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April 2017
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
ADVANCING FLORIDA’S POMEGRANATE LEGACY By Jim Frankowiak
Florida has long been known for its warm weather, sunny beaches, citrus, strawberries and pomegranates. Pomegranates? Yes, and they have been part of Florida for more than a century. For the majority of that time pomegranates have been primarily a homeowner enterprise, particularly from central Florida into the panhandle. One plant near Marianna, Florida has been verified to be more than 100-years-old. The Florida Pomegranate Association (FPA), which was chartered in March of 2012 as a professional organization for the purpose of fostering a pomegranate industry in the Sunshine State, recently held a growers meeting for enthusiasts and commercial growers at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS GCREC) at Wimauma. The meeting attracted attendees from across Florida and several from out of state for an update on nutrition, pest and disease and variety selection presented by the GCREC pomegranate research team led by Dr. Gary Vallad. In addition to sharing recent research findings the afternoon “field portion” of the meeting featured orchard maintenance and hands-on pruning techniques. There are many reasons for growing pomegranates in Florida: • Pomegranates are an alternative to citrus; • Pomegranate fruit and juice are well-known for their nutritional and health benefits; • The diversity of cultivars is very broad, but not well known to the public; • The homeowner has a wide array of ornamental types for selection; • Opportunities exist for fresh fruit, juice or machine-extracted arils (seed outgrowths) for the fresh and value-added markets • Added potential exists for pomegranate oil and polyphenols for the nutraceutical and cosmetic markets The pomegranate shrub or small tree grows to from 20- to 33-feet high with multiple spiny branches and, as noted earlier, is extremely long-lived. “The intention of the FPA is to provide a forum for sharing information and experience among members, to support research and to assist in the evaluation and development of cultivars and best management practices suited for Florida,” said FPA President and pomegranate grower Cindy Wein-
Last year, Dr. Deng and his colleague at the GCREC, Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, received a USDA Block Grant to create a nutrition program for pomegranates as well as establishing a pomegranate variety study for each region in Florida. The FPA is continuing pursuit of additional USDA Block Grants and anticipates a decision from the agency by this July. Following morning presentations at the GCREC and lunch, the group traveled to the orchard of Carl and Martha Sutherlands for presentations on “Orchard Maintenance Best Practices” and the opportunity to learn of and apply “Pomegranate Pruning Techniques.” “Those are two of the most requested maintenance topics we receive from our members,” said Weinstein, “and I am pleased that we were able to address both in the field as part of our meeting.” Additional information on growing pomegranates in Florida is available by visiting by UF Interactive Pomegranate Cultivar Selection Guide for Florida – http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.ed/extension/pomegranates/pom_guide.html. Weinstein encouraged interested parties to support “the pomegranate industry by donating every time they purchase items on Amazon.” Buyers sign in at Smile.Amazon.com/ ch/38-3879916 and .5 percent of their purchases will be donated to the FPA. For FPA information, visit: www.FloridaPomegranateAssociation.org. The FPA may also be reached via Facebook.com/ FloridaPomegranateAssociation/ or LinkedIn.com/FloridaPomegranateAssociation/, as well as via email at flpomegranate@gmail.com. Association membership information is at 2017FPAMembership.eventbrite.com. Future FPA event information is accessible at Eventbrite.com or by calling Weinstein at 863-604-3778. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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stein of Green Sea Farms in Zolfo Springs. “Pomegranate research grants have been awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Block Grant Program, including a 2013 grant to the GCREC and Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) for a two-year study on fungus, breeding ad economics in pomegranates.” Dr. Zhanao Deng from the GCREC was awarded a grant in 2014 to further the breeding study and the USDA awarded its second Block Grant for a two-year study for further fungus research.
CONTENTS
APRIL 2017 | VOL. 12 • ISSUE 6
66 MAKING A CHAMPION An Accomplishment Requiring A Commitment, Hard Work and Skill
PAGE 3 Advancing Florida Pomegranate PAGE 12 Grand Champion Swine PAGE 14 Bumblebee Trials PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 24 Florida Mineral Salt & AG PAGE 25 Writers Bios - Jim Frankowiak
PAGE 38 Florida Friendly Landscaping
Auctions
PAGE 39 FFA Booth Results
PAGE 68 Mammoth Foods
PAGE 42 Jack Payne
PAGE 70 Meet the Minks
PAGE 44 Festival Results
PAGE 74 Activty
PAGE 46 Farm-ettes
PAGE 75 A Closer Look
PAGE 48 Fancy Farms - Field Day
PAGE 78 Tampa Bay Horticulture Industry Host UF Students
PAGE 52 Recipes
PAGE 28 Endangered Species PAGE 35 Florida - Leeks
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine PAGE 58 FFA Beast, Feast &
PAGE 60 Food, Glorious Food
PAGE 79 Fields of History & Memory PAGE 82 Grand Champion Plant
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President Michelle Williamson..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2016 - 2017 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Carl Bauman, Dennis Carlton Jr, Melissa Grimes.
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
IINNTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
Letter from the Editor The reasons to plant a garden of your own are varied. You can, if you are very industrious and have room for a larger garden, lower your grocery bill. How cool would that be!? Not only are you putting a dent in the old food budget, but you are including food that you grew, nurturing it to maturity, and adding it to your family meal. If that’s not enough, it improves your health. Fruits and vegetables are good for you! You also get exposed to fresh air and sunshine while toiling away in your garden. And, even better, you can teach your children about nature and healthy foods. That could be the best reason of all. We need to instill healthy habits in children that will follow them to adulthood. Why am I talking about gardening? Because April is National Garden Month! So get out and get your hands dirty. You are helping make our country a little greener. Mark your calendars for Ag Literacy Day. This year it is scheduled for May 2. Those involved in the agriculture industry are encouraged to read Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s newest book to elementary students. For more information on the event visit http://faitc.org/aglitday/. As always, remember to buy Fresh From Florida food. You will be assured of fresh, wholesome, delicious food from local people that you can trust. Thank you to our Advertisers! You allow us to continue to cover what is growing. Be sure to let our advertisers know you appreciate them.
Sarah Holt PAGE
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman
Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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OUR LAWMAKERS NEED TO HEAR FROM US HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
Dear Readers: The 2017 Florida legislative session is well underway and there are some actions being contemplated that are of concern to our industry, while others are favorable. There has been favorable action on tax relief initiatives, but significant budget cuts for many programs and facilities within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Our state office has requested our members reach out to their legislators, encouraging their support of these programs. Both the Florida House and Senate eliminated FDACS’ Rural and Family Lands Program, a program that is good for the environment by increasing land conservation while also allowing the land to remain in agricultural production and on tax rolls. Farm Bureau strongly supports this program and is working hard to have funds restored. Again, you can help by making your support known to our legislators. Drastic cuts have also been made to the Fresh From Florida program, an important initiative that assists agricultural marketing of state-grown products across the U.S. and within several foreign countries. FDACS Commissioner Adam Putnam has noted that this program is of special importance and value to small farms in the state. The UF/IFAS budget also suffered from significant cuts to research and education in both legislative houses.
Please understand that these budget cuts are not yet final, and your support through contact with our legislators can be most helpful in restoring funding for these programs. Act now! On a more positive note, it was especially nice to see CARES recipients Marvin and Linda Brown recognized in the current edition of the Florida Agriculture e-Newsletter for their efforts to providing safe and nutritious products to consumers at Favorite Farms, which produces strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, squash and cucumbers. They have combined new technology and the implementation of Best Management Practices to help preserve and protect our natural resources. “It is our responsibility to respect and preserve these gifts for future generations and protecting consumer’s health with safe and nutritious agriculture products,” the Browns said. They are also active members of the Church of Christ and support Florida colleges and several non-profit organizations, as well as the Hillsborough County Fair. If you would like to join us and become part of the Voice of Agriculture, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information about the ways in which you can help as we look to both the present and the future.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
100 SOUTH MULRENNAN ROAD • VALRICO, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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With innovative treatment options for heart disease, the team at Brandon Regional Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center is committed to providing patients with the high quality heart care they deserve. To learn more about our award winning hospital and services, visit BrandonHospital.com.
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As our favorite season ends, we would like to thank those who have supported our industry.
Our stand is now closed, but will reopen this summer when our vegetable crops are ready for harvest. Check back between late May and early June and order your black eyes, conks, zippers and okra. Thank you! Carl, Dee Dee and Dustin Grooms
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NEW STAND LOCATION: 5212 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com
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Grand Champion Swine
By Libby Hopkins Producing a champion show pig requires a lot of hard work, careful selection, a good home, a feeding program, and effective fitting and showing. Tiffaney Henry took all these elements into consideration when she was raising her pig Chance. Henry is 18 years old and currently a senior at Simmons Career Center in Plant City. She is also a member of the Simmons Career Center FFA. “I got into raising pigs for the swine projects when my fabulous agriculture teacher at Simmons, Mrs. Sampson, asked me to show the chapter a pig at the Hillsborough County Fair,” Henry said. “The last few years I began to show my personal pigs. Pigs are so unique and intriguing, each one is different and that’s what makes you a better showman by learning to figure out what makes them tick.” Henry and Chance won Grand Champion Swine at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival. The Florida Strawberry Festival swine show process starts when students who want to participate in the competition are entered in a lottery type system drawing. If the student is picked, then they are allowed to show their pig as long as the pig makes weight. The weight limits for most shows are 200 to 260 pounds, and students should select a pig that will be approximately 6 months old by the show date. The rate of growth and weight limits at the show will determine how old the pig should be at the time of purchase. It is also helpful if the student knows the history of their pig. The parents of their pig will determine the rate of gain, growth, frame size, soundness, and if the student will have a pig with a well-muscled carcass and little fat.
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The students are also required to complete a record book where they document important dates, feed purchases, and other important financial spending. Normally students bring their pigs to the final weigh in with their record book. At this point, the pig is weighed and assigned to a specific weight class in which it can compete against other pigs with simi-
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lar weights within a certain range. The exhibitor then has the chance to exhibit showmanship skills at the competition. If they do well, they get called back for showmanship. The firstplace winners from each class then goes into the Grand Drive where they go up against all of the best pigs at the show. The judges select one pig to be grand swine and then a grand reserve. When that is finished, students go back by age division with their pigs to compete in showmanship. This year was the last year Henry can compete in the completion at the Florida Strawberry Festival because she is a senior. “Chance was my final swine project that I exhibited at the festival,” Henry said. “He was purchased from Brinning Genetics in Keota, Iowa. Chance weighed 260 pounds the day of the final weigh in and we were then placed in class five. Chance was about 6 months of age when he was shown at the festival.” She said Chance was a pig unlike any other pig she ever had. “He pushed every button I had and tested my experience as a showman only to ensure that I would become a better showman than I was the day before,” Henry said. “His favorite treats were mini marshmallows and he often thought he was more of a dog then a pig. I became extremely grateful throughout the project for Chance not only because he won but because he made me re-evaluate my techniques and make me work harder to become the showman as well as an agriculturally passionate young woman I am today.” Winning Grand Champion Swine with Chance was the most rewarding experience Henry ever had. “Coming from a school where people say the ‘bad kids go’ it was kind of a triumph and privilege to represent such a wonderful school and all that it stands for,” Henry said. “Being a girl that always had a hard time believing in herself and what she could accomplish, in addition to dealing with so many doubts about myself I feel like it was God’s message to me to believe in myself.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Trials Underway in Strawberry Fields with Bumblebees Distributing Naturally Occurring, Inoculating Fungus By Jim Frankowiak
For the second consecutive year Jay Sizemore of JayMar Farms in southern Hillsborough County, along with other growers in the region, is participating in field trials of a new crop protection system offering an alternative to pesticide spraying through the use of bumblebees to distribute a naturally occurring, inoculating fungus. The system has been developed by Bee Vectoring Technologies (BVT) over the last 10-plus years. The trials at JayMar Farms and others this season have been on a larger plot than last season. “Growers are always looking for ways to improve what we are doing,” said Sizemore. “Our margins are getting thinner so we are looking closely at some of the many suggestions we are given before each season. This option seems to have strong potential to be beneficial. Right now, it’s a wait and see for me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he said. Plant Pathologist Dr. Natalia Peres of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is also intrigued by the new technology and is overseeing commercial trials with BVT at fields near Duette. “The system is simple and makes sense,” she said. “I look forward to analyzing and reporting on the results of the trials once they have been completed.”
Ashish Malik, who recently visited the JayMar trials site with other members of the BVT team. “Recent verified results from commercial trials on strawberries in North and South Carolina and Florida, showed our system delivered equal or better resistance to disease, consistent fruit yield increases of over 30 percent, increased plant size and health over plants treated with chemical pesticide sprays.” While trials are underway in the U.S., they have also taken place in Canada, Mexico and Europe. Malik said the technology and intellectual property forming the basis of BVT’s system was initiated 20 years ago with field trials and other testing ongoing since 2006. “We are in the process of regulatory submissions in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and European Markets,” he said. In addition to strawberries, the BVT system has been successfully applied to sunflowers, tomatoes, blueberries and other crops. BVT is currently in the process of developing its go-to-market plan for strawberries. It also anticipates receiving U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) system approval within 12 months.
The system has commercially reared bumblebees walk through a special tray dispenser of organic, inoculating powder before exiting their hives and dropping spores on each plant they visit. The trays are located within the hive. The powder is a combination of a light adherence agent, which helps it cling to the bees’ fur, and a naturally occurring fungus named clonostachys rosea, which, when colonized on a strawberry plant, enables it to effectively block damaging diseases such as botrytis. The BVT system includes dispenser trays that are located inside a bumble beehive that can contain as many as 300 bees. A single hive is required for each acre of strawberries. Hives are replaced every six weeks throughout the season and trays are replenished within the hives twice each week.
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“Our process has been through extensive field testing over the last decade, is 100 percent natural, harmless to bees, animals and humans, uses no water and reduces the need for chemical pesticide spraying,” said BVT President and CEO
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“We plan on having a local resource, including a distributor in the greater Plant City area and are currently in discussions with several candidate organizations who could fill that role,” said Malik. “In addition, we recognize that we would have to train the farm operators who opt to use our system since many are not familiar with having bees on their farms. Our local resource or our distributor will have this responsibility when we are commercially selling the system. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
”It is our plan to begin marketing our system here in the U.S. in 2018 following regulatory approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USAEPA),” Malik said. Formerly a senior executive with Bayer CropScience, Malik is based at the BVT offices in California. North American Manufacturing facilities are located at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Additional information about the company and its targeted pest and disease management solutions is available at http://www.beevt.com.
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e n i r e g Tan & st Twi e l a a e Pin p i h W e l Do Plus tax
Tel: 813.752.0502
3702 W. Baker St. • Plant City, FL
We Accept
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Check Us Out Online: www.parkesdale.com
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT APRIL 2017 by Capt. Woody Gore
Snook We’re definitely catching some nice fish with even a few lunkers mixed in with the juveniles. Good tidal grass flats, passes or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Tarpon Key should prove productive. Anglers using and chumming with greenbacks usually produce plenty of action, but use caution when tossing out chum baits. Spotted Sea Trout should continue improving especially as the bait moves onto the grass flats. Look for broken bottom grass flats with sandy potholes or hard rocky bottoms. These areas produce some good size fish. You can also expect plenty of action on artificial lures by jigging the bottom using soft plastics or an artificial shrimp under a popping cork. If live bait is your thing, small greenbacks or shrimp free-lined are good alternatives, but remember a juicy medium shrimp under a popping cork always produces fish. The trout bite has been excellent on the south end of Tampa Bay on the grass flats.
Redfish should pick up this month using live and dead baits or
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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artificial lures. Although it seems they’ve had lock-jaw, recently we’ve been getting some to eat using live or dead baits, but you’ve got to be patient. Check your favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats on the last of an outgoing tide and the first of an incoming. Do not forget, redfish often feed with large schools of mullet as they stir up the bottom. WWW. INITNHE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM
Spanish Mackerel/Bluefish: As the massive schools of
threadfin herring invade Tampa Bay the Spanish mackerel and bluefish bite goes crazy. It’s not unusual to limit out in a couple of hours on moving water using live threadfins and greenbacks and have a blast doing it. I’ve been using 60 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, shiny long shank 2/0 hooks and # 2 or 3 split shots with good success. If live bait is not your repartee then tie a silver spoon onto an 18” small wire leader and catch all you want.
and guiding the direction the fish is travelling should help get more fish to the boat. Remember, once the fish is hooked you’re in control not the fish. The most important part of boating any fish is making sure you release it with as little damage as possible. Practice responsible catch and release.
Tarpon should begin showing up around the Skyway and along the beaches. They also begin moving inside around deeper flats and hard bottom or artificial reefs holding baitfish. Expect plenty of activity throughout the summer using free-lined threadfins, pass crabs and greenbacks.
LEARNING ABOUT FISHING Light Tackle Hook-Sets
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he Every angler’s watched in amazement as bass profession- offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. als set the hook. Well it’s a matter of experience that’s taught them how hard to pull and when the line reaches its maxi- Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experimum stretch potential. Maximum stretch is a characteristic of ence and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain monofilament lines as opposed to the new super braids. Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Many saltwater anglers are, or have already, switched to super braid lines and afterwards seldom, if ever, return to monoVisit his website at: filament.
WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM
So what’s this got to do with a hook-set? Primarily because there’s no stretch or memory with braid, it requires less effort for a hook set. When a fish grabs the bait and swims away, the hook basically sets itself. Saltwater anglers targeting snook, redfish, trout and other inshore species also favor other characteristics of braid like casting distance, resistance to the sun’s ultra violet rays and less water drag.
send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
How hard should you pull when setting a hook depends on a few additional issues more than brute strength. Other things entering into the equation are species, fishing line, rod and reel combinations, depth of water, type of bait and most important, the hook, are determining factors when it comes to how hard. Conventional J-hooks are a mainstay in fishing. When used properly there is an excellent hook-up percentage, however, you must pay attention to what’s going on with your bait, so you can quickly detect all strikes. Otherwise, it’s inevitable the fish is going to swallow the bait and become hooked in the throat or worse. This usually results in a mortality factor for unwanted fish. You never know what’s on the other end of you line when setting the hook. Suppose it’s that world class trophy you’ve been waiting for all your life. Well if you’re not careful the old classic paradox “What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object” might come into play. You’ve got to remember, large fish present considerably more resistance to movement when setting the hook, especially when using braided line. Therefore if you use the legendary “Bill Dance monofilament line” hook set on a large snook or redfish you can bet something is going to break. Learn good hook setting techniques, then during those critical moments after a fish grabs your bait or the bobber goes under, think to yourself about the force required. Learning to use more controlled pressure, keeping the fishing rod bent IINNTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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• One pound of wool can make 10 miles of yarn. There are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in a baseball. • There are 350 squirts in a gallon of milk. Elevators in the Statue of Liberty use a soybean-based hydraulic fluid. • The chicken is the closest living relative to the T-Rex. • Cows can sense a storm coming and will lie down. • George Washington liked ice cream so much he reportedly had a bill for $200 for ice cream one summer. • Onions contain a mild antibiotic that fights infections, soothes burns, tames bee stings and relieves the itch of athletes foot. • Americans eat about 125 pounds of potatoes a year, about half from fresh potatoes and half in processed foods.
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Dead Deer
This past winter during the holiday season we spent a few days at our cottage in the mountains near Blairsville, Georgia. One morning I got up early and went in to town to eat breakfast around the square in downtown Blairsville across from the old courthouse at The Hole In The Wall restaurant. All the “old timers” were already there around the table in the back of the restaurant. They invited me to sit with them. This turned out to be the best source for new Rock’n Chair Chatter material. Bruce came in, sat down, ordered his coffee, and said, “Where’s Charlie? I followed him into town but stopped by Ware Chevrolet to get an estimate on repairing a hole in the roof of my cab. I figured he would already have been here.” They all started laughing, and Fred said, “You just missed all the excitement, the Game Warden hauled him off to jail for killing a deer out of season.” “What happened? You know Charlie doesn’t have a gun,” Bruce said. “Well, the Game Warden pulled in next to Charlie’s pickup out front a few minutes ago and saw a dead deer in the bed of his truck.” “Oh my goodness, Charlie didn’t shoot that deer! When we were coming in town about five miles out on highway 129 a deer ran in front of my truck, hit the grill, came over my hood, broke my windshield and flew over the top of my truck. When I hit the brakes my 30-06 rifle went off, and blew a hole in the roof of the truck about the time the deer sailed over the cab. I’ll bet that deer landed in the bed of Charlie’s truck. He was following pretty close to me at the time.” Bruce took off to the police station. When he pulled in the Game Warden was just getting into his truck, and a tow truck had started to haul off Charlie’s pickup. I hollered, “Hold everything officer, there’s been a big mistake. Charlie didn’t shoot that deer, let me explain.” Bruce told the story how the deer his truck, and when it went over his truck his rifle went off and blew a hole in the roof of his cab hitting the deer.
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The officer laughingly said, well I have heard a lot of stories but this one tops it off. “Do you expect me to believe a cock and bull story like that”? After Bruce showed him the hole in the roof of his truck, and they looked over the dead deer, and saw where the deer had been shot in the top of his spine, the officer said,
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“Well, I guess you’re telling the truth, he would have had to be in an airplane to shoot the deer in the back! Come on lets go back to the jail and let old Charlie out.” Then there’s the story of two guys are out hunting deer. The first guy says, “Did you see that?” “No,” the second guy says. “Well, a bald eagle just flew overhead,” the first guy, says. “Oh,” says the second guy. A couple of minutes later, the first guy says, “Did you see that?” “See what?” the second guy asks. “Are you blind? There was a big, black bear walking on that hill, over there.” A few minutes later the first guy says: “Did you see that?” By now, the second guy is getting aggravated, so he says, “Yes, I did!” And the first guy says: “Then why did you step in it?” Two new deer hunters that decided to separate to increases their chances. “What if we get lost?” says one of them. “Fire three shots up in the air, every hour on the hour,” says the other. “I saw it on TV.” Sure enough, one of the hunters gets lost, so he fires three shots up into the air every hour on the hour. The next day the other hunter finds his friend with the help of the Forest Ranger. “Did you do what I said?” asked the hunter. “Yes, I fired three shots up into the air every hour on the hour, until I ran out of arrows.” Then there’s the story of two lawyers who were out hunting when they came upon a pair of tracks. They stopped and examined the tracks closely. The first lawyer said, “Those are deer tracks. It’s deer season, so we should follow the tracks and find our prey.” The second lawyer responded, “Those are clearly elk tracks, and elk are out of season. If we follow your advice, we’ll waste the day.” Each attorney believed himself to be the superior woodsman, and they both bitterly stuck to their guns. They were still arguing when the train hit them. One night during the local deer-hunting season a police officer was staking out a particularly rowdy country bar for possible DUI violations. At closing time, he saw a deer hunter tumble out of the bar, trip on the curb, then try his keys in five different cars before he found his. He sat in the front seat fumbling around with his keys for several minutes. All the other deer hunters left the bar and drove off. Finally he started his engine and began to pull away. The police officer was waiting for him. He stopped the driver, read him his rights and administered the Breathalyzer test. The results showed a reading of 0.00. The puzzle officer demanded to know how that could be. The deer hunter replied, “Tonight I’m the designated decoy.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FLORIDA MINERAL SALT & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS – Getting Better with Age By Jim Frankowiak
Just like a fine wine, Florida Mineral Salt & Agricultural Products, LLC keeps getting better with age. Florida Mineral manufactures high quality vitamin, mineral and protein supplementation products for beef, dairy, equine and other livestock species. It is Florida’s only manufacturer of pressed protein blocks and poured molasses blocks. In addition to blocks, FMS offers its products in bulk, bagged or liquid form via their own brand or private labeling to customers throughout Florida and the Southeast, as well as Puerto Rico. The business is owned by the Clark brothers, Mike, Steve and Greg, and each is actively involved in the company, which was formed in 1991. Mike serves as Florida Mineral president and operations manager, while Steve is general manager and treasurer and Greg is sales manager and vice president. The Clark brothers have first-hand knowledge of the commitment their customers have to agriculture and the challenges it represents. “We grew up working on the farms of our grandparents,” said Mike. Prior to forming their own company, the Clark brothers were each involved in allied mineral businesses. North American Salt decided to leave the minerals business and focus on their water softener and grocery salt business. The Clarks purchased the Huco Mineral business from NAS Tampa operation and that marked the beginning of Florida Mineral. Additionally, the purchase brought an existing customer base, as well. “When we were considering the purchase, our father was instrumental in pointing out that he thought the non-complete feed side of the business offered a better long-term opportunity for us, and he was right,” noted Mike. Florida Mineral is located on the corner of MLK Boulevard and North 40th Street on Tampa’s east side. It occupies a three-acre site conveniently located near I- 4, I-275 and Highway 60. Since Florida Mineral was formed, the brother’s hard work and commitment to customer service and quality products has brought continuous growth. “We are highly sensitive to our customers’ needs and continue to enhance our products to meet those needs while seeking ways to make it easier for them to do business with us.”
continues to grow, a challenge our customers face into the future,” said Mike. “We are committed to continued analysis of ways to nutritionally enhance our existing products and offer new ones that will help our customers meet increasing demand for beef and dairy products.” Giving back to the community and to agriculture has long been a tradition of Florida Mineral and the Clarks. “We continue our active involvement in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Hillsborough Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Feed Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Feed Industry Association. We also support the students at the Florida State Fair, Hillsborough County Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival, 4-H, FFA, campus ministries and other mission organizations.” They also maintain their association with Nutra-Blend’s Drive to Feed Kids program. Nutra-Blend is a key Florida Mineral supplier. “I am pleased that Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa is benefitting from our participation in that program,” said Mike. Going forward, the Clark brothers will continue to seek ways to help their customers through enhancements and additions to their product line as well as customer service initiatives. “Providing food for the world population that is anticipated to reach nine billion by the middle of this century places a high level of importance on companies such as ours and the products we produce to help agriculture meet the growing need for food. We accept that role and responsibility, and will work hard to meet those demands. “We sincerely want to thank all of our customers and our employees over the last 25 years. We would not be here without the continued support of all of our customers, and the hard work of all of our employees.” For more information about Florida Mineral, visit: https://floridamineral.com.
Among those new products is SUPER-MIN ™ mineral fortified with Intellibond® Hydroxy Trace Minerals. This product addresses the variance of mineral needs of livestock, not only with the type and quality of the available feedstuffs, but also with the species of livestock, stage of growth and production requirements. The new product line is available in bags, blocks and bulk, guaranteeing an adequate supply of minerals for all types of livestock.
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“Considerations such as using vitamin and mineral products that are more bio available and economical are becoming more important as the demand for beef and dairy products
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WRITERS BIO
Jim Frankowiak
Jim Frankowiak has been writing for IN THE FIELD Magazine since the Fall of 2007. He and his family moved to “northeast suburban Plant City” in 2000. They live on a small horse farm where Jim serves as the unpaid hand. A journalism alumnus of Marquette University, Jim was a full-time correspondent in the Milwaukee bureau of United Press International his last two years of college, involved in all phases of news writing. He moved on to work for his alma mater in the alumni office before beginning his career in public relations with the General Electric Company. His next step was the agency side of public relations, initially in Chicago then here in Florida in 1979. He continues his public relations activities along with his monthly contributions to IN THE FIELD. Jim is also a member of the board of directors of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and has been recognized by the federation both locally and statewide for his contributions to agriculture through his articles. Jim and his wife Jann have been married since 1968. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. “Writing for IN THE FIELD has given me a much better understanding of agriculture and its importance to all of us. It has also given me the opportunity to meet
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“Writing for In The Field has given me a much better understanding of agriculture and its importance to all of us.”
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the hardworking, honest and highly committed men and women who produce what we eat every day, plus many of their children who plan to carry on their family legacies. I am honored to have been given this opportunity.”
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Quit Eating the Caviar: The South Atlantic Sturgeon By Ginny Mink It’s definitely time for fishing. The weather is perfect outside, and it is almost still okay to be outside without mosquito repellant. No doubt you are noticing more and more pictures on Facebook of people holding bass and other large fish. Generally, we don’t think about fish being endangered. After all, the rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans appear replete with them. However, the South Atlantic Sturgeon is a species in peril. February 6, 2012 marks a significant date in sturgeon history. That is when the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) offered these fish protection under the Endangered Species Act. This protection has provided increased funding from Maine to Florida for the purpose of researching and rescuing these fish via the mitigation of human-caused deaths.¹ These are remarkable fish both in design and longevity. They can reach 14 feet in length and are capable of weighing more than 800 lbs. The idea of catching something that large awes us. Perhaps the most astonishing fact about these creatures, however, is the fact that they are strong enough to leap nine feet into the air. Though they are extraordinarily strong, they are relatively docile fish, existing off food from the water’s bottom.² Sturgeon are considered prehistoric fish. Researchers say they date as far back as the dinosaurs. Their design is a lot like that of sharks, with a cartilaginous skeleton and spiral valve stomach. We had no idea what a spiral valve stomach was, so we looked it up. Apparently, it is created to “increase the surface area for digestion and absorption of food, while also conserving space in the body cavity…”³ Unlike sharks, though, they have scutes. According to our research, these are large, hard body plates. They look a lot like armor. Also, unlike sharks, South Atlantic Sturgeon don’t have teeth. Instead they are equipped with barbels and a suction like mouth.² The design of their mouths is quite appropriate given the fact that the bottoms of waterways are their dinner tables. They especially enjoy crabs, shrimp, brachiopods, marine worms, and lancets. They eat a lot of food between the fall and spring because this is the time they spend in salt and brackish water. However, when they move into the freshwater areas they seem to go on a fast.² Perhaps the inhabitants of freshwater are not nearly as appetizing for them. They live in the ocean but they spend their first years of life in freshwater. And frequently venture between the two habitats. The females are not able to spawn until they have reached 16 years of age and then they can only reproduce every three to five years. That means it is hard for them to replenish their depleted population.¹
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When they lay eggs, there is a sticky substance that lasts for about half an hour so that the eggs can adhere to something.
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Unfortunately, the substrate that they need to adhere to is being damaged and dirtied by the silt from watersheds. Of course, there’s also the issue of boats, which frequently have propellers capable of cutting these fish in half.¹ It would appear that the biggest threat to the Atlantic sturgeon are the dams located on rivers in the Atlantic Seaboard. These dams are making it impossible for the sturgeon to return to their historic spawning grounds. Since sturgeon generally return to the place they were born in order to spawn, this is a very serious problem. The less they spawn, the slower their resurgence will be.² Dredging is also causing significant problems. They live in the rivers that are frequently dredged. Unfortunately, this process suffocates and destroys the sturgeons’ eggs which are located on the bottom parts of the river. Water quality is an additional problem, and that is intensified by pollution and water withdrawals.² Because the South Atlantic Sturgeon is a protected endangered species, based on federal and state designations, harvesting of this fish has been banned until 2038.² Historically, the sturgeon has been the primary fish for the collection of caviar. That has no doubt deeply affected their ability to procreate and increase their numbers in beneficial ways. So, the best advice to us, besides the elimination of pollution and dams, is to quit eating the caviar. Don’t forget, too, that fishing for sturgeon along the Atlantic Seaboard is illegal. Their habitat falls under the protection of the Federal Clean Water Act. It is important that we support the government entities designated to protect and monitor the progress of the South Atlantic Sturgeon. These fish are most well-known in Florida for the time they spend in the St. Johns River. Please be mindful of their presence whenever you are in that area. Resources: ¹Williams, T. (2015). Atlantic Sturgeon: An Ancient Fish Struggles Against the Flow. Yale Environment 360. http://e360.yale. edu/features/atlantic_sturgeon_an_ancient_fish_struggles_ against_the_flow ²Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Atlantic Sturgeon: Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. http://myfwc.com/ wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/fish/atlantic-sturgeon/ ³Marine Biodiversity. Internal Anatomy. http://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/skatesandrays/internal%20anatomy.htm Photos Credits: Virginia State Parks. Sturgeon in tank. Making a comeback. Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/dAjm7u Biodiversity Heritage Library. Illustration. Flickr- https://flic. kr/p/a9FFEv WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
OUR PROFITS ARE YOUR PAYDAY When you do business with Farm Credit, you are a member of a cooperative. When we do well, you do well. And we’ve been doing well for over 100 years. LOANS FOR: • • • •
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LL Wiiiamm & Karen Davii
OWNERS OF FELTON'S
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our reclamation team and ecologists use the latest technology and scientific methods to reclaim formerly mined lands, creating natural corridors for native wildlife and even reviving streams that haven’t existed for over a century. As a global leader in reclamation ecology, Mosaic is pioneering new environmental approaches to create vital habitats and land uses for future generations — both ours and nature’s. Mosaic ecologists Laura and Michelle work to reclaim land like the perennial stream at Maron Run that provides habitat and food supplies
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© 2017 The Mosaic Company
for a diverse group of water-dependent species.
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To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit MosaicCo.com/Florida.
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Growing the Future with Precision Ag
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL. 33567 Store (813) 737-1660
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6150 Orange Ave, Ft. Pierce, FL. 34947 Store (772) 461-5568
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13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee. FL. 33470 Store (561) 784-4000
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2017 N.W. 16th Belle Glade, FL. 33430 Store (561) 996-6531
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1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL. 34109 Store (239) 260-8800
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Since 1963 Everglades Farm Equipment has been serving the agriculture and commercial equipment business. We invite you to put us to the test and look forward to doing business together. PAGE
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Florida
Leeks By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh Florida leeks are a sweet, flavorful springtime treat. Leeks play a starring role in potato leek soup, quiche, egg dishes, and braised leeks. A member of the Allium family along with garlic and onions, leeks look like giant scallions with thick, juicy green stems and no bulb. Their flavor resembles onions, but sweeter and milder. Leeks are delicious steamed or braised, oven-roasted, or added to eggs or stews. Young ones can be enjoyed raw, as you would eat scallions. Leeks are tolerant to frost and grow well throughout the winter in Florida until they are harvested in the springtime. These alliums can be harvested from the ground at any time.
Nutrition Leeks are full of many of the same health benefits as its cousins, onions and garlic. They are a great source of many vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked leeks (104 grams) contains 32 calories, 0.84 grams of protein, 7.9 grams of carbohydrate, 1.0 grams of fiber, and 0.21 grams of fat. A one cup serving also contains 29% of your daily requirements for potassium, 13% for manganese, 7% for copper, 6% for folate, vitamin C, and iron, 5% for vitamin A and B6, and plentiful amounts of dietary fiber, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Antioxidants Leeks are high in several different types of antioxidants, nutrients that help protect our bodies from oxidative damage from free radicals. Among these are flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which directly protect blood vessels from damage. The antioxidants in leeks also provide protection from chronic inflammatory conditions including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancers, including colorectal.
Folate Leeks are high in folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is present throughout the entire plant and is considered a heart-healthy vitamin because it balances out homocysteine. Excess homocysteine is linked to cardiovascular disease. Adequate folate intake is especially important in pregnancy, and folate is well-known in its role in preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. Additionally, high dietary intake of this B vitamin has been associated with lower risk of certain types of cancer, including pancreatic, colon, breast, cervical, and stomach.
Magnesium plays a variety of important roles in the body. This mineral is involved in transporting calcium and potassium across cell membranes, which is important to proper nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining normal heart rhythm. Magnesium also acts as a cofactor for hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body, including those for blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, energy production, and protein synthesis.
How to Select and Store Choose leeks that are firm and straight with dark green leaves and white necks. Avoid any with yellow or wilted leaves. Smaller leeks tend to be more tender in texture. Store fresh leeks loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Immediately before using, wash thoroughly, then remove tough outer leaves and the green tops. These parts can be discarded or can be used to flavor soup or stock. Leeks can also be frozen for up to three months. Wash well, slice, and blanch for two to three minutes in boiling water before freezing. The frozen leeks can be added directly to soups and stews.
How to Enjoy Fresh, young leeks can be eaten raw and used as you would raw scallions. More mature and larger leeks should be cooked to soften their fibrous texture. Ways to enjoy leeks include: • Chop finely and add to egg omelets or frittatas • Chop into large pieces, boil in chicken broth, then puree for a creamy soup • Slice and stir fry with other vegetables • Slice into long strips, toss with olive oil, and roast in the oven for a sweet, silky side dish • Slice young leeks into thin rings and add to a salad Enjoy fresh Florida leeks in peak season today. Full of nutrients with a mellow onion flavor, leeks add a healthy, delicious punch to any dish.
Selected References http://www.whfoods.com http://www.edas.ufl.edu
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Magnesium
Celebrating a most fruitful relationship between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
1996
2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Ray Reteneller (813) 230-4216 or Mike Sanders (813) 240-7316
2001
2003
Present
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©2016 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
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Water and Environmental Conservation Workshops at Extension
by Lynn Barber, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPINGTM AGENT
On a monthly basis, from February through November, we present Composting, Microirrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Workshops at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. These workshops are free to Hillsborough County residents. The Composting workshop provides information about home composting, how to turn trash into treasure. Attendees will learn how to recycle kitchen and yard waste, while creating a rich soil amendment. Compost adds nutrients to the soil and retains moisture in the root zone where it can be used by plants. Composting workshop attendees receive a compost bin and thermometer. The Microirrigation workshop teaches attendees how to have a healthy and attractive lawn and landscape while conserving water. Tips on installing and using microirrigation are also presented. This irrigation method not only conserves water but is less restricted by current water restrictions. Microirrigation workshop attendees receive a microirrigation kit. In the Rainwater Harvesting workshop, you can learn how rain barrels, made from a 55-gallon plastic food-grade drum, are useful for collecting rainwater for landscape bed and ornamental plant irrigation. Harvesting rainwater reducing erosion, potable water use and stormwater runoff. Rainwater harvesting workshop attendees receive a rain barrel that has been drilled and spigot installed. These workshops follow the nine principles of the FloridaFriendly LandscapingTM program, which include: • Right Plant-Right Place – Reduce the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning by using plants suited to the site conditions in your yard. • Water Efficiently – After your plants are established, water only when your plants need it. Efficient watering is the key to having a healthy Florida yard and reducing runoff. • Fertilize Appropriately – Use slow-release fertilizers in your landscape. Over-utilization of fertilizers can be hazardous to your yard, the environment and Florida’s water resources.
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• Mulch – Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to help
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retain moisture, prevent erosion and suppress weeds. • Recycle – In a Florida yard, recycle grass clippings by leaving them on your turfgrass. This practice can decrease your need for two to three fertilizations each year by one fertilization, so you will only need to consider one to two fertilizations per year. Recycling landscape trimmings and kitchen waste can create a useful and rich soil amendment. • Manage Yard Pests Responsibly – Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms and the environment. Most insects are not pests and have a positive benefit to the environment. • Attract Wildlife – Plants in your yard that provide food, water and shelter can conserve Florida’s diverse wildlife and increase the variety of species that live in your yard. • Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Water running off your yard can carry debris, fertilizer, grass clippings and pesticides that can harm water quality. Direct downspouts to landscape or lawn areas and consider adding a rain barrel to collect water for ornamental landscape plant irrigation. • Protect the Waterfront – Waterfront property, whether on a bay, river, stream, pond or beach, is very fragile and should be protected. Leave a ten foot buffer strip between your landscape and the waterway. This strip should be a no-fertilizer, no-pesticide zone. Each of our workshops is an hour, starting with Composting at 8:30 am, then Microirrigation at 9:30 am and Rainwater Harvesting at 10:30 am. We provide one informational packet/item per household/address. The representative of the household must be an adult. Those who have already attended a workshop before are not eligible to attend again. You can access our calendar of events at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml. The registration process is easy, as is finding our office which is located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner 33547, just south of I-4, Exit 10. You can walk through our teaching gardens, view our mulch and compost demonstration areas and receive brochures on water and environmental conservation and much more. We hope to see you soon.
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Strawberry Festival FFA Exhibit Winners
The winners of the annual FFA exhibit competition held during the Florida Strawberry Festival are:
1st Tomlin FFA 2nd Marshall FFA 3rd Durant FFA 4th Turkey Creek FFA Awards of Distinction Brandon FFA Plant City FFA Strawberry Crest FFA Each year, seven FFA chapters from the local area design and construct a booth that is agriculturally educational and related to the festival’s current theme. The theme for the 2017 festival was “We’re Playing Your Song!”
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Y U THE DIFFERENCE IS...
What are BMPs? BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions designed by UF/ IFAS to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production throughout different types of operations.
Call FDACS today to enroll: (850) 617-1727 • THISFARMCARES.org
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SPONSORED BY
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There’s a minor miracle going on in Florida.
Drew Carlton, a senior in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, presented his idea of developing mountaintop microfiber nets connected to pipes as a water purification system at One World 2017. The UF/IFAS CALS event featured six students proposing solutions to the challenge of feeding and caring for a projected global population of 10 billion by 2050. UF/IFAS CALS enrollment is at an all-time high. Photo by Camila Guillen, UF/IFAS.
Marcela Mulholland won the $1,500 grand prize at the recent One World 2017 event, which showcased student speakers from UF. Mulholland proposed integrating mindfulness into test taking, discipline and morning announcements to reduce anxiety and build resiliency in elementary and middle schoolers. Photo by Camila Guillen, UF/ IFAS. Also in the photo are event organizers Corina McBride and Matt Sowcik, and Dan Bailey, former director of sales for USA and Canada for HM.CLAUSE.
By Jack Payne
More than 1,000 people a day are moving here, and we pave over many farms to make way for their subdivisions. Yet the new supermarkets that pop up to feed these newcomers all contain aisle upon aisle of Florida-produced food. Yes, that’s more food from less land. That productivity boost relies on a thriving innovation economy and a network of field-to-fork industries that make the Sunshine State one of the world’s leading agricultural hubs. This success story is led by a strong commissioner of agriculture, with science and innovation provided by the state’s land-grant university and a supportive collection of commodity and stakeholder groups. In addition to keeping you very well fed, it’s an economic boon for your community. We can start with the 2.2 million jobs linked to Florida agriculture, nearly a fifth of all the jobs in the state. Unless we stop eating, Florida agriculture has no choice but to grow. The state’s population is expected to increase by nearly 14 million by 2070.
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At the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), we’ve long seen challenges to food production, such as the disease that threatens our iconic citrus industry. We also see tremendous opportunity to meet those challenges through teaching, research, and outreach via Extension.
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Young people are beginning to see it too, and a new generation of idealists fills our colleges and universities. They aspire to feed the world through careers in science and technology. They see careers in biology, genetics, engineering, computer science, and many other scientific and technological fields as the way to contribute to solutions. We have an all-time high enrollment at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences this year. Food security is a global issue. Thousands of students see the grand challenge of feeding a projected 10 billion people on the planet in 2050 as an opportunity to do good while doing well. That challenge offers the potential for an even greater economic future for Florida. Why shouldn’t we have the agricultural equivalent of Silicon Valley? Who better than us to create a concentration of start-ups, laboratories, and research centers to innovate better ways to produce food? Florida agriculture, natural resources, and food industries already drive $59 billion in exports. They have a total state economic impact of $127 billion, more than 14 percent of our state economic output. These numbers consider the ag and food system as a whole. A tomato in the field is nothing without a distributor and grocer. A plant in the greenhouse will languish without a landscaper or garden center. The meat from a healthy cow is wasted without a burger joint. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Field and greenhouse agriculture is a small proportion of the whole, but it is the base of the ag and food system pyramid. The entire food system collapses without agriculture.
our tree farmers harvest. It grows on the bottom of the sea where our clam farmers produce some of the most delicious seafood you’ll ever taste.
There are lots of ways to harvest statistics, of course, but there’s no denying that our state’s 47,000 farms are already vital economic engines that help you in ways that go beyond putting food on your plate.
Our fields of green – tomatoes, watermelon, peanuts, and yes, oranges – put green in the wallets of millions of Floridians.
They keep your tractor sales force in business. They keep a whole array of juicing, canning, and other processing plants running. They fill trucks to ship produce but they also fill them before a seed is even in the ground, bringing in the supplies and equipment necessary to grow thousands of acres of food at a time. There are some communities where agriculture is such a large part of the tax base that failed farms could very well translate into the layoffs of librarians, teachers, and cops.
There are indeed serious challenges to food production here. I just don’t believe the story that says Florida agriculture is in decline. I see the story on your supermarket shelves, on your restaurant menus, and in your farmers’ markets. I see it in farmers using technology to produce more food than ever. I see it in students preparing to dedicate the next 40 years to food production. That story is that growing food in Florida means growing prosperity.
Agriculture’s resiliency makes it a mainstay of our economy. When money gets tight, fewer people book hotel rooms or buy theme park tickets. They don’t stop eating. The latest challenges do not spell doom for the Florida farmer. They’re calls for us to lead the way in sustainable agriculture. Money may not grow on trees. But it grows in the forests that Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS
Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now
Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.floridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org
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2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Results Mosaic Youth Swine Show Held in the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena, Grimes Family Agricultural Center
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Grand Champion - Tiffaney Henry, Simmons Career Center FFA Reserve Grand Champion Kenneth Hattaway, Durant FFA Class 1 1st Place – Kyleigh Murray 2nd Place – Morgan Chancey 3rd Place – Rachel Carter 4th Place – Siera Linton 5th Place – Landon Snapp 6th Place – Halei Alderman 7th Place – Luke Patten 8th Place – Aubrie Russell 9th Place – Garrett Linton Class 2 1st Place – Raegan Tucker 2nd Place – Traile Robbins 3rd Place – Addison Griffin 4th Place – Will Haxton 5th Place – Haley Bell 6th Place – Makenna Fox 7th Place – Dakota McArthur 8th Place – Chesney Stackhouse 9th Place – Logan Goodyear 10th Place – John Thompson Class 3 1st Place – Cecily Llauger 2nd Place – Callie Smith 3rd Place – Anne-Marie Iampieri-McGinnis 4th Place – Jade Banks 5th Place – Kagen Alred 6th Place – Corbet Wyatt 7th Place – Olivia Ennis 8th Place Elam Livermore Class 4 1st Place – Seth Irwin 2nd Place – Ashlyn Barror 3rd Place – Chance Christie 4th Place – Ariel Aldous 5th Place – Brooklyn Zajac 6th Place – Jake Braglin 7th Place – Chase Braglin 8th Place – Cassandra Fincher 9th Place – Jacob Ogden
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Class 5 1st Place – Tiffaney Henry 2nd Place – Emma Grace McConnell 3rd Place – Tiffany Wilson 4th Place – Wyatt Brown 5th Place – Austin Holcomb 6th Place – Tanner Ashley 7th Place – Charles Watson 8th Place – Nicholas Claussen 9th Place – Corey Neal Class 6 1st Place – Emma Poole 2nd Place – Marissa Zolna 3rd Place – Emma Grace Futch 4th Place – Preston Perkins 5th Place – Samuel Shiver 6th Place – Carter Herndon-Stalvey 7th Place – Valentina Hegedus 8th Place – Mathew Diem 9th Place – Michael Jones, Jr Class 7 1st Place – Milee Hasting 2nd Place – Rhet Conyers 3rd Place – Elizabeth Ford 4th Place – Brystal Cunningham 5th Place – Lynzi Butler 6th Place – Ava Hasting 7th Place – Jonah Spivey 8th Place – Matthew Greenaker Class 8 1st Place – Kenneth Hattaway 2nd Place – Alexis Gilbert 3rd Place – Jessica Tamboe 4th Place – Wyatt Drawdy 5th Place – Jack Gardner 6th Place – Blake Rouse 7th Place – Destiny Cox 8th Place – Cooper McDonald Class 9 1st Place – Raegen Roger 2nd Place – Russell Butler 3rd Place – Madison Smith 4th Place – Jesse Donnell
April 2017
5th Place – Caleb Waters 6th Place Cassidy Eramo Senior Showmanship 1st Place - Tanner Ashley 2nd Place - Cecily Llauger 3rd Place - Tiffany Wilson Intermediate Showmanship 1st Place - Chance Christie 2nd Place - Seth Irwin 3rd Place - Cassidy Eramo Junior Showmanship 1st Place - Milee Hasting 2nd Place - Kyleigh Murray 3rd Place - Corey Neal Mosaic Rabbit and Poultry Show Poultry Grand Champion - Kyle Holland Reserve Grand Champion Barron Spencer Best Exhibition - Aubrey Davis Pest Production Frankie Joseph Ford Rabbit Show Grand Champion - Bonnie Vance Reserve Grand Champion Triston Wager Best Opposite Sex Commercial - Teresa Paul Best Opposite Sex Fancy Carlie Tryon Dairy Show Held at the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena, Grimes Family Agricultural Center. Grand Champion Ayrshire Aidan Heidt Grand Champion Brown Swiss - Taylor Boyd Grand Champion Guernsey - Austin Holcomb Grand Champion Holstein Gracie Lee Grand Champion Jersey Cierra Ellis Ayrshire Reserve Grand Champion - Ashley Bing-
ham Reserve Grand Champion Brown Swiss - Aaron Bingham Reserve Grand Champion Guernsey - Austin Holcomb Reserve Grand Champion Holstein - Reagan Messick Reserve Grand Champion Jersey - Kyleigh Glenn Junior Champion Ayrshire Aidan Heidt Junior Champion Brown Swiss - Blane Rogers Junior Champion Guernsey - Austin Holcomb Junior Champion Holstein Gracie Lee Junior Champion Jersey Rebekah Messick Reserve Junior Champion Ayrshire – Aubrey Cook Reserve Junior Champion Brown Swiss – Cheyenne Sommer Reserve Junior Champion Guernsey - Austin Holcomb Reserve Junior Champion Holstein - Gracie Lee Reserve Junior Champion Jersey - Alayna Tiffany Senior Chmapion Ayrshire Aidan Heidt Senior Champion Brown Swiss - Taylor Boyd exhibited the Brown Swiss Senior Champion Guernsey - Austin Holcomb Senior Champion Holstein Gracie Lee Senior Champion Jersey Cierra Ellis Reserve Senior Champion Ayrshire - Ashley Bingham Reserve Senior Champion Brown Swiss - Aaron Bingham Reserve Senior Champion Holstein - Reagan Messick Reserve Senior Champion Jersey - Kyleigh Glenn All-Breeds Champion Award – Gracie Lee WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Premier Exhibitor – Gracie Lee Junior All Breeds Bred-By Exhibitor Award – Blane Rogers Senior All Breeds Bred-By Exhibitor Award – Aidan Heidt Junior Herdsman – Austin Holcomb Senior Herdsman – Carissa Retter Charlie Hunter Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Noah Bouchard Showmanship Pee Wee Division – Colby Holcomb Novice Division – Aubrie Russell Junior Division – Sarah Rogers Intermediate Division - Austin Holcomb Senior Division - Gracie Lee Adult Division - Jason Carey Premier Showmanship Award - Cierra Ellis Funniest Category – “The Cow Showing the Girl” Haley Wathey Prettiest Category - “Unicorn Cow and the Fairy” Kyleigh Glenn Most Original Category – “Benjamin Franklin” Austin Holcomb Most Colorful Category – “Butterfly Catcher” Rebecca Holcomb Overall – “Alice in Wonderland” Aidan and Finley Heidt Mosaic Youth Steer Show Patterson Co. Livestock Arena, Grimes Family Agricultural Center
3rd Place – Jace Stines 4th Place – Ashlynn Flack 5th Place – Alexa Diaz 6th Place – Chase Campbell 7th Place – Raelyn Hudson 8th Place – Ethan Rebman 9th Place – Allison Lane 10th Place – Savana Bunting 11th Place – Alana Kicklighter Class 4 1st Place – Raegan Brown 2nd Place- Cole Harrell 3rd Place – Ethan Fernandez 4th Place – Noah Rebman 5th Place – Haley Riley 6th Place – Ramsey Bowers 7th Place – Selena Berrios 8th Place – Jasmine Sampson 9th Place – Noel Walls Class 5 1st Place – Cheyenne Lopez 2nd Place – Paige Schelb 3rd Place – Gresham Stephens 4th Place- James Gray 5th Place – Dustin Jacobs 6th Place – Jacey Dixon 7th Place Dylan Varn 8th Place – Luke Williams Class 6 1st Place – Dakota Allen 2nd Place – Madilyn Conrad 3rd Place – T.J. Hutchinson 4th Place – Ethan Vaughan 5th Place – Noah Hamrick 6th Place – Brooklen Mosley 7th Place – Esperanza Van Vleet 8th Place – Tess Jenkinson 9th Place – Hanna Simmons
Class 7 1st Place – Alyssa Cooper 2nd Place – Zachery Salter 3rd Place – Levi Edwards 4th Place – Jacob Ross 5th Place – Aidan Vaughan 6th Place - Abigale Devane 7th Place – Amanda Clark 8th Place – Ashley Sanchez 9th Place – Emma Stephens 10th Place – Colton Drawdy 11th Place – Brooke Callis Class 8 1st Place – Megan Todd 2nd Place – Shelby Allen 3rd Place – Autumn Tarlton 4th Place – Haylee Cooper 5th Place – Claire Gill 6th Place – Shylen Denmark 7th Place – Brooke Varn 9th Place – Alysa Branch 9th Place – Haley Fletcher 10th Place - Abigayle Almon 11th Place – Mariah Austin Class 9 1st Place – Chloe Tew 2nd Place – Cole Hanson 3rd Place – Julie Rossborough 4th Place – Brett Love 5th Place – Jessica Reasor 6th Place – Dylan Smothers 7th Place – Nathan Hood 8th Place – Reagan Messick Showmanship Senior Division 1st Place - Ethan Vaughan 2nd Place - T.J. Hutchinson 3rd Place – Clayton Brock Intermediate Division
1st Place - Madilyn Conrad 2nd Place - Cole Hanson 3rd Place - Matthew DelCastillo
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Grand Champion - Megan Todd, Reserve Grand Champion Clayton Brock Lightweight Division Grand Champion – Clayton Brock Reserve Grand Champion – Jake Stines Middleweight Division Grand Champion – Dakota Allen Reserve Grand Champion – Madilyn Conrad Heavyweight Division Grand Champion – Megan Todd Reserve Grand Champion – Chloe Tew The class placings for the youth steer show are as follows: Class 1 1st Place – Destinee Miller 2nd Place – Brilynn Hallman 3rd Place – Remi Hasty 4th Place – Jenna Keely 5th Place – Gracie Lee 6th Place – Jayce Ware 7th Place – Gerald Williams 8th Place – Blake Zajac Class 2 1st Place – Clayton Brock 2nd Place – Riley Buttorff 3rd Place – Tyler Jurgens 4th Place – Matthew DelCastillo 5th Place – Chase Lingo 6th Place – Kairstin Rollins 7th Place – Cade Fitzpatrick 8th Place – Karissa Atenza 9th Place – Amber Boykin 10th Place – Chelsley Campbell Class 3 1st Place – Jake Stines 2nd Place – Angelic Alex
Farm-ettes Growing In Popularity by John Dicks
There’s a growing trend of popularity blooming across the land. Particularly amongst the millennial generation, people are gaining an interest in “Farm-ettes.” Admittedly, the term Farmette is something that I just made up and named the new craze garnering this much new attention. I even applied early last month to grab the website name of farmette.com, thinking that there might be some value to owning it. Surprisingly, someone had already beaten me to it. There’s nothing really on the webpage, but it’s nonetheless telling that this is a trend waiting to gain traction. The farmette idea is an outbreak of the popular “farm to table” concept that has been so in vogue for the last several years. People have a sincere interest in knowing where and by whom their food is grown. Partiality seems also to be shown to the “closer the better” and people have been seeking to buy locally grown food. Naturally, then, folks have started looking at their own yards and landscapes and wondering whether, with a few packs of seeds, they could return to their roots with their own producing garden much like they’ve heard that Grandma used to do. Communities throughout Florida (and no doubt the rest of the nation) are witnessing neighborhood associations requesting changes in zoning to allow for front yard landscapes to be ripped of their grass and cultivated with a cornucopia of carrots, cabbage and even corn. Enthusiasts of the idea are proud to remark that they’d prefer to eat their lawns rather than mow them! Like any good new craze, the idea is catching on to the point of having people wanting to profit from it. Such is the case of one organization (amongst others) that bills itself as Fleet Farming (along with its charming website fleetfarming.org). The Fleet Farming folks are located in Orlando, where no doubt they early on likely learned innovative ag concepts at the ever popular Epcot Land Pavilion. The Fleet Farmers contract with homeowners to convert their front yards into producing fields. More than just a garden, the goal is to grow enough to harvest and sell at the local Farmers’ Market. The organization maintains the homegrown fields, commuting by bicycle from home to home and allows the homeowners to harvest some of the bounty, though the amount al-
lowed is a bit vague. Closer to the Tampa Bay area is the urban farming sprouting in the neighborhoods of New Port Richey. Not yet nearly as well organized as what’s happening in Orlando, but the practice is beginning to get recognized by the locals and being referred to as the “Garden District.” Even the New Port Richey local library is getting into the act by being the first in Florida to house a seed library and is hosting weekly events called Tasty Tuesdays where the front yard food can be marketed. Of course those who live in condos or in neighborhoods not allowing front yard farmettes have to search for places to propagate into producing plots. That’s given rise to CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) and community gardens. CSA’s are gaining such momentum that the Florida Department of Agriculture has begun maintaining on its website a list of CSA’s in Florida. I’m wondering, though, how current it’s kept by the Department’s webmaster since it lists none in Hillsborough County even though there’s a rather popular one in Tampa (yes, Tampa!). It’s an organic farm just west of Tampa International Airport (really!) and you can check out its website at sweetwater-organic.org. Like many, if not most CSA’s, the one in Tampa offers memberships in the farm. Starting at $850 a year, a full membership gets you a weekly “share” throughout the season of the farm’s harvested produce. Members are also asked to volunteer at the farm for at least four hours per season. Likewise, community gardens are sprouting up throughout the state, including in Plant City. For the past several years, the organization called “Plant City Commons Community Garden” has grown from a collection of small plots in a designated area near downtown to a more structured setup on the grounds of Hillsborough Community College. Membership in the Community Garden will set you back as little as $35 a year. That gets you a “Down & Dirty Annual Membership” which lets you enjoy access to your own individual garden plot to grow your own organic food. Mulch and soil are even provided. You can find information on the Community Garden at www. plantcitycommunitygarden.com. The basic membership does require a minimum 20 hours of gardening plus project participation each season, but for fledgling farmers, particularly those wanting to grow what they eat and from their farm to their table, it’s a wonderful way to get started.
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor.
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UF/IFAS UPDATES GROWERS ON RESEARCH UPDATES
Hosts Field Day
By Jim Frankowiak The development and implementation of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) are ongoing processes that involve growers, regulators and researchers across Florida. The Florida Watershed Restoration Act of 1999 directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Water Management Districts to work together to reduce pollution of Florida’s waters, specifically citing BMPs as the best way to accomplish this task. BMPs are practical and cost-effective guidelines advising producers how to manage the water, nutrients and pesticides they use in order to minimize agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. Most participation is voluntary, but participating growers are required to maintain records of their ongoing compliance with BMP standards.
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BMPs typically cover four major areas: the use of fertilizers by producers; pest management; water use and discharge; and the management of sediments on and around a producer’s property. Each is research-based and developed by FDACS and adopted by rule for different types of agricultural opera-
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tions. Grower assistance in implementing BMPs on their operations is broad from the provision of manuals and on-site assistance to various cost-sharing programs. Researchers from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recently met with growers for an update on a series of research projects associated with BMPs. The field day was hosted by Fancy Farms with support from the Mosaic Co. and Highland Precision Ag. Soil and Water Scientist Dr. Kelly Morgan of University of Florida, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center at Immokalee, told attendees “the next round of BMPs are focused more on precision ag types of products and services” utilizing technology to assist in with the implementation of practices. He noted a number of the applications for cell telephones are available at no cost. Dr. Morgan detailed effective irrigation management for area strawberry growers noting “the need for water requirements of the crop throughout the season and water-holding characteristics of the soil.” Such requirements vary from field to field and effective management plans should be developed for individual farms to optimize effectiveness. Morgan described WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tools available for such management activities and gave examples of how to use these tools and outputs available to grower through their use. Some Water Management District cost-sharing programs support such management plans. The findings of three-year trials at Fancy Farms designed to study control of Botrytis fruit rot on strawberry plants were presented by Dr. Natalia Peres, a plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). She noted the variables in weather conditions in each of the seasons and how “the available advisory system was helpful in guiding pesticide applications, advising growers to follow the alerts to choose products since it may not be necessary to use more costly silver bullet type products” thereby saving the grower money. While the most recent trials have not been completed, nor analyzed “specific grower recommendations will be forthcoming and based upon the replicated trials at Fancy Farms.” Dr. Amr Abd-Elrahman and Program Specialist Katie Britt presented information on the use of geomatics to identify and apply fertilizer BMPs on strawberry fields. They also demonstrated the ground-based, two-camera-equipped equipment developed and used to provide a photo mosaic of the fields over a period of time “allowing us to detect plant stress and water content.” The use of drone imagery of the same fields enabled researchers to compare and confirm findings derived through the use of drone and ground-based imagery. Both Dr. Abd-Elrahman and Britt are based at the University of Florida Plant City Center and involved in the geomatics program offered there. Nematologist Dr. Johan Desaeger, a member of the GCREC faculty, reported on an emerging problem for strawberry growers, a foliar nematode that severely minimizes plant production, found on the inside of strawberry plant crowns. “The species is particularly hard to identify and must be confirmed by DNA analysis,” he said. While the species is very rare, it has been detected in crops around the world, particularly in rice fields. Dr. Desaeger told attendees the nematode had been reported in the Plant City area nearly a century ago and document in a 1929 article authored by Dr. Brooks. “At present, there is no product available to fully eliminate this nematode,” Dr. Desaeger said. Dr. Joe Noling, a nematologist at the UF Citrus Research and Education Center, echoed Dr. Morgan’s initial comments on the emerging importance of technological advances helping to provide growers with an assessment of their crop conditions and treatments in a manner that “does not require harvesting on a continuing basis.” More information on BMP Programs, visit: http://bmp.ifas.ufl.edu. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Continued from pg. 45
Junior Division 1st Place - Jayce Ware 2nd Place - Chase Campbell 3rd Place – Shylen Denmark
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Beef Breed Show Grimes Family Agricultural Center All Breeds Champion Heifer – Blair Buchanon All Breeds Reserve Grand Champion Heifer – Madi Conrad All Breeds Grand Champion Bull Makayla Williamson All Breeds Reserve Grand Champion Bull - Julia Norman Grand Champion Bred and Owned Heifer - Madi Conrad Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Heifer - Hunter Dupre Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull - Morgan Lightsey Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull - Kendall Locke Grand Champion Angus Heifer - Blair Buchanon Reserve Grand Champion Angus Heifer - Jayce Ware Grand Champion Angus Bull - Jessie Bennett Reserve Grand Champion Angus Bull Kendall Locke Grand Champion Brahman Heifer Bailey Lightsey Grand Champion Brahman Bull - Julia Norman Reserve Grand Champion Brahman Bull - Morgan Lightsey Grand Champion Brangus Heifer Kade Bradbury Reserve Grand Champion Brangus Heifer - Elijah Lasseter Grand Champion Brangus Bull Makayla Williamson Reserve Grand Champion Brangus Bull - Cassidy Polston Grand Champion Other Breeds Heifer Madi Conrad Reserve Grand Champion Other Breeds Heifer - Shalee Conrad Grand Champion Commercial English Heifer - Hunter Dupre Reserve Grand Champion English Heifer - Tucker Conrad Grand Champion Commercial Brahman Heifer - Tyler Bazemore Reserve Grand Champion Brahman Heifer - Keith Bennett Senior Showmanship 1st Place - Madi Conrad 2nd Place - Blair Buchanon 3rd Place - Kaylee Lloyd
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Intermediate Showmanship 1st Place - Jessie Bennett 2nd Place - Harlie Rayborn 3rd Place - Payge Dupre Junior Showmanship 1st Place - Shalee Conrad 2nd Place - Tucker Conrad 3rd Place - Hattie Lightsey Senior Herdsman 1st Place – Hunter Dupre 2nd Place Wyatt Hinton Intermediate Herdsman 1st Place - David Hill 2nd Place - Trevor Hinton Junior Herdsman 1st Place - Kyleigh Crisswell 2nd Place - Hattie Lightsey Greenhand Award - Makayla Williamson Bill McClelland Scholarship - Cassidy Polston Jim Thompson Senior Award - Amanda Rockefeller Justin Gill Memorial Scholarship - Hannah Scionti Youth Plant Show sponsored by Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor Swindle Family Pavilion Grand Champion - Kaden Palmer Reserve Grand Champion - Daniel Harrell Champion Woody Ornamentals Kaden Palmer Champion Foliage Plants - Regan Brown Champion Hanging Planters - Chelsea Woodard Champion Miscellaneous Plants – Carson Buttram Size No. 1 Champion Plant - Logan Smith Size No. 3 Champion Plant - Jacob Reed Size No. 7 Champion Plant - Gracie Lee Awards of Distinction Jake Daniel Brynne Murphy Estrella Quirino. Lamb Shows Patterson Companies Livestock Arena Grimes Family Agricultural Center Showmanship Beginner 1st - Savannah Jenkins 2nd - Jayde McConnell 3rd - Easton Goff Junior 1st - Eric Zimmerman
2nd - Jazmin Rodriguez 3rd - Carter Herndon-Stalvey Intermediate 1st - Jeremiah Stewart 2nd - Brenna Sturgis placed second 3rd - Avery Surrency Senior 1st - Aubrey Davis 2nd - Tiffaney Henry 3rd – Sarahann Sweeney 4th - Brianna Spuduto 5th - Jasmine Sampson Supreme Grand Champion - Emma Leiss Grand Champion Black Face Ewe - Tiffaney Henry Reserve Champion Black Face Ewe Jazmin Rodriguez Grand Champion Black Face Ram Jasmine Sampson Reserve Grand Champion Black Face Ram – Chase Farris Grand Champion White Face ewe Emma Leiss Reserve Grand Champion White Face Ewe - Carter Herndon-Stalvey Grand Champion White Face Ram Tiffaney Henry Reserve Grand Champion White Face Ram – Eric Zimmerman Grand Champion Crossbred Ewe Charli Davis Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred Ewe - Cheyenne Sommer Grand Champion Crossbred Ram Cheyenne Sommer Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred Ram – Charli Davis Grand Champion Rare Breed Ewe - Savannah Jenkins Reserve Grand Champion Rare Breed Ewe Grand Champion Rare Breed Ram Shalee Conrad Reserve Grand Champion Rare Breed Ram - Easton Goff Costume Contest Best Overall - Everett Delvalle “Jurassic Park” Funniest - Aiden Davis “Chia pet” Most Original - Lauren Whalen won the “puppet show” Most Elegant - Bella Ballard “Cleopatra and her mummy” Most Creative - Nathan Zoffinger “search and rescue” Most Colorful - Aubrey and Abby Davis “Kevin & Russell, Mr. Frederickson and House from ‘Up’”
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PRINT Ag Tag ad In the Field Mag Glades School.pdf
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Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Blueberry Breakfast Casserole
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Cut cream cheese into small cubes. Lightly spray a 9x9x2-inch baking dish. Place half of the bread cubes in the dish. Evenly place the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of the blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes and blueberries to the top of the casserole. In a medium-sized bowl, combine eggs, milk, maple syrup and butter. Slowly pour egg mixture over bread. Cover casserole with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of the casserole; when it comes out clean, remove the foil so the casserole can brown on top. Let cool slightly and serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh Florida blueberries, rinsed and dried 1 loaf bread (your favorite kind) 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese (cold so it can be cubed) 8 large eggs, beaten 1 ½ cups low-fat milk 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup butter, melted Nonstick cooking spray
q
Florida Squash and Tomato Gratin q Ingredients 2 medium Florida yellow squash, thinly sliced lengthwise 2 medium Florida zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise 3 medium Florida tomatoes, thinly sliced lengthwise 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 shallots, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried 2 tablespoons fresh-grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs Olive oil for drizzling Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking dish. Evenly spread the garlic, shallots, and basil in the bottom of the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper. Angle the yellow squash, zucchini and tomatoes in upright alternating layers (like shingles on a roof ), repeating until all the vegetables are used in the casserole. Sprinkle the top with the cheese, then the breadcrumbs. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Hop aboard our Literary Time Machine as we travel back to 1926, where Mr. Charles Torrey-Simpson penned his intriguing and informative piece: Ornamental Gardening in Florida. This month we will continue learning all about exotic ornamental plants, specifically palms. We feel that Mr. Simpson is a foremost expert on the subject and are thrilled to see what we may glean from his experience this month. Join us! On page 128, he starts off discussing a slender palm from Fiji, which he says will do well in the shade. This is the Balaka seemani. Then he moves on to some “Oriental”¹ palms, Calamus, or Rattan, that he assures readers will do well in lower parts of the state where there are hammocks. But by the third paragraph on the page, we find a palm that he is particularly interested in. He writes about fish tail palms, “A genus of striking palms with twice pinnate leaves and wedge-shaped, irregularly truncate leaflets, the whole plant being wonderfully graceful. When they reach maturity the great tassels of bloom are sent out from among the upper leaves, these often being alternately male and female. Other spadices follow, each lower down the trunk and when the last, which comes out near the ground, has bloomed and fruited the whole tree generally dies. They often do well in Lower Florida but prefer rich soil as they are likely to be sickly in the pineland.”¹ Fish tail palms are pretty cool looking, we have to admit. However, as we continued reading, we determined that gracefulness was a big attraction for him among the exotic palms he chose to discuss. He mentions the Chamaedorea, describing them as, “Graceful, generally small palms with slender trunks and often sending up many stems, all from the American tropics.” And then he elaborates on Chrysallidocarpus lutescens stating it, “…is one of the most exquisitely graceful palms in cultivation… crowned with elegant arching, green rich leaves...”¹
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Herein we arrive at his discussion on what he calls the Cocos. These palms come from as far south as Argentina all the way up to what he calls the American tropics. Some of the varying subspecies are from Central Brazil and were apparently well
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planted throughout South Florida. Of course, we find it most interesting when he references someone else. He writes, “Mr. John Schnabel, of Gainesville, states that it does well at his place when grown in a sheltered situation…A good many years ago I discovered a rather slender palm whose trunk was covered with the bases of the leaf stalks in Cuba at the edge of the great Cienaga swamp and this is growing and has bloomed and seeded for me. Mr. O.F. Cook, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture believes it to be a new species.” With two names to go on, we began a search. The first thing we found about a John Schnabel referenced someone on a TV show that died last year at the age of 96. But then, we found a publication entitled: Organization Lists of the Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations in the United States (published in December of 1912) where Mr. Schnabel was listed as an Assistant Horticulturist in Gainesville.² We feel pretty certain that this is who Mr. Simpson was speaking of. Further research brought us nearly to a dead end until we located a publication by the United States Department of Agriculture that referenced a piece O.F. Cook had written. It was entitled: Cotton communities growing one variety only are increasing. That was published in 1928. Then another piece, also about cotton, published in 1930. In fact, he wrote and published four pieces about cotton between 1926 and 1930.³ But, what about Mr. Simpson’s “new” species? That question brought in the mother-load! There is an 87 page document entitled: History of the Coconut Palm in America. And, guess what? It’s penned by a Mr. O.F. Cook! He writes, “A coconut industry has been established in southern Florida, and is now beginning to attain considerable portions. One of the Florida coconut planters is recently reported to have sold the crop of a single season for $15,000.”⁴ We assume that was a lot of money back when he wrote the piece. Unfortunately, we don’t have time to read the whole thing, but there’s a link in the resources section if you are interested. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The next palm we’d like to mention is what Mr. Simpson calls, D. major. We think that sounds like a musical reference, but he writes, “It has slender stems and long pinnate leaves, the outer pinnae being metamorphosed into strong hooks which catch on to branches and aid the plant in ascending trees. For several years I have had a specimen in my hammock which grows well to about a certain height and then dies back to come up from the ground again.¹ Maybe it’s been listening to Wake Up by Rage Against the Machine (that’s a song played in D Major). Mr. Simpson’s list of exotic ornamental palms goes on. It’s a good reason for us to return to the Literary Time Machine next month. So until then, feel free to explore your own yards and investigate what palm trees might call your property home. Are they native or exotic? Perhaps you know a little more about them now. If not, you will definitely gain additional information on our next voyage. Until then! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 128-129). ²True, A.C. (1912). Organization Lists of the Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations in the United States. Washington. Government Printing Office. https://books.google.com/books?id=NdBLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=john+schnable+gainesville&source=bl&ots=4mDVXv -kP3&sig=fDKP09-dgCG-YS6tK7sCZ6oU044&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ah UKEwiTsYLD-fvSAhXJNiYKHb5RAVsQ6AEIUzAJ#v=onepage&q=john%20 schnable%20gainesville&f=false ³Hunt. M.G. List of Publications of the United States Department of Agriculture From January, 1926 to Decemeber, 1930, Inclusive. https://books. google.com/books?id=i6woAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA22&dq=O.F.+Cook+U.S.+D epartment+of+Agriculture&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhjvPG-_vSAhVF LSYKHZ6rDo8Q6AEIMzAE#v=onepage&q=O.F.%20Cook%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Agriculture&f=false ⁴Cook, O.F. History of the Coconut Palm in America. https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/26936/usnh_0014.02. pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Photo Credits: Cyril Nelson. Chamaedorea seifrizii Burret. (Up close of small trunk, many leaves, and red/orange growth). Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/y3C4Xj Diogomrj. Caryota mitis ‘Variegata’. (Fish tail palm in pot). Flickr- https:// flic.kr/p/9m7vrV Mauroguanandi. Palmeira rabo-de-peixe (Caryota urens) flowers South Asia native. (Fish tail palm blooms). Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/6i2RFw Javier Ignacio Acuña Ditzle. Ciénaga de Zapata I. (Picture of flamingos in the Cienaga swamp). Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/CBYDPM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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14th Annual Florida FFA Foundation Beast Feast & Auction By Melissa Nichols
The Florida FFA Foundation hosted the 14th Annual Florida FFA Foundation Beast Feast & Auction on Saturday March 25 at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City. This year’s occasion lived up to the events history as a family fun filled activity that just about everyone can enjoy. The food line up included everything from quail, venison, gator tail, swamp cabbage, and fried okra, to chicken tenders and bbq pork, not to mention the impressive lineup of desserts including homemade ice cream and strawberry shortcake. The vendors of the food are FFA Chapters from around the state of Florida who show up, grill, cook and bake to make the food of their selection for Beast Feast visitors to eat. All you can eat food until it runs out is included in the admission ticket to the event.
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This year a new event was added to the lineup, the Future Farmer Classic Shoot, a clay shoot competition hosting youth and adult teams from around the state to compete to win the title of Top Shooter. For a first year event it was quite successful for the shooting competition and something that the Florida FFA Association plans to host in the future. On top of the shooting sports and variety of foods, the event hosted a
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live band, cow chip bingo, a silent auction, 50/50 and various other raffle ticket opportunities all leading up to the big event, the live auction. The live auction is always held indoors at the education center at LTC, this one kicked off with lots of familiar faces such as Mr. Ray Clark, who emceed the event, Cracker Johnson, who was the auctioneer for the event, Mike Lopez, Ron Wetherington and Dusty Holley, who were calling out bidders, and the entire Florida FFA State Officer team, who walked around handing out door prizes and the live auction items. At the end of the day, everyone left happy, with full bellies and many with exciting prizes/auction items for a fraction of the retail cost. The big ticket items such as hunts, vacations packages, and the John Deere Gator donated by Everglades Farm Equipment, all had multiple bidders and all items raised a tremendous amount of money for the Florida FFA Foundation. These funds will be used to support the program, promote agriculture, and the future leaders. If you have never attended before, please keep an eye out for the ticket sale next year. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Food, Glorious Food By Libby Hopkins
Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” Unfortunately, Julia never had the chance to meet me before she passed, but I’m sure if she did, she would consider me to be a nice person because I love to eat! Especially cupcakes! I call them “Little devils in paper cups.” They are addicting to say the least. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sample some French Toast Maple Bacon cupcakes from Bake’n Babes, and yes, they were little devils in paper cups because they were out of this world! Bake’n Babes is owned by Florida native, Julie Curry. “I’m a true Florida native and love it,” Curry said. “I was born in Miami, grew up in Tampa, and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.” Curry currently lives in the Channel District in Tampa with her husband, Jesse, and their two children, Savannah and Maximus. “Jesse grew up on a cattle ranch in Venice, FL where his family still resides,” Curry said. “We love to visit the ranch whenever we can. Our children are seventh generation Floridians and we want to make sure that they maintain strong ties to their roots.” Curry didn’t grow up cooking, but after having her daughter, she began making daily meals for her new family. “Preparing daily meals made me extremely aware of what was going into our food and caused me to take a hard look at the quality of what I was feeding my family,” Curry said. “I started cooking more and more food from scratch and fell in love with the precision and control of baking.”
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On a whim, Curry entered the Ybor City Cupcake Contest with
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her French Toast Maple Bacon cupcake and it won first place. “I thought that it would just be a quick contest for fun until the organizers asked if I’d be back the following week to sell in the weekly market, it was then that Bake’n Babes was born,” Curry said. “Bake’n Babes started selling cupcakes at the local markets, but soon expanded to selling our addictive Paleo Granola and taking catering orders.” Bake’n Babes makes all of the classics with a local twist. Their paleo granola parfait uses local honey and Greek yogurt from Greek Boy’s in Tarpon Springs. Their beer battered cupcakes are based around Cigar City’s Florida Cracker beer and they use fresh Plant City strawberries in everything they make that calls for strawberries. “We’ll be using produce from Cee Bee’s Citrus in a variety of ways like muffins, cheesecake bars, and sorbets,” Curry said. “Most of our food plays up the balance between salty and sweet, though we will have some more savory items when our storefront opens inside The Hall on Franklin.” Currently you can find Bake’n Babes’ sweet treats at Anise Global Gastrobar (www.aniseglobal.com) in downtown Tampa. Sing and Kevin Hurt are the owners of Anise and were fans of Bake’n Babes early on. They provided a great deal of encouragement and support to Curry when she started Bake’n Babes. “When the pastry chef position opened at Anise, Sing called to offer it to me,” Curry said. “I was a little anxious about taking the position because I had never been in charge of desserts for an entire restaurant, especially one so high-volume, but I found a very supportive environment. We started a Saturday Sweets program to feature a new dessert every week, it gave me the chance to try new things and get immeWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
diate feedback and to promote Bake’n Babes alongside such a successful restaurant. Sing and Kevin Hurt are thrilled to have Bake’n Babes be a part of Anise. “Julie’s passion for her craft is inspirational,” Sing Hurt said. “Her attention to detail and high standards guarantee her success in anything she puts her efforts into, not only are her desserts stunning, they are also incredibly delicious.”
If you would like to learn more about the products offered at Bake’n Babes, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pg/bakenbabes or call Curry at 813-703-4849. For more information on The Hall on Franklin, you can visit their website at www.thehallonfranklin.com.
The Hall on Franklin is a concept by local developer Jamal Wilson and it will be open sometime in May of this year. “Jamal visited Kevin at Anise Global Gastrobar early on in the project and asked if he’d be interested and if he had any recommendations for other vendors to join,” Curry said. “After talking it over with Sing they decided that they’d like to participate with North Star Eatery, they also offered to partner with me to bring Tampa the first Bake’n Babes storefront.” Keeping things local is very important to Curry. “I love local products and prefer to use local options whenever possible,” Curry said. “I love the ease of access in working with local vendors, oftentimes I can drive over and pickup what I need right away.” Curry also feels that local producers are much more accountable too. “They go out of their way to make sure that we’re getting the best every time,” Curry said. “As a producer of fresh products, I depend on the local community for support and want to give that support back in any way I can. The ingredients that I find locally not only help me make great products, but actually inspires many of my offerings.”
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Overall Grand Champions Steer
An Accomplishment Requiring A Commitment, Hard Work and Skill
By Jim Frankowiak For young men and women showing steers at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Steer Show, exhibiting the steer judged the grand champion is the most sought after honor. And it’s not an achievement that comes easy. This year’s winner, Megan Todd, of the Plant City FFA Chapter, gained the inspiration to show steers from her brother, Clayton, who is five years her senior at age 22. “I grew up watching my brother show steers and that’s what got me started,” said Todd, a senior at Plant City High School with dual enrollment at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City. A lifelong resident of the Springhead area, Todd is the daughter of Bobby and Diane, both Plant City natives. As a fifth-grader at Springhead Elementary, Todd joined 4-H and showed her first pig, the first of three she showed. A year later, she joined FFA and has been a member ever since. Todd is currently treasurer of the FFA Chapter based at Plant City High School where she is also a varsity cheerleader, active during the football season and competitions throughout the year.
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Todd showed her first heifer while in the 8th grade at Marshall Middle School and her first steer as a high school freshman. “My dad has a small cattle operation in addition to his landscape business, Todd’s Lawn Care,” said Todd, whose mother works at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Both of her parents have agriculture in their backgrounds “and the fact that my dad has a cattle operation has been very helpful to me and my involvement in showing steers,” she said. In addition to showing steers, Todd has been involved in FFA parliamen-
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tary procedure competitions and Ag Sales. To show steers, competitors have to acquire the animal, house it, provide the necessary care and feeding, break it, train it and develop a comfort with the animal that enables it to be shown in the competitive ring. Competitors in the Strawberry Festival Steer Competition are limited to spending no more than $1,500 dollars to acquire their steer. Todd’s grand champion, who she named Rudy, was produced at her dad’s cattle operation. “He was born in August of 2015 and moved to our home in March of 2016,” said Todd. Rudy is the fourth steer she has showed and each has been named after one of the characters in the Ice Age movie. He is a blonde Charolaise Maine steer that weighed in at the Festival at 1,346 pounds. The cost of acquiring and building housing for a competitive steer can reach $5,000 “but fortunately for me, I did not have those costs,” said Todd. While housing is typically a wood sided stall with a roof, it must also include a water trough and sand that have to be kept relatively clean and replenished on a regular basis. “I did have to purchase halters, food and a blower to use on the steer after bathing.” Megan opted to buy a used blower, saving some money but not sacrificing the drying aspects of the machine. Once Rudy came to Megan’s home, “I had to break him, and that meant him getting used to me being around him, placing a halter on him and leading him around just as you do at a show. This requires regular handling and patience.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Feeding Rudy also required a good deal of attention. “It was not the same all of the time,” said Megan. “We had to anticipate growing periods and carefully and safely change foods to match his appetite. We wanted him to have a good finish with a proper layer of fat.” Food averaged $17 per bag along with supplements also keyed to Rudy’s growth stages. He was also fed Coastal hay which sells on average for $7 per bale and he ate about two bales each week. Rudy’s bathing was done regularly and included the washing of all of his parts with blow drying afterward. “Steers spend so much time laying down in their pens and are highly susceptible to fungus,” she said. Rudy came down with a fungus “and my dad and I spent a good deal of time treating him for that fungus so it would not affect his appearance at show time.” “Grooming his hair is very important, if you don’t he’ll lose it. A clean and well-groomed animal is an important aspect of showing steers,” said Megan whose records of costs associated with raising and caring for Rudy totaled some $2,000 for food, supplies and other items she needed to care and prepare him for the show ring. In anticipation of the Strawberry Festival competition and to help Rudy get used to ring time, Megan showed him at the 2016 Hillsborough County Fair, where she also took top honors. “Winning is important, but so is having fun,” said Megan. “And while Rudy is the last steer that I will show, participating in shows has been a lot of fun for me and something that I will never forget.” Showmanship with a steer is more, much more, than just leading the animal into the ring. “You must keep your eye on the judge at all times, while keeping the steers head up and setting it up in a manner that overall compliments the animal’s appearance.” Being able to do that is not a skillset that comes overnight. It comes through regular work with the steer over an extended period of time.
Rudy’s handling and care required approximately 10 hours each week with that time increasing as the competitive shows drew near. Megan had to balance that with her school work, FFA responsibilities and competitions, plus her involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Teenage Republican Club. She also has a part-time job as a member of the sales staff at Justice Children’s Clothing Store. Megan has done a good job of managing her time. In addition to her Grand Champion honors at both the Hillsborough County Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival, she has a 6.2 grade point average and membership in the National Honor Society at Plant City High School. As for Megan’s future plans, college is a definite at the University of Central Florida, “but I am undecided on my field of study,” she said. “I am considering business economics and physical therapy, but have not yet decided.” One thing is certain; Megan has a very nice start on college costs. Thanks to co-buyers Steve Howard of the Patterson Companies and Bill Morrow of Morrow Steel, who together paid $21 per pound for Rudy, Megan’s college fund after expenses and commissions paid to the festival exceeds $27,000. Howard also purchased the other steers Megan has shown over the last four years. Congratulations and best of luck as you proceed to the next chapter in your life! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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“Getting ready for shows and raising four steers has been a special bonding time for my dad and me,” said Megan. “I call it father-daughter teamwork. My dad has a special passion for Ag and the cattle industry. When I won Grand Champion at the Festival, I’ve never seen my dad so happy. I am so thankful for his help and willingness to lend a hand when needed, as well as my mom’s support.”
Market Watch: Mammoth Foods
The Ybor Saturday Market is my favorite artisan/farmers market in the Tampa Bay area. It has an awesome balance of unique, locally made gifts, local produce and local food, namely hummus. I must admit, I’m a bit of a hummus junkie. There isn’t a hummus out there I don’t like. On a recent visit to the market, I had the opportunity to check out Mammoth Foods and their delicious hummus. Amanda Dwyer is the owner of Mammoth Foods, a Florida native and she has a culinary background. “I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area and have 15 years of experience in the food and beverage service industry,” Dwyer said. “I attended Johnson & Wales Culinary School and have an Associate of Science degree in Dietetics from Hillsborough Community College.” Dwyer will tell you that she started making hummus after it found her. “It kind of found me,” Dwyer said. “As funny as it sounds, my boyfriend loves hummus. He would nearly eat an entire container in one sitting, leaving me only a tablespoon full. I was tired of buying it. The grocery store hummus is filled with preservatives and flavorings no one can pronounce so I decided to start making my own for friends and family as a snack for gatherings. Turned out, I make really good hummus so I took a shot and opened Mammoth Foods.”
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Hummus has quite an interesting history. According to the website Top Food Facts (www.topfoodfacts.com/the-historyof-hummus), “The word hummus, (which has various spellings) is an Arabic word meaning ‘chickpea.’ Hummus is a Levantine Arab dip or spread that is made from chickpeas that have been cooked and mashed, then blended with tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Chickpeas are a vegetable that have been cultivated throughout the Middle East and India for thousands of years. Some sources say that they were growing in the gardens of Babylon. Several cuisine-related sources speak of a folklore tale in which hummus is described as one of the oldest known prepared foods. Others speak of a legend that hummus was first prepared in the 12th century by Saladin, however this claim is highly disputed. Even though the exact known origin of hummus is unclear, we do know that the chickpeas, the main ingredient of hummus, were known to be cultivated in the ancient Mediterranean and the Middle East. Chickpeas have been around for human consumption for several thousands of years. The chickpea was consumed in ancient
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By Libby Hopkins
Palestine, and was one of the earliest crops in Mesopotamia, as well as a common food on the streets of ancient Rome. It is also known that the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates referred to the nutritional value of hummus in their writings. Ancient recipes for hummus have also been discovered.” Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C, and has beneficial amounts of both vitamin B6 and folate. It is also a good source of protein, fiber and potassium. Since chickpeas and sesame seeds are so beneficially healthy for us, and that it has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years, it is no wonder hummus has become known as a nutritionist’s delight. Mammoth Foods’ hummus is different from other types of hummus out there on the market because of the way Dwyer makes hers. “I treat my beans like soup,” Dwyer said. “I start with dry beans, soak them for 24 hours and then they are cooked with natural vegetables, herbs and spices so the beans can absorb these great flavors. My hummus is also made with no added preservatives and in small batches.” Dwyer strongly believes in shopping and supporting local. That’s why she partners with local vendors to create her hummus. “We always use local vendors when we can,” Dwyer said. “Our menu is constantly changing and I try to keep within seasons, which is why you’ll love a flavor one week to come back the next and its gone. For example, our “Chocolate Dipped Strawberry” was made with Plant City strawberries the week of Valentine’s Day. Our “Blueberry Balsamic” will be made with locally picked blueberries. When doing our “Drunken Bean” hummus we sourced our beer from Hidden Springs based in Tampa Heights. I source most of our aromatics and vegetables from local producers. Shop local, stay local.” Dwyer has recently started to make her own crackers to go with her hummus. “Currently we have a Herb Baked style but we are working on a gluten free cracker as well as other flavors,” Dwyer said. “They are a perfect accompaniment to our hummus.” If you would like to learn more about the different types of hummus Mammoth Foods has to offer, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mammothfoods or call Dwyer at 813-475-2069. If you would like to learn more about the Ybor Saturday Market, you can visit their website at www.ybormarket.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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The Neighbor’s Nursery
By Ginny Mink
I’ve been contemplating how to start this piece off, but the best I can do is simply state, “My neighbor is better than yours!” Now, imagine me saying that with a school kid taunting voice, and you’ll get the tone of the statement. Of course, I don’t know your neighbor, but still, I think mine’s pretty amazing. I say that because in a last minute request for access to the neighbor’s nursery, she said, “Sure!” I hope that you know that the Minks are big fans of people who have little farms and personal produce patches. We think that the desire to return to our “collective roots” via the utilization of our land for the provision of our families is quite impressive. In fact, if you recall, we had hopes of building a chicken coop, but since the kids don’t really like eggs, that idea got canned. So, when I realized that my neighbor was building a greenhouse/shade house a few months ago, I inquired about her plans. She had learned that she could grow some produce from the remnants of those she purchased at the store. She was particularly excited about the potential to plant a leftover stalk of celery and watch it take root and produce. At that time we discussed letting the kids see what she was doing, but she wasn’t quite prepared.
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Thankfully, she was ready on Monday, the day before this article was due. I told you my neighbor is great! Anyway, on our way home from school and work, I told the kids we would be doing our Meet the Minks’ piece. As you know, I don’t tell them what we are doing. So, as we got closer and closer to our home, the kids (namely Hazel and Zeke) got less and less enthusiastic. “We’re going home?” They whined and questioned simultaneously.
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I was on the phone with a friend, and they were complaining incessantly as we got closer and closer to our road. As we pulled into the driveway Jaidyn (J), the eldest, informed them that Meet the Minks was at the house. Hazel and Zeke both groaned. “We don’t do Meet the Minks at our house!” Zeke squealed in his most annoying whiny child voice. And Hazel, “Hrmph-ed,” crossing her arms across her chest and pouting. “Yes we do,” J told them, “It’s in Hazel’s room.” “What?” They questioned in unison. “Yeah, there’s mold in Hazel’s room. That’s the Meet the Minks.” He said this with complete seriousness. His ability to utilize dry humor, sarcasm, and a straight face is truly uncanny. So much so, that I had to interrupt my phone call to assure them that there was no mold in Hazel’s room. But, unbeknownst to me at that time, they still thought that Hazel’s room was the site. So, when I let them in, but stayed outside to finish the conversation, Hazel and Zeke made a beeline to Hazel’s room where she climbed to the top bunk to await the Meet the Minks. I’m glad they weren’t disappointed when I eventually informed them that Hazel’s room was not the locale. Instead we all walked over to the neighbor’s house and into her backyard. She pinched off some mint that she was growing and she instructed Hazel to rub it between her fingers in order to smell it. Hazel did so, but Zeke wanted nothing to do with smelling the plant. I convinced J to take a whiff, but then he didn’t want to participate in a photo of him doing so. My neighbor, Shannon, explained to the kids that the mint was the same stuff that flavored the gum Zeke was carrying around in his little hands. But, that did nothing to persuade WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
him to give it a chance. Hazel, I think, was a little more impressed with the concept. She chose to take her own piece of mint from the little cluster and she let me smell it, too. That was kind of cool. From the mint patch we entered the shade house. Shannon talked to the kids about the palms she had growing and how their leaves could be removed to use the stems for roasting marshmallows. Of course that got Zeke all wide eyed. Then we moved to the aloe. She broke off a piece and explained the different benefits of aloe plants. She convinced my squeamish girly-girl Hazel to touch the inside of the aloe plant even though it totally looked like snot. We tried to get Zeke to try it but he flat out refused. “I’m not touching that, it’s gross!” Hazel wanted to have access to the “beautiful flowers” that were in the next row. So, we walked over and Shannon explained that she’d gotten a Gerber daisy plant and used cuttings to make new ones. She cut each of the kids a flower. Her own daughters, Solara and Savannah, were just as thrilled with theirs as mine were. J kind of stood in the background with his sullen, “I’m a teenager having to hang out with little kids,” face. I suppose I can’t blame him, but he is part of the family. That means he’s kind of stuck with the situation. I do keep telling him that he only has five more years, though now it’s a lot closer to four. Shannon informed them that she needed to do some transplanting and then asked if they wanted to get dirty. “YEAH!” Zeke yelled with the deepest voice he could muster. It’s always amusing when he tries to sound like his big brother. J just shook his head and rolled his eyes and Hazel shrugged her shoulders. But when Shannon got the pots and brought them over to her soil spot, Hazel and Zeke were happy to dig in. Of course, Zeke got a little hand shovel from Solara, and when Hazel realized he wasn’t getting his hands dirty like she was, there was some serious irritation and arguing going on. They survived though. And, Hazel successfully transplanted the plant she’d been given. Zeke, on the other hand, stuck his cut flower into the dirt. “Look at my flower! I planted my flower!” He announced with great enthusiasm and pride. But when we told him that wasn’t the plan, he wanted nothing to do with us. He wanted his flower in that pot and we were not going to change his mind. All in all, though, I’d say they had a good time. They got to see the tomatoes Shannon grew from some left over slices in her house. Plus there was a giant celery plant. Shannon showed them her compost bucket and let them stir it. “Eww!” Hazel squealed when she smelled it. But, truly, this was quite the learning experience. And, Shannon is going to be able to build an additional very small shade house with the trampoline screen we gave her. She is quite innovative and all about the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto. So, like I said, my neighbor’s better than yours! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
before
after
Bamboo Trellis
Bamboo is not only beautifully exotic, but is one of the easiest woods to work with. This month we will use bamboo to make an attractive trellis for any vining plant. Arundinaria is the only bamboo (cane) native to the United States and North America. Prior to European colonization of the Americas, cane was a vital resource for indigenous Native Americans. River cane (Arundinaria) was used to make houses, weapons, jewelry, medicines, fuel, and food. Early explorers in the U.S. described vast stands of River cane called canebrakes in river lowlands that provided ideal land for crops, habitat for wild game, and year-round forage for livestock. After colonization, cane lost its importance due to the destruction and decline of canebrakes, forced relocation of indigenous people, and the availability of superior technology from abroad. Today, Asian species of bamboo have become a popular ornamental in the United States but can quickly become invasive, many scientific articles on bamboo claim it can grow up to two feet a day. I mention this because many unwary homeowners have a stand of invasive Asian bamboo that has grown out of control and would probably welcome an offer to harvest some of it. Out of control bamboo stands are a free source of bamboo if you are willing to cut the stalks yourself.
Materials:
• Bamboo • Wood planks (2 x 4 for support) • Saw • Power Drill • Forstner Drill Bits • Dremel Tool • Dremel Cutting Bit • Wood glue
Cut the support structure
• Determine the dimensions of your trellis • Cut two thick pieces of bamboo to the height of your trellis • Cut a wood plank (2x4) about 6 inches wider than your trellis (3 inch allowance on each side) • With a power drill and forstner bit, drill two opposing holes the approximate diameter of the outer bamboo support pieces. For a tight fit, drill smaller than needed and shave the diameter of the bamboo with dremel and cutting bit.
Fit the vertical support structure
Fit the thicker outer bamboo poles into the holes in the wooden support plank. * bamboo may need to be shaved for a tight fit. Glue optional Fit the horizontal lattice Bamboo does not grow in a perfectly straight line, though the
outer pieces may appear parallel, there will be variation in the width of the trellis; for this reason, it is suggested that each horizontal lattice is cut to fit while assembling rather than to a consistent size before assembling. • With a power drill and forstner bit, drill holes in the outer support pieces at a slightly smaller diameter than that of the bamboo that will be inserted to create the horizontal lattice. Shave the bamboo end at a slight bevel to create a fit that tightens as it is forced into the hole in the outer support pieces . • Insert the horizontal lattice piece into one side of the outer support pieces. • Measure the length of the lattice piece to reach about half way into the outer support pieces. • Cut to length, and then insert both ends of the horizontal lattice piece to span the outer support pieces. Glue optional
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) Lycosidae by April Green
wolf spider babies by Noppadol Paothong The wolf spider (Lycosidae) is a family of large ground spiders that hunt their prey by stalking or ambush. The scientific name Lycosidae stems from lúkos the Ancient Greek word for wolf. In Greek Mythology it was Lycaon, king of Arcadia, whom Zeus turned into a wolf. Some sources claim these spiders are so named because they were once thought to hunt in packs. We know now that these spiders do not hunt in groups but they are known to live in dense populations. The Wolf Spider (Lycosidae) is one of the most abundant spiders in the world, it is estimated that there are over 2000 described species worldwide ranging from the Arctic to the subtropics and 250 species in the continental United States. The wolf spider (Lycosidae) is regarded as a beneficial insect both in the field and in the home. With a closer look at this remarkable spider you can decide for yourself the extent of which you will welcome this species into your home or garden. Wolf spiders are opportunistic hunters that feed on anything they can capture or subdue. They are nocturnal hunters and typically prey on other spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, and many insects that are considered agricultural pests; for this reason, wolf spiders are considered beneficial. One of the most fascinating characteristics of the Wolf spider is that they will prey on animals much larger than it, such as frogs, lizards, mice and even small birds. They are able to do so because the wolf spider has a flexible abdomen that can expand to accommodate a large meal when the opportunity presents itself. When feeding opportunities are scarce, the wolf spider can slow its metabolism to conserve energy until the food supply provides more opportunity to feed. The wolf spider has a bit of an advantage over other spiders in finding food. Web building spiders, such as the Orb Weavers, are nearly blind and at best can detect simple changes in light and dark. For the most part, they rely on a sense of touch, vibration or chemical cues to find their prey. Hunting spiders, like the wolf spider, on the other hand, build traps in the ground, construct nets, or actively stalk to capture their prey, pouncing on them when they get close enough. Hunting spiders have amazing visual characteristics such as detecting polarized and ultraviolet light, and most have binocular vision. Most wolf spiders (Lycosidae) hunt at night and their eyes are specialized to enable them to do so very well. Like other nocturnal
animals, especially carnivores, the wolf spider has a well developed tapeta; a reflective layer of tissue behind the retina that amplifies the light reaching the photoreceptors. The wolf spiders eyes are among the best in the animal kingdom, second only to the jumping spiders (Salticidae). The sensitivity to light in the eyes of these spiders can be compared to that of a camera lens with an aperture of about (f/0.58). The light sensitivity of this spider is more efficient than a cat (f/0.90), an owl (f/1.10) and the human eye (f/2.10). Animals that have this tapeta layer have eyes that seem to glow when a light is shined into their eyes at night. A simple flashlight is all that’s needed for spotlighting; a technique used by hunters and naturalists to search for animals at night. The wolf spiders eyes reflect a silvery eyeshine that can be seen with a standard flashlight. When shined into a field of grass, what looks like tiny droplets of dew is actually the glistening eyes of the hundreds of spiders dispersed in the grass looking back at you. I love demonstrating this characteristic on night hikes and camping trips. If you get close enough, Lycosidae can be recognized by their unique eye arrangement. There is a row of four small anterior (front) eyes, two large forward facing posterior median eyes (PME) set further back on the head, and two large posterior lateral(side) eyes (PLE) facing sideways or backwards. The eye arrangement of Lycosidae enable these spiders to see in a 360° view. You may also notice that they have fangs that appose each other and cross in a pinching action; this is characteristic of what scientists call araneomorph spiders. If you are lucky enough to find a female with young, you will notice one of the characteristics of this spider that sets it apart from most other spiders. Wolf spiders are actually very nurturing toward their young. The female spider will carry her egg sack with her, securing it in her fangs, she protects her clutch of eggs until they hatch. Once her eggs hatch, the spiderlings crawl on to the top of her abdomen and are protected through their first instars. Until 1990, wolf spiders were thought to be dangerous and bites from this spider were treated with an antivenin. The practice of using antivenin for Lycosidae was stopped when a study showed these spiders were not venomous enough to inflict serious damage to human beings. These spiders are abundant, beneficial, and safe, and are fascinating creatures if you take a closer look. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Wolf Spider Eyeshine by Jim Frazer
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NOVEMBER 2013
TAMPA BAY HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY HOST TWO-DAY UF UNDERGRAD VISIT
A “Real World” Experience of Mutual Benefit
Leaders of the Tampa Bay horticulture industry area recently hosted a group of University of Florida (UF) undergraduate students during a two-day visit designed to “build a bridge between the academic world and horticultural industry,” according to visit organizer Will Womack, president of Tampa Bay Landscaping and Horticultural Services and secretary/ treasurer of the Florida Nursery and Growers Landscape Association. The students, all members of the UF Environmental Horticulture Club, though majoring in a variety of areas in addition to horticulture, were accompanied by Dr. Celina Gomez, assistant professor, Controlled Environment Horticulture, and one of two faculty advisors to the club. The two-day visit included tours of the UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm, Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa Nursery & Garden and Busch Gardens, as well as an evening social gathering at Copper Tail Brewery. Womack, who expressed appreciation to members of the industry and tour stop participants, is motivated to engage students because of his “realization that there was and is a death of labor. Given that the plant industry is recognized as the largest Ag commodity in Florida, why is it that we do not have a constant flow of potential new hires and/or new faces emerging in our abundant field?” Womack asked. “Tours such as this enables our industry to touch and interact with students on a regular basis. I have discovered that many of the students simply do not realize that landscape contracting is a career option, and a superb one at that I might add. So our presence at tours such as this and other events that attract students enables us to offer professional guidance, facilitate internships and just strike up friendships,” he said.
By Jim Frankowiak
culture had intent and purpose beyond just being pretty,” said Salazar. Tour participant Robyn Mucci concurred with Salazar. “It was a great opportunity to network with grower and nursery owners in that area and it allowed me to see what is expected from us once we enter the working force. I was able to ask people in our industry questions and get honest answers,” said Mucci. “The whole visit was amazing and I am very thankful for Will Womack helping us set up this trip. It was very beneficial to see the results of the application of classroom studies in the real world plus the chance to network with representatives of the industry.” “The opportunity to interact with students outside of the classroom and network with industry representatives is very beneficial,” said Professor Gomez. “It helps give them a clear idea of what the horticulture industry does and the challenges of the nursery business. Our club tour group is probably one of the very few that enjoys the plants and gardens more than the rides at Busch Gardens.” “Our interaction with the students comes in several forms throughout the year,” said Womack. “We sponsor several of their club meetings, providing the food and venue, such as a local nursery, and facilitate whatever program or issue they would like to learn more about with our expert members. Those student touches also include participation and attendance at our trade shows in West Palm Beach and Orlando. Lastly, we organize one community project annually where we can work as a group of pros and students to enhance an entity of their choosing such as a community center, elderly person’s yard or some other area that benefits the local community.”
“Also, the new wave of millennial co-workers, employees and leaders entering the workforce is a distinct group that we as professionals are not accustomed to,” Womack added. “The sooner we can learn of their unique desires and expectations, the sooner we can successfully transition them into our industry and individual companies.”
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Club President and tour participant Luis Salazar said, “It was a really great experience to visit the UF Research Center. I was unaware of just how research oriented it was and how many amazing projects are being conducted there. Visiting the parks allowed us to see landscape and horticulture in an applied way. One wouldn’t think much of plants you would see at a zoo or theme park, but it became clear that the horti-
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Fields of History and Memories
By Daniel Figueroa IV
As 6-year-old Joanna Harrelson knelt to pick a strawberry for the first time, 96-year-old Mary Condon was across the field stuffing her shirt with strawberry after strawberry. She was picking them faster than her family could shuttle filled quarts back to the car. Families and friends took to the fields at Fancy Farms in Plant City Saturday, March 24 for the 10th Annual Hillsborough 4-H Strawberry U-Pick, raising money for local 4-H clubs and area food banks. While the fields were filled with residents of the Bay Area and beyond happily plucking plump strawberries for jams, breads, milkshakes and a margarita or two, the fields were also filled with history and memories of mornings spent with Plant City’s infamous fruits. “When I was a little girl, I used to get up early and be in the field by seven,” Condon said. “I made strawberry everything.” At 96, Condon showed no signs of slowing her pace. Condon peered through the field’s rows spying, and finding, perfect berries and showing them off to her granddaughter, Jennifer Lopez, and great-granddaughter, Jainie Lopez. Visitors purchased quarts for $1 and were able to fill as many as they could. Condon made quick work of hers. “She’s picking them as fast as I can take them back to the car,” Jennifer Lopez said. A few rows over, Chrysta Bayliss, a Tampa Bay native now living in Atlanta, was picking berries with her family as well. “It’s a family affair,” Bayliss said. “Strawberry picking is a part of our annual family tradition. It’s part of my history.” She even brought new comer Max Roudi to pick his first strawberries. “This is going great,” Roudi said. “ (There are) lots of big, beautiful strawberries and beautiful people.” Tradition carried on to the 4-H members volunteering as well. Bob Hart has been volunteering at the Fancy Farms event for all 10 years and has been active in 4-H clubs for more than 45 years, having put generations of his family through the program. More than 100 4-H members from about 13 clubs in Hillsborough and nearby counties picked strawberries to be donated to area food banks. Something, Hart said, is an important and rewarding lesson targeting the soul of the 4-H program. “One of the main things 4-H tries to teach people is to give back service to your local community, your state and your country,” Hart said. “Coming out and doing this, realizing you’re feeding 200 people, that’s pretty good dessert. And if you’ve had any strawberry shortcake this year you know how good that can be.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Grand Champion Youth Plant Show
By Libby Hopkins
There is an old saying that, “In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it.” Even though Kaden Palmer is only 12 years old, he can relate to this statement because he loves growing plants. He’ll tell you growing plants is in his blood. “I started growing plants because my Papa Kevin and Uncle Tyler own a nursery as well as my Grandma Barbara,” Palmer said. “I guess you can say it’s in my blood. My favorite part about growing them is watching them change over time. It’s super cool.” Palmer won Grand Champion at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival’s Youth Plant Show. He showed woody ornamentals. “These plants were awesome to grow,” Palmer said. “They were arboricolas that I pruned into the shape of a Christmas tree. The leaves have a green-yellow color so it really stands out in a landscape.” The show is sponsored by Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor and offers youth in the community an opportunity to raise a plant, enter it into the competition and sell it at the Youth Plant Sale. Plant exhibitors have guidelines they must follow before they could enter their plants into the competition. Horticulture specimens must be grown by the exhibitor and in the exhibitor’s possession for three months prior to opening day of the Festival, except for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Terrariums), which must have been in exhibitor’s possession at least six weeks. When all available exhibit space is filled, the committee reserves the right to reject additional plants. There was a limit of 10 plants for each exhibitor. PAGE
The plants were inspected as they entered the build-
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ing, and the Horticulture Committee reserved the right to reject any plants that do not come up to judging standards. Examples of falling below judging standards were disease, insects, dirty pots, oiling or poor grooming. Good grooming of plants consisted of cleaning plants to remove dirt and spray residue, as well as dead foliage or flowers. Specimens were allowed to be groomed in any way that did not alter their typical features. “You have to have your plants in by November so you have time to grow them,” Palmer said. “You can enter three types of plants. One lot of plants is in the live auction and the other two are in a silent auction. Businesses or people bid on your plants and then you receive the money.” Palmer was thrilled that he won Grand Champion. “It feels really rewarding, like you’re doing something right,” Palmer said. “It’s a hobby that I’m good at, too. This is my second year in a row winning Grand champion, but I never take it for granted.” Palmer is looking forward to competing in next year’s youth plant show at the Florida Strawberry Festival. “The festival is a Plant City tradition and I love being part of it,” Palmer said. “I’m not sure what I want to grow, but I’m thinking next year I might do a type of planter or liners.” Palmer is thankful for everyone that helped him win Grand Champion. “I just want to thank Greg Shiver at J&R Nursery and Consolidated Pest Control and Land Care for purchasing my plants this year and last year,” Palmer said. “It means a lot to have their support at the plant show. I also want to say ‘Thank you’ to all my family that helps and supports me as well.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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