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Merry Christmas!

And, Have A Happy & Prosperous New Year!

ENGLE COOLERS REEN MOUNTIN GRILLS

Garmin tracking Collar Alpha 100/TT15 COMBO

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photos by: Carlton Ward

Congratulations to the Durant FFA Citrus Team Congratulations to the Durant FFA Citrus Team who placed 1st in the State FFA Citrus contest in Haines City at the Leadership Training Center on Thursday December 1. The 9th grade J F St. Martin team placed 6th. This contest involves FFA members identifying various rootstocks and citrus varieties. It also has members identifying insects, weeds, diseases and disorders that inhibit citrus production. The last time a team won this contest from Hillsborough County was 33 years ago when Mr. Jim Jeffries coached the Plant City FFA team!

Please congratulate team members: Durant Team Members Jordan Blount - 2nd high individual Abby Davis - 4th high individual Cole Hanson - 7th high individual Tyler Trussell - 9th high individual Alternates: Jacob Ross, Taylor Harden, Sam Sands, Brie Sperduto, Katrina Fehrenbacher, Hailey Alderman J F St. Martin FFA Emma Poole - 8th high individual Madison Smith - 21st high individual Camryn Wink - 35th high individual Summer Ebdrup - 45th high individual Alternates: Wyatt Dewitt and Jordan Stenger FFA Advisor: Thomas Sturgis WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Holiday Perspectives Page 70

VOL. 12 • ISSUE 2

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Contents DECEMBER 2016

Durant FFA

Pesky Pest

Allyson Polsten

Florida Expo

Jack Payne

Listening Session

Fishing Hot Spots

John Dicks

Meet the Minks

A Day In The Life

Crop Protection Services

Recipes

Activity

Page 3

Page 14 Page 18

Rocking Chair Chatter

Page 22

Alderman’s Ford

Page 24

Endangered Species

Page 28

Florida Endive

Page 35

Page 40 Page 42 Page 46 Page 48 Page 52

Page 59 Page 66 Page 74 Page 76 Page 78

Literary Time Machine

A Closer Look

FFA National Secretary

Blueberry Growers

Page 54 Page 58

Page 79

Page 82

Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington

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

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AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2016

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Letter from the Editor

STAFF

Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” — Norman Vincent Peale It doesn’t matter what part of the country you live in, Christmas is still a softer, more beautiful time. Maybe you dream of a white Christmas, or perhaps a white sand Christmas, whatever your location, one thing is certain, Christmas is a time for families to gather and create new memories and reminisce about the past, all things we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Christmas is a time of faith, hope, and love. Faith, as we read in John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Love in the gathering of family and good friends to prepare meals and make memories. Hope of a great today and the tomorrows still to come. The greatest gifts aren’t wrapped in brightly colored paper adorned with ribbons. The greatest gifts are those of faith, hope and love.

While you are making memories, opening gifts, gathering around the tables to dine on Fresh From Florida foods, singing Christmas carols, and other holiday traditions, don’t forget the true reason for the season. We are celebrating the birth of Christ.

We, at In The Field, hope you have a truly Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks

Until Next Month

Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25

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

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!

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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 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 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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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121

HAPPY AND BLESSED HOLIDAYS TO ALL! Dear Readers: I sincerely hope that all of you will have an enjoyable holiday season, and we wish you a Merry Christmas.

All of us have a great deal to be thankful for and to celebrate with our families and friends. Much of our celebration includes holiday meals and that brings to mind some very important messages recently shared

by Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick and his reference to Abraham Lincoln and a prediction he made before being elected president.

Lincoln predicted “the art of deriving a comfortable subsistence from the smallest area of soil” would become “the most valuable of all arts” as human population increased. The art of feeding people is a challenge that becomes more intense each year. United Nations officials, according to Hoblick, have forecast global population will grow from 7.4 billion today to 9.7 billion by the middle of this century. That is an increase of more than 31 percent. As we approach the end of this century, it is forecast that the world’s population will be 11.2 billion, leading to steadily increasing demands for nutrition.

Our farmers and ranchers in Florida help sustain the food security of people in our state and around the world. And they are continually enhancing their productivity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in 1970 that one farmer could feed 72 people, while a single farmer now supports the nutritional needs of 155 consumers despite urban expansion and the reduction of farm acreage.

Additionally, Florida farmers, ranchers and related enterprises, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, generate an annual economic impact of $1.7 billion and support more than 41,500 jobs. Food exports from Florida earn $4 billion in sales.

Our Florida farmers and ranchers conserve natural resources using state-of-the-art conservation practices with the majority having reduced their consumption of water by more than 50 percent in the last 10 years while continuing to improve their production of food.

So as you enjoy this holiday season, please join with me and John Hoblick as we all remember the abundance of food our farm families provide for us, and thank them for their efforts in providing nutrition for us all in a manner that protects and preserves our natural resources.

Lastly, if you are not a Farm Bureau family member and 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 the future.

Thank you.

Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President

Board of Directors

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 8 8

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~ Margaret R., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

The Care You Need, When You Need It. After having knee replacement surgery, Margaret is back to all the activities she enjoys. When it comes to her health care needs, she takes comfort in knowing that everything is available

Our Specialties:

right in her Plant City community. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida

n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses

Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City.

Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Let South Florida Baptist Hospital be your partner for getting you well and keeping you well. Fill out a health profile online at SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org and you’ll be sent a complimentary travel first aid kit.

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n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures

BC1606705-1016

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by Nick Chapman

Business Up Front ECOCLEAN SOLUTIONS The recent wave of organic and all-natural products has caused all of us to look at the labels on our products to see what’s in them. There is a growing concern that too many harsh chemicals have contributed to health problems and ultimately damage to our environment. One company has dedicated themselves to developing reliable cleaning products that are non-toxic and meet or exceed all the US biodegradability standards. That company is EcoClean Solutions.

EcoClean Solutions is a small start-up company that has impacted the “green” cleaning products market in a big way. “We are all organic and we’re all about the environment,” said Dee Kelly, company spokesperson. “Our philosophy is if you can do it naturally, do it!

If you can avoid using any harmful chemicals that aren’t safe in the home or around children or animals, and still be able to get the job done, use it.” Many of their products are sold under the trade names of EcoWorks and “Green Gobbler,” and are available locally at Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Bed Bath & Beyond stores. They offer a popular line of eco-friendly drain cleaners that can clear most of the clogged pipes in your home. Most other products are notorious for their harsh chemicals, but the Green Gobbler Drain Opener and Toilet Bowl Clog Remover follow all the principles of Green Chemistry as described by the EPA. “It’s all natural so it is safe.”

A new product line that has shown great promise and versatility is the Green Gobbler Ultimate Vinegar. “We have vinegar products that literally have hundreds of uses,” said Kelly. “The vinegar is made completely from corn so it is all natural, and we sell it in 20% (200 grain) and 30% (300 grain) concentrations.” She went on to share that a few common uses for this product in the farm and garden industry are as a weed killer and as a supplemental feed for chickens. “We have many livestock farmers that raise chickens, and they say the chickens love vinegar,” said Kelly. She also said the farmers claim it helps speed the growth of the bird and improves the quality of the meat. “They tell me they can’t get enough of it.” And since the products are natural, consumers don’t have to worry about their animal’s safety.

Other uses for the Ultimate Vinegar are virtually endless. “It can be used in laundry and cleaning. A lot of marinas use our product to remove calcium buildup on their docks and boats. Holistic health centers will use the vinegar for sore joints and to soak people’s feet.”

The Green Gobbler website includes a list of other uses including: 12

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removing ink marks, cleaning carpet stains, shining silver, even as an ant deterrent.

The average vinegar a consumer buys in a store is between 2-5% acetic acid concentrations, whereas the Ultimate Vinegar comes in 20% and 30% strengths. This allows the farmer or homeowner the opportunity to dilute their own vinegar to stretch their dollars, but still have a stronger solution than one can commonly get in their local market.

And they can adjust the strength depending on the application they intend to use. “Our typical customer for the Ultimate Vinegar can range from the typical housewife to the industrial farmer. It goes anywhere from a customer calling for a gallon to people calling us for a 1,000 gallons. It’s all across the board,” commented Kelly. This shows the versatility of the product and the broad spectrum of applications for home and farm.

Kelly reemphasized that many of the Green Gobbler products are available in some local stores, or can be purchased on Amazon or QVC. “The Ultimate Vinegar though is only available for purchase online at our GreenGobbler.com website. We do have local sales representatives in Florida that can visit farms to promote the use of our product, and they can answer any questions you might have. Our reps basically pull right up to the farm in their truck and talk to local farmers,” Kelly said. The local rep in Hillsborough County is Randall Adkinson and he can be reached at (813) 562-3838.

If you are interested in learning more about Ecoclean Solutions and their line of Green Gobbler products, visit their website at www. greengobbler.com and view some of the remarkable videos they have on their products. All of their products are phosphate-free and do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), petroleum solvents or other harmful chemicals. If you would like to order product directly from the company, you can do so online or you can call their toll-free number at (877) 416-6880.

Kelly said, “We’re not a huge corporation, but we’re all about the environment. We’re just everyday ordinary people that like winning new buyers one customer at a time. We have found through offering a great product that people will say they’re telling their friends about us and we’re growing by word of mouth.”

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FLORIDA AG EXPO: ITS 11th YEAR AND KEEPS GETTING BETTER Just like a fine wine, Florida Ag Expo keeps getting better and better with age. This year, the 11th consecutive, for this one-day “celebration” of agriculture research and achievements at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), gave more than 600 attendees and 75 exhibitors the chance to network and learn what’s new for both existing and new crops in Florida.

minology used during the panel discussion, prompting Williams to comment, “Agriculturists need to educate people about agriculture.

We have to tell our story.”

Alternative crops such as artichokes and locally grown hops to meet the growing needs of the burgeoning craft beet industry were just two items of attention for attendees. There were educational sessions, workshops for those interested in pest and disease identification skills enhancement, field tours and an array of exhibits of goods and services designed to help growers.

The “Q-biotype Whitefly” in Florida was the focus of a presentation by the GCREC’s Dr. Hugh Smith along with Dr. Lance Osborne of the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center at Apopka and Cindy McKenzie with the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Ft. Pierce. Though not new to Florida, the whitefly was initially reported in Florida in 1900 when a subspecies known as the “B biotype” invaded the state in the late 80s. Just over a decade ago, a second biotype, known as the Q biotype, was initially detected in ornamental greenhouses and has now been detected in the Palm Beach County landscape and from nurseries in a number of Florida counties. The panel noted that there is now more than one whitefly biotype which may complicate management for nurseries, vegetable growers and homeowners. Adding to that challenge is the fact that to the unaided eye, the Q biotype is identical to the B biotype and can only be identified using genetic markers that can only be manifest through laboratory tests.

The day’s activities were kicked-off by Dr. Jack Payne, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS, who termed Ag Expo “such an important event that I’ve invited my entire leadership team, including the directors of all 12 UF/IFAS research centers and 14 academic department chairs to Balm to participate.” He detailed advances and current focus of UF/ IFAS, expressing deep, personal pride in the work of his colleagues and the support they are receiving, noting the event offered attendees the chance to talk “to our faculty, the men and women who are working for you very day in the greenhouse, the lab and the experimental fields.”

The popular grower panel, with participants Mike Riffle of Valent U.S.A., Jamie Williams with Lipman, C & B Farms Chuck Obern and GCREC Researcher Dr. Gary Vallad, took on the subject of Maximizing Use and Effectiveness of Biopesticides under the aegis of moderator Mary Hartney of the Florida Fertilizer & Agrochemical Association.

“Biorationals do work, but you have to figure out what specifically works for you and your crops and if it economical,” said Obern, summing up the findings of the panel. Strawberry grower Carl Grooms brought up the subject of consumer uneasiness with some of the ter14

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“Combatting negative publicity” was another point raised by Riffle.

“We are under constant scrutiny all the time by people that just don’t know,” he said.

The Q biotype has yet to become a serious pest of agricultural crops anywhere in Florida or the U.S. but the panelists urged increased vigilance both in ornamental nurseries and commercial vegetables where it potentially could cause significant economic loss. Homeowners were directed to seek assistance from their local Extension offices for appropriate control.

Overall, researchers in the state will continue to focus on detection and survey, chemical and biological control, the potential for disease transmission, resistance detection and management, as well as outreach.

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Attendees were given the opportunity for several horticulture and crop health field tours, including a Hop Variety and Production Trials stop which featured the Florida Hop Yard and major challenges and strategies impacting this new-to-Florida crop. Hop yard learned of the first craft beer brewed with hops grown at the GCREC yard, a Blonde Ale currently available at 3 Daughters Brewing in downtown St. Petersburg with favorable comments from both the brewer and consumers.

Additional presentations include New Worker Protection Standard Regulations, Management of Strawberry Diseases Through Nursery Collaboration; Dealing with Increasing Mite Pressure in Crops, New and Upcoming Nematode Management Opportunities for Florida Agriculture, Developing Alternative Crops in Florida and The Global Harmonized System of Pesticide Labeling.

Florida Ag Expo is presented annually by FLORIDA GROWER Magazine and UF/IFAS in cooperation with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Committee and Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

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Fishing Tampa Bay December 2016 Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

Snook: Moving water and a livewell full of pilchards and pinfish will work, but don’t be surprised if you don’t drag a redfish or gator trout off the same broken bottom grass flat. However, if you’re looking to snag that snook of a lifetime, with the heart stopping action of a topwater lure, just tie on MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. and walk-thedog, letting that signature rattling action do its thing across that same broken flat. Soon you’ll witness the most incredible heart stopping strike as a giant snook crashes your lure.

Always remember those big snook are females and probably full of eggs; so handle with care. Snap a quick photo, get her back in the water, or better yet never lift her out, revive her slowly for an in-water release.

Spanish mackerel: For those who love the drag

screaming action of mackerel fishing, this is the time of year. Or if kingfish are your thing, hit the beaches and hard-bottoms close to shore for action that is sure to pick up as water temps come down.

Anchor up, chum, or slow troll live baits or spoons.

There are resident fish, but most of the giants are pelagic and follow the baitfish schools north in spring and south in fall. However, thanks to the gill net ban and commercial harvest regulations, there are more big mackerel around Tampa Bay now than there have been many years.

These fish are enormous for their species, fish three to five pounds, and when they get to this size, they have tremendous speed, power and endurance almost like small kings.

Finding them is fairly simple, just locate a spoil bar or inshore reef within five to eight feet of the surface, surrounded by deeper open water of 10 to

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20 feet. These are natural feeding areas that attract mackerel. Once you’re anchored up-tide from the reef or bar start pitching a few cut greenbacks into the water. If they are close by it won’t take long before the feeding frenzy begins.

Now put a live smaller greenback, nose hooked on a 2/0 Daiichi long-shank hook on a 50# hard Seaguar leader tied to your 15# braid of your Penn rod and spinning reel.

Mackerel are respectable table fare. For those you keep, bleed them promptly and get them on ice quickly. I put mine in a large heavy duty trash bag before putting them in my cooler; it helps keeps the cooler clean. At the cleaning table, fillet them and remove the skin or fillet them and leave the skin on for smoking.

Redfish: Redfish and oversized redfish are ev-

erywhere in the bay. But if you’re having difficulty finding them, I tell you once again, simply locate a school of big mullet and fish the school of mullet.

The redfish bite for the last two months remains one of the best I have seen in three years. Every part of the Tampa Bay seems to hold multiple schools. Live greenbacks and of course cut baits and a circle hook seem to be the bait of choice: threadfin herring, cut large greenbacks, cut pinfish, cut ladyfish, and cut mullet.

Spotted Sea Trout: The big trout have started to show up on our flats along with plenty of slot fish. I like to find a good grass flat with plenty of potholes. Start by working the edges and as many potholes as possible, you’re sure to find some worthwhile fish. Trout are a good species to work on your artificial bait skills, because they are not too picky when it comes to food. One good artificial is a Gulp shrimp under a popping cork; hook

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“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”

813-477-3814

the shrimp just like you would a live one, which is through the carapace or head. Just cast out and pop the cork. The popping sound will draw the trout’s attention for a sure hook up. Trout no longer have a closed season. So, only take what you plan on eating for supper as they do not freeze well. Remember, they are a fragile species and have a delicate slime coat, so please use a dehooker and not your hand or net for the ones you release.

Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814

Pompano: The pompano are starting to show up along sandy bottoms and around the sandy bottoms of the bridges throughout the bay.

Shrimp and sand fleas are always good baits of choice. But for me you can’t beat a Doc’s Goofy Jig w/ a feather teaser.

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• According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.

• The largest Christmas stocking measured 51 m 35 cm (168 ft 5.65 in) in length and 21 m 63 cm (70 ft 11.57 in) in width (heel to toe) and was produced by the volunteer emergency services organisation Pubblica Assistenza Carrara e Sezioni (Italy) in Carrara, Tuscany, Italy, on 5 January 2011.

• Each year there are approximately 20,000 “rent-a-Santas” across the United States. “Rent-a-Santas” usually undergo seasonal training on how to maintain a jolly attitude under pressure from the public. They also receive practical advice, such as not accepting money from parents while children are looking and avoiding garlic, onions, or beans for lunch.

• Christmas wasn’t declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.

• In 1962, the first Christmas postage stamp was issued in the United States.

• Approximately 25-30 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.

Smokin’ WE’RE

WWW.johnsonbarbeque.COM winter haven • plant city

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We all know there are four seasons. Summer, spring, fall and winter. But for the farmer there are only three seasons: Before harvest, harvest and after harvest. Farmers have “stay power!” They stay with it year after year of losing money. They say once farming gets into your blood, you’re hooked.

They have things to keep them amused and help forget about staying up all night and watering the berries to keep them from freezing when the cold front moves through. Ronnie Lott says you know you’re a farmer when on laundry day you go to your tractor to get your dirty clothes.

Farmers have a unique way of saying things, too. While driving on a back road in Blairsville, Georgia I saw a sign along side the road that read “Used Cows for Sale.” I love the bumper stickers farmers put on their pickup trucks.

The most popular one in east Hillsborough County is “No Farmers No Food.” These are available free at the In The Field Office in Plant City.

There’s the story of Fred the Farmer. He had so many children that he ran out of names. So he started calling his kids after something around his farm. It was the first day of school and the teacher asked each child their name. When he got to one of the farmer George’s sons, the boy replied, ‘Wagon Wheel.’ The teacher said, ‘I need your real name boy, to which the lad replied, ‘It’s Wagon Wheel, sir...Really.’ The teacher, rather annoyed rejoined, ‘All right young man, take yourself right down to the principal’s office this minute.’ The youngster pushed himself out of his chair, turned to his sister and said, ‘C’mon, ‘Chicken Feed’, he ain’t gonna believe you, either.’

Speaking southern is universal in the south, and it’s apparent each state thinks pretty much alike. For ex22

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ample: In Louisiana a senior citizen was overheard saying, “When the end of the world comes, I hope to be in Louisiana.” When asked why, he replied, “I’d rather be in Louisiana ‘cause everything happens in Louisiana 20 years later than in the rest of the world. MISSISSIPPI: The young man from Mississippi came running into the store and said to his buddy, “Bubba, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!” Bubba replied, “Did y’all see who it was?” The young man answered, “I couldn’t tell, but I got the license number.” TENNESSEE: A Tennessee State Trooper pulled over a pickup on I-65. The Trooper asked, “Got any ID?” The driver replied, “Bout whut?” ALABAMA: The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up truck into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, “Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don’t you see that sign right over your head?”

“Yep,” he replied. “That’s why I’m dumpin’ it here, ‘cause it says: ‘Fine For Dumping Garbage.’ ” Here’s a little exercise for you farmers during off-season.

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you’ll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags, then try 50-lb potato bags and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

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Cultivating the land is

Tom Pospichal Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida

As the global population increases, so does the demand for affordable food. Essential crop nutrients, like phosphate produced in Florida, help farmers put more food on the table using less land. Our connection to agriculture is rooted here, too. Our team manages thousands of acres of post-mined land for sod and tree farms, citrus, cattle grazing and row crops. We are honored to be stewards of our agricultural lands in Florida and proud that our fellow employees produce crop nutrients for farmers all over the world.

®

We help the world grow the food it needs.

mosaicco.com/florida

© 2016 The Mosaic Company

Our produce stand is now open at a new location.

Stop by and pick up some delicious strawberries.We’re sure they’ll make any occasion Berry Special!

Southeast corner of 5215 Drane Field Rd. and County Line Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Alderman’s Ford Regional Park

By Nick Chapman

Tranquil wooded acres at the convergence of the North and South Prongs of the Alafia River make the perfect backdrop for Hillsborough County’s Alderman’s Ford Regional Park.

The original 360 acres for the park was acquired by Hillsborough County in 1950 when the park was created. Since then, Alderman’s Ford has grown to over 1,100 acres, and has become one of the most popular parks in the county.

Famous for its 1.9 mile Ford Park Trail, which combines boardwalks, bridges and paved walkways that provides an individual the chance to escape from the turmoil of daily life. The looped trail is wide and well maintained, and accommodates hikers, bikers and joggers, and features several exercise stations for those wishing to kick up their work out a notch.

The trail is also great for nature lovers, as most of it skirts the Alafia River and provides numerous photo opportunities for Florida landscapes and wildlife.

The park is also pet friendly, so many dog owners use the loop to exercise their four-footed family friends while on leash.

There are also many unpaved trails for the avid hiker, and affords those who like to explore an opportunity to step back in time and witness the Florida of yesterday. Some of these trail have recently been worked on, according Bryan Hughes, senior ranger at Alderman’s Ford. “We had to open up a nature trail that used to exist back in the day and reestablish it, and hopefully we can get some interpretive programs going on.” There is plenty to see on these trails including majestic cypress trees and grandfather oaks in abundance, and the environment is perfect for bird watchers to catch several species in their natural settings.

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The park also provides primitive camping facilities for the adventurous backpacker willing to take the 1.5 mile trek on foot out to the sites for a chance to enjoy the solitude of nature.

“There are four sites, and two group sites that we’re trying to get online that we’re building for the boy scouts, girl scouts and groups like that,” said Hughes. “The campsites are reserved with a call to the park, and they carry a $12.00 per site fee and a maximum of six people per site.” He went on to say that there is no electricity and no water, but it’s just a short hike to a restroom facility where you can also get potable water.

There are eleven picnic pavilions located close to the parking areas that can be reserved in advance for events. There are also picnic tables and barbecue grills available on a first come, first served basis.

Age appropriate playgrounds are within sight of the pavilions, and there is plenty of open common space for all types of family activities. The park has a large enclosed, air-conditioned room that can be reserved for parties or meeting for large groups. Rest room facilities and water fountains are centrally located.

The park is always an ideal destination, but depending on what you are looking for, there may be better times to come Alderman’s Ford Park. Hughes advised, “If you’re wanting to come out to the park to just walk, early mornings are the best because the temperatures are cooler now. In the afternoons about an hour before the park closes is good because it’s quieter and you might see some of the animals. If you’re coming out for a picnic, week days can be nice because the park just has light traffic, usually just locals. But weekends, we do get busy.”

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Alderman’s Ford received its name from James Alderman, who settled along the banks of the Alafia River in 1848, and who excavated the tall banks of the river to create a ford for river crossings. You can still see the location today. Visiting the park and hiking on the more remote trails visitors can get a feel for the beauty James Alderman saw almost 170 years earlier.

The park has had a lively history of users including the local Democrat party that once used the park for major gatherings.

“They held rallies for different candidates here,” said Hughes.

“There used to be a big band shell and gazebo out here, and they used to meet under that.”

Drive, next to Pinecrest Little League. The second entrance is located off Thompson Road at 9625 Canoe Launch Road, and has the public canoe launch area. Canoe and kayak rentals can be obtained in the main park for a fee. Both entrances allow for access to the entire park and are connected by the park trail system. An entry fee of $2.00 per vehicle covers up to eight people.

Visit the County’s website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ en/locations/aldermans-ford-park for additional information.

You can call the park at (813) 757-3801 and speak to one of their knowledgeable rangers who will be happy to assist you.

The park has two entrances for the public. The main entrance is located off South County Road 39 on Alderman Ford Park WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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This Herb is a Fighter:

Scrub Lupine

By Ginny Mink We do a lot of birds and amphibians, and various other animals in this segment of the magazine. This month though, we are going to take a different course and look at a rather intriguing short-lived perennial that is only found in Florida. Seriously, we are the only people with access to this plant and that’s part of what puts it on the endangered list. Because there’s not a lot of access to it, even in Florida.

we talk about here, people are the problem. Off road vehicles, soil scraping, land clearing, land development, pasture expansion, and road construction appear to have a significantly negative impact on the scrub lupine’s environment. Interestingly enough so do pedestrians and horses. So, basically, agricultural and urban expansion are at the forefront of the destruction of the scrub lupine.²

Let us introduce you to the scrub lupine. It only grows in Polk, Osceola, and Orange counties. This is definitely a Central Florida resident. And, as far as we can tell, there are only ten populations left in Florida. That means there are literally only 10 populations left in the whole world! That puts this wee plant in some serious danger and necessitates our attempts at education and hopefully, even assistance.¹

Because the reproduction season for the scrub lupines ranges from March to May, it is probably a good idea to keep a look out for their presence (especially if you live in the northern parts of Polk County) during that time. Blooms always make it significantly easier to identify woody stalks sticking out of the ground. No doubt it is easy to view these plants as a weed that is pretty ugly, except when it’s blooming. The seeds will mature by June and have been known to stay dormant for quite some time in a long-lived seed bank near the mother plant.²

So let’s talk about the scrub lupine, shall we? Believe it or not, the lupinus aridorum is actually an herb. It is classified as a woody herb with long stems that measure up to 3.3 feet in length. Perhaps it’s not as “wee” as we initially thought. Its leaves are an average of 2 inches long and an inch wide. We suspect that’s where the “wee” assumption must have come in. And, if you are looking for these, please note that leaves are rounded with a sharp point on the end.² The flowers are a pale-fleshy pink with the upper petal displaying a black center outlined in maroon. There can be 5-25 flowers on a raceme². Don’t worry, we didn’t know what this word meant either.

It’s a flower cluster where each flower has an equally short individual stalk³. And, actually, they don’t usually have more than 14 flowers, but there are some that produce the maximum 25. The fruit that is produced is also woody, and pointy at the end.² This species was first documented in 1900, but didn’t achieve its specific name until 1982. The first collection was made in Orange County, Florida. But it took another 28 years before it was seen and collected again, this time in Polk County. Then in 1937 a third round of collections occurred, also in Polk County. More than 30 years passed before people decided in might be a good idea to begin studying this incredibly rare plant.² It likes dry sandy soil with very little organic matter. These sands are mostly white and have been well known for their abilities to support sand pine scrubs. But, they are incredibly acidic with a pH of 4-4.5.

Sand pine and rosemary scrub seem to be the scrub lupine’s natural habitat. It is believed that they probably were quite fond of sunny patches. Unfortunately, excessive shading has all but eliminated those sunny spaces.²

Studies seem to suggest, though, that the plants will only bloom one to three times over the course of their lives. And, from what researchers can tell, the first year of blooming produces very few seeds. Sadly, no one appears to know what insects assist in the pollination of the plants. Naturally, we would assume bees help sustain the lives of these plants, but since research can’t document it, that will have to remain a mystery, especially if these herbs become extinct.² Scientists are hopeful that the seed banks scattered throughout the scrub lupines initial habitat will eventually choose to take root and grow. Apparently, when the soil gets disturbed in spaces in which these seed banks reside, the scrub lupine is known to come back aggressively. It’s good to know that this herb is a fighter! Sadly, it is hard to locate the seeds even during vegetative surveys. We will probably just have to keep hoping that man will stir up those seed banks well enough to allow some fresh, open, sunny sand, to produce the scrub lupines just waiting to grow there!² Resources: ¹Unique to Florida: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/map/state/ FL.html ²Fish and Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/verobeach/MSRPPDFs/ScrubLupine.PDF ³Oxford Dictionaries: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/ raceme Photo Credits: Ridgeboy (2008) - Lupine - https://flic.kr/p/4nMPBE Florida Fish and Wildlife (2010) - Bee Approaches Endangered Plant - https://flic.kr/p/ebDdmW B A Bowen Photography (2010) – Lupine (not in bloom) - https:// flic.kr/p/7DYH1f

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Florida

Endive

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science As the weather cools down in Florida, more leafy greens are coming into season. The endive is like a sophisticated lettuce, which adds flavor and texture to any salad. Unlike lettuce, endive does not form a head and is far more flavorful. Endive grows only in cool weather and its peak season is December through March. Some types have broad leaves, called escarole, while other types have narrow, ruffled leaves that are referred to as frisee. Chicory is another common name for this vegetable that is popular in the Mediterranean. The names are interchangeable in different parts of the world, but generally refer to this class of hearty, flavorful salad greens. Florida endive is different from Belgian endive, which is actually the young blanched sprout of the chicory plant.

NUTRITION

Calorie for calorie, endive is one of the most nutrient foods that exists. For very few calories, the green leafy vegetable is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the USDA database, a 3.5 oz serving (100g, or roughly 2 cups) of raw endive leaves contains 17 calories, 3.4 grams of carbohydrates, 3.1 grams of fiber, 1.3 grams of protein, and 0.2 grams of fat. Additionally, a single serving contains 289% of your daily requirements for vitamin K, 43% for vitamin A, 36% for folate, 20% for manganese, and a significant amount of zinc, vitamin C, potassium, thiamin, calcium, magnesium, and iron. This means that for less than 20 calories and a delicious addition to your salad, you can go a long way meeting your vitamin and mineral requirements for the whole day.

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K is best known for its role in helping blood clot properly, known as coagulation. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding. Additionally, this vitamin plays an important role in bone health. Vitamin K is associated with greater bone density, while lower levels are associated with osteoporosis and bone fractures. A single serving of fresh Florida endive provides almost 300% of your daily vitamin K needs!

MANGANESE

This mineral is present in small amounts in the body but is necessary for a variety of different functions. It helps the body form bones, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

blood clotting factors, connective tissue, and sex hormones. Manganese is necessary for nerve function. Additionally, this mineral is involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism and regulation of blood sugar. Manganese is found in leafy green vegetables like endive, as well as whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

POTASSIUM

Potassium is both a mineral and electrolyte that is necessary for proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs in the human body.

As an electrolyte, along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, potassium is crucial to heart function and conducting electrical impulses in the heart and throughout the body. It plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, which in turn, makes it important for normal digestive and muscular function. Higher potassium intake from fruits and vegetables has been linked with lower blood pressure, better heart health, and stronger bones.

HOW TO SELECT & STORE

Choose fresh Florida endive with crisp, perky leaves that are free of wet or yellow spots. Avoid any with wilted leaves. Fresh endive can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to one week.

HOW TO ENJOY

The crisp, refreshing leaves of the endive are best enjoyed raw in a salad. It’s bold, slightly bitter flavor complements sweet lettuces and dressing. The leaves can also be lightly blanched or sautéed in olive oil for a delicious side dish. Other ways to enjoy endive include: • Brush leaves with oil and grill • Add to soups and stews • Lightly braise sauté with garlic and balsamic vinegar • Use to top sandwiches instead of lettuce • Mix into a salad with nuts and fruit, such as apples, pears, or persimmons Enjoy fresh Florida endive in its peak season today!

REFERENCES

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ https://www.uaex.edu/publications/ http://www.umm.edu INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Pesky Pest: Large Patch on Florida Lawns

By Susan Haddock, Commercial Horticulture/Integrated Pest Management/Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension

Now that the days are shorter, temperatures are cooling and turf tends to stay damp at night, be on the lookout for a fungal disease that affects St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia and Centipede grasses.

Large patch was previously known as Brown Patch, but research has identified two slightly different pathogens, each responsible for a similar disease process. Brown Patch only affects northern cool season grasses while Large Patch affects our southern warm season grasses. Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is the fungal pathogen responsible for large patch.

This disease occurs from November to May when temperatures drop below 80˚. It is triggered by moisture: excessive rainfall or irrigation, or extended periods of high humidity which keep grass blades wet for 48 hours or more.

The fungus infects the leaf closest to the soil and eventually kills the leaf. You may notice a soft, dark rot at the base of the leaf. When you tug on the leaf, it will easily pull off the stem. Be daring and take a sniff; the leaf will have a rotten odor.

disease symptoms. Preventative fungicide options include the active ingredients: azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, fludioxonil, flutolanil, iprodione, Junction®, mancozeb, metconazole, myclobutanil, polyoxin D, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, triadimefon, trifloxystrobin, triticonazole, and vinclozolin.

When using fungicides or any pesticide follow all pesticide label instructions, as the label is the law. Straying from label instructions can result in human, domestic animal or environmental exposure as well as fines for violating the law. For more information on fungicides refer to the UF/IFAS publication Homeowner’s Guide to Fungicides for Lawn and Landscape Disease Management (http://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PP/PP15400.pdf).

If the turf is dead, fungicide applications will not promote recovery.

Dead areas will require turfgrass replacement. The turf must be actively growing to recover. New leaves must develop while old leaves are removed by mowing or decomposition. Recovery may be slow due to the natural low growth of turfgrass during fall and winter seasons.

You will first notice small patches, one foot or less in diameter, that first turn yellow, then reddish brown, brown or straw color. The patches will expand several feet. You may see rings of yellow or brown grass with clumps of healthy looking grass in the middle.

The rings may have a slightly orange outer ring.

Herbicide damage can look similar on St. Augustinegrass, but the base of the leaf will not be dark, rotted or smell.

Large Patch Integrated Pest Management

Turfgrass management practices can reduce susceptibility to large patch. Proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing are key. Avoid nitrogen applications during potential disease development period.

Prior to this period use only slow release nitrogen sources. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1 ratio of nitrogen to Potassium. Potassium should also be in slow release form. Irrigate only when turf shows signs of drought stress. If possible, irrigate only in the early morning.

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By Jack Payne

Above Photo Left to right: Jack Payne speaks with Saqib Mukhtar, UF/IFAS Associate Dean for Extension, and Francisco P. Rivera, the new small farms agent for UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension, at the Florida Ag Expo at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.

A Science Extravaganza A decade ago, tomato grower Tony DiMare suggested that the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) put on a science extravaganza. The Florida Ag Expo seems to have grown every year since.

The Expo is a model for how the Gulf Coast REC and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences serve growers and invests in their future.

That’s why I brought my entire administrative team from across the state to the Expo this year. It included the other 11 research and education center directors who are the counterparts of GCREC Director Jack Rechcigl, academic department heads from Gainesville, and the deans.

Investing in growers’ future is why we built GCREC. It’s why we cut the ribbon on an expansion at last year’s Expo. It’s why Vance Whitaker is now getting four new greenhouses for his strawberry breeding program.

It’s why, in just over a decade, the GCREC has grown from a staff of 75 to a team of 160 people.

It’s why we have even more agricultural agents in our Extension service than we did when the center opened in Wimauma. It’s why we moved fast to hire new lecturers this fall in Plant City when we lost our previous instructors to retirement and other opportunities.

It’s why we’re bringing on an Extension scientist specializing in blueberries. That expert will be based at GCREC! Our Horticultural Sciences Chair, Kevin Folta, will be providing significant support for this new position. It’s Kevin’s vision to build the same capacity in blueberries that we now have in strawberries – a complete team of entomologists, pathologists, Exten-

sion specialists, postharvest experts, breeders, molecular biologists, and genomics experts.

And our commitment to growers is why our research and Extension faculty are testing a phone app to help you decide when to water berries in a commercial field setting – and when not to.

This area is one of those special places where we see the battle for the future of agriculture in Florida playing out.

And that’s why we keep bringing in new expertise. Why we are investing in GCREC. Why we invest in the search for solutions to growers’ challenges.

It’s why UF/IFAS and GCREC have recently made Dr. Seonghee Lee a permanent member of our faculty. Kenneth Parker and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association had paid for us to bring him on board temporarily. He’ll use genomics to help Vance accelerate the search for the best berries.

Imagine if Florida growers had strawberry varieties with the flavor of Sweet Sensation but twice the early yield when growers are making $20 a flat, not $5 a flat.

And Vance’s new greenhouses should be ready by the time this goes to press. Again, thanks to Kenneth and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association for their support in helping us fund their construction.

And how about Shinsuke Agehara? I think we should call him “Dr. Plan B.” Already he’s developed locally grown hops that are being used by 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Pete.

And Shinsuke is working on pomegranates, artichokes, and blackberries, too.

Agehara, Hutton, Whitaker, and the two Lees. This is some of what I see as I decide where to invest IFAS resources. GCREC continues to get strong support from IFAS because it serves its stakeholders so effectively.

Whatever the future of production agriculture is here, it will have to involve science.

That’s why together we continue to invest in scientific research, Extension and teaching.

And that’s why we need your continued support. Please tell your legislators how important IFAS research and Extension is to your farms, and to your future.

That future might mean better varieties. It might mean GMOs. It might mean having a better handle on your consumers. It might mean growing stuff you haven’t grown before.

One thing we know about the future is IFAS will continue investing in you, serving you.

You can expect great things from IFAS!

We just hired a second Dr. Lee – Tong Geon Lee -- to help Sam Hutton speed his development of a tomato that can be mechanically harvested. This Dr. Lee specializes in the genomics and bioinformatics of the tomato.

The DiMares and the Florida Tomato Committee have been great partners in supporting Sam’s work, too.

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 42

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Advance Tickets On Sale Now! • FLstrawberryfestival.com

March 2 –12, 2017 • Plant City, FL Artists Appearing on the

Soundstage:

Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters

for KING & COUNTRY

Thu. Mar. 2, 3:30 $15 & $20

Willie Nelson and Family

Kip Moore

Fri. Mar. 3, 7:30 $35 Fri. Mar. 3, 3:30 $40

Kane Brown

Sat. Mar. 4, 3:30 $25

Thu. Mar. 2, 7:30 $25

3 Doors Down

Little Big Town

Clare Bowen/Charles Esten

Sat. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35

Sun. Mar. 5, 7:30 $45

Sun. Mar. 5, 3:30 $25

#berryfest17

The Bellamy Brothers Mon. Mar. 6, 3:30 $15 & $20

Jennifer Nettles Mon. Mar. 6, 7:30 $35

The Oak Ridge Boys Thu. Mar. 9, 3:30 $15 & $20

Patti LaBelle

Sat. Mar. 11, 7:30 $40

Joe Nichols

Sun. Mar. 12, 3:30 $20

Brenda Lee

NEEDTOBREATHE

Tues. Mar. 7, 3:30 $15 & $20

The Blues Brothers Thu. Mar. 9, 7:30 $35

Tues. Mar. 7, 7:30 $25 & $30

Tracy Byrd

Wed. Mar. 8, 3:30 $15 & $20

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers

Rascal Flatts “RHYTHM & ROOTS” Tour

Fri. Mar. 10, 3:30 $15 & $20

Scotty McCreery Wed. Mar. 8, 7:30 $25 & $30

Elle King

Fri. Mar. 10, 7:30 $20

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!

Sun. Mar. 12, 7:30 $50

Maddie & Tae

Sat. Mar. 11, 3:30 $25

Free Grandstand

3:30 & 7:30pm Seating is on a first come, first seated basis.

Concert dates and times are subject to change

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Farming in Antarctica?

Farming in Antarctica? Well, no, not really. It’s way too cold and frozen for that.

It’s an amazing place, though, unlike any other on the planet.

Not merely frozen water, it’s land mass is so large it alone comprises the Earth’s 7th continent which made it a destination long ago when we decided to visit them all.

Just getting there can be a difficult journey. It starts with an all night flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Then there’s the half day plane ride to the very tip end of South America and the historic place of Ushuaia, which bills itself as the “End of the World.”

Ushuaia is where expeditions were organized and headed to the South Pole. It was also frequented by Charles Darwin on his way to the Galapagos where he postulated evolution. The body of water through which expeditions sail from Ushuaia is named after Darwin’s own ship, the HMS Beagle.

To get to Antarctica from Ushuaia, we boarded the Ocean Endeavour along with 196 passengers and followed the same route through the Beagle Channel, south by Cape Horn and into the crazy waters of the Drake Passage and the Southern Ocean, which separates Antarctica from the rest of the world.

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for being ridiculously rough. The oceans of the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern all collide with each other and the seas have been known to toss boats about in waters reaching waves cresting at 60 feet!

It’s a two day passage each way, both going and returning home. We were lucky with waves that swelled only to a height of 20-25 feet, still more than enough to toss around people and things all over the boat.

The best spot for refuge was in bed, hoping to sleep, but settling with an attempt simply to read.

Finally the seas began to smooth and we knew we had arrived when we saw the first of many icebergs floating gently by. Onward we sailed through ice choked passages since it was land that we were determined to set foot on.

Actually getting to shore involved still another mode of transportation. After all, in this uninhabited land there are no piers for our ship to dock. Anchored in a bay of seemingly more ice than water, we eagerly climbed into rubberized zodiacs and sped to the shore, which was a mix of rocks and yet even more ice.

by John Dicks

give it a taste.

It’s salty, of course, but astonishingly pure once the first lick of sea water is gone and the clean, clear ice is savored. Members of the crew snagged larger chunks, carrying them back to the boat to be later served with beverages.

Finally ashore the only transportation available was of the human kind and we trudged along.

Hiking through frozenness with the goal of a hill to crest revealed a startling view of the void of life. In all directions there is nothing before you but snow and ice and mountains.

The beauty comes strangely into focus with the strikingly stark realization that you are staring at millions of acres, which have never felt the presence of another human being.

It’s strange to visit a land where there are no people. Granted there are a few hearty folks based in research stations scattered around the continent, but nobody really lives there.

There are no indigenous people. Even polar bears never made it a home. They’re only in the Arctic, near Santa and the North Pole.

The home of the South Pole is greatly different.

The awesome land mass that is the Antarctic is home to few species.

Sea lions seem to like it. So do whales, particularly killer whales, who enjoy the sea lions.

Mostly though the main inhabitants are penguins. There are millions of them. One island we visited had a colony of an estimated 250,000!

International guidelines, which we happily followed, suggest that you stay at least 15 feet away. Penguins, though, have no such restrictions and seem even more curious than humans. Constantly one or two would waddle up to inspect us, stare and squawk, more out of greeting than of fright.

Penguins are loud and smelly. They’re busy, too, this time of year. It’s springtime in Antarctica, which naturally brings courting and mating and new born chicks to the colonies. Hang around them long enough and you’ll wonder where is that perfect whiteness and pristine air first noted.

Fortunately Antarctica is so vast even millions of penguins can’t spoil the beauty and purity of the place. Somehow that seems as though it should be.

Of course zodiacs don’t actually land, which means the last few steps involved a few feet of water, estimated at about 29 degrees since sea water doesn’t freeze until it sinks to 28! The claim of waterproof boots lived up to its reputation, but regardless, you still get wet.

It’s a wicked wet, too, and more than just chilly! It’s stinging cold, though once felt it emboldens you to splash a bit and grab a small slab of floating ice to

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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A Day in the Life…

Of a Horse Facility Manager

By Nick Chapman Most of the readers of this magazine either work in the agricultural industry, or are interested in agriculture because it is a driving force in the Central Florida economy. Each industry is intimately familiar with the “how’s” and “what’s” of their niche, but what about other aspects of the Ag community? This monthly series will focus on different segments of agriculture from animals to horticulture, insurance to real estate and wholesale to retail. And we’ll look at jobs from pickers and laborers to managers and CEO’s, plus all the factors that go into a typical day on the job for that aspect of Ag. This month I’ll start at home, then in the following months I will be spending time with individuals in other fields that help make agriculture great here in Florida. So sit back and take a walk in the boots of a horse facility manager…

“Having a horse farm is not a hobby or a passing fad for us, it’s a way of life,” said Jonnie Chapman, co-owner of a horse farm in Lithia. Jonnie and her husband Nick Chapman have owned and operated a riding and boarding facility in Hillsborough County for over 30 years. And although it hasn’t always been profitable, it has been a rewarding profession. “We not only get to watch young children develop their riding ability, but increase their self-confidence and become wonderful young adults.”

Morning feedings start each day, and we’re always greeted by a chorus of happy and impatient nickers from the stalls. There is something about mucking out a stall at 6:00 a.m. that can help give you proper perspective on the rest of the day. It doesn’t matter what else life throws your way; you’ll be able to handle it with ease. Horse training happens every time we handle an animal. “The key to a successful relationship with a horse is trust,” said Jonnie. “Building trust happens as much or more on the ground than it does in the saddle.”

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Each horse is examined when let in and out of its stall to see if there are any new nicks, scratches or injuries. We also monitor their eating habits, water consumption, bowel movements and general disposition to insure they are happy and healthy. A change in any of these areas can be an indicator of illness, and then we have to figure out the triggering mechanism. Each animal’s overall body score (proper weight and appearance) is also observed to see if there needs to be a change in the feed provisions. “The grass loses its value during the winter months, so we’ll increase feed and supplement with hay. The older a horse gets, the trickier it can be to maintain their proper weight.”

Horse farm life also involves constant repairs.

A 1,000 pound animal can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. Broken fence boards, leaking water supplies and sagging gates are typical tasks. Mowing and bush hogging are major chores in the spring and summer, as are dragging pastures and monitoring grazing rotation in the fall and winter. Manure management and composting is a year-round issue, as each of our horses can generate as much as 30-40 pounds of droppings a day (that’s over 7 ton annually per horse).

The bulk of the day is spent either in lessons with our students, or refining a skill on one of our schooling horses. Other daily tasks involve purchasing feed and hay or farm supplies, farrier or vet visits or tending to our boarding horses. There is never a lack for something to work on, and our “To Do” list always exceeds the 24 hours allotted in a day. The evening feed is a peaceful time as the animals settle in to rest for the night. “One of my favorite sounds is our horses munching contentedly on their hay,” said Jonnie. “It means they are happy.”

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The commonality we have with others farmers in the agricultural community is that we’re also tied to the weather conditions. Drought periods mean poor pastures and increased hay expense. Overly wet conditions, like this past summer, can cause hoof and skin conditions. And nobody likes to ride in an all-day thunderstorm, so we lose lesson income during the rainy season.

Unlike some of the other livestock farms, we’re able to keep and develop our stock for long periods of time. With the average life expectancy of a horse between 25-30 years, it is not uncommon for us to own useful stock for well over 15 years. A common misconception is that we have a barn full of pets. Although we grow fond of our animals, we consider them working stock with jobs to do. We chart each animal’s cost and compare it to the income generated through lessons. But unlike some barns, we don’t recycle horses every year or so. The advantage to having a horse trainer as a partner is that we can train our own schooling horses and Jonnie can work on any issues that pop up and do corrective training sessions.

Every day starts the same, but you never know how it will end up.

Just this morning we found a portion of our front pasture flooded because a bored mare decided to play with a water line. But the benefits far outweigh the little headaches that come with the territory.

“We always smile when people come out to our farm and say they would love to have a farm just like ours, and they probably would.

But typically they have no idea the amount of work it takes to build, maintain and grow a business like ours,” Jonnie added. “But we don’t mind the work because we count ourselves lucky to live the farm life and to be able to enjoy a piece of God’s creation and working with such magnificent animals.”

If you have suggestions for other “A Day in the Life” professions, or you have comments on this month’s installment, contact me at nickwrites4u@gmail.com.

You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

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s e p i c e R Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Chef Justin Timineri

Coconut Snapper with Spinach Endive Sauté

DIRECTIONS 1. Season fillets with salt and pepper.

2. In large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Cook fillets 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through.

4. Remove fish from skillet and keep warm.

5. For coconut sauce, return pan to heat and cook garlic, ginger and 1/4 cup onion until tender.

6. Add coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, hot sauce and bring to a boil.

7. Lower heat and add cilantro; simmer for 5 minutes.

INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 (6-ounce) snapper filets 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1/2 cup diced onion, divided 1 cup canned coconut milk

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 head Belgian endive, thin sliced 1 (10-ounce) bag spinach, washed

8. In a separate, large skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat.

9. Sauté remaining 1/4 cup onion, endive and spinach until greens are just wilted.

10. Serve fillets with sauce over sautéed vegetables.

Strawberry Pops Ingredients • 12 Florida strawberries • 12 (4-inch) lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks or 6-inch bamboo skewers • 1 cup lightly crushed whole grain cereal • ½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

DIRECTIONS 1. Rinse strawberries and remove leaves.

2. Dip berry in yogurt, then in the cereal.

3. Insert sticks into the narrow end of the strawberry.

4. Serve immediately.

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Ornamental Gardening in Florida

By Ginny Mink Wow! Can you believe we have been on this literary journey for more than two years now? That’s a long time to read a book and the truth is, we are probably only about a half of the way through. We wonder if you will look forward to the next two years on our Literary Time Machine. Apparently, we could have gone to and returned from The International Space Station during that time frame. We, however, much prefer to keep our feet on earth, so we’ll just keep trucking along in Mr. Simpson’s 90-year-old book.

This month, we are pleased to announce, that we’ll be learning about something Floridians should probably understand well, aquatic and lowland plants. Some of us live in the swamp and the plants we have discovered there are completely different than those we frequently saw in the subdivision where we previously resided. Others of us are more familiar with aquatic plants because we like to buy them for our fish tanks and ponds. Whatever the case may be, rest assured, Mr. Simpson will know a lot more about them than we do.

Come explore with us!

He first mentions the aletris or colic root. All we could think about was our children hacking (you know, colic…). Anyway, he says, “There are five species of these interesting and attractive plants found growing in Florida all having erect flower stems and a spike of curious blossoms and all should be hardy throughout the state. The leaves are mostly basal in a dense rosette. They generally grow in lowland.”¹ Because we were unfamiliar with the aletris, we decided to look it up.

Believe it or not, the root of the aletris is used to make medicine! And guess what is listed on its potential uses…colic. Apparently, it can also be utilized for upset stomachs, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and even infertility! However, according to WebMD, side effects include colic, confusion, and dizziness. So, like with all medications, it is important to weigh the side effects with the treatment benefits.² We continued in Mr. Simpson’s book to discover he discusses some ornamental bamboo, something he calls, Southern Cane, which grows wild in the Florida wetlands. But, that wasn’t nearly as interesting as his section on what he calls, fish grass. He writes, “A strictly aquatic plant allied to the water lilies but differing from them greatly 54

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in appearance it has two kinds of leaves, one much dissected and submerged, the other narrow and floating.”¹ Fish grass, hmmm?

We tried to look up fish grass, but all we could find was information about how to fish for bass in the grass. And while fishing is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, it is not the focus of this piece. So, we had to resort to using the scientific name, Cabomba caroliniana.

Imagine our surprise when we landed on the State of Washington’s Department of Ecology website and it revealed the other name as, fanwort. In fact, it claimed this plant is non-native and is invasive as well (though that may just be to Washington). They claim it can clog canals and streams. However, they also note that it makes a great addition to aquariums.³ And for the record, we like the name fish grass better than fanwort. What about you?

The next flower Mr. Simpson added was kind of shocking to us because we are doing a piece on aquatic and lowland plants. So, when he included hibiscus that just seemed odd. But, he writes that they are, “A large genus containing many species with handsome flowers and well represented in the swamps and lowlands of Florida. H. aculetus grows five or six feet high and bears great yellowish flowers with a dark center. H. grandifloras, H. moscheutos and H. incanus are strong, tall growers with splendid large flowers of rose to yellowish or white with a dark base and somewhat alike. H. militaris is a rather vigorous species with small leaves and pink flowers with a dark eye.

In H. integrifolius the leaves are round or ovate and the blossoms crimson, while H. coccineus has very large red to crimson flowers.

Taken together they make a magnificent group of ornamentals and all or nearly all have been cultivated.”¹ We like hibiscus flowers and surely you know of some of their benefits. But if somehow you have missed out, we would like to share some of them with you now. If you’ve been reading this series for any length of time you are probably aware of our fondness for the Eat the Weeds website. Green Deane, the author there, is a plethora of plant eating knowledge. So of course we looked to his site first. Although we didn’t find the answers we were looking for, we did learn something about hibiscus, they are part of the mallow family and people have been using them for a very long time. And, one specific hibiscus, H. syriacus is actually known as The Rose of Sharon, as in from the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Bible. How cool is that?

But, back to the benefits of hibiscus before we close out this month’s voyage. According to the Bold Sky website, hibiscus can be made into an extract. Supposedly, taking hibiscus extract can fight cancer (thanks to the antioxidants in it), cure colds (because it’s rich in vitamin C), boost energy, calm hot flashes, cure acne, slow aging, maintain fluid balances, boost immune health, stop hair loss and even increase metabolism. If all these are true, we’d recommend doing some further research on how to include hibiscus extract into your dietary regimen.

Join us next month as we learn about additional aquatic and lowland plants. When we meet again it will be a new year, and we’ll be voyaging through a book that is one year closer to being a 100 years old!

Imagine that!

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. 119-122). ²WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-605-ALETRIS.aspx?activeIngredientId=605&activeIngredient Name=ALETRIS ³State of Washington Department of Ecology - http://www.ecy. wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/aqua006.html ⁴Eat the Weeds- http://www.eattheweeds.com/mallow-madness-thefalse-roselle/ ⁵Bold Sky- http://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2013/thirteenhealth-benefits-of-hibiscus-flower-034606.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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NEW FFA NATIONAL SECRETARY – VICTORIA HARRIS - HONORED Something for Everyone First Strawberry Crest High School Grad By Jim Frankowiak

Family, friends and former teachers of Victoria Harris recently gathered at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association meeting facility to honor and recognize her as the first graduate of Strawberry Crest High School elected to a national FFA office. Harris will serve as the organization’s secretary for the next year and also becomes the ninth resident of Hillsborough County elected to a national FFA leadership position, an accomplishment of significance. “We have more national FFA officers in our county than most any other state,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Supervisor, Career, Technical & Adult Education Pam Walden. “As the 23rd National Officer for Florida, we wish you the very, very best!”

In addition to Walden, other speakers at the event which was hosted

by Harris’ former teachers and her alma mater included her teachers Mrs. Susan Mayo, Mrs. Michelle Cesario, Mrs. Julie Alfonso, the International Baccalaureate (IB) assistant principal at Strawberry Crest, Ms. Tiffany Ewell and past National FFA Vice President from Plant City High School, Erica Der Hall.

Harris’ teachers spoke of her involvement in classes both in high school and what she has done at the University of Florida since graduation as serving as Florida State FFA Secretary. Ms. Ewell noted her diversity with the IB program while at Strawberry Crest and her ability to be so involved while maintaining her strong academic focus. Hall related some of what Harris will embark upon as she begins her year of service to National FFA; from meeting the President of the United States to traveling to 40 different states representing the more than 650,000 members of FFA in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

While continuing the legacy of National FFA leadership in the county, Harris does so from an interesting base. “I have lived in Valrico nearly my entire life and did not come from an agriculture background,” she said. “We live in the suburbs.” Her parents, Jim and Suzette, worked in engineering and transferred to helping small business start-ups.

Victoria has two brothers: Benjamin, a student at the University of North Florida, and Nick, a senior at Strawberry Crest.

Though zoned for Bloomingdale High School, Harris attended Strawberry Crest for the IB Program. Throughout middle and high school she participated in Girl Scouts, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics and Model United Nations.

“Growing up in the suburbs I had no knowledge of agriculture until I found myself in an agricultural class. I initially thought I would feel out of place coming from the suburbs, but my school continuously refuted the myth that agricultural education is just relevant for rural students. Instead, it provided the power of agricultural education to transform lives and communities, starting with my own. Even in the realm of agriculture, which I was convinced I would never understand, I soon found myself stopping at the grocery store to check if the strawberries were produced in my hometown.”

“Equally important, I have witnessed the transformation that FFA can make on students by instilling character, leadership and passion, all traits that I have personally experienced. I have been able to see that our organization grants unprecedented and unmatched opportunities for each and every student in an agricultural class. As I invested myself whole-heartedly into the blue corduroy jacket and discovered the depths of its merit as an organization, I saw my own potential, talent and skill reflected. Through the past five years, I have witnessed the National FFA Organization, and the individuals within it, empower me to live to my full potential. In return, I have a strong desire to continue to invest in this organization through my year as a national officer.”

“Through my success in the blue corduroy jacket, my ultimate desire has been to serve other students and show them their own potential in FFA. I know that any and every student can achieve the premier leadership, personal growth and career success that FFA prides itself in. My hope is that as a national officer I can continuously show others that,” she said.

After her year of national FFA service, Harris will return to the University of Florida and after graduation “I hope to attend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. I would love to practice large animal medicine.”

While at UF, Harris has been a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Ambassador, Student Senator and also serves as a volunteer within the Small Animal Hospital through the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Congratulations Victoria, and the very best and your national FFA leadership team!

“As part of the IB Program, students are required to take two electives their sophomore year,” said Harris. “On the recommendation of my brother Ben, who was really interested in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs at the time, I took a veterinary assisting class.

That is a part of agricultural education as many of the careers in the veterinary industry are related to animal agriculture and food animal medicine. In this class, my teacher, Mrs. Cesario, talked about the leadership, personal and career opportunities available through FFA and I decided to join. Initially, I just wanted to compete in the contest focusing on applying the skills learned in veterinary medicine, but soon realized how many opportunities are available through FFA.” 58

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“Build to SUCCEED” What do you think of when you hear the slogan “Build to Succeed?” I am one to always set goals to help succeed in whatever I am

by Allyson Polston doing. When becoming a board member for the Brangus breed I realized I had found an interest in promoting and marking. It was from there on that I was fascinated with how we can make our breed/industry the best it can be. I learned about how the past has brought us to where we are now, how social media has helped promote the breed/industry, and discussing how a breeder can do our part in building the breed with knowing simple information on what we produce in the pasture. When I hear different slogans, I love to think what the idea of the slogan is and what potential it has. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to help create a brighter future for the industry and developing it to its BEST potential. Two crucial components of making this breed bigger and better is using marketing and promoting to its advantages. My family has been in the Brangus breed for 13 years now and throughout the years I have seen so many ways to market and promote this amazing breed and industry.

As a junior board director, I have attended many different events and shows. I have had the personal opportunity to get to know breeders and learn their involvement in not only building their ranch but also by building the breed/herd they have worked so hard to own. What I wish I could do is go back in time and see how these wonderful breeds and industries became what they are today. One thing that has helped in the breeds/herds promotion and marketing is watching the genetics that has walked through the barns. Because of the success of some of the different cattlemen in the past, it makes it easier for us to promote such an awesome industry.

The support of the agricultural industry and other breeders has helped pave a successful path to the promotion of the industry. This support has brought research and knowledge that has help developed a better market for promoting the cattle industry. As in any other industry, having a great team WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

of leaders is vital to some of the promoting and marketing success.

Research shows that 61 percent of global internet users research products online. With this growing statistic it’s only a matter of time before cattle buyers increase their purchases from the internet and breeders increase their sales from the internet. In the past five years social media has expanded the industry by promoting and marketing internationally through websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Ad space is now opening up on many different websites to promote products and brands. For example, when you visit MSN.com the first thing you see are different ads for different products.

In the future more websites will offer ads like these. The industry has the potential to show up on feed stores or your local cattleman’s website. While bidding in an auction, a sale can happen online rather than being there in person. When having a cattle sale online it gives others the opportunity to bid or look at the high quality of cattle you have raised and bred. When selling cattle online you are promoting not only your name/ranch but you are also promoting the breed and industry as a whole. We want to promote the best so we can be the best! Lastly another good way to promote and market the cattle industry is with smartphones. Research shows that eighty percent of internet users own a smartphone. So basically the world is at our finger tips. By this it makes it easier for breeders to get in touch and promote the breed/industry.

Why not take advantage of this part of technology and run with it.

We have learned from the past and have paved a road for the future, for the future of this amazing industry. As a junior on a board I’m thrilled to see what the future of the cattle industry brings to us. I believe that technology will lead the way to building a better future for not only the different breeds but for the industry as a whole. Also this will give us many exciting new opportunities for the industry. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this industry! I hope everyone continues to build to SUCCEED! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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HILLSBOROUGH ATTENDEES SATISFIED WITH ‘LISTENING SESSION’; BIGGER CHALLENGE/OPPORTUNITY AT HAND By Jim Frankowiak | Photos by Tiffany Dale

Hillsborough County attendees at one of five statewide “listening sessions” co-hosted by Florida Farm Bureau and the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – Extension, came away feeling “the family is as strong as ever” but could enhance relations through better communications. More importantly, “there’s a bigger opportunity or challenge that all in agriculture should recognize and address and that is working to increase the Ag IQ of those who are unfamiliar with agriculture and its importance.

That was the characterization shared by county attendees Judi Whitson, Executive Director of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau; and Florida Strawberry Growers Association Executive Director Kenneth Parker, and Tiffany Dale, the FSGA’s Director of Member Services and Community Relations.

The five, statewide sessions were announced in late September in a letter co-signed by Florida Farm Bureau Federation President and CEO John Hoblick and UF’s Dean for Extension and Director, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Dr. Nick Place, which cited “concerns about the direction of UF/IFAS Extension and what it means to agriculture across the state of Florida,” the announcement letter said. During the last year Farm Bureau leadership has held discussions with its board and many members throughout the state regarding these matters. Similar conversations have taken place “with UF/IFAS Deans about these concerns and putting forth solutions. We can assure you that IFAS still stands for the Florida Agriculture industry and cares about this relationship as well.”

Five meetings throughout the state were conducted to “work through the concerns we all have,” said the letter, “to carry on the tradition of fostering solutions towards a stronger UF/ IFAS Extension.” Invitations to the sessions were extended to Farm Bureau members and interested commodity group representatives, as well as District and County Extension Directors, Research and Education Center Directors representing UF/IFAS Extension along with associated state and county faculty. The ultimate goal of the meetings is “to improve our partnership and identify concerns statewide, compile them and find solutions that will correct these concerns. We aim to do this with open dialogue about concerns, issues and potential solutions.”

having all county Extension agents become Farm Bureau members and attend and participate in monthly Farm Bureau board meetings; foster improved awareness of who does what at Extension offices and research centers so that those resources are better used, the establishment of industry advisory committees at all county Extension offices and others.

“But more importantly, and this came up repeatedly during the session,” noted Whitson, “is the need to share information on the importance of agriculture with the non-agriculture members of our communities. This includes a very diverse group of stakeholders, but each needs to know what it takes to enable each of us to enjoy the variety of foods we have available at prices that are affordable.”

“We are very fortunate in this country to have the options of choice and value when we do our grocery shopping,” said Dale. “Many in other countries are not as fortunate, but people need to understand the challenges our producers face as global population continues to increase.”

“That is also very true among our legislators and regulators,” said Parker. “The laws they enact and regulations they enforce must be fair and appropriate for our producers. Those critical decisions must be made by the well-informed.”

“The obligation is two-fold in that regard,” said Whitson.

“Agriculture’s stakeholders must be informed and agriculture must take unified steps to make sure that takes place. Simply put, everyone who has the opportunity to shop and enjoy those items that make up their daily meals needs to recognize what it takes to make that happen and act accordingly whether lawmakers, regulators or members of the public as they go to the polls.”

“Agriculture is not seeking preferential treatment by any means,” said Parker. “Our producers recognize their role and responsibilities, and we ask that those unfamiliar with agriculture come to a better understanding why our Ag family in Florida of Farm Bureau and UF/IFAS Extension and what they all do is so important to every family across the state. That is the challenge we now face.”

Whitson, Parker and Dale attended the session held at UF/ IFAS DeSoto County Extension Service at Arcadia where the meeting was led by Hoblick, Place and their colleagues.

“We are a family,” said Parker of the Farm Bureau, UF/IFAS Extension group. “Like any family, we have challenges, but none that we cannot effectively address. The major focus of Extension continues to be production agriculture and that is of critical importance.”

Suggestions the arose during the Arcadia session included 66

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Dustin Grooms October 31,2016 First Flat

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HOLIDAY PERSPECTIVES FROM A VARIETY OF VIEWPOINTS

By Jim Frankowiak

Plant City Christmas Parade Grand Marshall Al Berry Christmas, New Year’s and the weeks leading up to both are special times for families and friends. Holiday gatherings have unique meanings for many – beyond just the opportunity to meet, exchange gifts and enjoy traditional food and beverages.

I always associated Christmas and New Years with the warmth I experienced entering my home or the home of those we were visiting.

I still haven’t fully adjusted to enjoying these holidays while wearing shorts and a tee-shirt.”

IN THE FIELD reached out to a number of our friends and “family” in the community to learn what they had to say about the holidays.

Plant City Christmas Parade Grand Marshall Al Berry has mixed feelings about the holidays. “Over the years, Christmas and New Years has brought our family very close. Watching our children open Christmas presents as they grew up has given us very special memories and has made it a great family event for the Berry’s,” he said. “I am very disappointed to see the greeting, Merry Christmas, give way to the politically correct – Happy Holidays. It’s sad for so many to follow the example of just a few. That bothers me so much that I stopped doing business with those who have given in to this. I guess you might call that my contemporary version of Bah Humbug.”

Strawberry growers Carl and Dee Dee Grooms, owners and operators of Fancy Farms, cherish something that no retailer offers. “What we like most about the holidays is spending time with our family and friends. Because making these memories with the ones you love is a gift that can’t be bought.”

While Hillsborough County Agribusiness Development Manager, Simon Bollin shares his appreciation for spending time with family and friends, he is dealing with a bit of a challenge. “Being from up north, 70

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tive Director and recently announced Ag Woman of the Year Judi Whitson: family, friends, good food and love. “I think people are generally happier during the holidays than at other times. They are thinking more about others, and less about themselves. When people are looking for gifts, and thinking about that perfect surprise, it gives us hope, it gives us an opportunity that we don’t take other times of the year, to do more for others.

to spending quality time with all my family and friends and remembering how fortunate we all are for everything we have.”

“Charity giving goes up tremendously, and a feeling of well-being settles across the land. The TRUE meaning of Christmas comes through. Wish we could keep that all year.”

Plant City City Manager Mike Herr best likes the holidays for “the opportunity to celebrate them with our city employees, give to others so they may enjoy life a little more and to see my wife’s eyes light up when our holiday celebration tree arrives at home.”

Florida Strawberry Growers Association Executive Director and Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Kenneth Parker agrees with Judi Whitson. “This season is an opportunity to share the love of Christ Jesus through the giving of gifts, symbolic of the ultimate gift from God. Take time to give a gift in love to someone in need. You never know what positive impact or blessing a random act of kindness may have on an individual or family.”

Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Executive Jeff Sumner enjoys, “the extra time I get to spend with my family, and doing everything within my power to spoil my three grandsons,” he said. “To me, secondary to Christ’s birth, family is what it is all about.”

Hillsborough County Extension Director views the period from Thanksgiving to Christmas and the New Year as a time, “to naturally slow down and enjoy family, friends and food. I also look forward to reminiscing about years past, the good times and the fond memories we share with family and friends. That all comes naturally and it is so enjoyable.”

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl calls “Christmas my favorite “holiday of the year. I look forward

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“I also love Christmas for all the traditions and folklore I learned as a little boy from my parents who immigrated from Czechoslovakia and, of course, I can’t forget all the wonderful food, especially the cookies!”

“What I love most about the holidays, of course, means being with family and friends,” said Michelle Williamson with G & F Farms and a recent appointee to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. “But for me it also means the beginning of the harvest and the hopes for a great season for us and our employees and their families.”

The beginning of harvesting Florida strawberries has given Gary Wishnatzki of Wish Farms and his family a new approach for the holidays. “In recent years, just before Christmas, it has become a new family tradition to make strawberry Santa’s. They are always a huge hit when we bring them to a party.”

As you can see, spending time with family and friends is a common joy shared by us all, but there are other things that have special meaning as well. And, don’t forget if you cross paths with Al Berry this season, remember it’s “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” not “Happy Holidays.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from IN THE FIELD to all of our readers!

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By Ginny Mink

Edward Medard Park and Reservoir Perhaps some of you are unaware, but I left my husband in May. So, some of these Meet the Minks have been challenging. However, this month’s endeavor was by far the most fun me and the three “littles” (though one is more of a giant) have had. I know you have been waiting for our chicken coop edition, but you’ll just have to keep that hope alive because this month I figured that I ought to take Hazel’s complaints under advisement. She says, “All we’ve been doing is work!” Envision the emphatic stomp and you’ll understand why we decided to visit Edward Medard Park and Reservoir.

J (the eldest and giant of the “littles”) had actually been to Medard Park on a camping trip with one of his friends recently. He loved the hills, running around playing man hunt in the dark. I recall loving those hills as a kid as well, and I suspected that my other two littles would enjoy it. Of course, Hazel’s first comments, when we got out of the car and stepped out onto the sandy ground was, “UGH! I have on sandals!” Again, imagine that stomp. She apparently likes to make that whiny princess gesture. “Too bad,” I said. I frequently suggest that my children suck it up and push on through.

Zeke was thrilled. “I wanna go to the playground!” That’s when Hazel looked to the playground and squealed, “There’s a ROCK WALL!” I had no idea that she was so enthusiastic about that, but I had to squelch their initial thrill. “Yes, there’s a playground and we can do that after we go over there.” I pointed in the direction of the hills and that’s when they saw them, and the people high up in the trees. Obviously a lot of people decided to go to the park on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Hazel’s eyes got huge and Zeke was eager to let go of my hand and head out on his own.

We walked from the parking lot to the hills, entering the area from the left hand side. I was so thrilled to see Hazel get excited about climbing up the hill, even in her dress and sandals. She and Zeke with J right behind them scurried up the hill. J got up faster and was all the way up in a tree limb before Hazel had made it half way. But they were ALL smiles! I can’t tell you how great that felt.

Zeke was quite adventurous. He had no problem trying to maneuver the tree limbs. I was really nervous during those moments because some of those hills are REALLY high and I’m too fat and short to be of much assistance in the climbing arena. Thankfully, J stayed right with him and was able to lift him out of a couple of precarious situations. Zeke didn’t demonstrate an ounce of fear either. I guess he had complete faith and trust in J’s ability to keep him from plummeting.

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I’m not sure I was equally as trusting. There were a lot of prayers said, believe me.

Zeke told me, today, “I liked that big rock you had to climb. Can we go to Meet the Minks and I climb that rock? You can take a bunch of pictures at me, with not Hazel, we can just drop her at school.” No matter where we go for a Meet the Minks adventure, he never calls it by name. It forever becomes a Meet the Minks. I guess there are a lot of places with that name since we are coming to the end of another year, which makes this series more than 2 years young!

Zeke keeps telling me he loved it, even a week after it’s over. I can tell you that while I thoroughly enjoyed watching my kids have a good time at the park, the best part was when Zeke found a Frisbee. J informed me that there was a Frisbee golf game there, but apparently someone had left his/her Frisbee behind. So, we decided to play catch.

I love Frisbee. It reminds me of playing Frisbee football in college. As soon as J and I began throwing the Frisbee around, Zeke and Hazel were eager to learn how as well. I got to teach them, by throwing the Frisbee with them to J. We laughed and just really enjoyed each other.

It was one of the best times we’ve had since I left Chris.

I did let them play on the playground as well. Hazel was sorely disappointed though because even the lowest rung on the rock wall was too high up for her to get a proper grasp because she had to stretch her leg way up high to reach it. I guess I’ll have to figure out a good place to take her rock wall climbing. Ah well, she had more fun climbing the rocks and trees than I think she would dare to admit, but the smile on her face revealed her secret many times over. Just look at the pictures! Again, those smiles made this one of the best adventures we’ve had in a while.

Maybe a park doesn’t seem too agricultural to you, but they got to learn a lot about nature. About tree roots that can grow above ground and the problems with stagnant water. Thankfully, we have entered the time of year in which the mosquitoes are less of an attacking force. If you have never taken your kids to Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, I recommend you do so now. As long as there are less than eight people in your vehicle, it’s only $2 (which I had to borrow from J and he’ll never let me forget it). And, since we won’t be chatting again ‘til after New Year’s, I hope you have a marvelous Christmas.

From my family to yours, remember the reason for this season: Jesus!

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CROP PROTECTION SERVICES Crop Protection Services, Inc, held their annual Strawberry and Vegetable Conference Thursday November 17 at the Trinkle Center in Plant City.

The event started with a special “Core CEU” class with speaker Alicia Whidden, vegetable extension agent, from the Hillsborough County office in Seffner. Attendees were treated to a steak dinner, lots of door prizes, and entertainment by a Bluegrass Band.

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Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

Glass Rock Candle Holder If you are anything like me, you have a small collection of jars that no longer have a lid. Jars such as these are often repurposed for holding pens and pencils, flower petals, and tiny knick knacks that have no other home. This month’s project is simple enough for children (supervised), and results in a beautiful candle holder that would make a great handmade gift or unique decoration for the home. The example we have provided uses only one color of glass rocks, but experimenting with multiple colors is encouraged. In addition to using a variety of colors, why not combine this project with the concepts in last month’s Petroglyph project and carve a design in the glass rocks for surprisingly endless possibilities.

Materials:

Glass Jar (2 ½ - 3” diameter or larger) Glass Rock (or anything translucent) Hot Glue Gun (high temperature glue sticks) Tea light Candle Rotary Cutter (if carving rocks)

Clean the jar well with dishwashing detergent and dry thoroughly.

Put a small dab of hot glue no bigger than a small raindrop (1mm or 2 mm). Press the glass stone onto the jar to cover as much of the jar as possible using either a random or symmetrical pattern.

Caution:

Low temperature glue guns heat to about 248 °F to melt the glue. High temperature glue guns range between 350-400 °F Low temperature glue is commonly used for this project without a problem so long as the diameter of the glass jar is large enough to prevent the candle from heating the glass jar too much. We suggest using high temperature glue if possible; not only as an added safety precaution, but the high temperature glue has a stronger bond.

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Imperial Moths (Eacles imperialis)

For many of us there are certain animals and insects that are associated with prominent experiences that become lifetime memories.

Our graphic artist found a small treasure among the falling leaves in the crisp mountains of North Georgia last month. The find appears to be the pupa of a species of moth in the Saturniidae family, which include the largest moths in the world. The pupa itself measures no more than 6 or 7 mm but the moth curled inside will eventually emerge to unfold its glorious wings to over 150mm. Although these moths are common in North America, they can only be found in very specific environments and circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at what this funny looking pupa is all about! I hope you too will become as fascinated with this tiny natural treasure that symbolizes transformation into new beginnings that we can all embrace as the new year approaches.

The Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) can be found throughout the Southeast, westward to Nebraska and parts of Texas and northward to New England. Northern populations are diminishing with the wide spread use of insecticides and the introduction of insect parasitoids and predators that were intended to eradicate the Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar). For most of North America, the Imperial Moth produces only one generation of offspring per year. In the Northern states, adults fly from June to August. In Florida and some neighboring southern states however, adult Imperial Moths are reported to emerge in both the springtime and late summer months and are common from April to as late as October. Caterpillars are active in the southern states as early as July and continue through October to pupate as late as November and December.

The Imperial Moth goes through five instars (stages) before pupating and dramatic changes in physical appearance are notable with each instar. After hatching from an egg, the first instar caterpillar are colored bright red and are adorned with long black fleshy protrusions tipped with a thin white hair. These protrusions, called scoli are an example of Batesian mimicry, in which the harmless Imperial Moth caterpillar imitates or mimics the warning colors or characteristics of a harmful species, bright contrasting colors like red and black are common warning colors of harmful insects. The second and third WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

instar of the Imperial Moth are characterized by a darkening of coloration from a bright red to shades of darker brown that help the caterpillar camouflage against the bark of a host tree, of which it has many, but predominately conifers and deciduous trees. By the forth instar, the scoli that were prominent at birth appear as lumps of flesh with a much smaller protrusion covered in tiny hairs, color variations begin to occur and range in shades of brown, burgundy, and green.

Studies of Northern reared specimens suggest that the color variation is dependent on the maturity of the caterpillar and the selection of a host plant. The fifth and final instar is the most spectacularly colored and the caterpillar’s appetite becomes seemingly insatiable as it stores fat for pupation.

When it’s time for the Imperial Moth to pupate, the mature caterpillar strays from the host plant to find a patch of loose soil to burrow into for pupation. Regardless of the coloration of the caterpillar, the pupa will be dark brown with a rough texture. The rear end will become the moth’s abdomen and has a pointy tip that helps the pupa dig back up through the soil after overwintering to complete its metamorphosis into an adult moth ready to emerge. If the pupa is disturbed during this stage it becomes very active and thrashes its rear end around in a defensive motion though it has no real means of attacking a predator. These small treasures of the forest bring back fond memories for me. I was fascinated with the way they wiggled the first time I found one. This species is a terrific specimen for a classroom project, the pupa will have no need for food during the metamorphosis process and with careful planning the process of metamorphosis can be recorded or perhaps observed. In the wild, adults emerge before sunrise and mate after midnight the following day. Adult Imperial Moths are one of North America’s largest moths and are noted as having the greatest color variation of any other species. The color variation helps the moth camouflage with patterns that may resemble fallen leaves or tree bark. If you take a closer look around the trees this month, you may find an adult resting among the fallen leaves or on the bark of a tree. You may be surprised at how often these treasures are overlooked in plain sight.

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The Real

HALFTIME SHOW.

FEED YOUR TEAM WITH PARTY PLATTERZ™.

Choose from our delicious Boneless Wings, Chicken Fingerz™ and Nibblerz Party Platterz.

Or mix things up and go for three.

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Plant City • 813.752.1971 Prices may vary by location. © 2016 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s,” “Party Platterz” and “Chicken Fingerz” are trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

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BLUEBERRY GROWERS GATHER FOR RESCHEDULED FALL MEETING AND TRADESHOW By Jim Frankowiak

Nearly 400 blueberry growers, researchers and allied industry members gathered late last month at the Trinkle Center on the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College for the Fall Meeting and Tradeshow of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA). The meeting, originally scheduled for October 6, was postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Matthew.

Dubbed the Fall Blueberry Short Course, the day-long meeting featured educational seminars and the opportunity to interact with nearly 70 blueberry industry vendors. Attendees also learned of a very significant development at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). Thanks to a request from the FBGA, the GCREC will be adding a senior research scientist fully devoted to blueberry research programming. It is anticipated that this new post at Balm will be filled during the first quarter of 2017.

“This is a huge win for the FBGA and all the growers throughout the state,” noted FBGA President Dudley Calfee.

Given last season’s extraordinary weather conditions and the impact on production, there was a high level of interest in the “Crop Insurance Options for Blueberry Producers” presentation by Dr. Jeanne Lindsey, senior risk management specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency.

During her presentation, Dr. Lindsey noted the increase in eligible counties from five two years ago to 14 Florida counties in 2017. The latest addition in Florida is Orange County. “Growers in counties other than those 14 have coverage options through Farm Service for written agreements,” she noted. Her presentation noted the many variables currently available to growers and she detailed several hypothetical situations and how relevant options would benefit the policyholder by protecting their income.

The 14 Florida counties are: Alachua, Citrus, De Soto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Putnam and Sumter.

Coverage options now available include increased coverage levels, new supplemental coverage, whole farm revenue protection, as well as the written agreement for counties outside the 14. “Talk with your crop insurance agent to determine which policy is right for your operation,” said Dr. Lindsey. She encouraged interested growers to also visit the website, www.rma.usda.gov, checking the “newsroom” ad “spotlight features” for additional information about current coverage options and other information related to coverage, including sales deadline dates.

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Another beneficial development for blueberry growers detailed during the meeting is the Crop Forecast System that would serve as an aid to timely decision-making information for the marketing of blueberries. This project is high on the priority list of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. To date, the first grower survey has been undertaken to ascertain the scope of blueberry growing operations in Florida.

Added work is slated by researchers at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Florida Automated Weather Network. “To have this new system operational within the next two years, we need added feedback from growers,” said Chris Denmark with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Marketing and Development. Growers will be given the opportunity to complete mail surveys enabling plant breeders, climatologists, as well as computer and mathematics specialists to design, test and finalize a forecasting model that will help guide marketing decisions related to promotional support.

Denmark also discussed the impact of blueberry grower participation in the Fresh from Florida program and promotional plans for the current season.

“Since 2013, there has been an increase of from 40 to 76 percent Fresh from Florida brand awareness,” he said. There are current plans for blueberry marketing initiatives of more than $400,000 that include television, outdoor, digital and social media activities, as well as in-store grocery cart signage and print media advertising. The focus of outdoor advertising will be in the Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando markets during the March-April timeframe.

“Fresh from Florida support was especially helpful last season with the U-Pick market,” said Denmark, who also reminded growers how Florida Agritourism legislation has helped relieve liability issues with U-Pick operations.

Grower membership in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Fresh from Florida” program is $50 annually. “We also have a label incentive of 50 percent reimbursement with a maximum of $1,500,” said Denmark, referring to placement of the Fresh from Florida label on product packaging of program members.

Additional information about membership in the “Fresh from Florida” program and related resources is available at www.freshfromflorida.com. Access to all presentations given at the FBGA’s Fall Meeting is available by visiting: www.floridablueberrygrowers.com.

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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

©2016 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.

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Warmest wishes

from our family to yours.

DURING THE HOLIDAYS , we know that memories and time spent with

family and friends are what make the season special. Wishing you hope and joy as you celebrate traditions and remember your loved ones.

Happy holidays from your local Dignity MemorialÂŽ professionals.

WELLS

Memorial & Event Center PLANT CITY

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

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Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com 2015 MASSEY FERGUSON

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FOR SALE

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EFFECTIVE PEST CONTROL

STARTS WITH PAL ADIN® Start the strawberry season with Paladin ® soil fumigant for broad-spectrum control of weeds, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases. Since 2012, growers in Hillsborough County have relied on Paladin® fumigant to effectively control sting nematodes, purple and yellow nutsedge, and charcoal rot. And Paladin® has proven cost-effective while delivering high yields.

We are committed to providing our growers and distributors up-to-date information on proper product stewardship for successful use. To learn more, visit our website or contact your local distributor.

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Paladin® soil fumigant is a restricted-use pesticide. Always refer to and follow the federal label requirements for crops, specific use rates and application directions.

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