In The Field Magazine - Hillsborough April 2011

Apr. 15-May 15, 2011 ®

Layna Blount A horse girl with a fighting spirit

Covering What’s Growing

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Instant Rebates up to $5000

The best reason to buy a Kubota M126X may not be the one you think. Yes, the M126X has an impressive list of deluxe features that come standard. And Kubota’s reliability and innovation are world-renown. But the best reason to buy an M126X is because you care about a job well-done. And you know this versatile mid-size tractor will deliver premium performance the first time, and every time. When there’s no substitute for a job well-done, there’s the Kubota M126X. • Powerful 4-cylinder, 108 PTO HP Kubota diesel engine • Fuel-efficient Common Rail System (CRS) • 16F x 16R IntelliShift transmission with 8-speed DualRange powershift

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April 2011

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 3

From the Editor

April

Hillsborough’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

VOL. 7 • ISSUE6

®

Cover Story

Sarah Holt

Apr. 15-May 15, 2011 ®

“I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth?” —Edward Giobbi April is National Gardening Month! According to the National Gardening Association, gardeners know and research confirms that nurturing plants is good for us, attitudes toward health and nutrition improve, kids perform better at school and community spirit grows.

What can you do to celebrate? Plant an herb garden with greens and herbs near your back door. Get a window box and fill it full of brightly colored annuals. Learn about houseplants that clean the air. Learn about invasive plants.

Plant extra vegetables for freezing, canning or storing. And, as always, purchase Fresh From Florida food.

Don’t forget, Ag Literacy Day is April 26. Thanks to Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, the Ag Literacy Day books and materials are provided to readers free of charge through funding received from sales of the Ag Tag. On this day, registered participants, including Cattlemen and Cattlewomen, FFA teachers and students, and others in the agriculture industry, will read to students throughout Florida.

In last month’s issue we left out the photo credit for the Zooville article. The beautiful photos were courtesy of Timea Flak. For more information on Zooville USA visit www.zoovilleusa.com.

Until next month,

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

Karen Berry

Layna Blount

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry

Covering What’s Growing

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

1

Cover Photo

by Stephanie Humphrey Hair by Rena Hadsall Layna Blount 54 7 Did You Know?

10 Grub Station Sophia’s Cafe 12 Business UpFront Aquarius Water Refining 18 Fishing Hot Spots

Tickets are available at Bailey’s Outdoor Center.

Call Ron Gainey at 813-716-5294 for more information.

Sarah Holt

Editor

Patsy Berry

Office Manager

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants and other local venues.

It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Growers Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

• SAVE UP TO $20 ON ANY OIL CHANGE ANY DAY ANYTIME!

Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Kayla Lewis Sean Green Mark Cook Ginny Mink

Contributing Writers Woody Gore

Photography

Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey

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 their 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.

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• TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS NO CHARGE

GTX, HIGH MILEAGE, SYNTHETIC OIL

Creative Director

Staff Writers

• 28 POINT CHECK

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Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton W. Russell Hancock

Designers

• QUICK LUBE

• 1/2 OFF ANY CAR WASH

Sales

36 Strawberry Festival Results

100 Advertisers Index

8am - 6pm Mon. thru Sat. 9am - 5pm Sunday

Danny Crampton

Juan Carlos Alvarez Mona Jackson

94 Florida Landscaping

1414 S. Alexander St. Plant City, FL. 33563

Sales Manager

28 Blueberry Festival

82 Alderman’s Ford Park

Auto service

Bob Hughens

Amey Celoria

76 Florida Sweet Onions

May 6th - 6pm Trinkle Center

Senior Managing Editor/Associate Publisher

24 Rocking Chair Chatter

64 The Great Hogzilla Caper

NWTF Banquet

Publisher/Owner

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR SUVS, PICKUP TRUCKS OR VANS www.InTheFieldMagazine.com April 2011 We honor all competitors’ car wash coupons.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU

100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 Phone (813) 685-9121

100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594

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

Dear Readers, This month a good many of your Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board members traveled to Tallahassee to represent you, our farmers, agriculture, and property owner members, on issues concerning immigration, Wetlands Ag-Exceptions, Ag Trespassing and Videotaping and many other issues.

I felt our trip was a very productive time. We were able to meet one on one with several of our Hillsborough County Delegation.

I think the biggest issue we discussed with legislators was the immigration bill. We were told by numerous people in Tallahassee that Governor Scott wants some type of immigration bill passed this year. So, all the Representatives and Senators are listening, trying to all get on the same page so they can come up with language that will not put those businesses dependant on an immigration work force out of business. IF their minds weren’t already made up (which a lot of them are) I think they are at least thinking about what we said.

I want to thank all those legislators who gave us time to visit, and for all they do at our state capitol. They don’t have an easy job, especially this year with all the tax cuts.

Speaking of tax cuts…Let me share with you this piece that of information that was given to us in Tallahassee. Of the $7 billion budget for the state of Florida, $22 million is set aside for the States contribution to Medicare and $72 million is set aside for education in the state. That leaves $6 million dollars to fund everything else in the state. The state is $4 million in the red, so that only leaves $3 million dollars that is workable in the state budget.

Several of us will soon go to Washington D.C. to visit with those folks and we will keep you updated on that trip.

I hope you have a good month.

•

The United States has an estimated 211,600 beekeepers.

•

Honey bees are not native to the USA. They are European in origin and were brought to North American by the early settlers.

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American Indians called honey bees the “White Man’s Fly” because they were brought to North America by colonists.

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The ancient Greeks minted coins with bees on them.

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There are about nine different known species of bees that make honey.

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Honey has been used for millennia as a topical dressing for wounds since microbes cannot live in it. It also produces hydrogen peroxide. Honey has even been used to embalm bodies such as that of Alexander the Great.

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Propolis is a sticky resin mixed with wax to make a sticky glue. The bees use this to seal cracks, glue things so they don’t vibrate and repair their hive.

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A honey bee can only sting a person once and then it dies because its stinger is ripped out during the stinging process.

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Mead is a wine made from honey.

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A honey bee can fly up to 15 miles per hour.

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Due to the high level of fructose, honey is 25% sweeter than table sugar.

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One antioxidant called “pinocembrin” is only found in honey.

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Honey has the ability to attract and absorb moisture, which makes it remarkably soothing for minor burns and helps to prevent scarring.

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Honey contains vitamins and antioxidants, but is fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free.

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The brain of a worker honey bee is about a cubic millimeter but has the densest neuropile tissue of any animal.

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Honey bees collect approximately 66 lbs of pollen per year, per hive.

LOOK WHO’S READING ®

Autumn and Rayne Smith, daughters of Chris and Renee Smith, owners of Southwestern Produce

Danny Aprile Danny Aprile President, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Danny Aprile, Vice-President; Jemy Hinton, Treasurer; George Coleman, Secretary; Glenn Harrell, Member-at-large; Bill Burnette, Jake Raburn, Patrick Thomas, Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Alvin Futch, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Carl Little, Lance Ham, Michelle Williamson and John Stickles. Judi Whitson, Executive Director

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April 2011

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April 2011

Insurance Services 813.685.5673 Member Services 813.685.9121

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Danny Aprile .............................. President Bill Burnette ....................... Vice President Jemy Hinton ................................Treasurer George Coleman....................... Secretary Glenn Harrell ...............Member at Large

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011 Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Alvin Futch, Stefan Katzaras, Joe Keel, Greg Lehman, Kenneth Parker, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas, Michelle Williamson, Ray Wood

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, Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, John McGuire

Plant City Office 813.752.5577

1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Sumner, Bill Williams

Tampa Office 813.933.5440

1046 W. Busch Blvd., Ste. 100, Tampa, FL 33612 Greg Harrell, Mike Miller, Brad Allsgood

AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 7

Dear In the Field Readers, Spring is in the air and Florida FFA members are staying busy!

From Ag on the Hill in Tallahassee to “feasting like beasts” at the Leadership Training Center, Florida FFA members are making their presence known.

With the 2011 Florida Legislative Session in full swing, it is important that our legislators recognize the importance of Florida FFA and agricultural education to the future of our agriculture industry. Approximately 30 FFA chapters met on Capitol Hill to remind Senators and Representatives that without FFA and our agricultural education programs, the stability of one of our state’s largest and most important industries is at risk. FFA members in attendance had the opportunity to sit on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives, schedule meetings with their Senators and Representatives, have lunch on the 22nd floor of the State Capitol, and listen to guest speakers, including Representative Ben Albritton, Representative Seth McKeel, Representative Will Weatherford, Representative Steve Crisafulli, Representative Matt Hudson, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

The FFA members did an outstanding job on Capitol Hill and I am so proud of the way they represented Florida FFA. The Hillsborough FFA Federation held an Ag Olympics competition hosted by Spoto FFA, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend. Chapters representing all of Hillsborough County met for an evening of friendly but intense competition, participating in games like Tug of War and Wheelbarrow Racing. A big thanks goes to the Federation officers and Spoto FFA for doing such a fantastic job organizing the event and allowing me to attend. I had a wonderful time!

Thank you to all of the sponsors and FFA chapters who attended the 8th Annual Florida FFA Foundation Beast Feast at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City in March. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a large crowd. FFA chapters from across the state volunteered to prepare and serve a variety of wild game and seafood for attendees to feast on, ranging from conch fritters to homemade pork rinds. Attendees also participated in raffles, silent and live auctions, where businesses and FFA chapters donated items to be sold. My teammates and I were even auctioned off in the live auction for a day of free labor! If you couldn’t make it to the event this year, be sure to join us next year!

In the months leading up to the end of my term as a state officer, my team and I are busy preparing for a week of excitement and celebration at the 83rd Annual Florida FFA State Convention to be held in Orlando, June 13 - 17. I will be sure to share more details with you in next month’s article, but for now, please visit www.flaffa.org for more information, as registration has officially begun!

Thanks for reading! Until next time, God Bless!

Design/Build Custom Homes

Design/Build Garages & Barns

Nicole Liles FFA Area V State Vice President

Design/Build Outdoor Living Areas

YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER No Food 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 InTheField® T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to: No Farmers

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by May 3, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 8

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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Labor/Material Concrete Slabs, Block & Framing

www.WestcoastEnterprises.org 713 N. Park Road, Suite 100 | Plant City, Fl 33563 | 813-659-8480 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 9

Relax – We’ve Got Your Back!

Hands-on Chiropractic Care Auto Accident Injury Rehab Spinal Decompression Therapy Massage Therapy Physical Therapy Electric Muscle Stimulation Therapeutic Ultrasound Nutritional Counseling On-Site X-Rays

Restaura nt co Chris Ka -owner meloris

10 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

by Cheryl Kuck

Jeffrey E. Dunn, D.C.

The Kameloris family has a long history of being restaurateurs. Following the path set by their parents, owners of the successful Anna’s Restaurant in Plant City for 15 years, Chris and his sister Sophia (for whom their restaurant was named) are co-partners in the flourishing café now celebrating its first anniversary since opening their doors on Brandon’s Oakfield Drive last March.

Chris Kameloris has established himself as a savvy restaurateur, bringing an impressive resume’ consisting of years of experience to this brother and sister venture featuring breakfast and lunch daily.

Having managed ABC Pizza Restaurants, Bennigan’s, various steak houses, sports bars and night clubs, he has put together a compilation of knowledge stemming from New York’s best deli’s (having grown up there before moving to Florida), and years in the food business, coupled with his Greek heritage. All factors that add up to a bright future for Sophia’s Café.

The menu features homemade soups, fresh-cut salads, lunch platters, deli and Panini sandwiches, hamburgers, 10” subs, wraps, with their authentic Greek Gyros and Greek salad as the star attraction.

Everything looks great and, judging from what I tasted, can definitely be classed as really good food.

Stacked deli sandwiches are the highest quality meat and can compete with New York’s finest.

Every item we saw or were served is very fresh, flavorful and very hearty. Each plate was brimming with so much food, you know you are getting your money’s worth.

The Greek salad served as a main course is an extravaganza of major proportions and, thankfully, not over-whelmed with dressing. The potato salad is homemade and not the chunky form you may be used to. This is a light, yet filling accompaniment to all the mixed greens, Feta cheese, Pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, cucumbers and chopped onions that complete this perfect salad. You may even love it enough to ask for scoops of the potato salad as a side dish with other items. An added treat for $1.50.

A popular spot for the working lunch and brunch crowd with breakfast ongoing until 11:30 AM, Sophia’s has an ideal location for the business community and is also quite close to Brandon Memorial Hospital (also on Oakfield Drive).

“We are comfortable with our menu and believe we have something that will please everyone and every palate,” says Kameloris.

Well, I know I’m coming back and next time I want to sink my teeth into a Greek breakfast omelette. Oh, did I mention the Baklava? Hmmm, maybe I’ll just start with dessert.

813-752-2440

April 2011

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www.plantcitychiropractor.com turkey smoked Grilled n o h ic dw ith deli san bread w e y r le d marb n a tomato lettuce, eese h c s is Sw

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Entrusted with the care of Plant City’s aching backs since 1997!

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All auto insurance accepted!

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Most health insurances accepted!

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Not insured or out of network? Our same day service rates are similar to, and sometimes better than, many insurance co-pays.

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Greek sala dp with hom late emade Greek po tato salad

Phone: (813) 654-3385 Fax: (813) 654-3385 Internet: Free Wi-Fi Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Gyro served with a Greek salad with Greek potato salad

Hours: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Breakfast served from opening until 11:30 AM. Closed Sun. Prices: Moderate Soup starting from $2.99 to the featured Gyro Platter as the most expensive item at $7.99

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April 2011

Corner of 39 & Lithia Pinecrest 813-704-6914 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 11

Index of

Advertisers

Aquarius Water Refining ........................69 Aquatrols ...............................................87 Astin Strawberry Exchange ....................73 Bartow Chevrolet .................................... 3 Bill’s Transmissions ................................75 Bingham ..............................................101 Brandon Auto Services, Inc. ....................95 Broke & Poor .........................................68 Brownlee Garden Center, Inc. .................17 Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. ............................101 Certis USA New Family .........................13 Certis USA Soilguard .............................43 CF Industries, Inc. ..................................57 Choo Choo’s Lawn Care ........................19 Chuck’s Tire & Automotive ...................93 Clem’s Meats .........................................51 Country Village .....................................81 Cowboys Western World ........................41 Creative Flower Designs .......................101 Crescent Jewelers ...................................61 Crossroads Ace Hardware ......................11 Dad’s Towing .........................................65 Dairy Queen ..........................................69 Diamond R Fertilizer .............................95 Discount Metal Mart .............................80 Driscoll’s ...............................................83 Dunn Chiropractic .................................11 Eco Water Systems ...............................101 Esposito’s Pizza ......................................95 Fancy Farms ..........................................85 Farm Bureau Insurance-Valrico ..............35

WE

If you are a Farmer or Rancher - CALL US.

Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner .......86 Farm Credit ...........................................81 Felton’s ..................................................86 Fishbach Land Company ........................67 FL Mineral & Salt ..................................27 Florida Farm Bureau Field Day ...............71 Florida Strawberry Festival ................14-15 Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc. .........23 Forbes Road Produce ..............................79 Fred’s Market .........................................49 Gator Ford .............................................47 Grove Equipment Service - Hustler .........75 Grove Equipment Service - Mahindra .....89 Gulf Coast Tractor & Equipment ............ 2 Handy Can Portable Restrooms ..............95 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply ....................32 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc. ............................87 Haught Funeral Home ...........................65 Helena Chemical - Tampa ......................71 Hillsboro State Bank ..............................87 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau .......... 7 Home Protection Pest Control ................73 Hopewell Funeral Home ........................37 Huff Muffler ..........................................73 Jeti’s Marble & Granite .........................77 Johnson’s Barbeque ................................31 Keel & Curley Winery ............................21 Kennco ..................................................73 Land’s Feed ..........................................100 Langston’s ..................................................99 Line-X of Brandon Protective Coatings ......97

Malissa Crawford ..................................61 Mark Smith Excavating ..........................91 Meryman Environmental .......................67 Mosaic ..................................................91 Oglesby Auctions ...................................55 Pasco Motors Buick GMC .....................68 Plant City Tire & Auto ..........................87 Platinum Bank .......................................89 Red Rose Inn & Suites ............................52 Rhizogen .............................................103 Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ...............104 Savich & Lee Wholesale .........................85 Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply .................45 South Florida Baptist Hospital ...............59 Southside Farm & Pet Supply .................62 Southwestern Produce ............................39 Stephanie Humphrey ..............................88 Stingray Chevrolet .................................29 Sunbelt Seeds .........................................80 Susan Regan Mayo .................................97 Tampa Bay Steel .....................................83 The Hay Depot ......................................97 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort .........97 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Cotón, Davis & Smith .................................................79 Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center .... 5 Wells Memorial .....................................93 Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc. .......77 Westcoast Enterprises .............................. 9 Willie’s .................................................101 Wishnatzki Farms ..................................25

Hometown Attorneys Working for You • • • • • • •

PERSONAL INJURY Catastrophic Injury Wrongful Death Auto & Motorcycle Accidents Insurance Claims Slip & Falls Injuries from Defective Products

24/7 Appointments Free Hospital and Home Calls Credit Cards Accepted Habla Espanol

Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

813.759.1224 • www.byrd-law.com 206 N. Collins St. • In Historic Downtown Plant City

Johnnie B. Byrd, Jr.

David H. Barnhill

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based upon advertisements. Before choosing a lawyer ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.

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R E ELIV

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• Nutrena Feeds • Hay Rolls Cow/Horse • Hay Bales (T/A O/A Alfalfa Coastal) • Wood Shavings • Livestock Supplements • Raw Honey Available • Compressed Alfalfa Blocks • Baby Chicks Available • Fencing Supplies LF 60 39

100 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

301 State Road 60 W Plant City, FL 33567 landsfeed@ymail.com 8:30 - 6:00 MON-FRI April 2011

by Glenn

• Custom Fresh & Silk Arrangements • We send flowers WORLD WIDE • Accept all major credit cards

p: (813) 737-LAND (5263) f: (813) 737-5260 8:30 - 4:00 SAT www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

TELEPHONE

813.754.1212 116 Alsobrook Street Plant City, FL 33566

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 101

rhizogen

C L A S S I F I E D S RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get one FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378 DECKING BRDS. & T1LL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378 MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift • Ready to work! $3,500.

Call 813-759-8722 DBL INSULATED Thermo Pane. Starting at $55.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378 HUSQVARNA LZ 6127 Zero turn mower. 61” cut, 27 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty $7,499 (MSRP $9,699) C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671 SURPLUS WINDOWS DOUBLE INSULATED Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SIZES WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens all sizes available in different frame colors.

Call Ted 813-752-3378 T1LL 4X8 sheet B-grade $14.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378 1984 KUBOTA B6200 2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower. $3,000 • 863-698-2967 STUMP GRINDER Shaver S-25 PTO mount. Less than 3 years old.

Perfect condition, hardly used. Cost new $5,778.

For sale for $2,500.

Lake Wales 863-528-3213 Kubota L2600 2wd, 2334 hours, 27hp. $2,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Kubota 1750 4x4 Hydro Stat Trans. 20hp. $3,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON

Dyna Glide Streetbob with only 368 miles.

Excellent condition, garaged kept, covered.

Extras added and ready to ride! $10,500.

Serious Inquiries Only.

Call 813-659-3402

NEW DOORS Closeout special!!!!! $75.00 to $295.00 Call Ted today.

813-752-3378 NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS! Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Young Harris and Hiawassee as well as Murphy and Hayesville, NC, Planning for retirement, or just looking for a great weekend getaway cabin? We can help. Visit us at www.janebaerrealty.com or call 1-800-820-7829 and ask for Jane Baer.

102 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MOUNTAIN TOP #185445 Located in Blairsville Ga. Fantastic mountain views, like new, 2/2 with wood burning fireplace, loft, basement, porch, second home use only from original owners! $299,000 Call and ask For Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty. 1-800-820-7829.

BEAUTIFUL CABIN #194651 A real tempter in mountain setting on 1.14 acres. A charming air comes with this metalroofed 3BR/3+BA fully furnished cabin in ideal condition with a wonderful view. Marble foyer, large rooms and loft. $385,900. Call and ask For Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty. 1-800820-7829.

•••FOR SALE••• Fertilized Bahia Hay. 4X5 rolls $25 ea.

800 rolls available. Call for pick up 863-287-3091 or 863-294-1650 NEW HOLLAND TC29 tractor / loader 29 pto hp, 268hrs. $13,000 (UT6406) Ask for David 813-623-3673 Contributing writer Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures.

Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com

MASSEY FERGUSON 471 2005, 65hp,1450 hrs. $11,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 BAD BOY AOS Zero turn, 60”cut, 35hp, Cat diesel engine, 215 hrs. $6,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 240 1995 w/loader, 3,412 hrs. $7,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 FISH FARM FOR SALE 10.5 acres, 47 ponds, Lee/Charlotte Cty. 2004 Mobile Home, Quanset, Greenhouse.

Winton’s Tropical $159,900 239-997-7756

fertilizers

WANTED TREES 600 Hamlin or Cleopatra Citrus Call 863-453-5325 or 863-368-1301

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS CALL 813-759-6909 info@inthefieldmagazine.com www.inthefieldmagazine.com

High Performance Organic, True Granular, Microbial, Fertilizers.

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ACCOUNT manager Sales, account management. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Email your resume to info@inthefieldmagazine.com 1974 MASSEY FERGUSON 135 Diesel Power Steering. $3,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 245 with loader 42hp, recent engine overhaul,.$7,650 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 •••FOR SALE••• High Cal Lime or Dolomite delivered & or spread. No job too large or too small.

Call Tim Ford 863-439-3232 •••FOR SALE••• Chicken Manure. Delivery & spreading available. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232

Billions of beneficial microbes inside plus mycorrhizal fungi True granulated and homogeneous products Safe-Decontaminated, low odor, and free of pathogens The most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the U.S. Fully allowed under NOP, with no restrictions Research verified and field tested

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FOR SALE HI Callime or Dolomite Delivered & or spread. No job To large or small. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau. 813-439-3232

U.S. Patents 6,878,179, 7,044,994 & 7,442,224 FARMING

FOR SALE Chicken Manueur. Delivery & Spreading Available. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau.

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NURSERY

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FOR PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION CONTACT:

FOR LEASE 275 acre vegetable farm located in Arcadia Fl. Strategic geographical location, large volume well, Excellent drainage, graded farm lanes, over 6000’ buried Pipe, packing house, offices & truck scales nearby. Organically farmed – no herbicide or chemical carry over. Long term lease (5 yrs. +) available. Call 269-268-8119

April 2011

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

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4094 Paul Buchman Highway Plant City, FL 33565-7404 (813) 752-1177 www.prosourceone.com April 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 103

24 hrs a 7 days a day 365 days week a year

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DR. LARRY BRITT, DVM

Large Animal Vet Services General Practice Specializing in Equine Dentistry

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• Advanced Equipment: Portable Digital X-Ray, Ultrasound, Endoscope, etc.

• Servicing Central Florida

914 E Knights Griffin Rd., Plant City, FL 33565 • 813.951.0118 cell • 813.752.0224 office April 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com 813.719.1913 fax • teethfloat@aol.com • www.horse-dentist.biz

104 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Business UpFront

Final-San-O™

Herbicidal concentrate

Aquarius Water Refining

Seduce™

Spinosad insecticidal bait for cutworms and earwigs

by Mark Cook Most folks think little about water.

They turn on their faucet, fill their glass and drink up. But while it may be one of the most easily replenished natural resources, the difference between water and quality water are miles apart. Michele Edsall of Aquarius Water Refining knows a thing or two about what most people take for granted.

“Water isn’t just water in the literal sense,” Edsall said. “Whether it is from city water or from a home well source there are many things that affect the quality and taste of what we drink. Our company helps people get the best quality water from whatever source they use.”

Founded by her father Joseph F. Gaskill, Aquarius has been serving central Florida water customers since 1975. From water refiners, reverse osmosis and iron and sulfur removal, Aquarius can handle small to very large commercial accounts effectively.

“My Dad started with one truck, one employee, and one customer,” Edsall said. “I’m really proud of the way he did things and as a family we are continuing to follow his example. We know, and he taught us, that taking care of each customer like it is your only one is the key to success in this or any other business.”

Edsall stresses their sales methods are unlike many in the business. “When a customer calls and asks us how much a system costs we ask them what exactly are they trying to accomplish,” Edsall said. “We don’t have a blanket, here you go price. They may not need an entire system to solve their needs. We work on solutions based on the concerns of the customer and that sets us apart from the majority of our competitors.”

One of the biggest complaints of customers in central Florida is hard water. Numerous news reports recently talked about the hardness of water in our area and with the removal of some phosphates from cleaners it is becoming more and more difficult to clean due to the iron and calcium in our water.

“Whether it is municipal or well water the hardness of the local water seems to be the thing that draws the most complaints and generates calls to our office,” Edsall said. “We personally go out and test the water when a customer calls to help the customer make an informed decision about their water treatment needs.

Our refiner gives the customer the soft water which will make everything easier to clean from their dishes to their showers and even help extend the life of their water heaters as the calcium and other minerals collect in the bottom causing the heater to work harder.”

12 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

Cueva™

Low metal load copper soap fungicide Another factor in Florida’s water is the number of ground contaminants.

With over 68,000 underground storage tanks in our state leaks are always a concern. Add in the rich agricultural business and possibility of pesticides, Aquarius has a solution for those concerned about the health quality of the water they drink.

Reverse osmosis (R/O) uses no chemicals or electricity to purify water. Instead, the water pressure already in your house is used to force water through a series of filters and membranes. First, raw water goes through a 5-micron filter that removes solid sediments like rust and sand. This filtered water then passes through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants like asbestos, arsenic, mercury, chloride, bacteria, nitrates, sodium and lead. The membrane removes particles so small they can’t even be detected with most microscopes.

One who has seen the quality and benefits of Aquarius is Sun City resident Barbara Edgemon. “In 1996 our home in Ruskin had an artesian well but had lots of sulfur so I began using them and later upgraded to one of their newer systems,” Edgemon said. “Then I added the reverse osmosis to take care of any chemical left in the water. When I bought and moved to my current Sun City residence I continued to use them and haven’t had one complaint. I did my homework before purchasing a system and found them to be very good on price but most importantly service. Anytime I have needed them for any service related call they are usually there the same day. And the fact they have been around as long as they have meant a lot to me. Aquarius has been very good to me.’’

Aquarius Water Refining continues to be a family operation and Edsall said it’s part of their success. “I handle the marketing and sales end, my brother, Michael Hoffman, is in charge of the engineering end while his wife, Heather, does the scheduling and office and last but not least my husband, Mike Edsall is our lead installer,” Edsall said. “We all have our specific duties and without each other we couldn’t accomplish what we have and what we plan on in the future. And if we ever have a problem we can always call on Dad. He might be retired now but he is still the first one we call when we have any issue come up. We are blessed to be able to have a family business doing something we all love.”

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April 2011 2011 Certis USA. 1-800-250-5024 • www.CertisUSA.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 13

Thanks for Supporting the Education of Youth in Agriculture

2011 Florida Strawberry Festival

®

The 2011 Shows & Sales Supporters

2011 Youth Plant Sale Buyers

Thanks for Supporting the Education of Youth in Agriculture

2011 Florida Strawberry Festival

®

The 2011 Shows & Sales Supporters

2011 Swine Show & Sale

Buyers

Plant Grand Champion Chloe Wineinger • Antioch Critters 4-H

Make plans to attend next year’s Florida Strawberry Festival®

Mar. 1 - Mar. 11, 2012 Special Thanks To Our Scholarship Sponsors: AMS SHORTHORNS ARROWHEAD ARCHERY SHOP BILLY VERNON & HILMAN BOWDEN FAMILIES BROOKLYN BRIDGE DELI & CAFÉ CONSOLIDATED LAND CARE DON STINE CONSTRUCTION, INC. DUKES CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC DURANT FFA ALUMNI FAMILY CARE PHARMACY FARM BUREAU INSURANCE FARM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, PLANT CITY FLORIDA MINERAL & SALT GROUND LEVEL HAROLD’S FARM SUPPLY HEATHER LAYTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP HILLSBORO BANK HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL, INC. HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME JARRETT-SCOTT FORD JIM REDMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP JOHNSON’S EXCAVATION & SERVICES, INC. LONESOME G RANCH/SOUTHERN DEVELOPERS BILL MCCLELLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP MORROW STEEL PALLETS PLUS ROY PARKE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PATTERSON COMPANIES PLANT CITY FFA ALUMNI POPPELL INSURANCE ROADRUNNER VETERINARY CLINIC ROTARY CLUB OF PLANT CITY SISTER’S & COMPANY SUNSHINE STATE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN WESTCOAST ENTERPRISES

14 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Buyers Blue Ribbon Tomato Packing Boone’s Nursery Joe Ann Bowman Brewington’s Towing Camarra’s Landscape & Nursery Coleman’s Critters Todd Conrad Consolidated Land Care Co. Country Side Propane Davis Farms Tampa Wholesale Nursery Frank Diehl Farms Jim Dyer Eric’s Land Management Farm Credit Farm & Ranch News Lawn ‘N Order Robert Furu Martha Granger Pam & Kevin Hagin Tommy Hale Harold’s Farm Supply Almost Famous Leather Works WHS Land Harrell’s Nursery Inc. Joe & Melissa Hawthorne Debbie Hemphill Andy Johnson

April 2011

Grand Champion Swine

Jeannette Leto McCullough Ranches Jim Montague Marcie Moore Sandra Palumbo Katrina Parker Marvin Parker Touch of Health and Healing Tony Ramirez Rodney Randall, M.D. Patty Rowell Sewell Farms Brian & Kari Shepherd J & R Nursery LLC Ellen Snyder Joyce Spann Dade City’s Wild Things Kenny Stearn’s Peat Co. Todd Stephenson MXR Red Angus Sunshine State Federal Billy Triner Dr. David Walker & Eric Raynal East Bay FFA Alumni Greg & Terry Wilson Woodard’s Nursery Wood’s Tree Farm www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Madilyn Conrad • Antioch Critters 4-H

Alafia River Farms, LLC Alan’s AC AMS Shorthorns Antioch Feed & Farm Supply Arrowhead Archery Astin & Mathis Investors Corp.

Astin Farms Astin Strawberry Exchange Bartow Chevrolet Big S Farm Brandon Farms Brock Construction Services C.F. Industries C.I.F. Distributing, Inc. Cental Maintenance & Welding Cesario, Michelle & Rocky Chemical Dynamics, Inc. Crown Harvest Don Stine Construction Farm Bureau Insurance Farm Credit Flooring America Florida First Call Removal

Florida Giant Berry Farms Forbes Rd. Produce Gans, Gans, & Associates Ground Level Gulf Coast Produce Highland Corporation, Inc. Lands Feed & Farm Supply M. F. Burgin, Inc. Magnolia Hills Mathis Farms, Inc. Mosaic Fertilizer MPB Farms Neil’s HoneyBee Farm Nuttin Fancy Farms Patterson Companies Phillips Development & Realty Poppell Insurance Publix Super Markets Rocking S Farms Rocking S Farms Santa Sweets, Inc. USMI Pallets WestCoast Enterprises

Sandifer Farms, LLC Sanway Farms Simmons, Woody Southwestern Produce Co., Inc. Staggs Nursery The Car Store

Truck Parts of Tampa Varnum, Scott & Katie Welcome Ranch & Groves WestCoast Enterprises Wetherington Tractor Service Your Green Team

2011 Steer Show & Sale

Buyers Alafia River Farms, LLC AMS Shorthorns Antioch Feed & Farm Supply Arrowhead Archery Astin Farms Astin Strawberry Exchange Bartow Chevrolet Big S Farm Blue Ribbon Farms LLC Borchard Farms Brandon Farms Brandon Land Clearing Brandon Transmission Burris, Jeremy C.F. Industries C.I.F. Distributing, Inc. Cental Maintenance & Welding Chemical Dynamics Chemical Dynamics, Inc. CIRCLE S FARMS, LTD. Controls & Weighing Systems, Inc. Crown Harvest Dennis Newsome, MD

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Don Stine Construction Dukes Chiropractic Health Clinic ESI Group, Inc. Farm Credit Feaster, Mark & Mendy Forbes Rd. Produce G & G Farms Gillman Farms, Inc. Gresham, Janet Ground Level Harold’s Farm Supply Hinton Farms Produce J.W. Auto Sales Lands Feed & Farm Supply Mathis Farms, Inc. Mosaic Fertilizer MPB FARMS Neil’s HoneyBee Farm Patterson Companies Phillips Development & Realty Poppell Insurance Publix Rocking S Farms

Grand Champion Steer Miranda Mayo • Durant High School FFA April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 15

GET READY FOR SPRING PLANTING! All of these signs…

What are they for and where do I get them?

• Seed from ½ to 50 pounds!

• Carrying Grass & Pasture Seed • We Have Starter Vegetable Plants!

by Steve Michalec Handy Can It seems like everywhere you look when you are on a farm there are signs and stickers warning you of this and that while instructing you on how to do something, even telling your employees of the laws and their rights. Some examples are men and women stickers for restrooms, employees must wash hands, worker’s compensation, OSHA, minimum wage, discrimination laws, service stickers, field rules, even picture signs for employees who can’t read and these are just a few of the required postings.

These signs must be in English and Spanish, if your work force includes both nationalities.

Every agency from OSHA to the state and federal Department of Labor, even your local health department are requiring you to display these signs. The fines for not posting these signs can be severe and can lead to problems with potential and current employees. It seems like every time you think you are compliant there is “one more” sign that is required.

Where do you even get all of these signs? There are several printers to get them from such as Allied Graphics or Southern Graphics in our own back yard. You can even go to each agency’s website and print them out. While this may be fine for inside applications it is “not” fine for outside conditions where you need some kind of waterproof sign. We are fortunate to have companies in our area that specialize in agricultural compliance. These companies are familiar with everything from GAP to Primus audits, even OSHA laws. These companies can make your life a lot easier. There are even compliance programs available. By paying an annual fee, you can keep your signs compliant of any changes from year-to-year that are required by the law. This would require little or no action by you.

So, the next time you are out in the field and see these signs, you will understand they all have a purpose and can keep a farmer up to code, as well as protect farm employees from potential hazards in the field and prevent unsanitary conditions. It’s just GOOD AGRICULTURE PRACTICES (GAP).

16 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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• Woody Ornamentals • Peach, Guava, Citrus & Other Trees • Flowers • Fertilizer & More!

The local shop for all your gardening needs!

Carrying seeds, plants, ferilizer, chemicals and other supplies to help your garden grow.

813-752-1818

1705 Sammonds Rd, Plant City BrownleeGardenSupply.com

• Seed • Trees • Plants • Fertilizer & More www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 17

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

Hillsborough River Garfish

By Captain Woody Gore

I was a fortunate boy having parents that not only loved me they taught me to say yes sir and no sir, yes ma’am and no ma’am and the difference between right and wrong. And if I misbehaved, believe me they had no hesitation in popping my behind. It must have worked because I’m a pretty good guy and if you don’t think so, just ask me. I was also lucky because my dad, who was a Tampa Police Detective for over 20 years, started me fishing when I was barely old enough to hold a fishing rod and reel.

By the time I was ten we had moved a half a block up from the Hillsborough River and I was fishing on my own and loving every minute. I can barely remember moving from Seminole Heights to Tampa, but it was a great move for me. It was only a couple of houses from the Hillsborough River where I would spend countless hours of my childhood fishing, at first from the bank and as I got older from my homemade plywood boat. I caught plenty of fish and began experimenting with various techniques. I learned to swish the pilings for snook, gig and snatch-hook mullet, bass fish with live shiners, bream fish with worms, hotdogs and cheese, but one technique I really enjoyed was catching big long nose Gar from my boat.

The water was usually clear most of the time, but especially in the winter and you could almost site cast to the really big fish. Any bright and shiny artificial lure or one with good action would initiate a certain strike. The really big fish could get as big as four to five feet and weigh almost 20 to 25 lbs. They are

18 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

great fighters and once hooked the battle could last 20 to 30 minutes.

However, unhooking was another challenge, we didn’t have the dehookers we have today, just a pair of needle nose pliers, so you had to avoid the sharp teeth while getting your lure back.

Here’s where the story gets interesting. One day when off from school, I decided to raid dad’s tackle box and use a few of his lures to tackle these big garfish.

Being a young lad I never expected to lose the lures, I just wanted to catch fish. I grabbed three that looked interesting and headed to the river for a morning of fishing.

Unbeknownst to me one of the lures I picked was one of my dad’s favorites. In fact it was his number one, all time bass catching lucky lure. How was I to know? I was just a kid, it looked like a beat up old plug to me, but boy was that a wrong assumption.

As I sat in the boat getting ready, naturally of all the lures I’d tie on first it was the Creek Chub Jointed Darter, funny that, even after all these years I still remember the exact name, I guess because it’s was my dad’s favorite.

Chugging along with my air cooled 1.5 hp. Elgin outboard engine I headed toward the Sligh Avenue Bridge. As usual, there in the middle of the river were three huge suspended 20 plus pounders. Grabbing my baitcaster, I made a perfect out-front

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 19

cast. Retrieving the lure underwater toward them suddenly the middle fish darted forward and grabbed the lure.

I could see the lure on the outside of its mouth, which meant I had a good hook-set.Having been in this situation before, I knew it would take some time to get the big fish to the boat. All I could do now was settle down and hang on until she got tired of pulling the boat up and down the river. It was early and not much boat traffic to contend with, so I would fight the battle when I could and gain some line when possible, otherwise, just go along for the ride.

It took a good half hour before I began to gain enough line where I thought the fish might be getting a little tired.

As it came alongside the boat I realized how big it really was, this thing was huge… I estimated it well over four feet long with a girth of 12 to 15 inches. With the fish beside the boat I slide one hand under its belly as I worked toward its mouth with a pair of pliers to remove the lure.

Suddenly the fish thrashed and rolled to its right. This twistingroll snapped the line and I watched the fish sound with the lure still in its mouth.

You might think the story ends here, but not so quick. I tied the boat up at Mr. Dickson’s dock and headed home to lick my wounds and pay the consequences of taking my dad’s lures. Little did I know the price of that Creek Chub Jointed Darter?

In telling the story about the one that got away to my dad and Uncle Bill, my dad asked me what I used to catch it. That’s when I told him I used some lures from his tackle box. Dad’s expression changed immediately and he asked me which ones I’d taken and which one the fish took. When I told him, he slowly stood up and walked away. I asked my uncle what’s wrong with dad, Uncle Bill explained about the lure and how many fish dad had caught using it. Boy did I feel terrible. I should have asked first instead of just helping myself. Later, I found my dad outside watering the yard and told him I was sorry and would get him another one, he just smiled and said no problem son, but that I should have asked him first. Dad always seemed to get over things pretty quick, I guess I was lucky that way.

I decided to spend the next week cruising the river looking for that fish I knew it would somewhere between Mr. Dickson’s dock and Lowery Park as they are fairly territorial. Sure enough two days later there it was in front of the Lowery Park boat ramp, suspended about three feet deep, sunning its self. The lure was still in its mouth.

Sometimes some things call for drastic measures and this was one of those times. I floated up with the current, eased my five pronged gig into the water and struck a pperfect shot just behind the head. The big fish came to the surface almost immediately and I pulled it into the boat. Finally, I had my dad’s favorite lure back and trust me I never used it again. This garfish measured 52” snout to tail and weighed 19 lbs.

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April 2011

Don’t get alarmed about my killing that big garfish. I took it home and called our family friend Ben and he came over to get it. Ben’s from Louisiana and was always cooking all sorts of stuff like wild pigs and other assorted weird stuff on an open hot coal fire pit in his backyard. Ben cooks them with some smoke flavor like a roast on the pit using Cajun seasonings.

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Snook: (Season Closed Catch & Release Only) The whitebait is starting to show up so get out that cast net. Even though we can’t keep them there will be plenty of anglers fishing for this prized species throughout the bay area. They’ll be on the grass flats and around the mangroves with moving water. Just remember, its catch and release, so do it right by not damaging the fish before putting it back. If you keep the line tight you can bend the barb down on all your hooks especially your lures with all those trebles.

Redfish: It’s probably not the best time of year to fish redfish, but there are still some fish to be caught. There won’t be the big schools roaming the flats, but there will be singles hanging in potholes. The grass flats with potholes are a great place to start. With the tides not getting very high, these fish will hold in potholes that may be only a few inches deeper than the surrounding flats. Work as many as you can and you will be sure to score a few slot fish. The rivers and creeks will have plenty of small reds. They are great for kids and when you find one, others will soon follow. While some anglers use the dead stick method with cut ladyfish, mullet or chunks of crab, live bait, suspending lures, topwater’s and soft plastics always yield good redfish catches.

Spotted Sea Trout: March still produces good trout bites, especially on incoming or outgoing tides. I cannot emphasize the excitement of using topwater lures on calm early morning flats. Trout love the MirrOLure’s 7M series, Top Dog and new MirrOMullet. Twitch or “walk-the-dog” and pause the lure momentarily after each series. Also check out live shrimp under a popping cork or free-lined with a small split shot. If you run out of shrimp the gulp 3” works great under a popping cork. Just hook it in the same place as a live one; at the back of the head.

Cobia, Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, and Sharks: As the bait shows up these should follow. Check markers and buoy cans to see if they are holding bait and be ready to toss something in the path of a circling Cobia. Not picky about food Cobia will readily take large shrimp, small crab or pinfish. I like to keep an artificial jerk bait or plastic eel rigged up to toss a passing cobia.

Tarpon Season is just around the corner because the baits already starting to show up at the Skyway Bridge. When the bait shows, so does the Tarpon. So, get ready and be Sure to Book Your Good Days on the Best Tides.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide.

Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, 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 him a call at 813-477-3814. www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Hillsborough County's Only Estate Winery Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is open daily until 6PM

Friday Evening After Hours Wine Bar Hillsborough County’s Only Dinner Served 5PM to 10PM Estate Happy Hour Winery 6PM to 7PM Live Music 6:30PM to 10:30PM Cover Charge Season at Celebrate $5 Blueberry Keel & Curley Winery’s Host Your Next Special Moment at Keel & Curley 4th Annual Blueberry Festival!

Wedding Ceremonies th & Receptions Saturday,Bridal April 30Showers 8am - 6pm & Baby st Anniversary Parties Sunday, May &1Birthday 10am - 6pm Corporate Events Public U-Pick Blueberries Get Ready For Valentine's Day with Our One Day Wine Sale, o all our wines on Wednesday, February 9th 11AM-6PM 25% off Free Admission • Free Kids Zone $5 parking 813.752.9100 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City Enjoy5202 a(I-4weekend ofDowntown food, arts & exit 17 - minutes East of Tampa) crafts, live music and blueberry indulgences.

Fun for the whole family!

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2011 Florida Strawberry Festival

Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Tomato Linguini Sauté Ingredients 2 pounds ripe tomatoes 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 bunch fresh basil, hand torn (or 1 tablespoon dried) 1/2 cup olive oil 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 pound whole-wheat linguini (or your favorite pasta)

freshly grated Parmesan cheese

kosher salt to taste

fresh ground pepper to taste Preparation Wash and rinse tomatoes. Dry tomatoes, then core and cut in half. Use a spoon to remove most of the seeds. Chop tomatoes coarsely.

Add chopped tomatoes to a colander, sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and let them sit so they can release some of their water. This should only take a half an hour and can be done ahead of time. Combine drained tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic into a large sauté pan. Heat tomato mixture over low heat. The idea is to warm the mixture and not cook it. Cook and drain pasta according to package directions. Combine pasta and tomato mixture together in a bowl. Add fresh basil and parmesan to pasta dish. Taste for seasoning and adjust with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread or chill for later. This pasta recipe is a great way to enjoy that fresh tomato taste. May be used as a side dish or add any seafood to make it a main course.

Add your favorite vegetables if desired. Remember to always season the just-cooked pasta with salt and pepper.

Yield 4 servings

The Festival is a great opportunity for us to tell our story to thousands of people from all over the country. FSGA wants to thank all of the volunteers who helped make this year’s exhibit a success.

Watermelon and Shrimp Cocktail Skewers Ingredients 1/2 medium-sized watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed

(about 32 cubes) 32 large shrimp, cleaned, poached and chilled 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or mild-flavored vinegar) 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

kosher salt to taste

fresh ground pepper to taste 8 6-inch bamboo skewers Preparation In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and the peanut butter until completely blended. Add in the garlic, ginger and soy sauce until fully combined. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour most of the dressing over the shrimp, reserving some sauce for dipping. Chill marinated shrimp for 1 hour. To assemble, alternate shrimp, watermelon cubes and torn basil leaves on 8 skewers. Serve skewers with leftover sauce.

Yield 4 servings

22 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Florida Strawberry Growers Association

April 2011

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T F M 23 813.752.6822 • VisitAour2011 Web site atI www.flastrawberry.com

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pril

N HE IELD

AGAZINE

s errie. b f o a etern Florid k r a i r m es emieegetabl r p A v

and

Come Grow With Us sponsored by

100 Stearn Ave. Plant City, FL 33563 Tel: 813.752.5111 www.wishfarms.com

Some months back I wrote about my wife’s open heart surgery.

She did very well with the new Cox-Maze Process. I was thinking about the numerous visits and time sitting in the waiting rooms waiting to see the doctor.

On our third visit to Dr. Dworkin, Patsy’s heart surgeon, we had a side-spitting time listening to two old fellas talking about getting old. Don’t remember their names, but we’ll call them Fred and Bill. Fred, talking rather loud for the sake of Bill’s hearing impairment said, “Bill, you know I am getting so old that I don’t buy green bananas! Another thing, that snap, crackle and pop in the morning ain’t my Rice Krispies.”

“You’re just wear’n out Fred,” Bill said. “If you think you’re having problems, I am so old that whenever I eat out, they ask me for money up front. You know when I was younger all I wanted was a nice BMW. Now, I don’t care about the W.” “And another thing, all last week my wife Mildred kept hounding me to take her someplace expensive like the good old days.”

“Where did you take her Bill?” Fred asked. “I took her to a gas station.”

Those two old roosters would make a good stand up comic team at Sun City.

On one of our visits before her operation we were escorted into the examining room. Before they shut the door I noticed an elderly women in the room across the hall. The doctor walked into her room and shut the door. Moments later she ran out of the room hollering at the top of her voice.

When the doctor came in to see Patsy she asked him what caused the woman to get so upset. Doc chuckled and said, “Well

24 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

I told her even though she was 77 years old she was pregnant.”

About that time a nurse stuck her head into the room and said, “What did you tell that poor old lady to get her so upset?”

“I told her she was pregnant.”

“You should be ashamed of yourself Doc, she is really upset.”

“Maybe so, but I’ll bet she doesn’t have the hiccups any more,” he replied.

One day while sitting in the waiting room I decided to strike up a conversation with a much over weight middle aged lady. I asked her how her day was going. She said, “Not so good. You see I am on a weight loss program and it is not working. The doctor told me to walk every day and it would add months to my life.

The way I see it I’ll be spending more time in a nursing home at $7,000.00 a month and frankly the only way I like a walk is when they are taken by people who bother me.” I asked her if she had tried to watch what she eats, and she said, “Oh yes, but I am addicted to chocolate. Here I am 68 years old, and really I have a lot to be thankful for. For instances my wrinkles don’t hurt, and the older I get the tougher it is to lose weight, because by now my body and fat have gotten to be really good friends.” As she slowly walked into the doctor’s office Patsy turned to me and said, “I’ll bet at communion she goes back for seconds.”

In a few minutes a woman rolled an elderly man in a wheelchair into the waiting room. As she went to the receptionist’s desk, the man sat there, alone and silent. About the time I was thinking I should make small talk with him, a little boy slipped off his mother’s lap and walked over to the wheelchair. Placing his hand on the man’s knee, he said, “I know how you feel, my mom makes me ride in the stroller, too.”

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Have you heard the story about the 88-year-old man that pulled up next to a doctor at a street light on his moped? The old man looked over at the sleek shiny car and asks, “What kind of car ya got there, sonny?”

The doctor replies, “a Ferrari GTO. It cost a half a million dollars!”

“That’s a lot of money,” says the old man, “Why does it cost so much?”

“Because this car can do up to 220 miles and hours,” the doctor said with pride.

The old man on the moped asks, “Mind if I take a look inside?”

“No problem,” replied the doctor.

The old man proceeds to poke his head in the window and looks around. Then, sitting back on his moped, the old man says, “That’s a pretty nice car, all right….but I’ll stick with my moped!”

Just then the light changes, so the doctor decides to show the old man just what his car can do. He floors it, and within 30 seconds the speedometer reads 150 mph. Suddenly, he notices a dot in his rear view mirror. It seems to be getting closer! He slows down to see what it could be and suddenly WHOOOOSSSHHH! Something whips by him going much faster!

“What on earth could be going faster than my Ferrari?” the doctor asks himself. He presses harder on the accelerator and takes the Ferrari up to 180 mph. Then up ahead of him, he sees that it’s the old man on the moped.

Amazed that the moped could pass his Ferrari, he gives it more gas and passes the moped at 200 mph. Now he’s feeling pretty

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good until he looks in his mirror and sees the old man gaining on him AGAIN! Astounded by the speed of this old guy, he floors the gas pedal and takes the Ferrari all the way up to 220 mph. Not five seconds later, he sees the moped bearing down on him again! The Ferrari is flat out, and there is nothing he can do.

Suddenly, the moped plows into the back of his Ferrari, demolishing the rear end. The doctor stops and jumps out and unbelievably the old man is still alive.

He runs up to the banged-up old fella and says, “Is there anything I can do for you?” The old man whispers, “Unhook my suspenders from your side view mirror!”

After we left the doctor’s office we went to a local drive through restaurant to get my wife a salad with light ranch dressing. I got a chicken salad sandwich and a couple of side items. I then gave the young lady a ten and a five dollar bill, plus a quarter. The total was $14.25. She said, “You gave me too much money.” I said, “Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back.” She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did, and he handed me back the quarter, and said, “We’re sorry but we cannot do that kind of thing.” The clerk then proceeded to give me back seventyfive cents in change. DUH!!!!

Last month I went to Dr. Salvato for my yearly physical. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I had gained some weight and I didn’t feel so hot. Doc said eating right doesn’t have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems.

He said I should think in colors. Fill my plate with bright colors.

Greens, yellows, reds, etc! So I went home and ate some M&M’s.

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 25

LaVerne Patrick

by Ginny Mink

LaVerne

Patrick has quite an intriguing family history.

He is a descendant of J.W. Tanner Sr., who was a member of one “of 22 pioneer families to move to the Seffner, Mango area in the 1800’s,” according to Sherri Lynn Rae. The land Mr. Patrick and six generations have shared was purchased by his great grandfather in 1895. The first house on the 80+ acres was a two-story frame house with wooden shingles, but it burned to the ground and was replaced with another two-story frame house with three bedrooms. There was a breezeway built that connected that house to its summer kitchen. The summer kitchen allowed the family to do the canning without heating up the main house. Both the three bedroom homestead and the summer kitchen still stand although they have been separated and the summer kitchen has been moved a little further down Tanner Road, a road named after Mr. Patrick’s ancestry.

According to Mr. Patrick, J.W. Tanner Sr.’s “job was moving houses.

He used two big slabs with rollers and a horse. The horse went around and pulled the house.” Later his great grandfather drilled wells using a Model A wheel and a cable. Then he raised cows and hogs and had an orange grove. Mr. Patrick’s, “Daddy came down on a train and married Mildred. He was a welder at the ship yard.” He and Jack Mims built Palma Ceia Laundry and Cleaners and he retired from there.”

Mr. Patrick owns the original house and his Uncle Luther, the only living Tanner son, owns the summer kitchen. When Mr. Patrick acquired the original house he discovered some items that have become dear to him. His grandma was known for her hat wearing, many of which were still in the house. She was also known to shoot rabbits and squirrels to feed the family. “She used a little 22” and upon further inspection by this author, the little 22 is actually a Winchester made in August 1889. She left behind her ledger as well and it listed all the things she bartered for and sold. These are all interesting relics to say the least.

The family went by horse and wagon towards Ybor City to go to the grocery store and they would go to the Alafia River off Hwy. 41 to boil salt water and bring the salt back in bags on their horse and buggy.

They were a pioneer family for certain. Mr. Patrick’s grandfather was a charter member of the Six Mile Creek Baptist Church. They used to

26 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

have services under a grape arbor, but when it burned down they built a church. It too was destroyed by fire. “Daddy was a deacon and Sunday school teacher,” Mr. Patrick explained, “land was donated and they built a new church. All they had to do was work and go to church.”

Mr. Patrick went to Hillsborough High School and between the years of 1954-1956 he built a dairy. It was located right in the middle of where I75 travels now. He had a 24 stall barn and milked cows for 18 years. He says he sold the milk to Foremost Dairy and then eventually sold the business and began renting the barn to Doug Sipple. Unfortunately, progress impeded upon them when “the interstate came in and took four houses and the dairy.” He changed directions and established a beef heard and hogs. He says he sold the hogs at Lykes Brother’s on Hwy. 41 at 18 cents a pound and, “thought we was makin’ big bucks.”

His hogs weighed between 200 and 250 pounds. He points out that during that time, “gas was 21-24 cents a gallon and when it got to 50 cents we thought we were gonna have a heart attack.”

At one point Mr. Patrick and his vast family owned or leased 2000 acres and had 500 head of cattle. He “bred Brahmans to dairy cows to raise them up as beef cows,” but then the price of land got too high so they sold some and quit leasing others. The land they had been leasing now has million dollar homes on it. “Somewhere in the ‘60’s,” Mr. Patrick started flagging stock car races, first at “Lakeland International Speedway, then Dade City, then Golden Gate, then East Bay and then the Florida State Fairgrounds half mile track.” He worked for Nascar and the “world of outlaws, sprint cars and an all pro group that traveled,” but he says he’s “’bout give it up, I’m almost retired.”

The family still has cows, about 100 head on roughly 80 acres which is separated by the presence of I75. Barbara, his wife, says that whenever he goes out of town a cow gets out, “it’s like they know he’s gone.”

Part of the problem though is that “people come in and cut the fence to go in and pick mushrooms.” Barbara says she’s “always been second fiddle to a cow. No matter what you’ve got planned if something’s going on with a cow he has to take care of it.” However, this must not be too problematic as the two of them will have been married for 45 years this October. Tanner Road is still home to many generations and there’s no doubt they intend to keep it that way. •

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 27

Nature’s Antioxidant Superfruit: The 4th Annual Florida Blueberry Festival

B valuable than most people realize. According to www.womenfitness.net there are

by Ginny Mink

lueberries, with their oft times tart taste and mouth staining juice, are truly more

ten very important advantages to adding blueberries to your diet. The first is the fact that they boost your immune system and prevent infections because they have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. Secondly, they neutralize the free radicals that contribute to disease and aging. According to a University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study, blueberries aid in reducing belly fat and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. They also promote urinary tract health by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that can cause infection. Blueberries have been proven to preserve vision too (and they taste better than carrots).

By preventing degeneration and death of neurons and brain cells, blueberries preserve brain health and restore the health of the central nervous system. Their ability to dissolve bad cholesterol and strengthen cardiac muscles makes them an ideal supplement to cure many heart diseases. They are good anti-depressants, keep away constipation and improve digestion. Finally, they might be beneficial in preventing certain types of cancers like colon and ovarian cancer. The main thing to remember when choosing your blueberries is that the deeper the color the more rich they are in antioxidants and other medicinal values.

Now that you’ve been schooled on the many health benefits of blueberries, you should probably consider attending the 4th Annual Florida Blueberry Festival sponsored by Keel & Curley Winery. Joe Keel, the owner, started his business in 1981, at that time it was a wholesale plant nursery. However, in 1995 he “started growing blueberries on a very small scale and gradually converted the nursery to 100% blueberries by 2001.” They now grow blueberries on 35 acres. Twenty-five of those acres are located at the retail store property on Thonotosassa Rd while the other ten acres are out in the Keysville area.

In Spring of 2002 he started to “produce wine as a hobby in the kitchen on the property.” But by October of 2003 he had united with Chase Marden, a wine maker. “I had the blueberries, he had the wine making experience,” Keel said. Together they started the Florida Berry Wines Corporation. For three years they experimented without really selling any wines, then they got their licenses to sell it and sold “to small independent wine shops in the Tampa Bay area, St. Pete, and some in Lakeland.”

By August of 2006 they had attracted the interest of Publix Supermarkets, but on August 3, 2006 there was a lightning storm that struck and burned one of his buildings to the ground. It destroyed equipment and wine ready to be bottled so, “Publix put us on the back burner.” However, he says he had good insurance so they were back in business by November of that year. It was “the end of ’06 to the beginning of ’07 when we really got going.” Publix took them on as a vendor thanks to the help of salesman, James Moody, who went to every Publix, and now they’re found in 748 Publix stores statewide. Their wine can also be found in all Sweetbays, ABC Liquors and Total Wine and More stores.

In 2007 they held the first Blueberry Festival and according to Keel, “it was small, but last year we had an estimated 7,000+ people so it’s become much bigger and popular.”

The festival occurs at the “tail-end of the blueberry season and we let the public bring in their whole family and pick blueberries. We charge by the pound.” There’s a kid zone and about 40 vendors with arts and crafts, food, face-painting, clowns and this year will be the first time the festival includes a dunk tank. “It’s a fun atmosphere promoting the blueberry industry in Hillsborough.” While wine is a part of the festival, it’s primarily a family event. “There’s wine-tasting but we don’t support over indulgence.”

The 4th Annual Florida Blueberry Festival is free as are all the kids’ activities which include bounce houses and shaved ice. There will also be live music provided by local musicians on the deck and stage. While entry into the festival is free, parking is going to cost $5 this year. “This is the first time we’ve charged for parking but the neighbors are letting us use their 30 acres and we’re gonna have 20-30 people out there parking cars.”

According to Keel the biggest draw is the blueberry picking, “it’s the only two days we do it a year.” Last year they sold 150,000 lbs of “you-pick” blueberries. Their commercial pick “starts Monday the 28th where we actually sell to a broker and then we’ll stop so the public can pick.” The crop is a little ahead of schedule this year so they’ve moved the festival date up. This year the 4th Annual Florida Blueberry Festival will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8am-6pm and Sunday, May 1 from 10am-6pm. If you don’t have your own buckets they’ll provide some for you and if blueberry picking isn’t your thing they will be selling already picked flats of blueberries too. Feel free to visit their online store for more information: www.keelandcurleywinery.com.

28 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 29

T

ropical fish farmers have been hard hit the last two years as freezing temperatures resulted in industry crop losses as high as 75 percent. Hillsborough County produces the most tropical fish in the state and total aquaculture sales in the county are well over $28.5 million each year.

Fish farm crops are not able to be insured as other crops so the majority of producers rely on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) when low yields or loss of inventory occur or planting does not take place due to natural disasters. An eligible producer is a landowner, tenant or sharecropper who shares in the risk of producing an eligible crop. Tropical fish are an eligible crop and a freeze is considered an eligible natural disaster.

Coverage must be applied for each year and includes completion of an “Application for Coverage” plus payment of applicable service fees at their local FSA office. Once approved, coverage begins 30 days after the application closing date and ends the earlier of: • 10 months from the application closing date • The date the crop harvest is completed • The normal harvest date for the crop • The date the crop is abandoned; or • The date the entire crop acreage is destroyed Producer losses from a natural disaster such as a freeze must exceed expected production of the crop by more than 50 percent and the covered farmer must follow detailed NAP loss reporting guidelines. NAP payments are limited to $100,000 per crop year per individual or entity.

“The NAP payment is particularly important since it enables farmers to get new fish back into their ponds,” said Art Rawlins, president of The Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association (FTFFA) and owner of Rawlins Tropical Fish in Lithia. “It takes a minimum of six months after a freeze to produce a new crop for sale.” The

30 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

44-year-old association has over 230 members and represents professional ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plant breeders in governmental matters, provides a cooperative for purchasing necessary materials to produce member products and supports research and development for the production of ornamental species.

The challenge for fish farmers the last two years is that the NAP program relies on an antiquated computer program that must be updated each year. This process usually takes from January to April, affecting winter crops, primarily aquaculture in Florida, since most other crops are dormant.

Most recent losses due to the mid-December freeze were reported by farmers in January through the filing of a Notice of Loss with their local FSA office and local FSA committee, a two step process for claim approval. Efforts of elected officials and understanding regulators resulted in adjustments to the process whereby FSA manually cut claim checks totaling $1,167,000 for fish farmers in Hillsborough County, while their counterparts in Polk County received payments that totaled $365,000. These payments were mailed near the end of March.

Among those elected officials who assisted tropical fish farmers with this process was Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “The congressman and his staff worked with the FSA to ensure that fish farmers received their insurance payments in a timely manner,” said Rawlins.

“Last year, payments to farmers were delayed because of out-ofdate payment processing equipment used by the FSA, and we were concerned that this would be the case again this year. However, the congressman and his staff began working with FSA so the delay for those critical payments would be minimal.

“We are also indebted to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Leslie Palmer, director of the Division of Aquaculture, for their extraordinary assistance and support, as well as that of a number of FSA staff members,” added Rawlins. •

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 31

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 33

Hopewell Funeral Home

& Memorial Gardens 2011 Steer Show Winners

Patterson Companies Livestock Arena

2011 Swine Show Winners Patterson Companies Livestock Arena Grand Champion – Madilyn Conrad Antioch Critters 4H

Reserve Grand Champion – Michaella Christie Plant City High School FFA

Senior Showmanship

1st – Alicia Contreras, Alonso High FFA 2nd – Kristin Bozek, Strawberry Crest FFA 3rd – Rafael Cruz, Alonso High FFA

Intermediate Showmanship

1st – Alexandra Jett Hillsborough County 4H Dairy Club 2nd – Amber Harwell, Turkey Creek FFA 3rd – Clint Walden, Turkey Creek FFA

Junior Showmanship

1st – Anna Conrad, Tomlin FFA 2nd – Alissa Baker, Tomlin FFA 3rd – Cassidy English, Tomlin FFA

Grand Champion

Miranda Mayo, Durant FFA chapter.

Her steer, weighed 1202 lbs.

Michael Paul was the breeder.

Reserve Grand Champion

Garrett Roberts, Durant FFA chapter.

His steer, weighed 1282 lbs.

Dennis Der was the breeder.

Division 1 Champion - Zach Lloyd Division 2 Champion - Derrick Knight Division 3 Champion - Chrissy Grimmer Class 1: 1st Place: Kennedy Dean 2nd Place: Kelsey Newsome 3rd Place: Tyler Belderes 4th Place: Preston Ray 5th Place: Carly Lucas 6th Place: Derrick Knight 7th Place: Alexander Fernandez 8th Place: Morgan Boykin 9th Place: Ema Rivera 10th Place: Yancey Ray Class 2: 1st Place: Tori Shepherd 2nd Place: Levi Mayo 3rd Place: Blake Harrell 4th Place: Michaela Dry 5th Place: Jamee Townsend 6th Place: Brittany Coleman 7th Place: Brooke Freeman

36 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

8th Place: Riley Brown 9th Place: Letty Burgin 10th Place: Dusty Cook

Congratulations Marsha Passmore

Class 3: 1st Place: Zachary Lloyd 2nd Place: Cody Summerlin 3rd Place: Morgan Belsley 4th Place: Andrew Sparkman 5th Place: Aly Joyner 6th Place: Caleb Smith 7th Place: Clayton Varnum 8th Place: Nicholas Andrlik 9th Place: Robbie Dry 10th Place: Jesse Coleman

2011 Citizen of the Year

Class 4: 1st Place: Morgan Gmytruk 2nd Place: Alexis Wyatt 3rd Place: Mariah Kunze 4th Place: Celeste Lewis 5th Place: Brandon Barnes 6th Place: Jacob Thornton 7th Place: Brandy Mitchell 8th Place: Courtney Key 9th Place: Cameron Salter 10th Place: Nicholas Fernandez 11th Place: Kade Green Class 5: 1st Place: Allison Thomas 2nd Place: Steven Mathis 3rd Place: Stanley Witchoskey 4th Place: Justin Jordan 5th Place: Lane Turner 6th Place: Jesse Wall 7th Place: Jessi Varnum 8th Place: Macy Gay 9th Place: Montana Gay 10th Place: Katlyn Joyner 11th Place: Codie Kent Class 6: 1st Place: Dalton Davis 2nd Place: David Walden 3rd Place: Landon Lofley 4th Place: Andrew Gymtruk 5th Place: Cole Ebdrup 6th Place: Sadie D’Amico 7th Place: Victoria Edwards 8th Place: Ashley McMath 9th Place: Jake Jordan 10th Place: Darby Hastings

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Standing: Dan Druen - Funeral Director, Glenda Thomas Creative Development, Marsha Passmore Director of Marketing, Michael Dagrosa Funeral Director Seated: Margie Willis - Managing Partner, Edwena Haney President, not pictured Glenda Haney Managing Partner

Local Obituary

Mrs. Jerilyn Smith-Price–February 26, 2011 • Mr. Edward M. Rife–February 28, 2011 Mrs. Cynthia Kandi Kirkland–March 3, 2011 • Mr. Gregory Water Hunter–March 3, 2011 Mr. Roland Francis Holman–March 6, 2011 • Mrs. Charlotte Hannah Agnew–March 7, 2011 Devin W. Niesel–March 8, 2011 • Mrs. Veda Helen Alderman–March 9, 2011 Ms. Barbara J. Brunson–March 11, 2011 • Mrs. Annette T. Lewis–March 19, 2011 Mrs. Pyrl Varnum Dixon–March 20, 2011 • Mr. Gordon A. Davis–March 26. 2011 Frances Ann Dickson–March 30, 2011

www.hopewellfuneral.com • 813.737.3128 Family Owned & Operated for Over 35 Years 6005 State Rd. 39 South (1/2 mile south of State Rd. 60) Plant City, FL 33567

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 37

Festival Results Continued 3rd Place Senior Showmanship - Tori Shepherd Class 7: 1st Place: Miranda Mayo 2nd Place: Calli Jo Parker 3rd Place: Justin Stallard 4th Place: Haley Clendening 5th Place: Kallee Cook 6th Place: Jordan Williams 7th Place: Derek Joyner 8th Place: Jessica VanVaerenbergh 9th Place: Heather Ross 10th Place: Haley B. Smith 11th Place: Seth Poppel

Class 8: 1st Place: Jake Maxwell 2nd Place: Jeffrey Hall 3rd Place: Chrissy Grimmer 4th Place: Brittany Smothers 5th Place: Jordan Karlson 6th Place: Jerri Rowell 7th Place: Jessica Andrlik 8th Place: Jacob Belisle 9th Place: Miranda Lane 10th Place: Trey Turner 11th Place: Amanda Biondino Class 9: 1st Place: Garrett Roberts 2nd Place: Kelsey Bozeman 3rd Place: Carli Copeland 4th Place: Katelynn Lewis 5th Place: Shelby St. Amant 6th Place: Abigail Jett 7th Place: Bailey Harrell 8th Place: Sara Kate Snapp 9th Place: Jordan Pugh 10th Place: Dylan Johnson 11th Place: Kacee Lewis Class 10 1st Place: Kyle Lee 2nd Place: Jackson Barwick 3rd Place: Dylan Landers 4th Place: Chelsea Mayer 5th Place: Katlyn Messick 6th Place: Raelynn Nichols 7th Place: Kourtney Haas 8th Place: Mylie Feaster 9th Place: Tyler Griffin 10th Place: Clayton Todd 11th Place: Kyle Moore 1st Place Senior Showmanship - Seth Poppell 2nd Place Senior Showmanship - Calli Jo Parker

38 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

1st Place Intermediate Showmanship Allison Thomas 2nd Place Intermediate Showmanship Morgan Gmytruk 3rd Place Intermediate Showmanship Miranda Mayo 1st Place Junior Showmanship Darby Hastings 2nd Place Junior Showmanship - Jerri Rowell 3rd Place Junior Showmanship - Jamee Townsend

2011 Beef Show Winners

CF Industries Ag Tent Herdsman

Juniors 1st – Clayton Brock 2nd Macie Ray 3rd Jenna Thompson

Intermediates 1st Dalton Dry 2nd Lane Harrell 3rd Cassidy Hasting 4th Darby Hasting Seniors 1st Hayley Howerin-Wharton 2nd Haley Smith 3rd Shelbey McLauchlin

Showmanship

Juniors 1st Madi Conrad 2nd Ethan Vaughan 3rd Cassidy Polston Intermediate 1st Anna Conrad 2nd Darby Hasting 3rd Jacob Burnette Seniors 1st Kallee Cook 2nd Leigh Ann Barthle 3rd Robbie Dry Greenhand Award Kasey Elder

April 2011

Dairy Show

Perfectly Fresh. Perfectly Priced.

Patterson Companies Livestock Arena

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Showmanship - Novice

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Sarah Rogan Zoe Wallace Jazmin Stonebraker Colby Quattlebaum Gabrielle Puleo

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Junior Showmanship (exhibitors 10 years old and younger) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Chas Waller Daniel Paul Gracie Lee Karen Kotlarczyk Colby Quattlebaum

Intermediate Showmanship (11-13 year old exhibitors) 1st Keegan Lee 2nd Haley Burleson 3rd Avery Kotlarczyk 4th Ty Hamilton 5th Cassidy Dossin

Southwestern Produce Company

Senior Showmanship

1510 Sydney Rd. • Plant City, FL

(14+ year old exhibitors) 1st Zachary Quattlebaum 2nd Megan Colleen Carey 3rd Courtney Ogle 4th Trent Johnson 5th Kaley Brooks

Premier Showmanship Award

Winner Zachary Quattlebaum CLASS WINNERS Ayrshire 1 Trent Johnson Ayrshire 9 Jessica Bennington Ayrshire 11 Megan Colleen Carey Brown Swiss 2 Colby Quattlebaum Brown Swiss 3 Blane Rogers Brown Swiss 4 Ashley Bingham Brown Swiss 5 Zachary Quattlebaum Brown Swiss 9 Lauren Poley Brown Swiss 10 Courtney Ogle Brown Swiss 11 Brianna Smith Guernsey 2 Brooke Freeman Guernsey 3 Austin Holcomb Guernsey 4 Trent Johnson Guernsey 6 Brooke Freeman Guernsey 9 Jordan Glover Guernsey 10 Austin Holcomb Guernsey 11 Austin Holcomb Holstein 1 Megan Colleen Carey

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Eating at Home More?

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Cauliflower ......................... $13.

Mixed Vegetables ............... $12 Soup Blend.......................... $12 Blueberries 5# .................... $15 Blackberries 5#................... $15 Raspberries 5# ................... $15 Cranberries 5# ................... $15 Mango Chunks 5# .............. $15 Pineapple Chunks 5# ......... $15 Dark Sweet Cherries 5#...... $14 Rhubarb 5# ........................ $10 Green Peanuts ................... $13.

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 39

COWBOYS

Festival Results Continued 4-H Senior Division Team Placings 1st 4-H Team 2 (Laura Thompson, Ashley Bingham, Zachary Quattlebaum, and Caleb Allen) 2nd 4-H Team 1 (Kaley Brooks, Megan Carey, Poley, and Avery Kotlarczyk) All Breeds Champion Lauren

Brown Swiss class 10 Courtney Ogle 4-H Senior Division Individual Placings

1st Zachary Quattlebaum Premier Exhibitor 2nd Brianna Smith Courtney Ogle 3rd Avery Kotlarczyk

Junior Bred By Exhibitor Zachary Quattlebaum

Holstein 2 Karen Kotlarczyk Holstein 3 Avery Kotlarczyk Holstein 4 Megan Colleen Carey Holstein 5 Zoe Wallace Holstein 6 Courtney Ogle Holstein 9 Kaley Brooks Holstein 10 Sarah Rogan Holstein 11 Joshua Centella Jersey 1 Kyleigh Rae Glenn Jersey 2 Kaley Brooks Jersey 3 Gracie Lee Jersey 4 Kaley Brooks Jersey 5 Haley Burleson Jersey 6 Chas Waller Jersey 9 Helena Polansky Jersey 10 Kaley Brooks Jersey 11 Courtney Ogle

Senior Bred By Exhibitor Megan Carey

Junior Herdsman

Junior Champions

Ayrshire class 1 Trent Johnson Brown Swiss class 5 Zachary Quattlebaum Guernsey class 3 Austin Holcomb Holstein class 6 Courtney Ogle Jersey class 5 Haley Burleson

Reserve Junior Champions Ayrshire class 1 Aidan T. Heidt Brown Swiss class 2 Colby Quattlebaum Guernsey class 2 Brooke Freeman Holstein class 1 Megan Colleen Carey Jersey class 1 Kyleigh Rae Glenn

Senior Champion

Ayrshire class 11 Megan Colleen Carey Brown Swiss class 10 Courtney Ogle Guernsey class 10 Austin Holcomb Holstein class 11 Joshua Centella Jersey class 10 Kaley Brooks

Reserve Senior Champion

Ayrshire class 9 Jessica Bennington Brown Swiss class 11 Brianna Smith Guernsey class 9 Jordan Glover Holstein class 11 Megan Colleen Carey Jersey class 11 Courtney Ogle

Grand Champion Ayrshire class 11 Megan Colleen Carey Brown Swiss class 10 Courtney Ogle Guernsey class 10 Austin Holcomb Holstein class 11 Joshua Centella Jersey class 10 Kaley Brooks

1st Nicholas Hammer 2nd Avery Kotlarczyk 3rd Chas Waller

Senior Herdsman 1st Caleb Allen 2nd Kaley Brooks 3rd Stephen Goss

Susie Kemp Memorial Sportsmanship Award

Joshua Centella

4-H Dairy Judging Contest 4-H Junior Division Team Placings

1st Hillsborough County Team 1 (Aaron Bingham, Chas Waller, Keegan Lee, and Gracie Lee)

2nd Hillsborough County Team 2 (Aaron Dunn, Garrett Brewer, Dalton Phillips, and MaCayla Phillips)

3rd Junior 4-H Team 1 (Blane Rogers, Daniel Paul, Colby Quattlebaum, and Karen Kotlarczyk)

4-H Junior Division Individual Placings 1st Chas Waller 2nd Keegan Lee 3rd Karen Kotlarczyk

FFA Dairy Judging Contest

FFA Junior Division Team Placings

1st Mann FFA (Ashley Denslow, Cassidy Dossin, Cheyenne Nicholson, and Morgan Ellis)

FFA Junior Division Individual Placings 1st Cassidy Dossin 2nd Ashley Denslow 3rd Cheyenne Nicholson

FFA Senior Division Team Placings

1st Hudson FFA (Megan Dowell, Elizabeth Hill, Sarah Rogan, and Molly Beck) 2nd Armwood FFA (Chenoa Meddleton, Michelle Gullans, Jessica Bennington, and Brian Odino) 3rd Durant FFA Team 2 (Morgan Sistrunk, Darby Hastings, Brooke Bluhm, and Tori Griffith)

FFA Senior Division Individual Placings 1st Megan Dowell 2nd Jessica Bennington 3rd Brooke Bluhm

PeeWee Showmanship 1st Donovan Danley 2nd Cecilia Whitaker 3rd Alivia King 4th Devan Noval 5th Patricia Kirk 6th Emily Linton

Adult Showmanship 1st Anne Hammer 2nd Bran Dee Watson 3rd Lee Griffin

April 2011

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40 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

WESTERN WORLD

Reserve Grand Champion Ayrshire class 9 Jessica Bennington Brown Swiss class 11 Brianna Smith Guernsey class 9 Jordan Glover Holstein class 11 Megan Colleen Carey Jersey class 11 Courtney Ogle

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pril

N HE IELD MAGAZINE 41

Festival Results Continued

Costume Ball Funniest Category Contestant 1st Nicholas Hammer,

The Three Moo-sketeers 2nd Ty Hamilton, Gumby and Pokey 3rd Caleb Allen, Milk Vader and

Luke Flyswatter Prettiest Category 1st Kyleigh Glenn, Little Bo Peep

Lost Her Sheep 2nd Emily Linton, Flower and a Bee 3rd Megan Dowell, Dairy Fairy Most Colorful Category

1st Aidan Heidt,

Captain Hook and Tinkerbell 2nd Michael Fioretto, Prince Michael

and the Dragon Slayer 3rd Daniel Paul, Elvis and a Showgirl Most Original Category 1st Siera Linton, Fisherman and a

Whopper Fish 2nd Brianna Smith, Pirates of the Cow-a-bian 3rd Elizabeth Hill, Scooby Moo **Overall Winner**

Austin Holcomb

Playing Cowboys and Indians

1st blue: Brittany Coleman 2nd blue: Morgan Sistrunk 3rd blue: Ethan Sistrunk 2-Year-Old Ewes 1st blue Brandi Hines 2nd blue Brooke Bluhm Aged Ewes

1st blue Jesse Coleman 2nd blue Morgan Sistrunk Aged Rams 1st blue Morgan Sistrunk GRAND CHAMPION BLACK FACE EWE Jesse Coleman RESERVED CHAMPION BLACK FACE EWE Brandi Hines

2nd blue Kendall Reed 3rd blue Emma-Grace McConnell 4th blue Brenna Mae Sturgis Aged Rams 1st blue Cassidy Hasting 2nd blue Jessica Squitieri 3rd blue Kelin Try GRAND CHAMPION WHITE FACE RAM Cassidy Hasting RESERVE CHAMPION WHITE FACE RAM Jessica Squitieri

Speckled Face Division Late Spring Ewes 1st blue Dalton Phillips 2nd blue Jenna Funcheon White Face Division 3rd blue Taylor Nelson Late Spring Ewes 4th blue Kelin Try 1st blue Mccayla Phillips Aged Ewes 2nd blue Kendall Reed 1st white David Squitieri 3rd blue Gresham Stephens 2nd white Chad Hibbens 4th blue Kayleen Sweeney 3rd white Jennifer Sawicki 5th blue Brenna Mae Sturgis 4th white Emily White Early Spring Ewes Early Spring Ewes 1st blue Brittany Coleman 1st blue: Brittany Coleman 2nd blue Kendall Reed 2-Year-Old Ewes 3rd blue: Ethan Sistrunk 1st blue Dalton Phillips Two Year Old Ewes 2nd blue MaCayla Phillips 1st blue Cassidy Hasting 3rd blue Ashley Denslow 2nd blue Jessica Squitieri 4th blue Chad Hibbens 3rd blue Ashley Denslow 5th blue Brandi Hines 4th blue Jesse Coleman GRAND CHAMPION 5th blue Darby Hasting SPECKLED FACE EWE 6th blue Kayleen Sweeney Dalton Phillips 7th blue David Squitieri RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLED FACE 8th blue Cole Hanson EWE 9th blue Ava Hasting Brittany Coleman CF Industries Ag Tent 10th blue Brandi Hines Spring Rams

Fall Ewes 1st blue Chad Hibbens SHOWMANSHIP 1st blue Brittany Coleman 2nd blue Kevin Try Junior Division 2nd blue Jesse Coleman 3rd Patricia Tenney 1st Place: Cole Hanson Aged Ewes 4th Ethan Sistrunk 2nd Place: MaCayla Phillips 1st blue Kelsey Houston Aged Rams 3rd Place: Brenna Mae Sturgis 2nd blue Kayleen Sweeney 1st blue Brittany Coleman 4th Place: Ava Hasting 3rd blue Jessica Squitieri 2nd blue Chad Hibbens 5th Place: Emma-Grace McConnell 4th blue Cassidy Hasting 3rd blue Jesse Coleman 5th blue David Squitieri 4th blue Kelin Try Intermediate Division 6th blue Kendall Reed 5th blue Madison Jenkins 1st Place: Cassidy Hasting 7th blue Jerri Rowell 6th blue Kelsey Fagan 2nd Place: Dalton Phillips 8th blue Aubrey Davis GRAND CHAMPION 3rd Place: Madison Jenkins 9th blue Kelin Try SPECKLED FACE RAM 4th Place: Ashley Denslow 10th blue Darby Hasting Brittany Coleman Senior Division GRAND CHAMPION WHITE FACE EWE RESERVE CHAMPION 1st Place: Brittany Coleman Cassidy Hasting SPECKLED FACE RAM 2nd Place: Brooke Bluhm RESERVED CHAMPION Chad Hibbens 3rd Place: David Squitieri WHITE FACE EWE 4th Place: Chad Hibbens Brittany Coleman COSTUME CONTEST Spring Rams Most Original Black Face Division 1st blue Courtney Fletcher 1st Place David Squitieri Late Spring Ewes “King Kong and the Empire State Building”

The most important real estate in the soil is at the root tip.

It is there that

2011 Lamb Show and Costume Contest

42 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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yield robbing soil diseases, like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora and Fusarium enter and infect plants.

Apply SoilGard® fungicide with the “Biotic Burst.” Every application releases billions of spores that burst and cleanse the soil. Mycellium growth covers, blocks and protects the tender root tip against damping off and root rot diseases. As the root grows, SoilGard defensively shields the most important real estate in the field.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 43 2011 Certis USA. 1-800-250-5024 •www.certisusa.com

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“Family Owned & Operated Since 1961”

Festival Results Continued

2nd Place Jesse Coleman

“CSI ‘Crime Sheep Investigator’” 3rd Place Chad Hibbens

“Super Ram vs. Lex Luther 4th Place Jennifer Sawicki

“Cow and Farmer Most Funny 1st Place Patricia Tenney

“Hobo & Her Home” 2nd Place Kelin Fry

“Paly-D and Snookie” 3rd Place Taylor Nelson

“The Elephant & The Mouse” 4th Place Cole Hanson “Sheep in the Hat” Most Colorful 1st Place Dalton Phillips “Leperchans” 2nd Place MaCayla Phillips “Beach Babes” 3rd Place Donovan Danley

“Little Red Riding Hood” 4th Place Jenna Fucheon

“Buzz & Jessie from Toy Story Most Creative 1st Place Jesse Coleman

“CSI ‘Crime Sheep Investigator’” 2nd Place Kayleen Sweeney

‘The Next Next Karate Kids” 3rd Place Emily White “Lady BaBa and

Her Backup Dancer” 4th Place Madison Jenkins

“Ram-Ram and Pebbles” Most Elegant 1st Place Ava Hasting “Baaaaa- llerina Princesses” 2nd Place Jessica Squitieri “Princess and the Frog” 3rd Place Ashley Denslow “Tinker Bell & Peter Pan” 4th Place Brittany Coleman “Greek Goddess and her Hero” Best Overall 1st Place David Squitieri “King Kong and the Empire State Building” 2nd Place Ava Hasting “Baaaaa-llerina Princesses” 3rd Place Taylor Nelson “The Elephant & The Mouse” 4th Place Brittany Coleman “Greek Goddess and her Hero”

Champion Woody Ornamentals Taylor Harrell, Antioch Critters 4-H Champion Foliage Plants Jared Upthegrove, Marshall FFA Champion Hanging Planters Bailey Day, Lennard FFA Champion Miscellaneous Hannah Wilson, Beth Shields FFA Reserve Champion Kelsey Fry, Plant City FFA Champion Liners Paige Gran, Chautauqua 4-H Awards of Distinction Andrew Wade, Lennard FFA Mattie Montague, Lennard FFA Claire Gill, Southside Livestock 4-H Meredith DelCastillo, Tomlin FFA Emily Fry, Lennard FFA

Livestock Contestant Judging Winners

2nd Place: Turkey Creek Kody Glausier, Haley Burleson, Steven Witchoskey, Bailey Stallard 3rd Place: Barrington TJ Hutchinson, Lane Harrell, Kennedy Sewell, Kaylin Park Senior FFA 1St Place: Durant (661) Seth Poppel, Jesse Coleman, Justin Stalland, Jermey Rowell 2nd Place: Dade City (630) Cody Alvarez, Blake Holtzhauer, Johnathan Howell, Carson Tanner 3rd Place: Braden River (612) Courtney Wingate, Lizzie King, Brandon Adams

High Individual 1st Place Seth Poppell 2nd Place Justin Stalland 3rd Place Austin Trinder

4-H High Individual Adult High Individual 1ST Place Chrissy Grimmer 1st Place Brandi Padgett 4-H 2nd High Individual 2nd Place Tori Lyons 1ST Place: Chloe Bunyak 3rd Place Valerie Quattebaum 4-H 3rd High Individual 1ST Place: Stephanie Brouwer

Middle FFA High Individual 1ST Place: Christian Wilson Middle FFA 2nd High Individual 1ST Place: TJ Hutchinson Middle FFA 3rd High Individual 1ST Place: Bailey Stallard

Baby chicks Available

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TEAMS

1st Place: Kelly Nobles Memorial 4-H (606) Brittany Coleman, Chrissy Grimmer, Robbie Dry, Ashley Nobles

2nd Place: Putnum County-Crazy Kids 4-H (598) Courtney Adams, Ashley Adams, Magan Plymel, Shelby Plymel 3rd Place: Manatee 4-H (592) Zachary Quattlebaum, Gus Brouwer, Stephanie Brouwer, Kara Varnadore

Grand Champion Chloe Wineinger, Antioch Critters 4-H Reserve Champion Kelsey Fry, Plant City FFA

Middle School 1st Place: Jenkins Austin Adams, Lane Sauceman, Clayton Faircloth, Joel Futch

44 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

• Diamond Pet Food Distributor Wholesale dealer and breeder pricing available • Organic vegetable seeds • Earthboxes • Blueberry Fertilizer • Mills Magic Rose Mix • Rhizogen 2-4-2 Base * poultry manure fertilizer • Full line of garden supplies

High School High Individual 1ST Place: Seth Poppel High School 2nd High Individual 1ST Place: Justin Sallard High School High 3rd High Individual 1ST Place: Austin Trinder

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 45

A Grand Win for a Little Girl

By Kayla Stepp

Madilyn Conrad is a nine year old girl in fourth grade, and she has already achieved a huge victory with her Grand Champion Yorkshire Cross Pig, Gemma. After participating in Plant City’s 39th Annual Swine Show, Madie found herself accepting awards for Gemma. Out of 78 other contestants, Madie and Gemma exceeded expectations.

Madie is a member of Antioch Critters 4-H and among a long line of family farmers. Stephanie Conrad, the proud mother of Madilyn Conrad, said, “We taught our daughters that it’s fun to win, but you need to be a gracious loser.” Stephanie emphasizes to her daughters when preparing them for a show that you must always try to congratulate everyone because it is proper sportsmanship.

Madie and her sister Ana both compete in swine shows at the national level. They both agree that showing is no walk in the park. If asked what all goes into swine showing, Madie will be sure to emphasize that, “Swine showing is a big responsibility.” Madie ‘s daily responsibilities would include monitoring Gemma’s feed twice a day and working with her for a few hours a day, five days a week to make sure Gemma was at her best for the show. You must take into consideration everything it takes to prepare your pig to be judged on, everything from muscle tone to pure body structure.

Madie, along with Anna, her older sister, both trained and prepared each of their pigs for this extremely intimidating competition. Both girls’ prepared vigorously and it showed at the auction. Madie wasn’t the only one in her family to pull through with an award. Anna won first place in her corresponding weight class. Stephanie found herself holding back a giggle at the idea of her daughters being the least bit intimidated by this show , compared to Kentucky and Jacksonville where each of the girls have shown and have been successful at the national level.

Madie’s family has always been into showing steer and swine, having come from a long line of farmers. Because of such a prestigious family background, both Maddie and Anna have been raised on a farm and have the advantage of making time for agriculture to play a huge role in their lives. Stephanie said that she only wished she could’ve started showing at a younger age and that her girls used to do sports but found more satisfaction 46 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

in showing their animals. The girls ended up finding less time for other extracurricular activities outside of agriculture.

Madie and Anna both received showmanship awards in their individual classes for their heifers during the show. Needless to say Maddie stole the show at the 39th Annual Swine show. You really can do anything you put your mind to with the best intentions. Both girls agreed they had their parents, grandparents, and good family friend Brett Wheeler, that they could be thankful to for all of their motivation and knowledge.

Stephanie enjoyed pointing out what influence agriculture has really had on Madie and Anna’s lives. Taking on so much positive responsibility at a young age has really blossomed the girls into loving agriculture and showing. The girl’s have learned so many real life skills such as sportsmanship, confidence, and work ethic. Even if they chose not to show anymore but continued to do something in the agricultural field in the future, they would be welcomed with open arms. However, the two sister’s plan on showing until they find something different that sparks their interests. Anna confesses to hoping to take over the family business for her future profession. However Madie has other aspirations in which she hopes to become a hair dresser. Mrs. Conrad found the idea entertaining because one of Madie’s favorite parts about showing her animals is doing their hair or making them look nice.

It’s pretty clear that with such a successful inspiring future ahead, Madie and Anna will continue to participate in shows to come. When speaking with Madie about her training and preparation for the show, she was very excited to have won such a grand award.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 47

Miranda Mayo Grand Champion Winner at the Strawberry Festival Steer Show

By Kayla Lewis

Jeff, Tonya & Mandy Mayo, Megan and Marc Sewell (& Miranda)

Marshal, Marie & Marc Sewell.

Some people wouldn’t think of carting around a half-ton steer as fun and exciting, but for Miranda Mayo it is just that.

Miranda’s steer is the grand champion of the 2011 Steer Show at the Florida Strawberry Festival in March. She worked hard with her steer for nearly a year, and bypassed stiff competition to take the title at the show and win the champion belt buckle among other prizes. But for Miranda it wasn’t just the show that she enjoyed but the whole experience. “It’s exciting,” she said, “you get there on Tuesday and you’re waiting, you’re just anxious, and then you’re kind of sad on Wednesday because you know you have to sell the steer. But it’s exciting being there with your friends.”

Miranda’s steer was a jet black Maine-cross named Duncan. He came to Miranda on May 1 and at the time of the Strawberry Festival he weighed 1202 pounds. At the festival he was judged on muscle and fat content. To win he had to appear finished and ready for market. Miranda and Duncan had proven throughout the year that the steer was more than ready. Before the Strawberry Festival he appeared at the Florida State Fair and numerous prospect shows where he placed either first or reserve champion. On May 15, only a few weeks after Miranda got him, he finished first in his class at a show in Bartow. He also won at other shows including one in Arcadia and a double show in Okeechobee where he won in the first show and finished as reserve champion in the second. “She traveled throughout the state quite a bit,” said Tonya Mayo, Miranda’s mother. “They had an awesome year.” Miranda explained that part of their success was due in part to Duncan. “He was very easy to work with,” she said. “He was like a baby. Some are really stubborn but he just followed me everywhere.”

For Miranda her work with Duncan didn’t end even until the time of the show. In addition to feeding and working with him, she also had to make sure that he looked ready for the show. She explained that even at the Strawberry Festival, “you give them

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baths and clean their stalls, so you’re still taking care of them right up until that final day.” But even with all the work that’s not to say it wasn’t a good time. “You get to enjoy the experience of it,” Miranda said.

While Duncan’s appearance at the Strawberry Festival was his first, Miranda is not new to showing steers or to the experience of showing at the festival. This is her third year showing at the Strawberry Festival. Last year was her first year showing a steer and the year before she showed a heifer. Beyond this she has been a member of the FFA since the sixth grade and has grown up around cattle. “I show heifers,” she said. “I’ve even shown a bull, we have cows all around the house and I’ve grown up around them.”

Miranda credits her brother-in-law, Marc Sewell, for getting her started in showing cattle. “His mom had a heifer and wanted to know if I would like to show it and see how I liked it. So he [Marc] got me started showing cows because he was my age when he started showing cows so I guess he’s passing it down to me,” she explained. What Miranda enjoyed most about showing the steer was seeing his progress from day to day and week to week. “Taking him to the prospect shows and watching him progress and get bigger,” she said. “We have pictures of when he was a baby till the [Strawberry] Festival and he had gotten so much bigger.”

Miranda is sixteen and is in the 10th grade at Durant High School. Her parents are Jeff and Tonya Mayo and she has two older sisters, Meagan Sewell and Mandy Mayo. When she graduates she plans to pursue a degree in the medical field. “After I graduate from high school,” she said, “I plan to go to HCC and get my nursing degree, and then get my CNA license and then my LPN.” But does Miranda still plan to show cattle for now? “Oh yeah,” she said, “I’ll show cows ‘till I graduate and hopefully my kids will, too.”

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Eat Better. Love Life. Live Longer.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 49

FSGA Scholarship

2011 Best Flat Contests Bring $8,100.00 First place flat went to Thomas Ibarra with Sam Williamson Farms Second place, Michael St. Martin with M&M Farms Third place, Luis Rogue with Franklin Farms Flats purchased by 1st place winner – Driscolls $1500.00 2nd place purchased by Wish Farms $900.00 3rd place purchased by G&F Farms $1,000.00

Stingray Chevrolet, Bubba the Love Sponge and Hulk Hogan teamed up to raise $100,000 for Unity in the Community

The 2011 Hulk Hogan Edition Camaro SS was presented to Doug Gilmore at Stingray Chevrolet on 2002 N. Frontage Road on March 25. Steve Hurley, owner/manager of Stingray Chevrolet is the 2011 president of Unity in the Community. Gilmore purchased his tickets at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

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Unity, a charitable organization that provides money and goods for charitable and service groups in the city, gained $100,000 from the fundraiser.

The money came from the sale of tickets on a chance to win a 2011 “Hulk Hogan Edition” greenand-black Camaro SS from Stingray Chevrolet valued at about $40,000. www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Your downtown meat market Owners: Jerry & Lynna Clendening, Billy Keith & Laural Williams 206 S. Evers St. • Plant City

Call Ahead Service • 752-5724

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 51

The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida

APRIL 16, 23 & 30 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

APRIL 22 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 24 EASTER SUNDAY

BUFFET

A grand buffet fit for Anybunny!

Freshly prepared salads, seafood, beef, ham, vegetebles and desserts (including chocolate fountains) and much more! Serving times: 12 Noon, 2:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. For your musical entertainment, Destiny performs.

Call to reserve your table in the Ballroom.

APRIL 29 RICHIE MERRITT

MAY 6 & 7 LOST IN THE 50S WITH BILL HALEY’S

COMETS

A 2-day event that will “Rock Around the Clock” & “Shake, Rattle & Roll” in the Red Rose Ballroom with Bill Haley’s Comets. They were regulars on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, their music was featured in the film “American Graffiti” and the TV hit “Happy Days.” PJ Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds will also perform before and after the show.

MAY 7 LAKELAND

CRUISERS

Car lovers, you will be in Heaven when you see the array of cars on display! Classsic, Collectable, New, Old and Special Interest Vehicles will be shown from 12 Noon until 4 p.m. on the property.

MAY 8 MOTHERS

DAY BUFFET

Take mom out for this special occasion.

It’s a grand buffet fit for any queen!

Richie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 6 BOBBY PALERMO Bobby Palermo brings you a night full of humor, impersonations and high energy audience interaction. Bobby has received numerous National Awards and has been selected Tampa Bay’s Entertainer of the Year – 2 years in row!

Destiny will open and close the show.

MAY 7, 13, 20 & 28 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

MAY 21 LOLA &

THE SAINTS

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday. “Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” Plus, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds.

JUNE 3 COVER TO COVER

The trio covers the top hits from yesterday to today! Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

JUNE 4, 10, 17 & 25 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

MAY 14 & 27 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

JUNE 18 THE MYSTICS

The Mystics will perform their hits, including their number one “Hushabye.” P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

Please call for ticket prices Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

TEL: 813.752.3141

I-4 Exit 21• 2011 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia Owner

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April 2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 53

ABSOLUTE AUCTION!!!

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Love for Layna

by Howard Blount

You

know the type. As schoolgirls, they carry around Marguerite Henry novels and draw ponies all over their notebooks and folders. When they come up missing, you know you’ll find them in the barn. They would rather muck out a stall than hang out at the mall any day. They prefer Ropers and Wranglers to Abercrombie & Fitch, and they accessorize with lead ropes, currycombs, and tack. Calling them “cowgirls” would be wrong, because to them . . . it is all about the horse.

Growing up on her grandparents’ horse ranch in Durant, Layna Blount was destined to become one of those stereotypical “horsegirls.” Layna’s paternal grandfather Eugene “Papa” Blount and her father Dennis have bred, raised, and trained Quarter Horse race horses for decades. So it made perfect sense that “horse” was Layna’s first word, and it was no surprise that she learned to ride a horse before she ever took her first step.

In a recent episode of NPR’s All Things Considered, Peggy Orenstein, author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter, explained why she believes so many girls love horses. “By identifying with these dynamic, strong animals,” Orenstein says, “girls are expressing their own power.” In Layna’s case, the author’s position couldn’t be more accurate.

54 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 55

Soon after Layna Elizabeth Blount was born on March 16, 1992, doctors at Brandon Regional Hospital discovered she had a diaphragmatic hernia, a birth defect that allows the abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity. This condition in turn prevented her lungs from developing normally. The outlook was dim. Doctors gave baby Layna a 5 percent chance at survival.

There were two points, however, that doctors did not factor into the equation. Point one, Layna was born into a close-knit family with a long line of prayer warriors, and point two, that newborn baby girl was a fighter. Although Baby Layna had not yet become an official “horse girl,” perhaps that was the kind of power author Peggy Orenstein had in mind.

Because her undeveloped lungs could not provide sufficient oxygen, Layna became a candidate for ECMO, a blood oxygenating system that ultimately saved her life. Surgeons corrected the diaphragmatic hernia, and for a time she had to be fed through a port in her stomach. Through the medical procedures, prayer, and Baby Layna’s will to survive, she made a complete recovery.

Her doctors’ only concern was that later in life, as Layna grew, she would need another surgery to replace the hernia patch. But the doctors were wrong. Layna developed normally, she did well in school, and had no more problems from the congenital defect.

When she was nine years old, Layna became interested in barrel racing. Soon, she began participating in local and state barrel racing competitions. In 2007, Layna qualified to compete with her barrel horse Blended Bay “BB” in the NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) Youth World Championships in Jackson, Mississippi.

During her junior year at Durant High School, Layna started working part-time at Panera Bread in Bloomingdale. Her work continued into the summer of 2010. On the afternoon of July 4, employees were cleaning ovens, getting ready for the holiday evening. Suddenly, Layna’s vision blurred, and she felt herself coming down with the most painful headache she had ever had. Although migraine headaches are common on the Hinson side of her family, Layna had never had a migraine herself. Throughout the following week Layna and

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her mother April visited several specialists, all of whom treated her symptoms as a migraine.

On the following Thursday afternoon, Layna suddenly started having a seizure. She had never had a seizure before. At this point, April knew something was desperately wrong, and Layna was rushed to Tampa General Hospital. Tests and scans eventually revealed that Layna had suffered a stroke, a strange occurrence for a slender healthy girl of eighteen. Because the stroke was in her right occipital lobe, Layna lost her left peripheral vision and suffered paralysis of her left leg. To make matters worse, medication appeared to have no effect on her symptoms, and additional tests revealed nothing that would cause a stroke.

Physical therapy, however, did help Layna learn to walk again.

Three months later, Layna’s symptoms presented once again.

This episode, however, produced a stroke in the left occipital lobe, leaving Layna totally blind with paralysis in both legs and her right arm.

Doctors began to suspect that Layna might be suffering from a rare incurable genetic disorder called MELAS. Although the family was relieved when the test results came back negative, it meant they were back at square one. Dr. Dan Riggs, a member of Layna’s medical team at TGH, while researching the possibility of sending Layna to an alternate neurological medical center, discovered that Dr. John Shoffner, the primary research specialist of mitochondrial diseases, was practicing in Atlanta.

Dr. Shoffner agreed to accept

Photo by: Nancy Simms, Tampa Propeller Club As a longtime Florida business, CF Industries has a legacy of community involvement. CF supports learning opportunities, and promotes student interest in science. CF Industries is a proud supporter of the Glazer Children’s Museum, helping to bring great exhibits to local children and families.

Located in downtown Tampa, the Glazer Children’s Museum is a non‐profit creative educational and cultural environment where children go to play, discover, and connect with world around them. It features hands‐on, interactive and role‐playing exhibits for children, providing a direct learning experience. One engaging exhibit (pictured above) is Kids Port: a real working port. Kids Port is a huge water table where children can explore activities from navigating through shipping channel to loading and unloading cargo, showing the importance of how water moves.

CF Industries is proud to partner with the Glazer Children’s Museum!

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56 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 57

Layna as a patient, and in early December of 2010 the decision was made to Medevac her from TGH to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Layna underwent a spinal tap and muscle biopsy to recover tissue for further genetic testing. Results revealed that Layna was suffering from an incurable genetic disease in the mitochondrial family. Because mitochondrial disorders are so rare and so complex, many of them go undetected and remain nameless because they are unique to certain gene pools. Layna’s particular disorder is known as polymerase gamma.

At this point there are no black and white answers. Only a handful of physicians in the entire United States have any understanding or experience with this classification of diseases, and Layna’s doctor is the authority.

There are no prescription medications in existence for treating these rare genetic conditions. They can only be treated with a cocktail of natural supplements in prescribed doses. Layna’s mother April says, “We can only calm the lack of energy-producing cells to try to level out her symptoms.” Because these natural supplements are not prescription drugs, they are not covered by medical insurance.

Layna remained at Scottish Rite though mid-January. The blindness induced by her second stroke lasted a month and a half.

Neurologists had warned that any vision loss that lasted more than ten days would more than likely become permanent. Again, they had not taken into account Layna’s fighting spirit, a praying family, and the power of God. Miraculously, Layna’s vision has now been restored, and she can walk without assistance.

During this difficult time God gave the family a powerful scripture to hold onto: I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done. Psalm 118:17 (GNT). The operative word in this translation that seems to provide the most strength is the conjunctive adverb “instead,” because it insists on not the former, but the latter. This declaration by the psalmist David makes a statement that speaks as powerfully today as when it was written.

Throughout her hospital stays at TGH and Scottish Rite, all Layna talked about was getting back on her horse and attending the Strawberry Festival. In true Layna fashion, both dreams have come true. She is back to riding, able to bridle and saddle her Papa’s horse Rose without assistance. And thanks to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Layna had an amazing memorable time at this year’s festival. The highlight of the week was the night she got to meet country recording artist Chris Young in person and attend the evening concert. Queen Victoria Watkins and court included Layna in the concert encore at stagefront, and later deputies escorted her around the festival grounds like royalty.

In spite of the way the events of the past year have impacted Layna’s senior year of high school, she is earning her remaining credits with her TGH teacher and will graduate and walk with the Durant High School class of 2011. Layna plans to pursue some type of social work in the future. She wants to help kids in the hospital who have all types of medical challenges because she has been where they are and can encourage them in her own unique way.

Layna and family wish to thank their many friends and family members who have provided immeasurable support during this challenging time, as well as TGH Pediatrics, Bill’s Prescription Center, Carla Hood for scheduling family dinners on therapy days, and Layna’s TGH teacher Mr. Gary Lundgren who has become her “doctor,” counselor, role model, and dear friend.

If anyone can beat this disease, Layna can. Her positive outlook, childlike faith, and fighting spirit will carry her through.

She maintains that God did not spare her life at birth for no reason. In a recent Facebook post Layna wrote, “I’m so thankful to be able to wake up every morning and feel so free to walk around knowing and believing I’m getting better each day! I thank God every day!”

Whatever the future holds for Layna, there is no doubt this “horsegirl” will live and proclaim what the Lord has done . . . instead!

Mobility Is Everything Arthritis, Joints and the Aging Body Scott E. Goldsmith, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Thursday, April 21, 6pm Courtyard Tampa Brandon 10152 Palm River Road, Tampa

Join orthopedic surgeon Scott Goldsmith, MD, at an informative seminar to find out about new treatments and surgical techniques for arthritis and knee/hip joint surgical repairs. Dr. Goldsmith will provide valuable information about these subjects including: • Symptoms and development of arthritis • Screening guidelines • Diagnosis and treatment • Treatment and surgical options A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve your space: (813) 402-2344 or MobilityIsEverything.org An account to assist with Layna’s uncovered medical expenses has been opened at Regions Bank. Contributions may be sent to: Love for Layna c/o Ellen Weidmann 9440 River Lake Drive Roswell, GA 30075 58 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 59

Extension Offers Broad and Diverse Resources to Help Comply with New Federal Dietary Guidelines

by Jim Frankowiak Hillsborough County residents interested in learning how to comply with the recently released federal 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have a range of resources available through the University of Florida IFAS Hillsborough County Extension office.

Released at the end of January, the guidelines are the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. The guidelines are updated and released every five years.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, announced the new guidelines jointly.

“The new guidelines are being released at a time when the majority of adults and one in three children is overweight or obese and this is a crisis that we can no longer ignore,” said Secretary Vilsack. “These new and improved dietary recommendations give individuals the information to make thoughtful choice of healthier foods in the right portions and to complement those choices with physical activity. The bottom line is that most Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce the risk of developing diet-related chronic disease. Improving our eating habits is not only good for every individual and family, but also for our country.”

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include 23 Key Recommendations for the general public and six additional Key Recommendations for specific population groups, such as women who are pregnant. These recommendations are the most important messages within the Guidelines in terms of their implications for improving public health. Additional advice and tools, including a next generation Food Pyramid, will soon be released.

Some of the tips that will be provided to help consumers blend the new guidelines into their daily lives are: • Enjoy your food, but eat less • Avoid oversized portions • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk • Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals and choose the foods with lower numbers • Drink water instead of sugary drinks The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are available at www.dietaryguidelines.gov with added information at www. health.gov/dietaryguidelines and www.healthfinder.gov/prevention.

Hillsborough County residents have a great deal of diet

60 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

and nutrition information that is available online at http://hillsborough.extension.ufl. edu. Diet and nutrition topics literally run the gamut in articles from A to Z and each is easily downloaded from the web. The site also offers an online gateway to EDIS, a collection of research-based publications on a range of topics including food and nutrition. Among topics covered in available articles are: • Adjusting Your Appetite • Baking with Sugar Substitute • New Dietary Guidelines • Exercise • Fruits and Veggies, More Matters • Get Rid of Sodium • Healthy Meals in a Few Minutes • Meat and Heart Health • Nutty Way to Lower Cholesterol • Plant Based Diet • Low Carb Potatoes • Lower the Salt • Sugar and Health • Trans Fats • Vegetables Help Lower Blood Pressure • and many other topics.

Those unable to access the Web, may visit the Extension Office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Office hours are 8 – 5 Monday through Friday. Copies of articles are available at no charge.

County residents may also sign up for Nutrition for Parents newsletters that are available in both English and Spanish.

The newsletters are free. To subscribe, visit the website: http:// hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu. Select food, nutrition and health on the left side of the landing page, once on that page under the child care and nutrition topic on the left, visitors can select the current newsletter, the teacher newsletter or the parent newsletter in either English or Spanish. You can also sign up to receive the newsletter by email. Archived newsletter editions by topic can be accessed by selecting the A-Z Food, Health and Nutrition Publications option.

Extension is also holding an Open House Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what Extension can do for them with seminars, demonstrations, youth activities, guided tours and free publications.

For additional information, visit http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu or call 813/744-5519 during normal business hours.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 61

Congratulations

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62 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 63

HAUGHT FUNERAL HOME Serving Plant City and East Hillsborough County

813-717-9300

708 W. Dr. M.L. King Jr. Blvd. • Plant City Fl. 33563

TIM & JO HAUGHT For 10 years Haught Funeral Home has been assisting families during their loss of a loved one with interment in these area cemeteries: Antioch Bethlehem Hopewell Memorial Gardens Hopewell Church Cemetary Pelote

The Great Hogzilla Caper

by Mark Cook

Sometimes you have to let the statute of limitations run out before you write a story. This is one of those. Anti-hunters and pig lovers might want to skip this story.

It

was a Saturday afternoon spring day many years ago and as usual I was thinking about fishing. My uncle, who is also my first cousin, (don’t ask) owned a 60 acre orange grove with a small irrigation pond on it. It was loaded with small bass and bluegill and was usually a guarantee of catching a few fish. I called my cousin Eddie and asked if he wanted to go along. After coming up with every excuse he could think of, I finally talked him into coming along. I’m pretty sure he still regrets the decision.

The pond is in the far eastern part of the county and is near the headwaters to the north prong of the Alafia River and with that said I always took my shotgun along in case of any dangers, like

64 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

Oaklawn Memorial Park Mt. Enon Springhead Shiloh

Haught Funeral Home is family owned and operated. Timothy J. Haught has been a licensed Funeral Director since 1973 and a resident of Plant City since 1952.

Tim is married to Jo Carpenter who is a native of Plant City.

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gators (the actual reptile and fans of the football team), homeless people or the Alafia Swamp Monster. As we made our way through the maze of orange trees the aroma of orange blossoms were stinging our nose. We pulled around to the east side of the pond that sloped down. Not trusting the parking brake of my old Mazda 4x4 I parked 50 or 60 feet from the shoreline. Not spotting any homeless, gators, or skunk apes we got out and grabbed our rod and reels from the bed of the truck. As we made our way towards the bank we both stopped in our tracks. Standing and drinking from the edges of the water was the largest boar hog I had ever seen with 6-inch tusks. He looked back at us and I swear he smiled at us and was wagging his tail. Assured in

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Accepted

by Most Motor Clubs

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 65

my mind this was a rabid menace of a beast I knew we must protect society and the community from this creature. I looked at Eddie and asked him what I should do.

“Shoot the sucker,” he replied.

I eased back to the truck and carefully got my 12 gauge out and loaded the single shot barrel with a shell. Eddie kept an eye on the creature and I stalked through the high grass to get in position.

The mammoth beast had turned towards us and I was convinced he was getting ready to charge at any second. With my head spinning I slowly pulled the trigger, knowing if I missed we were done for, as I wouldn’t have time to reload. The recoil sent a pain through my shoulder and when the smoke cleared we saw the pig lying on its side. Right behind the ear, great shot, I said to myself! Eddie and I went down to where he lay and took a look. The menacing 300-pound boar was actually about a 75 pounder.

“Where were the tusks?” I thought to myself.

We hoisted the pig up with a rope over a tree limb and slit its throat to let it bleed. Since we were already at the fishing hole we decided to make a few casts. Right off the bat a nice two-pound bass. Dang I thought to myself, I am the ultimate outdoorsman! We caught a few more fish and as we were fishing Eddie looked over at me and asked me a question.

“Why didn’t that hog try and run? He didn’t even seem scared of us one bit. And what was he doing out drinking in the middle of the day instead of hiding in the woods?”

Questions for heaven I told him. All I knew is I had killed my first hog with one shot and had three bass in the bucket. Heck I deserved my own television show.

We decided it was time to head towards home and dress him out. (Long flowing evening gown was

66 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

my first choice, Eddie said no) as we pulled into Eddie’s back yard he went inside to go get his Dad, my Uncle Bruce. He came out and saw the hog and told us where to hang him and went in to get the knives. We asked him where our other cousin was (which must go unnamed) who lived next door.

Uncle Bruce said he wasn’t sure but he was taking a pet pig somewhere to let him loose in the woods.

Now I’m not sure if you know what I mean, but have you ever seen a television show when everything starts to go in slow motion and music starts playing. I’m pretty sure that’s what happened as Eddie and I both turned to each other and yelled NOOOO! It couldn’t be, we said, what were the odds? Soon we noticed our cousin was home and we walked inside and called him and asked him to run to the store for several bags of ice that we would soon need. He didn’t ask why we needed them, which relieved us. About 15 minutes later as the pig was being skinned the “unnamed” cousin came pulling around with the ice. He began yelling before he shut off his truck. As he got out stumbling clutching his chest I could make out certain words. Some rhymed with “gamn” “rich” and “bass”…he wasn’t talking about our fish either.

The one thing I did make out was, “You shot Petunia, you shot Petunia!”

Our worst fears were realized. Not only was this not a man-eating hogzilla it was a friendly pet.

Ouch. After said unnamed cousin was fed three Bud Lights (for medicinal purposes) he finally calmed down and was able to talk. The story went that a friend at work had a pig but couldn’t keep it living in the city but couldn’t bear to butcher it so he gave it to my cousin who already had three of his own. My cousin, not wanting to raise a fourth, decided to return it to the wild.

“Heck I’m pretty sure he was happy to see you when y’all pulled up, probably thought you were there to pick him back up,” unnamed cousin said still trembling. I decided not to mention the wagging tail. “He would have hopped back in the truck if you would have put your tailgate down.’’

Over the years the story of Petunia has been told and retold so many times I hardly recognize it.

I have heard it told where Petunia was a show pig.

I have heard another version that he was a potbellied pig that ran races at the Strawberry Festival.

The story has even got so far out of hand that some say he was a juggling, talking pig that used to have his own TV show. All I know is, it was the first and last pig I have or will shoot. People ask me all the time how I could have eaten him knowing the story.

Easy I say, he was dead. I was taught not to waste food and you eat what you kill. Sometimes people also ask me also what he tasted like, knowing the story. That’s kind of a tough one (pun intended).

He tasted like chicken.

Mark Cook, outdoor writer for the Tampa Tribune, writes business stories and a monthly column for In the Field Magazine. He welcomes comments and story ideas and can be reached at mark@inthefieldmagazine.com or 813-846-9277.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 67

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 69

Cow/Calf Best Management Practices Field Day

Why Do We Need Commercial Fertilizers?

Barthle Brothers Ranch Dade City, Florida

by Jim Frankowiak The answer is on your plate every time you sit down for a meal.

The nutrients that are essential for human growth are also necessary for the growth of fruits and vegetables. In humans, we say an apple a day keeps the doctor away – a reference to the nutrients contained in the apple. In plants, the “apple” that provides the nutrients to sustain growth and health are contained in fertilizer.

Specifically, that means nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, elements that occur naturally in the environment. These are critical to the growth, development and health of plants and have a direct bearing on food quality and health attributes that are important for human nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at these three nutrients and the important roles each plays to assure healthy plant life: • Nitrogen comes from the air and is the primary building block for all life. The air we breathe is about 78 percent nitrogen, but there are very few plants that can make direct use of nitrogen in the air.

To make this nitrogen available to support life, nitrogen from the atmosphere must be converted into a form plants can easily use.

• Phosphorous is present in all living cells and is essential to all forms of life. It is the second most abundant of all of the mineral nutrients contained in our bodies, and while it can be found in every cell, nearly 80 percent is concentrated in our teeth and bones. Phosphorus also provides the energy that plants need to grow. It is involved in seed germination and efficient water use. Plants need phosphorus to stimulate root development and flowering, and to help to prevent disease and stress We make phosphorus available to growing crops in the form of phosphate fertilizers. The source of phosphorus in fertilizer is fossilized remains of ancient marine life found in rock deposits in North America and North Africa, and from volcanic activity in China. CF Industries mines phosphate rock in Hardee County, one of the few places in the country with rich deposits of phosphorous. The manufacturing process combines phosphate rock from these natural geological deposits with sulfuric acid to produce a concentrated phosphorus solution.

The United States is the world’s largest exporter of phosphate. The most common phosphorus products are Triple Superphosphate, Monammonium Phosphate and Diammonium Phosphate, according to The Fertilizer Institute.

• Potassium is essential to the workings of every living cell. It plays an important role in plant’s water utilization and also helps regulate the rate of photosynthesis. Other

70 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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April 28, 2011

aspects of plant health influenced by potassium include the growth of strong stalks, protection from extreme temperatures and the ability to fight stress and pests such as weeds and insects. It also contributes to making the food we buy fresh. Fertilizer producers mine potassium from naturally occurring ore deposits that were formed when seas and oceans evaporated. Through the manufacturing process, they produce potash fertilizers.

How Commercial Fertilizers Help Feed a Growing World Over each growing season, crops deplete the soil of nutrients.

If farmers weren’t able to restore the fertility of their soil after each harvest, most of the world’s land would have to be devoted to farming simply to keep up with the growing population. In the next 25 years, global population will grow from just over 6 billion to approximately 7.5 billion. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations estimates food demand will be 60 per cent higher in 2030 than today with 85 percent of that demand coming from developing countries. According to the Nutrients for Life Foundation, good science, modern fertilizing techniques and best management practices enable today’s farmers to use significantly less land while feeding twice as many people as they did 50 years ago.

The late Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug noted, “Without commercial fertilizer, we have 2 billion more people than the world can sustain. The problem is, I don’t see 2 billion volunteers willing to disappear.”

So, plants like humans need a steady supply of nutrients to maintain life and health. This is why it’s so important for farmers to use the right fertilizer at the right time and right place to produce food in a sustainable manner.

In our part of Florida, we are fortunate to have one of the world’s most abundant sources of phosphorous. The Florida phosphate industry produces 75 percent of the phosphate fertilizer used in the United States and meets 25 percent of the demand of the rest of the world. CF Industries’ Florida Region operations’ focus is specific to the production of phosphate fertilizer and its Plant City manufacturing complex alone produces approximately 2.1 million tons of phosphate fertilizer products.

It is also important to recognize the importance of the domestic location of those natural resources and manufacturing capabilities relative to our food supply. If we depended upon foreign sources for fertilizer as we do for crude oil, we likely would have experienced similar significant price increases for these commodities. However, thanks to the continuing efforts of CF Industries and others in the phosphate industry the availability and price of that “apple a day” will not become a major challenge.

For more information on the importance of fertilizer and how it impacts our lives, visit The Fertilizer Institute (www.tfi.org) or The Nutrients for Life Foundation (www.nutrientsforlife.org).

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

10:00am - 2:00pm

Welcome Larry Barthle, Barthle Brothers Ranch Ron Oakley SWFWMD Governing Board Chairman Schedule of Events Best Management Practices Manual Overview Jemy Hinton, UF/IFAS; Jessica Stempien, FDACS Soil Fertility Management for Forage Crops Dr. Maria Silveira, UF/IFAS EPA Numerica Water Quality Standards Staci Braswell, Florida Farm Bureau BMP Implementation Tour Lunch provided by: Citrus, Pasco & Cattlemen and Citrus/Hernando, Hillsborough & Pasco Farm Bureaus Please RSVP to (352) 518-0156 or edjennin@ufl.edu by April 25th.

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 71

A Closer Look: Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera)

A Closer Look:

Kennco Manufacturing, Inc.

Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera)

By Sean Green

Home Protection Pest Control

Photo Credit April Wietrecki Grasshoppers are one of the first insects many of us became familiar with as children. They are used in children’s stories such as The Ant and the Grasshopper (Aesop), to teach values to our children. The grasshopper Wilbur was one of the earliest Disney characters created and accompanied Goofy in his first solo appearance in 1939. For some of us, grasshoppers were among the first animals we could chase around and capture without fear of personal injury. There is an estimated 11,000 species of grasshopper worldwide, however, Florida is nearly the exclusive home to the Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera). A closer look at this fascinating species will reveal the characteristics that set it apart from more common grasshoppers.

Lubbers are members of the Romaleidae family of short-horned, tropical grasshoppers, and include species that are recognized as being among the largest grasshoppers in the world. Most species are found in Central and South America, however, the Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera), is common to Florida. The common name Lubber comes from the Middle English word lobre, which means lazy, a fitting name for its apparent lack of energy. The Eastern Lubber cannot fly to escape danger like other grasshoppers can, though it has wings, its wings are more for display than function. A lubber’s primary means of travel is walking and even then it is at a very slow pace. The lubber would be an easy target for predators were it not for the formidable defense mechanisms that characterize this species. One of the most obvious strategies is the lubber’s color pattern. Dangerous animals often display certain colors, typically Red, Black and Yellow to warn predators away. Consider the Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius), related to the cobra, or the infamous Black Widows (Latrodectus), even wasps, bees and hornets sport these colors as a warning. Animals (including humans) have evolved to associate these colors with danger and respond accordingly when these colors are seen. When threatened, the adult lubber opens its wings to display its hot pink and black coloration in an attempt to scare the predator off.

If the color pattern does not discourage an attack, the Eastern Lubber has a chemical arsenal that effectively makes it too toxic for most predators. Some small animals such as birds die after eating a lubber. Larger animals such as opossums are known

to become violently ill for several hours after eating a lubber. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats are similarly in danger of getting sick if they eat a lubber. There is one bird that does overcome the lubber’s defense mechanisms, it is the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). This species has a unique feeding habit that consists of impaling its prey onto thorn bushes or barbed wire and is known to impale lubbers for a couple of days giving the toxins some time to break down, and returning to eat only the head and abdomen and leaving the thorax (middle section) that contains the poison glands impaled and uneaten. The potent toxins that make the lubber so undesirable come from its diet. Although a lubber will feed on any green vegetation available to survive, its natural diet is predominately members of the lily family (Liliaceae) such as swamp lily (Crinum americanum) and spider lily (Hymenocallis caroliana). Members of the lily family produce toxic compounds that protect the plant from being consumed by herbivores. The lubber is not affected by these compounds and actually stores the toxins they ingest from the lily for their own defense.

Lubbers share the practice of regurgitating a dark brown liquid commonly called tobacco spit, which is actually partially digested plant material that contains mildly toxic compounds that were stored in the crop region of the insect. The crop serves as a pre-stomach in much the same way as the recticulorumen in cows. The more potent compounds are produced in the thorax (middle) of a lubber and are a mixture of toxins and irritants that are released as a last resort, often with a loud hissing sound. Lubber’s natural habitat is in the open Pine Flatwoods that are common in our local park systems, but can also be found in roadside and citrus ditches. Clusters of jet black, early instar nymphs sporting a bright yellow racing stripe were a common site at the end of last month during some of my hiking trips. As these young lubbers mature they will develop yellow, brown and dark red markings closer to that of their adult stage, their forewings will develop a pink tinge and the underlying hind wings will become hot pink. When they are fully developed in the summertime the lubber will have grown to an impressive four or five inches long and be extremely colorful.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 73

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Naturally Amazing Activities PET LUBBERS

by Sean Green photo by April Wietrecki

Of all the grasshoppers that can serve as an interesting pet, the Southeastern Lubber (Romalea microptera) is probably the best choice. It does not fly at all, it is slow moving, does not bite, and is one of the more colorful species one could hope to observe. This species is easy to keep alive and it is a native of Florida. New hatchlings began emerging a few weeks ago and can been seen in clusters in parks, roadside ditches, and probably in your own back yard. If care is taken, this species will easily live out its natural life of eight or nine months and if conditions are ideal, it may live longer.

This month we will create a habitat for a Lubber (or any grasshopper). Its needs are simple, it needs soil to lay eggs in, it needs food, moisture, and a warm environment.

Grasshoppers need room to move around if there will be more than one grasshopper in a tank, use at least a 5 gallon tank, a standard 10 gallon would be ideal for breeding.

Sprinkle grass seeds, and other vegetation seeds into the soil allowing growth before adding the grasshopper. Live plants can be added but growing the plants from seeds will reduce the chance of introducing insects and parasites that may be living in a mature plant from the wild. Add clean rocks the grasshoppers can use to help them molt.

Mist the soil to keep it moist but not wet. Allow the vegetation to grow before adding the grasshopper. Grasshoppers get their water from the plants they eat but will also drink the droplets left on the side of the aquarium. There is no need to add a water dish, uncirculated water will attract mold and bacteria that create an environmental hazard for the grasshopper.

The tank should be placed near a window so both the live plants and grasshopper will get at least eight hours of sunlight.

Materials:

The grasshoppers are opportunistic eaters and will eat any vegetation available if their preferred food (lilies) is not available. The grasses and small plants will be a constant source of food for them. In addition to the live plants you have provided, you can supplement their diet with small portions of romaine lettuce, fish flakes, dry dog food, carrots, wheat, or even store bought cricket food. Young grasshoppers may not have the jaw strength to eat the harder food like carrots or dog food and will be restricted to soft vegetation until they mature.

• • •

• • •

5 or 10 gallon aquarium with a screen top Potting Soil Vegetation (Grass seed and any ground cover or small woody plant that will not grow taller than the tank) * Under the tank style reptile heating pad Drainage substrate (cotton batting or fish tank pebbles) Clean Rocks (boil for 20 minutes if taken from the wild)

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Tank Preparation:

Attach a small reptile heating pad to the underside of a glass aquarium to provide the grasshopper with a means to regulate its own temperature. It is important to provide heat to the grasshopper. Failure to do so will result in the growth of fungi that will kill the grasshopper. Ideally, the tank should be kept at temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Create a drainage layer about one inch thick on the inside bottom of the tank with either a cotton batting that can be purchased from a fabric store or aquarium pebbles. This will provide a reservoir for excess water that will be wicked back up into the soil when needed.

Cover the drainage layer with about six inches of store bought potting soil. Soil from nature will contain microorganisms and mites that the grasshopper cannot escape from in captivity.

74 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 75

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science The Florida sweet onion is a juicy, delicious springtime treat. At its peak now, sweet onions have a limited season of a few months, so enjoy them now while you can. A member of the allium family, along with garlic and shallots, onions are high in vitamins, minerals, and a host of nutrition-boosting compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Some of these compounds may help combat heart disease, strokes, and cancer, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Compared with storage onions, sweet onions have a higher water content and a lower sulfur content, making them less pungent, less tear-producing, and more easily digestible. They are delicious eaten raw or cooked, unlike storage onions, which are mainly eaten cooked.

Sweet onions in Florida are sometimes grown around the perimeter of strawberry fields as a natural way to deter pests. Sometimes called “strawberry onions” these onions tend to exceptionally sweet and mild.

According to the USDA, U.S. farmers harvested 148,560 acres of onions in 2009, producing more than 7.4 billion pounds of onions.

Onions are one of the three largest crops in the country, along with lettuce and watermelon.

Nutritional Profile

Florida sweet onions are low in calories and have no fat, sodium or cholesterol. They contain a myriad of active compounds that may help ward off cancer, heart disease, high blood glucose, and strokes.

Onions may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and support the immune system. Like garlic and other alliums, onions have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw, chopped onion (160 g) contains 60 calories, 1.9 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 13.8 g carbohydrate, and 2.9 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 20.7 percent of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for chromium, 17 percent for vitamin C, 11.5 percent for dietary fiber, 11 percent for manganese, 10.7 percent for molybdenum, 9.5 percent for vitamin B6, 7.2 percent for potassium, and plentiful amounts of other B vitamins, as well as magnesium, calcium, iron, and iodine.

Phytonutrients Fight Disease

Onions contain high levels of different phytonutrients, organic compounds in plants that may boost health. Among the phytonutrients, flavonoids (especially quercetin), are plentiful in onions, and are mainly concentrated in the outer layers of the flesh. The quercetin in onions is better absorbed than that from other sources, such as apples.

Studies have shown that quercetin protects against cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Onions have very high levels of these disease-fighting compounds, putting it alongside other veggie superstars such as broccoli, parsley, and shallots. As with most other nutrients, eating whole vegetables yields more benefit than taking supplements.

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that acts to block the formation of cancer cells. Several servings per week of onions may lower the risk of colorectal, laryngeal, ovarian cancer. Oral and esophageal cancer may also be decreased by high onion consumption.

Healthy Heart

Onions are very flavorful, thanks to their sulfur compounds.

These compounds pack a big health punch as well. They may help prevent clumping of platelet cells in the blood because they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity. Additionally, these sulfur compounds may play a role in lowering blood pressure cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All of these benefits translate into a healthier heart.

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Strong Bones

Sweet Onions

Some human research studies suggest that eating onions can help increase bone density, which is particularly important for postmenopausal women. This bone benefit may be related to the high sulfur content in onions, since many of the body’s connective tissue components require sulfur for their formation.

Lower Inflammation

Onions, along with other alliums, provide important anti-inflammatory benefits. Quercetin, an important anti-oxidant, provides anti-inflammatory benefits by preventing the oxidation of fatty acids in the body. Lower levels of oxidized fatty acids translates into fewer pro-inflammatory molecules, keeping the level of inflammation lower.

Other Health Benefits

Onions may help reduce asthma attacks and fight off bacteria and viruses. Quercetin, found in high levels in onions, may have antibacterial properties. Some studies have shown onions may help fight the effects of Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria commonly involved in the production of tooth cavities.

Onions also contain high levels of vitamin C and chromium. One serving of onions contains over 20 percent of your daily needs of chromium. This essential mineral helps cells respond to insulin, which is necessary for healthy blood glucose control and balance. Chromium is also used in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by the body. It may also help control fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.

How to Select and Store

Choose sweet onions that have light golden brown skin that is shiny and uniform and free of sprouts, soft spots, or bruises. Store in a cool dry place with good air circulation or in the refrigerator. Generally, sweet onions can be stored for up to four to six weeks. Once cut, onions should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to a week. While sweet onions can also be frozen, their texture changes, so frozen onions are best used cooked.

Sweet onions cause fewer tears than most other types of onions.

You can still minimize tears by chilling onions prior to slicing or running cold water over the onion while slicing.

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Enjoy Sweet Onions

There are countless ways to enjoy Florida sweet onions. They may be eaten raw, sliced, sautéed, fried, or even pickled. Although commonly used in sandwiches and salads, onions can be used in a variety of dishes in many different cuisines.

• More ways to enjoy onions: • Sauté in butter over low heat to make caramelized onions • Mince and mix with herbs to create a crust for roasted meats • Cut thick slices and grill for a smoky flavor • Mince and add to salad dressings, dips, or cream cheese • Make stuffed onions. Stuff whole onions with rice and spices and bake • Dice and add to egg omelets and stir-fries • Sauté with bell peppers, or with celery and carrots in a mirepoix to flavor dishes • Dice and add to salsas, pasta sauce, and other sauces Enjoy the crisp, juicy flavor of Florida sweet onions today.

Selected References

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.onions-usa.org http://www.whfoods.com

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My View From The Saddle

by Dry Creek America’s First Frontier creator Les Mc Dowell What a great time Dry Creek had at the Florida State Fair this year. We were asked to be a major part of the Agriculture Hall Of Fame display. So as you walked into the Hall Of Fame building there was Dry Creek up on a big TV set. We filmed a segment from the Dry Creek set in Parrish, Florida, using the cast of Dry Creek. We welcomed Fair goers into the Agriculture Hall Of Fame building and pointed out many things they would see there.

Then the cast of Dry Creek spent one afternoon meeting and greeting folks and entertaining the crowd. What a great day.

We all walked away from this with a whole different understanding of Florida History and Agriculture in Florida. I must admit I walked away with a sense of pride. Being raised in Southern California, I thought Florida was just Disney World and Universal Studios. It’s sad but that is how the rest of America still sees us.

The truth is that Florida Agriculture is the main money maker in the great state of Florida. Boy were my eyes opened!

It all started a few months ago when I was traveling toward Orlando on Interstate Four and looked over at a lone man riding a horse gathering cattle in a field. From the fast lane and just seconds to see him before I zoomed past I felt a tug at my heart. My heart said, “He is what Florida is all about”. I saw in just a quick few seconds a Cow Hunter. That Cracker horse he rode goes back to the early 1500’s and his blood was here way before any other horse came to America. Stories of Bone Mizell the colorful Cow Hunter flooded my mind. My heart said, “This story has to be told.”

So comes the second season of Dry Creek. Only this year the true real Florida story will be told. So was born Dry Creek, America’s First Frontier. The first season we were on Dish Network with 14.3 million homes. In the second season, we will be on Dish and Direct Network with over 50 million homes. Stay tuned for channels and times in your area.

So if you find yourself zooming in the fast lane glance off to the disappearing fields. In those fields you’ll see the great men and women, horses and cattle, that is what Florida is really all about. I bet you’ll feel your chest filling with pride and a tug at your heart.

78 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Our Practice CORPORATE & BUSINESS LAW • Incorporations, Partnerships & LLCs • Acquisitions, Sales & Mergers • Employer & Employee Relations FAMILY LAW • Dissolution of Marriage • Alimony, Child Custody & Support • Adoptions ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE • Will & Trust Drafting • Probate & Administration of Estates • Guardianship Proceedings

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 79

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 81

Alderman’s Ford Park

Congratulations to Jamie Garcia who is the Manager of Florida Pacific Farms #8. On March 5, 2011, Jamie brought in the first flat of Blueberries for the 2011 Blueberry Season. Jamie said he is looking forward to a good season.

12880 Hwy. 92 E., Dover, FL 33527 • 813.659.4120 • 813.659.1584 Fax

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Tucked

on the banks of the Alafia River in eastern Hillsborough County is a jewel that surprisingly remains somewhat undiscovered by most county residents.

Alderman’s Ford Park, while not huge by some park standards, is a great example of Florida in it’s primitive and largely undisturbed state. From winding paved walking and biking paths to a large wooden boardwalk along the edge of the river, Alderman’s Ford is Florida at it’s finest.

82 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 83

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12’ ..................$115.00 16’ ..................$143.00 Wayne Rowe, park manager for over five years, is amazed by it’s beauty on a daily basis. “The fact that you can get just a mile or so away from a busy road and walk through the woods and not hear the roar of cars and listen to nature is what I really love about this job,” Rowe said.

Nature abounds at Alderman’s Ford. “We have a wide variety of wildlife and there is no telling what one might see, especially on an early morning walk through the park,” Rowe said. “I’ve seen deer, hogs, gophers, alligators and a Florida panther once. I didn’t have my camera so I wasn’t able to document it but I know what I saw regardless of what the skeptics might say. It’s always a thrill to take a walk and wonder what the day will bring as far as wildlife.”

Alderman’s Ford’s name came from an early settler James Alderman, who homesteaded the southern part of the river in 1848, cutting down the steep banks and creating a crossing. Alderman became the first white settler on record to enter the Indian Territory south of the Alafia River. Since the late 1800s the spot has been a popular recreation spot for local residents and also became the scene of many political rallies starting in 1902. For more than 60 years the Democratic Party of Hillsborough County used the area to begin their political campaigns.

In 1950, the site became an official Hillsborough County Park with the purchase of 360 acres. The park was enlarged to 596 acres in the late 70s and additional acreage was secured through the state’s ELAP program bringing the park to its current size of 1,141 acres.

Today the park is visited by thousands of visitors for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park has 11 covered picnic pavilions with barbeque grills that are available for par84 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

ties, reunions or just family picnics. Pavilions are available on a first come first serve basis or can be reserved in advance for a nominal fee.

“Something we are excited about is the conversion of our nature visitor center into a picnic area that will be air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter months,” Rowe said. “Due to budget cuts we lost the area to the live animals and reptiles but we are happy to have an area that will open soon for those that would like to come but have problems dealing with the heat or cold.”

Another part of Alderman’s Ford’s history is the canoe launch area. For over 100 years hundreds of thousands of canoes have been launched from the park’s tea colored waters for four-hour ride downstream to Lithia Springs. For years the launch was at the main park but 20 years ago a better and permanent launch was created just south of the park off of Thompson Road.

The paved walking paths are one of the parks biggest draws. Lithia resident Sue Ella Brogden loves the seclusion of the parks paths. “I have been walking there on and off for a few years with my son playing baseball at the park next door,” Brogden said. “I really enjoy the scenery and it is a great way to unwind after a stressful day of work while also getting good exercise.”

The park is open daily and at only $2.00 per vehicle it is one of the best values for family recreation around.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t had the chance to come see us to do so,” Rowe said. “We have park rangers on site all day and enjoy giving first time visitors a walk around the park sharing with them all we have to offer. If you want to see real Florida our park is a great place to do so.” www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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“Fancy Farms would like to say thanks to our broker Wish Farms for supporting the FSGA scholarship program. Our berries are #1. Thanks for supporting our stand.

Wishing you the berry best until next year.”

3838 Fancy Farms Rd. Plant City, FL 33566 (corner of Rice & County Line Rd.) Tel: 813.478.3486 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 85

Hillsboro BANK

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We stand ready to help you with all of your banking needs!

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86 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 87

Wishnatzki Farms Hires Darwin Reich to Direct its New California Operations

Wishnatzki Farms, a Florida-based grower-shipper, has hired Darwin Reich as Director of California Operations.

Reich will oversee Misty Ranch, the company’s joint venture with Berry Valley Farms in Salinas. He will also recruit independent growers in California who want to sell their crops through Wishnatzki’s marketing arm. And, he will look for opportunities for the company to own and operate acreage in California.

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“Establishing operations in California and hiring Darwin to lead them shows our serious commitment to providing high-quality produce year-round,” said Gary Wishnatzki, president of Wishnatzki Farms. “Initially, the Berry Valley deal will give us about 120 acres of produce to sell, but Darwin’s operational expertise and understanding of the California growing industry should help us expand our California production well beyond that. We’d like to increase by 50 percent a year for the next few years,” Wishnatzki said.

“I’m looking forward to helping Wish Farms achieve its goals in California,” Reich said. “It’s no surprise that Florida’s most successful grower-shipper would come to California in order to extend production beyond Florida’s growing season.

With California’s large growers offering year-round berries, it is a competitive necessity,” said Reich.

Reich was previously operations manager for NorCal Harvesting in Salinas. He can now be reached at darwin@ wishfarms.com.

ABOUT WISHNATZKI FARMS Wishnatzki Farms, the largest strawberry shipper/grower in Florida for over 50 years, is recognized nationally for quality and innovation. It represents more than 2,000 acres, and ships approximately 3.5 million flats of strawberries, 6 million pounds of blueberries and 1 million packages of vegetables a year. The company markets produce under the Wish Farms, Strawberry Joe and other labels. Wishnatzki Farms utilizes FreshQC® to ensure quality by tying consumer feedback to the harvest time, place and picker. Wishnatzki Farms is proud to continue its tradition of providing high quality produce since 1922.

88 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Through the leadership of our highly experienced bankers, we take value in the real relationships we form with our customers. As the oldest community bank in Hillsborough County, our high employee retention rate allows for a sense of familiarity and dependability. We understand that there are many fish in the sea, but at Platinum Bank we are confident that we’re the keepers.

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Durant FFA Sweetheart

Hillsborough Co. CattleWomen & Jr. Cattlemen Invite You

Spring Fling “Hoedown” The Home Place Barn 3740 McIntosh Rd. Dover, FL 33527 SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011 4 - 8 PM Make plans to join the Hillsborough County CattleWomen and Jr. Cattlemen’s Groups, as we host an Old Fashioned Hoedown! This event will be FUN for the entire family!! Your entry ticket will not only get you into the event, but will also include a delicious Beef Brisket Dinner, prepared by some of the best cooks around!

Your ticket will also get you entered into our door prize drawing, which will take place every hour on the stage!

The adults will be entertained by live music & vendors, which will be selling a wide range of products.

Kids will enjoy playing at the game & activity booths that will be on hand. Tickets and armbands will be available for purchase the night of the event, to give kids full access to all the fun!

• Land Clearing • Demolition • Drainage • Ditch and Pond Cleaning and Mowing • Mulching & Mowing of Heavy Underbrush • Free Estimates

Bus: 813-986-4242 Cell: 813-293-4242

Join Us For: • A delicious BEEF BRISKET dinner complete with sides & YUMMY strawberry shortcake!

• Live Music & Performances • An Outside Dance Floor • Craft & Specialty Vendors • GAMES, Activities & FUN for kids of ALL ages!!

• Door Prizes • Cake Walk • Bake Sale • Popcorn, Sno-Cones, Cotton Candy • Cattle display & MORE!!!

Cultivating America’s

crops and community values Community values are like crops: Their roots run deep. They must be cultivated, protected and, most of all, grown responsibly. At Mosaic, we know quite a bit about all three.

Presale tickets are available NOW at Harold’s Farm Supply (At the Corner of HWY 574 & McIntosh Rd.)

Jessi Rae Varnum, was crowned the 2011 Durant FFA Sweetheart. She is a 15-year-old freshman at Durant and is the current president of the J.F. St. Martin FFA chapter at Durant High School and the Parliamentary Procedure Team Chairman.

Over the past four years she has participated in parliamentary procedure and opening and closing ceremonies competitions, was the state winner in the extemporaneous public speaking competition and two time state winner in ornamental horticulture demonstrations. She also served as president of the Turkey Creek Middle School FFA Chapter.

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We provide American farmers with nutrients to grow the food we need. But our work doesn’t stop there. After mining the natural phosphate needed to make our products, we reclaim the land for recreational and environmental uses.

The same deep-rooted traditions shared by our community are values we champion every day.

If you would like to be a sponsor for our event or if you have questions, please call Stephanie Conrad 813-3938695 or email amsshorthorns@yahoo.com

A better Florida and a better world

Tickets will be available the day of the event: Adults $15 Kids (12 & under) $5

®

All earnings from this event will go toward supporting the Hillsborough County CattleWomen and Jr. Cattlemen’s Groups.

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www.mosaicfla.com

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 91

s ’ k c u h C

TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE

Complete Auto Care

Verna McKelvin, Manager

759-TIRE

The Hillsborough Soil & Water Conservation District The posters of the 1st place winners for the 2011 Poster Contest will be going on to compete with other counties in the state at the Annual Association of Florida Conservation District (AFCD) meeting.

The schools were broken down into three categories: K-1st, 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th grades. This year’s Poster Contest theme is “Forests for People: More than you can imagine!” We want to connect people to the forest whether they have one in their backyard, in their state or no forests at all. We all have a connection to the trees in the forest that provide wood for homes, furniture or cork for the center for our baseballs.

We can thank trees that help clean the air we breathe.

All 1st Place winners of each category received $25, a trophy and a ribbon. Jennifer Abbey, District Conservations for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services, presented the awards to the winners at each school.

right: om left to along Pictured fr – 1st Grade lsborough il H f o n y e m Kindergart , Advantage Acade CS, Plant City, FL z R Fabian Cru Abbey of USDA-N r e h if n n illsboroug FL with Je de emy of H d y, ra a it c G C A t rd e n g -3 2nd CS, Pla dvanta R A r, -N e A tl u D B S U Christina Abbey of h h Jennifer along wit along wit r y School e d ta n ra e G m le th 4th-5 y, FL ssrig E ckhard, E , Plant Cit Kristen Lo ey of USDA-NRCS bb Jennifer A

ALIGNMENTS • TUNE UPS • WHEEL BALANCING SHOCKS • BRAKES • COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS TRANSMISSION REPAIRS • NEW TIRES OIL & FILTER CHANGES • DIESEL REPAIR • A/C & MORE

Dedicated to Serving

Local Families

600 SOUTH COLLINS ST. • PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-759-8473 MON-FRI: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. chuckstire@verizon.net

the Fiel d Maga Picture zine, d is Sa mantha sophom Fe ore and membe rrell, berry C r of res mini lo t FFA with her Strawp, Man rabbit, go place ri bbon at , who won a 2n the 201 d Strawb 1 Fl err for prov y Festival. Th orida id anks youth r ing the trophie s for th abbit an e d poultr y shows .

92 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

“Our family” has been providing compassionate care for 115 years and we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services to you.

Wells Memorial Funeral Home is operated by people who live in the Plant City area, who are committed to providing the highest quality of service. And, as your neighbors, we are ready to help whenever you need us.

Exclusive provider of Dignity Memorial® benefits.

WELLS MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME

Dear In

Susan F errell

Familiar Faces

April 2011

1903 West Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563

(813) 752-1111

Robinson Elementary Loves Brandon Farms and A-1 Luxury Limousine!

Thank you Brandon Farms for sponsoring our Walk-a-thon winners with a scrumptious strawberry milk shake!

Thank you Mr. William Gonzalez for the limo ride!

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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BY CHUCK STRUTH

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www.WellsMemorial.com April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 93

Nine Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

Straight to You! Purchase New Parts From Our Web-site and we’ll drop ship directly to you! www.brandonauto.com Discount Coupon # Field 102005

Mangare bene per vivere bene.

ESPOSITO PIZZA

Eat well to live well.

since 1983

813-704-5971

fax: 813-704-5974

Fresh made pizza and full menu of classic Italian dishes.

ESPOSITO PIZZA Located in front of Lowes on James L Redman Parkway, Plant City

PALACE PIZZA Next to Highland City Publix Lakeland 863-709-8683

“We Are A FULL SERVICE Garage” GUARANTEED USED PARTS • Used and Re-built Transmission • Large selection of Used Tires • New and Used Glass Installed

2 Year Part Replacement & Labor Guarantee!

$2 00 OFF ANY FULL PIZZA

Auto Services Inc.

by Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent Hillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension For an easy-to-implement approach to create and maintain an attractive and healthy landscape that protects Florida’s natural resources, follow the nine steps listed below.

• Right Plant, Right Place – Select plants that require minimal amounts of water, fertilizer and pesticides. Consider soil type and pH, sun and shade, wet versus dry and mature size.

• Water Efficiently – Irrigate only when your lawn and landscape need water. Use a rain gauge to track rainfall.

Install a rain shut-off device which is required by law for all in-ground irrigation systems. Calibrate your inground system to apply ½ to ¾ inch of water per watering event.

Attend a Hillsborough County Extension microirrigation workshop to learn about this water conservation method for landscape beds.

• Fertilize Appropriately – Use time release fertilizer, and do not fertilize before a heavy rainfall. Use iron in the summer to green-up your lawn. You can order your personal copy of A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Florida-Friendly Fertilizing at: watermatters.org.

• Maximize Mulch – Maintain a two to three inch layer of mulch after it settles to retain soil moisture, prevent erosion and suppress weeds. Use organic mulches, such as Pine bark, Pine straw, Eucalyptus and Melaleuca (Punk tree). As mulch decomposes, organic material is added to your soil.

Create self-mulching areas under trees.

• Attract Wildlife – Plants that provide food, water and shelter are beneficial to Florida’s diverse wildlife. Vines, shrubs and trees provide cover/shelter, nesting areas and/or food.

94 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

3159 Hwy. 60 East • 3 miles east of Brandon •

•

•

Control Yard Pests Responsibly – Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms and the environment. Less than one percent of all insects are pests.

When we kill the bad bugs, we also eliminate good bugs.

Check your plants regularly. Avoid routine applications of pesticides and treat only affected areas. Use non-chemical approaches to pest control and/or environmentally-friendly pesticides.

Recycle – Convert kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich organic matter. Want more information about composting? Attend a Hillsborough County Extension Compost Happens Workshop and turn your kitchen and yard waste into garden treasure.

Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Sweep fertilizer, pesticides and grass clippings into your landscape and off your sidewalk and driveway to prevent nonpoint source pollution.

Create swales, terracing or rain gardens to catch, hold and filter stormwater. Direct downspouts and gutters onto plant beds or turfgrass. Use pervious surfaces in your landscapes. Attend a rain barrel workshop at the Hillsborough County Extension office and learn to harvest rainwater for landscape use.

• Protect the Waterfront – Remove invasive exotics. Establish a 10-20 foot “no fertilizer/no pesticide” zone along shoreline. Plant native aquatic vegetation in front of seawall or along shoreline. Eliminate sources of pollution and protect our natural treasure, Florida’s water bodies.

For horticultural assistance, contact Hillsborough County Extension, 7445519, or visit at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Our website which contains our calendar of events is located at: hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Exp: 5/15/11

Serving Brandon Since 1971

813.689.8131 • www.brandonauto.com

FERTILIZER • CROP PROTECTION • SEED Since 1943 • Walk-ins are Always Welcome

If your toilets look like this, we can help... call

Handy Can 863-519-5400

Layla Drawdy

Agriculture Sales

813-267-2246 D.C.#: 158*31*12301

Audie Ham

Ornamental Sales

813-478-5806 D.C.#: 158*17*4837

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5pm

3507 State Road 574 | Plant City, FL 33563 (main office) 813-752-8342 (fax) 813-757-2459 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 95

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The Hay Depot

Beast Feast & Auction

The Eighth Annual Beast Feast and Auction, hosted by the Florida FFA Foundation and held at the Florida Leadership Training Center in Haines City, was held March 26, 2011.

r Farm u O “From ur Barn” To Yo

Attendees enjoyed wild game and other foods and also had the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions and raffles.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Training Center and the FFA Foundation, Inc.

Pet Resort & Doggy Daycare

11 Sweet Pellets $ 45 7.

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1001 S. Alexander St.

Plant City, FL 33563 • 813-478-1654 96 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

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Call: (813) 754-PETS (7387)

1704 Walden Village Court, Plant City, FL 33566 April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 97

FOR SALE

4± Acres Prime Real Estate

$349,500

No Farmers No Food

1 st Place: Plan

t City High Sc

hool

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iddle Sc nd Place: Tomlin M 2

3 rd Place: Ma

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School

4-H and FFA students of East Hillsborough County are proud to show off their creativity as they decorate exhibit booths for their schools FFA chapter. Each FFA chapter decorates and exhibits a booth based on the theme of the 76th annual Florida Strawberry Festival, “Taste The Flavor Of Fun!” The Florida Strawberry Festival is proud to announce their berry special winners.

igh School

yH 4 Place: East Ba th

98 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

April 2011

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION Armwood High School Durant High School Brandon High School Turkey Creek

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4± Acres with 4BR/3BA, 2000± sf Home and 5000± sf Commercial Building (Just 1 mile north of I-4) Former Feed/Hardware Store and Residence 375’ Road Frontage on McIntosh Road • Zoned: CN (Commercial, Neighborhood) Retail Sales Space, Loading Dock, Hay Barns, Livestock Pens, a Pond, and more!

813-927-1933

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 99