In The Field Magazine - Hillsborough County December 2011

December 15, 2011–January 15, 2012 ®

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION Joey Gude

Covering What’s Growing

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1514 S. Alexander St. • S# 108, Plant City

From the Editor

Sarah Holt

December

®

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 2

®

Cover Story

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Joey Gude

Covering What’s Growing

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Sarah

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Joey Gude Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

When you are thinking of gift ideas for friends and family, don’t forget the gift of fresh fruit grown right here in Florida. It’s a delicious nutritious gift that is sure to please everyone.

As you enjoy the blinking lights, Christmas trees, stockings and gifts, please remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It isn’t a commercial enterprise to boost the bottom line of stores. The real reason is, as you read in Luke 2:11, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

When shopping for your Christmas meal, as for every meal, don’t forget to buy Fresh From Florida. And as you bow your head to give thanks, add the farmer and rancher. They often work from sunup to sundown, and many times don’t take a day off, allowing us to have the safest most abundant food supply in the world.

Those who choose to make a living in agriculture do it because they love it despite the hard work and sacrifices that go in to it. So whether it’s a steak on the grill, fresh strawberries or blueberries, or delicious bacon and eggs, our farmers and ranchers work hard so Florida can grow. We invite you to spend time reading the pages of In The Field magazine to get an inside look at the farmers and ranchers and their families, to learn more about them and all that they do to grow our food, and raise healthy livestock, all while preserving the land for future generations.

Be blessed,

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December 2011

Advertisers Index Business UpFront AgroFabrics

Fishing Hot Spots Captain Woody Gore

UF/IFAS Extension Florida Landscaping

Rocking Chair Chatter Al Berry

Grub Station Taste of Berlin

Florida Veggie Black Sapote

Bug

Christmas Tree Insects

Holiday Outing

Nights of Shimmering Lights

Publisher/Owner Karen Berry

Sales Manager Danny Crampton

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry

Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Kay Mullis

Office Manager Bob Hughens 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

December 2011

1

Did You Know?

Editor Patsy Berry

4

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Senior Managing Editor/Associate Publisher Sarah Holt

Numbers 6:25

50

December 15, 2011–January 15, 2012

Creative Director Amey Celoria

Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Mark Cook Ginny Mink

Designers Mona Jackson Contributing Writer Juan Carlos Alvarez Woody Gore Les McDowell

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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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU

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

Living Traditions of Christmases Past Christmas is a time of celebration, a time to reflect, and a time to hope. The Christmas season is filled with anticipation where the children long for the freedom that comes from school closures.

The adults look forward to family gatherings, sharing past events that bring a smile to the face and laughter to the party.

Our grandma, Marjorie Millsap (my wife’s mother), was one of those special women that brought joy to the Christmas season. She was a kind stoic woman, who generously gave of her time, love, and resources. A true southern lady with the grace, elegance, and etiquette that is so very rare today. A person of character and inner strength, one nurtured from hardships, yet never one to complain.

Ralph, her husband, had a debilitating stroke at the young age of 42 and she took on the role of his caregiver for the next 33 years until his passing in 2000. I never saw her get upset, angry, or complain about her life hardships.

Every Christmas morning for 38 years has found the family, children, grandchildren, great grand children, and spouses gathered around Grandma’s table. The aroma of bacon frying, cinnamon rolls baking, and corned beef hash in the oven all come to my senses as I reflect on Christmases past. The presents piled high under the evergreen, each person wondering which one’s theirs, as Grandma was most generous. These fond memories are now just that, memories. We will no longer gather at Grandma’s as we have for so many years, she passed away this last October.

The celebration in her case, some may call it a funeral, was a real tribute to a fine Christian woman and was held on October 18, 2011. Someone after the service mentioned to me that they were sad about “losing your mother-in-law,” while a thoughtful comment it was one that was surely incorrect.

Christmas in 2011 we, as a family, will again have breakfast and open presents at the grandparents. This time I’m the grandfather (aka Pops) and Alice (aka Mimi) is the grandmother.

It is hard to believe we have arrived at that point in life. I like being Pops, young grandchildren find no fault in their grandparents and I plan on enjoying this time in my life. Spoiling grandchildren is what we do, let the parents do the disciplining and worrying, as for me I am going to spend this time having fun with the little ones. For the short time that this family tradition is at our house we plan to make wonderful memories that will create a yearning in the little ones to continue on when we are gone.

Christmas is all the festive events described but, the real reason for the celebration, is Christ’s birth. Pops will share with the little ones the Bible verse found in Matthew 2:11, “and when they had come into the house, they (the three Wisemen) saw the young child (Jesus) with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Luke 2:11 will also be shared; “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The grandchildren will understand from these verses the birth of Christ and the celebration of Christmas. The presents, the tradition, and family gathering are all to honor the birth of Christ. In the future with the passing of each Christmas and Easter the grandchildren will have the knowledge of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. After my funeral, when someone says to my children or grandchildren that they are sorry about their “losing a dad or granddad” they can smile and say we didn’t lose him, we know exactly where he is and that place is in heaven with Grandma Millsap.

100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594

• Americans today consume 17.3 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year. The average American eats about 68 quarts!

• Popcorn pops because water is stored in a small circle of soft starch in each kernel. As the kernel is heated, the water heats, the droplet of moister turns to steam and the steam builds up pressure until the kernel finally explodes to many times its original volume.

• Cows have a total of 32 teeth, but no front teeth on the top where they instead have a tough pad of skin. They have upper teeth in the back of their mouths only.

• One cowhide can produce enough leather to make 20 footballs, 18 soccer balls, 18 volleyballs or 12 basketballs.

• Sesame Street’s Big Bird costume is made of turkey feathers.

• There are 32.6 million head of beef cows in the U.S. • Soybeans are an important ingredient for the production of crayons. In fact, one acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons.

• An acre of trees can remove about 13 tons of dust and gases every year from the surrounding environment.

• The peach is a member of the rose family and will have a sweet fragrance when ripe.

• We are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago.

• Each American consumers, on average, 53 pounds of bread per year.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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

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, Jeff Harper

Merry Christmas!

C. Dennis Carlton, Sr.

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Insurance Services 813.685.5673

100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, John McGuire

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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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 7

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Index of Advertisers

Ag Technologies ....................................17 AgroFabrics ..........................................11 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers ..............59 Allen’s Sawmill ......................................73 Antioch Feed .........................................41 Aquarius Water Refining .......................78 Astin Strawberry Exchange .................... 8 Berry Blue Farm & Nursery ..................93 Bill’s Transmissions ...............................72 Bingham Portables ................................87 Brandon Auto Services ..........................91 Brandon Farms Market .........................21 Broke & Poor Surplus ...........................67 Brown’s Jewelers ...................................65 Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. .............................87 Cecil Breeding Farm ..............................37 CF Industries ........................................29 Chemical Containers .............................79 Chop-N-Block Meat Processors .............69 Chuck’s Tire & Automotive ..................69 Clem’s Meats ........................................47 County Line Road Auction & Bargain Barn .................................81 Cowboys Western World ........................ 5 Crescent Jewelers ................................... 2 Crossroad’s Ace Hardware ....................46 Dad’s Towing ........................................73 Dairy Queen of Plant City ....................57 Diamond R Fertilizer ............................93 Discount Metal Mart ............................77 Driscoll’s ..............................................56 East Coast Ag Products .........................87 Fancy Farms .........................................36

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WE SUPPORT AGRICULTURE

Farm Bureau Insurance Jeff Sumner ......57 Farm Bureau Insurance Valrico ..............39 Farm Credit ..........................................64 Felton’s Market .....................................81 Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products .....43 Florida Strawberry Festival ..................... 9 Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc. ........55 Forbes Road Produce .............................15 Fred’s Market ........................................83 Gator Ford ............................................59 Gerald Keene Plumbing .........................31 Gladstone Land ....................................81 Grove Equipment Service ......................47 Handy Can Portable Restrooms .............84 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply .............. 12-13 Harrell’s Nursery ..................................91 Haught Funeral Home ..........................45 Helena Chemical ..................................79 Hillsboro State Bank .............................89 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau ......... 7 Hinton Farms Produce ..........................77 Home Protection Pest Control ...............64 Hope Christian Academy ......................83 Huff Muffler .........................................89 I-4 Power Equipment .............................. 3 Johnson’s Barbeque ...............................83 Keel & Curley Winery ...........................35 KeyPlex Nutritionals .............................94 L.I.T. Security Cages .............................85 Land’s Feed & Farm Supply ..................67 Lewis Insulation Technologies................85 Loetscher Auto Parts .............................84 Magnolia Hill .......................................75

Malissa Crawford, Coldwell Banker ......71 Mark Smith Excavating .........................30 Meryman Environmental ......................61 Mosaic .................................................56 Parrish Threads .....................................55 Plant City Awning & Aluminum Products ......................25 Plant City Church of God .....................18 Plant City Tire & Auto .........................91 Red Rose Inn & Suites ...................... 48-49 Rhizogen ..............................................75 Rick’s Custom Meats ............................68 Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ................96 Savich & Lee Wholesale ........................63 Seedway ................................................91 Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ................23 Sisters & Company ...............................53 Southside Farm & Pet Supply ................19 Southwestern Produce ...........................27 Stephanie Humphrey .............................68 Stingray Chevrolet ................................95 Syngenta ...............................................33 The Catering Company & Cafe ............65 The Hay Depot .....................................91 Timberlane Pet Hospital .......................85 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith .......................72 Two-Lips Tack ‘N Togs .........................71 Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Ctr .... 8 Wells Memorial ....................................78 Wetzel’s Farrier Service ..........................83 Willie’s Seafood .....................................87 Wishnatzki Farms .................................25

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

THE BAND PERRY

s ie r o m e M t e e w S g in w o r G

MAR. 1 - MAR. 11, 2012 PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

JOSH TURNER

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

TOBYMAC

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

CRYSTAL GAYLE

DEMI LOVATO

LEE GREENWOOD

LOUISE MANDRELL

THE JANEDEAR GIRLS

You, Too, Can Be A Winner 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: InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by January 3, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 9

Frost Protection You Can Warm Up To When an unprecedented 11-day freeze hit Plant City in January of 2010, local growers faced a nightmare scenario. When all was said and done, relentless water pumping to protect threatened strawberry plants mined the aquifer for nearly a billion gallons a day – and dropped the groundwater table in some areas of Plant City by as much as 60 feet.

But the nightmare had just begun.

Almost immediately, sinkholes began opening up all over the area – as many as 140 by some counts. One jeopardized a 500,000-gallon water tower, and several shut down an elementary school. Others closed roads and highways – including portions of I-4 – and left about 20 local residents homeless, with as many as 750 other homeowners facing dry wells.

As if the public alarm and general inconvenience weren’t enough, costs to taxpayers reached into the millions, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District designated the situation an emergency. The event pushed the government agency to enact a new list of water-use rules for the Plant City area, even going so far as to offer substantial incentives to growers who choose alternative freeze protection practices, such as crop covers.

“We’ll fund up to 75 percent of the cost for alternative means of protecting crops,” said a Southwest Florida Water Management District spokesperson.

“We’re trying to work closely with the agriculture community, to ensure farmers continue to do good business.”

Strawberry crop protected by AgroFabric; irrigation in the background. Florida Freeze, December 2010. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by Peter Kohm.

AgroFabric under structure provides emergency frost protection; medium and heavy weights stored properly can be used multiseason. Florida Freeze, December 2010. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by Peter Kohm.

Crop Covers Give Growers a Better Option

Many growers in Southwest Florida and other areas of the country have found that crop covers, such as AgroFabric®, deliver a proven, effective defense against freezing conditions.

“AgroFabric installs in just minutes and creates a stable, favorable microclimate by capturing extra heat during the day and slowing the loss of stored heat at night,” said AgroFabric’s Peter Kohm.

10 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Pepper crop covered by AgroFabric (left) during Florida freeze in December 2010 survived 25 degrees F for six hours; uncovered crop (right) was a total loss. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by P. Campos.

December 2011

“Yet it’s porous, so water, air and sunlight can penetrate. Growers can even choose from 12 fabric weights, so they get the right degree of protection for their crops, without crushing or breaking plants.

“Also, covered crops aren’t subject to reduced nutrient leaching and disease that can come with irrigation,” Kohm continued. “And because the fields stay dry, growers can harvest right after a frost to take advantage of the spike in market prices that a frost typically brings.”

In the winter of 2010-2011, AgroFabric proved that crop covers can deliver protection, even when temperatures drop well below freezing. In some areas of Florida, where temperatures hovered at 25° F for six hours, fields covered by AgroFabric survived unscathed, while uncovered crops were a total loss.

Crop covers like AgroFabric work without power, fuel or irrigation. That means growers save on energy costs and avoid the complexities of current irrigation rules and regulations and the potential liability that can result.

Get Ready for the Coming Winter

An investment in a high-quality crop cover can reap benefits for years to come.

Durable AgroFabric, with its signature blue-green reinforced seams, can be stored and re-used from one season to the next.

What’s more, local dealers maintain a stock of standard sizes and can deliver custom lengths in widths up to 60 feet, so growers can put AgroFabric to work in their fields almost immediately.

With freezing temperatures just around the corner, there’s never been a better time for growers to consider the advantages of crop covers.

© 2011 Agrifabrics. All rights reserved. AgroFabric is a trademark of PCK, Inc.

Business UpFront

Don’t get left out in the cold In 2010, uncovered crops (left) are a complete loss, rows covered with AgroFabric (right and below) survive six hours below freezing (25˚ F).

Fabric without Agro

Prevent damage from irrigation

Get ready for the Big Chill Put AgroFabric Essential Frost Protection System to Work this Winter

AgroFabric covered thousands of acres during the 2010-11 Deep Freeze Last winter put AgroFabric to the test – delivering a “pro” performance at every level. Plan to protect your fields without power, fuel or irrigation in the event of severe demand on those resources. AgroFabric® creates a stable, favorable microclimate by capturing extra heat during the day – and then slowing the loss of stored heat at night from the soil.

Choose the Blue-Green Seam for superior strength! AgroFabric is available in seven grades for frost protection (0.5 to 2.0 oz. sq. yd.) to cover tender plants or strawberries, and five weights of Winter Blankets (up to 6.0 oz. sq. yd.), durable enough for long-term overwintering during harsh climates.

For information or to find a dealer near you, visit www.agrofabric.com or call 770-663-7600.

To learn more about AgroFabric, visit www.AgroFabric.com or call 770-663-7600. www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 11

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 13

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

WHAT ABOUT BANANAS?

by Captain Woody Gore Although there is no hard documented proof that the banana is bad luck, it is a very viable superstition that many Captains live by. There are those that believe in all sorts of different superstitions, and who is to say they are not founded? However, the banana is one of the most persistent superstitions, especially among the fishing community.

This delicious yellow-skinned fruit has been blamed for many boating accidents, break downs, illness, and poor fish catches.

Fishermen have harbored the belief that having bananas aboard is extremely unlucky when trying to catch fish.

For many the banana curse extends well beyond the fruit itself. Strong superstitious captains believe that anything representing a banana either itself, its smell and even its name should be banned from the boat. Some even go so far as to ban anything yellow from the boat, which seems somewhat ridiculous to me.

So, where did it come from? The bad luck theory of bananas is derived from the misfortune of stevedores unloading banana boats from Central America.

The cargo most often contained biting spiders that not only were painful, but occasionally deadly.

Stevedores considered it bad luck to be assigned to unloading a banana boat. This is the truth behind the myth.

Another possible rational for the banana bewilderment might simply be the fish stories exchanged between fishermen. Over the years, tale after tale of bad luck, when an angler had bananas on board, have been handed down and readily accepted with the bananas becoming the scapegoat.

Whatever the root cause actually might be, as they say, perception is reality and it has led to the infamous banana ban.

Indeed, some anglers won’t allow Banana Boat Sun Screen or partake of a tasty banana daiquiri or a banana split for fear it will have an impact on the next day’s fishing. Thus, the banana discrimination continues.

The effect that this or other superstitions have on anglers is

14 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

real. As almost everyone knows “karma” is very important. The mere thought of bad luck can cause an imbalance in the captain, crew and anglers. This usually results in a poor catch.

So are bananas really bad luck? Usually, but only for those who believe they are bad luck. However, one superstitious member on a fishing boat or vessel can affect an entire boat’s karma. The banana impact and myth has affected millions of fishermen and highlights the important lesson in theory of fishing.

Superstition clutters the mind, creating imbalance. Clear your mental slate before fishing. The counter to a bad luck superstitious thought is a good luck thought, which adds to proper mental balance. Therefore, maintaining this proper balance while fishing requires an uncluttered mind.

Too many thoughts make being one with the fish more difficult. Remember the primitive brain is the key to harmony.

Simplify your thoughts to simplify your fishing.

areas that hold this prize species it’s hard to take the time to find new ones. This coming year I intend to concentrate on learning new unlikely areas for snook. For some reason the grass always

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

With all the residential canals and inshore reefs, Bay anglers are truly blessed when it comes to fishing in December and it seems you never have to run far to find what you are looking for. Fish seem to acclimate themselves to the lower tides and feed all day with little or no concern of weather. Fishing around the grass flats also begins heating up with plenty of respectable sight fishing. Live baits are occasionally unnecessary, especially with all the artificial lures available in today’s arsenal of fishing tackle, although it can be helpful when you’re looking for larger fish.

Redfish: This month redfish are found mainly on the flats, as it is time for them to school. There are lots of big fish in skinny water, but locating them does require a bit of investigation. On both sides of the Bay start by looking for healthy, shallow, grass flats with lots of bait and mullet. Find a big school of mullet and they are usually frequented by schooling redfish. One of the keys to finding fish is looking for shallow flats with narrow cuts, potholes and sandy bars. This type of flat can be dissected and studied during low tides. Find the access flow points that funnel water onto and off of the flat and you will know where the fish will come through on the rise and fall. The drop offs and deeper holes are where the fish are holding on the low tides. The trick is learning exactly where to be and at what time. You can’t just pull up to the bar and start throwing chum. Live and dead baits are great, but you can catch plenty of fish on jigs and jerk baits, for the simple reason of having the ability to cover more water. My color preferences for Gulp are new penny, camo, and white Snook: If snook is your species of choice, the Bay and its tributaries offer plenty of excellent fishing. There are so many

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seems greener on the other side of the street and same holds true when it comes to fishing. So many times we’ve seen tournament anglers make 50 plus mile runs to catch the same fish they are running past. It doesn’t seem to make any sense to me. Some of the snook fishing is located right in your own backyard, so to speak, so why not take time to learn what you can about those areas and the how’s, when’s and where to fish.

Trout: Sea Trout fishing has been off the wall this year, especially around deeper rocky bottoms and lush grass flats with sandy potholes. Windy overcast days and incoming water are a favorite time for avid trout anglers. Live greenbacks, shrimp or

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artificial lures will do the trick. Early morning grass flats with a MirrOlure’s Top Dog Jr. will produce some awesome sized fish including the occasional snook.

Inshore Gag Grouper: The inshore grouper bite will pick up, especially as the water temperatures cool down. Fishing should be good when we can avoid the northerly cold fronts and high winds.

Lots of near shore and inshore bay keepers should show up in 15 to 25 feet of water. These guys are awesome fun especially on light tackle and trolling.

Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bluefish: Cold fronts should bring the traditionally high winds. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach the kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach or inside the Bay.

“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.

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 15

Florida Blueberry Growers Gather in Plant City

Association Membership Continues to Grow

by Jim Frankowiak

The Florida Blueberry Growers Association, November’s “Short Course” at the Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus in Plant City, attracted nearly 530 attendees plus a host of exhibiting suppliers of industry goods and services and allied organizations. The gathering was a far cry in terms of numbers from what it was two decades ago when attendance “spiked” at about 1/10th of the November gathering.

That growth is attributable to the opportunity Florida blueberry growers have from about mid-March to mid-May to literally dominate the blueberry market since the industry leader, Michigan, is not able to meet market demands. However, foreign berries have begun to present a growing challenge to Florida growers.

In addition to welcoming the assembled, Dr. Joan Dusky, Associate Dean for Extension, IFAS, at the University of Florida, gave what could be considered a state of the blueberry industry address with her remarks. She noted much activity continues in the areas of research and application of new technologies at UF. “There has been rapid growth and the outlook is good, but it is not without challenges,” she said. And that presents both the opportunity and need to market the health benefits of blueberries.

It was also noted during the meeting, that the labor issue facing agriculture throughout the U.S. is also being felt by Florida blueberry growers. “Becoming more efficient is something growers must address,” said Dusky. The issue of EVerify and other initiatives related to farm labor is dynamic, changing almost daily and something that must be watched and growers should take every advantage to have their voices heard on the subject, it was suggested.

Additional challenges noted by Dr. Dusky included new national safety standards and environmental regulations. She did report “UF has been receiving grants from both the federal government and state of Florida” to help address some of these challenges and to develop new cultivars. “Work is also proceeding with regulators on Best Management Practices,” she added.

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Dr. Dusky also identified food safety as a critical area of emphasis going forward and Florida Blueberry Association President Bill Braswell termed it a “top priority” for all blueberry growers in the state in a letter distributed to all attendees.

His letter urged growers to “use all means available to produce safe and healthy crops” and suggested: • Completion of annual third party food safety audits, including water sampling, at the start of each season.

• Packers/shippers and handlers should also complete annual food safety audits.

• And, all involved parties should follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) throughout the growing season.

To do anything less, Braswell’s letter said, “is knowingly putting human lives at risk as well as our entire industry.”

UF Blueberry Breeder, Dr. Jim Olmstead, gave an update on various blueberry cultivars under development and study at UF, the source of more than 95 percent of the berries currently grown in Florida. There were also presentations on handling and cooling practices for blueberries, as well as cold and frost protection, disease and weed management and a report on blueberry production in tunnels.

From a marketing perspective, Braswell noted the need for growers to emphasize the availability of Florida blueberries during the MarchMay period and to use the Fresh from Florida labeling as a way to differentiate their berries from those imported from Chile. He said having berries picked within days of arriving at the supermarket compared to weeks for imported berries is an important message that has to be communicated to consumers.

The association also unveiled plans at the meeting to participate in the initial Florida Blueberry Festival, May 4-6 in Brooksville. Braswell termed that event not only a chance to promote the festival and association, but a “good opportunity to move a lot of fruit.”

For more information on the association, visit: www.floridablueberrygrowers.com.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 17

Continues Support of Future of Agriculture Through $5,000 Florida Scholarship Continuing its investment in the future of agriculture, Syngenta helped select Marshal Sewell, a junior at the University of Florida (UF) College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, as this year’s recipient of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) education scholarship. Sewell, who is currently pursuing his degree in Food and Resource Economics, received the scholarship September 20 at FFVA’s 68th Annual Convention in Palm Beach. The scholarship recognizes students pursuing careers in agriculture who display a financial need. This is the eighth consecutive year Syngenta has sponsored the FFVA education scholarship.

“Syngenta is proud to award this scholarship in partnership with FFVA to Marshal for his hard work and dedication to the future of agriculture,” said John Taylor, Syngenta agronomic service representative. “Marshal’s thoughts on how to continuously improve the industry that sustains this planet are well-conceived and passionate. Marshal’s dedication to the industry extends beyond the classroom into his everyday life, and he is a testament to the bright students who are emerging in agribusiness fields.”

Marshal was born into an agricultural family and has been surrounded by farming his entire life. He and his brother are fifthgeneration farmers, and Marshal looks forward to carrying on the family tradition after graduation by returning to his family’s strawberry and vegetable farm in the Plant City area. As a Food and Resource Economics major, he is interested in the production and marketing of crops. Marshal is also involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, the UF Agricultural Economics Club, the UF National Agri-Marketing Association Club and the UF National Grocer’s Association Club.

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Scholarships are just one of the many ways Syngenta invests in the future of Florida agriculture. Since 1997, more than 95 students have participated in a Syngenta internship program in Florida.

Participant responsibilities include scouting, soil sampling and collecting, analyzing and reporting on various citrus agricultural data.

Another way Syngenta contributes to the future of agriculture is through the research conducted at its Vero Beach Research Center. This Florida facility tests new and existing products to ensure their efficacy. This work helps contribute to the broad portfolio of top-quality products Syngenta offers to Florida fruit and vegetable growers, including FarMore® Technology seed treatments, Durivo®, Voliam Xpress® and Agri-Flex™ insecticides, and Inspire®, Quadris Top™, Ridomil Gold® and Revus Top® fungicides.

“Syngenta invests in the future of agriculture and students like Marshal to provide a strong foundation for a sustainable planet now and into the future,” said Taylor. “There is an ever-growing worldwide need for food, feed, fuel and fiber, and Syngenta accepts the challenge to ensure that these resources remain accessibleand affordable.”

For more information about Syngenta Scholarships, visit www.SyngentaScholarshipsUS.com, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 19

Mulch

The 4th of 9 Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

by Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent Hillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension I LOVE TO MULCH. It’s relaxing. I’m outdoors and can see immediate results of my labor! This is a great time to add mulch to your landscape beds now that the weather is cooling off.

Mulch is very beneficial. It retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, moderates soil temperature, reduces runoff and erosion from your yard, improves soil structure, provides increased area for root growth, protects plants from lawnmowers and weed eaters and enhances the beauty of your landscape.

Organic mulches include pine bark (use the medium or small size as the large size tends to float away in a heavy rain), pine straw (settles quickly), Eucalyptus (light reddish-brown color, minimal settling over time), Melaleuca (high termite resistance and almost no settling over time), oak leaves (free source of mulch, minimal settling over time, great for the backyard landscape beds, not too pretty in the front), and municipal yard waste available at three county recycling facilities. All of these mulches are renewable resources.

Inorganic mulches include crushed shell, gravel and rock, which provide nice texture and color in landscape beds, but don’t prevent weeds. They do reflect heat, which prevents soil moisture loss. Recycled tire/rubber mulch is another inorganic mulch option which lasts for a long time, can be very costly and may contain high zinc levels in leachate which may harm plants (based on USDA research). Rubber mulch can be flammable and there may be issues with using this because of stormwater runoff and chemicals entering Tampa Bay.

What about termites? UF research indicates termites may be present more frequently in mulched versus non-mulched areas.

However, certain practices will help deter these critters. Leave space between plants and exterior walls, pull mulch one foot away from walls, apply mulch one inch thick near buildings to reduce moisture near foundations, and apply no more than one inch of water per irrigation.

Wood and bark mulches should be three inches deep after settling. Mulch newly-set plants after they are planted and watered. Re-apply mulch around established plants as needed to maintain the three inch depth. Pull mulch two inches away from trunks/stems to prevent rotting.

How much mulch should you buy and apply? Please see the Mulch Coverage Guide below which provides the answer.

Rob Northrop, Hillsborough County Extension Forester, advises mulch is a good way to keep lawn mowers away from trees. It helps control grass, which competes with root systems of young trees and extends the time it takes to establish the tree. Recent University of Florida research suggests mulch should not be placed over the root ball of young trees.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, get outside and spruce up your landscape beds at the same time! Happy mulching! For horticultural assistance, contact the Hillsborough County Extension Office, 744-5519, or visit us at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584.

Master Gardeners are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We can help!

Mulch Coverage Guide Depth of Mulch 2 inches (4/25 ft.)

2.5 inches (1/5 ft.)

3 inches (1/4 ft.)

4 inches (1/3 ft.)

Coverage per cubic yard 162 square feet 129 square feet 108 square feet 81 square feet

30 lbs of mulch will cover 9.0 square feet 7.2 square feet 6.0 square feet 4.5 square feet

25 lbs of mulch will cover 7.5 square feet 6.0 square feet 5.0 square feet 3.75 square feet

Directions: 1.

Determine the square foot measurement of the area to be mulched.

Example: 4 feet x 25 feet = 100 square feet

2.

Determine desired depth of mulch, then convert from inches to a fraction of a foot.

Example: 3 inches deep = 1/4 foot

3.

Multiply fraction from Step 2 by the square foot measurement of area to be covered.

Example: 1/4 foot x 100 square feet = 25 cubic feet

4.

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.). Bagged mulch is available in volumes such as 2 cubic feet. Using the example, you can determine how many bags to buy.

Example: 25 cubic feet to mulch; 2 cubic feet of mulch in 1 bag = 12.5 bags. You would buy 13 bags of mulch.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 21

“Family Owned & Operated Since 1961”

AN ESPECIALLY GOOD TIME TO LANDSCAPE Benefits of Plant-Human Interactions

by Jim Frankowiak

For many years firms, in what has become popularly known as the Green Industry, have competed on the basis of price, quality and service. While these factors are still important, there are others that have emerged and though important to those in the industry – among them nurseries, greenhouses, horticultural services firm – have significant impact on non-industry members, such as homeowners, retailers, governmental units and more. This was documented in a comprehensive, peer-reviewed study undertaken by the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University earlier this year.

The state of the economy has made consumers more value conscious, but they continue to consume and will pay premiums for both products and services that enhance their quality of life. The Texas A&M study details the economic, environmental and health/well-being benefits of Green Industry products and services that result in enhancements to the consumers’ quality of life.

Economic benefits reflected in the study are multi-fold. “The simple addition of landscaping to a store front can make a significant difference in how a customer perceives the store,” the study said. “The positive environment created by aesthetically-pleasing landscaping not only welcomes customers inside, but also enhances their perception of the level of quality of products and services offered by that store.

Consumers are willing to pay higher prices, travel further to and shop longer in a store that they perceive to be a quality establishment.”

Apartment and commercial building owners stand to gain from landscaping upgrades, too. The study said, “Landscape amenities represent an effective tool to boost the occupancy rate of apartments and other commercial buildings.” Thus, it makes sense to invest in landscaping “because the return in the number of tenants and amount of rent money they represent far exceeds the cost of installing ornamental plants.”

Tourism revenue is also favorably impacted by green space such as parks and botanical gardens that “have been shown to be effective tourist attractions in both large and small cities, and consequently a strategic source for generating tourism revenue,” reported the study. In addition, the creation and maintenance of these green spaces creates new jobs and boosts the local economy “through increased spending and the income taxes that are generated.”

Homeowners benefit as well from landscaping through increased property values. “Home improvements can add significant value to a property, but may not always yield a 100 percent return on money invested, with the exception of landscaping, Landscaping yields, on average, a 109 percent return on every dollar spent, much more so than

other home improvements.”

From an environmental perspective, landscaping leads to improved air quality as “trees and other ornamental plants are crucial to the sequestration of carbon from the earth’s atmosphere” and there’s more.

Landscaping attracts wildlife and promotes biodiversity, saves energy, reduces heat and cold damage, reduces noise pollution, soil erosion and water runoff leading to improved water quality.

From the standpoint of well-being, natural environments have been shown to have a calming influence on individuals, increasing a person’s ability to concentrate resulting in work of higher quality and with greater accuracy. A student’s ability to learn is improved as plants help focus and concentration and natural aesthetic beauty is soothing to people, making them more friendly.

In addition, participating in landscaping and gardening activities helps to reduce stress and the presence of ornamental flowers and plants have an accelerating effect on the healing process, said the study. Other benefits of landscaping include improved relationships/ compassion, enhanced human performance and energy, a more positive outlook on life, reduced crime and a greater sense of community.

If you happen to be from Missouri or share in the “Show Me” state’s desire to have the facts about most any subject, you may want to consider using a tool to calculate the benefits of adding a tree or trees to your landscape by visiting: http://www.davey.com/ask-the-expert/ tree-calculator/national-tree-benefit-calculator.aspx. The Davey Tree Expert Service Company, through its National Tree Benefit Calculator, will show you how a specific specie of tree of a given size planted in your Zip Code area will result in detailed dollars and cents benefits.

Should you be in the market for ornamental plants and trees, visit your local nursery or tree farm to take advantage of many values that are currently available. There is also a website you can visit for a listing of nurseries. It is http://www.freshfromflroida.com/pi/plantinsp/nursery_directory/nur_directory.html.

There are also many resources available to you at the Hillsborough County Extension office such as a new Florida Friendly™ Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscaping Design. That publication is available online or at the Extension office located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. Online access is available at Hillsborough.Extension.UFL. edu.

Extension Agents, such as Nicole Gonzalez and a group of dedicated Master Gardener volunteers are also available at the office to help with landscape design ideas and plant selections.

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w w w. s h e l l s fe e d. co m

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 23

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 100 Stearn Ave. Plant City, FL 33563 Tel: 813.752.5111 www.wishfarms.com My wife loves to watch Paula Dean, Emeril and various cooking shows on TV. I’ll have to admit they come up with some dandy dishes. If my mother was alive today she would cook circles around those folks. She was the best at cooking up dishes from leftovers that were so good it would make you want to slap your daddy down.

Nita Berry would always say, you don’t throw out perfectly good leftover food stuff, ‘cause people in Africa might be starving. I’ll bet the kids in Africa may very well be hearing the same story. “Clean that plate, kids in the south may be starving.”

I offered to send my plate of liver and onions to Africa. That didn’t go over very well with Mama. She said that makes as much sense as your sister Betty’s prayer, Good meat, Good bread, Good Lord, Let’s eat.” Both of us got a talking to, and we learned to have respect for other nations and the Lord.

Growing up we had the best grub in town, and my friends, like Raymond Crum, loved to come over and eat her fried chicken, lima beans and fried okra. She could make the best coconut cake in town, and had a super recipe for homemade ice cream. I remember my job was to sit on the churn to hold it down while other members of the family took turns turning the handle. It would put Mayfield’s ice cream to shame!

I have noticed these days folks have suddenly decided it’s the thing to eat southern. You ain’t southern if you ain’t fried tators

24 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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in a skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet you better get one if you want to start cooking southern style. You can even cook your dessert in it, like “Cast Iron Skillet Fried Apples.”

My friend, Alligator Bob, has the market covered in Plant City with his “Gator Tail” jerky. Fred Johnson’s restaurant at the farmers market puts the iron pots on the buffet with a long handled spoon, and you dig right in. Fred says, “You ain’t cook’n southern if you don’t use cast iron pots and pans.“ In Miami, at one of the fancy restaurants on the beach, they serve a Wilted Salad.

Mom tossed lettuce in the bacon grease when I was a child, and she never charged $8.95 for a bowl of the stuff. She would get a good head of lettuce from Bruton’s market and mix the grease left over from the breakfast bacon. Dad loved her pork rinds and pickled eggs. I wonder why Cracker Barrel doesn’t add some of these recipes to their menu if they really want to be noted as a first-class southern style restaurant?

I ran across a lady selling bacon soap among other things at her craft booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival. I was disappointed as it really didn’t smell like bacon.

Can you imagine? Your guests come over for dinner and wash their hands with bacon soap before eating and it doesn’t smell like bacon afterward?

West Virginia was having problems keeping up with road kill clean up in the ‘90s. So in 1998 the Senate passed a “Road Kill”

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bill. The bill said that you could eat what you hit, but you have to call within 12 hours and report it. West Virginia has a “Road Kill Cook Off” competition, too. As for me I can’t quite crank up an appetite for road kill.

In Blairsville, GA they have real honest-to-goodness southern cooking. At their Green Bean Festival they served shakes, cookies and cakes made with green beans. Their green bean pizza was a big hit. Next year they plan to have a frog leg and green bean pizza!

There’s nothing more southern than a watermelon cutting. I remember as a kid dad would put three or four watermelons in a tub of ice over night. After we let our Sunday lunch settle, around 3:00 in the afternoon, the family and relatives from Tampa and Clearwater would have a real old fashion watermelon cutting. I never won the seed spitting contest. My sister Betty always took that competition hands down.

I recall a time when some of the boys in senior high school would go out and try to snitch a couple of watermelons from a patch in Turkey Creek. After a couple of good trips they went back and the farmer had a sign that that read, “One watermelon has poison in it.” Not to be out done, the boys (I won’t call them by name as they are highly respected citizens in Plant City), put a footnote on the farmers sign that read, “Now There Two Melons with Poison.”

If you are a lover of watermelons then you may want to enter the Watermelon-Eating Championship in Brookville, Ohio. In 2005 a gentleman by the name of Jim Reeves ate 13 pounds of watermelon in 15 minutes. He won $1,000 for

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www.plantcityawningandaluminum.com his endeavor. This event has been going on for over 60 years. For a while they renamed it “Swellin’ with the Melon” contest, but this title was not received well by the pregnant ladies club, and they went back to the original name of “Watermelon-Eating Championship.”

I’ll close with the story of Earl and Bubba. They were quietly sitting in a boat fishing, chewing tobacco and drinking RC Cola. Bubba said, “I think I’m gonna divorce my wife. She ain’t spoke to me in over three months.” Earl spits, sips his RC, and says, “Bubba, you’d better think that over, women like that are hard to find.”

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 25

Perfectly Fresh. Perfectly Priced.

VEGETABLE SALE

Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Fri. & Sat. December 16th & 17th • 8 am - 5 pm Stock up now! Next sale April 20th & 21st, 2012 Order Online at southwesternproduce.com • Call in Your Order or Just Drop by and See Us During the Sale!

Strawberry Clouds Ingredients 2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, dried, hulled and sliced 1 lemon zested and juiced 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt powdered or superfine sugar to taste 1/2 cup light brown sugar Preparation In a chilled bowl, whip the cream and a tablespoon of the powdered sugar until soft peaks start to form.

Slowly fold in the yogurt, adding only small amounts of the lemon juice and zest at a time. Taste as you go, adding more lemon or sugar if needed. In the bottom of six small bowls or one large bowl, add the sliced strawberries in an even layer on the bottom. Cover the strawberries with the whipped cream mixture, being careful not to compress the whipped mixture. Sprinkle the top with the light brown sugar and carefully smooth the sugar over with the back of a small spoon until the cream mixture is completely covered. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours until sugar forms a crust. Serve cold with whole strawberries on the side.

Pecans are here!

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Yield 4 servings

Fresh from the Farm to your Freezer!

***All items are 8 pounds unless otherwise noted.***

Florida Strawberry Tiramisu Pecan Halves 1 lb Bag ................................. $10 2 ½ lb Bag ............................. $25 5 lb Bag ................................. $49 10 lb Bag ............................... $97

Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds strawberries 1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves 1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liquer 1/3 cup orange juice 1 pound Italian mascarpone cheese, room temperature 1 1/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 52 crisp ladyfingers

Pecan Pieces 1 lb Bag ................................. $10 2 ½ lb Bag ............................. $25 5 lb Bag ................................. $49 10 lb Bag ............................... $97

Preparation Whisk preserves, 1/3 cup orange liquor, and orange juice in 2-cup measuring cup. Place mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons orange liquor in large bowl; fold just to blend. Using a whisk, beat cream, sugar, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons orange liquor in another large bowl to soft peaks. Stir 1/4 of whipped cream mixture into mascarpone mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whipped cream a small amount at a time. Slice half of strawberries. Spread 1/2 cup preserve mixture over bottom of 3-quart serving dish or a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange enough ladyfingers over strawberry mixture to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascarpone mixture on top. Arrange 2 cups sliced strawberries over mascarpone mixture. Repeat layering with remaining lady fingers, preserve mixture, and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. Slice remaining strawberries. Arrange over tiramisu and serve.

Yield 4 servings

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Our new web site is now live!

Order online and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up.

Give us a call or visit www.southwesternproduce.com to be placed on our mailing list for monthly notification.

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Beans & Peas Fordhooks .............................. $22 Baby Butter Bean ................... $13 Green Beans .......................... $13 Pole Beans ............................. $13 Speckled Butter Beans ............ $13 Blackeye Peas ........................ $13 Butter Peas ............................. $13 Conk Peas .............................. $22 Crowder Peas......................... $13 Green Peas ............................ $13 Pinkeye Peas......................... $13 Sugar Snap Peas .................... $15 Zipper Peas ............................ $13 Corn & Greens White Corn ............................. $13 Yellow Corn ........................... $13 Cream White Corn 4# ............. $ 6 Cream Yellow Corn 4# ........... $ 6 Collard Greens....................... $12 Mustard Greens ..................... $12 Turnip Greens ........................ $12 Spinach .................................. $12 December 2011

Other Vegetables Cut Okra ................................ $12 Breaded Okra ........................ $12 Whole Okra............................ $12 Sliced Yellow Squash ............. $12 Sliced Zucchini ....................... $12 Brussel Sprouts ...................... $12 Broccoli .................................. $13 Baby Carrots .......................... $12 Cauliflower ............................ $13 Mixed Vegetables .................. $13 Soup Blend............................. $13 Fruit & Peanuts Blueberries 5# ....................... $15 Blackberries 5#...................... $15 Raspberries 5# ...................... $15 Cranberries 5# ...................... $15 Mango Chunks 5# ................. $15 Peaches .................................. $15 Green Jumbo Peanuts............ $15

Merry Christmas!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 27

Phosphate Operations “Helping Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

P eac e On Earth, Good Will Toward Men.

Happy Holidays F rom

Taste of Berlin

German Restaurant

by Cheryl Kuck

For years, restaurateurs Holger and Margitta to English until 1998 but with the influx of SpanishEngel left the freezing German winters to vacation speaking immigrants, German is now rated as the in Florida. Soon, one family member after another third largest language in the U.S., yet you seldom are chose to make their homes on our west coast, leavaware of it being spoken…except at “Taste of Bering Margitta and Holger remaining in Berlin where lin.” The accents are thickly German and all servers they had made their mark as highly successful must be German speaking as the language lends restaurant owners for 20 years. itself to the true ethnicity of the restaurant and the Amid glowing reports from son Bo who, with atmosphere the owners wish to create.

Darren Denington, has created the winning cuisine The trendy décor (personally created by the at the Copper Bell Café, voted “Best of Brandon” owners) shows the division of East and West Berlin top restaurant for 2010 and 2011, the Engel’s with signs, pictures, maps and other memorabilia. decided to take their culinary skills and restaurant As you enter you will see a sign noting, “You are savvy to Brandon. leaving the American Zone.” Our table was situated Arriving in Florida on Dec. 29, 2010 and letat “Checkpoint Charlie.” ting no grass grow under their feet, just a bare ten Although our server, Bianca Pettway, is Germonths later on October first of this year, they man-speaking, she reminded us in perfect English, opened “Taste of Berlin” in Brandon. that this is a “True German restaurant” and cauHolger’s career began as an apprentice in the tioned us to remember that there is a big difference fine hotels of Berlin, receiving his Chef’s Toque between German and Bavarian cuisine.” Bavarian 35-years ago. After 15 years of cooking for others, food includes Scandinavian flavors originally ashe and his wife opened and successfully operated looks similated byDamon Germanic tribes, however, formerly inNick Katzaras on as Lawrence their own restaurant for 20 years. dependent Bavaria is a part of displays a rich harvest of Florida Germany today with The dynamic husband and wife team, with the the Bavarian Alps defining the border with Austria. strawberries the 2011 season. chef in the kitchen (known as the back of a restau- during The menu is easy to read with the German names of rant) and Margitta handling the front service and each dish listed along with an English description. customers, say they love the “friendliness” of local We were first served a Beef Rouladen, roast folks. Honestly, it’s easy to be friendly to people beef rolled with pickles, bacon and onion, perwho love what they do and who do anything they fectly made rich gravy served with red cabbage and can to make your dining experience memorable. spaetzle.

It is surprising that there are so few German If you have never had Rotkohl (called red cabrestaurants within Hillsborough County and none bage), you are in for a treat. The cabbage is not at all in greater Brandon, since the United States really red but maroon, a color usually associated has the largest concentration of German speakers with beets or beet juice, and a distinctive representaoutside of Europe, with people of German ancestry tion of the sweet and sour flavors German cuisine is making up the largest single ethnic group in the famous for. The traditional combination of cabbage United States with a population above 60 million. with apples, cider vinegar and/or red wine, honey or The German language was ranked second only sugar, bacon and onions, all marry into a beautiful

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dish that is unique.

Spaetzle is as much of a staple in the German diet as the ever popular fried kartoffel (potato) and a favorite of my partner-inlife and second-generation American of German decent. Also pan-fried, spaetzle starts out as a handmade dumpling, cut into strips (thicker than spaghetti) and boiled until it rises, the same as other dumplings.

Among his many talents, Chef Holger is a master dumpling maker and prepares at least four huge pans of spaetzle daily.

Every menu item is freshly made each day with meats purchased from a German Butchery in Lakeland.

While sipping on a Berlin treat made of German coffee and ice cream, we were offered an amazing meatloaf dish called Hackbraten that also has a slightly sweet-sour flavor with sumptuous bacon gravy, mixed vegetables and thick-cut redskin pan fried (also in bacon) potatoes, a large plate full for only $12.99.

Dinner items are listed from $7.99 to $16.99 with most of the generous plates a bargain from $11 to $13.99. There are hefty sandwich’s also available including the Berlin version of the hamburger in the seven to eight dollar range.

Their five Schnitzel offerings will make you want to break into the “Schnitzelbank” drinking song … “Oh, du schöne” (“Oh, you wonderful) Schnitzel “Wiener Art,” “Zigeuner Art,” “Jaeger Art,” “Italia” and “Cordon Bleu…”

Schnitzel is a thinned (mallet hammered) pork or veal cutlet that has been seasoned and lightly breaded, then pan fried. When you have down-sized your meat to pancake-like proportions, you will be blessed if the meat is still juicy and tender after cooking.

Here the meat is cooked to such absolute perfection, I can only give my humble opinion, Engel cooks like a German angel.

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A Taste of Berlin German Restaurant

Established for 20 years as restaurateurs in Germany now featuring true Berlin cuisine in Brandon Location: 526 Oakfield Drive in Brandon Phone: (813) 654-7139 Seating: 100 people, Includes outside seating for 12 Drinks: Featuring German coffee specials. German beer and wine license pending.

Catering: Call 7 to 10 days in advance Hours: Lunch Daily: Tuesday–Friday 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner Daily: Tuesday–Friday 4:30pm-8:30pm Saturday 4:00pm-9:00pm Closed on Sunday Specials: Change daily and include desserts Prices: Moderate with generous portions. Tax and gratuity not included. Exception - Parties of 8 or more 18% gratuity included.

Take-out: Available Reservations: Regularly accepted and mandatory for Traditional German Christmas Dinner on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 for New Years Eve Buffet. Closed New Years Day.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 31

Innovative products are only part of what we do.

Syngenta is committed to helping you produce the highest-quality crop possible with new additions to your strawberry portfolio like Quadris Top™ fungicide.

Our goal is to aid strawberry growers in producing higher marketable yields, year after year, with proven solutions. To learn more about the products listed below, contact your local Syngenta sales representative.

Christmas at Dry Creek

by Dry Creek America’s First Frontier creator Les Mc Dowell photos by Linda Constant Well here we are again, another Christmas in Dry Creek. Along with it comes all the hustle and bustle of the holidays...that is if you let it.

Heck it was just last year in Dry Creek that folks were even fussing over hitching rails in town. They were getting caught up in the confusion of Christmas instead of what Christmas really was all about. That is until Bunkie our Blacksmith showed the whole town that a simple Christmas smile could change Christmas forever.

I wrote a poem called Christmas Before Old Master Card. I’d like to share it with you. It might just slow the approaching Christmas down so you can enjoy it more.

Merry Christmas from Dry Creek.

Everybody knows where that is... cause it’s inside each and everyone of us.

Go to drycreektv.com to learn more.

32 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Christmas Before Ole Master Card Today buying presents and spending money seems to be the Christmas way.

But I remember a simpler time, for Christmas spirit you really didn’t have to pay.

Toys of plastic we soon discard.

But the Christmas’, I remember are way back before Ole Master Card.

Like the smell of kerosene, used to light the wagon’ way.

A proud team snorting steam heading for the lights of home, Christmas tree in toll, they would not stray.

Mommy telling stories about baby Jesus nestled in the hay.

The real reason we celebrated the day.

Outside it was cold but inside our hearts were warm, the warmth only being together would bring.

Hay rides down the country lane, from neighbor to neighbor we’d do our best to sing.

Well today as I stand outside this crowded mall, I’ll just put Ole Master Card away.

Maybe make an angel out of just plain old tinfoil, and celebrate this Christmas the old fashioned way.

December 2011

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©2011 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow all bag tag and label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The instructions contain important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. Agri-Mek and Gramoxone SL are Restricted Use Pesticides. Actara, Agri-Mek and Voliam Flexi are highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply these products or allow them to drift onto blooming plants while bees are foraging adjacent to the treatment area. Abound,® Actara,® Agri-Mek,® Gramoxone,® Quadris Top,™ Quilt Xcel,® Ridomil Gold,® Switch,® Tilt,® Voliam Flexi,® the Alliance Frame, the Purpose icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). www.FarmAssist.com MW 1L111030 11/11

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 33

Come Experience the Napa Valley of Tampa Bay

Farm Bureau HIGHLIGHT: J.M. “Marty” Tanner

by Jim Frankowiak J.M. “Marty” Tanner sits back in amazement when he considers what has taken place over the last 30 years that he has been in the ornamental aquaculture business. “My business has taken me all over the world to acquire new species of fish,” he said. “Those trips have given me the opportunity to also enjoy my hobbies of big game fishing and scuba diving.” But there’s more for Marty.

“I have gained a special appreciation for how well we have it in this country compared to some countries in other parts of the world,” said Tanner. “The living conditions in some of those countries would be difficult, if not impossible for many Americans, but the people who reside there accept and enjoy their way of life.”

Tanner is president of Aquatica Tropicals, a wholesale ornamental aquaculture company who markets to the “big box” retailers: Wal-Mart, Petco and PetsMart. “We are fortunate to have those customers and we appreciate them,” said Tanner. Based northeast of Plant City, Tanner’s company includes four sites and a workforce of 30 employees, including several family members. But he was not always a force in the ornamental aquaculture business.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Tanner and his parents and four sisters moved to central Florida when he was a teenager.

“Life in east LA got to be difficult and dangerous,” he said. “We had family living in Lakeland so my parents decided it would be best if we relocated.”

To help the family, Tanner left high school during his junior year and began a fulltime job with a retail grocery store. He attended a vocational school and received certification in the areas of tax preparation and bookkeeping. That led to a position with Moore Business Services, one of the nation’s largest H & R Block franchisees. Tanner also met and married his wife, Sue. They have three children: Kyle, Caitie and Matthew.

“I was given the opportunity to do the books and taxes for

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December 2011

a number of small businesses, primarily in Polk County,” said Tanner. One of his clients was a small fish farm and “I was amazed at the margins of that business,” he said. So much so, that Tanner got a part time job with a fish farm and ultimately left the Moore firm to devout his career to fish farming. He bought his original fish farm in Plant City in 1985. He acquired a second location in north Lakeland four years later, a Ruskin operation in the mid 90s and another Lakeland facility in 2004.

Tanner’s son Kyle manages one of the Lakeland facilities and his daughter, Caitie, a fulltimeplus USF student majoring in biomedicine, works part-time at the Plant City location. Kyle, a USF business graduate, plans to return to school to pursue an MBA. Caitie, who just received her undergraduate degree, plans to marry in May and also pursue an advanced degree in nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician.

A Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board member, Tanner recognizes the importance of serving his industry through many organizations. He is president of the Florida Aquaculture Association and chairs the Florida Farm Bureau Aquaculture Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Aquaculture Review Council, which functions in an advisory capacity to the Florida Department of Agriculture and The Southern Regional Aquaculture Center regarding industry research needs and incentives for the USDA. “I am a strong environmental and animal rights activist,” said Tanner, whose company was recognized by Hillsborough County for its environmental stewardship. “We realize the need to re-use and conserve water, and I am pleased to note that our operations recirculate five million gallons of water every day.”

He also recognizes and uses many technology advances in his operations, all of which are indoors and utilize systems that are less labor intensive. Though much of the technology Tanner uses in his company is not mandated by regulation, it harkens back to his concern for the environment and “it’s just the right thing to

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Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is Open Daily Until 6pm Sample All Our Wines for Just $5 Friday Evening After Hours Wine Bar Appetizers Served from 6pm-9pm Happy Hour 6pm to 7pm Live Music 6:30pm to 10:30pm $5 Cover Charge Winery Tours Saturdays & Sundays 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm $5/person or $9 including a wine tasting Visit KeelAndCurleyWinery.com for more details Black Friday Sale 11/25 10am-5pm 25% Off Everything in the Store Host Your Next Special Moment at Keel & Curley!

Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions Bridal & Baby Showers Anniversary & Birthday Parties Corporate Events

813.752.9100

5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City

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D 2011 I T F M 35 www.keelandcurleywinery.com ecember

N HE IELD

AGAZINE

do,” he said.

To maintain his company’s position in the ornamental aquaculture business, Tanner annually seeks out and acquires new species from across the world. “Leading not following is the key to our future,” he said. Even during this difficult economy, that strategy has paid off for Aquatica Tropicals.

Tanner’s company is also held in high regard by others in his industry. A case in point is the selection of his company as one of only two U.S. producers of the GloFish™, the first biotech transgenetic ornamental fish. The company also breeds and maintains a line of research zebrafish for a vast number of university researchers in the US and Canada.

It’s been a fast and rewarding 30 years for Tanner, and thanks to the support of his family and dedicated employees “we see a bright future.” No doubt that will include continued service to the community and the ornamental aquaculture industry.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 37

A High Profile Month for Agriculture and Farm Bureau

by Jim Frankowiak

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December 2011

November was a particularly busy month for agriculture and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, including a special proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners declaring FarmCity Week.

That weeklong national celebration honors the more than 21 million American workers who produce, process and sell the nation’s food and fiber. It is also a special time to recognize that prosperity and well-being of the community are dependent upon understanding and cooperation between farmers and urban residents.

The proclamation noted, “Hillsborough County ranks third in the state and 59th in the nation in the value of agricultural products, at more than $815 million annually from 2,843 farms, making agriculture a significant portion of our county’s economy.” It went on to state, “Farm-City Week provides an unparalleled opportunity for farm and city workers to establish communication and become acquainted, thereby better understanding their interdependence and each group’s contributions to the American way of life.”

The week concluded with a special celebration in downtown Tampa where members of the agricultural community reached out to urban residents through displays, demonstrations and giveaways.

Among participants were Farm Bureau directors, the Young Sprouts 4-H Club, the Soil and Water Conservation District, IN THE FIELD Magazine, Hillsborough County Extension, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Florida Strawberry Festival and the Florida State Fair.

Displays included saddles and horseback riding equipment, bull whips and their use, as demonstrated by Yancey Ray, while urbanites were also treated to samples of Tasti-Lee tomatoes, Pink Surprise Desserts and more.

Farm-City Week also included the Great American Teach-In, a day in which volunteers representing diverse occupations, met with school children to discuss their jobs and the things they do each day. Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson addressed eight classes at River Hills Elementary School during which she discussed how vegetables grow and presented radish seed necklaces to all students in her audiences.

Farm Bureau board members Jake Raburn, George Coleman and Michelle Williamson also participated in Teach-In activities.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 39

We Tell Your Stories

and the stories of your friends, family and neighbors...

August 15–September 15, 2011

June 15–July 15, 2011

Apr. 15-May 15, 2011

®

Mar. 15-Feb. 15, 2011

®

®

®

D&K Farms

Layna Blount

SOUTHERN STYLE GOATS

Hil lsb oro ugh Cou nt y Far m Bur eau

Covering What’s Growing

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A Family Tradition

Billy Keith Williams

Owners Jade & Ashlyn Banks

June 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

May 15–June 15,

Covering What’s Growing

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August 2011

1

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Covering What’s Growing

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April 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

September 15–October 15, 2011

2011

Covering What’s Growing

1

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Feb. 15 - Mar.

March 2011

15, 2011

FIELD MAGAZINE 1 JulyHE15–August 15, 2011 INT

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®

®

Gary Wishnatzki David Spivey

at’s Growing Whe.com Coveringagazin

Wishnatzki Farms:

KAITLYN GILL

An ti oc h C ri tt er s 4- H C lu b

May 2011

INTHEFIELD M

AGAZINE

1

Covering What’s Growing

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THE ENERGIZER FARM

A 90 Year Lega

cy

2011 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart

Spivey Farms

September 2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Covering What’

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om

s Growing

Covering What’s Growing

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February 2011

INTHEFIELD

MAGAZINE

July 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

1

1

These past issues and more are available online at

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com 813/759-6909

/ITFmagazine

/berry.publications 40 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 41

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Attention All Florida Strawberry Growers & Handlers RE: Florida Strawberry Growers Association

As an active member of the FSGA for many years, I have seen numerous examples of the power of a united group speaking for the entire industry. Our Association has won many battles that would have adversely affected each of us in numerous ways.

The solidarity of our strength in unity has been demonstrated from water management agencies, various local government agencies, to Tallahassee, to Washington DC. Our Association has been instrumental in protecting and preserving our way of life while at the same time saving us untold amounts of money.

At present we do not have the support of all growers, and our past strength is waning at an alarming pace. My plea to you is to evaluate what the Association has done for all of us. We presently have several critical issues facing our industry that will affect our livelihood if they are not properly addressed and resolved in a satisfactory manner. We need the support of all growers to effectively protect our interest.

Please see the accomplishments F.S.G.A has achieved to preserve our rights.

Also look at the outlined details of how the F.S.G.A. can save each of us money at the present time with other programs in the works.

If you are not a member in good standing I strongly urge you to seriously consider joining and becoming an active part of a grower protective and promotion organization, because we need your support. If you have any questions or comments I am available to assist you in any way.

Sincerely, G. Marvin Brown 10070 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527 Office: 813-986-3949 Cell: 813-716-4449

WHY BE A MEMBER OF FSGA? Rebates on University of Florida Varieties

UF breeding programs create varieties that perform in our environment, and they share patent royalties with our growers as a reward for collaboration. On average, the royalty rebate returns 80% of grower assessment costs, while your dues fund all the other vital programs.

Support and Direct Industry Research Initiatives

Agriculture requires a lot of scientific research to improve quality and enhance production. FSGA works with Florida Foundation Seed Producers to direct approximately $300,000 per year into strawberry specific research projects. This essential work benefits every strawberry grower in Florida, and our industry would perish without the continuous improvement provided by this professional research.

Generic Marketing and Promotional Programs

Research can improve industry productivity, but increased production will only depress prices without strong marketing programs to build consumer demand. FSGA marketing programs are designed to compliment your individual brand marketing programs to elevate consumer awareness of nutrition, convenience, flavor, and seasonality of Florida strawberries. We have leveraged our limited funds to generate substantial consumer impressions and are better utilizing the Internet and social media for targeted marketing with enhanced cost efficiency.

Process and Distribute Weekly Volume Projection Reports

FSGA assimilates production data weekly to help marketers plan, project, and anticipate market conditions several weeks in advance. Cumulative data shows valuable production trends over the years.

Provide Conferences, Informational Meetings, Ongoing Training and Access to CEU’s •

• •

Enhanced Community Support •

UF IFAS Pathology Testing

As a benefit to members in good standing, FSGA pays for testing at the pathology lab at Gulf Coast Research & Education Center in Balm .

UF FAWN Weather System

FSGA has financially supported FAWN development to assist farms with weather alerts and monitoring. We are presently developing an agreement to allow FSGA members discounted pricing for FAWN’s email and text alerts during freeze events.

Agritech is our industry’s largest trade event providing information on research, regulatory issues, and a trade show to promote networking. Sessions also help growers secure important certifications.

FSGA newsletters and issue updates keep members informed, and we distribute hardcopy of UF’s Berry Vegetable Times Newsletter.

FSGA facilitates and helps fund other industry informational meetings such as FAWN Cold Protection Seminar, Ag Expo, Ag Institute Seminars, Annual Agricultural Labor Conference, various affiliate chemical company presentations, Field Supervisor Training Seminars, Strawberry Field Day at Balm, UF Extension presentations, Food Safety Training, and more.

•

FSGA has raised over $300,000 of scholarship money for local students to help develop, and retain the talented youth of our industry. Our foundation helps sustain our human capital.

FSGA provides financial and in-kind support for FFA, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, Farm Bureau Legislative Days, Ag. Hall of Fame, State Fair, Strawberry Festival, Southeast Produce Council, Fla. Dept. of Ag’s Fresh From Florida programs, National Berry Crop Initiative, Berry Health Symposium, Ag Institute, Hillsborough County Extension, United Food Bank of Plant City, and many more programs which are important to our industry.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Associate Membership and Payment of Strawberry Crop Assessment Fees

FSGA pays the FFVA crop assessment fees of $0.35 per 1000 flats for members in good standing. You save approximately $8.75 per acre, receive Associate benefits of FFVA, and help support the Ag industry of Florida.

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 43

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 www.haughtfuneralhome.com 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 Cemetery Pelote



Oaklawn Memorial Park Mt. Enon Springhead Shiloh

DAVID W. WOLF Owner

TIMOTHY “TIM” HAUGHT Founder

Haught Funeral Home Remembers…

  In recognition of the families who entrusted us with their loved ones in     Robert Patrick “Pat” Smith, 79, of Plant City died November 15, 2011. Born Clarence C. Ogle , 75, of Plant City, Fla. passed away October 30, 2011. He is   October 3, 1932, in Daytona Beach, FL to the late Bryan M. “Mac” Smith, survived by his wife of 56 years, Carole; his daughter, Claire Mawhinney; son,

November 2011

Curtis Ogle; and grandsons, Ian and Casey Mawhinney.

Kevin William King 56 died Peacefully at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland on November 3rd, 2011. Kevin King will be deeply missed by his wife Patricia, daughters Melinda, Lisa and Heather, brothers Johnny, Billy, Brian and Jimmy and grandsons Camden, Jacob, Cody and Connor. He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley, and his father William. Kevin was an avid motorcycle rider and a member of the American Legion post 138 and the American Legion Riders post 138.

Elsie Mae Wall, 81, passed away on November 7th, 2011, in Lakeland, FL. she was born in Plant City, FL on October 25th, 1930 born to the late Andrew and Virginia Davis. Elsie is survived by her loving husband, Stewart; Daugh  ters Barbara, Ann, Linda and Donna; Grandchildren Heather, John, Matthew, Courtney, Ricky, Daniel, Joseph, Gwen, Andrea, and Sarah; Great Grandchil  dren Aliayh, Havanah, Charlotte, Tyson, Vincent and Joseph; predeceased by a grandson, Nathan.

       Barbara Jean Phillips, 61, passed away on November 9th, 2011, in Plant     City,Fl .She was born in Youngstown, OH on October 28th, 1950 to the late Bill and Jean Davis. Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy; sister,     Becky Hassman; She was employed with Stellar Marketing.     Elyse Amber Tassillo, 4 died peacefully at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Chil-

dren in Orlando on November 14th, 2011. Elyse Tassillo will be deeply missed by her mother Amber, father Matthew, brother Clay, grandfathers Jay, James, and Paul; grandmothers Charlene, Terrie ,and Linda; and great grandfather Walter.

  Randall Lee Woods, 72, passed away on November 14th, 2011, in Tampa, FL.   he was born in Clendenin, WV on June 23rd, 1939. Randall is survived by his loving wife, Hildegard; sons Rick and Rodney, and five grandchildren.  

44 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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 

Sr. and Rozale M. Smith. Pat and his family moved to Plant City in 1934. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1950 and attended the University of Florida and Carlisle Military Academy. Pat served in the U. S. Air Force for four years as a gunner on B-36 Bombers. He was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico as well as Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX. After being discharged from the Air Force, Pat returned to Plant City and gained employment at the post office, where he worked as a mail carrier for 33 years.

His outgoing nature, coupled with an endless supply of jokes, quickly won the hearts of everyone who lived on his rural route. Following his retirement, he worked part time for his brother, Mac, at B.M. Smith Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep.

He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing, and had a particular interest in cast netting. His countless fishing buddies would attest, however, that their excursions with Pat were as much about laughter as the final catch.

He belonged to the DeMolay and Masonic Fraternal Orders, Eastern Star, and Disabled American Veterans, and was a member of the First Assembly of God in Plant City. Pat’s sharp and often irreverent sense of humor left a trail of laughter wherever he went. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, LaFaye; sons, Robert Patrick Smith, Jr., John Casey Smith (Gay-Marcine), daughter, Martha White (Daryl); stepchildren, Robert West (Kathy), Cyndi Kanaan (John); eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, B.M. “Mac” Smith, Jr. (Cookie); nieces, Debbie Petrina (Jim), Kathy Wood (Rick), and Marion Smith.

Christa Dorothea Dempsey, 84, passed away on November 26th, 2011, in Plant City, FL. she was born in , on October 7th, 1927 to the late and . Christa is survived by her loving family, predeceased by her husband W.C.; Patrick, Eli and Mark; Pam; Peter; Jack, Chris, Julia, Kimberly and Emily.

It has been an honor to serve you.

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 45

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DECEMBER 24 & 31 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND

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Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room and opening and closing for the World Famous Platters on NYE.

DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS BUFFET

The holiday isn’t complete without a fabulous array of delicious foods.

Roasted turkey, traditional dressing, seasoned prime rib, glazed ham, fresh fish, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, fresh fruits, and much more! Santa will stop by for photos. Three seating times available: 12 Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Call to reserve your table soon!

DECEMBER 31 NEW YEARS EVE

WITH THE WORLD FAMOUS PLATTERS AND THE LEGACY OF THE TEMPTATIONS It’s a celebration not to miss! Ballroom and Dining room performances of The Legacy of the Temptations and the World Famous Platters. Join the party and be part of the big COUNTDOWN for 2012... Call for our tiered pricing and details.

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Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

JANUARY 6 & 21 BRIAN ROMAN

One of Canada’s finest entertainers! Roman performs the classics – spanning the Golden Era, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.

Destiny also performs.

DECEMBER 17 THE MYSTICS (A CHRISTMAS SHOW)

The Mystics, including, original members of the group, George Galfo and Phil Cracolici, will celebrate the spirit of the season with classical Christmas songs. The Las Vegas Sounds also perform.

DECEMBER 23 RICHIE MERRITT

Richie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room. Also, The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

JANUARY 7, 13 & 27 JOHNNY ALSTON’S - MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE A dynamite crowd pleaser!

JANUARY 14 & 28 THE CONTOURS

Performing their hits, including: Do You Love Me, in the Red Rose Ballroom. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock ‘n Roll Review also performs. Call for our tiered pricing for this fabulous dinner show!

JANUARY 14, 27 & 28 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

JANUARY 20 BOBBY PALERMO

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town not far from the Dallas, Texas area. His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proud in his soulful guitar playing. He's worked with the likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls. Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose Dining Room.

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TROY “SATCHMO” ANDERSON A TRIBUTE TO LOUIE ARMSTRONG

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Back by popular demand. This trio is a fireball of entertainment and not to be missed! Dinner served in a supperclub atmosphere in the Red Rose Ballroom.

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

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48 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

MRS. EVELYN MADONIA - OWNER

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 49

Carrying on the Tradition

by Mark Cook photos by Stephanie Humphrey

W

hen the late Eddie Jones put his first strawberry plant in the fertile Valrico ground over 30 years ago there is no way he could have envisioned what he started with that one single plant.

50 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 51

Fabulous Gifts • Beautiful Accessories Clothes She’ll Love • Gift Certificates Complimentary Gift Wrap

Joey with daughters, Ashlyn and Faith

Today, a few hundred acres and millions of berries later, Brandon Farms is one of the areas top producing farms with Plant City’s finest import being shipping all over North America.

Jones son-in-law and owner of Brandon Farms, Joe Gude, still scratches his head sometimes trying to figure out why the business has been so blessed.

“There is no doubt we put a lot of hard work into it but farming is more than work, it is a little luck and a lot of someone watching over you,” Gude said. “We have had it all and even after all these years I still look forward to putting my boots on every morning.”

Jones was a career railroad man for over 40 years but always enjoyed farming. Back in the 70s Jones decided to make the leap into berry farming and found a 20-acre block of land for lease, where the current SweetBay shopping plaza on Highway 60 now sits, and called it Brandon Farms.

Over the next several years Jones worked on expanding the farming operation. Gude says he was amazed at the stories he heard about Jones’ work ethic.

“Eddie would drive the train all night then come home in the morning and put on his boots and farm until it was time to do it all over again,” Gude said. “He lived and breathed it and built this business with a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Jones started picking up small blocks of land near his residence in the Sydney area for expansion.

“He started farming the 20 acres block behind the house

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December 2011

where I live now,” Gude said. “Then he got another block that was 20 acres but mostly old citrus grove. He picked grapefruit for a few years and then he took the trees out to make more room and it was another 20 acres when he got it ready.”

Around that time a young man from Cork began courting Jones’ only daughter Trenda.

“We started dating while she was still in high school and I think he knew we were going to eventually get married,” Gude said. “I was working for Publix at the time and he put me to work with him.

Like Eddie I would work at my main job until I got off then change my boots in the truck on the way home and work the farm until dark.”

Joe and Trenda married in March of 1992 and Gude began working more and more in the family business alongside Jones. It wasn’t always the most pleasant experience at first but looking back on it 20 years later he now sees why Jones was so tough on him.

“First of all I was taking his baby girl away,” Gude said. “So being a father of two girls now myself, I understand that part of it. But most importantly he wanted me to be a man and a provider and a hard worker. I didn’t really understand it at first but looking back on it now it is easy to see.”

“Eddie and I butted heads many times in the early year and I had to earn his respect. I did it by making mistakes, learning from then but most importantly working hard. He was bound and determined to make something of me.”

Gude said he learned more than just farming from Jones.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 53

Making the Top in the Industries Look Better!

“He taught me, obviously, how to grow strawberries, but he also taught me how to treat people, employees, vendors – you name it – Eddie was really a good people person.”

“Another thing people might not know is how smart Eddie was. He wasn’t book smart but as far as numbers and stuff it was like he had a computer in his head.”

“In the later years Eddie and I got really close. We were family and he used to tell me I was like the son he never had. Those words meant the world to me and I’ve never forgotten them.”

As Jones and Gude’s personal relationship grew so did Brandon Farms.

“We both kept putting all we had into it but the he decided to he wanted to step back a little and one day he told me he wanted me to take on more responsibility,” Gude said. “I had been walking around like a zombie killing myself working two jobs and Trenda told me to give up Publix. So I took my retirement and became full time at Brandon Farms and Trenda and I became officers.”

Gude basically assumed the fulltime role as owner, manager, supervisor and chief bottle washer. With Jones guidance, Gude and Brandon Farms continued to prosper continuing to pick up more land to grow their crop.

But in 2007 Jones health began to decline and he was diagnosed with a rare disease called amyloidosis. The disease was caught in its later stages and Jones began treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. In 2009 on a trip with his daughter for a treatment Eddie Jones passed away. Gude said the family and business organization was devastated.

“Eddie built this operation on his back,” Gude said. “It was a huge blow to not have him around. And to make matters worse we were gearing up for the season. We had no choice but to get back in the fields even with broken hearts.”

“There isn’t a day that goes by when we are working that I don’t want to pick up my phone and call him and ask him a question. But I cant, so I just have to just try and think about how he would have handled it.”

Then just a few months later another tragedy struck, one that no one could have predicted.

Trenda Gude at 37 was a picture of health. But after a cold that wouldn’t go away she finally found out what was causing her illness. It wasn’t a cold or pneumonia. Gude recalled the day they found out the devastating news.

“Trenda had never even touched a cigarette in her life,” Gude said. “So when the doctor told us she had lung cancer I was floored. I kept telling myself it was just a bad dream and I would

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December 2011

wake up. But I didn’t wake up.”

“Trenda, though, never got upset outwardly.

She was the one telling me everything would be ok.

Here she was basically being given a death sentence and she is the one consoling me.”

Trenda Gude passed away in March of 2010 from lung cancer and Brandon Farms was stung by two huge losses in less than six months.

“It was incredibly hard,” Joe Gude said. “First Eddie then Trenda. I was a zombie and it was all a blur for months. I had to take on the business and money side of it along with Eddie’s fiancé and our secretary Debbie Holt. We threw ourselves into the work to help the grieving part of it. I didn’t realize how much I really relied on Eddie and Trenda until they were both gone.”

One of the legacies Jones left that he was extremely proud of was the retail market located on Highway 60 between Turkey Creek and Valrico.

“Eddie really loved the market and demanded the best for the customers,” Jones’ fiancé Debbie Holt said. “We only sell hand picked on the hour berries, never field run berries.”

“A great story Eddie used to tell was overhearing a conversation one day when there was a line of people waiting to get berries and someone said to the person in line, just go down the street the berries are cheaper. The person said, true, but we know we will get a use from every one of Eddie’s berries. There won’t be a single one thrown away.”

Holt said the market only uses homemade items.

“Eddie wouldn’t settle for anything less. We bake our own shortcake, it’s never bought from a store. Same thing with all the ingredients. Even our pizza crusts are made right here from scratch. Eddie wanted to make sure the customer got only the best. And now Joey follows the same philosophy.”

Now over 320 acres of berry fields and countless flats of berries later, Gude and Brandon Farms are still dealing with the deep losses they still feel and Joe Gude says their memory helps the whole company work harder to honor them in a sense.

“It is all we can do,” he said. “There are a lot of people depending on us to keep going and we will do it. I love these fields and I love my job. We have an amazing crew and without them this operation would have folded a long time ago.”

“I know how hard Eddie worked to build this and the trust he put in me to run it. And of course Trenda was a huge part of the operation. We all just work as hard as we can and I’d like to think if Eddie and Trenda could come back they would be proud of the work we have put into it. I think they would be happy.”

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Parrish Threads

Sales to Growers, Organizations and Individuals

4837 Goff Road • Plant City, FL 33567

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813.752.7673

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 55

I keep our land productive.

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Before we begin any mining for phosphate — an essential crop nutrient for growing food — Mosaic develops a government-approved plan for restoring the land to productive use after mining. As reclamation supervisor, I oversee the creation of wetlands, parks, wildlife habitats, and other areas for both people and wildlife to enjoy. Knowing I’m helping to preserve nature makes my work more than a job.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 57

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Visits Gulf Coast Research & Education Center

by Jim Frankowiak photos by David Moore

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam recently toured the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Center Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl led Putnam on a tour of the facility to learn of the varied programs underway and capabilities available to growers.

The Center’s Balm campus houses 16 laboratories, including tissue culture and plant diagnostics and can staff 25 faculty members and their support personnel. It is located on 475-acres of land, donated by Hillsborough County, that contain research trials for vegetables, small fruit and ornamental plants. It is part of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Dr. Natalia Peres describes the modeling tool available to strawberry growers to help them determine and treat diseases throughout the growing season.

Dr. Gary Vallad (left) explains diseases that affect tomatoes and demonstrates methods of detecting disease and treatments that are being used to Dr. Rechcigl (center) and Commissioner Putnam.

Commissioner Putnam visited with Tomato Breeder Dr. Jay Scott and discussed the newest release from the tomato breeding program, Tasti-Lee.

58 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 59

Politics & Ag Robbie Dry Beef Consumer Rep

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When one considers agriculture it is certainly natural to think about livestock and vegetables, not to mention strawberries and citrus. However, most people don’t immediately make a connection between agriculture and politics. No doubt involvement in FFA and 4H train young people in the arts of public speaking and leadership, but politics? This is such a sore subject for most people and rarely does one come in contact with a young person who’s got both Ag and politics on the brain. That is, at least, unless Robbie Dry happens to be around.

Robbie, a 19 year old freshman at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, is currently working on his degree in political science. “Why then is he being mentioned in an agriculturally based magazine?” readers may ask. The answer’s quite simple really, he’s been selected as the Florida Beef Consumer Representative.

Robbie said, “I’ve raised animals practically my whole life, raised cattle since fifth grade, show heifers, show steer, raised pigs since the fourth grade. I’ve always had a love of livestock in general. We don’t have huge pasture for cattle but I live on acreage, I don’t know how much, I’ve never asked my dad.”

A Hillsborough County native, Robbie said, “I was born and raised in Plant City, lived there my whole life. I got into the whole beef industry beginning at my seventh grade year, starting to show steers at the Hillsborough County Fair and Strawberry Festival. I was really involved in FFA in high school. I’ve been involved in the agriculture industry since the sixth grade, FFA, 4H. I’ve shown pigs, dairy goats, steers, heifers and bulls. I competed in the citrus contest, livestock evaluation, forestry in middle school, job interview CDE, vegetable identification, and nursery and landscape. I placed fifth in the state at the state FFA Convention in job interview CDE.” As Robbie delved deeper into the Ag industry he said, “I got more involved in our county and state

60 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Meryman Environmental, Inc.

December 2011

Junior Cattleman’s Association.

I wanted to become a representative and the county advisor told me to compete in the Florida Beef Consumer Representative Contest.

That was in August at the Junior Cattleman’s Show.” Apparently this is a rigorous competition with focuses on issue response, consumer demonstrations, classroom presentations, and a mock interview. Robbie explains that it was all, “to test our knowledge of the nutritional aspects of the beef industry and some of the vital issues that are going on in today’s beef industry.” Obviously Robbie prepared well because he was selected to represent ranchers across the state. He also got a scholarship for his hard work.

What is his job as the representative? “You’re basically an advocate for the state. You travel around giving presentations to 4H groups and Junior Cattleman’s Association groups, and even doing presentations for third graders at elementary schools. The whole point is to let kids know that beef is good for you, the nutritional value of beef and what the farmers and ranchers are doing to give them the best quality beef we can provide.”

While this is quite the endeavor for a young man, Robbie is also very ambitious. Thusly he convinced, “The Florida Cattlewomen, who sponsor the Florida Beef Consumer Contest,” to let him compete in the, “National Beef Ambassador Contest in Wooster, Ohio. It had some of the same aspects of state contest but the consumer demonstration dealt with controversial issues that the consumer had questions about like animal rights, organic fed versus conventional fed beef, factory farming was another big one. It was issues we might face if we’re handing out beef samples or doing demos, how we would handle it if someone came up to us and asked questions.”

Though Robbie didn’t make the National Beef Ambassador Team, he learned some invaluable things there that he hopes to bring back to the state in his current position. “I

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can help them understand that blurry spot between pasture and plate to help people understand what the farmers are doing and that it’s a safe process. Beef is safe, good, and farmers are working really hard to give them quality. The greatest thing about beef is that you have many different cuts to choose from. You have 29 lean cuts that are approved by the USDA. Chicken you have breasts and wings and stuff but beef gives you more.”

This brings us full circle to Robbie’s current work towards his political science degree. He explains the connection between politics and Ag this way, “I’m hoping to one day obtain a degree in Ag law. My dream, absolute dream, is to become the Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Florida. I think that would be the coolest job ever! I have a love for Ag and the industry. I feel there’s so much misled information, the beef industry is the biggest. PETA and the Humane Society make the beef industry look bad. I plan to always be an advocate for the beef industry.

That’s where my heart is, those are my roots and I want my life to always be a part of that.”

Robbie is a teenager with big dreams, that’s for sure. In fact, he says, “In ten years I see myself graduated from college pursuing my career in Ag law trying to get into the political stance. My first goal is Congress and then work my way up to be the Commissioner of Agriculture. I feel like that’s where God’s directing my life. My parents have been my biggest supporters. They’ve always pushed me to do my best and follow what God’s telling me. I thank God for parents who support me.” One last thing Robbie adds, “Ag is an industry that opens various doors and I encourage everybody to look to Ag for future endeavors.” Look out Adam Putnam!

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December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 61

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A True Fighter: Julia McConnell

People are envious of others in various positions though rarely do school teachers fall into that category. With good reason, of course, they’re underpaid and underappreciated and generally misunderstood. Some think teachers are glorified babysitters while others utilize the old adage, “Those who can, do and those who can’t, teach.” This is a sad state of affairs as our country rapidly drops on the educational scale when compared to other countries globally. It is imperative that we recognize the hard work involved in educating young people and that we refrain from hindering their progress.

Unfortunately, people who live near schools with agriculture land labs feel it necessary to complain when their nostrils are accosted. Such has been the case for Burnett Middle School’s Ag teacher, Julia McConnell.

Julia graduated from Durant High School where Thomas Sturgis “drew” her into the Ag field. “He’s an incredible educator. He got me into FFA and all that ‘cause I didn’t grow up on a farm,” she explained. “I was big in FFA there. I went to UF to the College of Agriculture and got a degree in Ag education and communications. I graduated in 2006. Originally I went there to be the Director of Marketing for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. They filled the position three weeks prior to me graduating.”

When questioned about her initial goal she said, “My first desire in high school was to be an Ag teacher and then when I

62 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

discovered the strawberry industry I thought that was my calling.

I thought ‘that’s where I want to be’ because of all the farmers, but then I kinda fell into teaching. It was the second thing on the burner.” Thusly, with her mind set on teaching, at 22 years old, Julia entered the world of public school education at an urban middle school in Tampa. “It was incredible, bringing Ag to kids that had no idea what a tractor was or where milk came from. I taught there for two years, that sucked me in, but then the principal cut the unit. Then I came to Burnett and I’ve been here for three years. It’s kind of mixed, some kids have a farm background but most don’t.”

Julia has worked to build her FFA chapter and says that this year’s the biggest one yet with around 40 members. With the good also comes the bad. “This year’s been rough,” she admits. “We had our first chapter pig for the Hillsborough County Fair and we had a run in with a neighbor. He owns an Internet company, so 30 days prior to the show he smelled her (the pig) ‘cause she had knocked her water over and so her pen was a little stenchy. So, he made some bogus complaints about animal abuse, cops were called out and an investigation was started and they found nothing but they still made me move the pig with 27 days left. Which made it a huge hassle because we were feeding her twice a day and I had to go to the place. It was a hassle, just ridiculous.”

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Though Burnett has the proper zoning to raise pigs and though Julia said, “I had the Farm Bureau on my side, they gave me a sign to put up, the Ag deputy said something about ‘public perception,’ told me not to put it up because it would stir up negative publicity. The Ag deputy suggested I move the pig to a local high school but I enter competitions to win and I didn’t want some 17 year olds slopping out a $400 pig. I weighed the food on a scale, she was promoting our school and I didn’t want stuff just thrown out to her. She was our first ever livestock animal and I wanted to win because she was promoting our chapter.”

Apparently the complaining neighbor did all he could, “He even called the Superintendent,” Julia said, but she’s not done fighting. “We didn’t win the fight against the neighbor yet, but we will have livestock here no matter what it takes. I’ll fight and fight and fight.” Even with this battle raging and hassles endured, one positive should be noted. “We won first place and our student that had never been around animals got called back for showmanship. We won the show and I taught my kids a lot.” In addition to the winning hog, Burnett had a second place rabbit exhibitor. “We have kids with chickens and a girl with a steer for the state fair,” Julia says. As for right now though, “We’ve been working in the field, hard dirty work and it teaches the kids that the farming part of Ag is the hard part but when we can turn around and eat what we’ve grown then they realize that it’s a reward because they’ve done it with their own two hands.”

Thankfully, Julia has “a lot of help from the outside. I have a friend who comes and does all the land work, plows up the rows, donates seeds and plants. My parents bought the feed for the pig, the Wheeler’s (in Plant City) bought the pig and donated her to us. We had no money out of pocket just hard work. Without

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people like that I couldn’t teach these kids anything.”

While Julia enjoys the animal side of teaching Ag and loves the “light bulb turning on, that ‘Oh!’ look on their faces,” she said, “I still have a passion for the strawberry industry. That’s the biggest thing I teach them about every year. I think the farmers are incredible and they’re always willing to help out our FFA and 4H kids and donate to our classrooms and fieldtrips.” In closing Julia added, “Here’s my message: I just wish people, like our neighbor, that own businesses, would stop and realize all kids, all adults, need to know where their food comes from. I wish they would understand how important the Ag industry is.” Certainly it’s important enough to fight for and thankfully, Julia doesn’t give up easily!

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 63

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 65

l r i G y t i C a Diary of y a “Country” Bo

IN BUSINESS NOW FOR OVER 15 YEARS

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

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by Ginny Mink I have to admit, I’m so glad that Al Gore invented the Internet, because having access to it has certainly made this endeavor immensely easier. Obviously I jest about the Al Gore part but indeed technology does have its good points. When J and I decided to grow strawberries we looked into getting some plants from a local nursery but were sorely unimpressed with the selection.

Thusly, we chose to search the World Wide Web for strawberry seeds. No doubt those of you who know anything about strawberries are getting a good laugh at our expense. Ultimately we settled on ordering some bare root plants from an online source.

However, they’ll only let you order a minimum of 25 at a time and since we only had space for 15, and that was pushing it, I was lucky enough to convince my parents to purchase the remaining ten.

I’d read on the UF website that neem was a viable organic pesticide for strawberries so I contacted Vicki Parsons at Neem Tree Farms. Thankfully she was kind enough to provide us with some bottles of her neem product for free! So we were ready, we thought, for the arrival of our plants. We waited and waited and wouldn’t you know, UPS waited, too. Yep, they waited until 6 o’clock one night to show up with the plants. They arrived and we eagerly opened the box to discover a plastic bag. Still thrilled we opened the bag and despair hit J and I. We were looking at dead plants! At least that’s what we thought because neither of us had ever been exposed to bare root anything.

I freaked out and immediately did what I usually do when I don’t understand something, I surfed the web. Discovering that bare root plants are in a dormant state should have alleviated my grave concerns, but it didn’t. I found out that we needed to soak the plants in water for about half an hour so I yelled, “Quick get the Kool-Aid pitcher and fill it with water!” (Why I chose that container I have no idea, I wasn’t thinking clearly, I had dead plants to revive.) J ran to do as told and we gingerly separated

66 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

our 15 plants from my parents’ ten. If I’m being honest, I might as well tell you, I considered picking through them to choose the more alive looking specimens but I refrained (really, I did, Mom).

Anyway, while our plants were soaking we left Hazel, my baby girl, inside with her Baby Einstein video and J and I braved the strawberry sized mosquitoes so we could prepare our planters. I drilled holes and J mixed dirt, his favorite thing to do in this whole experiment. We laid screen and then poured the dirt in. We were working so frantically I forgot the whole 6-8 inch depth concept and therefore we ended up planting our half-dead Sweet Charlies in about four inches of soil. We watered them and J prayed, “God please give us the patience and love for our plants that You have.”

The next day, when J got off the bus with Joey, the boy from next door, we all went to check on the plants. Joey helped us pick all the oak leaves out of every bucket and then we moved to the strawberry containers. To our amazement, they actually looked alive! However, they also looked very low in the black plastic trays. When Joey left, J and I added more dirt. We were careful not to cover the “crowns,” but we still hadn’t added enough soil to meet the requirements so the next day we added more. Completely awe-struck, each day the plants got greener and then, one died. “Aw, Mom,” J groaned, and searching for the positive I told him, “Well at least there’s 14 more!”

Keeping in mind that we are also growing other vegetables, we checked the buckets. The broccoli was getting taller in both buckets, the jalapenos in one bucket were thriving but the one in the other seemed stunted, the lettuce was doing quite well and the peas were beginning to vine and flower so I made a mental note to get some kind of lattice set up. I also got the chance to ex-

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 67

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plain to both Joey and J that the pea pods would come out of the little white flowers. Unfortunately, nothing but weeds was growing in the spinach bucket, but our tomato plant had a tomato. We took the good with the bad.

We decided it might be a good idea to spray the plants with our neem pesticide. We read the instructions after venturing to Home Depot to purchase a spraying apparatus. The mixture called for a 200 to 1 ratio. I don’t know about you but counting out 200 capfuls of water didn’t seem too thrilling to me, therefore, I chose to wing it. All I can say about that is, bad idea! The day after spraying I realized the import of careful adherence to pesticide mixture instructions (Yes, Vicki, I know you warned me, sorry!) because in true farmer terminology, I had “burnt” our plants. J accused me of killing them all, and to be quite honest I wasn’t sure I hadn’t. So with brown leaf imagery in your minds, I will leave you, until next time.

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Black Sapote

by Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science A nutritious fruit that tastes like chocolate pudding sounds too good to be true! The Florida black sapote is a delicious, creamy fruit that takes on the color and texture of chocolate pudding when ripe. Hence, this fruit is also called chocolate pudding fruit, chocolate fruit, and black persimmon. Black sapote is a type of persimmon, and not related to mamey sapote or white sapote. This fruit is at its peak between December and March.

The black sapote resembles a large, round tomato that ranges from two to four inches in diameter. When ripe, its pulp is creamy with a sweet, mild flavor. The inedible skin turns from olive green to a deeper yellow-green when ripe. In the United States, black sapotes are mainly grown in Florida. This fruit is very low in fat and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Profile

According to the University of Florida, 100g (about 1/3 cup) of edible black sapote contains 130 calories, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of fat. This fruit also provides plenty of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and C.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is well known for its contribution to good vision and healthy eyes. In a study of over 50,000 women, those who consumed the most vitamin A in their diet had a 39 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts are a common problem plaguing many older adults, but a diet rich in vitamin A can be protective.

Additionally, data from a large study of over 100,000 men and women indicated that eating three or more servings of fruit per day lowered the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by 36 percent, compared with people who ate less than 1.5 servings of fruit per day. ARMD is the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Researchers concluded that the vitamins and carotenoids in fruit were responsible for the protective effect on the development of ARMD. Black sapote, and other foods rich in vitamin A, may also be beneficial to lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in smokers.

damage and widespread inflammation in the body. Vitamin C lowers cancer risk and helps regenerate vitamin E levels. Additionally, this vitamin increases iron absorption. Consuming a vitamin C-rich food, such as black sapote, alongside a food such as spinach will increase the amount of iron absorbed from the spinach by the body. Vitamin C plays a strong protective role in the body, providing protection from cardiovascular disease, cancer, joint disease, and cataracts.

How to Select and Store

Eat black sapote when fully ripe. Look for sapotes with soft, wrinkled skin and a black pulp. It will have a soft texture when squeezed. Refrigerate unwashed, ripe fruit for up to three to five days. For longer storage, the pulp may be frozen. If unripe, allow the fruit to ripen uncovered at room temperature for five or six days.

How to Enjoy

Opening Soon!

Black sapote are delicious when eaten out-of-hand. To eat, simply cut off the top and scoop out the fruit with a spoon to enjoy the chocolate pudding-like treat. Discard the seeds and peel.

Black sapote pulp can be pureed with vanilla or any fruit juice (orange or pineapple are especially good) for a simple dessert.

Sapote can also be blended into milk or ice cream for a chocolate treat. The pulp can be used as a filling for pies or drinks or incorporated into a moist cake.

Try fresh Florida black sapote today! This fruit is at its peak now during the winter months. Any fruit that resembles chocolate is not to be missed!

Selected References

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/black_sapote.html http://www.whfoods.com

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often touted for its ability to fight colds and viruses and maintain healthy skin and gums. This important antioxidant fights off free radicals, compounds that cause cell

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 73

A Closer Look: Christmas Tree Critters

A Closer Look: Christmas Tree Critters

By Sean Green

By now many of us have had a tree in the house for a or dying trees, cut Christmas trees included. A healthy living week or two. You may find out of state conifer will release sap at the wound site visitors in your home that arrived on the preventing the beetle from entering the tree you brought in to decorate. Most tree. Trees that have been cut and sitting Christmas trees at roadside stands are around long enough to attract beetles will grown out of state. Douglas fir and Noble likely have small round exit holes and fir for example are grown in Oregon and possibly sawdust on the bark caused by the Fraser fir in North Carolina. Christbeetles that have emerged from the inner mas trees are grown in all 50 states with bark. These insects present no danger the exception of Hawaii and Alaska, yet to the wood in your home, there is not artificial trees still dominate the Christenough moisture in it for the beetle to mas tree industry. Ask someone to justify survive. their choice of a natural or artificial and Adelgidae are related to aphids you may be in for a heated conversation. and are associated with conifers such as Compelling arguments fuel an ongoing pine and spruce. This insect resembles array of controversy ranging from envithe woolly aphid and mealybugs with ronmental responsibility to economic and its fluffy white topping and can pass even political interests. For many however, for snow with a little imagination. The it’s all about the bugs. This month we will adelgid feed off the sap from the phloem take a closer look at the bugs that affect of the tree and will soon die trying to get this specialized agricultural industry and nutrition from a cut tree. empower our community to be motivated Spiders found on Christmas trees more by knowledge than marketing efare either an overwintering species that forts. have become active or spiderlings that Mantid Before understanding the insects that have hatched after being exposed to warm Photo by Clemson University may be found on a Christmas tree, we temperatures. They may run off and spin USDA Cooperative Extension Slide a web in a corner of your home, but keep must first understand the tree. Conifers Series, Bugwood.org are trees that produce seeds in cones and in mind, they came from a tree, and they are called evergreens because they do are an outdoor species. Spiders found in not shed their leaves (needles) like other your tree will not survive the domestic trees. The needles are coated with a wax environment of your home and can be substance that helps them retain water in observed and appreciated for the short the dryer winter months and the tree itself duration they will survive. produces sap, a resin that not only keeps Despite which insect species you the tree from freezing in the wintertime, find on a natural tree, you can regard any but is an amazing food source in addiinsect as an indication of a tree that is tion to the pine cones, leaves, and inner fresh and recently harvested. It’s imporbark. With this in mind, we can conclude tant to keep it that way. Natural trees that your home lacks what they need to are becoming a popular choice again Bark Beetle survive. Now that we know natural trees as more home owners are realizing the Photo by Ron Long, Simon Fraser are safe for the home, let’s look at only a agricultural benefits of recycling natural few of the insects you may find (if you’re trees. Every year Christmas tree recycling University, Bugwood.org lucky). programs create mulch from the comMantids can be found throughout the munity and for the community. Those United States. We have about 12 species of us that have experienced the tradition in Florida. I have seen their egg sacs on of a natural tree know the unforgettable conifers more than any other tree. These smell that makes childhood memories insects are completely harmless to humans of Christmas everlasting. At one time, but will likely attempt to eat any insects the family tradition for many Americans you have in the house. A mantis egg sac on included selecting and cutting a Christyour tree may hatch because the warmth mas tree that was still growing. Unfortuof your home will mimic spring time. The nately, you-cut Christmas tree farms are babies are adorable in their resemblance to not as abundant in central Florida as they Adelgidae tiny adults. could be but we do have a couple. I will Bark Beetles are a specialized member Photo by John A. Weidhass, Virginia be looking for signs of insects on the tree of the weevil family. Many species are I select, for me it’s a Christmas gift from Polytechnic Institute and State Unionly associated with one or two species nature, a fascinating surprise. versity, Bugwood.org of conifer trees. They reproduce in dead

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 75

Naturally Amazing Activities The Versatile Pine Tree

by Sean Green

Pinaceae is the scientific classification of trees that make up the Pine family and include conifers of economic importance such as cedars, firs, pines, spruces and hemlocks. These trees provide key and component material for a surprising number of everyday products and are the family of trees most commonly used for Christmas celebrations in North America.

Like the cattail, nearly every part of the pine tree can be used as food or a tool. I was recently inspired to acknowledge and explore the gifts of this tree after soaking in some literature and video produced by the late botanist Frank Cook. I realized how little I know about natural agriculture and the value that would result in more research and experience. This month we will celebrate the amazing versatility of the Pinaceae family by sharing with you some of the gifts this tree has to offer.

Pine Pitch Antimicrobial

Needles

Seeds

Pine Needles are said to be loaded with vitamin C. Native Americans shared their knowledge of this natural gift with European settlers that were suffering from scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Fresh pine needles can be chewed on like a grass, and dry needles can be ground or minced and used as seasoning. By far the most common use of pine needles is to make a tea out of them.

Pine Needle Tea

1. Collect a few clusters of fresh pine needles (tender ones will be at the end of the branch) 2. Cut needles into 1 inch pieces, 3. Simmer to taste (about 20 min) sweeten with honey

Pine Straw

For those of you wondering what to do with your natural tree after the holidays, consider mulching it for yourself. Pine needles interlock preventing the mulch from moving around in heavy watering or rain. Pine straw retains moisture longer and provides better root insulation than other mulches. Two or three inches of Pine straw will prevent weeds from growing and provide a warm home for beneficial insects.

Pitch

Pitch is the resin that conifers produce, and when fossilized becomes amber. It’s probably the most versatile portion of the tree. This thick fluid is flammable, waterproof, and packed with nutritional, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Pine Pitch Torch

1. Split a small branch with the grain of the wood to form four tines (like a tiki torch.)

2. Wedge a seashell into the tines to create a small bowl for holding the pine pitch 3. Drip pine pitch on to a seashell to ignite for a small torch or just use the seashell alone as a small table lamp.

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In addition to being a healthy food source, pine pitch has many antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties and can be used as a temporary poultice for wounds, especially handy for removing difficult splinters and disinfecting the wound. Pine pitch is also a topical antiseptic and remedy for split horse hooves.

Pine Pitch Sealant

Pine pitch was heated to a liquid and used to seal leather, wood, and gourd canteens. It was also used to seal boats, and baskets. The pitch itself, remember, is an antimicrobial and will act as a disinfectant so long as no water is trapped in the container you are sealing.

Conifers produce seeds within the cone that are released when the cone opens either naturally while on the tree or as a result of heat. Some pine cones will only open with heat.

These seeds are known as pine nuts. In Florida we do not have native pines that will produce seeds large enough to use as a staple food like the southwestern species but if you are willing to put forth the effort, our sunflower sized pine seeds can be enjoyed as a novelty.

Pine Nuts

1. Place closed pine cones in a burlap sack, 2. Set the sack in the sun for a day or two (or in a hot Florida car) 3. Once the cones open, shake the seeds out by tapping the cone on a hard surface.

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Bark

There are claims that the inner bark of a pine tree is good for human consumption. Although the potential energy benefit from glucose in Phloem layer is not disputed, there are compelling grounds for seeking better sources of food. Wood is a composition of three major chemical components, Cellulose, Hemicellulose, and Lignin. There are few animals that are capable of digesting food sources with high fiber and cellulose content. Ruminant animals such as cows rely on intestinal bacteria to break down the cellulose chains and digest fiber.

Even termites rely on intestinal fungi and bacteria to break the chemical bonds of cellulose. Heating the inner bark seems to be a popular preparation method and perhaps the only means of extracting nutrition from this source. All things considered, the Pine tree remains a versatile tool and food source.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 77

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 79

4-H Has Gone to the Dogs

WE BUY FARMS

by Sherri Robinson

Man’s best friend is the dog, but Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H’ers will tell you in a heartbeat that a dog is a kid’s best friend, too. The Riverview 4-H club focuses on raising and showing dogs. The name Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H was the creation of the kids. Kim Floyd is the leader of this talented club.

Kim and I sat down to talk at Barnes and Nobles in Brandon one day during Thanksgiving week. She brought with her a beautifully done scrapbook full of wonderful memories and accomplishments thus far. When Kim told me about many of the pictures, it was clear that this was really a book about relationships and the strong bonds that are created between child and dog.

In 2006 - 2007 the South Shore Dog Club split leaving an opening for opportunity for a new club. It wasn’t long before Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H became its own entity. From that time they have been flourishing and taking the world by storm with their love for dogs. Currently they have 10 to 15 members.

They have been very busy this past year. Among their activities they have participated in five local 4-H dog shows in Manatee, Polk, St. Pete, and Hillsborough County. A big event for them is the Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Show. They have also taken part the last four to five years in the SPCA Dog Walk in October to help raise funds for this very special life saving organization. Also high on their list of fun things they’ve done is participating in the Puppy Petting at the Southeastern Guide Dogs where they took a tour and presented the organization with a lovely gift basket.

Every year they try to do a couple of service projects. “It’s not just about us. It’s also about community,” said Kim. Even the ones who are too young to volunteer, she tries to find ways for them to help the dog community.

Training a dog can be very rewarding, especially if it gets you a blue ribbon, which one would think would be the ultimate goal. The kids in this 4-H group know it’s more than that. “It’s not about winning, but about learning,” said Kim. They focus on dog, child and team bonding. The kids learn about health care and nutrition, proper care of a dog and training. Of course competition is big part of it so they work on the things that help

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them be the best competitors they can be. If a child’s dog is not ready, Kim is happy to loan one of hers for them to work with.

There are five competition categories: Showmanship - judged based on how well the child presents the dog, Obedience - heel, sit, stay and calm, Rally - another kind of obedience that uses a course with signs that tell the competitor what to do, Agility everyone loves this category which includes jumping and going through tunnels, and lastly, Quiz Bowl - question and answer competition of knowledge about everything from doggie diseases to care, competition and everything in between.

Usually the club has one to two teams who participate, place and sometimes win.

Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4 - H is for everyone, even kids with special needs. A kid is a kid even when they have special challenges. Kim knows from experience that every child can improve when they are able to focus. When the group is fortunate to have a child with special needs Kim takes the extra time he or she needs to learn to train a dog. It has pays off not only in the child’s ability to learn something new and to focus on an important task, but other areas of their life improve as well, such as school.

4-H can be inspiring for a young person who finds passion working with dogs. Some of the kids in the group graduate and come back to work with the younger kids. Some go on to attend school to get their education in the veterinary field. Others go on to very exciting things such as being accepted in the Westminster Dog Show in New York. Good luck to Samantha who will be competing soon!

It takes dedication and hard work to be successful training a dog, but even for a child who has lots of things on their plate or a short attention span it is achievable. Kim stresses the importance of training dogs and encourages the kids to “just take 5 or 10 minutes a day after school to train your dog, not just take them out to play. You will be surprised about the accomplishment. You will definitely see where the training time helps.”

If interested in joining Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H contact Kim Floyd at 813-431-6072 or johmanda@tampabay.rr.com.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 81

EXTENSION AGENT TRAINS THE TRAINERS FOR IRAQI 4-H

by Jim Frankowiak

Earlier this year IN THE FIELD published a story about a group of 4-H leaders from Iraq who came to the U.S. to learn more about 4-H, enhance their skills and help their efforts to expand 4-H in their country. One of the three U.S. stops for that group was Florida.

While here, the group’s visit was led by South Central Regional Specialized 4-H Agent Georgene Bender. That trip, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the agency’s Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), led FAS to support a trip to Iraq for a contingency of 4-H trainers.

Bender authored the proposal for the “train the trainer” trip to support the growth of 4-H in that country and she was part of the training team that traveled to Iraq and conducted training sessions.

Funding for the program came from international sources and 4-H was selected to provide the training. Florida 4-H was selected as the grant lead organization. “No funds were taken from U.S. 4-H programs for this international effort,” said Bender.

“Five members of the Iraqi group that came to the U.S. earlier this year were part of the class that participated in our training program,” said Bender. One of those individuals was Mohammed Lafta, a successful businessman, who now heads 4-H in Iraq. “He holds a position of authority, is well known and highly respected throughout Iraq.”

The group of trainers undergoing training included representatives from the Iraqi ministries of Agriculture, Extension and Youth, five 4-H representatives and three from non-governmental organizations.

The 16-hour trip to Iraq included stops at Washington, D.C., and Vienna prior to arriving at Erbil, a town considered by many to be the “cradle of civilization.” Bender and her colleagues were assisted by two college students, one of whom was the 20-year-old son of Lafta, Ali, and Rusul, a young woman and recent graduate. “Ali and Rusul were our cultural bridge to those undergoing training,” noted Bender. “Their efforts were very helpful as some of our approaches and expectations had to overcome cultural differences.”

The Youth Development Trainer-the-Trainer Workshop had four primary objectives: 1. Enhance local volunteers and educators knowledge to establish learning activities that build life skills through agricultural sciences that benefit youth in their careers, improve their economic well being and help support their families and communities;

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December 2011

2. Increase awareness of positive youth development practices to prepare youth for work across the agricultural value chain 3. Engage local volunteers and educators to develop as needed complement other instruction in language and literacy, computer, math, science and civic engagement using experiential learning; and, techniques such as Skillathons, games, songs, day and residential camps and various interactive methods to enhance learning with youth; 4. Participants will learn leadership development opportunities that promote interpersonal relations, communication skills, problem solving, teamwork and character development that they can share with other adults.

“It was apparent that the impact of the former government was still present,” said Bender. “Independent thinking, informal information exchanges and reflecting as opposed to pontificating are all concepts that have not been permitted for nearly three decades. It was also difficult for our trainees to recognize that kids go through ages and stages and that must be taken into account in approaches to teaching.”

“The concept of youth-adult partnerships was also difficult for our group to grasp, but we did succeed,” she said.

“As this trip to Iraq approached, I was not certain how I would feel about the country,” said Bender. “However, we were accepted, the people we met with are hungry for the 4-H curriculum and most appreciative of our efforts. We visited shopping areas, restaurants and the heart of Erbil, which is known as the Citadel. At no time did we feel unsafe.”

“I believe the depiction of Iraq we have as a result of media coverage is not fully accurate, especially with regard to the safety of visitors. I hope to return with my husband. The food was fantastic, some of the best I’ve ever had and the prices are very reasonable.”

Bender noted the 4-H growth in Iraq has been substantial for a program that just began three years ago, the response and support has been significant and it continues to grow. “Iraqis need to develop their own 4-H curriculum and establish a structure for funding,” she said. In Iraq unlike the U.S., 4-H is privately funded and that presents its own challenges.

“I hope we will be able to bring Mr. Lafta to our 4-H national conference in Orlando this coming October,” said Bender.

“I would also like to see his son, Ali, participate in a 4-H summer program in this country.” Iraq is the 81st foreign country to become associated with 4-H and further testimony to the positive impact it has on youth throughout the world.

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team or that no one was getting along. After talking with the officer team for a few minutes, I asked them, “Who feels there are issues on the team?” Slowly but surly every hand on the team was raised. I told them that all of you were chosen to serve on this team because of the passion you have for the FFA and that, yes, you are very unique individuals. It takes countless hours to have a good team and even a good year. After being elected into an officer position, the whole team is now a family. You must work together in every situation in order to get the job done. It’s funny that after just talking with them for a few short minutes, I began to see a light go off in each of their heads. I know that any officer team can get through their struggles if they talk it out.

I heard a quote that has stuck with me. “At any given moment you have the power to say this is NOT how the story is going to end.” The moment I heard this quote, so many pictures and situations ran through my head. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and this fits right along with it.

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around the strawberry plants to protect them from bad weather.

Other stories noted that farmers would bring the strawberries to market on beds of straw to protect them during traveling.

Alpine strawberries are believed to have medicinal uses. The leaves, roots and fruits were used as a skin tonic.

The berries were eaten to relieve diarrhea and an upset stomach. Leaves and roots were eaten for gout. In addition, a paste made from the strawberries was used for sunburn and skin blemishes, and the juice of the fruit would be used to whiten teeth.

Provided by the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 85

FLORIDA AG EXPO: GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER

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It just keeps getting better and bigger every year! That’s an apt description of Florida Ag-Expo, a “must attend” event that held its sixth annual session in November at the UF/IFAS Golf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm.

Presented by UF/IFAS, Florida Grower, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, the Florida Tomato Committee and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, the day long event played host to more than 800 attendees, over 75 exhibitors and a number of allied organizations.

Activities included a jam-packed schedule of timely presentations and field tours, reflecting the status of a wide range of projects underway at GCREC to help Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers succeed in today’s global economy.

The day’s activities began with presentation of a special proclamation from Board Chairman Al Higginbotham of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to Center Director, Dr. Jack Rechcigl, recognizing the multiple benefits the center provides not only to the agricultural community, but county as well.

The center received a 460-plus acre land donation from Hillsborough County when it was considering a new facility and location a number of years ago.

Special featured speaker, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, was introduced

by UF/IFAS Sr. Vice President Dr. Jack Payne, who noted the many ways in which GCREC, an important member of UF, Florida’s Land Grant institution of higher learning, has impacted agriculture and the state. Putnam carried forth that message with numerous examples of how the work of researchers at GCREC have and continue to help meet the challenges of agriculture, which “in these difficult economic days has taken up the slack to become the state’s major economic engine as an annual business totaling $100 billion. Here in Hillsborough County, agriculture’s economic impact is equal to a Super Bowl every month,” he said.

While working to keep agriculture competitive in may different ways, Putnam noted the importance of the work at GCREC and its sister facilities across the state in identifying and effectively fighting and controlling the various diseases that are brought into the state, primarily through the Port of Miami. He also cited water as the single most pressing long term challenge facing agriculture.

Noting the world recently welcomed

86 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

its 7 billionth person, Putnam said that milestone further serves to demonstrate the need for and value of farmers. “The world can’t feed itself.”

A stake holder’s roundtable followed in which food safety and the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements were discussed as enhancements to preventing a food crisis here in Florida. The panel,

which was moderated by UF/IFAS Research Dean Dr. Martha Roberts, included representatives of the state’s Department of Agriculture, a producer and buyer. Leann Skelton, who represented the FDA, was teleconferenced into the roundtable and responded to issues raised regarding FSMA from the varied panelist viewpoints. Skel-

ton anticipates new FSMA regulations, covering planting to initial distribution, to be out later this year or early in 2012.

A grower panel followed with discussion on problems and needs for vegetable and small fruit production. Crops represented included blueberries, strawberries and tomatoes. Though different in terms of crops produced, each shared concerns regarding labor, food safety and emerging regulatory issues, as well as challenges unique to their respective operations.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of tours showcasing horticultural crop production, trials related to management of tomato, cucumber and squash diseases, whitefly control, weed management, fumigation alternatives, tomato breeding, diagnostic lab capabilities, an on-site wastewater system for passive removal of nitrogen and soil less culture for strawberry and vegetable production.

Afternoon educational sessions included several categories, which afforded attendees the opportunities to earn CEUs. The Issues and Challenges for Growers session included presentations on making a profit during a challenging economy, maximizing crop cooling, a case study on food safety in Virginia and the dynamics of today’s labor.

The labor presentation by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Labor Relations Director Mike Carlton included some eyeopening statistics regarding farm workers in this country. “There are currently 1.8 million farm workers in the U.S.,” he said.

“Of that number, 75 percent or 1,350,000 are falsely documented and that means E-verify needs to replace 1,350,000 farm workers.”

Carlton said in Georgia where E-verify was passed, replacements for undocumented farm workers “were 860 percent less productive than the workers they replaced.”

He noted that a University of Georgia study on the issue estimated the cost to the state’s economy was $361 million plus the loss of 3,260 jobs.

“Congress must hear more from its grower constituents,” said Carlton. “There is no question that the anti-immigrant voice has been heard. It is now time for growers to have their voices heard on this issue as this is a very dynamic situation with changes nearly daily.”

Additional information on the Ag-Expo presentations, including video coverage, is available at http://flagexpo.ifas.ufl.edu.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 87

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Some of us struggle to ascertain where our talents lie. We try various avenues and readily hit road blocks, if not complete dead ends. Yet, there are others who seem to have the Midas touch.

Everything they endeavor to do is golden, even when they’ve no prior experience. We like to call that beginner’s luck just so we don’t feel too badly about our own failures. Perhaps, though, those people only choose to do the things they feel they have a natural aptitude for.

Morgan Boykin is a natural beauty both inside and out, but she only discovered other people’s appreciation for that giftedness recently when she was selected to be this year’s Harvest Queen. “I’d never done any kind of pageant stuff before. The closest thing is baton twirling. I’m a very competitive baton twirler.” In fact, she’s been twirling for nine years and was named Miss Majorette of Florida three times. She placed in the top five of the Miss Majorette of America contest in Notre Dame.

She adds, “I’ve competed in most of the southeastern states. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around with twirling.”

Morgan is a junior at Strawberry Crest and is very involved in school and various clubs. This year she decided to participate in the school’s Calendar Girl competition, and though it was her first actual beauty contest, she was named Miss May. Two weeks later the Harvest Queen competition commenced. She explains, “Harvest Queen is a typical beauty

88 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

pageant. I’ve showed at the Hillsborough County Fair numerous times and I’ve seen it there but there’s a $2000 scholarship and that’s what caught my eye. I can’t tell you how lucky and blessed I am ‘cause there were so many great girls. I was in the top two with my best friend, Ashton Houston!”

When Morgan mentioned showing at the Fair she was referring to her agricultural involvement therein.

“I’ve been in FFA since I started at Strawberry Crest. I went to a charter school for middle school without FFA. I got involved in Young Sprouts 4H Club in middle school and I’m now the President. When I got to Strawberry Crest my advisor told me to be an officer. I was elected and it’s an honor and a blessing to be one all three years. FFA is a huge part of my life. I’ve participated in career development events, speaking, cow judging, and plant judging. This is my second year with a market steer for Strawberry Festival.”

It’s the leadership aspect of FFA that she most appreciates now. “Leadership skills tie into the Harvest Queen because kids are looking up to you so you’re trying to be a leader.” She seems completely flabbergasted by the attention kids give her, “It’s super cool, its so funny to see these little kids think I’m some movie star. They just flip out, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re the Harvest Queen!’ These little one’s look up to you, so you need to make sure you’re on the right track. I get to

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be that girl everyone looks up to.”

Apparently she gets to be that girl who does a whole lot more than just look pretty. “I’m an ambassador and representative for the Hillsborough County Fair but not just the Fair, Hillsborough County, too. When the Fair was here they had me passing out awards. I participated in all the livestock shows passing out awards and belt buckles. I got to be part of the rodeo and since that’s what I want to do that was a lot of fun!”

Of course, some may be asking, “Does the beauty queen want to rope calves?” Actually, no. “I’m getting to the time of my life when I need to start thinking about college and what I’m going to do with my life. I’m undecided for what school but I want to do something with radiology. My dream is to get a degree in radiology and my dream, absolute dream, is to get a job as one of the medical staff for the Professional Bull Riders Association.

I’ve been raised on watching bull riding, watching it on TV, going to the rodeos, when they get hurt I want to help them.”

While handing out belt buckles at the rodeo was certainly a high point, she adds, “I get to be part of many banquet dinners and later in the year I’m going to be attending the Agriculture Hall of Fame banquet. Being in FFA I’ve always wanted to go, so now I have the opportunity so I’m excited.” In true leader fashion she says, “I’m thrilled, honored and any other positive word you can think of! It’s such a blessing, it truly is! Never be afraid to go for something, always just go for what you want and never give up. Look at me, I didn’t know what I was doing and I was blessed to get this title. Never let any one down you!” Hopefully her message will encourage other young ladies, like her 12 year old sister, Amber, to follow their dreams regardless of the lack of expertise therein.

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 89

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Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Hosts

Nights Of Shimmering Lights Family Holiday Drive Through Animated Light Show

by Jim Frankowiak

As you plan your family’s holiday activities, you might want to consider a brand new attraction making its Florida debut this season at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds through January 7. Nights of Shimmering Lights is the offspring of the motherdaughter team of Stephanie Martin and Amanda Yoke and their company, Sunshine Illuminations LLC. Parenting Magazine is also a sponsor.

“We enjoy Christmas lights and spending quality time with our children,” said Yoke. “We also wanted to use the skills we have obtained through seven years of computerized animated lighting to bring a new, low cost family entertainment option to the Tampa Bay area.” Nights debuted last holiday season at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Upstate New York where the Martin-Yoke team was residing.

Since then the family opted to return to the Tampa Bay area and bring further enhancement to the Nights attraction, an over one-mile family-focused drive that takes visitors through more than 600 illuminated tunnels, wire frame displays with nearly 750,000 dancing LED (light emitting diode) lights. The show offers scenes such as Winter Wonders and Undersea Adventure while visitors listen to the sounds of the season from their car radio. “We hope they will reflect on the reason for the season with The Nativity and watch their children’s faces light up as the giant Santa greets them in Toyland,” said Martin. “Nights of Shimmering Lights is unique in its custom-designed scenes to celebrate the joy of the season.” Animation Lane features megatrees, arches and shooting poles designed to entertain with their dancing antics.

Visitors reach the show by entering the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds at Sydney Washer Road and State Road 60 in the eastern area of the county. “The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is delighted to host the Nights of Shimmering Lights holiday display,” said Fair Manager Tom Umiker. “This is another example of the type of family-friendly events the County Fairgrounds will be hosting for the community.”

“It will take, on average, about 30 minutes for viewers to drive through Nights of Shimmering Lights,” said Yoke. There are restrooms on site. The attraction is open at dark Thursday – Sunday with special hours the week of Christmas. The cost is $20 per car or truck, regardless of the number of occupants.

There is special pricing for buses.

There is also a special Dedication Area open to anyone in

90 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

the community wishing to place a lighted deer or tree in memory of a departed loved one or friend. There is no cost for placing the deer or tree in the Field of Deer and Forest of Trees. The loved one’s name will also be added to the dedication banner.

Further information regarding participation in the Dedication Area is available at www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com.

Despite the presence of nearly 750,000 LED lights, the attraction is energy-conscious. “We are proud to say that we are a green event,” said Yoke. Ninety-four percent of our displays and illuminations are presented with low power usage LEDs. A LED mini light uses only six percent of the power that a standard incandescent mini light uses. We also use two-dimensional wire frames which use 60 percent less lights than a three-dimensional display of the same size without any loss of enjoyment.

The key to the dancing trees and moving poles is computer controlled via hardware and software from Light-O-Rama.

“There are 224 channels or individual switches making the magic happen,” said Yoke. “Each year we will devote the non-holiday months to bringing additional enhancements to Nights. It is our hope to make a visit to Nights of Shimmering Lights a tradition of many families in the Tampa Bay area,” said Martin.

A special feature of the Nights attraction is the Kris Mouse Hunt. A lighted mouse, Kris, according to Martin, “has disappeared somewhere in the park. When you visit, count how many times you see him and report the number of times you saw him on the Nights of Shimmering Lights website.” There will be a $50 drawing January 10 to pick the winning entry. The Nights’ website also has a picture to help visitors identify Kris.

For more information, directions and Kris Mouse Hunt entries, visit: www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com.

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BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA MLS #191458 Prepare to love this well-kept 2BR cabin with a seasonal mountain view. This enticing 1 1/2 story provides gas fireplace, loft, wood flooring, main-level laundry, central air, ceiling fans, Nottley River priveleges, covered porch and a simple, no-fuss landscape. Fishing.

Call Jane Baer w/Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829.

2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019.

ESTATE SALE Large double-wide mobile home, partially furnished, 2 BR/2 ba, large kitchen, huge living room, laundry room, front screenin porch, covered double carport, utility room, Located in Country Meadows Adult Park in Plant City. Asking $23,000. Call Al at 813-763-2220.

FOR SALE 4 Acres West of Plant City, one 1/4 mile south of 92 on Bethlehem on the west side.

Total frontage 557’ dry land front 63’, depth of 305’. Back of dryland is 125’ water stream runs though property and great for cabin and animals. Asking $15,000. Call 813-707-8520

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

We have several thousand 1 to 15 gallon blueberry plants available! Call for quote.

Love Fireess?h Berr eberry

1 Gallon .9B5lu r your Plant $6 fo r patio backyard o Open Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. til 5 p.m.

813-323-7987 w w w.berr ybluefarms.com

Wild Horse & Front Line Ministries Invites You to Enjoy Free Family Entertainment

January 21st & 22nd, 2012 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 4810 State Road 60, Dover, FL Call 863-559-3093 for more information.

Activities include • Mounted Shooting Demonstrations by Bay Area Bandits • Hillsborough County Sheriff Posse Demonstration • Music • Cowboy Poetry by Les McDowell • Appearance of Dry Creek TV Series Cast • Auction featuring a colt trained by Paul Daily MUCH MORE! Auctions and Refreshment Stand will also be available to help support the ministries.

Send tax deductible donations to Riviere Thomas, P.O. Box 3112, Plant City, FL 33563.

For more information contact Riviere Thomas at rthomas@ritewayfoods.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 93

GM IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FARM BUREAU速 TO BRING YOU THIS VALUABLE OFFER1.

Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3 And through the GM Business Choice Program4, business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details.

1Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011 and 2012 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt.

2Requires Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo.

3Requires available 6.6L Duramax速 diesel engine. Maximum trailer ratings assume a properly-equipped base vehicle plus drive. See dealer for details.

4To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other offers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 9/30/2012.

Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation速 are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by GM) under license. 息2011 General Motors LLC

W W W. S T I N G R AY F L E E T. C O M 94 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

December 2011

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www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

December 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 95

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

Est. 1969

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Digital Radiographs • Emergencies • Equine Dentistry • In-House Lab Work • Preventative Care • Reproductive Services • Ultrasound ROUTINE & EMERGENCY CARE For other large farm animals (no cats or dogs) SPECIAL PRICING 4-H & FFA Student Project Animals

DR. LARRY BRITT, DVM

Large Animal Vet Services General Practice Specializing in Equine Dentistry

FARMS and/or GROUPS Call for Discount Pricing!

fo l l ow us on

914 E Knights Griffin Rd., Plant City, FL 33565 • 813.951.0118 cell • 813.752.0224 office www.InTheFieldMagazine.com • www.horse-dentist.biz

96 INTHEFIELD813.719.1913 MAGAZINE December 2011 fax • teethfloat@aol.com