbara; she came to Hardee County fresh from medical school to assist one of the last remaining country doctors. By that, I mean a doctor who would April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 37

come to you at most any time and fix most of what ailed you.

This man was Dr. Miles Collier and that is another story for later.

Dr. Barbara soon developed a passion for hunting the wild and wary Osceola gobblers that roamed the Florida pineland and swamps. At the same time, an awareness began to take form in her mind that the land on which she hunted was a fragile treasure. It is clear that as more and more people came to Florida, that the very thing that lured people here was rapidly being lost to all types of development. Her belief that preserving the land has its foundation in a love for the land was instilled in each of their children and has been expanded to include eleven grandchildren who believe that nothing is better than a trip out to Horse Creek Ranch.

that farm or ranch free to be used for grazing and many other agricultural operations. This appears to be a winner not only for the landowner but also for future generations of Floridians who will appreciate the preservation of a small part of the old Florida.

I realize and accept that there is no way to go back to a point where the Everglades are the original river of grass or the Kissimmee River is not a big drainage ditch. This list of environmental mistakes could go on and on to no real purpose. We must commend and support efforts to preserve what we can because it surely is worth holding on to as part of our state’s heritage.

Now I would like to attempt to describe that time that I spent out at Horse Creek following Dr. Barbara in her beloved turkey woods. We went through three gates in her trusty Dodge truck, named the Silver Queen.

It is outfitted with dog boxes, observation seats and gun racks. I have seen a number of pictures of smiling, happy grandkids on a safari with Grandmother in that truck! One cardinal rule, if you open a gate, shut it back! Also if you are given the privilege of access to a private ranch, value that highly!

During an extended conversation with Dr. Barbara, it became clear that she has a clear vision of her desire to see that both preservation and conservation continue on Horse Creek Ranch as well as other parcels owned by her family. This desire naturally begins with her four children but actually will have to Barbara Carlton and Grandson Zack McClelland be upheld in the future 2014 Spring Turkey Hunt by her grandchildren.

That is one reason that she devotes so much time with them out on the ranch. A love of and for the land that After arriving at a fourth gate, she shut off the truck and said begins early in life is very likely to become a lifelong passion. we would walk from here and not to slam the truck door. We walked through that gate and followed a road that skirted a Some years back, a program was begun to assist and pond of to the west. We were walking through what is called encourage landowners to keep acreage as near to a natural an oak hammock that is kept free of underbrush thanks to condition as is practical. You must realize that a parcel of land grazing cattle. Trying to walk quietly and avoid stepping has to provide income to enable landowners to maintain it. on sticks that pop like a rifle shot, you become aware that Given the fact that development of an agricultural zoned you hear no noise of civilization, rather noises of a squirrel property is much less than the same area that is taken for or two looking for acorns or something to chew on and off commercial or residential usage, this sets a certain value of in the distance some whooping cranes were whooping it up. The breeze made a soft whistle sound in the pine trees. the development rights to said parcel.

Doves were making the distinctive who-who sound that they The landowners who might desire to see a family farm or make in the evening. You will, if you try, become aware of so ranch kept in its original state can enroll in a state program many different animal calls and sounds all around you. whereby the development rights can be sold, but still leave

38 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

At the same time, I was trying to keep up with my host who knows the area as well as her own back yard, actually come to think of it, it is. She spends a great deal of time out scouting for turkey signs to learn more about the wily Osceola gobbler. Dr. Barbara has a custom of naming every gobbler that she comes across. It is just one more step in learning more of what to expect from her quarry. She shared an observation with me that reflects the reaction of the wild turkey to increased predator pressure, specifically coyotes in her opinion. It seems to her that the turkeys have reduced their gobbling and calling to avoid giving away their location.

Again, a theory based on time spent listening and watching this bird that makes a lot of sense.

After we advanced on foot through this hammock, we approached an area with a fairly large open area, and she whispered, “They are out here, just look carefully and remember the ten rules of turkey hunting!”

Rule Number One: Don’t move.

Rule Number Two: Don’t move.

Rule Number Three: Don’t move.

Get the picture? So we carefully scanned every inch of open space and then I saw a black stump over by a clump of palmettos. Only thing is...stumps don’t move or travel in groups! So here we are looking at three big wild turkey gobblers. Now, these birds were quite a ways off and we were concealed pretty well under the canopy of a live oak.

Suddenly, I heard a soft putt-putt to my right. Not far away at all! Turning real slowly to take a look, and realizing that it was Dr. Barbara trying to get a reaction from Theo, Thad or Tom turkey out there. They seemed to pay no attention to her calling and just wandered around pecking and scratching. By and by, they wandered off out of sight. My gracious host motioned to me that it was time to go. As we walked out to the truck, she said her grandson was coming down from college the following week and maybe she will call them back up for him.

There, in a nutshell, is an account of a very memorable time spent with a remarkable lady who loves the outdoors, especially turkey watching, as well as helping others have the thrill of harvesting a big spring gobbler. More importantly, she has a passion for the Florida piney woods, swamps and oak hammocks. I am glad to have been able to share this time at Horse Creek Ranch with this inspiring lady. Thank you Dr. Barbara Carlton!

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 39

LIGHTSEY CATTLE COMPANY: Stewards of the Land

By Robbi Sumner

I

recently had the privilege of spending the day with Cary and Marcia Lightsey of Lightsey Cattle Company, which is led by Cary and his brother Layne. The Lightseys are wellknown not just as leaders in the cattle industry, but also for their pioneering efforts in conservation and land stewardship.

We met at their Tiger Lake Ranch in Lake Wales where Cary introduced me to a few of their innovative cattle feed mixing processes. On a daily basis, Lightsey Cattle receives Publix bakery and ice cream products that have been deemed stale, as well as outdated produce from WalMart. The ice cream and produce is mixed to form a molasses-type liquid that gets added to the bakery products, ethanol corn dried distillers grains, and cotton pods/gin trash to make a feed that has proven to be a hit with their cattle. The organic mix has also reduced the Lightsey’s feed prices by over 50% compared to commercial feeds, making it a win-win for all involved.

After sharing a little of their family history with me at the ranch office, the three of us travelled to Brama Island, a short drive and boat ride away in Osceola County. The island is a unique piece of Florida’s Heartland that is located near the south end of Lake Kissimmee and has been a part of the Lightsey family history for twelve generations. Cary explains that while ownership of the island has changed throughout that time, it has remained within the family since his father Doyle purchased it in 1940. Marcia shared that the spelling of the island is derived from a species of European cattle called “Bruma” which were brought to the island in the 1800s but did not survive.According to Marcia, the island’s size varies

40 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

between 3,000 and 4,000 acres depending on water levels in the River. Cary has traced the history of Brama Island back to August 1837 through entries in the diary of Zachary Taylor which document the capture of native Indians on the land, then called Paradise Island. In the 1980s a bore was taken from one the large Live Oaks that inhabit the island that gave it an estimated age of 420 to 430 years old. “It’s estimated that the tree has fallen eight times,” Cary shared, “but all of the above ground roots have grown bark which takes upwards of 200 years.”

Brama Island is home to approximately 28 species of endangered plants and animals including snail kites, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, sand skinks and butterfly orchids.

April 2014

There are also 18 documented bald eagle nests, providing numerous opportunities to spot the national bird of the United States up close. In the 1970s, after Doyle’s untimely death, the Lightsey family opened the island up for commercial hunting as a way of increasing cash flow to keep the family ranching operation intact. Axis deer, black antelope, and Fallow deer are just a few of the wild game animals that can be seen freely roaming the property.

At their XL Ranch in Highlands County, the Lightseys participate in Northern Everglades-Payment for Environmental Services Program administered by the South Florida Water Management District. “We look for projects that will benefit the sponsoring organization as well as our own operations.

The water quality is tested monthly and the additional moisture has recharged the aquifer and helped percolate other areas, allowing more grass to grow,” Cary explained.

They also work with wildlife organizations to collar and track the habits of a dozen or so bears that call XL home.

Planting and testing new grass varieties is another area of interest for the Lightseys. Marcia said, “We were one of the first in Florida to plant the Jiggs grass from Africa. Because it is hand sprigged it is labor intensive up-front, but has a high protein content, grows later in the year and tends to be drought resistant. We also grow varieties like Hermathia from South America, and Tifton 85 and 9.”

While they buy used equipment whenever possible and even make many of their own implements, they also have state-ofthe-art cow pens with solar powered chutes, fans and misters which help lower the stress levels of the cattle (not to mention the cowboys.)

“We’ve seen so many ranchers sell their land, then the next thing they know the money is gone and they have none of their heritage left,” says Cary. “Every decision we make is for the future of our family. We want it better for them and hope they continue to do the same.” Lightsey Cattle Company currently manages fourteen ranches in Florida and Georgia with approximately 23,000 acres owned and an additional 22,000 under lease. Through the years they recognized both the need and opportunity to diversify not just with the hunting but also in areas like citrus, harvesting palmetto berries for medical use, and of course, eco-tourism.

The family was among the first in Florida to secure property conservation easements on their ranches. Such easements essentially mean that they receive payment from an entity for the promise of keeping the land native, and providing habitat for the plants and animals that live there. The easements also provide the general public with resources like pristine green space, and clean air and water.

April 2014

Lightsey Cattle Company hosts numerous groups from elementary and university students to entertainers and dignitaries. Their well-rounded approach to conservation and land stewardship has been recognized by several organizations, including being past recipients of the State, Regional, and National Environmental Stewardship Award from the Florida and National Cattlemen’s Associations among others too numerous to list. “Besides my family, I am most proud of those awards,” shared Cary. “They mean we’re doing something right.”

The Lightseys are also setting an example that other families and businesses would be proud to follow.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 41

Better Yields, Better Quality, Safer for the Environment Available through Jim Dorman of Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc. (813) 601-2540

www.agroliquid.com FL-Ad.indd 1

42 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM

April 2014

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 43

W

ednesday, March 19 was one of the most rewarding and interesting days that I can recall. I had scheduled an interview with Mr. Ralph Sexton at his office on U.S.1 in Vero Beach. Mr. Ralph is one of four children of Waldo and Elsebeth (Martens) Sexton. He is now 86 years old and still very sharp in conversation. He still comes into his office at Oslo Citrus for some time each day. The Oslo Citrus Growers operate the oldest fresh fruit packing plant on the east coast of Florida. On Wednesday, red grapefruit was being packed for shipment to various locations. I will share more on that operation a bit later.

Waldo Sexton came to Vero Beach in 1914. He was a graduate of Purdue University in 1912 and worked for a time for O.C. Barber of Barberton, Ohio, who was known as the “Diamond Match King”. Waldo began to acquire property in and around this small town. He started up many different types of businesses in the area. He was a promoter who also put his heart and soul into promoting his hometown. He left many reminders of his vision throughout Indian River County. One notable landmark is the Driftwood Inn and McKee Jungle Gardens. The Driftwood Inn stands right on the Atlantic Ocean near where S.R. 60 ends. It is a unique blend of salvaged timbers and rare tiles and treasures from all over the world. It is well worth a day trip to see the results of this man’s vision. The McKee Jungle Gardens was carved out of an 80-acre hammock judged to be too unusual and beautiful to clear for citrus.

The Sexton Family: A Rich History, Respecting the Land & a Promising Future

By Ron Lambert

44 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Waldo was involved in creation of the Oslo Hammock Corporation in 1920. The plan called for developing a 400acre grove between the Florida East Coast Railroad and the Indian River. In its heyday, it was one of the top tourist destinations in Florida. It contained a zoo with many exotic animals and rare tropical plants from all over the world. Some of the most rare orchids were grown there. Unfortunately, changing times caused it to close and much was lost to development. Today, McKee Botanical Gardens is open on a small portion of the original property.

Waldo Sexton also purchased acreage out on what is now 82nd Avenue, just a bit east of the I-95 corridor. This property is where Ralph Sexton built a home as well as his brother Randy, Sr. Ralph’s home is a rustic cracker style house built with poles and timbers of native pine. This land became known as Treasure Hammock Ranch. It came into April 2014

existence in 1943 and has a distinction of a set of cow pens built in 1943 that are still in use. They still have a dipping vat that dates from the time that all cattle were required to be dipped to eliminate the Texas fever tick. Waldo also set out to save the Florida woods cow or guinea cow, as some knew them. They were a small hardy breed, well able to thrive on palmettos and wiregrass. He felt that with selective breeding to improved stock that the resulting cross would be a hardy breed while retaining its suitability for thriving in South Florida.

At this time, the Ona Research Station was just beginning to develop and share information on mineral and nutritional needs for cattle in South and Central Florida. Improved nutrition and introduction of better grasses enabled ranchers to raise a larger and more profitable animal. The Treasure Hammock Ranch was just one of the Florida cattle operations to benefit from this research. With time, the native land was cleared to provide increased acreage of improved pastures of Bahia grass. The strands of cypress, Sabal Palm islands and pines were left as a reminder of the natural beauty of Florida.

In 2007, the Sexton family took a very bold step with the future of Treasure Hammock Ranch by offering the property to become part of Conservation Across America. This step protects that land from ever being converted to any use other than agricultural usage. The family vision is to see the ongoing operation of this outstanding part of rural Florida.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to this family for their hospitality in providing the information I needed to prepare this article. Even more important is the commitment made to benefit the Florida environment and the present and future generations of Floridians. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity. Thanks again to Mr. Ralph and grandson Michael!

I must say that I am intrigued by the accounts of the Waldo Sexton family and plan to share more on the amazing life of Waldo next month. I hope you all enjoy Heartland In the Field Magazine as much as you love living in the Heartland!

As I mentioned earlier, both Ralph and brother Randy, Sr. built homes out on this property. Ralph’s home is constructed with pine beams and timbers from Sexton property. It is located in a beautiful oak hammock just east of 82nd Avenue.

Michael Sexton’s father is Sean Sexton, Ralph’s only son. This father/son combination shares the responsibility of daily operations of Treasure Hammock Ranch. The ranch carries a herd of approximately 300 cows and calves. They also raise crossbred bulls each year and a few purebred Brahma bulls.

Michael Sexton is an energetic 25 year old, 4th generation of the Sexton family in Indian River County. He and I discussed issues pertaining to the ranch that are of interest to any native Floridian. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in animal science and went to work at a large ranch out west as a required internship pertaining to his degree. Michael is back home and making his mark in his hometown. My hope is that this family name continues to be a well-known and respected part of the Indian River area for years to come.

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 45

46 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

AG LAND

T S U M SEELOLFFER! FOR SALE MAK

220± ACRES & PACKING HOUSE HENDRY COUNTY, CR 830A, Felda,FL

25,500sf packing facility 8 bay doors 2 throw out pumps 2 Wells ORANGE GROVE 128± Acres COLLIER COUNTY Immokalee

Zoned AG, 113+ Acres Hamlin Orange grove, 19,699 trees, 2 submersible pumps & other pumps included. Call For Pricing

ORANGE GROVE 143± Acres HENDRY COUNTY Felda

ORANGE GROVE 168± Acres HENDRY COUNTY Immokalee

Zoned General AG, 100+ acres of Valencia Orange Zoned A-2, 118+ acres Valencia Orange grove, 12,384 trees, 3 submersible pumpstrees, 14,722 trees, well, pole barn, trailers & other pumps included.

Call For Pricing 1 electric throw pump.

Call For Pricing

The information contained herein was obtained from sources believed reliable, however, Lee & Associates makes no guarantees, warranties or representations as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The presentation of this property is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price or conditions prior to sale or lease or withdrawal without notice.

17,000sf drive-in cooler 220 Acres On slope lasered  ASKING: $3.5 Million

April 2014

For More Information Please Contact:

377 Acres COLLIER COUNTY 6130 Pringle Lane, Immokalee4

Individual parcels, buy all or individual parcels.

All lots are sloped laser leveled and are currently farmed.

ASKING: $3,398,940

Chuck Smith, CCIM

Carlos Acosta

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President

csmith@ccim.net

cacosta@lee-associates.com

T: 239.826.3337

Se Habla Español

T: 239.823.0115

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 47

On a breezy February day in Myakka City, I drove down a winding gravel road, passed a dairy farm and some woodlands, and then came to the entrance of Watercress Farms, Inc. Nearby I could see a packing facility, farm equipment, organic compost piles, and a nature preserve. In the distance grew a pristine and beautiful array of red and green baby lettuce sprouted in rows, and watercress wistfully floating in beds. Every aspect of the farm showed evidence of farmers who love the land and care about conserving it.

Watercress Farms, Inc.

Going Green From the U.K. to the U.S.

By Dixie Thomas

48 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Once at the office, I was greeted by the cheerful smile and English accent of Guy Averil, the President and general manager of Watercress Farms, Inc., a division of The Watercress Company. Guy came to the U.S. about 14 years ago from England, where The Watercress Company was started. Rob Last, the senior crop production manager, and Paul Walker, also a production manager, are from England as well.

Watercress Farms, Inc. (WFI) grows baby leaf salad and watercress which is exported to the U.K. As you might guess, watercress is the primary crop grown at the farm. About 10,000 bags of watercress are sent to England per month, and a total of about 500 tons per year. Florida was chosen as a farming location for the watercress crop, because of the mild climate and communication links—being centrally located between Tampa, Orlando, and Miami’s international airports, so that products can be efficiently shipped to the U.K by air. WFI also has a farm in Spain where starter seeds for plants are grown. Though the farm’s focus has been April 2014

primarily on growing crops, they are moving toward more packing and the possibility of selling to a local grocery store in Florida.

Guy Averil explains that demand for watercress is related to its health benefits. “It’s a traditional food in England, and it’s known as a poor man’s roast beef,” he says. Watercress is something people have known about for quite a while, as the Greeks grew it, the Egyptians fed it to their slaves to keep them healthy and strong and Hippocrates began his medical practice near a stream where watercress grew, so his patients had easy access to it. The nutritional value of the plant alone is incredible as it contains high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, and four times the calcium of milk. Watercress is also abundant in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial to the eyes and heart. Recent research by the University of Ulster in Ireland has also shown that watercress prevents and suppresses cancer by significantly increasing antioxidant levels in the blood and reducing DNA damage.

Watercress Farms believes it is important to farm sustainably and to be in harmony with the environment, which is reflected in many of their farming practices. WFI is GlobalGap, Tesco Nurture and Leaf Marque accredited. These organizations certify good agricultural practices such as food safety and traceability, environmental sustainability, ethical standards, and animal welfare. WFI has been certified for seven years with the Leaf Marque organization. Leaf Marque focuses on tangible improvements that can be made to a farm such as soil tests, using the correct amount and ratio of fertilizer, controlling water run-off, and safe storage of chemicals, all of which WFI strives to do.

The Leaf Marque organization also requires that a certain percentage of land on a farm is set aside as an undisturbed habitat for nature. Watercress Farms, Inc. has a total of about 500 acres, and about 250 acres of that has been set aside as a nature preserve to, “Let nature do what it does,” says Guy. The nature preserve is filled with wild flowers, native grasses, shrubs, and trees, which not only allows plants and animals an undisturbed habit, but it also encourages them to leave the crops on the farm alone. Snake beds, which are basically piles of underbrush, have been created along the edges of the preserve as a habitat for snakes, which help to naturally control reptiles and small mammals. Frequently, Ospreys, Eagles, CaraCara, Purple Martins and Bluebirds are seen flying and nesting in the preserve. The farm has built some nesting boxes for the Purple Martins and Bluebirds.

“Just this morning I saw a Purple Martin,” Guy says.

In addition to the nature preserve, Watercress Farms, Inc. has taken a number of other steps to be “green” and environmentally sustainable. Rob Last, the senior production manager, has a degree in Agriculture from Nottingham

April 2014

University and is “always working toward a sustainable environment.” Rob daily collects data, takes soil tests, and looks for pests, weeds, and diseases. In addition, all the water from the farm is recycled and remains in a closed system on the farm via a system of water carriers and pumps. The closed system allows very little environmental contamination in the water. “Water quality is hugely important to us,” says Guy. At the time of purchase by WFI, the farm had only diesel pumps, but WFI upgraded to electric pumps, which also have computers that monitor and control water pressure and pumping to help ensure no water is wasted.

Other sustainable practices include composting, crop rotation, and strategic use of chemicals. The farm has a composter and recycles composted green waste to replenish organic nutrients in the fields. Rob explains that, “It is our long term goal to raise soil organic matter on the farm.” The soil organic matter helps to hold moisture and nutrients in the soil and improve its biodiversity. Also, crop rotation, a form of integrated pest management, helps to naturally reduce insect pests—many pests will leave the area if a different crop is present. Furthermore, Guy points out that the farm has very low input with spraying herbicides and pesticides for several reasons: the U.K. has strict regulations on the types of sprays allowed, watercress is grown in water and chemicals are only used when necessary. Assessments of soil and crops are done before any chemicals are applied to increase efficiency and to prevent overuse or waste.

Planting takes place on the farm every week, nearly every day, to replace a crop each time it is harvested. Lettuce is planted in beds in a method of high density drilling so that plants are close together, not only to avoid weeds, but also to help keep each plant growing erect to enable proper harvesting. The lettuce is literally cut stem and all at harvest. The watercress crop requires a slightly more unique environment to grow.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 49

“Watercress is its own little thing,” says Guy, and indeed it is. Essentially, watercress is a semi-aquatic plant, which has two types of roots: anchoring roots which anchors into the soil, and aerial roots that float in water to absorb nutrients.

The plant must grow in flowing water, so a bed must be created on an incline and water is pumped at the highest level then flows to the lower level and is caught up in the water carriers and recirculated. This method simulates a river, where watercress would naturally grow. At the day’s end, a look at the pristine land and healthy crops shows that efforts to employ sustainable practices pays off.

the row and lot from where it was taken. Whenever any planting, fertilizing, harvesting, or anything is done to a crop, data is entered into a database. The harvester for the crops is frequently cleaned, and it also has a shaker that shakes the lettuce and watercress as it is harvested to help remove insects or any unwanted debris. As Guy says, “People don’t like it when a big grasshopper comes out and smiles on your plate;” he makes sure that doesn’t happen.

As farmers and growers, we all have a desire for future generations to have a diverse and natural environment to enjoy and also a sustainable source of wholesome food,”

No farming operation is complete without consideration for the people who eat the crop. Taking care of the environment and preserving nature certainly creates a healthier and safer product. In addition, with a degree in Food Safety, Guy is scrupulous about food safety and traceability. Every bite of salad goes through metal detectors, and the farm is entirely glass, nut, and sunflower seed free to prevent any contamination. The farm also has full traceability of all the food, with the ability to trace each bag of lettuce or watercress to the date harvested, and

Farmers are the original conservationists and their land shows where their heart is. “As farmers and growers, we all have a desire for future generations to have a diverse and natural environment to enjoy and also a sustainable source of wholesome food,” says Rob. The farmers at Watercress Farms, Inc. certainly have a passion for agriculture and for conserving the environment that so richly rewards their endeavors, and they are not afraid to let the world see what they are doing. Guy welcomes visitors and field trips to the farm. “We want to be open and accessible to the public,” he says, “We have nothing to hide.” Indeed, they have nothing to hide, rather a beautiful farm and a stunning way of sustainable farming to share with the world.

Looking for something to do on the first weekend of April? Fill it with ranch rodeos!

Saturday, April 5th, is the St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association ranch rodeo, being held at the Alto “Bud” Adams Arena of the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, located at the intersection of State Road 70 and Midway Road.

This is a Florida Cattlemen’s Association ranch rodeo qualifying event, and is a fundraiser for the local association. It is traditionally the largest of all the ranch rodeos, with as many as 29 teams competing in prior years.

As such, usually 2 teams from this event will make it to the FCA Finals in Kissimmee, so the competition is fierce. There is both an afternoon and an evening performance, with bronc riding, team sorting, double mugging, trailer loading, and wild cow milking on the roster of events.

There are concessions on-site, so come hungry, and if the St. Lucie CattleWomen are there, make sure you try some of their scrumptious desserts!

ST. LUCIE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION HOSTS

Ranch Rodeo 50 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Then follow the horse trailers west across Route 70, as many of these same teams will be at the Arcadia Rodeo Grounds the next day (Sunday, April 6th) for the Best of the Ranches WRCA ranch rodeo.

Hope to see y’all there!

April 2014

THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds

Gates open at noon • Rodeo events begin at 1 & 6 p.m. $10 per person • Children 12 and under free Food and fun for the entire family!

Bronc Ridin’ Wild Cow Milkin’ Ranch Sortin’ Sponsored in part by:

Trailer Loadin’ Double Muggin’ Cow Plop Contest

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.ADAMSRANCHRODEO.COM

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 51

mother plants; she also sells nursery plants to orchards and individual growers.

A Passion for Sustainability through Agriculture

By Kyndall Robertson

Cindy’s farm is not certified organic so that she can serve her customers with more desirable prices, although she does work hard to use organic practices. Cindy uses organic fungicides and pesticides and encourages a friendly environment for “good” insects that will deplete “bad” insect populations.

Nematodes are one example of this. She works hard to be friendlier to nature by implementing practices that will keep from destroying the soil. Cindy tries to operate organically to conserve not only the environment, but also her health. She feels that organic practices will keep her safer and healthier as she works around and handles her crops. She is also working with outside sources to ensure not only conservation on Green Sea Farms, but in other places as well. She is currently working with the South West Water Management District to conserve water by installing a weather station on her farm. She can communicate with the weather station to determine rainfall amounts, evaporation rates, humidity level; all important things she uses to determine how much water she needs to provide to her crops. This allows Cindy to be more efficient in her watering practices.

Cindy Weinstein is the true image of a woman in agriculture.

She has a passion for the environment as well as the industry.

Cindy owns and operates Green Sea Farms in Crewsville (Zolfo Springs, Hardee County) with her husband David. The couple moved to Crewsville 7 years ago, in hopes of finding a piece of land that would sustain the environment-friendly operation they desired to build and that is exactly what they have done with Green Sea Farms.

Green Sea Farms currently boasts 20 free-range chickens.

The eggs produced on Green Sea Farms are in high demand, proving that everyone loves their eggs; Cindy credits that to their high nutritional value. Also housed on the farm are 2 Dwarf Nigerian Goats that are used for milking. In true homegrown fashion, Cindy also uses the milk to make her own cheese. Green Sea Farms is home to 12-100% all natural grassfed brood cows, this year she will sell 10 calves off these cows.

If that’s not enough to keep Cindy busy, she also has her claim to fame: 5 acres of pomegranates. Cindy has 100 varieties of

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Cindy is not just hard at work on Green Sea Farms; she serves as the President of the Florida Pomegranate Association. Each winter, the Florida Pomegranate Association hosts a grower’s program serving to educate growers on practices that will April 2014

benefit them in the production process. Each fall, they hold an annual meeting and conference. This year’s conference will take place on October 10. Speakers will come from all over the world to help educate Florida pomegranate growers. The association also publishes a newsletter quarterly to send out to members to keep them up to date on happenings in the pomegranate industry. The association has recently received a block grant that they will use to team up with Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to conduct a 2-year research study. The research conducted in this study will provide growers with information on how to grow more efficiently in Florida, information regarding fungal diseases and new pomegranate varieties. The Florida Pomegranate Association has also been busy in the beginning stages of forming a co-op.

They hope to have the co-op up and running in the next year to serve producers in helping market their fruit.

If you would like more information about the Florida Pomegranate Association you can contact them at flpomegranate@gmail.com. For more information about Green Sea Farms, you can follow their activities on their website www.greenseafarms.com or contact Cindy personally at 863604-3778 to set an appointment to come visit her farm and maybe even get some of the best eggs around!

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Motorworks BREWING

L

ocated at 1014 9th Street West, at the heart of Bradenton’s expanding downtown entertainment corridor, Motorworks Brewing is implementing numerous green initiatives that positively impact the earth and local community.

In an effort to be “green”, materials such as historic bricks and window fixtures were repurposed to build-out the Motorworks Brewing taproom and brew house. Other simple, yet effective, decisions were made to reduce onsite waste such as replacing paper towel dispensers in restroom facilities with energy efficient hand-dryers.

Additionally, energy saving lights are utilized throughout the facility and Motorworks is engineering a roof water runoff into a rainwater cistern housed in their 12,000 square foot beer garden. The water saved in the cistern from various brewing operations will be used for all outside garden and tree hydration as well as gray-water for certain facilities, if the City of Bradenton will modify legislation to allow cistern use inside city limits.

With the goal of having brewery guests enjoy the two 150+year-old oak trees on Motorworks Brewing property, founders Frank and Denise Tschida built a deck large enough to comfortably fit 200 patrons. The area surrounding the large deck is covered by lush turf that spans an area previously comprised of nothing more than dirt and weeds. In an effort to continue the company’s green initiatives, the turf was repurposed

54 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

from a local soccer field, and additional supplies such as lumber to build outside amenities, were reused from the building interior refurbishment. Now, happy bocceball players enjoy the regulation-size turf courts, over a dozen cornhole games, a 3-hole putting green, and a stage for live music.

With the recent addition of a 45-foot tall grain silo, comes the ability to brew much larger quantities of Motorworks Brewing craft beer. The grain silo, a key component for our large brew house, will hold 2,000 bushels of 2 Row Base Malt. Production Manager, Dave Byrn said, “The majority of our beers will be made with the grain in the silo. It will save money, as we receive grain by the truck load versus individual pallets.” This also means we will have spent grain to donate to local farmers by the truckload!

Currently, Motorworks Brewing donates the spent grain to a small local cattle farmer and business owner, Mike Manning. He uses the spent grain to supplement his livestock feed. Although grass is the cattle’s main source of food, the donated grain is a great nutritious additive to provide variety to their diet. In addition to the grain being a delicious alternative, it is rich in protein, which helps the cattle naturally gain weight faster. Byrn jokes, “Beer goes to feed the local humans, and the spent grain goes to feed the local animals, which then ends up feeding the humans, again.”

April 2014

Motorworks Brewing’s business neighbor and owner of Bill’s Discount Center, Manning, sells the cattle he raises on his 1000+ acre farm located in Myakka City, to local people who want to raise their own livestock. Typically on his farm, you will find at least 80 head of cattle being raised from calf.

He sells the cattle twice a year when they reach 500-600 pounds. Cattle not sold to surrounding families are sold to Arcadia Stockyard. From there, the cattle can be purchased at auction for personal use on farms or they are auctioned off to market. In 1965 Bill Manning, Mike Manning’s father, started the family business, Bill’s Discount Center, which resides on 9th Street West, across the street from the brewery. Now he shares his extra parking lot across from the brewery with Motorworks Brewing. Manning says he is happy Motorworks Brewing is in the neighborhood, and that “they are very helpful and great in that way.”

Anyone that is interested in buying local cattle from Mike can contact him at his store, Bill’s Discount Center, located at 1001 9th St West in Bradenton. You can also contact Arcadia Stockyard and request Mike Manning’s Stock Number to buy his cattle at auction.

WWW.RIVERPASTURE.COM

RODGER DRAWDY

863 990 9851

CUSTOM GATES AND GATE OPERATOR SYSTEMS

April 2014

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We Are What We Spray: Take Time to Read the Fine Print on Herbicide Labels

By Dixie Thomas

Since the days of Genesis and the fall of Adam and Eve, farmers have been plagued with weeds. No matter if you grow crops or raise livestock, keeping weeds at bay is a constant battle. A little over a hundred years ago, people had only mechanical control-- plowing, mowing, or pulling up weeds by hand as methods of weed control. Later, scientists developed ways to control weeds by cultural methods such as altering soil pH or salinity. Now, we have a myriad of chemical herbicides that make weed control much quicker and more efficient. But, farmers more than anyone, should take time to read the labels on these chemicals to ensure personal and environmental safety.

Like any business, chemical companies will tell you the selling points of their product, and may gloss over undesirable information. On top of that, farmers who grew up around chemicals may take for granted the need for safety precautions when handling chemicals. It is of paramount importance that an applicator reads the entire label on a chemical in order to take proper precautions.

Every chemical is classified differently and each class works differently, but most chemical labels emphatically direct the applicator to wear protective clothing that covers all of their skin, something to protect the eyes, and to carefully avoid inhaling the chemicals. If a chemical is designed to kill some sort of pest, then it likely is unsafe for human cells as well.

A recent article published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute compiled data from a number of medical articles and concluded that “The literature shows reasonable 56 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

evidence suggesting that occupational exposure to phenoxy herbicides results in increased risk of developing nonHodgkins’ lymphoma.” This article also pointed out that “Some findings linked herbicide exposure to cancers of the colon, lung, nose, prostate, and ovary.” The article concluded that, “It seems only prudent to monitor and promote safety practices among persons occupationally exposed to phenoxy herbicides, particularly farmers and professional sprayers.” 2-4-D is an example of an herbicide in the phenoxy group and is the third most commonly used herbicide in the United States. Since farmers and professional applicators are more likely to come in contact with such chemicals, they especially need to be aware of the dangers and carcinogenic nature of chemical herbicides.

In addition to personal safety, farmers should be aware of environmental hazards when applying herbicides.

Storing chemicals properly and applying the chemicals in correct amounts and with proper methods are the first steps. Taking precautions for wildlife and livestock is also important. Some herbicides, such as 2-4-D, are highly toxic to fish and should not be sprayed near water. Livestock should be removed from pastures before most herbicides are applied, and a number of herbicides have a withholding period before livestock can safely graze after spraying the herbicide. A newer herbicide, called Grazon Extra, requires a 42 day period after spraying before livestock that have grazed the sprayed area can be exported, because of the chemical residue. Some herbicides such as Grazon Extra also require a time period after application before hay or April 2014

silage can be used off the farm, and often, treated plant material cannot be used for compost because of chemical residue. Also, Herbicides used on food crops usually have a re-cropping time period and harvesting time period to ensure residual chemicals are not in food at the time of harvest. Every chemical is different and the label should be read thoroughly.

We have to keep in mind that chemicals sprayed on our land do leave some residue and some of it eventually gets into our water systems and food chain. Roundup or Glyphosate, is the most widely used herbicide worldwide, and has recently

caused much controversy because some research has linked glyphosate residues in foods to a number of diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, depression, cancer, infertility, and Alzheimer’s. Farmers need to carefully read all the labels and fine print on chemicals, and also research the possible consequences of using the chemicals. Farmers should take precautions for their personal welfare when spraying, and precautions for the welfare of the land, the ecosystems, our earth, and future generations. If we are what we eat, then we might just as well say that we are what we spray.

Florida strawberry grower Wish Farms has always been heavily involved in their local community, as a major sponsor of the Florida Strawberry Festival and other local charity events. As a national produce broker, marketer and distributor of fresh berries and produce, Wish Farms has continued to expand their community involvement to the national stage, with efforts to encourage healthy eating of fresh fruits and vegetables and nutritional education for children.

Wish Farms announced the launch of their first children’s book, Misty the Garden Pixie, which is available for purchase on their website. The book will also be available at select stores in Plant City, FL. This brightly-illustrated children’s book is entertaining while at the same time helps raise awareness about the farms that supply their food, as well as promotes healthy eating of fruits and vegetables to kids.

Florida Strawberry Grower

WISH FARMS RELEASES CHILDREN’S BOOK

This book, written by Therese Wishnatzki and illustrated by Joey Donovan, was inspired by the birth of the Wishnatzki’s first grandchild – the 5th generation in their family-owned-and-operated Wish Farms legacy.

“We’ve always been a family-focused business, and healthy eating is important to us,” said Therese Wishnatzki, writer of Misty the Garden Pixie and wife of owner Gary Wishnatzki. “We hope this book will not only provide our younger consumers with a fun way to interact with the Wish Farms brand, but will also inspire kids to snack on fresh fruits, berries, and vegetables instead of some of the unhealthy alternatives.”

To purchase and download Misty The Garden Pixie,

visit the Wish Farms site here: www.wishfarms.com/misty

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 57

By Levi Lambert

T

imes have certainly changed in the past 30 years.

Remember when children would beg for time before dinner to run, climb trees and play outdoors rather than jump in front of the television or computer right after school. Mother Nature’s playground for a child was only limited by their imagination. Where a stick and a tree could become a sword and a castle. Water puddles and a few rocks could become a mud pie tea party. Kids back then were on the brink of a technology boom. As the computer reduced in price and size, so did the number of kids outdoors after school. Nothing can compare to the benefits of the electronic technology we have today, but the generation of tomorrow will not learn of the outdoors from a computer like the generations of the past know of outdoors. This is where some folks can foresee a problem. Kids who do not learn to love and enjoy nature at its best will not have a desire to insure nature stays beautiful.

Recently, a new program has been put together to help reconnect our youth and kids to Florida’s beautiful outdoors. Joined together, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission started the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. The idea behind this program is to encourage and empower kids to participate in traditional outdoor activities. In order to provide these opportunities close to home for kids throughout the state, a statewide network of conservation centers has been formed, athough there is still much more to be done and accomplished. The FYCCN is seeking businesses or organizations to become a partner, provide monetary contributions and fund-raising support, property owners and manufacturers to provide locations and resources and volunteers of various age and abilities are needed to participate.

Florida has no shortage of men and women with plenty of outdoor knowledge. So far, FYCCN has been a success and with growing support, this program can continue to reach more kids. The FYCCN has high hopes to make it possible for centers to be within 45 minutes of outlying communities so that everyone can enjoy and participate in the fun learning environments that are available.

The FYCCN has grouped activities into categories and placed a label on them for presentation purposes. The “Wild

58 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Outdoors” experience consists of traditional activities such as fishing, canoeing, archery, and deep-woods orienteering.

You can find this experience at existing facilities like the ones in Ocala or the Everglades. The “Near Outdoors” experience includes activities such as pier or pond fishing, archery in the schools, a local birding competition, a habitat program taught in the schools and that is just naming a few.

Anyone interested in learning more about locations, involvement, participation, partnerships, or just general information can visit the website at FYCCN.org. This month’s magazine focus is all about our environment. I couldn’t think of a better way to support our environment other than to get our kids involved. Kids that love the outdoors and all that nature has to offer will help to keep Florida beautiful. Protect what we have by using and supporting this wonderful program. Kids spend enough time indoors multi-tasking with two or more media devices at a time.

Give those electronics some down time and the outdoors some free time.

April 2014

Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is April 29th!

Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is scheduled for Tuesday April 29, 2014. The annual reading event is a chance for farmers, ranchers, University of Florida IFAS extension and 4-H agents and master gardeners, FFA teachers and students and agriculture industry representatives to read a children’s book about the Florida agriculture industry to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This year’s book is titled Florida Farms at School.

Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. invites Florida agriculture industry volunteers to read its newest storybook to elementary school children that will showcase the variety of agricultural projects being done in our schools.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employees, University of Florida IFAS Extension Agents, 4-H Agents and Master Gardeners, Florida Farm Bureau members, Florida Cattlemen and Cattlewomen members, FFA teachers, students and other agriculture industry representatives are invited to read and are asked to schedule their classroom visits with schools at least two weeks before their readings.

April 2014

CONGRATULATIONS

to the 4-H and FFA students who

participated in local youth fairs.

Mosaic congratulates the 4-H and FFA students who worked tirelessly to make their county fair’s youth livestock shows a success. We also salute the community members and fellow businesses that turn out annually to support youth ag.

This year, Mosaic purchased livestock from the Hardee, DeSoto and Manatee fairs and donated more than 8,000 pounds of meat to local organizations in those counties to help feed those in need.

We’re proud to carry on this tradition of supporting local agriculture and hunger-relief efforts in the communities where our employees live and work.

We help the world grow the food it needs. ®

mosaicco.com/florida

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 59

2014 Charlotte County Photos Submitted by Silver King Photography

Fair

Grand Champion Hog, Matthew Ford

Res. Grand Champion Hog, Michaela Flowers BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Cross Ties Farm & Garden crosstiesfarmandgarden.net 4371 Duncan Road Punta Gorda, FL 33982 941-575-0909

Grand Champion Hog Sr. Showmanship, Victoria Baker

Res. Grand Champion Hog Showmanship, Shanna Miller Grand Champion Steer, Victoria Baker

Michaela Flowers

Res. Grand Champion Steer, Rickie Epperly

Grand Champion Sr. Steer Showmanship, Alexis Dunn Grand Champion Charlotte County Born & Bred Steer

Res. Sr. Grand Champion Showmanship, Victoria Baker Grand Champion Heifer, Victoria Baker

Res. Grand Champion Overall Heifer, Hudson Tull

Grand Champion Charlotte County Born & Bred Heifer, Hudson Tull

Grand Champion Sr. Heifer Showmanship, Victoria Baker Grand Champion Jr. Heifer Showmanship, Hudson Tull Grand Champion Bull, Victoria Baker

Victoria Baker

60 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Alexis Dunn

Victoria Baker and Shanna Miller

Victoria Baker

April 2014

2014 Desoto County

Fair

Steer Show Grand Champion Austin Beswick BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Steer Show Reserve Grand Champion Hal Turner

www.mosaicindesoto.com

Swine Show Grand Champion Caris Dodd

Swine Show Reserve Grand Champion Kori Davis

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 61

2014 Glades County

Youth Livestock Shows The Livestock Shows and Sale are part of a busy week leading up to the Chalo Nitka Festival and this year was another success.

Each night, the shows were proudly opened with Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

One of the crowd’s favorite events of the week is always the Pee Wee Show; there were 23 exhibitors altogether with 9 Rabbits, 3 Pigs, 2 Goats, 1 Dairy Calf and 8 Beef Calves. They all did great and received blue ribbons and medallions for their efforts.

There were 9 exhibitors displaying 12 animals in the Dairy Show. The Jr. Calf Grand Champion was Jesse Espinosa with her Holstein, “Sophia”. Sierra Hart took Jr. Calf Res Grand Champion with her Holstein, “Snowflake”. Sr. Calf Grand Champion & Overall Grand Champion was Chloe Ahern with her Brown Swiss “Toodles”. Collin Ahern took the honor of Sr. Calf Res Grand Champion as well as Overall Res Champion with his Holstein, “Snickers. Collin Ahern also won Jr. Showmanship and 2nd place was Sierra Hart. Sr. Showmanship went to Chloe Ahern and 2nd place, Jesse Espinosa.

In the swine show, there were 36 entries, including 1 for the 4-H Chapter exhibited

by Tanner Mathis and 1 for the FFA Chapter exhibited by Jaime Hingson. Tracie Branch was Grand Champion Swine with her 295-pound Hamp/York X. Lilly Everett received Res Grand Champion for her Yorkshire X weighing in at 296 pounds.

Garrett Palladino won Jr. Showmanship and 2nd place was Darcie McRoy. Olivia Everett received Sr. Showmanship and 2nd place was Tanner Mathis.

62 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Eleven steer exhibitors proudly displayed their animals ranging in weight from 1,000 to 1,440 pounds. Ellie Goodwin won Grand Champion with her 1,305-pound steer. Lacy Green was awarded Res Grand Champion for her 1,350 pound steer. Home Grown Grand Champion went to Brooks Bass with his 1,265 pound SBP, LLC bred steer.

Home Grown Res Grand Champion went to Breanna Robbins with her 1,440 pound steer bred by Lykes Brothers, Inc. Gracie Goodwin received the Jr. Showmanship award and 2nd place went to T.J. Barfield.

Nathan Simmons won the Sr. Showmanship award and 2nd place was Kathleen Barfield.

Breanna Robbins’ steer had an average daily weight gain of 4.37 pounds, which earned her the Weight Gain buckle. The Commercial Heifer Show followed with 7 exhibitors and their 8 entries. Grand Champion was awarded to Kathleen Barfield. Res Grand Champion went to Lacy Green. Kathleen Barfield was awarded Sr. Showmanship and Jr. Showmanship went to T. J. Barfield.

The Chalo Nitka Queen Bailey Browning, Jr. Miss Chalo Nitka Cassie Hart and Chalo Nitka Princess Jayla Ramos did an excellent job presenting all the exhibitors with their ribbons and the winners with their belt buckles. Glades County Youth Livestock would like to thank all of those who helped make the 2014 Livestock Shows a great success!

April 2014

2014 Hardee County

Youth Livestock Show Photos by Delaney Photography, www.delaneyphotography.com Steers Dylan Bozeman........... Grand Champion Abby Clark.................. Res. Grand Champion Destiny McCauley...... 1st Place Sr. Showmanship Hunter Sellers.............. 1st Place In. Showmanship Dean Clark.................. 1st Place Jr. Showmanship Swine Heidi Smith................. Grand Champion Riley Albritton............ Res. Grand Champion Cheyenne Gough......... 1st Place Sr. Showmanship Shelby Gibson............. 1st Place In. Showmanship Clayton Harris............. 1st Place Jr. Showmanship Rabbits Will Cornell................. Best of Show Gavin Tubbs................ Res Best of Show Christopher Castaldi.... Res Champion Christian Avalos Showmanship

Mini Divison Rebekah Erekson Showmanship

Junior Division Bo Trammell............... Best of Breed Mini Rex Gavin Tubbs Best of Breed

Mini Lop Broken Addison Drake Best of Breed

Netherland Dwarf Michaella Walker........ Best of Breed Polish Morgan Dickey........... Best of Breed Jersey Tori Durden................. Best of Breed Holland Lop Christopher Castaldi.... Best of Breed Chinchilla Quentin VanSickle...... Best of Breed American St. Will Cornell................. Best of Breed Havana Poultry Garrett Ham................ Grand Champion Standard Dalton Bryant.............. Res Champion Standard Jordan Miller............... Grand Champion Bantam Christopher Castaldi.... Res Champion Bantam Cade Roberts............... 1st Place Sr. Showmanship Morgan Lanier............ 1st Place In. Showmanship Emma Eures................ 1st Place Jr. Showmanship Christian Avalos.......... 1st Place Mini Showmanship Jordan Miller............... Best of Show Christopher Castaldi.... Reserve Best of Show Abigail Erekson.......... Grand Champion Ducks Morgan Lanier............ Reserve Champion Ducks Cade Roberts............... Grand Champion Geese Cade Roberts............... Reserve Champion Geese Dalton Bryant.............. Grand Champion Turkey

April 2014

Beef Breeding Klae Barber................. Grand Angus Bull Eric Klein.................... Grand Brahman Bull Kipp Cooper................ Grand Brahman Female Claudia Klein.............. Res Brahman Female Alyssa Barber.............. Grand Champion

Chianina Female Jhett See Grand Champion

Black Hereford Bull Dillon Bozeman.......... Grand Commercial Heifer Griffen Clark .............. Res Commercial Heifer Dean Clark.................. Grand Brahman

Influence Heifer Shelby Dees Res Brahman

Influence Heifer Kaylee Barberee.......... Grand Beefmaster Female Kaylee Barberee.......... Grand Beefmaster Bull Kaylee Barberee.......... Grand Champion Dairy Dillon Bozeman.......... Supreme Grand Heifer Griffen Clark .............. Res Supreme Heifer Allison Farr................. 1st Place Sr. Showmanship Klae Barber................. 1st Place In. Showmanship Dean Clark.................. 1st Place Jr. Showmanship

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

www.mosaicinhardee.com

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 63

Hendry County

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Fair

The 2014 year began and ended well for Hendry County 4-H and FFA members who participated in the Hendry County Fair and the LaBelle Youth Livestock Show. The LaBelle Youth Livestock Show was held at the LaBelle Rodeo Grounds February 8th – February 15th and the Hendry County Fair was held at the Clewiston Fairgounds from February 14th – February 22nd.

The Hendry County Fair and Youth Livestock Show highlights were Kyle Mann - Grand Champion Heifer, 1st Place Senior Beef Breeding Fitting/Grooming, 2nd Place Senior Beef Breeding Showmanship and Reserve Champion Hendry County Bred Steer and Weston Rayburn - Reserve Champion Steer, 2nd Place Senior Fitting/ Grooming, Reserve Champion Steer and 2nd Place Senior Showmanship.

Swine Show

Dusty Catala – 1st Place Senior Beef Breeding Showmanship; Landon Sutton Grand Champion Steer and 3rd Place Junior Steer Showmanship; Mason Davis - Hendry County Bred Grand Champion Steer and 1st Place Junior Showmanship; Cole Davis – 2nd Place Junior Steer Showmanship; Hunter Abowd - 1st Place Senior Steer Showmanship and Jimmy Davis – 3rd Place Senior Steer Showmanship.

Alyssa Ralston – Grand Champion Swine and 3rd Place Senior Swine Showmanship; Alexia Beraza – Reserve Champion Swine; Chloe White – 1st Place Junior Swine Showmanship; Jennah Hernandez – 2nd Place Junior Swine Showmanship; Victoria Wheeler – 3rd Place Junior Swine Showmanship; Bryce Lawson – 1st Place Senior Swine Showmanship and Carlie Morrell – 2nd Place Senior Swine Showmanship.

Bryce Lawson — 1st Place SR Showmanship

Beef Breeding Show Kyle Mann — Grand Champion Heifer; 1st Place JR Showmanship, Fitting & Grooming; Weston Rayburn—Reserve Champion Heifer; 1st Place SR Showmanship, Fitting & Grooming; Dusty Catala – 1st Place Senior Showmanship

64 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Steer Show Mason Davis —Hendry County Bred Grand Champion and1st Place JR Showmanship

Swine Show Chloe White — 1st Place JR Showmanship

April 2014

2014 Labelle

Youth Livestock Show The LaBelle Youth Livestock Show highlights: Alyssa Jedrykowski – Cutest Pet; Zachary Darylmple – Most Unusual Name of Pet; Cassie & Carly Hendry – Most Look Alike Child and Pet; Katie Rose – Best Dressed Pet; Vivian Rodriguez – Most Unusual Name of Pet; Justin Mickelsen – Best Pet Trick and Dalton Watson – Happiest Pet. Magaret Gacula – Bantam Breed Best of Show, 1st Place Junior Poultry Showmanship and 2nd Place Junior Small Animal Herdsman; Justin Mickelsen – Bantam Breed Best Opposite, Standard Breed Best of Show, Standard Breed Best Opposite, Cavy Best Opposite, 2nd Place Junior Poultry Showmanship, Cavy Best Opposite, Best Opposite Rabbit and 2nd Place Junior Cavy Fitting/Grooming ; Alyssa Jedrykowski – Best of Show Cavy and 1st Place Junior Cavy Fitting/Grooming; Hannah Bechtel – Best of Show Rabbit,2nd Place Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship, Fitting/Grooming, 1st Place Dairy Goat Herdsman and 2nd Place Junior Small Animal Herdsman; Viviana Rodriguez – 1st Place Junior Small Animal Herdsman and Victoria Magana – 1st Place Senior Small Animal Herdsman.

Blake Crawford – Grand Champion Heifer and 1st Place Junior Beef Showmanship; Windall Tindall – Reserve Champion Heifer, Grand Champion Steer, Hendry County Bred Grand Champion Steer, 2nd Place Junior Beef Herdsman, 2nd Place Junior Beef Showmanship; Bryson Crawford - Reserve Champion Hendry County Bred Steer, 1st Place Junior Beef Herdsman and 1st Place Average Daily Gain; McKenzie Redish – Reserve Champion Steer, 1st Place Senior Beef Showmanship; 1st Place Senior Beef Herdsman and 2nd Place Average Daily Gain and Katelyn Steelman – 2nd Place Senior Beef Showmanship and 2nd Place Senior Beef Herdsman.

Brilee Cochran – Grand Champion Swine; Taylor Martin – Reserve Champion Swine and 2nd Place Average Daily Gain; Brandon Flack – 1st Place Junior Swine Showmanship; Landon Glenn – 2nd Place Junior Swine Showmanship; Joey Leon – 2nd Place Senior Swine Showmanship; Emmalee Langford – 1st Place Swine Average Daily Gain; Gwen Ash – 1st Place Junior Swine Herdsman; Augustus Dunaway – 2nd Place Junior Swine

April 2014

Herdsman; Shelby French – 1st Place Senior Swine Herdsman and Derek Rose - 2nd Place Senior Swine Herdsman.

Mia Herrera – Dairy Goat Best of Show, 1st Place Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship, Fitting/ Grooming and 2nd Place Senior Dairy Goat Herdsman; Cassidy Willis – 1st Place Senior Swine Showmanship, 2nd Place Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship, Fitting/Grooming and 1st Place Senior Dairy Goat Herdsman and Emilee McNeal – 1st Place Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship, Fitting/ Grooming and 2nd Place Junior Dairy Goat Herdsman.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Renee Plamondon – 1st Place Junior Fashion Revue; Ashton Nodal – 2nd Place Junior Fashion Revue; Edilia Rodriquez –2nd Place Intermediate Fashion Revue; Margaret Gacula - 1st Place Intermediate Fashion Revue and Samantha Bunting – 1st Place Senior Fashion Revue.

Fair/Show committee members, parents, leaders, advisors, as well as show sponsors and livestock buyers are greatly appreciated. All of the exhibitors enjoyed their week and the many memories obtained from participating in the Hendry County Fair and the LaBelle Youth Livestock Show.

Fashion Show Participants

Poultry Show Zachary Darlymple—PeeWee Maggie Gagula—Best of Show Bantam Breed and 1st JR Showmanship Justin Mickelsen —Best Opposite Ban-tam Breed, Best of Show/Best Opposite Large Breed and 2nd Place JR Show-manship

Steer Show Windall Tindall—Grand Champion, Hendry County Bred Grand Champion and 2nd Place JR Showmanship McKenzie Redish—Reserve Champion, 1st Place SR Showmanship and 2nd Place Average Daily Gain

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 65

2014 Highlands County Photos by Mountain Top Photography

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Glisson’s Animal Supply

Steer Grand Champion Res Grand Champion Commercial Heifer Grand Champion Res Grand Champion Swine Grand Champion Res Grand Champion

Amy Brumfield Shelby Hill Emily Little Kyle Mercer Eli Gullet Sarah Orrell

4525 US Hwy 27 SSebring 863-471-FEED

66 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

Fair

2014 Lee County

Fair

Supreme Champion Steer: Shyann Mann

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Res Supreme Champion Steer: Abby Mast

3771 Palm Beach Blvd.

Ft. Myers, FL 33916 800-282-7949

Grand Champion Bull: Rance Musco Res Grand Champion Bull: Kylie Perra

Supreme Champion Swine: Brianne Harper

Grand Champion Heifer: Kadin Musco Res Grand Champion Heifer: Wyatt Edwards Grand Champion Cow: Jillian Deriso Res Grand Champion Cow: Ally Taylor Grand Lee County Bred Steer: Brayden Hipp

Res Supreme Champion Swine: Casey Ritenburg

April 2014

Res Lee County Bred Steer: Jaynie Clay Parker

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 67

2014 Manatee County

Fair

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

www.mosaicco.com/florida

Swine Show Grand Champion: Trey Winsor, 275 lbs Buyer: Falkner Farms

Steer Show Grand Champion: Jessica Embach, 1300 lbs Buyer: Hendrick Honda

68 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Swine Show Reserve Grand Champion: Spencer Crosby, 279 lbs Buyer: Falkner Farms

Steer Show Reserve Grand Champion: Spencer Teuton, 1140 lbs Buyer: Arcadia Stockyard

April 2014

2014 Okeechobee

Youth Livestock Show Celebrating 45 Years

The 2014 Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show was held March 8th – 16th at the Okeechobee County Agri Civic Center, celebrating a 45-year tradition.

The week began with the Rabbit and Poultry shows where almost 120 rabbits, chickens, ducks and turkeys were on display, with lots of smiles from their young owners. The Grand Champion Rabbit, a Mini Rex doe, was shown by Cameron Williams, with Rabbit Showmanship classes won by Junior Andrew King, Intermediate Dylan Hodges and Senior Selena Bowman.

Dylan Hodges’ Black Sumatra rooster was chosen as the Grand Champion Poultry entry. Shelby Sumner won her very first buckle in Junior Poultry Showmanship, with Dylan back to win the Intermediate division and Matthew Starr winning Senior.

At the Lamb and Goat show, Dylan Hodges took home the Grand Champion Lamb buckle and Carolanne Lundy won Reserve Champion. Lamb Class winners were Sydney Lawrence, Payton Byrd, and Dylan Hodges. Sydney and Dylan also won their Showmanship classes, Junior and Intermediate respectively, with Tyffani Zeller winning the Senior division.

Carleigh Henson earned the Grand Champion Goat buckle and Tyffani Zeller took Reserve. Class winners included Byron Byrd, Carleigh, and Tyffani.

Showmanship classes were won by Junior Joshua Lawrence, Intermediate Shelby Lynn Kirton and Senior Matthew Lanning.

In the Dairy show, Cady McGehee and her Jersey cow won Overall Grand Champion. The Grand Champion breed winners were: Ayrshire, Cady McGehee; Brown Swiss, Megan Perona; Guernsey, Cady McGehee; Holstein, Alex Pluskot; Jersey, Cady

McGehee; and Milking Shorthorn, Felipe Soto. Alex Pluskot won both the Junior and Senior Bred By categories (which are based on the cows age, not the exhibitor). Dairy Showmanship winners included Junior Cole Verano, Intermediate Cady McGehee and Senior Felipe Soto. Cady McGehee was also named Dairy Herdsman.

Swine Showmanship was held on Tuesday, with Cole Clemons winning the Junior class, Edana Scalf winning Intermediate and Ashley McDuffie winning Senior Showmanship. At the Swine show, with 151 hogs having made weight, there were 15 classes.

Division winners included Tristan Anderson, Lauren Raulerson, Jacob McGehee, Trey Thomas and Jacey Mullis, who went onto win Grand Champion and Trey took Reserve. Kimberly Tinajero and Ethan Parriott were selected as Swine Herdsmen.

Steer Showmanship winners were Junior Patrick Lehman, Intermediate Natalee Trimble and Senior Felipe Soto. Class winners included Jacie Harvey, Osceola FFA, Byron Byrd, Maria Grisales, Chance Deen, Carolanne Lundy and Patrick Lehman.

Carolanne went on to win Grand Champion, with Maria Grisales taking Reserve. The County Bred Grand Champion buckle also went to Carolanne with Chance Deen winning Reserve. Caleb Stewart and Nathan Stewart were chosen as Steer Herdsmen.

12399 Northeast 224th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2529 www.quailcreekplantation.com

In the Beef Breeding shows, Patrick Lehman again took the Junior Showmanship buckle, with Natalee Trimble winning Intermediate and Felipe Soto winning Senior. Overall Grand Champion Female went to Patrick Lehman, with Felipe Soto winning for Overall Grand Champion Bull. The Herdsman award went to Zeke Bryan.

Felipe Soto earned the coveted Triple Crown buckle by being the high-point winner across three different categories. Congratulations to all exhibitors!

Cady McGehee

Carleigh Henson Cameron Williams

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

April 2014

Felipe Soto

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 69

2014 St. Lucie

County Fair The PRCA rodeo opened up the fair with a packed arena for both nights, the Demolition Derby was standing room only, and 2,500+ people enjoyed the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on the final Saturday night.

The grounds entertainment featuring both local and national acts kept the midweek crowds strong. It amazed all of us each night!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association www.www.slccattlemen.org

The St. Lucie County Fair started out with a record setting Friday, February 28th and continued on with five additional record setting days in both attendance and midway ride sales! Great weather of course is a huge factor in the industry, but so is great entertainment, daily specials and great fair food. The St. Lucie County Fair had it all this year and the numbers showed it. The advance sale program kicked it off with an 8.2% increase in sales, daily gate sales were up 8.5%, and midway ride sales were up 8.9%.

Livestock sales were well attended by the local businesses and the swine averaged $6.71 per pound and the steers brought an average $3.72 per pound.

The youth program is very blessed to have the kind of support we have in these economic times.

Fasten your seatbelts.....next year is the 50th Anniversary of the St. Lucie County Fair and the Board and staff is already planning another bang-up year! Save the dates: February 27th through March 8th, 2015. See you all then!

70 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Prior to the fair officially opening, fifteen young ladies competed for the coveted title of Fair Queen.

Contestants were scored based on their application packages, stage presence, and responses to various questions. At the end of the evening, Allison Russakis was crowned Queen, with her court of Rebecca Anderson, Amy Kennedy and Kayla Briggs.

April 2014

The Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show Committee would like to thank all of the sponsors, buyers, exhibitors, family members, friends, and other volunteers who make our show possible each year!

2014 Show Sponsors included: Premier Sponsor: Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee County

Prime Sponsors: Small Animal Show: St. Lucie Battery & Tire Goat & Lamb Show: Representative Cary Pigman Dairy Show: J & J Ag Swine Showmanship Show: Emory Walker Company Swine Show: Tree Locators Steer Show: SeaCoast National Bank Beef Breeding Show: W & W Supply Company of Florida

Choice Sponsors: Gilbert Ford, Everglades Farm Equipment, Treasure Coast Dermatology

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 71

FFA JOUNAL

Hello Heartland!

What a busy few months Florida FFA has had! From conferences and fundraisers to groundbreakings and meeting with legislators in Tallahassee, Florida FFA members are paving new ways every day. In mid February, 150 Florida FFA members made the journey to the Leadership Training Center for the 2014 State Leadership Summit (SLS). At SLS we began the delegate process for the 86th Florida FFA State Convention. Also at SLS, Florida FFA put on the largest service project we have ever done. We packed over 41,500 meals for needy families all across the US. Over the past few months, I’ve been updating you on the progress of the Building Our Legacy Project between the Florida FFA Association and the Florida farm Bureau Federation. I am thrilled to tell you that on March 10, 2014 ground was broken on the renovation project that will move the Florida FFA Association to our new and permanent headquarters on the Florida farm Bureau Campus in Gainesville. The groundbreaking ceremony brought FFA members from all over the state, Florida Farm Bureau executives, state legislators and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam.

Immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, State FFA President, Megan Stein, and I headed to Tallahassee for several days of meeting with Florida legislators. While in Tallahassee, the rest of the Florida FFA State Officer Team and 150 dedicated FFA members overran the Capital with blue corduroy for Ag on the Hill.

More recently, the Florida FFA Foundation hosted the 11th Annual Beast Feast at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City. FFA chapters set up booths and served everything from venison chili and conch fritters to hand-churned ice cream and deep fried Oreos.

Now, Florida FFA is beginning preparations for the upcoming Florida FFA State Convention in July! Everything that Florida FFA members are doing is exciting and is making Florida FFA and agricultural education better than ever!

Warm Regards,

Wally Martin Florida FFA State Secretary 2013-2014

72 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

April 2014

J.D. Oden:

Catching The

BIG ONE

Anglers of all ages imagine catching “the big one;” it’s the dream that fishing stories are made of.

While fishermen many times his age never actually achieve it, nine-year old J.D. Oden of Okeechobee has already accomplished that feat by landing an almost 11-pound bass!

“I’ve been fishing as long as I can remember,”

the South Elementary third grader shared with me. (His grandmother Billye Oden confirmed that to be since he was about 5 years old!)

J.D. and his father Daryl spend most of their free time together enjoying the sport, be it in fresh or salt water, “and brackish water” J.D. was quick to add. He’s caught everything from bass to snook and tarpon on their adventures, even including one flounder.

April 2014

By Robbi Sumner

The pair was bass fishing the northern end of Lake Okeechobee – J.D. still will not disclose the exact location – on December 14, 2013 when he felt a strong tug on his Bait Caster line. “This one’s all you,” J.D. recalls his father saying, “and I knew I needed to get off the bow of the boat to bring her in,” he grins. After a respectable fight and once they were back on land, his catch was taken to Fast Break Bait & Tackle where the bass measured 25 inches long and a whopping 10.98 pounds! Representatives of Bass Pro Shops were contacted the next day and they sent a biologist to confirm the fish’s measurements. After promising to provide J.D. with a trophy replica of his catch, the fish was transported to their Palm Bay store and kept in quarantine for 30 days before being introduced to one of their freshwater fish tanks.

And as the story has it, the bass apparently enjoyed eating a smaller mudfish as a snack shortly after being released into her new habitat, demonstrating how she has achieved her large size!

J.D. has celebrated his big catch in a number of ways, including a special cake with a photo of him and the bass on top that his mother, Wanda Creech, had made for him when he turned nine in February. He has also received a congratulatory letter from Bass Pro along with a “10-pound Club” patch, and his story has been featured in B.A.S.S. magazine.

As for his future plans, J.D. continues to cast for another “big one” every chance he gets and hopes to someday put his expertise to work with a career in the fishing industry.

I’d say he’s well on his way!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 73

THE ARCADIA RODEO 2014 Photos and Article by Kathy Gregg

Every year I look forward to the second full weekend of March, because that is when the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo takes place. This year was the 86th event for the Granddaddy of ‘Em All.

And those days are filled with wild rodeo action, amazing horses and cowboys, bucking bulls, kids riding sheep and chasing calves, plenty of good food and drink and cowgirls on fast horses, including Miss Rodeo Florida carrying flags and even shooting Harry the Beer Man! This year Mother Nature smiled down on the Arcadia Rodeo arena all three days, with almost perfect weather, even the slack performance on Thursday night was nice, despite rains all day long. The slack even saw the winning time of 9.5 seconds in the tie-down roping event by Texan Nathan Steinberg, as well as Hardee County’s Charles W. “Trae” Adams III tying for 8th place with a time of 11.9 seconds.

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Each day began with the Tater Hill Bluff Gang storming the arena – the dance hall girls in their colorful dancing dresses, and the good guys (the sheriff and his deputies) taking on the evil robbers and the horse thief (who escaped from the jail three times, unnoticed). Since 2011, this group has welcomed the participation of rodeo royalty, and this year that was the lovely and vivacious Miss Rodeo Florida Devon Firestone, who wielded that six-shooter like a pro!

April 2014

Just prior to the professional cowboy action was the sheep riding for the 3-to-6-year-old set. And each day saw a Heartland cowboy take home their very own shiny belt buckle – Cael Nelson of Arcadia, Cash Langford of Glades County, and Teegan Ryan of Punta Gorda. Congratulations, and see y’all next year!

Fort Pierce the prior weekend with a time of 13.9 seconds).

Josh Moore of Parrish, who was sitting in 4th place in the Southeastern Circuit, also had a good steer-wrestling run, with a time of 8.6 seconds. Josh’s hazer is his uncle Wade Cooper also of Parrish, a long-time and well-known bulldogger in his own right.

The total payout of $82,200 at Arcadia attracts some of the best contestants nationwide. Many are repeat Wrangler National Finals Rodeo competitors and winners. And the chance to also compete for the $40,937 payout at Okeechobee’s CowTown Rodeo the same weekend makes the long trip worthwhile for them.

Parrish must have sent it’s best to Arcadia, as the junior barrel racing event was won by Merrill Mundy of Parrish.

With hair flying, and kissing to her horse, this 11-year-old had an awesome run of 16.70 seconds, beating out girls 5-7 years her senior. The barrel racing is always a favorite with the crowd, and the younger girls get high applause and cheers – well-deserved on Merrill’s part!

Cody DeMoss, the 2012 saddlebronc winner at Arcadia, ended in a 5-way tie for 6th place (with a score of 82), which group included his brother Heith, and repeat world champion Cody Wright. There are several Wright brothers who competed at the Thomas & Mack Center in December, and Cody’s oldest son Rusty (the current National High School Finals Rodeo champ) is starting his PRCA career. DeMoss also ended in a tie with former Floridian Isaac Diaz for 3rd place at Okeechobee, with a score of 83.

Okeechobee cowboy Ivan Bruised Head took home $1,013 for a 6.4 second run, and 4th place, in the steer wrestling event – once again making history by having a FEMALE hazer, Big Town Billie (who is also his team roping partner, and they took 6th place at

April 2014

The 2013 NFR tie-down roping champ, Shane Hanchey, may live in Oklahoma, but his ties to the Heartland are strong – older brother Jason (himself a former NFR tie-down roper) lives in Okeechobee. The brothers competed in both rodeos, with Shane giving a try at team roping in Okeechobee, where he and partner Cade Johnson placed 6th with a time of 12.1 seconds. Okeechobee was kind to the Hanchey family, with Jason’s wife Kristin winning the WPRA barrel racing event in 15.82 seconds.

Bull riding saw some GREAT action! Two cowboys tied for the win with a score of 88, but what a pleasure to see former Arcadian Ty Harris (still sporting his General Custer look!)

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 75

with a great ride for 82 points, which placed him in the money. And former Arcadian Austin Gross tied for 4th place in Okeechobee with a score of 81.

The Arcadia All-Florida Saddle Club performs the quadrille – they promenade their partners, and thread that needle, all while looking great in those brilliant-colored matching shirts. And this year, the announcing job was passed on to third generation JW Court.

And the entertainment was provided by Keith Isley, the 2013 PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, including local Matt Condo in Sunday’s routine. Keith’s well-trained horses gave the spectators a show to remember!

The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo brings in Frontier Rodeo Company from Winnie, Texas. Their stock is nothing short of AWESOME!! This year also saw stock from Arcadia-based Klein Bros. Pro Rodeo.

Frontier also brings 8-time world champion bullrider Donny Gay as announcer, and some of the best pick-up men in the business, Rex Bugbee, Shawn “Too Tall” Calhoun, and Jason Bottoms. These cowboys know how to get the riders safely off the horses (who are usually still bucking!) at break-neck speeds, and can rope a bull when necessary!

And the bullfighters gave an exciting show – Robert “Blue” Jeanes and Cody Webster. Cody is 21 years old, and the youngest to ever work bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Be assured that the Friday bullrider who got hung up was glad they were on the job!

Blue’s wife, Jennifer (a former local resident) has the honor and privilege of carrying Old Glory in the Opening Ceremony and Grand Entry. Accompanying her into the arena was Lew Cassels of Arcadia, who sang the National Anthem. (We have missed you the past few years, Miss Lew!)

There’s something new and exciting every year at Arcadia – and this year it was the BIG Trinitron screen. This showed the names of the competitors, their time/score, and even showed instant replays so the spectators could better understand what had happened – WOW! So thank you Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo! And mark your calendars for March 13-14-15 of 2015. Tickets go on sale November 1st. SEE Y’ALL NEXT YEAR!

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April 2014

The Hendry County Ranch Rodeo Photos and Article by Kathy Gregg

T

he Fifth Annual Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association ranch rodeo took place at the Labelle rodeo arena on the evenings of February 21-22.

This FCA qualifying event began with the presentation of the flag, by Lynette Tyndall on Friday, and Whitney Savoie on Saturday. The local queens, including Hendry County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Cassidy Lee (whose Daddy is contestant Buck Lee), rode into the arena atop the Dodge truck, while Mavis, the Honey Girl (and her basket of sweet treats), rode on the tailgate.

The rodeo action started with the calf branding event. This was won by the Harvey Ranch of Okeechobee with a great time of 38.25 seconds, with the Switch Ranch team hot on their heels with a time of 40.63 seconds.

Next up was the wild and crazy double muggin’, where cowboys get knocked to the ground (often ending up beneath the steer), and the female team member usually grabs the tail and digs in her heels! This was won by the Stevens Land & Cattle team in an awesome time of 32.06 seconds.

Then the action switched over to the cowhide drag. Picture two riders, one on each side of the arena, rounding a barrel, and dragging behind them a “sled” – except that the “sled” is a piece of cowhide attached to a rope. Many of the cowhide riders will pull their bandanna up over their nose and mouth (bandito-style), while others just tough it out. Once again, Stevens Land took the win – with petite Christi Pryor yelling at Billy Adams the whole time to “GO FASTER!”

April 2014

Team doctoring was next on the agenda. This event displays the roping talents of the contestants, as they have to both head and heel the steer, so it can be marked on it’s head ( the “doctoring”). With Billy Adams and father/son Carson and Cody Storey wielding their ropes, it is no wonder that Stevens Land took their third event win.

A short intermission was taken after the kids had a boot race – that red clay can sure turn white sox into red stains real quickly!

The team sorting was won by the Grace Ag team, with a great time of 29.62 seconds, but right on their tail was the Coffee Cattle team (with Doug Bronson showing how it’s done!), in at 30.53 seconds.

Last up was the exciting bronc riding. In a wild ride (causing Mom Brenda to hold her breath!), Shane Perkins of the J3 team took home that prize money with a score of 73. Andy Kisela of the Rocking U team had a 71, and Leaton Coker of the Harvey Ranch came in with a 70.

With Rocking U taking third place, and Grace Ag in second, it is no surprise that Stevens Land & Cattle was the overall winner. And Billy Adams, Marshall Godsey, Christi Pryor, and Carson and Cody Storey also won up in Ocala that same weekend.

Congratulations, y’all (and thanks, Christi, for being my chauffeur!)

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Florida Barrel Racers Association Wrap Up 2013 Season Year-end winners included:

The Florida Barrel Racers Association held its annual awards presentation for the 2013 season on Sunday, February 2nd at Reality Ranch in Zolfo Springs. The top 10 points winners in each division was recognized and presented with awards ranging from saddles to each division champion and buckles for reserve champions, to breast collars, hay bags, and other great prizes.

1D –Megan Swint, Shasta Alvarez, Merrill Mundy, Stephanie Lanier, Savannah David, Rylee Butler, Cheryl Lynn Mann, Jamie Rewis, Shirley Roberts, and Waide Mundy;

2D – Megan Swint, Stephanie Lanier, Jamie Rewis, Maranda Mathis, Laraine Cardin, Cheryl Lynn Mann, Melissa McKay, Holly Rogers, Shasta Alvarez, and Erika Bodenstein;

3D – Laraine Cardin, Maranda Mathis, Cheryl Lynn Mann, Tracy Cowart, January Elrod, Kaitlyn McKay, Tawny Cowart, Clara Lou Carter, Anna Jones, Melissa McKay, and Waide Mundy;

4D – Anna Jones, Maranda Mathis, Susan Matthews, Robbi Sumner, Karen Stewart, Megan Swint, Heather Johnson-Smith, Allison Leslie, January Elrod, and Molleetha Gomez.

Later that day, the first barrel race of the 2014 FBRA season was held with Merrill Mundy winning the entire first division in a blistering time of 15.229. Other divisions placed as follows: 2D – Savannah David, 15.772, $252, 10; Kailyn Braddock 15.807, $198, 9; Kelsey Powers, 15.907, $162, 8; Ciara Mercer, 15.932, $126, 7; Ciara Mercer, 15.933, $90, 0; Holly Rogers, 15.934, $72, 6; Jamie Rewis 15.942, 5; Krissy Sorrentino 15.954, 4; Patty Badgett, 15.990, 3; Brittany Carreno, 16.007, 2; Amber Hatchcock, 16.036, 1; 3D – Kaitlyn McHargue, 16.236, $168, nm; Linda York, 16.248, $132, 10; Maranda Mathis, 16.267, $108, 9; 4/5 Laraine Cardin 16.296, $72, 7.5; Melissa McKay 16.296, $72, 7.5; Megan Swint, 16.304, $48, 6; Vandy Mayworth 16.306, 5; Cheryl Mann, 16.308, 4; Brittany Carreno 16.342, 3;

Molleetha Gomez 16.377, 2; Sherrie Dixon, 16.381, 1; 4D – Erin Owens 16.752, $84, 10; Kailyn Braddock, 16.783, $66, 9; Tracy Cowart, 16.834, $54, 8; Megan Swint, 16.853, $42, 7; Shannon Myers, 16.863, $30, 6; Shelly Porter, 16.914, $24, 5; Stevee Adams, 16.937, 4; Eli Swint, 16.938, 3; Waide Mundy, 16.952, 2; Buddy Hall, 17.077, 1.

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FBRA memberships can be purchased at the shows for a fee of $50. The format is an Open 4D with 1/2 second splits between each division, and men are allowed to compete.

For more information visit www.floridaequineathlete.com/ Florida_Barrel_Racers or contact President Cheryl Lynn Mann at 863-635-0945 (home) or 863-801-2390 (cell).

April 2014

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 79

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Total Recipe Time: 3 hours to 3 hours and 40 minutes Makes 4 servings

Corned Beef Brisket

With Roasted Vegetables & Lemon-Mustard Sauce Ingredients: 3-1/2 to 4 pounds Corned Beef Brisket Boneless with seasoning packet 6 medium cloves garlic, peeled 2 teaspoons black peppercorns 2 cups water 1 pound carrots, cut into 2-1/2 x 1/2-inch pieces 1 pound parsnips, cut into 2-1/2 x 1/2inch pieces 1 pound savoy cabbage, cut into 4 wedges 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Lemon-Mustard Sauce (recipe follows)

Instructions: Position oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Heat oven to 350째F. Place corned beef brisket in roasting pan; sprinkle garlic, contents of seasoning packet and peppercorns around brisket. Add water; cover tightly with aluminum foil. Braise in upper third of 350째F oven 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until brisket is fork-tender.

Meanwhile, place carrots, parsnips and cabbage on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and ground pepper. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast in lower third of 350째F oven with brisket 55 minutes.

Uncover; continue roasting 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown.

80 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Remove brisket from roasting pan. Cover and refrigerate 1/2 of brisket (about 12 ounces), 3/4 cup each carrots and parsnips and 1/2 cup Lemon-Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef and Roasted Vegetable Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing.

Carve remaining brisket diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Serve with remaining roasted vegetables and Lemon-Mustard Sauce.

Lemon-Mustard Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat; cool 1 minute. Stir in 2/3 cup dairy sour cream, 1/3 cup Dijon-style mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover; set aside.

April 2014

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April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 81

BLUEBERRY GROWERS ELECT NEW PRESIDENT; BRIEFED ON NEW VARIETY -- INDIGOCRISP™ AND MORE AT WINTER MEETING

By Jim Frankowiak

Nearly 500 blueberry growers and 60 industry vendors gathered at the Trinkle Center on the campus of Hillsborough Community at Plant City last month for the winter meeting of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.

Among the day’s activities was the election of new association president Dudley Calfee, who is general manager of Ferris Farms, Inc. of Floral City and will serve as the association’s president for the next two years. Calfee assumes the office from Bill Braswell, who completed his two-year term as head of the association. Ferris Farms, founded in 1931 by L.G. “Doc” Ferris, began planting his citrus trees on Duval Island. As his business grew, Doc added a packing and shipping plant and a retail store. The devastating freezes of the 1980s forced the farm to find new crops and began planting the Ferris Berry, consisting of strawberries and blueberries. Today, only 25 of the farm’s 450-acres remain in citrus production while the balance is dedicated to strawberries and blueberries.

Calfee has been general manager of Ferris Farms since 2007 when he left the construction business and he has been the driving force behind the farm’s efforts to increase environmental and ecologically-friendly practices. With the help of the staff at the University of Florida, Calfee developed farming practices that optimize output while minimizing input costs. This effort has significantly reduced the usage of pesticides and fungicides, while also discovering ways to reuse and recycle plastic and corrugated materials. Calfee’s efforts have also led to surpassing crop production averages.

Further, Calfee has optimized scouting and monitoring systems at the farm allowing more precise application of pesticides, thereby saving spray material, labor, fuel, tractor time and 82 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

overall costs to the betterment of the environment. He has also built permanent water retention/drainage/sediment structures and planted more than 100 oak and magnolia trees at Ferris Farms to protect adjacent lakes and neighbors from potential runoff. For his efforts, Calfee was named a 2013 recipient of the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Ag Environmental Leadership Award.

In addition to his role with the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Calfee serves on the board of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, Floral City Heritage Council and is the founding director and immediate past president of the Floral City Merchant’s Association and the Agricultural Alliance of Citrus County.

The meeting’s morning session also included an update on the 2014 Blueberry Festival and a six-grower discussion of working and non-working bird control practices. Dr. Oscar Liburd with the University of Florida (UF) Department of Entomology and Nematology presented the “Biology and Management of Chilli Thrips and Other Key Pests,” while Dr. Larry Duncan, a nematologist with the UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center discussed “Managing the Root Weevil Complex in Blueberry Fields.” Dr. Jeff Williamson, with UF’s Horticultural Sciences Department, then presented an “Update on Blueberry Irrigation Practices in Florida” and he was followed by UF Blueberry Breeder Dr. Jim Olmstead, who presented “Indigocrisp and Other Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars from the University of Florida Breeding Program.”

April 2014

Dr. Olmstead began his remarks with a review of the various steps and conditions that are followed in the UF breeding program and how, after release, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc. (FFSP) handles commercialization for UF. His comments also reviewed the utilization of royalties realized through the sale of released plant materials. His comments then focused on FL 98-325 (Indigocrisp™) “an early maturing crisp-textured genotype best adapted to areas with chilling requirements similar to or higher than Gainesville.”

“The key positive attributes of the new variety are: • Very firm, crisp texture similar to Bluecrisp and Sweetcrisp • Earlier maturing than either Bluecrisp or Sweetcrisp • Higher yields than existing crisp textured genotypes • Potential for machine harvest for fresh market production • Reduced postharvest bruising or pathogen damage • Good flavor and size • Good vegetative budbreak with high crop loads

Potential problems with the new variety include higher chill requirements, meaning limited potential from I-4 south; propagation by softwood stem cuttings has often resulted in low rooting percentages, susceptibility to Botryosphaeria stem blight and darker fruit color. “We hope to minimize the problem of unreliable propagation by making tissue culture plantlets available at the time licenses are offered,” Olmstead said.

“Initial budwood distribution will be limited with breeder stock maintained at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit at Citra,” he noted. Interested growers are directed to the FFSP for license information at telephone: 352/273-3656 or at its website: www.ffsp.net.

The afternoon session included a presentation regarding “Food Safety Audits” by Travis Tucker of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and “Summer Pruning Southern Highbush Blueberries in Florida by Al Kovaleski, a graduate student in the UF Horticultural Sciences Department.

The day’s proceedings concluded with a panel discussion of “This Year’s Experiences with Hydrogen Cyanamide” and it included incoming association president Calfee, outgoing president Braswell, Farm Manager Gary Smith of Haines City; Groveland Grower Dustin Lowe and Extension Specialist Dr. Williamson.

For association information and access to winter meeting presentations, visit: http://floridablueberrygrowers.com.

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 83

LITERATURE FEATURE

A SERIES ON LITERATURE:

Across the Everglades

by Budd Schulberg

By Brady Vogt

A

mong the other things that the pioneers to Florida came without, was good references. Murderers and thieves, barn burners, deserters, renegades, they came singly or in small groups to what was beyond the frontier, to what was primordial, impassable, enveloping…to the Everglades. The desperados knew back then, it was a place into which they would not be followed, not by the law, the army, or the family. It was, at the turn of that other century, the one into which our grandparents were born, six million acres of grassy water, saw grass ten feet high, razor sharp from top to bottom in shallow water the color of dark whiskey.

Think about the black muck and black water. Think about heavy cotton or woolen clothes, the heat and humidity unbearable, leather shoes soaked through, feet and crotches and armpits blistered and raw. Biting ants and wasps, hornets and yellow-jackets and saddle-backs, gnats and fleas and ticks and mosquitoes so thick they could choke and man who breathed too deeply through his open mouth. No sprays, no lotions, no balms, no nets, no soap, no shower, no doctor, no nurses, no hospital, no dentist.

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Think about water moccasins and no antivenom, pygmy rattlers, big rattlers, snapping turtles, alligator gar and big gators and as far down as you could get, crocs. A broken arm, a cut toe, pneumonia, the croup, a heart attack, syphilis, a bad tooth, cirrhosis, and the relentless sun turning the skin to splotchy leather. Any one could kill you.

Think about the women dragged hysterically screaming or deathly silent, walking across the southernmost prairie and entering the swamp, deeper and deeper into the cypress and maple forests, through the mangrove tunnels, emerging finally onto the flat and empty beaches. Sunrise would have been the morning’s gift and shade the afternoon’s and sunset and a westerly breeze the evening’s. Besides those, it was a land and a life of very little to be thankful for.

April 2014

Across the Everglades was written by Budd Schulberg and published by Random House in 1958. Mister Schulberg also wrote What Makes Sammy Run?, The Harder They Fall, and A Face in the Crowd. Across the Everglades was made into a movie in 1959. It was filmed on location in Everglades City and featured Burl Ives, Christopher Plummer, Peter Falk (in his first role), Gypsy Rose Lee, and the Everglades’ own Totch Brown. The movie was titled Wind Across the Everglades, and is studied still by film critics and students for its particular style, owed largely to the director Nicholas Ray (Rebel Without a Cause), who apparently self-destructed during the filming, and was fired by Budd Schulberg, who went on to finish the movie.

It is extraordinary that a Jewish theater and screen personality from New York City would and could write a story about a frontier and frontier period that was not well known, that was still very remote, and so had not been already compromised by progress and development. He begins his book with a lengthy introduction, setting forth how he came to be in the Everglades in 1948 and what he saw and heard about then and on his numerous trips back to the swamp. His introduction to the story is a fine example of nature writing by itself, accurately descriptive of the place and the times, the wild craetures, the incredible plant life, and of the particular and completely called for eccentricities of the people he encountered. Mister Schulberg’s anecdotes address the enormity of the isolation of the men and women and of the tribalism of very small parts of a very big place. He included this exchange that took place in what would have served as a bar with a drunken fisherman holding a very large, very dirty knife.

Mister Schulberg marvels over the Eden-like qualities of what the swamp was like before the “pioneers” arrived, and is pensive and thoughtful about the eventualities associated with the impact of more people, more “pioneers”. He states that his script reveals the struggle of those who will civilize and tame, or drive out, or destroy, the men who are the “natural” inhabitants of the swamp.

Cottonmouth (Burl Ives…sinister) “We don’t need yer Ten Commandments in the Glades. We do all right on one. Eat or be et. Eat or be et is the law of the Glades

Across the Everglades is an easy read. While Mister Schulberg’s introduction and author’s notes are in prose, sentence and paragraph form, the story itself is organized as a film script. It is short (126 pages). The content is largely dialogue. The men and women are primitive, uneducated, superstitious, unscrupulous. Their speech resembles their character. The short scene settings are rich and depict very truly the places where the men gather and where the birds may be found. It was a rough existence. Eat or be eaten, not far off. The terrible irony of the history of the deepest parts of the Everglades, is that Cottonmouth and his gang of toughs didn’t eat the birds. They just ripped out the feathers.

Nesting season, the sky was filled with vultures.

“I’ll tell ya why I gotta hang on to this knife. I come from over on the east coast, see. When I’m over here on the west coast, I gotta be armed.”

Mister Schulberg writes…”It took me a few minutes to realize that by the west coast the man didn’t mean California, or even the west coast of Florida. He meant the west coast of Matecumbe, an island half a mile wide.”

Across the Everglades is loosely based on the events and conditions that led to The Audubon Society sponsoring the first game warden to be assigned to protect the wading birds that were being slaughtered by poachers for the bird’s plumage, sadly most showy during nesting season. The feathers, which in the very late 1800’s and very early 1900’s were worth more per ounce than, than, two ounces of gold, were used to adorn ladies’ hats. Snowy egrets, blue herons, roseate spoonbills, were being wiped out in order to satisfy “the senseless demands of fashion”. Guy Bradley, the game warden, was killed by poachers not a year or so into the job. The poachers were tried in Key West and found not guilty of the crime.

April 2014

3rd Annual SendMeMissions 5K Run/Walk

May 9, 2014 7pm Hardee County Court House (courtyard) 417 W. Main Street Wauchula, FL 33873

Register online at www.sendmemissions5k.com

$20 (pre-registration thru April 29th & T-Shirt Guaranteed) $25 (April 30th thru day of race) $15 Kids 12 & Under (T-Shirt included thru April 29th) A special thanks to our Title Sponsor:

All proceeds support SendMeMission projects & mission trip scholarships.

www.sendmemissions5k.com Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 85

1ST ANNUAL

Powered For A Cure Golf Tournament Survivor, Caretaker, Research, Cancer, Birthdays and Celebration are terms which almost immediately bring to mind Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s primary fundraiser and awareness campaign throughout the country. Adding in terms like Handicap, Mulligan, Birdie, Par and Eagle and you create a formula for success.

That’s what Chelsea Lowder, organizer of the GEC Team Powered For a Cure Golf Tournament, learned as she and her crew of volunteers recruited players, gathered sponsors and gave out prizes at the inaugural event. “I couldn’t have done it without the help from many of my coworkers and team participants,” said Lowder. “Everyone pulled together to make this event a success!”

Mike Tuohy, golf pro at the Country Club of Sebring helped keep track of the technical aspects of the game as sixty-six players comprising sixteen teams teed off on February 22nd. Included in the players was GEC’s CEO Jeff Brewington who said, “There were just the right number of players. The pace of the play was great.”

GEC team Powered For A Cure would like to thank each of the sponsors that contributed in the making of this event. Gold Sponsors: Glades Electric Cooperative, Gresco Utility Supply, PIKE Corporation, and Lewis Tree Trimming Services.

Additional Sponsors: Budweiser: Bernie Little Distributors, The Cohan Radio Group, High Quality Repair, and Heartland In the Field Magazine.

Hole Sponsors: Montz Builders, Barney Goodman, Ken and Shannon Hall, John Dean and Family, Gilbert Ford, Gilbert Chevrolet, Creative Designs Hair Color Studio, Budget Bi Rite Insurance and Draper Consulting.

Join GEC Team Powered For a Cure and other participants at the Lake Placid Relay For Life Event on Friday, April 4th at Lake Placid High School football stadium to celebrate “less cancer and more birthdays” or find an event in your local community at www.relayforlife.org.

Although early morning clouds threatened the start of play, the sun quickly appeared providing a beautiful Florida morning.

Cash prizes were awarded for the top three teams, goodie bags were given to all players and raffle prizes were available for items ranging from golf balls to flat screen televisions and a fire pit!

The Powered For A Cure Golf Tournament was an overall success.

Thanks to the great efforts of all of the players and the hard work of the volunteers and staff everyone had an enjoyable time. “It was a lot of work, but everyone seemed to have a good time so we are looking forward to it again next year,” stated Lowder.

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After a sold out Girls Night Out Wine Walk on Mother’s Day weekend last year, this event is expanding in 2014 to two days and will include a mini women’s show, Wine Tasting and Culinary Demonstration on Saturday, May 10 from 10 am - 4 pm with great wines, live music by the Landsharks Band that play with Jimmy Buffett, and a variety of food and festival vendors, as well as the galleries, boutiques and eateries of historic Downtown Sebring.

The Girls Gone Wine Festival (www.GirlsGoneWineFest. com) is sure to be a memorable event with free admission for everyone. Non-drinking festival guests and kids under 21 are welcome to attend. There will be a $25 fee to participate in the wine tasting, which will take place in Circle Theatre.

With more than 500 attendees last year, this year is sure to be even better! If you are interested in securing a vendor space for just $25, the categories include:

· Art & Culture

· Beauty & Fashion

· Culinary/Food

· Health & Wellness

· Community & Non-Profit

This event is coordinated by Push Event Productions and co-sponsored by the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), City of Sebring, Cohan Radio Network, Highlands Today, News Sun, Gray Dog Communications, Plan B Promotions and the Highlands Co. Tourist Development Council. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Champion for Children Foundation and the Getaway Girl Foundation.

Vendors also have the option of receiving additional promotion by contributing to the Swag Bags (for the first 100 wine tasting tickets sold) and raffle items. If you have questions about Vendor Space, please email Lora Todd at LoraTodd@Hotmail.com or Jennifer Swain at Jennifer.

Swain93@yahoo.com. The deadline to register for vendor space is April 30, 2014.

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Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND

Waste Management/Okeechobee Landfill, Inc., Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Buxton-Bass Funeral Home and UBS Financial Services.

Supporting sponsors for the event included; Publix Supermarkets, Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, Walmart, Tin Fish, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Rodeo Life, Inc., Okeechobee Christian Academy, WOKC Radio and Okeechobee News.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored, supported and played in the tournament to benefit the B.R.A.T. Club, Inc. For more information on the B.R.A.T. Club, please call Allison Chandler at 863-697-9096 or visit us on facebook at Okeechobee Teen Dance.

“B.R.A.T. DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS”

T

he B.R.A.T. Club, Inc. hosted its first dodgeball tournament in Flagler Park on March 1, 2014.

Teams of all ages came out to show their skills at the sport at the successful event organized by committee members Allison Chandler, JD Mixon, Tamara Kelly, Matt Buxton and Teresa Chandler.

The tournament was double elimination where teams competed in a netted tent court and spectators looked on from the sidelines. Everyone requested the club to organize another for Okeechobee! The event ran from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and team members enjoyed a free lunch.

The tournament winner was the Kirton Services team!

The team was sponsored by Corey Kirton, and was composed of OHS baseball students. The second place winners were a team sponsored by Dudley Kirton, Kirton Services and also composed of OHS baseball players. The third place team was Faith Farm Ministries.

Pastor Jim Benton kindly served as tournament head referee and provided on-court referees for the tournament as well.

The B.R.A.T. Club is grateful to the sponsors who helped and made this event possible. The presenting sponsors for the event included; 1 Stop Party Shop,

FCA LEGISLATIVE QUARTERLY

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owboy hats descended upon Tallahassee as Florida Cattlemen and Cattlewomen gathered to attend the annual Legislative Quarterly meeting on March 12th. Those passionate about legislative and regulatory issues that might affect the cattle industry gathered together in force during the annual event, commonly referred to as “Boots on the Hill”, so that they could have an opportunity to have their voices heard by legislators, policymakers and regulatory agency officials. The day wasn’t all business though, as the Cattlemen and Cattlewomen hosted their annual Street Party held downtown that evening, further providing them with an opportunity to network with legislators and have their voices heard in a more casual setting.

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to morgan@heartlanditf.com

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NCBA’S NATIONAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

A

t the NCBA’s National Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Beef was definitely on the menu. I especially was awed by the vendors, meetings and speakers since it was my first time at the national convention. There were meetings with information on the beef industry every day, all-day. My focus has always been promotion so I attended several of ANCW’s and NCBA’s meetings on promotion and food trends. With a better understanding of how our consumer base thinks and what they are looking for, it makes promoting our nutritious product even easier. Who wouldn’t rather have tasty beef than another protein that needs a dip, marinade or sauce to make it attractive to the palate?

OCCA FLAG RAISING

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he Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association held a flag raising ceremony February 27th in honor of all veterans and to commemorate the new flag pole that is part of the ongoing improvements being made at their historic rodeo arena.

Denise Colgan President, Florida CattleWomen

RED LARSON BIRTHDAY

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undreds of friends and family members took part in dairyman Louis E. “Red” Larson’s 90th birthday celebration held Sunday, March 9th at Indian River State College in Okeechobee.

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to morgan@heartlanditf.com

April 2014

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FLORIDA FFA GROUNDBREAKING

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT APPOINTS THREE TO FLORIDA CITRUS COMMISSION

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overnor Rick Scott announced two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Citrus Commission.

Jonathan “Ned” Hancock, 56, of Sebring, is the owner and president of Hancock Citrus Inc. He succeeds Jesse Clark, and is appointed for a term beginning March 21, 2014, and ending June 30, 2016.

Francisco Pines, 38, of Pinecrest, is the owner and general counsel of Pines Ranch Inc. He succeeds Michael Taylor, and is appointed for a term beginning March 21, 2014, and ending June 30, 2016.

Michael Garavaglia, 46, of Vero Beach, is the president and general partner of The Packers of Indian River Ltd. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 21, 2014, and ending June 30, 2016.

F

lorida Farm Bureau realizes that there is no better investment of time or money than to invest in young people who are interested in agriculture.

Together with FFA, Florida Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with Florida Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company has decided to put their money where their mouth is and make a significant investment into the future of Florida FFA.

In an effort to give FFA its own brand and its own identity, they have announced a partnership worth an estimated $1.5 million dollars that will construct a brand new Florida FFA Headquarters building located on the Farm Bureau campus in Gainesville.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held March 10 and brought together FFA members from across the state, Farm Bureau executives, Florida legislators and Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to morgan@heartlanditf.com

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AG CALENDAR APRIL 1ST April Fool’s Day APRIL 2ND Introductory Course in Florida Fishing Charlotte County Chamber 7pm - 9pm, Wednesdays - 6 weeks 941.637.1655

APRIL 12TH Tater Hill Fun Shoot DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Lake Placid, 863.494.3312

APRIL 20TH - EASTER

APRIL 12TH- 13TH 3rd Annual Florida Blueberry Festival Downtown Brooksville www.floridablueberryfestival.org

APRIL 22 - EARTH DAY

APRIL 4TH - 6TH DeSoto Heritage Festival & Seafood Festival, Palmetto www.desotohq.com APRIL 5TH Black Gold Jubilee Terry Island Recreation Center, Belle Glade 561.996.2745 APRIL 5TH - 6TH Sebring Gun Show Highlands County Fairgrounds www.patriotshows@gmail.com APRIL 6TH St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Assoc.

State Qualifying Genuine Ranch Rodeo Adams Ranch, St. Lucie Fairgrounds www.slccattlemen.org APRIL 8TH - 15TH Agriculture Horse & Cattle Show Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center Miami, www.morenofirms.com APRIL 11TH - 13TH Inaugural Charlotte Harbor Super Boat Grand Prix, Englewood www.chsbgo.com

APRIL 18TH - GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 18TH Gala of the Royal Horses, 7pm Turner Center, Arcadia www.turnercenter.com APRIL 19TH Viva la Brahman Fiesta Sale Moreno Ranches, 1:00pm www.morenoranches.com APRIL 19TH Youth Rodeo Turner Center, Arcadia www.turnercenter.com

APRIL 11TH - 13TH 28th Annual Sugar Festival, Rodeo & Bass Tournament - Clewiston www.clewistonsugarfestival.com APRIL 12TH 2014 Cracker Shoot Highlands County Farm Bureau Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee 863.385.5356

APRIL 25TH Florida Hospital Heartland Clay Shoot Quail Creek Plantation Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Assoc. BBQ lunch 11-1:30pm 863.801.4426 APRIL 25TH - 26TH 8TH Annual Women in the Outdoors 2012 & 2013 Best Event in the Nation Quail Creek Plantation Okeechobee, 772-475-1158 APRIL 26TH Florida Heritage Festival & Parade Downtown Bradenton www.bradentonqulfislands.com APRIL 26TH Bluegrass Blueberry Festival Donaldson Park, Avon Park www.aprotaryblueberryfestival.com APRIL 27TH KIX Country - County Fest Charlotte County Fairgrounds Port Charlotte, 941.629.4252

APRIL 20TH SPRING TURKEY SEASON ENDS

MAY 14TH - 15TH Floriculture Field Days, FNGLA & Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, www.fngla.org

Submit your events for the ag calendar to morgan@heartlanditf.com

IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 91

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY APRIL 25TH AND 26TH

Silver King Photography

Family, Children, Weddings, Livestock

Kelley Baker 941) 661-4859 Victoria Baker (941) 380-4202 skfshowcattle@aol.com

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Find it at your favorite equine dealer

April 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 93

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