Heartland In The Field - January 2012

January 2012

Catching Up with the Joneses Covering What’s Growing Hardee Highlands Desoto glades charlotte okeechobee hendry

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

Happy New Year

Table of Contents

FROM THE HEARTLAND

32

Cover Story

Catching Up with the Joneses Catch up with horse-loving, rodeowinning, husband and wife, Gary and Linda Jones Cover Photo by Russell Hancock

8

Advertisers Index 10

Hunting Spotlight Check out our Heartland’s youth hunting In the Field

14

Citrus Update

Justin Smith talks about funding research in the New Year

20

Fishing Report

Happy New Year! It is amazing how fast time flies and it is already 2012.

We had a busy year in the Heartland and are looking forward to another prosperous one to come.

This month we feature Gary and Linda Jones from Hardee County. Their love for agriculture, horses, rodeos and each other is infectious. Their passions are showcased on page 33. Our Farmer and Rancher this month hails from Clewiston, real life cowboy Buck Lee. Fair time is just around the corner! County fairs are a great way to show your support for our local youth and their livestock projects at the sales and auctions.

We have all the fair dates on page 59, be sure to mark your calendars and attend.

Our Heartland staff would like to congratulate Sarah Childs for being named 2011’s Women of the Year in Agriculture! Read about her accomplishments on page 43.

Looking for a healthy start to the New Year? The Cattlewomen have not disappointed and are sharing another mouth-watering recipe that will help you stay on that diet, a Beef Steak and Roasted Vegetable Salad. I sure will be making that this month!

Exciting things are happening with our magazine so look out for some changes in the upcoming months. For the New Year, we are working on a fresh new look and are thrilled to share it with you! We are looking forward to working with our talented new intern from Florida Southern College, Allison Kenny.

Once again Happy New Year and we’ll see you In the Field, Rhonda

Read Mark King’s fishing report for Lake Okeechobee

22

Women In Ag

38

Ladies Who Lunch

This month features a mother-daughter duo of Jodi and Shelby Albritton

Read about the lunch crew started by Jeanette

Farmer and Rancher

Florida Cattlewomen’s Recipe

28

40

Read about Buck Lee and his cowboy ways

26

44

Read about Mark King’s fishing report for Lake Okeechobee

4

4-H and FFA News

Foley and their Christmas gathering

Beef Steak and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Fishing Report

54

In Season Now: Florida Celery

Heartland InTheField Magazine

56

FFA Spotlight Okeechobee Yearling’s advisor Buddy Mills and FFA President Josey Pearce

59

Ag Calendar and

Heartland’s Fairs Be sure to mark your calendars for the county fairs coming up!

January 20 1 2

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

Highlands County Farm Bureau January 2012...Unbelievable that 2011 went flying by as quickly as it did!

Not fast enough for some farmers and ranchers and too fast for others. 2011 was certainly another year that challenged us all economically in one way or another. With the New Year here, ready to move forward, and a lot on our plate, so to speak, many are looking forward to that new, bright sunshiny day to break on the economic horizon. Here in Highlands County, a couple of activities are moving along with a future promise of new jobs. The BP ethanol project continues to progress towards the day when cellulosic ethanol will be produced in our area. Howard Fertilizer will locate to the southern Lake Placid area of Hwy 70 and US Hwy 27 with approximately 25 new jobs for the fertilizer company.

With 2012 being an election year, there's a lot of listening and decision making to deal with as we try to elect new leaders in many races. Those that are campaigning for your vote should hear your thoughts on what's important to you, your family and your business. Be diligent and ask the hard questions of those that want to represent you and your beliefs. Your vote is important to them, make them earn that vote!

This year will once again prove to be a busy and hopefully productive year full of volunteer work for the Highlands County Farm Bureau board of directors.

First in line is our brand new Steer and Heifer Prospect Show on January 14th at the 4-H Arena on the west side of US 27 behind the Bert J. Harris Jr. Extension office.

In February, the Highlands County Fair and Youth Livestock Show kicks off. HCFB participates with donating t-shirts, belt buckles and add-ons for exhibitors.

April will be incredibly busy with our annual fundraiser effort, the 2012 Cracker Fun Shoot out at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee county and our first ever tradeshow effort in cooperation with Meister Media and Florida Grower magazine.

April 25-26, the ALL FLORIDA AG TRADESHOW will happen in Sebring at the Highlands County Fair and Convention Center.A kickoff dinner will be hosted by HCFB on the evening of the 24th at Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring. The goal is to pull together farmers and ranchers under one roof in Florida. We want to strengthen our efforts and messages that we take to Tallahassee and Washington while also including our customers and the consumer, on what it takes to grow and farm food for our nation. We are excited about this tradeshow and would like to acknowledge Gerry Bogdon and Frank Giles for their help in making this a reality.

Typically in May, several HCFB board members will take to the air and travel to Washington, DC for the annual “Field to the Hill” grassroots effort along with others from Florida Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. This trip enables county board members to deliver messages from local farmers and ranchers to their respective elected officials and work out talking points for future legislation.

October brings our annual membership meeting and grilled steak dinner; always a favorite event for local politicians, farmers, ranchers and friends to get together and share good times.

Ongoing all year is keeping membership up and asking friends to become a member of Farm Bureau. Many benefits are available and can be viewed on our website. www. highlandsfarmbureau.com. Check out our Farm Bureau insurance too.

Highlands Farm Bureau offers a big congratulations to Highlands County’s own, Sarah Childs, for being selected as the Florida Agriculture’s Woman of the Year! Sarah has deep roots in Florida agriculture and attacks everything she does with great professionalism and vigor to make sure the job is executed in a manner that makes everyone here proud to be a part of her efforts. Sarah Childs is a great example of what happens when dedication and hard work come together.

If you have ever wondered what happens in Highlands County with the Farm Bureau and were afraid to ask, now you know! Have a great 2012 everyone!

Mike Waldron, Treasuer

Highlands County Farm Bureau

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL. 33873

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

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

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

Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

Phone: 863. 385. 5141 Fax: 863. 385. 5356

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO

Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line:

Web site: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

OFFICERS AND

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011 Joseph B. Cherry John Platt Corey Lambert

Daniel H. Smith

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge

President………Scott Kirouac Vice President…Doug Miller Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Mike Waldron

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011 Sam Bronson Drew Phypers Mike Milicevic

Steve Farr Charles Lanfier Jeff Williams

David B. Royal Greg L. Shackelford

Frank Youngman Marty Wohl

Bo Rich

Jim Wood Lindsey Sebring

President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer......Bryan K. Beswick

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter

Steve Fussell

Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner

Matt Harrison

Ken Harrison County Secretary Susan Chapman

County Secretary Janet Menges

County Secretary Katherine Ryals

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters

Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly

Agents George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

Agents Joseph W. Bullington

Agents Dawn A. Hines

1017 US Hwy 17 N. Wauchula, FL 33873 (863) 773-3117

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876 (863) 385-5141

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 494-3636

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

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Index of Advertisers A&K Development.......................27 Agro Culture............................... 17 All Around Septic ....................... 60 Amaryllis Bulb ........................... 43 Arcadia Stockyard ..................... 9 Benchrest Shooters Supply ......... 61 Big T Tire..................................... 6 Callaway Farms .......................... 32 Camper Corral ............................

60 Carlos Ramon CPA........................55 Cattleman’s Institute .................

31 Cattleman’s Livestock Market .... 31

Cecil Breeding Farms ................. 49 Center State Bank........................ 27 Central States .................................5

CF Industries .............................

63 Charlotte/Desoto Farm Bureau .... 7 Chemical Containers.................... 13 Christy Montanye .......................

61 Cowpoke’s Watering Hole .......... 64

Crescent View Ranch .................

29 Desoto County Fair...................... 45 DeSoto Memorial Hospital...........41 Desoto Machine Shop.................. 60

Executive Editor

Publisher

Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com

Business Manager Lizzette Sarria Photography Karen Berry Jim Davis Photography Morgan Taylor Norris Holly Taylor Russell Hancock Art Director Allie Schotanus

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Dixie Pride Seasonings...................... 60 Dusty’s Camper.................................. 37 Edgewood Landscape........................ 60 Florida Fence Post..............................57 Fields Equipment................................17 Glade and Grove ............................... 45 Glissons Animal Supply ....................61 Goin Postal ........................................ 60 Griffin’s Carpet Mart......................... 37 Gulf Coast Supply ............................ 37 Hardee Farm Bureau ......................... 56 Heartland Gold .................................. 36 Helena Chemical................................ 25 Hicks Oil .......................................... 51 Highlands Farm Bureau .................... 11 Holland Pump ................................... 47 Joe L. Davis........................................53 KeyPlex ............................................. 36 KJ Guns and Ammo .......................... 61 Layes Tire.......................................... 23 Lou’s Hydraulics................................ 42 Merrill Lynch .................................... 58 Michael Kirsch ................................. 60

Sales Team

Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Chass Bronson chass@inthefieldmagazine.com Ron Brown ron@inthefieldmagazine.com Danny Crampton danny@inthefieldmagazine.com Rhonda Glisson rhonda@heartlanditf.com Wyatt Holmes wholmes@embarqmail.com Tina Richmond tina@inthefieldmagazine.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Mosaic........................................... 21 Muck Truck....................................42 Newton Crouch.............................. 15 Nick Smith/Langford Ford............ 60 Oak Street Deli ............................. 39 Okeechobee Dodge ....................... 3 Peace River Citrus ........................ 14 Precision Safe and Lock..................55 Rhizogen ...................................... 41 River Pasture Metal Art ................ 19 Sorrell’s Grove Care.......................21 South Florida AgExpo.................... 11 Spurlow’s ....................................... 10 Sunshine Family Dentistry ........... 61 Superior Muffler............................ 61 Taylor Oil ..................................... 13 The Andersons............................... 42 Trailor Exchange........................... 55 Tree T Pee...................................... 15 Triangle Hardware ........................ 60 Trinkle Redman Coton.................. 48 Wauchula State Bank .................... 25 Wicks Brown and Williams........... 43 Wild Turkey Tavern ..................... 60

www.inthefieldmagazine.com

Tel: 813-708-3661 Fax: 813-750-1495

Contributing Writers Chass Bronson Russell Hancock Jay Houston Tanner Huysman Brenda Valentine Lindsey Wiggins Kathy Gregg Dee Dee Jacobson

Staff Writers James Frankowiak Ron Lambert Morgan Taylor Norris Justin Smith Robbi Sumner

January 20 1 2

ARCADIA S TAORCCKAYD A IRAD STOCKYARD APPR

W ith ap pr ec ia tio n fo r yo ur bu sin es s we wo ul d lik e to ex te nd a he ar tfe lt “T ha n k Y ” ec tio n foou to th os e Wthith r yo ur bu sin es s at ap hapr ve mia ad e ou r we wo pr og re ss po ss ib le . d e to ex te nd Pl ea se ul jo inlik he ar tfe lt us fo r a CU STaOM “T ha n k Y ou ” ER to th os e th at ha ve m ad e ou r pr og re ss po ss ib le .

Pl ea se jo in us fo r a CU ST OM ER

E C IA T IO N D IN N E R SATURADPAPYR, January 28 th, 2012.

IA FridE TyIO ayC , Ja nuar 27 N , 20D 12IN N E R th

Starting at 4:00 pm Fr27 iday Janu arrn y es 27t thSt , 2012 19, NE Ea Star g at 4:00 pm Artin cadi a, FL 2719 NE Earnest St Arcadia, FL

NEW DATE!!!

IT’S A BRAND ROUND

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Our next regular sale will be Monday, January 2, 2012

Y P P A H NEW YEAR!

If yo u m iss ed ou r fir st Br an di ng Ce le br at io n, ro un d up pl ac e yo ur fa m ily ’s yo ur br an ds an d m ar k on ou r hi st or ic W al l of Br an ds !

W e’ ll fir e up th e po t an d ha If yo u m iss ed ou ve a br an di ng ce le r fir st Br an di ng Ce at io n so le br at io n, ro un d br pl ac e yo ur fa m ily ’s up yo ur br an ds an d Yma’arllk C onom oue! r hi st or ic W al l of Br an ds !

W e’ ll fir e up th e po t an d ha ve a br an Le t’s m ak e hi st or y to ge thdi erng ! ce le br at io n so

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Carl, LibbyY, a’Jlloe C&omCe!helsa

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2012

January 20 1 2

1

January’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters 1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com Clayton Taylor, seven years old from Venus killed his first buck over the Thanksgiving break. Clayton is the son of Jessie and Sue Taylor and attends Lakeview Christian School in Lake Placid. His mom took him out at 4am, they sat in the deer stand and saw does all morning, but Clayton wanted a buck. Mother and son went back that afternoon and just before dark saw Clayton’s 7-point buck. He made a perfect heart shot with a model 7 Remington .223 rifle and harvested his first buck.

Jessie said he wasn’t sure who was more excited about the hunt-Clayton or Sue, but either way he was very proud of his son, but says that his guide deserved the credit.

Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com 10

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Farm Bureau is an active organization that continues to work towards success every day. We work towards Strengthening Family Farms and Communities by working with policy makers on the federal and state levels. County Farm Bureau members work with policy makers on the local level as well. Examples of successes include the delay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria, funding for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences remains stable and harmful county ordinances have been averted due to local involvement.

Thousands of Farm Bureau members are involved in countless committees and organizations for the benefit of agriculture and their communities.

In 2012, Florida Farm Bureau will focus on six key factors.

1.

Membership growth with the help of County Farm Bureau members.

2.

Assist County Farm Bureaus with leadership development and promote the contributions made by agriculture.

3.

Place renewed emphasis on guiding legislation at all levels of government to limit taxation and regulation.

4.

Develop industry driven curriculum through the Center for Agriculture Education. Provide testing and certification through the Agriculture

Education Services and Technology corporation.

5.

Foster an increased understanding of agriculture among the youth by supporting Ag. in the Classroom, FFA, 4-H and County Farm Bureau

initiatives.

As we wind down in 2011, we will promptly begin anew in 2012. The Legislative Session will begin in January. It begins two months earlier than normal due to the redistricting process which takes place every 10 years. Florida Farm Bureau members will be visiting Tallahassee at the end of January. Farm Bureau members are welcome to attend and I encourage you to make plans as soon as possible. You may contact me at 352.318.2506 or e-mail me at andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org. If you wish, you can contact your local County Farm Bureau office.

Issues we will be working on this year include unauthorized photography of farms, storm water preemption language, citrus harvesters’ use of off road diesel, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services authority over commercial feed and feedstuffs, FDACS authority to regulate apiaries, expanding electricity sales tax exemptions for packing houses, farm signs, agritourism, theft, trespassing, etc.

This is simply a summary of the multitude of issues, projects and ideas Farm Bureau members work on every day. Your involvement is crucial to the success of Farm Bureau and Florida agriculture.

Andy Neuhofer Florida Farm Bureau District 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

11

To Highlands County Farm Bureau’s Heritage Sponsors

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS Targeted & Effective

Please support these businesses!

12

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

13

Citrus Update

by Justin Smith

Funding Research in the New Year

T

he New Year is here, and the new growing season is fast approaching as well. All citrus growers are in the process of deciding what worked last year and how to tackle the new one. As has been the case for the last several seasons, one of the top priorities will be managing greening and slowing its spread. The economic impact of controlling greening has been one of the greatest the industry has ever faced. A study by Ron Murrao, an economist with the University of Florida, finds the grower cost of monitoring and controlling psyllids alone has increased production costs by 41%. This is not including added nutritional management if greening is already present.

During the 2010-2011 growing season the Florida Department of Citrus spent 25 million on disease research. The majority of which was aimed at some form of greening research.

One group of growers recently had the opportunity to take a glimpse inside the research world, and get a better perspective to the answers for those questions. This was when the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association (PRVCGA) toured the USDA Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce.

So to get down to the bottom line, growers want to know if spending all of this money has actually gotten them anywhere. The increased nutritional sprays are evidence for themselves, but are they sustainable?

Is there any long-term hope of getting the psyllid population under control? Is all the grower-supported money being spent on research getting this industry any closer to better solutions?

The facility itself can be just a bit overwhelming. There are multiple teams of scientists each with their own laboratory. In one room there may be genome mapping taking place, step next door and there is a group working on tree penetrating antibiotics. There are multiple experiments of just about everything imaginable, all going on at once.

Each group, of scientist is essentially competing, albeit a cooperative competition. The grand prize is to be the first to achieve a viable solution to the citrus industries greening dilemma. The minds and ideas behind the experimentation are truly phenomenal. Scientist, Entomologists and Ph.D.’s from all around the world report to this facility daily with one goal in mind, which is to find solutions for citrus growers.

This state-of-the-art lab has it all, controlled climate environmental chambers, a vast collection of citrus species, and even an entire wing dedicated to growing insects. Yep, not only are we spending money to kill the little jokers but we are also spending money to raise them.

Sometimes the facilities insectaria will produce several thousand psyllids in one week. Of course these are bred for very specific purposes and the utmost care is taken in not allowing any of them to escape. It should also be noted, the entomologist at this location produces many other types of insects, and not solely the Asian Citrus Psyllid.

Some of the experimentation taking place at this location seems as though it may be very close to becoming commercially available. One such product is a chemical pheromone that will confuse male psyllids and not allow them to find females in which to mate. Other testing may not be as close to marketable but has great potential is RNAi, which literally works on the premise of a self-destruct button inside the psyllids own body. Still, some testing does not involve psyllids at all; rather it targets the bacterium that causes greening. Heat treatment of greening positive trees seems to be making great strides and may have definite potential.

After touring the Ft. Pierce location there is a much better understanding of the research taking place behind those walls. One of the growers made the comment there weren’t many chairs sitting around.

That would be because in this fast pace environment there was not much time to sit. Everyone was constantly going about his or her work. Even when a touring group would pass through one of the active laboratories there would be people continually doing their tasks and paying little attention to the onlookers.

Another sense most of the growers got, and highly appreciated, was the enthusiasm all the scientists had. Everyone was equally excited about their possible ideas and how they could be integrated into current citrus production practices. Almost every grower on the tour commented on the researcher’s passion as they showed off their work.

So bottom line, there is a lot of grower funding going into research.

Is it actually doing anything? All that has to be done in order to answer that question is take a look at what is happening at the Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce. Any grower who took advantage of this tour has a new perspective on the need for funding. So the answer is yes, through the efforts of the researchers and the funding of the growers it is all paying off.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

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15

An Especially Good Time to Landscape Benefits of Plant-Human Interaction

by Jim Frankowiak

F

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism revenue is also favorably impacted by green space such as parks and botanical gardens that “have been shown to be effective tourist attractions in both large and small cities, and consequently a strategic source for generating tourism revenue,” reported the study.

In addition, the creation and maintenance of these green spaces creates new jobs and boosts the local economy “through increased spending and the income taxes that are generated.”

16

January 2012

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

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

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

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

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

If you happen to be from Missouri or share in the “Show Me” state’s desire to have the facts about most any subject, you may want to consider using a tool to calculate the benefits of adding a tree or trees to your landscape by visiting: http://www.davey.com/ask-the-expert/tree-calculator/national-tree-benefi t-calculator.aspx. The Davey Tree Expert Service Company, through its National Tree Benefit Calculator, will show you how a specific specie of tree of a given size planted in your Zip Code area will result in detailed dollars and cents benefits.

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

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

17

Flo rida Farming

by Ron Lambert

B

y the time that you read these lines, Christmas and New Year’s will both be a part of history and a new year will be underway. I have put much thought into an introductory article for January’s issue of Heartland In the Field.

I have settled upon attempting to share excerpts from a diary that my Grandfather Porter Lambert kept from 1925 to 1973. My father had the handwritten pages typed and printed into a book form several years after my grandfather passed away.

It is primarily an account of events that involved our family and a few local neighbors. He wrote very few, if any, comments regarding politics or national events that seem so prevalent today. I don’t think that he wasn’t interested in things that went on in other parts of the country, but we must remember that almost two decades of this book were written by lamplight. The Rural Electrification Administration brought electrical power in the 1940s. This made it possible for country people to have electric lights and a radio to provide a link to the outside world.

Of course there were battery powered radios as well as Delco generators that charged batteries for D.C. (Direct Current) in homes before the REA brought power to the South.

Accounts that you read about of this era and verbal recollections from people who grew up in these years always mention listening to popular radio programs of the time. Many people recall President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats. They also remember with crystal clarity, the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

I suppose that it is not readily apparent just what this has to do with life in Hardee County in the years between 1930 and 1950. I am going to try to use words in a manner that will jog the memories of those of you who lived in that time.

For those of you too young to have experienced any of these times, I challenge you to ask yourself, ‘How would I have reacted if I were one of the central characters here? What would I have written if I were preserving my own daily experiences?’

If you can put yourself into that frame of mind, I believe you will see the direction I am trying to take you.

Almost all that my grandfather wrote connected to agriculture in some way. The following paragraphs are words that my grandfather wrote once a week.

I decided that I would begin with his account beginning December 18, 1950.

Our family, Esther, Porter Allen, June and myself, Lillian and Orion and children, and Ronald and Margaret had dinner here for Christmas.

We had a very nice Christmas.

They picked Baillod’s pineapples this week. They got 2247 boxes total. Orange prices have held steady so far. Buyers are not active now and I have not heard any offers on Valencias as of yet.

We have lime out for cucumbers and all of the land plowed. Porter Allen has decided to enlist in the Army. I just don’t know if Esther and I will be able to do much farming with him gone.

The week of January 1st thru 8th went as follows. The weather continues to be colder than I like. Esther and I have been sick with cold all week. Ronald and Margaret’s baby boy was born January 3rd at Walker Memorial Hospital in Avon Park. It is a fine boy named Ronald Ponti.

He weighed eight pounds and two ounces.

Porter Allen left for the Army Friday. I sold his car to Vernon Manley.

We had a cold spell here this week. I stayed up part of two nights. Temperatures went to 30 Tuesday morning. It warmed up some by Wednesday. We planted tomato seed Saturday. We had nice weather the rest of week.

We have good moisture in cuke land and planted seed on Saturday. We have a few tomatoes up but they are coming up slow. I planted corn this week. I don’t know if it will sprout well.

Weather has been very cold all week. It snowed two inches in St. Augustine and some snow as far south as Lakeland.

We had a real cold rain Friday night. It was near freezing for a long time. We got about three inches of rain. It sure did look bad for citrus for about three nights. Cold rain killed a lot of cows in open pastures where they had no trees to protect them.

Some people covered tomatoes with dirt and all that rain ruined them. We put baskets over our tomatoes Thursday evening. It doesn’t look like cukes will come up. We set up till one o’clock Sunday morning to see if we would have to fire grove. I guess this was about the worst cold spell in Florida for about 50 years and it was cold all over the state.

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This all took place during the first month of my life. I am the baby born in Avon Park on January 3, 1951. I couldn’t find work there so my parents brought me to Hardee County and I haven’t stopped yet.

Ask yourself the question, ‘Would I have been strong enough to go through that? What would I have written about? What would have been important to me?’

These are just a few highlights from life in rural Hardee County in 1950-1951; farming is what people did then to provide a living. There were no phones and television was just beginning to become available.

These people lived what to us today may seem very simple.

All throughout the pages of this diary, mentions are made of visits of relatives from Georgia or Alabama as well as local neighbors. The family life sounds as if it were much closer during these years. People also were more prone to step in to help their neighbors with a need.

Never forget that this generation lived through the deprivation of the depression as well as the dreadful years of World War II.

This is a brief piece of my family history in Hardee County. I hope that you enjoy reading this article and that each of you resolve to make the most of 2012.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

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THE HEARTLAND’S FISHING REPORT

m

by Captain Mark King

The have had reports of the crappie fishing being pretty good with the area around Bird Island, the rim canal south of Clewiston, and the Kissimmee River great places to start. Jigs and minnows are both working. I have gift certificates available for that hard to shop for person, a fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee or the Florida Keys always fits. Good luck, tight lines, and hope to see everyone on the water soon.

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ow is the fishing on Okeechobee off the hook, lot of bass being caught everyday and some really big ones finding their way to the boat. The water level on the lake has remained pretty steady at around 13.75 feet above sea level and the rain we received over the weekend should even bring it up a little. We have had a few fronts move through the area the last couple weeks but it really hasn’t effected the fishing much, bass are being caught from the north end of the lake all the way to the south and everywhere in between.

This year should be a record setting year again as was last year; average tournament weighing bags to win are over thirty pounds in five fish.

I have been fishing from the North Shore area down to Kramer Island and have had a hard time patterning fish but if you just keep fishing you will find them. The bass seem to be moving around a lot right now and it can make it a little tough to find a concentration of fish but I have just been putting the trolling motor down and covering a lot of water and you will find the fish. Some areas that have been really good are the East Wall, Grassy, Long Point, around Observation Island, Turners Cove, and Cochran’s Pass but out on the outside grass line. The bass are really scattered out as you get back in the grass and not really concentrated like they should be but as we head into January there should be a big push of bass moving in to spawn. I have been catching bass on wild shiners, artificial lures, and even been catching bass fly fishing.

For artificial lures I have been using the Charlie’s Worms Zipper Dipper and the new Big Dipper most of the time but on the cold front days I have been throwing a Salt Stick O also made by Charlie’s Worms and fishing it real slow. Another technique that I have been using is flipping a Charlie’s Worms Flippin’ Bug in isolated mats; a one ounce sinker is needed to get the bait through the mats to fish under them. With all the grass that we are fishing in I recommend at least fifty pound braided line and heavy action rods to get the bass out of the heavy cover and to the boat. I have also been trying the new craze in the fishing industry called an Alabama rig, it looks like an umbrella rig that the offshore guys use but a smaller version for bass fishing. I have been using the Zipper Dippers on it and have caught some bass but no really big fish yet, it works great on the outside of the grass or where the grass is really scattered and thin. I will have more to report on this rig as the season progresses here on Okeechobee.

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Picture of Ben Riftland with an Okeechobee Hawg caught in a sea of grass Captain Mark King is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored

by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin's Marine Center, Duckett Fishing Rods, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Charlie’s Worms, AFTCO clothing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.

January 20 1 2

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

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“Citrus is how we make a living,” shares Jodi. She and husband Darrell own and operate Sunshine Land and Citrus, a citrus caretaking business that Darrell started in 1983 and Jodi joined after their marriage in 1988. In 1989 they also grew their first patch of cantaloupes which later turned into a forty acre farm. Through the 1990s, Jodi ran the harvest crew and took care of the truck loading in addition to helping with the citrus caretaking. By 1998 they decided to stop cantaloupe farming and concentrate on the citrus business. According to Jodi, “I learned a lot as a kid growing up on a farm, but everything I know about citrus, from pulling vines to controlling the latest diseases, I’ve learned from Darrell. He’s a very sharp man when it comes to citrus production.”

Today Darrell handles the spreading and fertilizing responsibilities, and Jodi does all of the mowing and spraying herbicide. “I have my own tractor that nobody else messes messes with!” she proudly states.

In her free time (I’m fairly certain that she doesn’t sleep much!) Jodi also enjoys baking and has started “Jodi’s Old Time Cakes and Pies.”

Folks in Hardee County may remember her grandmother, Virgie Clouse, who baked pies for Besson’s Drug Store on Main Street in Wauchula way back in 1958. Mrs. Clouse continued baking for individuals and special occasions until retiring in 1981. After receiving numerous requests, Jodi’s mother, Betty “Boo” Clouse Graham decided to continue the tradition less than a year later. Over the next 24 years, Mrs. Graham baked pies and cakes for individuals and restaurants with her chocolate peanut butter and coconut meringue flavors becoming local favorites.

Women RICULTURE In AG ritton lb A y b l e h S d Jodi an

by Robbi Sumner

by Robbi Sumner

T

his month we introduce you to a mother-daughter team of women in agriculture. Jodi and Shelby Albritton of Hardee County are 4th and 5th generations who love the lifestyle that agriculture allows.

The morning I met the Albrittons they were busy packing summer squash that had just been picked from their 3-acre garden. Started as a way to earn extra money for vacations, the garden has since taken on a life of its own, producing not only squash, but cantaloupe, peas, and even some watermelon. On this particular day in November, the garden yielded 112 boxes of the beautiful bright yellow squash that was taken to the Farmer’s Market for sale. Their produce is also sold locally at roadside stands and at special events like Friday Night Live in downtown Wauchula.

Jodi’s family owns Graham Farms which originally grew tobacco in the 1960s and 70s. She grew up immersed in the family business which also included citrus, cattle, and growing cucumbers and peppers. Her foundation in agriculture became a lifetime passion, as she was active in FFA as a teen, and has continued to foster the appreciation for agriculture in her own children.

Jodi’s high school FFA project involved a citrus nursery with 3,000 trees. Unfortunately, the nursery was a victim of the early 1980s canker scare, and the USDA required it to be burned even though no cases of canker were ever found in the nursery. However, the experience did not deter her interest in the industry.

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According to Jodi, “I spent all my life in the kitchen while all this baking was going on whether at my grandmother’s house or mother’s.” After her mother passed away in 2005 she started baking, mostly for friends or for the people that her mother and grandmother had baked for. “Not only do I love baking and making people happy with my creations, but I also love the thought of carrying on the legacy of two generations before me,” she says.

A full-time sophomore at South Florida Community College, Shelby works parttime at a local convenience store in addition to maintaining her small herd of beef cattle, raising bees, and helping with the garden. Her passion for cattle began in the fourth grade feeding dobie calves given to her by local cattlemen. Each morning she would rise before dawn to bottle feed her babies before school and return in the afternoon to feed again. Her pride and joy is a registered red Brahman cow that she paid for with money made from selling the bottle babies she had raised. In junior and senior high school, she was very active in FFA and showed both beef cattle and swine. She now stays involved by helping out young exhibitors at the Hardee County Fair with grooming, fitting and showing their cattle.

“After graduation I couldn’t really show any more but I wanted to do something else in agriculture so I learned all I could about beekeeping. It’s something I was able to start on my own with a small investment,” she explains. Her “Gypsy Bees” has now grown to six hives that she is solely responsible for. The honey she extracts is flavored from nearby plants and includes Spanish needle, wildflowers, and orange blossom.

Colorado, perhaps for graduate studies.

Shelby also sells calves from her small commercial beef herd to help fund her college expenses. While she has been accepted to Colorado State University, she will most likely remain in-state for her Bachelor’s degree due to the high cost of out-of-state tuition.

“I really just wanted to know that I could get accepted – they have such an outstanding curriculum there,” she shares. Once finishing her Associates Degree, she plans to pursue a degree in cattle nutrition that will prepare her for a career in the industry, and still dreams of making it to

In addition to Shelby, Jodi and Darrell also have a son, Dillard, who is a junior at Hardee High School. Dillard was recently inducted in to the Honor Society, is Vice President of the school’s FFA chapter and serves on the District 10 officer team. He is also a member of the FFA Citrus and Livestock judging teams and enjoys raising and showing hogs.

“We love this way of life because it encourages family values and instills work ethics in our kids,” shares Jodi. “They’ve grown up with an appreciation of hard work and the pride that comes with it.”

Shelby smiles and nods in agreement. Two hard-working examples of women in agriculture.

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! r a e Y w e Happy N

ur o y f o ll a g n ti e e m to We look forward 2.

1 0 2 in s d e e n l ia c n a fin

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South Florida Water Management District December Agricultural Highlights Report Water Levels Remain Relatively Stable as Dry Season Begins Water levels in the key lakes and water conservation areas have remained relatively stable as South Florida goes into the second month of the typical dry season which runs from November through May. Lake Okeechobee is at 13.76 feet NGVD and has been close to this elevation since early November.

November was much dryer than normal but inflows to Lake Okeechobee from the abundant October rains kept the lake stable throughout the dry month. Thus far, December has been relatively normal though warm. The greatest withdrawal in the winter comes from evaporation as cool dry winds blow across the warm water of the lake.

The South Florida Water Management District remains in a ‘Water Shortage Warning’ encouraging all residents and businesses to conserve water as much as possible due to the persistent La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean which closely correlate with dryer-thannormal conditions for the region.

Lake Tohopekaliga Nutrient Reduction Plan Draft to be Submitted to FDEP Stakeholders are completing an extensive effort to produce a Nutrient Reduction Plan (NRP) for Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) in Osceola County. The work is to address the nutrient loading concerns with a lake that has a unique biota load (hydrilla) that creates a vibrant fishery.

Lake Toho is well known to fishermen and is an economic driver for Kissimmee and Osceola County. Historical nutrient loading on the lake has been excessive in the past due in part to effluent releases upstream that were discontinued by the 1980’s. The NRP addresses the current loading and how upstream basins are addressing the loading with Best Management Practices. As most of the basins are now developed, a primary practice addressing loading is storm retention basins which allow sediments carrying nutrients to fall out of the water column before being carried to the lake.

Based on a 2009 survey, there is approximately 39,310 acres of cropland, pasture, nurseries and citrus within the watershed. The Florida Department of Agriculture is administering the Best Management Program in the region helping farmers and ranchers to develop and implement erosion and sediment controls. Irrigation and fertilizer practices are also designed to maximize efficiency of water and nutrient use. Florida Farm Bureau is working to educate growers on their responsibilities and to convey issues related to water quality improvements.

The NRP shows a cooperative effort by numerous stakeholders to study the unique biodiversity of the lake while addressing concerns of impairment to the water. Once the NRP is accepted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, stakeholders will have two years to complete research that targets and develops additional strategies to address nutrient loading. Research will also review how hydrilla is interacting with the nutrient loading in the lake.

This is quite an interesting project that is stakeholder driven to address a local problem. It is hoped that this might become a model for other areas to be proactive in addressing loading issues, producing positive results in the most cost-efficient manner for all stakeholders.

Monthly Reports Available on Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Website This report is also available on Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s website (www.floridafarmbureau.org). Click on ‘Issues and Public Policy’ on the left side of the home page, then click on the ‘Water and Natural Resources’ subheading.

If you do not wish to receive this report in the future or are receiving multiple copies, please contact me (charles.shinn@ffbf.org).

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s r e h c n a R & s r e m Far cowboyBuck Lee

by Robbi Sumner

Photos Courtesy of Karin White, Dr. Mark Davis and Robbi Sumner

C

lewiston cowboy Buck Lee cannot picture himself doing any other kind of work. As the Ranch Foreman for Hilliard Brothers he gets to spend a lot of time horseback, and according to Buck he thoroughly enjoys riding his horse in the woods.

He uses a breed of horses known for their agility and their ability to travel, the American Quarter Horse.

Originally from Osteen (southern Volusia County), Buck moved south for the opportunity to work and live on a large ranch that would offer the lifestyle he so enjoys. He has been in Clewiston for over 12 years now and at Hilliard’s over seven. Before this he worked for more than five years at Alico Ranch.

Buck works directly for Joe Hilliard, and describes him as “a very good man” who trusts Buck to handle the day-to-day cattle operations. Buck oversees a crew that varies from one to eight cowhands depending on the time of year. For example, he and full-timer Cletus Brown need extra help during the summer shipping time. Day workers are often hired, and Buck says they’re lucky to have the help of regulars like Tuyl Oxer and Alan Lanier. He appreciates the variety of responsibilities that comes on a working ranch and the seasonal changes, whether they are working calves in February, shipping in June or pregnancy testing in July and August.

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Hilliard Brothers of Florida began with the acquisition of land in the early 1930s by brothers Marlin and Joe Alexander Hilliard. The business has since grown to over 60,000 acres in Hendry and Glades Counties and to two other states, branching out into crops such as sugarcane, citrus, fruit, sod, vegetables and timber.

But it is the cattle operation that Hilliard is best known for, and what drew Buck to the ranch. In addition to commercial beef cattle, Hilliard’s also runs two purebred herds – one Brahman, one Charolais. Riding around on the piece of property known as “Gun Shy” you get to see not only the cattle, but also wild deer that thrive under the wildlife management practices that are strictly adhered to on the ranch.

In the past, Jeeps were used to round up cattle because of their ability to quickly cover large areas of land, which was especially valuable back when the ranch covered over 170,000 acres. But fortunately for guys like Buck, those days passed. Now they are back to using horses and dogs, which the hands provide themselves. Buck says that he prefers using his own horses and dogs because “at least you know what you’re working with.”

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Buck serves on the Board of the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association and his hobbies include deer hunting, saltwater fishing, and competing in ranch rodeos. In fact, the Hilliard Brothers team that he heads up qualified for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association competition held in Kissimmee this past October by beating out twenty-three other teams to win Desoto County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo, the largest FCA qualifier of the year. They also recently competed at the Ranch Rodeo for Hannah Kate Johns in Okeechobee, winning the Team Roping and Branding events.

A proud family man, Buck enjoys his older sons working with him during their summer break. He and Denise, his wife of 17 years, have five children: Cassidy, 15; Aubrey, 13; Calvert, 7: Hunter, 4; and Lydia, 2. Denise is a pre-school teacher at Clewiston Christian School/The King’s Academy where their children attend school. Buck says the small community, ranching lifestyle is a great environment to raise a family in and he’s thankful that they are able to enjoy it.

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Tough Enough to Wear

PINK!

by Kathy Gregg

S

everal years ago, the Wrangler Company started it’s “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign, encouraging the rodeo industry to donate to cancer-related charities. And those rough and tough cowboys do wear pink at these events (and look mighty good in that traditionally female color!).

In connection with October being breast cancer awareness month, both the Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association and Reality Ranch Youth Rodeo held their Tough Enough to Wear Pink Challenges. While these 3-to-18-year-olds may not comprehend the devastation that breast cancer (or any other cancer, for that matter) can bring, they sure can get into the PINK spirit! These equine athletes came out adorned in pink bling, pink leg wraps and saddle pads – one even flashed a pink feather boa in the Grand Entry! And let’s not forget the temporary paint jobs – pink manes, blazes and tails, pink war paint, and the familiar breast cancer pink ribbon.

The autumn Florida sunshine shone bright on all shades of pink shirts, from the palest pink to eye-popping fuchsia. Pink bandannas were worn by the cowboys around their necks, while pink flowers sparkled in the cowgirls’ hair or on their hats. Even the pick-up men wore pink – father and son Clint and Dalton Boney, Luke Cantu and Dale Carlton.

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A face painter was at the Reality Ranch youth rodeo, so even the contestants’ faces sported the breast cancer ribbon, as well as other pink designs. A prize was awarded to both a cowboy and a cowgirl for the Best in Pink – Myakka City must be a center for this hot color, as Tots Sabra Manning and Cayden Newsome were the winners.

The Reality Ranch youth rodeo was held on the same day as the Okeechobee benefit ranch rodeo for Hannah Kate John – and $1.00 of each entry fee at Reality Ranch was donated to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Hannah Kate’s name.

What an honor it is to be associated with all these youth wanting to participate in, and raise money for, such a good cause! Next one coming up is the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo (a PRCA event) on the second weekend in March, 2012 -- $1.00 of every ticket sold for the Friday performance goes to a local cancer charity – and all those handsome cowboys come ready to ride, showing that they are, indeed, TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK!

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tor S r e Cov

Catching Up With the Joneses

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I

f you’ve been around ranching or rodeo in Central Florida, you’ve probably heard the names of Gary and Linda Jones.

Gary manages the 9,000 acre 3C Ranch in Hardee County where the couple has lived since 1969. Through the years, the two have become well known and respected for their talents with, and knowledge of, both cattle and horses.

Born in North Carolina, Gary has lived in Florida since 1956 when he moved in with his aunt and uncle after his father passed away. Attending his first rodeo when he was five years old, Gary was immediately “hooked” on it. His granddad, dad and uncle were all farmers, raising tobacco, corn and peanuts so he was used to the country lifestyle, but rodeo was different, exciting. At the age of 12, he got his start as a horseman breaking ponies for a man named Mr. Sneedon.

Sneedon was a horse trader whose pony business picked up around Christmas giving Gary many opportunities to ride. At the age of 17, he entered his first rodeo. It was July 4th 1957, and the results weren’t quite what he had hoped for. The bareback horse that he drew threw him into a fence causing a split lip, broken ribs and a concussion which kept him from being able to compete in the bull riding or calf roping that day. After about a year, he tried again and never looked back – even though he often had to elude his mother who didn’t want him competing for fear that he would be hurt. Little did she know that his passion for cattle and horses would lead to a career that has led to many more injuries than rodeoing ever did.

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Over the years, Gary’s had several bones broken in the course of a day’s work on the ranch. He still rides colts, and suffered a separated shoulder in November 2010 when a cow managed to get under and flip his mount. He’s also suffered a broken leg, ankle, and a split pelvis in various wrecks, one that came courtesy of a 3C bull that was later purchased by stock contractor Ken Treadway and went on to become the IFRA Bucking Bull of the Finals in 2007. His injuries may have slowed him down, but he’s still going strong, seeing to it that all aspects of the 3C Ranch – from mending fences to tending cattle - are taken care of on a daily basis.

Gary and Linda have owned some outstanding horses, including mare Dyna Snow and stallion Special Feelins, known to many as “Goose.” Their offspring included several successful barrel horses, including Dyna’s Plain Special (aka “DeeDee”) who was ridden by Janae Ward-Massey to win the WPRA World Championship at the 2003 National Finals Rodeo. They are now standing “My Special Dynasty”, a 6-year old full brother to DeeDee. “We’re real proud of all of them,” says Linda, adding that “seven of the thirty 1D finalists at the 2011 NBHA State show were Special Feelins offspring.” That included Earnestly Special, the gelding who swept the event, winning each goround of the Open, the Senior Division, and the Open Finals.

Described by Linda as a “workaholic,” Gary says that he “enjoys getting up and going to work everyday.” Three additional full-time employees help keep things in order on the ranch. In his free time, Gary acts as the Arena Director for the Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association and serves on the Hardee County Fair Board. His passion for ranch rodeo is evident through his participation as a coordinator and judge at the annual Hillsborough and Hardee County events.

The couple shares entertaining stories about their adventures, like the summer they spent rodeoing out in Texas. Says Linda, “We went to the Possum Kingdom Roundup in Graham, Texas and the entertainer was a guy who had pet buzzards that doubled as bull fighters during the bull riding event. We’d never seen anything like that before or since!”

They have enjoyed life-long friendships with people like Tom and Sue Watts, Matt and Jackie Condo, Jimmy and Clara Lou Carter, and Cheryl Lynn Mann, just to name a few. (Linda, Clara Lou, and Cheryl Lynn often serve as Gary’s so-called “Petticoat Crew” penning cows!)

Growing up in Homeland, Linda says that as a kid she loved animals and took in every stray dog that her father would allow. But she never got to have a horse until she and Gary got together. She winks and adds “that was a bonus!”

Linda started barrel racing on a stallion named “Blaze Fisher” who came from the Double A Ranch in Myakka City when Gary was working there in the mid 1960s. “He learned faster than I did!” she laughs. “But I was determined and would work on Saturdays just to earn my entry fee for Pat Hansel’s 12-week jackpot series. That horse ducked off at the first barrel every time but in the end made an outstanding barrel horse in spite of my shortcomings!” Some of her early accomplishments include winning the barrel races at rodeos in Homestead, Immokalee, Arcadia and the Silver Spurs in Kissimmee.

Linda was one of the founders of the Florida Barrel Racers Association back in 1968. She is the only state director that the National Barrel Horse Association has known in Florida, having been involved with the organization since its inception in 1992.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Gary and Linda attend the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green and have one son, Gary Jr., who lives in Wauchula. The two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 22nd. “Gary was the best Christmas present that I’ve ever gotten,” smiles Linda. He winks and nods, “me too.”

With his talented cowboy ways and her signature laugh and smile, Gary and Linda Jones are a couple to be admired for their dedication to each other, their family and friends, and to the ranching and rodeo communities.

In memory of Pat Cockrell Last month, there was a wonderful ceremony to dedicate the IFAS Administration Conference Room in McCarty Hall to the memory of our good friend, Pat Cockrell from the Florida Farm Bureau. Many of you knew Pat and understood his importance to Florida agriculture. He also was very important to the men and women of IFAS and it was a great privilege to have had this opportunity.

Joining us in the dedication was Pat’s wife, Janice, and his two sons, Will and Jason. Also participating in the dedication was John Hoblick, President of the Florida Farm Bureau, and the FFB Board of Directors.

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The Ladies Who Lunch

o

by Russell Hancock

ne year ago, we had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary group of ladies who come together on the second Wednesday of every month at Fellowship Hall of Hillsboro Baptist Church for lunch. The luncheon is non-denominational with everyone welcome from Catholic, to Assembly of God, to Baptist ladies all in attendance for incredible food and fellowship.

Besides having lunch, the ladies contribute their time making lap throws for those in nursing homes, making care packages with clothes and toys for foster children, and making time for each other as friends. This sweet group of ladies, who call themselves, “The Ladies Who Lunch,” came together by the grace of God through the grace of Mrs. Jeanette Foley.

“It all started with my sister and I going out to lunch together. We would say so and so is by their self; let’s invite them to go with us. We would ask her, then the next time that person would ask to bring someone and so on until pretty soon we had 20 something ladies gathering for lunch,” told Jeanette when asked how the luncheons began. As we all know, restaurants are not to keen on customers taking up an hour and a half or so at a table, so the ladies decided to have the lunches at the church. At that time, the ladies would bring a covered dish to the luncheon. After several times of people not being able to attend or bring a dish, Jeanette decided that she would cook all of the food just for a donation to help with costs. Now, with the assistance of her friends Wanda and Leslie, Jeanette prepares all of the food for the 30 plus ladies in attendance. Ladies literally come from all over the state from Zephryhills, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Zolfo Springs, Arcadia, to attend the luncheon once a month.

Each luncheon has a different theme every month with a coordinating menu whether it be a special holiday or a Hawaiian luau. For the Christmas luncheon, Jeanette and her helpers prepared steaks, squash casserole, sweet potatoes, swamp cabbage, salad and rolls, with red velvet cake and vanilla ice cream for dessert. All were made from Jeanette’s own recipes. The mouth watering steak was the most tender that I have ever eaten. The squash casserole and sweet potatoes both left you wanting more.

Known as one of the best cooks in Arcadia, Jeanette did not begin cooking until the age of 22 when she was married. “I would bake a cake or something like that, but we never had to cook growing up with the restaurant across the alley,” said Jeanette. As a child, she recalls going over to the Wheeler Cafe, which her mother owned, and getting all of her meals to bring back home to eat. “We would get on the phone, tell them what we wanted to eat, run across the alley to get it, eat and take the dirty dishes back to the restaurant,” proudly told Jeanette. She went on to say, “...we thought it was a wonderful way of life! We had hamburgers, hot dogs, a bowl of chili, or whatever we wanted to eat and never had to wash a dirty dish.” Jeanette did assist her mother at the restaurant for the last 20-25 years before her mother died. When asked if she missed the restaurant, Jeanette said, “I don’t miss the work, but what I do miss is the people. The people that came into the restaurant to eat became friends.”

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When one mentions the name, Jeanette Foley, to someone, the other person’s face automatically lights up with joy. She is loving lady with one of the most positive and upbeat attitudes. Jeanette’s energy and passion for life rubs off on you the second your eyes are set on her. “I love life! I believe that everyone should have at least 12 hugs a day. I also love God and my country. Everyday is better than the day before. I smile at everyone because it helps brighten their day, and they always smile back,” says Jeanette with a beautiful smile on her face. Jeanette’s wonderful personality draws people to her.

On a personal note, I have not been one to cook or bake anything.

It’s not that I don’t want to learn, its more of a scare factor that I will burn or ruin something. That fear ended last year after meeting Jeanette Foley for the first time. At that luncheon, she made a beautiful two layer red velvet cake with cherries and butter cream icing. She gladly shared the recipe with us, which sparked an interest of learning to bake with me. Since then, I have made the red velvet cake, using her recipe, on several occasions and even moved outside of my comfort zone to make other kinds of cakes. Now, baking cakes has become a hobby for me thanks to Jeanette. After attending a luncheon in October and the Christmas luncheon in December, I have again been inspired to learn to cook thanks to my dear friend, Mrs. Jeanette Foley.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

11/22/11 12:17 AM

39

Florida Cattle Women , Inc. Beef Steak and Roasted Vegetable Salad Total Recipe Time 1 Hour

4 Servings

Ingredients 2 beef top loin steaks or four beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick 8 cups torn salad greens 3/4 cup Italian dressing Roasted Vegetables

16 small mushrooms 1 large red, yellow or green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch wide strips 1 medium Japanese eggplant, sliced (1-inch) 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges 1 medium zucchini, sliced (1-inch) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 large cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

i

Florida Cattlewomen News

Happy New Year to everyone! The Florida Cattlewomen came together at their December quarterly meeting in Gainesville to help spread joy to the less fortunate children of the Hope Children’s home.

There were many gifts distributed along with Beef for the holiday’s gift certificates. At the same time we inducted our new FCW 2012 officers.

Our new President is Melissa Montes De Oca from Okeechobee.

Calling all Fairs! Denise Colgan is the T-Shirt and Promotions cattle women this year. She can be reached at 863-801-6020 or at ColganS@ highlands.k12.fl.us. Please contact her to order your 2012 Beef T-Shirts brought to you by the Florida Beef Council and The Florida Cattlewomen.

Last year with the help of Ashley Hughes, our FL Beef Council Director of Marketing and Promotions, we formed a CD that encompasses all the educational teaching aids on a single disc. Since this disc is an outstanding resource, we will again be getting it out to our fellow educators this year. If you have any educational activities and would like the Cattlewomen to lend a hand, please contact our education chair, Sarabeth Barthle –Simmons at 352-585-2130 or at Sarabeth@cse-lc. com.

Dates to Remember Legislatively Quarterly January 17-19-Tallahassee FCW Quarterly meeting March 10-Kissimmee at the FCA office

Instructions 1. Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 15 x 10-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place vegetables in pan; spray generously with cooking spray. Drizzle with vinegar; sprinkle with garlic, rosemary and salt and pepper. Stir to coat. Roast in 425°F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until tender, stirring once. Cool slightly.

2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes (tenderloin steaks 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove; let stand 10 minutes.

3. Carve steaks; season with salt. Arrange beef and vegetables on greens. Serve with dressing.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

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Commissioner Putnam Applauds ERC Approval of Florida's Water Quality Standards Rule Adoption Reiterates that Florida is Best-Positioned to Protect Florida's Waters Tallahassee, FL - The Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC) unanimously adopted today Florida’s proposed rule for numeric nutrient surface water quality standards for Florida’s lakes, streams, springs and many estuaries.

“The unanimous action by the ERC reiterates that Florida knows best how to protect Florida’s water resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “The ruling sends a strong message to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that, based on its strong history in protecting water resources, Florida is prepared to continue developing and implementing water resource protection programs.”

Once ratified by the Florida Legislature, the rules will be submitted to EPA for approval. These rules are intended to replace EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria promulgated in December 2010.

“I urge EPA – upon receipt of Florida’s nutrient standards – to act swiftly in approving them in their entirety, restoring Florida’s rightful place in protecting its water resources.”

EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria have been criticized for being inconsistent with its own guidance documents and the advice of its Science Advisory Board.

“The Florida standards reflect the best science of setting effective water quality standards and contain detailed expectations that will assure Florida’s valuable water resources are protected and those that are impaired are restored.”

EPA has previously acknowledged that Florida has developed and implemented some of the most progressive nutrient management strategies in the nation. Florida has placed substantial emphasis on the monitoring and assessment of its waters and, as a result of this commitment, has collected significantly more water quality data than any other state.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine Lou's Hydraulics BC JAN2012.indd

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January 20 1 2

12/20/11 11:10 PM

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Announces Sarah Childs as 2011 Woman of the Year in Agriculture Tallahassee, FL – The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today 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 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+.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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IN SEASON NOW! Florida Celery We all change over the years and celery is no exception. Back in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, celery was around, but it sure wasn’t anything like the fresh, cool and crisp celery we know today.

Back in those days, it was used as a flavoring. The ancient Chinese used it as a medicine. Celery had a bitter taste then and the stalks were very stringy. It grew in the wild and was known as smallage. By the 18th century, the bitterness was bred out of cultivated varieties.

Today’s celery is the Pascal variety, which was first cultivated in 1874 in Michigan.

In Florida, conventional celery harvest began in Belle Glade on Dec. 14 and will continue through the end of April according to Nichole Towell, director of marketing for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a major Florida producer. “The quality is very good with good sizing.

Organic celery will start first week in January and continue through the end of April,” said Towell.

Towell’s colleague Mark Bassetti, senior vice president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, has fairly good expectations for this year’s crop.

“We had a relatively mild summer in regards to rain but the last four weeks have been extremely wet,” he said on Dec. 12. “This will have some effect on our crops due to missed plantings and some yield loss; but overall we do not anticipate any major issues,” he added.

Negative calories?

Celery is low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium and manganese.

Some people claim it has “negative calories” because we may use more calories chewing and eating it than it contains.

Store fresh celery in one of the drawers in your refrigerator and keep it away from ethylene-producing items such as apples and onions. It may keep better if you remove it from the bag and wrap it in aluminum foil. Learn more at these websites: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetableproducts/2396/2#ixzz1gQnWMuEp http://www.dudafresh.com/products/celery.php

Versatile whether cooked or raw Celery is delicious on its own, served in a Bloody Mary cocktail, adorned with your favorite dip, in a tuna or chicken salad, and countless other ways. Here’s one recipe for a cold day and another to save for summertime (or anytime!).

Herbed Rice PIlaf

2 cups uncooked long grain rice 1 cup Florida celery, chopped 1/2 cup Florida onion, chopped 1/4 cup butter or margarine 4 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation In a skillet, sauté rice, celery and onion in butter until the rice is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender. Spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Combine all remaining ingredients; pour over rice mixture. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F for 50 minutes or until the rice is done.

Yield 5 Servings

Seven-Layer Salad Dressing 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise 3/4 cup fat-free sour cream or yogurt 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped fine 2 teaspoons sugar Salad 3 cups cabbage, shredded, about half a head 2 cups broccoli stems, grated 2 cups carrots, grated 1 cup celery, grated 2 cups cauliflower, cut small 1/4 cup bacon, cooked, approximately 6 ounces raw

Preparation Combine all ingredients for dressing. In glass bowl, layer cabbage and broccoli, then spread 1/3 of dressing over layered vegetables. Continue to layer carrot, celery and cauliflower.

Spread remaining dressing over cauliflower and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Sprinkle with cooked bacon and serve.

Yield 8 servings

Recipes from www.FreshFromFlorida.com www.ffva.com 44

twitter/ FlaFruitandVeg

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Facebook: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association January 20 1 2

Blue Jeans and Country Things Desoto County Fair Association invites you to the

DeSoto County Fair January 19th-29th 2012

Please Come Often and Bring a Friend 100 Heard Street (right off of US Hwy 17)

863-494-5678 www.desotocountyfair.org

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

45

Hardee Ag Fest T

he purpose of the Hardee Ag Fest is to give all fourth graders in the county hands-on experience with agriculture in the area. It was held on November 17 and was sponsored by the Hardee County Farm Bureau.

There were multiple stations for the students to visit and learn more about the agricultural industry.

A few of the stations included Dennis Crews talking about how ag and wildlife work together and Mosaic’s Diana Youmans hosting a phosphate Fossil Fun Zone where students learned about and dug for fossils. Gary Henderson from Classic Caladiums taught about growing and harvesting the popular plant.

The participants learned all about citrus from planting a tree, citrus tree budding and growing to the irrigation of a grove and Orange Enterprises shared a citrus hedger. Corey Lambert of Buckhorn Nursery taught about horticultural plants, Fields Equipment’s John Platt discussed tractors and equipment and Steve Johnson shared harvesting procedures. Students received tangerines from the Department of Citrus and IFAS’ Carolyn Wyatt spoke on the importance of food nutrition.

The fourth graders learned about different animals like bees and honey from Leslie Cantu of Cantu Apiaries, small animals and the 4-H from Teresa Carver and horses from Dwayne Husley and Mark Roberts of Crescent Bar C and Mike McIntyre. Dan Smith and Greg Shackelford discussed both commercial and purebred cattle, Greg Gordon from Heartland Growers Supply shared the importance of livestock feed and Grass Valley sponsored a station on hay production.

The students also learned about soil, soil types and water conservation from Jackie Bandy. Krause Groves Services taught them about herbicide, fertilizer spreaders and how they operate and The Anderson Group shared a Big A sprayer.

The Hardee County Cattlewomen brought in cattle to show the children and Hardee Ranch Supply brought a squeeze shoot and talked about worming, vaccinations and the health care of livestock.

The Nickerson Dairy provided milk for all classes and Florida Natural helped to provide orange juice for all the students as they arrived.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

The farm bureau had help from the Hardee High School FFA Officers at all the stations and with serving lunch.

The lunch cooking crew was comprised of Bo Rich, Darin Hughes, Bill Hodge and Jerry Southwell.

Hardee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors who worked to put this event together are David Royal, President; Greg Shackelford, Vice President; Bo Rich, Secretary/ Treasurer; Barney Cherry, Director; Corey Lambert, Director; Steve Johnson, Director and State Director; Dan Smith, Director; Bill Hodge, Executive Director; Andy Neuhoffer, Florida Farm Bureau Field Rep; Jay Bryan, Agency Manager; George Wadsworth, Agent; and Megan Bronson.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

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Be BOLD - And Healthy - With Beef Contrary to conventional wisdom, beef can be good for heart health.

New research shows that eating lean beef every day can be good for heart health by improving cholesterol levels. That’s what a new checkoff-funded study called BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) shows – that adding lean beef to the most recommended heart-healthy diet can lower heart disease risk by reducing levels of total and LDL “bad” cholesterol.

“The BOLD study provides new research that health professionals can use to update their dietary recommendations with scientific findings showcasing how lean beef can maintain and even improve heart health,” says Brian Healey, cow-calf producer from Davis, Okla. and vice-chair of the checkoff’s Joint Human Nutrition Research Committee.

The BOLD clinical study (Effects on Lipids, Lipoproteins and Apolipoproteins), conducted by Pennsylvania State University researchers, evaluated adults with moderately elevated cholesterol levels, who followed four diets with varying amounts of beef, for five weeks each, to measure the impact of each diet on measures of heart health, such as total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

Consumers can follow the same heart-healthy diet as participants of the BOLD study by using recipes from checkoff’s Healthy Beef Cookbook, a collection of delicious, nutrient-rich recipes for America’s favorite protein, beef.

Subjects following the BOLD diet experienced a 10-percent decrease in LDL cholesterol from the start of the study. After five weeks, there were significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the BOLD diet.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

To learn more about lean beef’s nutrition and heart-health benefits, please visitBeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

The BOLD study has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

For more information about your beef checkoff, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

January 20 1 2

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

49

Sporting

d n a l t r a e H e Clays in th

by Ron Lambert

Greetings and best wishes to you in the Heartland. I want to write a few words about two events that I had the opportunity to be part of over the past few weekends. On Saturday December 3rd, I traveled to Square One Sporting Clay on S.R. 70. This Shoot was put on by FSA the Florida Seed Association. I organized a group of friends to shoot as a team representing Heartland In the Field Magazine. Team members were David and Daniel Moore, Valerie Best, Garrett Randall and myself. There were around eighty shooters participating in this event, which has been going on for six years now. The FSA holds this event to benefit a scholarship fund for young people seeking education in agricultural related fields.

We all know how important this is and realize the necessity of bringing a new generation to a stronger involvement in agriculture. We all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and plan to return to Square One real soon.

On Saturday December 10th my sons and I returned to Quail Creek Plantation for the Highlands County Citrus Growers annual shoot. We have made the event each year for the past three years and plan to continue to take part in this very enjoyable day.

Quail Creek Plantation is located on State Rd 68 north east of Okeechobee and about six to seven miles west of St. Lucie County Line. Quail Creek is a very nice facility that hosts a number of shoots for various groups throughout the year. Of course it is also open for individuals and family outings as well. Count on a very enjoyable time and plan to make a day here soon. Sporting clays to me is a very challenging sport and I enjoy my boys and grandchildren taking part in this. This year, our group included sons, Seth, Corey, Joshua and myself. We had two junior members along observing and waiting for the day that they can shoulder a shotgun themselves. These two youngsters were Connor and Micah Lambert.

I will close with the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words, included are a few photos from both events.

I hope to see some of you at a Sporting Clay Shoot soon.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

Florida Friendly Plant of the Month Camellia; Camellia sasanqua is an old southern favorite. These beautiful glossy green shrubs were introduced into the United States near Charleston, South Carolina in 1786 and are considered “the rose of the south”. I prefer to think of them as more “peony looking” especially the double reds.

But none of the less, Camellias are beautiful in their own right and are worth mentioning to you as a possibility for your landscape.

The camellias have two main groups called C. sasanqua and C. japonica. The main difference between the two is the C. sasanqua have smaller flowers and bloom November through January and the C. japonica have larger flowers and bloom over winter and throughout the early spring. I will be talking to you about C. sasanqua only in that they tend to be less fussy and I like less fussy.

After all I am all about “Florida Friendly” right? Though that is not to say you can’t try C. japonica or C. reticulate. I have to warn you however, it could be addictive. Just like daylilies, there are hundreds of cultivars.

Our climatic conditions in Florida make it a wonderful location to grow Camellias, especially in the north of Florida and a little bit less extensively in central Florida. You can have a wonderful shrub or small tree if you take special care in regard to exposure, soil modification, and watering. In other words, right plant for the right place.

Camellias love well drained, rich organic matter incorporated in our slightly acidic sandy soils. Make sure you place your prize shrub in a location in areas where cold air can move in and out freely, but protected from our cold Northern winds in the winter. Well drained soil is a must for Camellias; they hate wet feet. Make sure you do not plant your shrub in areas where there is a high water table or hardpan. This will result in a shallow root system making it more susceptible to injury during dry periods. You can fertilize with frequent, light applications of ½ a pound of 12-0-8 or a 15-0-15 every 100 square feet. The time to fertilize is just before the spring flush, after the first growth or flush, midsummer and then early winter.

Consider some of the smaller cultivars for planters or containers and yes, even groundcover. I love the simplicity of the single flowering varieties, but also like the doubles or semi-doubles. They remind me of peonies up north. I remember fondly staking peony blooms with twisty ties so that the beneficiaries of the display gardens would benefit for the bloom’s full effect.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

by Dee Dee Jacobson

Most of the cultivated varieties come in colors of white, pink, red and combinations of these colors and I would definitely recommend Camellias for your “Florida Friendly Landscape”.

What makes this particular shrub so nice is twofold. The flowers are not only beautiful, they flower in the fall and winter when most plants don’t. The second reason Camellias are so nice is the foliage. The leaves are a beautiful glossy green color and are exceptionally magnificent in mass plantings or groupings. If you ever get a chance to go to Leu Botanical Gardens in Orlando, FL I suggest you do so; especially when the Camellias are blooming. The botanical garden houses one of the largest collections of Camellias in the south and every year right around October, the garden has a special candlelight procession. It is absolutely beautiful.

General Information Scientific name: Camellia sasanqua Pronunciation: kuh-MEE-lee-a suh-SAN-kwuh Common Name(s): Camellia, sasanqua camellia, Autumn Camellia Family: Theaceae Plant type: evergreen USDA Hardiness zones 7-9 Planting month for zone 9: fall early spring Origin: native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan Uses: foundation plantings, screens, accent plants, background groupings, containers, planters, and hedges. Smaller varieties can be used for groundcover Availability: Try: Hickory Hills, Robins Nursery, Sunshine Nursery, and The Lord’s Nursery. If not available, most nurseries can order for you.

Height: 4-15 ft.

Spread: 3-10 ft.

Plant habit: pyramidal to oval Plant density: medium Growth rate: moderate Texture: medium pH: 5.0-6.5

January 2012

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Huge Cattle Preview Show Hosts Statewide Exhibitors Wauchula, FL — Cattle Show enthusiasts from 21 Florida counties filled the Cattlemen’s Arena in Wauchula, FL, on December 10-11, to participate in the 2011 Hardee County Preview Show. The familyfriendly event, sponsored by Peace River Electric Cooperative, attracted nearly 240 head of cattle and provided stiff competition among the more than 165 exhibitors.

The show was judged by John Grimes, a national level judge and Ohio State University Extension Service beef coordinator who raises cattle in Hillsboro, OH. Grimes also recently won back-to-back Grand Champion Owned Female at the North American International Livestock Exposition. “I was very impressed with both the high quality of cattle and young people who participated in the event,” said Grimes. “The exhibitors who attended this show will be much better prepared for their local County and State Fairs, as a result of the PreviewShow.”

“Since the beginning of the electric cooperative movement, co-ops have looked for ways to get involved in community activities,” said Nell McCauley, chief marketing and member services officer of the Wauchula-based cooperative. “In Florida, Hardee County is ‘ranch country,’ so the show is a great way to reach out to our consumermembers.”

PRECO employees conceived the idea to operate a local preview show like a National Level Show in 2008 as a way to support youth involved in FFA and the 4-H Youth Development Organization. Both groups have members who often get most of their livestock experience through show projects.

“This show,” shares Jeff Cornelius, PRECO’s energy services manager and event staff member, “was only possible by the hard work of volunteers and the support of business community sponsors. Because of their support we are able to offer a free clinic and meals, plus return 100 percent of the entry fees to show winners.”

2011 Hardee County Preview Show Winners

Bull Supreme Grand Champion Bull – Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Bull –Quinn Carter, Haines City 3rd Place- Justin Stallard, Durrant 4th place – Brandolyn Bishop, Trenton 5th Place – Cadie Hill, Groveland Heifer Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Sarah Davis, Okeechobee Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Zachary Quattlebaum, Myakka City 3rd Place – Brandais Austrino, Dade City 4th Place – Sarah Davis, Okeechobee 5th Place – Anna Conrad, Dover

Steer Grand Champion Steer – Michaela Aycock, Bartow Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Kamdace Ladd, Polk City 3rd Place- Zachary Quattlebaum, Myakka City 4th Place – Mason Mills –Ft. Myers 5th Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow

Showmanship Novice – Age 7 and under 1st Place - Adam McCauley, Bowling Green 2nd Place – Bailey Brock, Plant City 3rd Place – Cheyenne Bucanan, Apopka 4th Place – Cody Knight, Wauchula 5th Place – Olivia Baker, Punta Gorda Cow/Calf Supreme Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Adrian Land II, Branford Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Cow/ Calf – Cadie Hill, Groveland Showmanship Adult 1st Place – Tiffany Brock, Plant City 2nd Place – Holly Sigler, Groveland 3rd Place – Brittney Pederson, Ft. Pierce 4th Place – Charles McKinney, Starke 5th Place – Alen Barber, Wauchula

Showmanship Juniors 1st Place – Bethalan Bishop, Trenton 2nd Place – Shelby Kirton, Okeechobee 3rd Place – Clayton Brock, Plant City 4th Place – Kailey Stallard, Durant 5th Place – TJ Hutchinson, Wimauma Showmanship Intermediate 1st Place – Brandalyn Bishop, Trenton 2nd Place – Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green 3rd Place – Arica Land, Branford 4th Place – Anna Conrad, Dover 5th Place – Jay Arbuckle, Winter Garden Showmanship Seniors 1st Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow 2nd Place – Adrian Land II, Branford 3rd Place – Sarah Davis, Okeechobee 4th Place – Justin Fussell, Arcadia 5th Place – Drake Bishop, Orange City

Find the Hardee County Preview show on our Hardee County Preview Show fan page on Facebook or at www.preco.coop.

Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), a Touchstone Energy® distribution electric cooperative headquartered in Wauchula, Florida, provides electric service and energy solutions to nearly 35,000 member/consumers in 10 Florida counties in central Florida: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Osceola, Polk and Sarasota Counties. Through almost 4,000 miles of power lines, the electric cooperative has been in business since 1940 as a member-owned, not-for-profit organization.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

Exotic fishes boost angling success in Florida Printed from myfwc.com

Jaguar guapote have an attractive black-and-white pattern.

Native to Central and South America, they showed up in South Florida in 1992.
(Photo courtesy of Alan Zaremba)

Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World because of its native fishes, but it also has a variety of exotic fishes anglers may pursue. An exotic fish is one that is not native to the area in which it is found. Typically, this is because people moved them from one location to another, either intentionally or accidentally, resulting in their illegal release.

To many ecologists, any organism that is introduced to a place it did not historically and naturally occur is a nuisance. However, when you look around Florida you will find many species that are associated with the Sunshine State but were not here 500 years ago when the Spanish first landed. In fact, Spaniards brought many familiar edibles from Europe, including oranges, horses and pigs, which are still here.

The first exotic fish species documented in Florida - the common carp - was stocked around 1877 by the U.S. Fish Commission. Carp came from Germany and were stocked as a food fish throughout the United States. Today in Florida, common carp are most abundant in the Panhandle and support a small but avid group of anglers and bow fishermen.

In addition to common carp, another 22 species of fish are established, meaning they have permanent populations, and 11 species have reproduced in Florida's fresh waters. Most successful intruders came from tropical or subtropical climates.

Typical sources have been the aquarium trade or individual pet-fish owners, and aquaculture facilities that inadvertently allowed some stock to escape.

Florida fisheries biologists have studied nonnative fishes and their impacts since the late 1960s and established a Nonnative Fish Research Laboratory in Boca Raton.

Although laboratory staff continue to study and be concerned with nonnative fishes, they have not documented measureable negative impacts on native fishes or aquatic habitats. During that time they have exterminated from confined areas several populations of exotic fishes that were discovered early, including redbelly piranha, pirambeba and threespot ciclid. Natural events, particularly cold spells, have eliminated 14 species of previously reproducing nonnative fishes from our waters.

Laboratory staff also helped develop sterile triploid grass carp, which are used (under permit) as an aquatic-plant-control tool, and successfully introduced peacock bass as a biological control for unwanted exotic forage species. Peacocks now support a sport fishery in southeast Florida, with an annual economic benefit of nearly $11 million.

During the winter cold snap of 2010, peacock bass, and many other exotic fishes, died in large numbers. The exotic fishery on the L-67A Canal is an excellent example of how these exotic fishes are being utilized by anglers, and effects of the cold. The canal is west of U.S. 27 and south of Alligator Alley and is known not only for great largemouth bass fishing, but also for a diverse array of nonnative fish.

Mayan cichlid, oscar and butterfly peacock bass are the three most popular nonnative species in the canal, but the winter kill in 2010 nearly eliminated them. Catch rates for Mayan cichlid and oscar averaged nine and four fish per hour, respectively, from 2000 to 2009, and butterfly peacock bass were producing two fish per hour of fishing. In the L-67A Canal, in spite of numerous nonnative fishes, the average catch rate for largemouth bass was more than two bass per hour. For comparison, a catch rate of one harvestable largemouth bass per four hours (0.25 fish per hour) is considered typical in the southeastern United States.

Expenditures by anglers fishing for exotic fishes on the L-67A Canal during the past 17 years were estimated at more than $3 million. During that period, anglers spent 22 percent of their time seeking exotics. When the exotic bite is on, people travel long distances to fish the L-67A. Although the unusually cold winter in 2010 took a toll on exotics in the canal, once their populations rebound, the amount of time spent fishing will increase along with success rates. Meanwhile, urban canals around the more southerly Miami-Homestead area do not get winter kills quite as extreme as L-67A, so anglers fishing for exotics have more consistent success there.

Besides the entertainment associated with fishing for different and often very colorful fish comes the benefit that, except for peacock bass and triploid grass carp, nonnative fishes do not have bag or size limits. Anglers are encouraged to take as many as they can. It is suggested they be immediately placed on ice and not released. Most are good eating, including Mayan cichlid and oscar, as well as other exotics such as brown hoplos and bullseye snakehead.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

53

Extension Agent Trains the Trainers for Iraqi 4-H

by Jim Frankowiak

E

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

While here, the group’s visit was led by South Central Regional Specialized 4-H Agent Georgene Bender. That trip, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the agency’s Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), led FAS to support a trip to Iraq for a contingency of 4-H trainers. Bender authored the proposal for the “train the trainer” trip to support the growth of 4-H in that country and she was part of the training team that traveled to Iraq and conducted training sessions.

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

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

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

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

“Their efforts were very helpful as some of our approaches and expectations had to overcome cultural differences.”

The Youth Development Trainer-the-Trainer Workshop had four primary objectives: 1. Enhance local volunteers and educators knowledge to establish learning activities that build life skills through agricultural sciences that benefit youth in their careers, improve their economic well being and help support their families and communities; 2. Increase awareness of positive youth development practices to prepare youth for work across the agricultural value chain 3. Engage local volunteers and educators to develop as needed complement other instruction language and literacy, computer, math, science and civic engagement using experiential learning; and, techniques such as Skillathons, games, songs, day and residential camps and various interactive methods to enhance learning with youth; 4. Participants will learn leadership development opportunities that promote interpersonal relations, communication skills, problem solving, teamwork and character development that they can share with other adults.

“It was apparent that the impact of the former government was still present,” said Bender.

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

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

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

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

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

“I hope we will be able to bring Mr. Lafta to our 4-H national conference in Orlando this coming October,” said Bender. “I would also like to see his son, Ali, participate in a 4-H summer program in this country.” Iraq is the 81st foreign country to become associated with 4-H and further testimony to the positive impact it has on youth throughout the world.

January 2012 Heartland InTheField Magazine 54

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

55

FFA Spotlight Yearling Middle School FFA

“I’m here to give back what the system gave to me,”says Yearling Middle School FFA Advisor Buddy Mills. And for the past 12 years, that’s exactly what he has done.

With over 70 members, Mills’ number one goal is to see membership continue to grow. “I’d love to have 100% membership enrollment by the students who take Ag classes. We try to enhance participation through awareness of the great things FFA offers, but transportation causes challenges for many students who ride buses and can’t stay after school to practice for judging teams or attend other events. Others simply can’t afford the membership dues.” This years’ YMS officer team includes: President Josey Pearce, Vice President Kristen Dryden, Secretary Jacqueline Phares, Treasurer Mikaela Queen, Parliamentarian Morgan Buxton, Reporter Carolanne Lundy, Student Advisor Cavin Platt, Sentinel Jessica Pittman and Alternate Cady McGehee.

Mills coaches the chapter Horse, Livestock, Citrus, Tools, Vegetables, Poultry, Meat, Parliamentary Procedure, Extemporary Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking, Creed, Dairy and Food Science judging teams. He also encourages members to participate in the Agri Science Fair and has six hopeful participants this year.

Although middle school FFA programs weren’t initiated until 1988, Mills credits his high school advisors like Jim Knight and Wayne Clark with encouraging his passion for the organization. “Florida now has one of the biggest middle school memberships in the country – we’re a feeder program for high school.” According to Mills, all of the Okeechobee FFA chapters work closely with the 4-H program. “The programs compliment each other, offering different opportunities for scholarships, travel and personal growth. We often share information, resources, and students.”

Mills is fortunate to have about one acre of land outside his portable classroom where hands-on projects take place. The chapter has a garden, a show hog, and they complete projects that include using FCAT Math criteria to design and build mineral boxes that are later sold to local ranchers as a fundraiser. He would like to thank Lyons Show Hogs in Mayo for donating a hog to the chapter the past several years.

The hogs are shown by a chapter member and sold at the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show and Sale in March, with proceeds going back to the chapter.

One thing that makes our chapter strong is having a strong Alumni group. Without support from them, the parents, and the community, His classroom walls are lined with awards won either by him person- we couldn’t make it.” Mills says his program has always had support from school administration as well, starting at the top with current ally during his days as a member, or by those young members who he has mentored. He proudly shares that three State FFA Officers – Nathan Superintendent Ken Kenworthy, who is himself a past Ag teacher.

Prior Superintendents Dr. Patricia Cooper and Phoebe Raulerson Candler, Valerie McKee and James Sharpe – have come through his also have strong agricultural backgrounds and were supportive of all program during the past twelve years. Various judging teams have Okeechobee FFA chapters. made the top five in all years but one, with multiple state championships achieved in the Livestock and Meat categories.

In addition to his busy schedule as an FFA Advisor, Mills is the The chapter has also been recognized nationally for community assistance given during hurricane clean-ups, and for donations of money and volunteer time to the Leadership Training Center in Haines City.

One such project included a donation of 100 young trees that were planted at the LTC after Hurricane Charlie (Buddy – is that the right one???)

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

current State President of the Florida High School Rodeo Association, an organization that his youngest son Tyler is very successful in. He also volunteers with the Arcadia Youth Rodeo and Getheseme Ranch Christian Rodeos, and is a member of the Florida Cracker Horse Association and the FFA Career Development Event boards. He and wife Jessica also have an older son, Chad.

January 20 1 2

Thirteen-year old Josey Pearce, daughter of Jason and Peyton Pearce,

is an 8th grader and President of the YMS FFA Chapter. “I used to be a shy little kid, but in 6th grade Mr. Mills told me I should do Extemporary Speaking and it has really helped me.” Pearce won the Sub-district and District contests in her 6th and 7th grade years, and is headed to Districts the end of January with her eye on a state championship.

Her favorite part of FFA is “getting to interact with other kids” and quotes the FFA mission of “premier leadership, personal growth, and career success” as positive attributes of the program.

She proudly speaks of her own herd of over twenty Brahman cattle, most of which she has shown, or plans to show around the state. Josey has also been active in 4-H since 4th grade and this year will be showing a lamb in addition to her cattle at the county Fair in March. She then plans to take about ten head of her cattle to other spring shows in Miami and Orlando.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Her family lives on a ranch southwest of Okeechobee and is very supportive. “My dad showed cattle when he was young and encouraged me to do it. I started with two head and it grew from there.” She also rides horses to help work cattle on the ranch and shows miniature horses with her grandmother.

“I stay really busy with meetings and practices after school, then when I get home there’s homework, chores and taking care of my animals,” Josey says. “But I wouldn’t change a day for anything.” In addition to participating in Parliamentary Procedure, Meat Judging, Opening/Closing Ceremony, and Extemporary Speaking contests, she has also earned straight A’s since 6th grade. Her goals include obtaining her Discovery award in middle school and Greenhand award as a freshman, all in preparation for seeking an FFA state office after high school.

In closing Josey added, “I’d really like to give credit to Mr. Mills for helping get me where I am. Without him I’d still be that scared little girl. FFA has helped a lot of kids. It’s a great program.”

January 20 1 2

57

2011 Sub-District Results The Florida FFA District 11 Sub-District 1 Contest was held at South Florida Community College on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Mr. Kevin Brown, Dean of Applied Sciences at SFCC welcomed the participants, parents, advisors, judges and other guests and expressed his admiration to everyone for their involvement and dedication. The following counties comprise the Sub-District: Highlands, Glades and Hendry. Chairman Megan Stein of Sebring Senior and Co-Chairman Brittany Gates of Avon Park Senior conducted the event. Competition took place in six events.

The results were as follows: Tractor Operations Prepared Public Speaking-Middle School 1st Jacob Kopta-Avon Park Sr. 2nd Kaleb Langdale- Moore Haven Matthew Pettit-Sebring Sr. and Nick Swain-Lake Placid Sr. also competed

1st Jacob Schlosser-Avon Park Middle 2nd Gavin Thompson- Hill-Gustat 3rd Valissa Hitt-Sebring Middle

Creed

1st Jessica Belcher- Sebring Sr. 2nd Kelsey Cole- Avon Park Sr. Mariah Alvarez-Hill-Gustat Middle

Prepared-Senior

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

1st Megan Stein-Sebring Sr. 2nd Nick Swain- Lake Placid Sr. 3rd Mattie Bass-Moore Haven

Extemporaneous Speaking-Middle School

1st Hill-Gustat (Alex Hornick, SeAnna Hornick, Emily Little, Ritika Manik, Sadharth Ananthan and Jonathon Accosta, 2nd Avon Park Middle

1st Hill-Gustat (Alex Hornick, Sydney Whitehurst, Austin Hart, Amber Myers, Megan Soward, Taylor Shoemaker and Emily Little) 2nd Lake Placid Middle 3rd Avon Park Middle 1st Mariah Alvarez-Hill-Gustat 2nd Elizabeth deBree- Sebring Middle Garrett Barr- Avon Park Middle

Extemporaneous-Senior

1st Elton Gargano-Sebring Sr. 2nd Brooke Jackson-Avon Park Sr. 3rd Haley Stevens-Moore Haven

Parliamentary Procedure-Middle School

Parliamentary Procedure-Senior

1st Sebring Sr. (Teresa Ware, Megan Stein, Ashley Palmer, Tara O’Berry, Jessica Belcher and Kelby Mahoney 2nd Avon Park Sr. 3rd Lake Placid Sr.

In the business meeting that followed Shelby Ball of Avon Park Senior and Angie Patino of Sebring Senior were elected as 2012 Sub-District Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 2012

AG Calendar

What’s going on In the Field?

January 14

Saturday Morning Market 2nd Saturday monthly Stuart Park, Uptown Lake Placid 8am to 1pm.

Produce, plants, food, wines, arts, crafts, pottery and more. visitlakeplacidflorida.com

January 14

Bird Watching Tours at STAS led by Hendry Glades Audubon Clewiston hendrygladesaudobon.org

January 18-21

25th annual Antique Engine & Tractor Swap Meet Florida Flywheelers Village, 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road (863) 453-3350

January 19-22

FLW Everstart Fishing Tournament C. Scott Driver Park, Okeechobee (863) 763-3959

January 20

Friday Night Live! Vegas Night 3rd Friday Monthly, Main Street Heritage Park and Downtown Wauchula 5-9 p.m.

January 21

Upcoming

Heartland Area

Fairs

Fair time is upon us! Be sure to get out and support our local youth as they showcase their livestock projects at the following shows and sales:

South Florida Fair

Jan 13th – 29th at the South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach www.southfloridafair.com

DeSoto County Fair

January 19-29 www.desotocountyfair.org

Florida State Fair

February 9th – 20th at the State Fairgrounds in Tampa www.floridastatefair.com

LaBelle Youth Livestock Agricultural Show

Feb 11th – 18th Sale Feb 17th at the LaBelle Rodeo grounds

Swamp Cabbage Festival February 24th – 27th in LaBelle

Charlotte County Fair

February 3rd -12th at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds in Port Charlotte Livestock Shows Feb. 4th - 11th, Sale Feb. 12th www.thecharlottecountyfair.com

Highlands County Fair & Livestock Show

Music in the Park Concert Series Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, 7-9 p.m. (863) 386-6094

February 10th – 18th at the Fairgrounds in Sebring Livestock Shows Feb. 11th – 15th, Sale Feb. 16th www.hcfair.net

Buckhead Ridge Catfish Festival last Saturday in January (863) 467-8220

February 18th – 25th, at the Hardee County Agri-Civic Center in Wauchula Livestock Shows Feb. 20th – 22nd, Sale Feb. 23rd www.hardeecountyfair.org

Antique Fair 8 am -4th Saturday every month in downtown Arcadia

February 19th – 25th, Sale Feb. 24th at the Hendry County Fairgrounds

January 28 January 28 February 4

30th Annual Hendry County Farm Tours Catch a tour bus at Hendry County Extension Office 1085 Platt Blvd, LaBelle (863) 674-4092

February 4

Cane Grinding Festival 1st Saturday in February. Ortona Indian Mound Park, Ortona

February 4-5

Lake Placid Country Fair DeVane Park, Lake Placid (863) 699-5940

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Hardee County Fair

Hendry County Fair and Youth Livestock Show

Hendry County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Feb. 24th & 25th, Youth Rodeo Feb. 26th www.swampcabbagefestival.org

Chalo Nitka Festival

March 2nd – 4th, events held at the Bronson Arena, Chalo Nitka Park, and Moore Haven Cafeteria Glades County Livestock Show Feb. 27th – March 1st, Sale March 1st www.chalonitka.com

Okeechobee County Fair

March 9th – 18th at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show March 9th – 16th, Sale March 17th www.okeechobeecountyfair.com

January 2012

59

Heartland’s Growing Businesses SEPTIC PROBLEMS? CLOGGED DRAINS? ALL AROUND SEPTIC & SEWER, INC.

SEPTIC TANKS CLEANED GREASE TRAPS CLEANED SEWER & DRAIN LINES CLEANED SYSTEM INSPECTIONS DRAIN FIELD: INSTALLATION & REPAIRS

s All Callred Answenally Perso

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EMERGENCY SERVICE PROMPT • PROFESSIONAL • EXPERIENCED 863-655-4700 Licensed • Insured Senior Citizen or SR0081605 Discount 863-655-0100 Serving Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto & Okeechobee Counties

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

January 20 1 2

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

B

ENCHREST SHOOTERS SUPPLY 863-735-0979

ALLEN WIDENER 5276 JOHNSTON RD. ZOLFO SPRINGS, FL 33890 61

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Benchrest Shooters Supply BC.indd 1

January 20 1 2

12/16/11 9:55 AM

Classifieds

Animals POLLINATION SERVICES Strong bees when you want them. We also have honey and skin care products made with honey and ingredients from the hive. Cantu Apiaries, 863-735-1679

NEW HOLLAND REPOS TN60A 2WD 2007 models w/front brooms and box blades. Never used, sold new $31,270. Sell $27,000, balance of warranty.

813-623-3673

WORM CASTINGS Add living microbes to improve your soil, use less water. Call Sean, Green Leaf Worm Farm, 941-626-5970. www.GreenLeafWormFarm.com

Food

Building Supplies CHEAP METAL ROOFING Discount Metal Mart 8’X10’ sheets in stock!

Prices from $5 to $12. Custom lengths available. If you buy elsewhere, we both lose. Call 813-752-7088

Real Estate DESOTO COUNTY 159 Acres on Barrow Avenue, Pasture & Native Woodland, Zoned A-10, Contact Jeff or Marsha 863-494-2220

GEORGIA PEANUT HAY Square bales $13 for orders of 25 or more Call 941-234-7660 3 BARNS W/ 27 STALLS FOR RENT Ft. Ogden area. Call Lisa 941-234-7660.

2003 CATERPILLAR MT225 CHALLENGER TRACTOR 23 HP with 4 wheel drive making it much stronger and more versitile.2 ptos rear and middle. Used for mowing only so light wear- 833 hrs. $5, 199 Excellent tractor for a small farm. Great condtion-barn kept. email for more pix:gwhnsh@ hotmail.com813-299-1635 Arcadia, Fl

HOMOSASSA LOT

Equine Services

DISCOUNT EQUINE SERVICE BUNDLE Coggins, vaccination, teeth float. Call 813752-0224 or 813-951-0118

Farm Equipment 1952 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR M MODEL Runs Good! $1,985 OBO Jim 863-858-2226 1984 KUBOTA B6200 2wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower $3,000 Call 863-698-2967 2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-2-55 pto hp, 2 wheel drive, shuttle shift, hydraulic remotes. $10,500.

Call 813-752-8722 42’ REACH FORKLIFT 3,952 hours. $29,469 Call 863-698-4114 ALL-PRO FLATBED TRAILER 7X20 with beavertail and ramps. Tandem 7,000 pd axels $2,500 Call Hank 863-559-8718 PORTABLE BULK FEEDERS Excellent Condition!!! Call 863-528-4356

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ANGUS FREEZER BEEF $2.75/lb. cut and wrapped. Whole, Half or Quarter. Cash, Mastercard or Visa 863-206-2828

HORSE HAY Locally grow florakirk $6.00 per bale round bales $40.00 & $45.00 Call (863) 781-7844

One acre lot, high & dry, approx. 100 yds. from the Mason Creek River. Fishing & Boating Heaven! 813-503-9033 ARCADIA 10 ACRES 4BR, 2BA w/2 story guest house, barn w/office, 2 story equipment barn w/2 bays, 2 car carport, fenced, pasture. Move in condition. Field grown landscaping trees inventory goes with the sale. $193,000 Call Coldwell Banker Gamiotea Realty at 863-494-3600 or 888-494-4880.

REDUCED! ARCADIA Immaculate condition, custom built 2008, 3/3/3, 9.9 AC. Custom features throughout, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, 2 zone AC, master shower w/7 heads, crown molding, 80x16 lanai w/kitchen. Additional 9.9 AC can be purchased. Seller is reolocating. $269,900 Call Coldwell Banker Gamiotea Realty at 863-494-3600 or 888494-4880.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

***Lake Placid Christian School Students: Have Your Parent(s) Sign Here: _____________________ and please return to Mr. G.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD EMAIL rhonda@heartlanditf.com

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