In The Field Magazine - Hillsborough January 2012

January 15–February 15, 2012 ®

THE 2012 FLORIDA STATE FAIR Agribusiness Team

Covering What’s Growing

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• Food Plot Mix • Attractants • Feeders • and much more!

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From the Editor

Sarah Holt

January VOL. 8 • ISSUE 3

Cover Story Agribusiness Team

Covering What’s Growing

7 8 10 14 18 24 28 72 74 78

Sarah

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

Numbers 6:25

Did You Know?

Advertisers Index Food Safety

New FDA Requirements

Fishing Hot Spots Captain Woody Gore

UF/IFAS Extension Florida Landscaping

Rocking Chair Chatter Al Berry

Grub Station

Apollo’s Bistro Restaurant

Florida Veggie Fennel

Bug

Curve Tooth Geometer Moth

FL School Nutrition A Top Priority Under Adam Putnam

Publisher/Owner Karen Berry

Sales Manager Danny Crampton

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry

Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton

Senior Managing Editor/Associate Publisher Sarah Holt

Corredtion: The November 2011 In The Field Grub Station on The Catering Company stated Sharon Silver also owned Day Dreams Day Spa and Bath Shop in Brandon and Lakeland. The owner is actually Jan Jordan. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

The 2012 State Fair Agribusiness Team Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

THE 2012 FLORIDA STATE FAIR

Be blessed,

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.

January 2012

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January 15–February 15, 2012 ®

It is time for the Florida State Fair! The 12-day event highlights agriculture from across the state, bringing together the best of the best to vie for a variety of awards. This year the event will take place February 9 – 20 and is sure to be action packed each day.

Every year people make their way to Tampa for the sights and sounds of the Florida State Fair. It’s a great place to try out the latest in deep fried food, see great sights, new inventions and make great memories. It is also a place to learn about agriculture in Florida.

The Florida State Fair allows those far removed from the farm to reconnect with their agricultural surroundings.

So while you are enjoying the rides, food, exhibits and other things the fair has to offer, be sure to take the time to visit the agriculture areas. Take in a showmanship competition and tell the students you see that you are proud of the job they are doing and the hard work they are putting in to their project. Check out the Mooternity Ward where you may be lucky enough to witness the birth of a calf. Check out Ag Venture and learn about where your food really comes from and the impact agriculture has on every day life. And don’t forget to walk in to Florida’s past at Cracker Country.

I love that fairs showcase the hardworking folks who raise livestock and grow crops to help feed our nation. It makes me happy!

Visit the In The Field magazine booth in the Agriculture Hall of Fame building. We would love to meet you!

4

®

Editor Patsy Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens

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 Juan Carlos Alvarez Contributing Writer 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.

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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

Dear Readers, I hope your holidays were enjoyable and restful. Please accept my best wishes for a very happy and prosperous New Year.

For Farm Bureau both, here in Hillsborough County and across the state, our current focus is the upcoming Florida legislative session, which begins at the end of this month. Last year was a good year for us with the legislature and we hope that will continue.

Here are the issues we are following closely during this upcoming session: • • • • • • • •

Ag Industry Bill State Preemption/Apiculture Sales Tax Exemption Expansion Limited Agricultural Associations Immigration Farm Signs Monitoring the IFAS Budget Agritourism

• • • • • • • •

Theft of Metals Trespassing Water Management Districts Premises Liability Fertilizer Land Application of Septage Septic Tanks Energy

For more information about these issues and our goal with each, I encourage you to visit our web site at www. hcfarmbureau.org or the state site, which is www.floridafarmbureau.org.

Working with our legislators is just one of the things we do on behalf of our members. There are many other things we do and a host of benefits available to Farm Bureau members. If you are not a Farm Bureau member, please take the time to visit either of those web sites and take a close look at member benefits. Once you do, I am sure you will want to join.

Have a great month!

Danny Aprile Danny Aprile President, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau

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

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594

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

• Apples are more effective at waking you up in the morning than coffee.

• Cats cannot move their jaw sideways.

• Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave.

• It is physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky.

• Popcorn was important to the Aztec Indians as a food source.

Insurance Services 813.685.5673 Member Services 813.685.9121

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• Room temperature is between 68 to 77 degrees.

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

• The most commonly forgotten item for travelers is their toothbrush.

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011

• An octopus pupil is rectangular.

• The oldest word in the English language is ‘town’.

• In a deck of cards the king of hearts is the only king without a moustache.

• There are only four words in the English language that end in ‘dous’: hazardous, horrendous, stupendous and tremendous.

• The safest car color is white.

• Coca Cola launched its third product, Sprite, in 1961.

• Black on yellow are the two colors with the strongest impact.

• ‘Bookkeeper’ and ‘bookkeeping’ are the only two words in the English languagewith three consecutive double letters.

• Venetian blinds were invented in Japan.

• In 1878 the first telephone book printed contained only 50 names.

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

Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS Valrico Office 813.685.5673

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

Plant City Office 813.752.5577

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

Tampa Office 813.933.5440

1046 W. Busch Blvd., Ste. 100, Tampa, FL 33612 Greg Harrell, Jeff Harper

AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale 7

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January 2012

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50 YEARS IN BUSINESS • Specializing in Azaleas and a wide selection of Woody Ornamentals • Delivery available in Florida and sales throughout the Southeastern United States • WHOLESALE ONLY

813-752-0931 Fax: 813-754-7427

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Index of Advertisers

Ag Technologies ................................ 11 Agri Fabrics ...................................... 22 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers .......... 79 Andy Thornal Outfitters ................... 39 Aquarius Water Refining ................... 77 Astin Strawberry Exchange ............... 84 Berry Blue Farm & Nursery .............. 89 Bill’s Transmissions ........................... 69 Bingham Portables ............................ 83 Brandon Auto Services ...................... 91 Brandon Farms Market ..................... 45 Broke & Poor Building Surplus .......... 75 Brown’s Jewelers ............................... 73 Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. ......................... 87 Cecil Breeding Farm .......................... 23 Certis USA Melocon ...........................2 Certis USA Soilgard .......................... 19 CF Industries .................................... 21 Chemical Containers ......................... 57 Chuck’s Tire & Automotive .............. 37 Clem’s Meats .................................... 41 Cowboys Steakhouse ......................... 57 Cowboys Western World ................... 37 Crescent Jewelers .............................. 43 Crossroads Ace Hardware ................. 31 Dad’s Towing .................................... 43 Dairy Queen of Plant City ................ 53 Discount Metal Mart ........................ 79 Driscoll’s .......................................... 65 East Coast Ag Products ..................... 83 Fancy Farms ..................................... 59

Farm Bureau Insurance - Valrico ........ 15 Farm Bureau Insurance Jeff Sumner .. 77 Farm Credit of Central FL ................. 61 Felton’s Market ................................. 47 Florida Ag in the Classroom .............. 47 Florida Mineral Salt Ag Products ....... 33 Florida State Fair ................................9 Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc. .... 55 Forbes Road Produce ......................... 16 Fred’s Southern Kitchen ..................... 89 Gator Ford ........................................ 55 Gladstone Land ................................ 87 Grove Equipment Service .................. 41 Handy Can Portable Restrooms ......... 87 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply .................3 Harrell’s Nursery ................................8 Haught Funeral Home ...................... 29 Helena Chemical .............................. 71 High Yield Industries ........................ 63 Hillsboro State Bank ......................... 85 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau ......7 Hinton Farms Produce ...................... 69 Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder .............. 71 I-4 Power Equipment ...........................5 Johnson’s Barbeque ........................... 89 Keel & Curley Winery ....................... 13 KeyPlex Nutritionals ......................... 94 L.I.T. Security Cages ......................... 91 Land’s Feed & Farm Supply .............. 63 Lewis Insulation Technologies ........... 91 Loetscher Auto Parts ......................... 91

Magnolia Hill ................................... 81 Malissa Crawford, Realtor ................ 45 Mark Smith Excavating ..................... 30 Meryman Environmental .................. 73 Mosaic ............................................. 75 Muck Truck ...................................... 53 Parrish Threads ................................. 67 Plant City Church of God 5K Race..... 67 Plant City Tire & Auto .......................8 Red Rose Inn & Suites .................. 48-49 Rhizogen .......................................... 65 Rick’s Custom Meats ........................ 85 Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ............ 96 Savich & Lee Wholesale .................... 39 Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ............ 27 Sisters & Company ........................... 59 Southern Water & Soil ...................... 58 Southside Farm & Pet Supply ............ 17 Stephanie Humphrey Photography .... 89 Stingray Chevrolet ............................ 95 SuperShuttle International ................ 40 The Hay Depot ................................. 85 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort .... 35 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith ............................... 40 Walden Lake Car Wash ..................... 84 Wells Memorial ................................ 81 Werts Welding & Tank Service .......... 83 Wetzel’s Farrier Service ...................... 85 Willie’s Seafood ................................. 87 Wishnatzki Farms ............................. 25

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 Febuary 3, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 8

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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January 2012

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GETTING A JUMP ON THE FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT

by Jim Frankowiak

Maintaining the highest possible levels of food safety is important to all of us at each step along the chain from the farm to the table. No one would dispute that, but creating the plan to assure that will take place is a major undertaking, and one that simply cannot occur overnight.

The initial step was enactment of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) this past January. That new law aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing it from occurring. FSMA has given the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authority to regulate the way foods are grown, harvested and processed.

The law was prompted after the occurrence of incidents of food-borne illnesses during the last 10-plus years. These instances of tainted food have cost the food industry billions of dollars in recalls, lost sales and legal expenses and not to be overlooked is the loss of consumer confidence in the safety of these commodities. It is estimated that the fiscal impact of a food borne illness outbreak averages $100,000 with some reaching into the millions.

Now that FSMA is in place, the FDA has begun the rulemaking process to codify how the agency intends to enforce the new laws. It is anticipated that rulemaking to be completed early this year. The scope is very broad and includes: • Prevention • Inspection and Compliance • Response to Contaminants/Violations • Imported Foods Standards • Expanded Domestic and Foreign Partnerships It is further anticipated that it will take the FDA up to five years to become fully equipped to enforce the new laws. However, this is not to say that little is being done in the meantime to address the issue of food safety from farm to the table.

Good agricultural practices (GAP) trace their beginnings to 1998 and a FDA publication entitled, “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.” This guide served as the basis for GAP-type programs. At present GAP programs are not required for the majority of commodities, save for tomatoes grown in 10 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

Florida. However, it is anticipated that annual certification for growers of fruits and vegetables will become a requirement under FSMA-related rulemaking.

Over the last several years, University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department and the Extension Services of Hillsborough and Manatee counties have joined forces to offer periodic GAPs programs at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center for vegetable and fruit growers and packers. The day long sessions include GAPs training, food safety updates, audit information, recordkeeping and resources.

The classes satisfy the annual training requirement for Florida tomato growers, but are useful to growers of all commodities. Florida tomato growers have a mandatory food safety program and this is part of the required education. This session attracted strawberry, blueberry, vegetable and tomato growers, perhaps an indication of what is anticipated in the immediate future. Topics covered included: • Microbiology for Growers and Packers: Understanding Organisms of Concern • Worker Health and Hygiene • The Importance of Record Keeping • Post Harvest Handling and Sanitation • Audit Perspective: Lack of a Standardized Audit • FSMA Update • Educational Materials and Resources • How UF/IFAS Extension Can Help in the Next Step Program presenters included Crystal Snodgrass, Manatee County Extension; Keith Schneider, UF; Michele Danyluk, Citrus Research and Education Center; Renee Goodrich Schneider, UF and Alicia Whidden, Hillsborough County Extension.

Certificates were given to all attendees at the end of the session and completion of a post-session test. The session, which cost $50 per attendee, included an assortment of educational materials in both English and Spanish.

As one participant stated, “ongoing participation in sessions such as this not only enhances food safety, but it helps those of us in the industry protect our future.” www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

MULTIPLE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM COGENERATION SYSTEM AT CF INDUSTRIES’ PLANT CITY PHOSPHATE COMPLEX

“We were green when it was just a color.”

by Jim Frankowiak

“The power that is generated is sufficient to provide for all of the complex’s electrical demands...”

12 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

The process of producing phosphate fertilizer at CF Industries Plant City Phosphate Complex generates a significant steam by-product. Twenty-five years ago, plant officials took a hard look at that steam by-product and its potential as a “great source of thermal energy that could be used to produce power,” said Brett Belknap, CF Industries Superintendent for Instrument & Electrical Maintenance at the complex.

After careful consideration and analysis, CF Industries acquired and installed a 40 megawatt turbine generator to convert the excess steam into power. That decision involved an investment of $25 million dollars and a year to install the generator and bring the cogeneration system on line in 1989. “It is considered a cogeneration system, since it simultaneously produces heat (steam) and electricity from a single source, making use of what otherwise would be wasted energy,” said Belknap. Until the cogeneration system was brought on line, the steam produced by the process at the complex simply dissipated into the atmosphere.

The steam is used to drive the turbine which is coupled to the generator. “The power that is generated is sufficient to provide for all of the complex’s electrical demands,” said Belknap. In today’s dollars that equates to approximately $1.5 million each month.

The power generated is equivalent to providing electricity to more than 35,000 households, an admitted conservative estimate since one megawatt of power on average is able to provide the electrical needs of 1,000 households.

“It also is common for our complex to export power to the local power grid when the demand on-site decreases,” noted Belknap. “This power then can be used by the local utility to supply electricity to the surrounding communities.”

The benefits derived from the installation of the cogeneration system more than two decades ago are multi-fold. “The turbine generator not only provides CF with a reliable power source, but it improves air quality and reduces the environmental impact from conventional power plants that typically are coal or nuclear powered,” said Belknap. “Every megawatt that is produced is one less generated by local utilities. This, in turn, provides for a significant reduction in air pollutants from local power plants.”

“My colleagues are quick to note that CF Industries was ‘green’ when green was just a color,” said Belknap referring to the contemporary reference to the word green as environmental protection through regeneration, reuse and re-purpose.

Belknap said CF Industries was able to recoup its investment in the cogeneration system within two years of its being brought on line at the Plant City complex. “We continue to have TECO as our electrical power backup should that be needed,” he said.

In addition to cost-savings and environmental enhancements, which continue to accrue every day of operation, Belknap said the cogeneration system operation is not labor intensive. It requires oversight of its operation by a single technician and regular maintenance by a single mechanic. “It also is relatively small in size when compared to its output and capability to generate electricity for 35,000 homes,” he added.

Major maintenance is required, on average, every five years and CF Industries maintains a parts inventory on site so that downtime for parts replacement or maintenance is kept to a minimum.

The benefits of the cogeneration system will continue “and it may make sense to acquire and install a smaller unit in the future to further enhance the benefits to both CF Industries and the environment,” Belknap concluded.

January 2012

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Come Experience the Napa Valley of Tampa Bay

Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is Open Daily Until 6pm Sample All Our Wines and Receive a Souvenir Wine Glass for Just $6

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 $10 including a wine tasting Visit KeelAndCurleyWinery.com for more details

1st Saturday Concert Series Tickets can be purchased on our website or at the winery.

2/5 Coo Coo Ca Chu - Tampa Classic Rock Natives playing hits from the 60’s and 70’s Show starts at 7pm, Happy Hour 6-7pm $10 advanced price or $12 day of the show Spring Music Series 2/25 The Piano Men: Featuring Songs of Billy Joel and Elton John Festival goes from 2pm to 10pm Tickets start at $10 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

www.keelandcurleywinery.com

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

by Captain Woody Gore by.

I can’t believe it is 2012 already. It seems like the years just fly

As people get into fishing they often think it’s some kind of sport or hobby that involves bait, rod and reel, and heading off to a nearby stretch of water where they throw in a line and wait for an unsuspecting fish to bite their hook.

Many times these people will catch fish, but probably not to the potential they might like. When done correctly, consistently catching fish is often more difficult than simply baiting a hook and tossing it in the water. When done successfully there are many things to consider. Some are the same as when you make purchases on anything else around the house. You might ask “where is a good place to go for big screen television?” In the same way all retailers don’t sell the same model televisions, certain waters hold certain types of fish. Since businesses have certain business hours in which their customers can make a purchase, the same holds true for fish. Only with fish it’s called feeding times. If you figure out and understand feeding times and fish during those times, you’re likely to catch fish.

Learning this information can take time because each species has many different variables. While many have the same or similar characteristics, they are all individual fish species, so there are going to be differences between them. Some fish feed at different times, some prefer a high tide and some an incoming tide, some prefer fish baits, some prefer shrimp, some you’ll only find in winter and others in summer and that’s only a few of the variables. When you begin figuring it out, it starts to make sense and you can experiment with different methods of fishing.

One popular method around the flats is site fishing. While it’s a great way to fish you really don’t have to sight fish to catch snook and redfish. Many anglers simply toss their bait to places where the fish are likely to be. The ideal place to find snook and redfish is along an undulating mangrove shoreline, but not just any shoreline. There are miles of shoreline surrounding Tampa Bay and for this reason you need to narrow down your choices by looking for the places where birds, and especially egrets, are feeding, especially on low tides. It’s a dead give away that when the water returns fish will follow. They’re after the same small bait fish, crabs and sand worms that the reds and snook are eating. If there aren’t any birds around, fish around overhanging branches or where trees have fallen into the water.

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The time of year also determines where to fish. Snook follow a well-defined pattern. During the coldest months of the year, usually January and February, most snook move up the tidal rivers, often ending up in small fresh water creeks. In March, as the water begins to warm, snook move towards the coast. During this time you can find them inside, as locals call the inland bays and creeks or outside, which refers to the tidal channels and bays closer to the Gulf of Mexico.

By May and continuing through October, snook fishing is strictly outside. The fish begin to spawn in May and continue into the summer. They will prepare to spawn in the passes and move just offshore to release their eggs.

After October, the fish will remain outside as along as it is warm and the bait fish are around. When the first few cold fronts move through and the bait moves out, the snook head inland.

The best time of year for redfish is from August through November. This is when you find the big schools of fish on the outside flats and in the passes. At other times of the year, you may encounter reds just about anywhere in the bay area, usually swimming alone or in pairs with plenty of small reds in creeks and channels. Redfish don’t seem to be too picky about what they eat. Live or dead baitfish or shrimp, gold or silver spoons, or jigs are the most popular choices. Jigs are very popular because of their versatility.

Let’s Go Catching!

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Snook: Remember they go deep seeking warmer water. Top baits include live greenbacks, shrimp, small pinfish and deadsticking cut baits. Artificial lures do well during the winter but plan on fishing deeper. Topwater lures, although loads of fun, seem to work better when surface water temperatures are higher.

Good choices include subsurface sinking or suspending lures.

Soft plastics using at least a 1/8 oz jighead always produce during the winter. If live bait is your choice shrimp always entices a bite, especially if they are hungry.

Redfish: Normally continue being active because the cooler water doesn’t affect them like it does Snook. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines

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normally hold hungry Redfish. Artificials still work during the winter and for us diehard surface anglers they can’t resist a surface walking topwater lure. Greenbacks (if you can find them), shrimp, dollar size pins, cut bait and patience do the trick.

Spotted Sea Trout: Action should go on the upswing with cooler water temperatures pushing them inshore. Fish strong tides around deepwater flats. They eat shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks. Deeper flats, good moving water, and a popping float prove deadly in catching nice Trout. Especially when rigged with shrimp, either live or artificial. Soft plastics on a jighead always produce when bounced off the bottom. Remember, the bite always comes as the baits begin to fall, so don’t be surprised to have a fish on just after the lure hits the water.

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Cobia: Don’t be surprised to see one on the back of large Rays and Manatees. As the waters cool you should see them around or migrating toward the hot water discharges of power plants. But don’t think you’re going to be alone in these areas… there will be plenty of boats. Large shrimp on a ¼ oz. jighead normally does the trick. But small or chunk crab also works.

Sharks also frequent the warm water discharges this time of year so don’t be surprise when you catch one while targeting Cobia.

Sheepshead will show up everywhere during the winter months. Try fishing for these great fighters around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars or practically any type structure. Shrimp and fiddler crabs always produce, but green mussels and oysters also work.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same.

With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament.

Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

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

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Attracting Wildlife to Your Landscape th The 5 of the 9 Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

by Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent Hillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension

It’s important to decrease the amount of insecticides you use in your landscape. By killing the bad bugs, which are less than 1/10th of one percent of all bugs, you also kill the good bugs. Insects are an important source of food for birds. Chemical affected insects can poison birds and other animals after ingestion.

And, speaking of wildlife this time of year, instead of hauling your live Christmas tree to the curb en route to a yard waste processing facility, consider these alternatives:

•

• In the United States, Florida has the third most diverse wildlife population. Increasing urban development, especially in coastal communities, continues to destroy our native wildlife habitats. We can make a difference in our Florida-Friendly yards by providing a wide variety of plant materials for wildlife and creating natural planting areas connecting properties which allows animals to travel from one natural area to another.

The needs of wildlife are the same as ours: shelter, food and water. All can easily be incorporated into your landscape. Shelter is provided by the vertical layering of landscape plants. Use low growing plants like groundcovers, shrubs and trees to create a safe place for birds and animals to hide, rest and nest. Bird and bat houses are a plus. Great food sources for wildlife include plants that produce berries, fleshy fruits, nuts and acorns. Just be willing to have your seedbearing, fruit, foliage and flowers consumed by birds, larval butterflies or caterpillars and adult butterflies. Water can be easily provided in a birdbath which can catch rainwater. By regularly changing the water, mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination can be prevented.

Managing pets is important in attracting wildlife. Allowing cats and dogs to roam freely in wildlife areas will significantly decrease the likelihood of attracting birds and other wildlife whose preservation instincts will relocate them to areas that are provide more security and quiet.

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•

Recycle your Christmas tree by placing it in your back yard. The deteriorating tree will provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. To provide food for birds, you can hang suet or sliced fruit from the branches.

Chop or grind the tree and use as mulch around trees, shrubs and flower beds.

Use as firewood. Be sure you let the tree age because

burning sap can be smoky and hazardous. Check the regulations in your city/county for outdoor burning before you start a fire outside. Freshly cut wood does not burn as well as aged wood. And, remember, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!!

For more information about attracting wildlife to your landscape go to the following publication from which this article was adapted: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW17500.pdf.

Your yard could be recognized as a Florida Backyard Landscape for Wildlife. For more information about Florida’s wildlife and creating a wildlife-friendly landscape, visit: http://wec.ufl. edu/extension/landscaping.

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!

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

It is there that

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

[ 2011 Certis USA

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

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New Extension Urban Horticulture Agent has Lifelong Relationship with Nature

by Jim Frankowiak

Nicole Pinson is very much at home in her new position as an Urban Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension. “I was born and raised in south Tampa, but was introduced to nature by my grandparents who lived in the country,” said Pinson. “That has led to a lifelong interest in nature, both in my professional career and my personal pursuits.”

Pinson moved to Plant City at age 12 with her parents and younger brother “and one of the first things we did after moving was to plant a garden.” She enjoyed “getting lost in the woods and spending weekend nights sleeping in the tent she pitched in her backyard.” Pinson also spent a good deal of time on her four-wheeler in the woods.

Pinson attended Tampa Bay Tech as a high school student with initial plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. However, the seeds planted by her grandparents and a volunteer position at the butterfly garden of the Museum of Science and Industry changed that. She went on to the University of South Florida and earned an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy.

While at Tampa Bay Tech, Pinson was involved in student government, a member of the principal’s advisory council and not surprisingly a cross country runner. She continues to run when time permits.

Throughout her high school career she was involved in community service activities and volunteerism. The MOSI position had Pinson responsible for raising caterpillars and butterflies. Nicole also worked under a Southwest Florida Water Management District grant at the Audubon Resource Center at Lettuce Lake Park, implementing the first wetland environmental education program for Audubon of Florida.

After her graduation from USF, Pinson became a live goods buyer for Home Depot and a landscape designer with a firm in Pinellas County. She then spent four and a half years as an environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Health, primarily engaged in water quality issues.

Since joining Extension this past September, Pinson has been very busy with the two major focal points of her position, working with Extension’s Master Gardener Program and serving as a resource for residents of the county for all things related to urban horticulture.

“We have 123 active volunteers in the Master Gardener Program

20 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

and I help coordinate their educational outreach activities throughout the county,” said Pinson. Master Gardeners give free clinics at libraries and are engaged in presentations as part of a speaker’s bureau initiative, which Pinson oversees.

“Last year, Master Gardener volunteers contributed more than 7,100 hours of service to county residents,” said Pinson.

“That translates to contributions in time of nearly $130,000 or 3.6 full time employees.”

Those volunteers and the agent also assisted with AgVenture, a program that provides hands-on agriculture-related educational opportunities to more than 950 third grade students, teachers and chaperones from 12 Hillsborough County Schools.

Pinson noted the full calendar of gardening events is available on the web at: http://bit.ly/HortCalendar.

Master Gardener training is another of Pinson’s responsibilities.

This is a 10-week course with participants committing a five-hour day each week. The course fee is $175, which covers the cost of the Master Gardener Handbook and materials. “We currently have 184 individuals on our training waiting list,” she said. Once certified, Master Gardeners are obliged to give back 75 hours in community service and earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEU). That service quota drops to 35 hours annually after the first year, but is a continuing requirement as is the 10 CEU requirement. “Our master gardeners range in age from the 30s to the 80s and nearly all exceed their annual requirements.

They are a true asset to the residents of the Hillsborough County,” said Pinson.

In addition to her Master Gardener duties, Pinson is also responsible for organizing and staging workshops related to urban horticulture, providing service to county residents who visit or contact Extension with questions related to urban horticulture.

Not surprisingly, when “off duty” Pinson and her husband Brian, a state park ranger, spend time outdoors and visiting museums. “Our goal is to visit every state park in Florida,” said Pinson. “Our current focus is the Keys.”

As to the future, Pinson hopes to tweak and expand her urban horticulture programs with an emphasis on engaging youth just as her grandparents and parents did when she was growing up.

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Happy New Year … and Best Wishes for Prosperity in 2012!

Plant City, Florida, home to CF Industries’ Florida manufacturing facility, is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the world.

Please join CF Industries in supporting these community events:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 16, 2012

th

30 Annual Chairman’s Banquet Recognizing officers of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, January 26, 2012 6:30 pm – Red Rose Inn For more information, call (813) 754‐3707

Celebrity Chef Dinner Benefiting the United Food Bank

Saturday, February 18, 2012 6 pm reception, 7 pm dinner Trinkle Center, HCC Plant City Campus For more information, call (813) 757‐9809

10608 Paul Buchman Highway  Plant City, FL 33565  813-782-1591 2520 Guy Verger Boulevard  Tampa, FL 33605  813-247-5531 www.cfindustries.com

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

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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.

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Last month, during the Christmas holiday, I had some time to spend with our great grandkids. What a great time watching them rip through the Christmas wrappings to get to their toys. I reflected on my early years as a child growing up in Plant City. For some reason, just as if it was yesterday, I remembered my first experience of telling a lie.

When I was very young, dad worked the midnight shift with the Plant City Police Department. At age four I was almost, but not quite, house broken. I can remember having an accident during the night and was too embarrassed to own up to it, so I concocted a story I thought my dad would swallow hook, line and sinker.

Dad came home about 7:30 that morning and I stood there in front of him with only my pajama top on. He said, “Son, where are your pajama bottoms?”

“Dad,” I said, “You won’t believe it, but last night a burglar broke in the house and tinkled in my bed. Not only that, he tinkled on my pajama bottoms too. See, there they are at the foot of my bed.”

He looked me square in eyes almost ready to burst out laughing, but retained his com-

24 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

posure to teach me a lesson about fibbing. “Son, you know what I have told you about telling stories, don’t you? Look at me and tell me the truth.” I knew a whipping was coming on. I told the truth. I told him I was embarrassed and made up the story.

Instead of tanning my hide he said I had to wash the sheets on the bed and my pajamas, after I took a bath in the tub.

Mama showed me how to set up the washboard and put soap and water in the tub. As best I can remember she kept her hand over her mouth. I know it was to keep her from laughing at me.

The next crazy thing I did as a kid was to stick a button up my nose. Why in the world would I do that? Who knows! We couldn’t get it out at home so dad took me up to Dr. Alsobrook’s office over White’s Central Pharmacy.

He took some small needle nose pliers and pulled it out. Next he stuck a light in each ear, and said, “Albert, I think we need to wash his ears out.” Then he took some sort of solution and squirted it in each ear, and Shazzam! I could hear again.

I’ll bet raising me was like nailing Jell-o to a tree. I seemed to get into all sorts of trouble every week. Nothing serious, just crazy things like riding my bike on the National Youth Administration building sidewalk (now the Roy & Helen Parke Exhibit building at the Strawberry Festival) with my friend Robert Carter.

We had a contest to see who could ride at top speed

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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 and stop before running into the brick wall. I lost and still have a scar on my forehead to prove it.

During my youth, living on the west side of Plant City, I remember Robert Carter had a broken leg and I was pulling him around in his Radio Flyer wagon. Right in front of the American Legion Building across from the National Guard Armory stood two World War II cannon shells at the sidewalk entrance. One of them was loose and I rolled it out in the dirt road. Robert eased out of the wagon and we dug a hole and buried it right there in the middle of the road. A few years later they paved the road. I guess it’s still there under the asphalt.

As kids we do and say a lot of crazy things. Most likely a lot of schoolteachers could write a book. A Sunday school teacher said her kids were really into her Bible teaching but somehow would get things confused and turned around. She asked them what the first book of the Bible was, and one small fry stood up and said, “The first book of the Bible is Guinessis and this was where Adam and Eve were created from an apple.”

Other statements were; Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread with no ingredients. Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt by day and a ball of fire by night. One of the opossums was St.

25 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

Matthew. The epistles were the wives of the apostles. A Christian should have only one wife, which is called monotony. Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol. The people who followed Jesus

were called the 12 decibels. And the best one yet she said came from a four year old little red headed freckle face boy. He said, “Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.”

As adults we learn truths about life as well. For instance, middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy. Laughing helps.

It’s like jogging on the inside. The mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely. The more you complain the longer God lets you live. Car sickness is the feeling you get when the monthly car payment is due. And, if you eat a live toad first thing in he morning, nothing worse can happen to you the rest of the day.

In closing there’s the story of the couple that was attending a marriage seminar dealing with communication. Fred and Gina listened to the speaker closely. He said, “It is essential that husbands and wives know each other’s likes and dislikes” He turned to Fred and said, “Can you name your wife’s favorite flower?” Fred looked at his wife, smiled, and said, “That’s easy, it’s Pillsbury!”

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Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Shrimp & Fennel Salad Ingredients 1 pound cooked Florida royal red shrimp,

peeled and deveined ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup fennel, chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh Florida dill, chopped 1 tablespoon Florida lime juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon Florida lime peel, finely shredded ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce Preparation Chop shrimp into bite-size pieces. Combine shrimp and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; mix well. Chill for two hours or longer. Serve on salad greens.

Yield 4 servings

Seared Yellow-Fin Tuna Steaks with Fennel Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 small to medium-sized fennel bulbs, thinly sliced salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 4 6-ounce yellowfin tuna steaks, 1 inch thick 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped lemon wedges Preparation Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over low heat in a large sauté pan. Add garlic and cook until transparent. Add fennel; cover pan and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Lightly salt and pepper the tuna steaks. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add tuna steaks and sear for 30 to 45 seconds on each side. Place the steaks on top of the fennel in the other pan. Cover sauté pan and place over medium heat for about one minute; turn steaks and cook one minute more. Check for doneness by pressing the steaks with your finger. They should be soft to the touch and slightly pink in the middle. Do not to overcook or the tuna will be dry. Sprinkle parsley over steaks and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Yield 4 servings

26 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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“Family Owned & Operated Since 1961”

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by Cheryl Kuck Apollo’s Bistro is an unexpected treasure located in the Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club complex off of Apollo Beach Blvd. and Richies Way. Owned by Mary Beth Sultenfuss and her son Logan, the no frills bistro is geared to making their mostly athletic, sports gear attired clientele comfortable.

To a non-athlete like me the expectation was that I would be served a spartan veggie burger with carrot juice. Fortunately, Executive Chef Scott Woelfer is an artist who only creates gourmet dishes.

He has a definite flair for taking the ordinary (like a burger or pizza) to the level of the extraordinary while dreaming up innovative ways to tempt an adventurous and sophisticated palate.

There are burgers… and then there are luscious 10oz. Kobe beef burgers grilled to order. There are pizzas and then there are designer spinach and artichoke, seafood marinara or Margarita-roasted garlic pizzas.

Nothing is typical about the bistro’s menu, from the fabulous crab cakes to the even more fabulous light and airy artichoke cakes created for those who may be allergic to seafood. The artichoke cakes are fresh layers of artichoke, spinach, smoked bacon with parmesan cheese and basil coulis over artisan greens. A coulis (pronounced coolee) is a French puree’ sauce, in this case one containing fresh basil. Artisan greens are unusual organic greens that are in no way genetically modified.

Everything here is a surprise, from articulate and creative chef to the food, huge banquet facility and bistro wine bar. In addition to the wine, there are interesting draft and craft beers such as Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Style Brown Ale with hints of honey with caramel and a unique Widmer Brothers Drifter Pale Ale that has a decidedly citrus character.

Woelfer became an executive chef the hard way, getting his start as a restaurant dishwasher where he began his love-affair with food.

His culinary touch is a light one. Nothing heavy-handed or obvious. He makes you think about what you are eating. “The food must always be creative and accommodate the quality cuisine our health-conscious patrons expect. We don’t dabble in extra-fried saturated oils or have a microwave oven on the premises. We are always changing our menu and keep up –to-date with food trends.”

As a Chicago transplant, he says, “I have fallen in love with Florida cuisine. The varieties of fresh fish and abundance of healthy fresh and vibrant produce are a joy to work with. My absolute favorite place to shop is the Hillsborough Farmers Market.”

28 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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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

KATHERINE, DAVID & CYNTHIA WOLF

TIM & JO HAUGHT

Oaklawn Memorial Park Mt. Enon Springhead Shiloh

Haught Funeral Home Remembers…

In recognition of the families who entrusted us with their loved ones in December of 2011 It has been an honor to serve you.

Nan Harnage, 77 of Plant City, Florida died on Thursday, December 1, 2011,from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Born August 15, 1934 in Lacota, Florida, she was the daughter of the late William and Vada Palmer Wall. She shared her life with her loving husband Elvin “Sonny” Harnage for over 55 years he survives. She was employed by Asgrow Seed Company. She was a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Surviving are son, Elvin R. Harnage, Jr., daughter, Elizabeth Ann Rogers, brothers, Palmer “John” Wall and Stewart Wall; 2 grand children.

Andrew Prim Shelton died on Monday, December 5, 2011. He was born on Saturday, August 29, 1931.

Bertha Alicia Rosales, 51 of Lithia, Florida died on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at St Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Born Sunday, March 27, 1960 in Muleshoe, Texas, she was the daughter of Manuel Dimas and Pauline Hernandez. She was the beloved wife of Isaias Rosales. Surviving are sons, Isaias, Jr. and Victor , daughters, Maria Crispin of Mulberry, FL, Lucia , Aaliyah , and Rosario Rosales; 6 grand children. She was predeceased by daughter, Suzanna Rosales.

Milton Herring, 81 of Auburndale, Florida died on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at Consulate Heatlh Care Center of Brandon in Brandon, Florida. Born Sunday, November 23, 1930 in Ocilla, Georgia, he was the son of the late Eugene Herring and the late Agnes McMillan Herring. He was the beloved husband of Elaine Ham Herring. He was member of the Sharon Baptist Purity Church. Surviving are daughter, Sandra Cook of Winter Haven, FL, brothers, Frank, Jesse, and Arthur Herring: sisters, Sara Tew, Bonnie Hearing, Charleen Keene, Joann Long and Lilly Reeves; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.

Patricia “Trish” Richard LaChance, 63 of Riverview died December 13, 2011. She is survived by son, James LaChance (Kimberly) of Riverview, FL; daughter, Jenny Lizotte (Leo Yackamovitch) of Abington, PA; brothers, David Richard, Robert Richard (Pauline), and Daniel Richard (Martine); sisters, Carole Richard (Fernand Ouellette), Shirley Bosse, and three grandchildren.

Kayla Suzanne Nelms of Dover, Florida died on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

She was the daughter of Billy Shipley and Mona Lisa Shipley. She was a devoted mother to Two daughters, Celecia Anna Marie Conda of Plant City, FL and Maya Howard of Plant City, FL. Also survived by Two brothers, Billy Ray Shipley and Chad Haywood Nelms and a sister, Dana Shipley of Plant City, FL.

Paul Barker Causey, 83 of Plant City, Florida died December 20, 2011 Born Saturday, December 31, 1927 in Plant City, Florida. He was the beloved husband of Frieda Booth Causey. Also Surviving are their sons and daughter in laws Bob and Peggy Causey, Bruce and Deb Causey and Keith Causey; 8 grandchildren. and 9 great grandchildren. Mr Causey was the owner of City Appliance in Plant City. He was a member and past president of the Lions and Civitan Clubs in Plant City and a Member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Plant City and Walden Lakes Country Clubs.

Naomi Jean McQuaig, 87 of Plant City, Florida died on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Born Sunday, February 17, 1924 in Burnside, MS. Surviving are sisters, Miriam Bowman of Plant City, FL and Frances Beery of Bartow, FL. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Pilot Club and attended The First United Methodist Church of Plant City.

Joseph “Frank” Powell, 67, of Brandon died December 26, 2011. Frank was the owner of American Auto Repair and Service in Plant City, and a veteran of the Unites States Air Force. He is survived by his wife June; sons, Chris Powell, Chuck, Mark, and Mike Sanders; daughter, Jennifer Powell-Waller; brother, Clarence Powell; sisters, Nel Lewis, Barbara Thompson, and Lucille Odom; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Joseph Lee Addison, 55 of Plant City, Florida died on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Baycare Alliant Hospital in Dunedin, Florida. Born Wednesday, February 29, 1956 in Hialeah , Florida, he was the son of Joseph Addison and Panda Johnson Addison. He was the beloved husband of Patsy Brown Addison.

Surviving are his son and daughter in law, Joseph Wayne and Jennifer Addison of Columbus, GA, brother, David Stephen Addison of Inglis, FL, sister, Catherine Rachel Addison of Manning, SC; 3 grandsons, Austin, Christian and Trent.

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

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This may be the only racquet and fitness club to have upscale selections such as Beef Wellington, a regular featured menu item.

The chef presented me with the most perfect seafood risotto it has ever been my joy to eat. The creamy lobster-based risotto, combined with shrimp and lump crabmeat had just the right touch of fresh parmesan cheese, sautéed spinach, mushrooms and plum tomatoes. So light, not the usually heavy sauce that makes one feel so lethargic afterwards.

The specialty de la maison is Chef Woelfer’s signature crème brûlée. You will not find this fluffy cloud ‘fit for angels’ anywhere but at Apollo’s Bistro.

Also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream this is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel glace’. Breaking through the glace’ is just like breaking through a thin sweet slice of clear caramel ice-candy to find a spoonful of heaven. This specialty is always on the menu but changes with holidays and seasons to include flavors such as peppermint for Christmas or pumpkin for Thanksgiving.

Woelfer says he tries to always accommodate customer needs and, provided the ingredients are available on-site, he will create to order.

“I just want everybody to leave here happy,” he says. He does.

30 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

Apollo’s Bistro Restaurant part of the Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club Upscale cuisine in a casual sports club atmosphere

Location: 6520 Richies Way; connects Apollo Beach Blvd Restaurant Phone: (813) 641-2685 Sports Complex Office: (813) 641-1922 Hours: Open daily to the public and club members.

Mon. –Sat. from 11:00AM – 10:00PM Sun. brunch from 10:00AM – 3:00PM with dinner until 8:30PM Reservations suggested Price Range: Moderate. From approximately $8 to $20 Take Out Service available Catering: On and off-site full catering available. Private parties. Call Manager Logan Sultenfuss at least one week in advance.

Seating: Capacity for 170 in dining room; banquet room seats 200, with additional seating at two-tier courtside patio Beverages: Full liquor and wine bar Specials: Change daily Web site: www.apollosbistrofl.com, an informative and comprehensive site with many photographs

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Dry Creek

by Dry Creek America’s First Frontier creator Les Mc Dowell photos by Linda Constant Today I look back on this past year after the dust has cleared from Christmas. I look back with so many fond memories. I hear my mother’s words echo from my past saying, “today we are making memories.” And boy did we make some memories.

I think what really stands out memory wise this past year is getting closer with friends. Seems like in the past I was always running too fast to savor and enjoy those that were close to me.

But as I wrote the episodes of Dry Creek it was great therapy to come face to face with things and people that are so dear to me.

For example, when I wrote an episode called, The Dash.

It dealt with that dash on a gravestone between the year you were born and the year you died. That little dash really is what is important, not how you started or where you finished your life. When I slowed my dash down to write this I found a lot of friends at my side. They were always there for me. I was just running so fast, they had become a blur.

Another episode of Dry Creek I wrote is called “Forgiveness” and turned the spotlight on me and my shortcomings. The

32 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

episode deals with two sons who where holding un-forgiveness toward each other and it was eating them up inside. I was so haunted by this I confronted a friend that I had held un-forgiveness toward. They just smiled and didn’t even know what I was talking about. So I carried this for no reason.

It’s funny how friends through the years of growing up were such an important part of my life. Then you have a family and you seem to distance yourself from them. As you get older the importance of having them comes back. In my way of thinking, they never went away. Our noses have been dashing toward the finish line.......and our friends have been at our sides all along.

Well, I’d better wrap this up. I have a lot more memories to make in the next twelve months. I hope you’ll tune into Dry Creek this year. I bet you’ll come face to face with friends and memories in your life and make a lot of new ones.

Everybody knows where Dry Creek is.......cause it’s inside each and every one of us.

Visit us at drycreektv.com.

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33 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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Farm Bureau Mini-Grant Aids Sickles High School “Aquaponics in the Classroom” Project

by Jim Frankowiak

Thanks to a Mini-Grant from Florida Farm Bureau Agrilettuce, cucumbers, basil and other herbs. Our breeder tilapia culture in the Classroom, Sickles High School Honors Marine once again reproduced this spring and we are currently growing Science and Honors Biology students are proceeding to the third up several hundred baby tilapia in two of our 650-gallon grow and final phase of an Aquaponics in the Classroom project that out tanks. Each of these tanks relies on plants to remove excess began in 2009. nitrogenous wastes from the water.

“The project has as its purpose to demonstrate that aquaWe are truly grateful to Florida Farm Bureau Agriculture in ponics is a viable solution to standard aquacultured farming of the Classroom for their contribution to our project,” said Leotta, fish and invertebrates,” said Sickles Instructor Anthony Leotta, as he was given the grant check from Hillsborough County Farm who authored the mini-grant application and leads the multiBureau Executive Director Judi Whitson during a recent meeting phased project. “Aquaponics is the combination of hydroponic at the school. “Our project works on virtually no school funded plant growing and aquacultured fish.” budget aside from the plants and fish that we grow in our greenIn the Sickles project, water house, and the contributions given from the fish tanks is run through by organizations such as Florida several types of hydroponic growth Farm Bureau. media where excess nitrogen is “The items we will be able to taken up and used by the plants. purchase as a result of the miniThe water is then returned to the grant will significantly increase tilapia fish tanks. the ease and scientific reliability in “In addition, the deep water which this program is run, which or raft culture of plants also conwill greatly benefit our students,” tain several types of fancy ornasaid Leotta. Those items include mental live bearing fish which will an outdoor air pump and airline not only serve as a third crop, but hose, air diffusers, drip emitter also eat any mosquito larvae in the and rockwool propagation cubes. plant tanks,” said Leotta. “This The new pump and hose will entype of closed filtration system in hance the system currently in use conjunction with the hydroponic in the grow-out tank for not only plant filter has the capacity of water circulation, but adding oxygrowing 200 to 300 percent more gen, as well. The diffusers will aid plants in the same amount of area in increasing the levels of oxygen Judi Whitson and Ray Leotta using only 10 percent of the water in the water for both the fish and as a conventional dirt garden.” the plant roots, which need oxygen The project began at Sickles in the fall of 2009. The first to grow. The emitter will deliver the correct amount of water to phase was the design and construction of the main, 3,000-gallon the plants for maximum uptake of water and nutrients so that concrete pond. Phase II was the design and construction of the when it is returned to the fish tank it will be greatly reduced in 650-gallon nursery tanks, and Phase III is the experimentation the amount of harmful nitrogenous wastes. Lastly, the propagaof the different types of growth media for the plants in both tion cubes will be used to start this year’s plants. The cubes are systems. A number of students in various academic areas have consumable and not able to be reused from season to season. been involved in the project and they include 100 marine science The Florida Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom students, 200 biology students, 150 students in agriculture and 50 program is open to all Florida educators, from kindergarten Advance Placement environmental science students. through 12th grade. It is a public/private partnership serving Leotta described the project as follows, “Our 3,000-gallon K-12th grade education with a goal of helping to increase the uncement pond for the aquaculture of tilapia is sealed and holding derstanding of agriculture among students and educators. The approximately 100 tilapia of various sizes from 10 to 40 centimeprogram is administered through Florida Farm Bureau, Florida’s ters. From the pond, the water travels into our greenhouse and oldest and largest general farm organization, and it is designed into a 150-gallon filtration tank. From there, the water travels to help educators more effectively integrate agriculture into their to several hydroponic vats for growing plants such as tomatoes, curriculum.

34 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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Farm Bureau HIGHLIGHT: Ray Wood

by Jim Frankowiak Just about six years ago, Ray Wood retired from the food industry after a very rewarding career during which he joined and help grow a number of firms in Florida, as well as an 11 year stint with a major corporation in the industry.

Too young to retire and a man who enjoys working outdoors, Wood opened Woods Tree Farm in 2006 and for a variety of reasons his business has taken off, despite the challenges of a difficult economy.

“I am genuinely indebted to my friends Winfred and Glenn Harrell of Harrell’s Nursery and John Swift of the Plant City Tree Farm for their support and guidance as I embarked on this new venture,” said Wood, who also has a strong belief in the Lord “who has had a hand in this farm since day one.”

Originally from south Alabama, Wood and his family relocated to Ocoee after “a tornado tore up our farm house and my dad was able to find a job as a cabinet maker in Ocoee,” he said. Wood is one of eight children. After he graduated from high school Wood began a job with a food distributing company in Orlando “back when we did everything from driving the truck and taking orders to stocking shelves.”

He joined Kraft Foods as an account executive and a few years later advanced into sales management. It was while initially employed with Kraft that Wood met his wife Janis. “I was calling on Publix in Lakeland where Janis worked at the time,” said Wood. She has since gone on to a successful interior design career. The Wood’s have one daughter, Stacy, a CPA living with her family in Leesburg.

The Kraft sales management position involved relocations to Atlanta and Miami. “After 11 years with Kraft and another relocation on the horizon, I decided to leave and join a small food brokerage in Tampa,” he said. That led to an opportunity and ownership with another Tampa brokerage firm where he became president and helped to grow the company from 67 to over 600 employees. “A Texas-based national company bought us out in 1996 and I stayed with the company responsible for managing the southeast for 10 years.” Wood retired from the industry at the end of 2006.

In 2004, Wood took the initial steps in creating what was to become his wholesale tree farm. He and Janis live on a 15 acre site northwest of Plant City. “I knew I wanted to grow something to sell,” he said. His operation has grown to 26 acres and despite the challenges of a tough economy “2010 was our best year ever and we exceeded last year this past October,” he said. He credits sound advice from his friends, great employees, including his manager

36 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

Gabriel Perez who brings two decades of tree farm experience to his post and great customers “who keep coming back.”

The economy has taken its toll on the industry with fewer competitors, but Wood is certain his success also comes from operating “a good, clean farm with good products at a fair price. Our customers know that they are getting a good product.” He is also quick to note the hand of the Lord as he recounts his first meeting with a man that has turned out to be his best customer and good friend. That is Henry Turner of Esterline Landscaping, a company that does all of the landscaping and irrigation work for a national homebuilder, as well as others.

“I was en route to Groveland about five years ago to purchase stock when by chance I met Henry at a convenience store,” said Wood. “We talked some and he said he would be by my farm the next day. Well he did come by and he has since become a good friend, as well as my largest customer.

I sincerely believe the Lord had a hand in that chance meeting as He has in so many ways.”

A Hillsborough County Farm Bureau director, Wood was encouraged to become active in the organization by Glenn Harrell.

“I see the value of Farm Bureau in its support of agriculture whether it’s with people living in cities or our lawmakers in Tallahassee.” He has participated with other Farm Bureau board members in trips to Tallahassee to visit members of the legislature.

“It is important to make sure our elected representatives keep informed about how many of the issues they deal with have potential impacts on agriculture and the important role of the industry.

“I am impressed with the aggressiveness of Farm Bureau and I like the mix of old and young board members as well as gender,” he said.

As to the future, Wood sees more of the same. “Trees are lots of fun and this career is good for my health. We will continue to work to have our customers have positive experiences when they deal with us so they feel good about us and continue to come back.”

That is customer service, a lesson Wood learned and nurtured during his first career. “I see the advances and benefits of technology, but there’s no substitute for personal, face-to-face time with your customers and prospects developing relationships that turn into lasting friendships.”

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Department of Labor Unveils Employer’s Handbook for Participation in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program Other Information Also Available to Help Applicants

by Jim Frankowiak photos courtesy of Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ Office The U.S. Department (Department) of Labor recently introduced the “Employer Guide to Participation in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program,” a handbook for employers to use when hiring foreign workers on a temporary basis to perform agricultural work when there are not sufficient U.S. workers available. The guide is not intended to be a substitute for reading and complying with the Department’s regulation. Additional information on the H-2A Program, such as filing tips and frequently asked questions, can be found at www.foreignlaborcert. doleta.gov/h-2a.cfm.

The H-2A Program is authorized under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Before the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCI) can approve a visa petition for H-2A workers, the employer must first receive a temporary labor certification from the Department. The Department’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is responsible for receiving and processing employer-filed H-2A applications, and ensuring as a condition of certification that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and workings conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed.

Applications from an H-2A temporary labor certification may be submitted by a U.S. employer or an association of agricultural producers who have full-time work that needs to be performed on a temporary or seasonal basis. The general guidelines below should help to clarify participation: • The applicant must be an employer with a place of business physically located in the U.S., possess a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN); and have the ability to hire, pay, fire, supervise or otherwise control the work of the workers to be employed under the program, • The work to be performed must consist of agricultural labor or services, such as the planting, raising, cultivating, harvesting or production of any agricultural or horticultural commodity, • The work must be full-time, at least 35 or more hours per week, and

38 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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• The need for the work must be seasonal or temporary in nature and tied to a certain time of the year by a recurring event or pattern, such as annual growing cycle, normally lasting 10 months or less.

The process of obtaining a temporary labor certification under the H-2A Program involves four basic steps: 1.

File a Job Order with the State Workforce Agency (SWA).

This must be done in the state where the actual work will be performed. The SWA will review the job order; work with the applicant on any needed corrections and initiate recruitment of U.S. workers.

It is suggested that this filing take place 75-60 calendar days before the state date of work.

2. File an H-2A application with the Chicago National Processing Center (NPC). The Chicago NPC will review your application, notify you of any deficiencies and provide you with additional instructions for completing the process. This filing should take place no less than 45 calendar days before the work start date.

3. Conducting Recruitment for U.S. Workers. This involves recruitment efforts you must conduct on your own, including where and when to advertise, what content the advertisements must contain and how to prepare your recruitment report. This advertising is to begin on the date you receive the Notice of Acceptance from the Chicago NPC until you complete all of the required recruitment steps.

4. Completing the Temporary Labor Certification Process. This final step identifies the additional documents the applicant must submit to the Chicago NPC in order to receive a final determination and – should labor certification be granted – moving on to the USCIS. The timing for this final step is no less than 30 calendar days before the start date of work.

The complete H-2A handbook can be accessed at and downloaded from http://www. foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/H-2A Employer Handbook.pdf.

Our thanks to Congressman Gus Bilirakis and his Plant City Director of Outreach Clint Shouppe for providing us with this important and timely information.

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Fresh Produce, Citrus, Jams, Vegetables, Jellies & Honey Plus more...

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Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Announces Sarah Childs as 2011 Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award Recognizes Women Who Have Made Outstanding Contributions To Florida Agriculture The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that Sarah K. Childs of Lake Placid has been named the 2011 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. The award, now in its 27th year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

“Sarah has been a long-time ambassador for Florida’s agriculture, livestock and ranching industries,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Her dedication, commitment and service to this state and our community are unmatched and it is an honor to present her with this year’s Woman of the Year in Agriculture award.”

Childs is an integral part of Lykes Bros. Cattle Ranch and Citrus Division, where she works to ensure the company is in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules.

She has been an enthusiastic participant in Florida’s agriculture industry, dedicating her time and talents for more than 40 years to organizations, such as Florida Cattlewomen’s Association, Florida Beef Council, Florida Hereford Association, Highlands County Youth Livestock Show and the Highlands County Cattlemen’s Association.

She is the only woman to serve two non-consecutive terms as Florida Cattlewomen’s Association President and as a 4-H Leader

46 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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has been a chief proponent of providing youth educational and leadership opportunities for more than 15 years.

Her commitment to increasing the awareness of the importance of agriculture and the wholesomeness of agricultural commodities also extends beyond the agricultural community. Childs has taken her vast knowledge to reach out to non-agricultural audiences on the local, state and national level, spreading the word about the safety of Florida’s agricultural commodities, promoting beef in grocery stores and providing leadership on special projects, such as the Feed the Hungry program (Chairman) and Animal Rights (Chairman).

Childs will be presented with the award on February 13, 2012, during the Ag Woman of the Year Luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. The award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority.

For more information about the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award or to view a list of past recipients, visit http:// www.florida-agriculture.com/agwoman/index.htm.

For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

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The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida

Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!

JANUARY 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.

JANUARY 27 RALPH ALLOCCO

& SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

JANUARY 28 BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON & THE B3 BLUES BAND

Bobby Blackmon's career began in a small 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.

JANUARY 28 THE VAN DELLS WITH THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS

Back by popular demand. This trio is a fireball of entertainment and not to be missed! The Las Vegas Sounds also perform. Dinner served in a supper-club atmosphere in the Red Rose Ballroom.

FEBRUARY 3 BOBBY PALERMO

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

FEBRUARY 4 & 17 JOHNNY ALSTON’S - MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

JANUARY 14 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

WIND

A dynamite crowd pleaser! Plus, Destiny performs before and after the show.

FEBRUARY 10 WALT MADDOX - TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE

Walt Maddox performs all of Nat's greatest hits. He started out in the early '60s with The Marcels. His tribute to Nat has performed to sold out crowds nationwide.

FEBRUARY 11 & 25 RALPH ALLOCCO

& SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

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

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FEBRUARY 11 THE FOUR PREPS - A VALENTINE EVENT

Bring your special someone for a romantic dinner and show. The chart topping group will be performing their hits. The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform in the Red Rose Ballroom.

FEBRUARY 18 TROY “SATCHMO” ANDERSON - TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Troy Anderson on trumpet as “Satchmo,” a MARCH 9 & 17 tribute to Louis Armstrong. Plus, a 3 hour set ALPH LLOCCO from The Wonderful World Band with the same instrumentation as Armstrong's bands.

ECOND IND Destiny opens and closes.

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

R &S

A

W

Y

FEBRUARY 24

BRIAN ROMAN

Donʼt forget Valentine’s Day. Enjoy our special Valentine Show on February 11th

Y

– Coming Soon! –

One of Canada’s finest entertainers! Roman performs the classics – spanning the Golden MARCH 23-24 Era, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.

Destiny also performs.

DOOWOP WEEKEND

FEBRUARY 25

THE FABULOUS HUBCAPS

Come and hear one of the nation’s most sought after oldies’ bands. Their music spans generations of some of the top hits of our time. The Las Vegas Sounds also perform in the Red Rose Ballroom. Dinner served in a supperclub atmosphere.

EXTRAVAGANZA VI

MARCH 24

BOB RYMAN “THE FIDDLER” APRIL 14

THE JARMELS APRIL 28

“SIMPLY STREISAND”

MARCH 2 BOBBY PALERMO

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

MARCH 3 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

MRS. EVELYN MADONIA - OWNER

NURTURING NURTURINGTHE THEFOUNDATION FOUNDATIONOF OF

THE THE FLORIDA FLORIDA STATE STATE FAIR FAIR By ByJim JimFrankowiak Frankowiak

Since Since1995, 1995,the theAuthority Authorityhas hasbeen beenunder under the theadministration administrationofofthe thestate’s state’sDepartment Department ofof Agriculture Agriculture and andConsumer ConsumerServices.

Services.

Agriculture AgricultureCommissioner CommissionerAdam AdamPutnam Putnam leads leadsthe theFair FairAuthority Authorityand andthe theAuthority Authority Board Boardcomprised comprisedofof2121leaders leadersfrom fromacross across Florida.

Florida.

Vina VinaJean JeanBanks Banks

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FF

oror Vina Vina Jean Jean Banks, Banks, Director Director ofof Agribusiness Agribusiness for for the the Florida Florida State State Fair FairAuthority, Authority,it’s it’sa asimple simpleproposiproposition. tion.“To “Tohave havea aFair, Fair,you youhave havetotohave have agriculture agriculturesince sinceititisisthe thefoundation foundationofofallall Fairs.

Fairs.IfIfnot, not,it’s it’sjust justanother anothercarnival.” carnival.”

That That proposition propositionguides guidesBanks Banksand andher her staff staffthroughout throughoutthe theyear, year,plus plustheir theirenjoyenjoyment mentworking workingwith withyouth youthand andthe thecountcountless lessvolunteers volunteersthat thathelp helptotomake makeagriculagriculture turea avital vitalpart partofofthe theFair Fairevery everyyear. year.

50 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Banks Banksand andher hercolleagues colleagues– –Lynann LynannHudson, Hudson, Karen KarenMurdaugh Murdaughand andMichele MicheleGiles Giles– –work work year yearround roundininthe theAgribusiness AgribusinessDepartment, Department, which whichstrives strivestotooffer offerquality qualitycompetitive competitive programs programsfor forFlorida’s Florida’sagricultural agriculturalcommucommunity nitytotoshowcase showcaseAg Agininthe thestate statetotoState State Fair Fairattendees. attendees.Before Beforeand andduring duringthe theState State Fair, Fair,the thestaff staffincreases increasesininsize sizetotoabout about6060 totohandle handlethe thediverse diverseand andsubstantial substantialduties duties ofoftheir theirDepartment.

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To Togive giveyou youananidea ideaofofwhat what“staff “staffresponresponsibility” sibility”means, means,the theDepartment Departmentoversees oversees the the cattle cattle barns, barns, Charlie Charlie Lykes LykesArena, Arena, Rabbit Rabbit&&Poultry Poultrybarn, barn,Ag AgHall HallofofFame, Fame, Salute SalutetotoAg AgMooternity MooternityTent, Tent,goat goattent, tent,

January 2012

swine swinetent, tent,dog dogtent tentand andAg-Venture Ag-Venturebuildbuilding.

Fairthat thatequated equatedtoto ing.AtAtthe the2011 2011State StateFair about about2,289 2,289exhibitors exhibitorsand and5,266 5,266animals. animals.

There Therewere weremore morethan than170 170committee committee members membersand andmore morethan than500 500volunteers volunteers helping helpingwith withthe theYouth YouthSkilathons.

Skilathons.FiftyFiftythree threeFlorida Floridacounties countieswere wererepresented representedatat last lastyear’s year’sFair Fairininvarious variousAgAgareas. areas.

With Withactivities activitiesthis thisdiverse, diverse,and andatatsuch such volume a few weeks volumelevels, levels,you youdon’t don’tbegin begin a few weeks before things wewe beforethe theFair.

Fair.“One “Oneofofthe thefirst first things dodothe theday dayafter afterthe theFair, Fair,is isbegin begintotowork work ononnext nextyear’s year’sFair,” Fair,”said saidBanks, Banks,who whohas has been beenwith withthe theAg AgDepartment Departmentfor for1919years years and andis iscelebrating celebratingher heranniversary anniversarythis this month. month.Originally Originallyfrom fromIowa, Iowa,where whereshe she grew grewupuponona adairy dairyfarm/row farm/rowcrop cropoperaoperation, tion,Banks Banksmoved movedtotoRiverview Riverviewasasa asevseventh involved enthgrader graderand andshe’s she’salways alwaysbeen been involved ininagriculture. agriculture.She Sheis ismarried marriedtotoWindy, Windy,a a cattle cattlerancher rancherand andthey theyhave havetwo twogrown grown sons sonsand andtwo twogranddaughters. granddaughters.Banks Banksand and her herhusband husbandlive liveonontheir theirranch ranchininBalm.

Balm.

“I“Itruly trulybelieve believeI have I havethe thebest bestjob jobininthe the

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world,” said Banks. “There’s the chance to network with others across the state, ongoing opportunities to learn and share, plus the opportunity to renew old acquaintances at every State Fair.”

“We are fortunate to work with the various commodities groups and the young people who belong to 4-H and FFA. We are showcasing 4-H and FFA in the Ag Hall of Fame this year. Our theme is the Power of Youth,” said Banks who sincerely feels, “I am extremely fortunate to have such a fulfilling job!”

Lynann Hudson

Agribusiness Coordinator

Lynann Hudson, a 15-year staffer, is Agribusiness Coordinator and she oversees the 30-40 judges the Fair utilizes each year.

“All of our judges are from out of state and that requires the coordination of volunteers responsible for meeting them at the airport, taking them to their hotels and getting them to the Fair, as well as back to the airport once they have completed their judging responsibilities.” She also is involved with scholarships and awards, such as ribbons and trophies.

51 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

There are five Florida State Fair Scholarships of $1,000 each, a $1,500 Mosaic Scholarship and two WQYK $500 Steer Scholarships. Hudson assists with each of those, including the essays submitted by students for the scholarships. In her “spare” time, she takes care of the Department’s presence on the web and the development of various collateral materials the department uses.

A lifelong Hillsborough County resident and alumna of Armwood High School, Hudson is married to Matt and they have two daughters, Raelyn, 11, and 6-year-old Kaylee. Her dad raises cattle and her mother has a baton twirling group, Patrick’s Patriots. That explains why Lynann teaches baton twirling at the University of Central Florida, an endeavor she has followed since the age of 4. Her daughters not only follow in her steps with the love of baton Twirling, they also enjoy exhibiting at the Fair.

Lynann’s mother will be overseeing the baton twirling competition held during the Fair with the finals set for February 18.

“Our work is cyclical from year to year,” said Hudson. “It’s interesting to see how the children grow and develop from year to year and I enjoy the chance to renew old friendships with parents and volunteers.”

January 2012

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Originally from Las Vegas, Murdaugh moved to Brandon in 1971. She has been with the Agribusiness Department for over a year after transferring from the Marketing Department of the Fairgrounds.

The 2012 Fair will be her sixth Florida State Fair. She is the mother of Kaylee, a 21-year-old psychology major at the University of Central Florida. Relatively new to the world of agricultural Murdaugh “enjoys the animals and the kids are great.”

Karen Murdaugh

Agribusiness Program Assistant

Agribusiness Program Assistant, Karen Murdaugh, helps the Department in a variety of ways, including the administration of the ethics classes required of all who show animals. “In order for an individual to exhibit his or her animal beyond the very first year, they must complete a three hour class that focuses on the difference between a project animal such as those exhibited at Fairs and a pet.”

In addition to administering the ethics classes, Murdaugh assists with Ag-Venture, the spring and fall opportunity for third graders in the county to visit Ag Venture and learn of agriculture and its importance. She also oversees entering various exhibitor entries into the Department’s database in advance of the Fair and oversees all the point entries for the Champion of Champions program during the Fair.

The Florida State Fair, along with some county Fairs in the state, believes that every youth exhibitor should receive proper training and information for raising and showing a youth animal project. With that in mind, the Fair developed the Youth Livestock Show Ethics and Animal Care Training Program. The program continues to grow in popularity.

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January 2012

Michele Giles

Part-time Agribusiness Assistant

Five year Department veteran, Michele Giles, focuses on the beef, dairy and sheep categories, working with exhibitors and entries. She also helps to oversee swine and steer entries. “Entries for those categories vary throughout the year,” said Giles.

“After the Fair we are busy with the preparation and distribution of breed reports to various associations and reports to participating counties.”

Born in St. Petersburg, Giles now lives in Odessa with her husband John, an engineer at Honeywell. “I had no agricultural involvement growing up,” she said. “My daughter Amanda, however, has been involved in 4-H for eight years and FFA for six. She has shown steers, swine and beef, as well as rabbits. We have a registered Angus beef herd.”

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Amanda plans to pursue a degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, where she will major in genetics and reproduction.

“The Fair is like a homecoming,” said Giles.

“It’s both a lot of work and a lot of fun. To me, it’s also a reunion where we are able to see youngsters grow and mature as many of their dreams as kids come true.”

54 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Thanks to Banks and her staff, there’s no chance the Florida State Fair will ever become just another carnival. Their hard work and love for agriculture, exhibitors and volunteers is just too strong for anything like that to ever happen. They truly believe that the Florida State Fair is “The Best Time of the Year.”

January 2012

For information on the Florida State Fair and Fair Authority, visit HYPERLINK

http://FloridaStateFair.com and plan to visit the 2012 Fair February 9 – 20.

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Our season is well on its way...

Look for fresh Florida strawberries at your local retailers.

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Local Water Buffalo Produce Milk for TopGrade Italian Mozzarella

First generation American Antonio Casamento (shown with son Alessio and finished product of mozzarella cheeses made from Water buffalo milk) leases unproductive farming pasture from the Butts Eco Farm for grazing space for his herd of Water buffalo. In return, the organic Eco Farm receives needed compost for growing their vegetables and herbs.

by Cheryl Kuck

On the outer edge of greater Plant City toward upper Hillcheese (The Italian name mozzarella di bufala is protected by sborough County, nestled in outcroppings of Needle Palms, is a law), he led with his heart by purchasing a wild bull that had been 60-acre sustainable environmental community farm owned by badly mistreated and distrustful of people.

Debbie and Jon Butts.

The next step was to hire area cowboy horse trainer and The farm’s community members mostly live and work with animal handler Bill Heldt so his wild bull could become fit for the owners, each contributing their fair share of labor and the increasing the herd which has presently grown in number to about results of those labors, nurturing the organic vegetables, ecoa dozen. eggs, herbs, Luffa (also called Loofa,Loufa, or Loofah) Sponge, “Now the bull and others in the herd are so tame, you can Gourds, ornamental trees, a variety of native plants and one pet them. We call Jon the compassionate organic farmer. He is the another. host to our babies and cares for them, cherishing them with treats Part of the conservation-mindand goodies from his cultivator,” ed focus is also actively involved in says Casamento. creating a waste-less society, endeavThere are two types of Water oring to constructively use, reuse, buffalo; “Swamp” (used for meat reconstruct and recycle…everything. or as draft animals) and “Riverine” With under-used pasture acre(used for centuries in the once-waage available, it was only natural terlogged regions south of Rome and that ecologists Jon and Debbie Naples Campania regions). Riverine Butts would strike an agreement Buffalo are the highly prized animals last Easter (2011) with an avowed whose milk is used to make the finest “crazy” Italian-American who white mozzarella. Venture’s plan is wanted to raise Water buffalo on to ultimately have an all Italian pure their property. Antonio Casamento bred herd. found a home for his herd and the As Antonio’s son Alessio pours Butts received an endless supply of a stream of buffalo milk into a glass manure compost for their organic for me to taste, he tells me, “You’ll EcoFarm. fall in love with it. The milk has 58% Once he got the idea to raise more calcium, 43% less cholesterol Water buffalo to produce the purest Plant City EcoFarm owners Debbie and Jon Butts are organ- and 40% more protein than regular farmers whose 60-acre property off Needle Palm Road is A-Grade Buffalo Italian Mozzarella ic cow’s milk, it is a great source of devoted to sustainable environmental community farming.

56 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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iron, phosphorus, vitamin A and protein. It contains high levels of natural antioxidant’s. It’s unpasteurized milk, by far the best milk for the money, fresh, healthy and organic.”

Unlike milk that has been through the sterilization process, you might consider organic buffalo milk as more of a probiotic form that is totally lactose-free for those, like Casamento, who have previously suffered from lactose intolerance. An additional side benefit is the rich, silky taste.

Milk is transformed into exquisite mozzarella at a processing plant in Tampa, then immediately readied for market. “My cheese is never frozen and so fresh that if it doesn’t hit the table by the third day, it goes into the trash,” says Casamento, who is also experimenting with different forms of cheese such as a signature creation with an outside rind of charcoal.

“People think I’m crazy,” says Casamento. It would be a more succinctly phrased description if the words, “like a fox” were

added. A business entrepreneur with a degree in hotel management and years of experience in the art of food management, he has what (due to the popular television show) one would call the success “X-Factor,” and is presently looking for investors to help take his company, Adrenaline Group LLC, into prominence, enabling him to keep up with the many requests he is already receiving from restaurants.

“This recipe is descended from the papal court in the 1500s,” he says. “My standards are higher than the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). It’s my dream to make Florida as important an exporter of Buffalo Mozzarella as it is in my native Italy. From the time my wife first introduced me to Buffalo Mozzarella in Capri, it was love at first bite.”

Antonio Casamento may be contacted through E-mail: antonioventurellc@verizon.net or by Fax: 813-333-2205. Further information may be found on his Web site, www.Cheeselicious.net.

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January 2012

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l r i G y t i C a Diary of y a “Country” Bo e s i a R o t g n i y r T The Conclusion

by Ginny Mink The last time we spoke I left you with the imagery of brown leaves. Being accused of killing all the plants you and your son are trying to grow is quite a wretched feeling especially when you have been guilty of such a heinous crime before. Thankfully, they didn’t die and eventually they returned to their green state. On the up side, the NimBioSys Neem Oil product we used actually did a great job of keeping those lovely little grasshoppers from dining on our veggies (special thanks to Neem Tree Farms for that).

Anyway, the strawberries started to blossom a lot sooner than we had anticipated and I was able to show J and his friends that they would soon appear from the center of the little white

buds. When they saw the miniature green versions of strawberries emerging they became infinitely more interested in checking the “garden” regularly. No doubt you can imagine the thrill they experienced when our first strawberry ripened.

While J was enamored with the bright red fruit, I noticed that one of the three tomatoes growing on our tomato plant had turned red as well. I must admit, here, that though I have spent a good deal of time in Plant City and have oft times participated in the Strawberry Festival there, I am not really a big fan of strawberries, unless they’re in the form of jam. So, for me, the tomato was immensely more exciting. In fact, I immediately invited Ms. Patty Brooks, the grandmother of the boys that have participated in this endeavor, over for a salad.

She and I picked lettuce and plucked the tomato. Never in my life have I eaten anything I grew. I know that’s a sad state of affairs for people actively involved in agriculture but as you well know, I am a city girl. I have had the opportunity to eat various veggies from other people’s home gardens, but from my own? I just couldn’t fathom the concept.

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So, we cut our tomato into four pieces, rinsed the lettuce and placed them in bowls. I chose to apply Catalina dressing and she chose Ranch. It’s so funny when two people sit down to eat something like this because neither wants to take the first bite. There’s some concern, I suppose, about what it’s going to taste like. Since the vegetables came from our garden I took the first bite and she quickly followed suit.

“I have never tasted a better tomato,” she said quickly and I definitely had to agree. I’m not sure what happens to them from the time they are picked to the time you purchase them in the store, but they definitely lose a good deal of flavor. This tomato was juicy and delicious! The lettuce, though edible, and not bad for the most part, was a little bit on the bitter side, but we both finished our salads in awe and amazement.

The next day, feeling a little more comfortable with the fact that our vegetables were edible, I allowed J to pick his strawberry.

He rinsed it off with the hose and though I had anticipated him quickly popping it in his mouth, he too was hesitant. Obviously I had shared with him how great our tomato was, but still he wasn’t too sure. I took a few pictures of him prior to eating it and then when he determined that he was ready, he took a bite.

His eyes lit up, strawberry juice poured, literally poured, down his chin. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much red liquid escape from one little strawberry.

When he finished I asked him, “Well, how was it?” He got a peculiar look on his face and said, “I thought it was going to be gross, but it was the best strawberry I’ve ever eaten!” Why he thought it was going to be gross, I have no idea, but I explained to him that sometimes the things we work for taste the sweetest. He had no choice but to agree. Now, whenever a strawberry

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ripens he’s all about eating it, and in fact I have had to force him to share with the boys next door and my husband!

While we are enjoying the fruits of our labor, we also had some unfortunate circumstances occur. Our strawberries developed leaf spot and we are still trying to figure out how to rectify that problem. In addition, though I managed to get a tomato cage from my parents and use it as a trellis for the peas, they didn’t make it (although one of them seems to really want to live). Our broccoli keeps getting taller but we aren’t seeing anything happening with it so we need to do some more research on the subject. Finally, our jalapenos have started to bloom so we are hopeful that we will see some spice therein.

If you were to see our garden at this stage in the game you would be sorely disappointed. All the plants are in need of additional fertilizing and we just haven’t had the financial opportunities to invest in them further. This makes me sad because I have truly enjoyed the ability to grow something with a purpose, not just for “looking pretty.” In fact, I had the chance to pick another tomato and some more lettuce for my husband and I. What an amazing feeling it is to go outside and pick fresh vegetables or fruit for dinner!

I suppose this concludes the venture since resources have been depleted. I am hopeful that the broccoli and the jalapenos will still produce, and my son will continue to enjoy the strawberries as long as they’ll let him do so. What an amazing experience this has been for both of us, and the kids next door. I am determined to have a garden, particularly one that is containerized, wherever we end up as we intend to move sometime this year. Thanks so much for joining J and I on this adventure! If you have never grown your own vegetables, I definitely recommend trying it!

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WHY POINT THE FINGER AT NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION: Fertilizer Regulations

by Susan Haddock, Commercial Horticulture/Integrated Pest Management/Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension photos courtesy of UF/IFAS

The last two installments of Why Point the Finger at Nonpoint Source Pollution presented information about nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and storm water run-off, and how urban areas can manage storm water run-off.

NPS pollution is air and water pollution that comes from large spread out areas that makes it difficult or impossible to identify a single source for the pollution. Stormwater run-off is one factor of NPS water pollution, as is rain that runs off streets, rooftops, parking lots, lawns and other land surfaces into the closest water body. As the water moves over surfaces, contaminants move with the water and get deposited into rivers, lakes, ponds and the Tampa Bay. The sediments from contaminants and excessive nutrients contribute to reduced water quality.

As a result of concern for the protection of Florida waterways, fertilizer rules were formed to regulate fertilizer formulations and use. The Florida Urban Turf Rule 5E-1.003(2) limits the amount of phosphate content in no-phosphate fertilizers to a guaranteed analysis of zero percent. Fertilizers labeled as low phosphate must contain directions for application that do not exceed a maximum of 0.25 lbs. P2O5 per 1000 sq. ft. application.

Fertilizers containing nitrogen must contain directions for application that do not exceed a maximum of 1.0 lbs. N per 1000 sq. ft. application. The rule also requires that all turf or lawn fertilizer labels include these environmental stewardship instructions: “Do not apply near water, storm drains or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to

62 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street, back onto your lawn/garden.”

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Urban Fertilizer Use Task Force provided recommendations for a standard fertilizer regulation and created the Model Ordinance for Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes. Highlights of the Model Ordinance include: 1. Timing of Application: Prohibits application of nitrogen or phosphorous containing fertilizers during the Prohibited Application Period – when heavy rain is likely – or to saturated soils.

2. Fertilizer Free Zones: Prohibits application of fertilizers within 10 feet of any waterway; when using a deflector shield, drop spreader or liquid applicator with a sharply defined edge, a minimum of 3 feet shall be maintained.

3. Low Maintenance Zones: A voluntary 10 foot low maintenance zone is strongly recommended from any water body or top of seawall.

4. Fertilizer Content and Application Rates: Fertilizers shall be formulated in accordance with Rule 5E-1003(2).

This also addresses application timing and rates, and tissue and soil test requirements prior to fertilizer applications.

5. Application Practices: Requirement for spreader deflector shields, keeping fertilizer off impervious surfaces, cleaning up spills to impervious surfaces and

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requirement to keep fertilizer away from stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances and water bodies.

6. Management of Grass Clippings and Vegetative Matter: Requirement to keep grass clippings, vegetative matter and/or debris away from stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, wetlands, sidewalks and roads.

The model was drafted and approved by the Green Industries including the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences (DACS), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the Florida Association of Counties, Florida Water Management Districts and members of

64 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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the consumer and environmental communities.

The model provided a standard for fertilizer regulation, but also allowed local governments to create more stringent rules using the model as a guide. Local governments were entrusted to base local ordinances on science and utilize expert findings from DACS, FDEP and IFAS. Interpretations of science have resulted in many different fertilizer use and landscape management ordinances and rules that vary from county to county and from city to city within a county.

During 2011, Florida legislators identified the need to return to a uniform statewide model ordinance for residential fertilizer use in an effort to reduce the confusion and inconsistency resulting from the many ordinances and rules. Proposed legislative bills would provide DACS with more authority to regulate the sale and composition of fertilizer on a statewide basis and provide consistent fertilizer use and landscape management rules.

In the mean time, check your local fertilizer ordinance or rule for the fertilizer use and landscape management rules that apply to your jurisdiction. The entire Model Ordinance for Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes can be found at www.dep.state.fl.us/water/nonpoint/pubs.htm The Hillsborough County Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management Rule can be found at http://epchc.org. More information on Green Industries Best Management Practices and Florida Friendly Landscaping can be found at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu or visit your local UF/IFAS Extension Service.

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Please join us in welcoming to our Eastern Region Team, Rickie Holness and Jordan Yancy. Rickie Holness will be joining us as a Production Manager for our North Carolina district and Jordan Yancy will be our Forecasting Specialist. We are glad to welcome you both and we know you will both be a great asset to our growing company.

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By Robert H. Wells

S

ome endangered animals may live in smaller habitats than scientists realize, leading to inflated estimates of their ability to survive, according to a new University of Florida study.

However, by predicting the animals’ habitat movement using models employed to analyze human interactions on social networks such as Facebook, scientists with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences find the animals’ predicament could be better understood.

Conservationists can use this improved approach to better prioritize habitat restoration efforts for endangered species, said author Robert Fletcher, a UF wildlife ecology and conservation assistant professor.

The study appeared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Models are often used to predict the movements of animals when data are difficult to collect due to resource and time constraints faced by researchers. The ability to move to different habitat locations, known as connectivity, is important to the long-term survival of a species, because different locations provide additional resources, shelter and mating opportunities.

Robert Fletcher, a UF wildlife ecology and conservation assistant professor, co-authored a study in the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that showed social network models can predict the movement of animals from one location to another. This movement is essential to their survival and can help conservationists better prioritize habitat restoration efforts.

UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

66 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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kite to movement predicted by models. One social network model in particular, known as senderreceiver, was remarkably accurate in predicting both animals’ movements, despite that one animal was a bird that could potentially travel more than 100 miles and the other was an insect that only moves in a range of several feet.

Social network models have been used to try to predict relationships among people in social media as well as in disciplines, such as ecology, where they can help researchers understand which species may interact with each other. “This was the first time social network models have been applied to understand connectivity in conservation biology,” Fletcher said.

“Social network models can also be used to help manage pests,” he said. “One example is predicting where invasive species will move.”

Study authors included doctoral students Miguel Acevedo and Brian Reichert, master’s student Kyle Pias and wildlife ecology and conservation courtesy professor Wiley Kitchens.

The study showed that social network models can predict connectivity better than currently used models, which overestimated animal movement.

“These over predictions are problematic because we might falsely think that populations are viable when they may not be,” Fletcher said.

In the study, researchers compared records of actual movements by the cactus bug and the Everglades snail

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UNDER LAB CONDITIONS, SALMONELLA CAN REACH TOMATO FRUITS THROUGH LEAVES

by Mickie Anderson Food-safety experts have long believed that Salmonella bacofficials erroneously blamed a Salmonella outbreak on domestiteria could only enter tomatoes through wounds in the stem or cally grown tomatoes, only to announce later that contaminated fruit — but a new University of Florida laboratory study shows it jalapeño and Serrano peppers from Mexico were responsible. can also happen another way.

Salmonella is among the Plant pathologist Arimost common foodborne illena van Bruggen, a professor nesses, often spread by raw or in UF’s Institute of Food and undercooked meat, poultry or Agricultural Sciences, published eggs, but sometimes through a paper in the online journal contaminated produce. It can PLoS One, with research findcause abdominal pain, fever, ings that show — for the first nausea and vomiting. time — that Salmonella can Results from the 2 ½ -year enter tomato plants through study were published in the onintact leaves, travel through the line, open-access journal Public plant and end up in the fruit Library of Sciences (PLoS) itself.

One. To test the hypothesis But she says she can’t stress that Salmonella might be able enough that it isn’t at all easy to enter tomato leaves, van for it to happen, even in the lab, Bruggen and two postdoctoral and would be unlikely under researchers briefly dipped one field conditions. leaf from each of 84 tomato University of Florida postdoctoral student Ganyu Gu and UF Pro“The message is that yes, fessor Ariena van Bruggen stand in front of a greenhouse atop UF’s plants into a potent solution (Salmonella) can be internalEmerging Pathogens Institute as postdoctoral student Juan Ceval- that contained high concentralos-Cevallos stands inside. (UF/IFAS photo by Tyler L. Jones) ized in tomato, but it’s rare — tions of Salmonella, plus a the chance is so low,” she said. surfactant commonly used by “I would tell consumers not to tomato growers to ensure that worry too much.” pesticides or fungicides stay on the plants. Another 42 plants Although van Bruggen, a member of UF’s Emerging were left as a control group.

Pathogens Institute, described her experiment as a “worst-case Later, they tested adjacent, non-inoculated leaves and the scenario,” she said the findtomatoes themselves. ings suggest tomato growers The study was conducted and packers should continue to over a 10-month period and review their already-stringent then replicated. safety standards, taking a look In the study’s first phase, at factors such as irrigation nine tomatoes from one inocuwater sources, the possibility lated plant tested positive for of wild animals getting too Salmonella. In the second, Salclose to plants and the use of monella was found in adjacent, surfactants. non-inoculated leaves from Keith Schneider, a food eight tomato plants; as well as safety expert and IFAS faculty 12 tomatoes from two plants member, called the study’s findthat were leaf-inoculated with a ings intriguing, but said handdifferent strain of Salmonella. washing by consumers and food Reggie Brown, manager of handlers is still likely to have the Florida Tomato Committee, the single biggest impact on which has regulatory authority whether people become ill from over most of the state’s tomato anything they eat. production, said the industry “There is probably a far has some of the most stringent bigger risk of people becoming sick from not washing their safety standards in agriculture, anywhere. In Florida, safe tomato hands, or their kids not washing their hands, than the possibility production practices are required by law. of this route of infection occurring in nature,” he said.

“Food safety is never an absolute, but we are doing evTomatoes are a $619 million annual industry in Florida and erything that good science and good practices tell us to do to food-safety scares do tremendous damage to growers. In 2008, produce the safest product possible,” he said. “Ninety-nine point the industry lost an estimated $100 million when federal health nine nine nine nine percent of produce is safe.”

68 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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by Sarah Holt ave you often thought of having your own garden but didn’t think you had the space? Think again!

Check out container gardening and reap the benefits of fresh vegetables and herbs available at your fingertips!

H

Meet Lori DeMello and Susan Collins.

Both live in places without a garden spot, or so you would think. Container gardening fits the bill for both of them even though their available space is vastly different.

Lori received her Earthbox as a Christmas gift (from yours truly). “It sat for over a year before I was brave enough to give it a try,” said Lori.

“I have always tried to eat healthy,” said Susan. “Organic or hydroponic wasn’t as easily within reach in the past as it is now, and it was expensive. So I looked into growing my own favorites. I live in a condo so the Earthbox was my only choice for any type of garden.”

When asked how to select what to grow, Susan answered, “I looked at my favorite vegetables, in addition to the time of year and what was available and made the choice.” The choice of what to grow isn’t always easy. Susan continued, “The biggest obstacle was narrowing down what I wanted. There is only so much space on a concrete patio!”

“I went to Kerby’s Nursery with my friend Susan,” said Lori. “She helped me decide what to plant. She also came over and, along with our husbands, helped me plant them.”

70 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

“If you plant correctly, don’t over-plant, or plant the wrong plants for your zone, and water... there should be no failures.

My wonderful husband gets credit for making sure everything is taken care of,” said Susan. “However, I will say the tomato hornworm is my ultimate enemy as a pest that got the best of me and my tomato plants!” The hornworms proved to be a challenge for both Susan and Lori.

“Our little Earthbox can keep producing longer than a normal garden,” said Susan.

“We sometimes have to give away vegetables because it produces so much. We are about to have a run on brussels sprout.”

Lori’s biggest success thus far is “when the veggies showed up on the vine!” It’s still a learning process for them. What grows best in this area? What they like, when to pick and when to leave them alone! So far Lori’s biggest failure was “letting the okra get too big before I picked them and they were hard!”

“In the past I RAN from dirt,” said Lori.

“Now my favorite thing to do is spend time in my herb garden, growing and tending to my ‘babies.’ It’s a stress relief!”

Why should you have a container garden?

You can grow just about any vegetable or herb in a container garden! Space isn’t an issue. The smallest place can house a container. You can gage what to plant by how much or how little sun reaches the spot you have selected. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. There are many things lying around the house that, with a little preparation, will work for your container. It’s easy, even if you think you have a “black thumb,” even the novice can have considerable luck at this type of gardening. The benefits are endless! Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is bragging rights. “It’s been fun keeping my friends, even those in Texas, up to date on my veggies as they grow by texting them pictures,” said Lori. “I’m a farmer!” •

Starting out with one Earthbox, Lori’s garden has expanded to fill quite a bit of space. “I started with Sweet 100s, Japanese eggplant and okra. I now have three Earthboxes, and have Brussels sprout and cauliflower growing. I’ve also planted an herb garden in the back yard after seeing that I could grow vegetables – and for Mothers Day, my husband and son bought me a lime and a lemon tree.”

Susan’s future gardening plans are “to plant year round and grow as many of our own as possible, to compliment the other wonderful vegetables we cannot grow but can get locally.”

January 2012

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by Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science Fennel is a crisp, slightly sweet vegetable with hints of anise and licorice. As a member of the Umbellifereae family, fennel is related to celery, parsley, coriander, and dill. Fennel is composed of a white or light green bulb attached to stalks, which are topped with light, fern-like dark green leaves. The entire vegetable is edible, including the bulb, stalks, leaves, and seeds. Fennel is at its peak season during the winter months.

Also called sweet anise or finocchio, fennel is native to the Mediterranean area. In the U.S. fennel is produced in California, Arizona, and Florida. According to the University of Florida Extension Office, this annual plant can be grown successfully in gardens and fields throughout the state.

Nutritional Profile

Fennel is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, folate, and molybdenum. Fennel is also a good source of phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper and niacin (vitamin B3).

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw, chopped fennel (87 g) contains 27 calories, 1.1 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 6.3 g carbohydrate, and 2.7 g of dietary fiber.

It also provides 17% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 11% for dietary fiber, 10% for potassium, 8.5% for manganese, 6% for folate, and large amounts of powerful antioxidants.

Health Benefits

Fennel is bursting with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting compounds. Phytonutrients are organic components of plants (fruits, vegetables, legumes) that promote health and include carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. Fennel contains a large amount of different flavanoids, which may help to decrease inflammation and the risk of cancer.

Vitamin C

Fennel bulb is an excellent source of vitamin C, which acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. As a result, vitamin C has been associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several large scientific studies have shown that a high consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Potassium

Fennel is a good source of potassium, a mineral which pro-

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Fennel motes healthy heart functioning and protects against high blood pressure. Potassium helps regulate fluids and mineral balance, aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses.

Plant foods, such as fennel, are a very rich source of potassium.

Fiber

One cup of fennel contains 10.8 percent of your daily dietary fiber needs. Fiber has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent colon cancer. This nutrient is also very well known for its role in digestion and in the prevention of constipation.

Additionally the fiber in fennel can help with weight loss by offering satiety with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.

How to Select and Store

Fresh fennel is at its peak season during the cool weather months. Look for fennel bulbs that are white or pale green in color with green stalks and leaves. Avoid any that are flowering or are split or discolored. Choose one that feels firm and solid to the touch and smells fragrantly of licorice or anise.

Store fennel loosely in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. Store dried fennel seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Enjoy

The entire fennel is edible and has many possible uses. The bulb can be sliced and added to salads or cooked vegetable dishes. The leaves can be used as a seasoning, garnish, or vegetable.

The stalks can be used for soups and stews.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas: • Slice fennel and combine with lettuce and melon for a quick salad • Stir-fry chopped fennel with broccoli and snow peas.

• Braise fennel and serve as a side dish.

• Use thinly sliced fennel to top sandwiches or salads.

• Sautee fennel with onions and serve as a side dish to fish.

• Toss diced fennel into a veggie soup.

Enjoy this favorite Mediterranean vegetable fresh from Florida today. With its unique flavor and crisp texture, fennel can be used in any raw or cooked dish.

Selected References

http://en.wikipedia.org/ http://www.whfoods.com

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A Closer Look: Curve-Tooth Geometer Moth (Eutrapela clemataria)

A Closer Look:

Curve-Tooth Geometer Moth (Eutrapela clemataria)

By Sean Green This month marks a symbolic new beginning for most, if not all of us. It’s a time that we accept the accumulation of the past and although we remember it, this is the time of year we celebrate putting the past behind us in favor of a new beginning. What better way to endorse a new beginning than to examine an insect that historically symbolizes transformation and a new beginning. The moth is a member of Lepidoptera, a large order of insects that describe moths and butterflies. Within this order is a family of insects known as Geometridae. Its family name is derived from the Greek words Geo (earth) and Metron (measure), this describes the looping stride of the larvae making it look like it’s measuring its steps. Most of us know the larvae of this family of moths as the Inchworm.

I was looking for opportunities to photograph the species I intended to write about this month on a holiday hike through Colt Creek Nature Preserve. As expected, insect populations are beginning to diminish as leaves blanket the boardwalk and trails in response to the cooler weather. One leaf in particular caught my eye as it fluttered to the ground. I invested more than a passing glance and joyfully discovered that this was not a leaf at all, but rather, a moth. There are few moth species that are active during the daytime. This was not one of them. This was a Curve-Tooth Geometer Moth (Eutrapela clemataria), one of the masters of stealth that characterize the Geometridae family.

Geometridae is a large family of moths comprised of over 35,000 species worldwide, 1,400 of which are native to North America. The Curve-Tooth Geometridae Moth (Eutrapela clemataria) is one of the largest of the Geometridae family. Its coloration ranges from shades of brown to pale yellow to resemble a dead leaf. Little is known about this species and published sources offer conflicting information.

Most sources consistently report that Eutrapela clemataria adult males fly from April to August, however, our tropical Florida environment provides opportunity for our insects to sit just outside the boundaries of “typical” behavior. The adult moth pictured was found on the first day of January 2012. Eutrapela clemataria is known to have at least two broods per year and four broods per year are common in southern states.

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Depending on the season, this species will pupate underground or in leaf litter as quickly as a few weeks, or as long as a few months. The adults that are active now probably emerged in the late fall and are laying eggs that will likely hatch in the early spring when the weather begins to warm again. This species is nocturnal, male adults rest under the trees leaves during the daytime and find the flightless females on the tree trunks at night. The antennae for this Geometridae are used primarily to detect pheromones and lead the male to an appropriate mate and also help them navigate in low light conditions.

The wing structure of the CurveTooth Geometer is its most distinguishing feature and the source of its common name.

These moths hold their wings flat and straight out to the sides. A thin darker line connects the wing tips resembling the midrib of a leaf. The wing tips themselves curve slightly inward and the toothed edges of the wing complete the illusion of a mottled brown leaf. For the Curve-Tooth Geometer, its characteristic wings are an important part of its defensive strategy. Geometrida have a specialized pair of organs on their abdomen that function like an ear to detect the high pitch echoes bats use to search for prey. When a bat is detected, or the moth is otherwise threatened, the moth stops flying and initiates a free fall to the ground in a spiraling pattern mimicking a falling leaf. Bats do not search the ground for food and would certainly not rubbish through a pile of dead leaves to look for a moth.

Eutrapela clemataria are masters of stealth even in their larval stage (better known as inchworms). The inchworms remain high in host trees such as Elm, Oak, Birch and Maple to feed on its leaves, moving from leaf to leaf in its classic inchworm fashion, looping into a question mark shape and straightening up again. When in danger, the inchworm will stand up on its prologs (rear) and remain perfectly still to mimic a dead twig. Ironically, this insect, highly regarded as symbol of renewal, preserves it’s life with a cloak of death.

For me, this experience was an illustration of a greater truth.

Should you find a moth this month, I encourage you to consider the courage it has in shedding the old to manifest the new.

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Naturally Amazing Activities Build a Light Trap

by Sean Green

Moth recording can be a very rewarding hobby. For the farmer, knowing which species populate the farm could be useful information as some species are important pollinators and others are pests in their larval stage. Some gardeners try to attract specific moths for the pollination of night blooming plants. Nature photographers are very well served with a moth trap, attracting a large variety of subjects to photograph that would be very difficult to find on a night-time hike. Young upcoming Scientists will find this natural history activity a fascinating alternative to video games or TV. Elaborate and expensive moth traps are used by professional entomologists and scientists to monitor or study moth populations. There are a number of do it yourself instructions to build a variety of moth traps, such as the Skinner trap, however not all of us have the time, tools or material needed to build one of the do it yourself traps.

Moths are hopelessly attracted to light, especially black lights (UV). In its most basic form, a moth trap is simply a source of light that attracts moths.

This month we will build a very simple, inexpensive light trap suitable for simple observation and identification of moths and other nocturnal insects. The method presented here is commonly used in field studies by scientists that have no interest in capturing or harming the moths but rather in the recording and observation of moth species.

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Light Trap Materials:

Light Source: Mercury Vapor or Fluorescent Black light is best, but a standard 100w bulb will work too.

Backdrop: Large white sheet Drape the backdrop over a clothes line or fence and mount the light in front of the backdrop.

Warning: Mercury Vapor lights and high wattage lights get hot and should be mounted a safe distance from flammable material. All lights should be protected from rain and inclement weather.

Sugaring is another method entomologists use to attract moths and can be used in conjunction with the light trap. A sugar mixture about the consistency of maple syrup can be made with water and brown sugar, once made stir in a little molasses, stout such as Guiness (best when stale), or rum. Paint the mixture onto the backdrop (if you don’t mind staining the sheet), or onto a nearby block of wood or cardboard box. The sugar solution will attract species that feed as adults, the light will attract species that do not necessarily feed as adults.

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Florida School Nutrition Program Transfers to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services School Nutrition Becomes a Top Priority under Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam Effective January 1, 2012, the state’s school food and nutrition program moved to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, under the leadership of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The transfer is a result of a legislative measure, dubbed the Healthy Schools of Healthy Lives Act, passed by the Legislature during the 2011 legislative session.

“This transfer is a first step in transforming the lifelong eating habits of Florida’s children,” said Commissioner Putnam. “I believe we can establish a foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating if we incorporate more wholesome foods, many of which are grown right here in Florida, into the meals kids eat at school.”

With the transfer of the program, 45.5 full time employee positions move from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program and employees will reside in the Office of Food, Nutrition and Wellness at the Department. Commissioner Putnam appointed Robin Safley, who previously served as a consultant with Capital Health Plan (CHP) advocating wellness issues in Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla and Gadsden Counties and as chief of staff at the Department of Education, to serve as director of the newly created office. During the upcoming legislative session, Commissioner Putnam will work with members of the Legislature to formally create the office as a division within the Department.

“Partnerships with key stakeholders in child nutrition are critical to the success of our efforts. We must bring everyone to the table, including parents, teachers, farmers and health professionals, to help change the way our children eat.”

In recent months, Commissioner Putnam has visited schools throughout the state of Florida to learn about the innovative techniques many schools employ to encour-

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age students to choose healthy options. He has also met with farmers, processors and distributors to learn about the challenges that lie in the way of directing more locally grown, fresh foods to Florida’s schools.

Many of these stakeholders came together to participate in a child nutrition forum hosted by Commissioner Putnam, in partnership with Hillsborough County School Superintendent Mary Ellen Elia, on December 14 in Tampa. This was the first time representatives from school food service, education, agriculture, food distribution, the health community and the Parent Teacher Association came together to discuss the future of child nutrition.

Following the forum, Commissioner Putnam created three working groups – Farm to School Logistics, Outreach/Access/Partnerships and Governance/Assessment - to address concerns and challenges identified by the key stakeholders. The Farm to School Logistics Working Group will hold its first meeting on Friday, January 6, in Winter Haven.

Though the transfer is not effective until January 1, 2012, the benefits are already visible. On December 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will allocate an additional $2.5 million to Florida to help school food authorities improve the quality of school meals provided to children and come into compliance with new meal patterns and nutrient standards, which are anticipated to be released in January and will be effective for the 2012-2013 school year.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida. com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, www.

Facebook.com/AdamPutnam, and Twitter, @adamputnam.

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The Humble Doctor John Hall

by Ginny Mink

College level educations are a source of pride for most people. All one need do is look at how many letters someone puts after his or her name to recognize that truth. Though most people with Bachelors degrees don’t emphasize that with BS or BA behind their names, people who have attended graduate school most certainly add their MS or MA. Thusly it seems quite obvious that anyone with a doctoral degree will not only add the appropriate letter representations but will also put that envied Dr. in front. Such is not the case with John Hall, Ag teacher at Martinez Middle School in Lutz. With humility he signs his email correspondences, simply, John Hall, no letters to follow and no Dr. in front!

John says he grew up in Odessa and was much more involved in sports than he was in the concept of agriculture. “I didn’t have any immediate family involved in agriculture as a livelihood. My family had about two acres of citrus that we had harvested but the freeze in the 80s wiped that out. Back then Odessa was rural with cattle farms, citrus and hay. I grew up on a lake and loved the outdoors. I didn’t know all the things you could get involved in with Ag, I went to private school until eighth grade then I got involved in Ag in high school, took all Ag classes in my junior and senior year. My Ag teacher recommended that I become an Ag teacher.” He took that recommendation quite seriously.

While in high school John showed pigs and was involved in building and repair. He explains, “I did farm maintenance, water pipes, fixed fences. Dad has a construction background so he taught me how to do that when I was younger. Then one of the Ag teachers got me a job in landscaping. I got interested in the horticulture side from that. With their guidance I learned a lot about landscaping and I did that through college. I have a strong horticulture background now so it’s something I can help the kids with.” Along with the landscaping job provided by his Ag teacher John took the teacher’s recommendation and went to college to become an Ag teacher. “I did two years at community college, Saint Pete Junior College, then transferred to UF and got a degree in agriculture education with a minor in horticulture science,” he says.

College was obviously a joyous experience for him because he reveals, “I got involved in some great programs at UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). I was a CALS Ambassador for three years. I got to travel all over the country teaching about Ag, recruiting for the college. I even went to Costa Rica and to conferences in California. We stopped and toured Ag businesses just to learn more. I loved college and wanted to learn more so I was looking into Master’s programs, a Masters in agribusiness, thought that could help me to have more to draw on.”

Upon completion of his graduate degree, he came back to Hillsborough County and taught at Sickles High School from

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2003-2007. “It was a program that had a lot of potential. We grew it to three teachers and had over 160 FFA members.

We had students raising rabbits, cattle, steer and pigs. They were involved in close to 15 different career development events. I had the first state winner go on to nationals and we had a national semifinalist creed speaker. To this day they haven’t had another.” Yet, even with these successes, in 2007, John says, “I saw the opportunity to go back to school. A lot of college professors and people I knew encouraged me to look at a doctoral program. I took a professional leave of absence and headed out to Texas to Texas A & M to get my doctorate in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. I was there from 2007-2010.”

Once again, college provided John with some very unique and exciting experiences. He says, “During the time I was working on my doctorate I got the opportunity to teach agriculture education and leadership courses to college students and supervise future agriculture teachers at the schools they were doing their student teaching at. I got to coach them. It was very fun and rewarding, got to pass the torch and share everything I could to help them become good Ag teachers. I got to travel all over Texas and look at different Ag programs.”

This was quite valuable to him because he adds, “I got to return to my home community and help students that had a great deal of potential. I thought I’d be a high school Ag teacher, never thought I’d teach college or middle school.” However, in the fall of 2010 he began doing just that at Martinez Middle. “Last year,” he explains, “we got our first state title in the school’s history. We had a strong number of kids showing animals at the state fair, and competed in over ten CDE’s.”

In considering all he’s done over the past almost ten years he says, “One of the most exciting things for me is the growth of the FFA membership. The school’s had 30 to 40, but last year we had 111 and now we’ve got 135 and I suspect we’ll be at 150 before the year’s over! The kids take the lead in their learning and get to experience things firsthand. When the general public comes out to see the land lab we try to showcase what we have.

We show them the students are learning priceless life lessons – how important it is to take care of another life. They have to take the initiative. They do everything, the feeding, the cleaning, the handling. The life skills they learn will be transferable, it’s one of the greatest things about my job, very few programs for youth can offer what FFA and agriculture offers.”

Sadly, John admits that, “People have no idea of the value and importance of agriculture. First, Ag is the nation’s most important industry. It is without a doubt necessary for a strong society from the economic to the social side. Education is important because we’re helping educate the community that agriculture is a privilege. I really appreciate the hard work that farmers put in.

Hopefully the public will come to appreciate its value so we can enjoy life.” With a teacher like John Hall, great steps are being made in that direction for sure!

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Strawberry Crest High School Strawberry Crest FFA Tour Group Learns of Diverse Agribusinesses in Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Assists with Tour Organization

by Jim Frankowiak Agriculture is alive, well and important in Hillsborough County. However, the county’s agricultural offering includes more – much more – than strawberries and tomatoes. To showcase the diversity of agriculture in the county to FFA members from Strawberry Crest High School, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau helped organize a recent one-day tour of several lesser known agribusinesses.

The tour group rendezvoused at Strawberry Crest well before sunrise to board charter buses for the tour’s first stop at Tampa Wholesale Produce Market, “One of the Largest Markets in the South,” according to its general manager Peter Filippello. The market brings together commodities from across the country and around the world for discriminating buyers from a wide range of organizations. The market has been in operation at its current location on East Hillsborough Avenue since the 1940s.

After daybreak and a breakfast stop, the group broke into two with one bus heading to M&B Products in Temple Terrace and the other bus to Riverview Flower Farm on North Taylor Road. FFA members and student guests paid their own way on the tour, as well as the cost for breakfast. The Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter bought pizza, snacks and drinks for all of the tour participants.

M&B processes and pasteurizes milk and juices at it the Temple Terrace location. Many of its products are purchased by county schools in west central Florida, including Hillsborough County. The company also has a dairy operation in Citrus County. The students were amazed at all of the engineering that goes into the little milk or juice containers that they drink at school every day.

Riverview Flower Farm propagates ornamentals for one customer, Home Depot and all of its stores in Florida. The North Taylor Road location is one of four operated by Riverview Flower and it incorporates the use of state-of-the-art techniques throughout its operation, achieving the highest levels of efficiency, environmental friendliness and productivity.

High-tech was also the order of the day at Three Brothers

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Farm in Ruskin where a wide range of vegetables and herbs are grown. The next step, also in Ruskin, was Aquatica Tropicals, where FFA members learned how Aquatica serves the ornamental tropical fish departments of major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Petsmart and Petco.

“It was good for our FFA members to learn of the many diverse agricultural endeavors we have in Hillsborough County,” said Susan Mayo, Career & Technical Department Head and Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator at Strawberry Crest.

“Each of the agribusinesses we visited showcased the ever-changing dynamics of each business and the varied opportunities each offered its employees. We hope these experiences will confirm their individual interest in agriculture as they plan for their careers.”

After lunch at Simmons Park in Ruskin, the group reached its final tour stop at Tampa Bay Fisheries in Dover where shrimp and many different species of fish are processed and packaged for shipment to varied outlets throughout the southeast.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to not only organize, but participate in this FFA tour,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director, Judi Whitson. “Agriculture brings many benefits to the county, not just the food we eat, but the jobs it brings and significant impact agriculture has on the economy of Hillsborough County.”

“It is also very interesting and inspiring to see how these different businesses are using technological advances to their operations to benefit their customers, their companies, the environment and all of us who purchase their products. I feel confident that the entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by these business owners was impressive to the FFA members who heard them speak at each stop on the tour,” said Whitson.

“I think it’s safe to say many of our FFA members had their eyes opened to the diversity of agriculture in the county and to the opportunities that await them should they desire to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Mayo. “I would also like to express my personal thanks to Farm Bureau, Judi Whitson and Jemy Hinton for setting up this awesome tour.”

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Lennard High School Agriculture Communications

by Rebecca Knowles

Adriana Carranza is applying her newly gained knowledge of communication to create a poster to further inform uneducated citizens of current topics in the Agriculture Industry.

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Webster’s dictionary’s definition of communication is: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. Believe it or not, there are classes specifically designed to teach high school agriculture students about this process and why it is important. Actually, these classes have existed since 1905, when the class “Agriculture Journalism” first began. However, in modern times, this class has changed and transformed, spinning off an entirely new class, targeted to high school students, called “Agricultural Communications.”

Agricultural Communications is a class focused on taking agriculture students and giving them new, creative, and more efficient ways to improve the way they communicate. But, what exactly does this intricate process called ‘communication’ consist of? And why is it so important? That’s what the FFA students at Lennard High School, are going to find out this year, as this course has finally been added to the elective classes available at Lennard High School.

When asked about what he was looking forward to the most, FFA member, Robert Matta replied, “How to be able to successfully distribute information to the media in positive ways.” Fellow FFA member, and officer, Randall Casey agreed, saying that, “Agricultural communications is beneficial as a class, because it is essential to communicate to the masses that agriculture is such an integral and important part of the society.”

Though it is still the beginning of the school year, students are happy to have already learned so much about communication that they didn’t know before. “I have already learned the different types of skills you need to communicate to everyone, even the people outside the campus,” Kayla Gaines, FFA officer reported. “I’m excited to take pictures and report to everyone about things like new technology, and advances in agriculture, and why they’re important to everyone,” she continued, expressing her knowledge of the importance of communication in the agriculture industry and to the public.

In the agricultural world, communication is vital. Whether it is between businesses, the general public or two students enrolled in an agriculture class, without proper communication, nothing is accomplished. That is why the ability to properly communicate is essential to not only an FFA member, but everyone. In the agriculture industry communication is critical due to the need to educate the public and to spread positive messages, viewpoints and the benefits of Florida agriculture.

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Lennard High School Nationals 2011

On October 17, 2011, Lennard FFA competed in the National FFA Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event. The event was held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in conjunction with the 84th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lennard FFA members Kyle Bowman, Randall Casey, Rebecca Knowles and Joshua Stanaland won the State Nursery/Landscape Contest to earn the opportunity to compete nationally. The National FFA Nursery/Landscape CDE is a competitive activity in which FFA members test their knowledge and skills in nursery practices and landscaping. Contestants must complete a general knowledge exam testing horticultural principles including plant anatomy, production, marketing, turf, landscape design and maintenance. Each participant must also complete practicums involving a landscape drawing, landscape estimating, plant propagation or potting, identification of plants, diseases, disorders and equipment. Over the summer, the four practiced tirelessly.

The contest spanned two days. The results were announced at a reception banquet. All of the team members received a gold ranking, the team received a gold team honor, and the team placed ninth nationally.

Sub-Districts 2011

Lennard FFA competed in the Sub-District Level Career Development Events at the Plant City Hillsborough Community College. FFA members Kyle Bowman, Madison Brown, and Lucas Worley each participated in separate events. Kyle Bowman competed in the Safe Tractor Operations and Maintenance contest, which is designed to develop the ability to demonstrate the knowledge related to the maintenance and safe operations of tractors. Madison Brown participated in Prepared Public Speaking, which is intended to cultivate qualities of leadership by actively increasing member participation in leadership roles and public speaking skills. Finally, Lucas Worley entered the Extemporaneous contest, which is designed to have members improve their ability to express themselves on a given subject without prepared or rehearsed material in advance. Lucas Worley placed third in Extemporaneous Speaking and Kyle Bowman placed first in Safe Tractor Operations and Maintenance.

Kyle will advance to the District competition and compete in January.

Citrus CDE 2011

Lennard FFA competed at the Citrus Career Development Event. The team consisted of Randall Casey, Rebecca Knowles, Joshua Stanaland, and Lucas Worley. The event was held at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City, FL. Twenty-five high school teams from throughout Florida gathered to compete for the top spot. Lennard’s team placed third overall in the state. The purpose of the Citrus Evaluation CDE is to stimulate learning activities in the production and management of citrus fruit. The contest requires students to have a general knowledge of the citrus industry, and to have the ability to properly identify citrus rootstocks, varieties, leaves, pests, diseases, and weeds.

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Dear In the Field Readers, It is hard to believe that we are already half way through our year as a state officer. As the state officers and I are on break, I find myself sitting and thinking about all the wonderful actives and people I have met throughout the year.

I couldn’t ask for a better officer team to serve on, we have been able to make so many new friends from the 16,000 members across the state of Florida. I can’t tell you how many times I have smiled to see a members face light up just for me doing a program at their school. It goes to show how many people love the FFA and what we stand for.

Meeting state officers from across the country has been one of the most exciting things. We have been able to see how each state is run and how it is different from our state. One of my friends from a different state told me once, “You have to be happy with your self before you can be happy with others.” I sat back and thought to myself, I am happy, but as I dug further and further into it, I found that I wasn’t as happy as I thought. We all go through struggles in our lives, no matter how big or how small, we have to find the good in every situation no matter how bad it may seem.

By talking to him for countless hours I have been able to find that good in everything. We have to realize our problems and try to make them better. It takes time to make a situation better, I have found that if we break down our walls and open up to people that it makes healing go a whole lot faster then keeping it bottled up. I can tell you from personal experience that, yes, you may feel that you are at the worst of your life but I promise it gets better each and everyday. Remember that everything happens for a reason and just around the corner there is an open door waiting on you.

China is getting closer and closer each and every day for us and I know that it is going to be the time of our lives. I can’t wait to get back and tell everyone what a great opportunity it was and all the neat things we were able to do. One of the most exciting things is that we are going to be with state officers from across the country. I know this trip will bring life long friends from it and we will be able to go to any part of the country and have somewhere to stay. I have learned that the country isn’t as big as people make it out to be. You can fly to any part of the country in a matter of hours. This just goes to show that long distance relationships or friendships can last against all the odds. Someone I trust dearly once said, “Its only a three hour flight to see them; but we have to remember that we have so much technology, we can see them every day.” This has stuck with me ever since and I try to remember that each and everyday.

Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m Possible”!” This quote says it all!

Much love,

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John Modrow, Jr. FFA Area V State Vice President

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Durant High School Durant FFA Helps Make Wishes Come True The Durant FFA Chapters took part in their annual Operation Bike Drop when they visited J.S. Robinson Elementary School before the Christmas break to present bikes to two students. During the year the chapter members take part in many community service projects in the community. The chapter members raise money during the year to purchase the bikes for students that attend elementary schools in the area. Over the past 16 years the Durant FFA Chapters have given over 80 bikes to children at Christmas. The FFA members feel that this is just one way that they can give back to their community that has helped not only their FFA chapter but their school as well.

Durant FFA Forestry Team Places 2nd in State The Durant FFA Forestry Team placed second at the State FFA Forestry Contest held in Perry, Florida on November 17 -18. The team members were Bailey Harrell, Alex Fernandez, David Walden, Cole Edbrup and Andi Butts.

The team placed first in Forest Disorders, first in Equipment Identification, first in Dendrology, third in General Knowledge and third in Map Interpretation. Cole Edbrup was fourth High Individual in the state and David Walden placed first overall in Dendrology. The purpose of the Forestry CDE is to stimulate student’s interest in forestry, to promote forestry instruction in the agriculture education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competency as a result of forestry instruction. A special thanks to the District Foresters that helped make the District and State FFA Forestry Contest such a great success.

4-H Auction Featured at January 31 Farm Bureau Legislative Reception Wild game guided hunting and fishing excursions will be some of the exciting items being offered at the Florida 4-H Foundation’s Auction held in conjunction with Farm Bureau’s annual Legislative Reception. Whether you want the opportunity to hunt with Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam or go on a guided alligator hunt in Okeechobee, an exotic deer hunt in Brighton, fishing trips, gobbler or duck hunts, or clay shoots, you will have a chance to bid at the January 31 event.

This year’s 4-H Auction will be the 15th annual for 4-H, and the third held in conjunction with the Farm Bureau reception. According to State 4-H Foundation President Casey Welch, “This event is especially important to 4-H since it provides unrestricted funds to be used to support Florida 4-H programs for more than 228,000 youth. These

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students will become the agricultural leaders of the future and we appreciate working with Farm Bureau to accomplish mutual goals.”

In addition to the hunting and fishing trips, reception participants will have the opportunity to bid on gift baskets, weekend resorts, beautiful western hats, prints and publications, golf outings, gift certificates and numerous other gifts. With the evening just two weeks before Valentine’s Day, there will be plenty of items for winning bidders to get a jump on their holiday shopping.

Don’t miss out on the Farm Bureau reception and 4-H Auction in Tallahassee on January 31! For further information, or to donate items, contact Adam Cletzer at the State 4-H office, 352.846.4444, acletzer@ufl.edu or Betty Jo Tompkins, 813.477.8332, bjt6890@yahoo.com.

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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.

SALE/LEASE 60 ACRE GROVE Plant City with well, suitable for strawberry field, lease or purchasing option, owner financing available, negotiable terms. Call Marvin (813) 833-7522 or email bps500@aol.com 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.

BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA MLS#212769 Private home with 3BR, 2.5 baths, unfinished basement, nice kitchen, Sunroom, back deck for cooking out, nestled in the trees, cool enough that there is no AC. Lots of outbuildings. A must see! 2.47 acres wooded, low maintenance. $180,000 Call Jane Baer w/ Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829 BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA MLS#190298 Beautiful RV lot with cement pad, decking includes the 5th wheel. Less than 2 years old! River’s Edge RV Park offers a large clubhouse, stocked lake for fishing, heated and cooled laundry and shower facilities. $69,000 Call Jane Baer w/ Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829

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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

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Mar. 15-Feb. 15, 2011

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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

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Gary Wishnatzki David Spivey

at’s Growing Whe.com Coveringagazin

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KAITLYN GILL

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

May 2011

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THE ENERGIZER FARM

A 90 Year Lega

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2011 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart

Spivey Farms

September 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Covering What’

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Covering What’s Growing

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94 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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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 95 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

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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 FARMS and/or GROUPS Call for Discount Pricing!

DR. LARRY BRITT, DVM

Large Animal Vet Services General Practice Specializing in Equine Dentistry fo l l ow us on

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