Heartland In The Field - October 2011

October 2011

Cutting Horses of Distinction Crescent View Ranch

Covering What’s Growing HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO • GLADES CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE • HENDRY O www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

ctober

2011

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 3

From the Managing Editor

Sarah Holt

October VOL.4 • ISSUE 1

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

Tel: 813-708-3661 Fax: 813-754-4690

Cover Story

Very often in this space I will encourage you to buy your food “Fresh From Florida.” At no time is this more important than right now! There are a variety of reasons to know where you food is grown. One huge reason is to support your local economy. Buy locally grown food and support your local farmers and ranchers, who in turn help your economy grow by spending money in the community. It’s a great big cycle that works!

The Florida Department of Agriculture’s Fresh From Florida campaign lists reasons for buying local such as, Florida farmers don’t need to ship as far, saving fuel and cutting emissions, products you trust from people you trust, it is good for the economy, you are supporting your community, and the list goes on and on.

Of course the best reason in my opinion is that the food is the freshest available to us! It is healthy and delicious.

To be very honest, I have in my past been somewhat of a junk food junkie. Fast food was an every day staple for me.

But now I buy fresh wholesome foods and I feel better for it.

So join me and look for the Fresh From Florida logo when you are in the supermarket. Visit your produce stands and Upicks. Be an educated and aware consumer. Know that what you are feeding your family is the freshest, most wholesome food Florida has to offer.

On another note, we hope you enjoy this issue of Heartland In The Field magazine. We cover a wide range of topics in each publication and this month our cover article is on Crescent View Ranch—their wonderful array of cutting horses and all that they offer. Why include horses in your life? The reasons are many and include things like taking care of and riding horses is good exercise. Horses are great for mental health. Horses give us a sense of power and freedom.

I’m sure there are many more, but the number one reason to include horses in your life – THEY ARE FUN!

October 2011

Publisher

Rhonda Glisson Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor

Crescent View Ranch

Covering What’s Growing

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO • GLADES CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE • HENDRY OctOber 2011

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

1

Crescent View Ranch

cover photo by Karen Berry

Sarah

Morgan Taylor Norris

8 Advertisers Index

Operations Manager

10 Citrus Research Justin Smith

Office Manager

16 Florida Farming Ron Lambert

Danny Crampton

22 Hot Fishing Spots Captain Mark King 26 Rocking Chair Chatter

Lizzette Sarria Bob Hughens

Sales Manager Sales

Karen Berry Morgan Taylor Norris Chass Bronson Ron Brown Tina Richmond

36 Woman in Agriculture Lindsey Wiggins

Creative Director

42 Farmer/Rancher Spotlight Perry Hollingsworth

Staff Writers

56-59 Heartland’s 4-H Clubs

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

Numbers 6:25

Assistant Editor

Pg. 32

54 Grub Station El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant

Until next month,

Sarah Holt

59 Events Calendar

Amey Celoria

Al Berry James Frankowiak Robbi Sumner Chass Bronson Justin Smith

Contributing Writers Ron Lambert Brenda Valentine Jay Houston Lindsey Wiggins

Photography

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, Charlotte, DeSoto, Okeechobee, Glades and Hendry counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of the Farm Bureau and those with ag classification on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland in the Field, P.O. Box 3183, Plant City, Florida 33563 or you are welcome to email them to rhonda@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-708-3661.

Karen Berry Morgan Taylor Norris Jim Davis

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field® Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field® magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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October 2011

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5

DESOTO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US HWY 31, ARCADIA, FL 34266 863.494.3636

Greetings from the DeSoto/ Charlotte Farm Bureau! Our annual meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2011 at the Turner Center. We hope that all of our DeSoto/Charlotte members will attend this important activity of our Farm Bureau Association.

Because those of us in agriculture are now such a small minority of the American public, it is even more important that Farm Bureau has everyone who is associated with agriculture to be a member and to be a part of the “Voice of Agriculture.” If you are reading this article and you are not a member of the DeSoto/ Charlotte Farm Bureau, you can join by calling 863-494-3636.

Membership cost is $40.00 per year.

If you are not a Farm Bureau Member and you are reading this, please give some thought to joining our association. We need you to stand up and be counted as one of our members.

You can help us make an impact in the political arena where our very way of life is at stake. Come join us.

Ag Fest 2011 will be held November 19, 2011 at the Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia. This will coincide with National Farm City Week and I urge everyone who is involved in Agriculture and Farming to support and attend this exciting event. Ag Fest is an Agricultural Festival that includes a large trade show held at the DeSoto County Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia, FL. This event offers attendees a chance to see what is available in the agriculture industry. They will offer vendors the opportunity to sell, plus educate the public on their products and services.

So mark your calendar for November 19, 2011. You are invited to be a part of a new exciting event in DeSoto County where the county will honor our heritage through

recognition of yesterday’s and today’s farmers and ranchers.

Comprised of equipment and equestrian demonstrations, beef shows, livestock exhibits, local entertainment and vendors, Ag Fest will be a day full of fun where friends and family can gather for good times and good memories.

For more information on Ag Fest 2011, go to http://desotobocc. com/index.php/about-agfest.

I have said this before in this column, but I will say it again because I truly believe this. As a former combat soldier from Viet Nam, I would encourage you to think about the young men and women who are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for America and all of our rights. Some sadly will make the ultimate sacrifice for our rights and our way of life. Honor them by taking the time to be involved in the political arena this year. Our legislature will meet several months early this year and will be deciding many things that will affect you and your way of earning a living.

Thanksgiving is just a little more than a month and a half away as I write this article. I truly hope that you and your family have a blessed and fruitful Thanksgiving this year. Even though times are tough for so many, we all need to give thanks for all the blessings we receive in life. We live in the greatest country on earth, we are able to work in the greatest profession of providing food and fiber for Americans, and we have the freedoms that so many do not have, but surely wish that could have. Please take time to give thanks for all that we have!!!

Jim Selph, President

DeSoto/Charlotte Farm Bureau

DESOTO COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Selph, President; Jeffrey Adams, Vice President; Bryan K. Beswick, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Brewer, John Burtscher, Mike Carter, Steve Fussell, Richard E. Harvin, Matt Sullivan, John Pfeil, Ann H. Ryals, Mac Turner, Matt Harrison 6

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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HARDEE COUNTY HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL 33873

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

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

Phone: 863.494.3636

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

Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

Phone: 863. 773.3117 Fax: 863.773.2369

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

Phone: 863. 385.5141 Fax: 863.385.5356 Web site: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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 Katherine Renfro

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly Agents Dawn A. Hines 1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 494-3636 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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

President..............................Marty Wohl Vice President ................ Scott Kirouac Secretary ......................... Drew Phypers Treasurer ............................. Doug Miller

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011

Susan Chapman County Secretary

County Secretary Janet Menges

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters

Agent George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

Agents Joseph W. Bullington

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

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

Joseph B. Cherry • John Platt Corey Lambert • Daniel H. Smith Steve A. Johnson • Bill Hodge David B. Royal • Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich

October 2011

Sam Bronson • Steve Farr Carey Howerton • Charles Lanfier Mike Milicevic • Lindsey Sebring Mike Waldron • Jim Wood Jeff Williams • Frank Youngman

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 7

Index of

Ag Venture Food Drive Volunteers, students, parents and community members- Don’t forget to bring your non-perishable food items to be donated to the Heartland Food Reservoir which provides for our local food pantries.

Adams Ranch .................... 2 Ag Fest 2011......................43 Agri Services .....................13 Agri Signs .........................57 Agro Culture Liquid Fertilizers ..........................15 All-Around Septic .............60 Arcadia Stockyard .............41 Bartow Ford ......................63 Big T Tire .........................30 Blinds ASAP .....................23 Callaway Farms ................35 Camper Corral .................60 Cattlemens Livestock Market .............................37 Center State Bank .............37 Central Florida Show Pigs..52 Central States Enterprises ... 9 CF Industries ....................19 Cowpoke’s Watering Hole .................................64 Crescent View Ranch ........43 DeSoto Auto Mall .............31 Desoto Automall Christy Montoyne .............60 DeSoto Machine Shop .......52 DeSoto/Charlotte FB .......... 7 Dixie Pride Seasoning ........60 Dusty’s Camper ................29 Dyson Spare Parts .............50 Edgewood Landscape ........60 FFA Alumni Shoot ............47 Fields Equipment ..............13 Florida Fence Post .............49 Florida Hospital ................53 Fly-N-Hi Offroad .............14 Glade & Grove Supply.......29 Glisson’s Animal Supply.....60 Goin’ Postal.......................60 Griffin’s Carpet Mart.........25

Publisher

Assistant Editor

Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@inthefieldmagazine.com Sales Manager

Senior Managing Editor

Danny Crampton 813-759-6909 danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Sarah Holt sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com www.I n T he F i e l dMagaz i ne.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing...................47 Heartland Growers ...........39 Hardee County FB ............. 7 Heartland Gold ................26 Heartland Periodontics Dr. Kirsch .........................61 Helena Chemical ..............21 Hicks Oil Company ..........46 Highlands County FB Heritage Sponsors..............50 Highlands County FB ......... 7 KeyPlex Nutritionals .......... 5 KJ Guns and Ammo ..........61 Langford Ford - Nick Smith.61 Laye’s Tire ........................27 Merrill Lynch - Jim Webb..55 Mosiac .............................41 Okeechobee Dodge ............ 3 Peace River Citrus..............21 Platinum Bank .................29 Precision Lock & Safe .......47 Prestige Home Center .......23 Quail Creek Plantation......21 Rhizogen ..........................45 River Pasture/Metal Art ....17 Robbins Nursery ...............40 Southern Excavation .........14 Spurlows Outdoor .............61 Sunshine Family Denistry ..61 Superior Muffler ...............61 Taylor Oil Company .........15 The Andersons ..................49 Tree T Pee .........................11 Triangle Hardware ............61 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith, P.A..25 Wauchula State Bank ........45 Wicks Brown CPA .............47 Wild Turkey Tavern ...........61

COW WITH ADEQUATE COPPER

Sales Team

Rhonda Glisson 813-708-3661 rhonda@inthefieldmagazine.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com

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October 2011

Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@inthefieldmagazine.com Chass Bronson chass@inthefieldmagazine.com Ron Brown ron@inthefieldmagazine.com Tina Richmond tina@inthefieldmagazine.com

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 9

Water Conservation = Energy $aving$

Citrus Research: Long-Term vs. Short-Term

by Justin Smith There is an ongoing debate in the citrus industry that is gaining more attention as of late. The argument at hand revolves around the all too well known disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or most commonly referred to simply as greening. No matter what name you choose, it is still on the mind of each and every citrus producer, buyer or processor in the state of Florida. If this voracious disease is left unchecked it has the power to annihilate the largest economic agricultural commodity in the state. The disease itself is a no brainer, with greening spread over the entire state everyone understands it cannot be ignored. The debate comes into play with the differing ideas of how to best allocate money for the research of the disease.

Many growers believe short-term research of possible solutions is a key. Others have a more long-term research idea in mind with an end goal of a cure. Obviously a cure would be the most desirable means by which the industry would continue to thrive.

However, short-term solutions have historically played a much larger role in surviving major threats.

Many growers are associating the greening dilemma to that of citrus canker in the not so distant past. For years there was a concerted effort to eradicate canker completely in Florida. For a time it appeared there was steady headway being made and then the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 revealed just how vulnerable we were. All the efforts were thwarted as canker was dispersed through out the entire state. After that there was a move from eradication to maintenance. Along with ongoing scientific and grower driven research the industry came to the conclusion citrus canker could be managed and kept to a low infection rate. This was a major victory, so to speak, and there are a growing number of producers who feel the management strategy could also be applied to greening.

Much of the reason for the idea of management comes from the nutritional sprays that have seemed to keep the effects of greening at bay. Maury Boyd began treating his groves with what is now known as the Boyd Cocktail and the results immediately gained industry wide attention. After several growing seasons and countless growers developing their own “cocktails,” mainly based off of Boyd’s design, the management approach seems to be working. There is very little symptomatic sign to treated trees.

Production is holding steady and even increasing in many cases.

Fruit and juice quality are being evaluated and thus far do not show signs of being adversely effected.

So why does anyone want to mess with what is working?

Frankly, because no one knows what really is working. The cocktail mixtures have so much in them no one is sure what may be the real answer. There is also the unknown as to whether this solution is a temporary band-aid or if it is truly sustainable.

There are also scientists that contend it is not working at all.

Thus research is of absolute importance.

Some researchers, such as Bob Rouse at the UF/IFAS Re-

10 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

search Center in Immokalee, have been conducting field trials in an effort to determine the key components of nutritional based cocktail sprays. Although experiments of this nature have yielded valuable information for growers, they still can’t answer some fundamental questions. Such as, how are these formulations actually working biologically inside the plant? Will they continue to work over extended periods? Is the life cycle of the tree going to be effected by such high amounts of nutritional impute? All of these questions are of great importance. This is where many growers desire to see more research.

Advocates for long-term solutions are emphasizing their belief that these cocktails are not going to continue to work. Even if they do, they are not sustainable. It is a simple economic fact that prices of all chemicals being utilized will continually rise. There is no guarantee citrus prices will stay at levels which allow for these costly inputs. Therefore the only real solution is to search for a cure or resistance to the disease.

This debate manifested itself during a meeting of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation’s (CRDF) Research Management Committee in August. Several large citrus growers stated their desire to see more short-term research. Mr. Joe L. Davis Jr., a board member of the CRDF, reminded the committee of their fundamental mandate to keep growers economically profitable.

Mr. Davis also presented his ideas and opinions to a smaller group of growers that day. He correlated the curing of such a major disease as greening to the curing of other major diseases, like heart disease and cancer. His empowering speech drove home the major point, although we hope and desire for cures, they are seldom found, and if the industry does not remain economically productive in the short-term, there is no need for a cure in the long-term.

Even though there is a debate being made as to the importance of each side in relation to allocating funding, there is also understanding among them as well. Neither side completely turns their back to the other. It is more of a priority matter than a this way or no way issue. For the most part citrus research is being spread out to cover both sides of the debate. One further side reiterated by Bobby Barben, the chairman of the CRDF’s Research Management Committee, is to not forget the other diseases out there. Research dollars must also be spent to take care of those. Black spot has been positively identified in Florida.

Although it is not affecting a large number of growers as of yet, it does have potential to spread as all other diseases have.

The debate is ongoing and we must not lose site of the fact we are all in this together. The more we all share and work toward the same goal the better off our industry will be. Whether you have an opinion or are undecided, stay informed and stay involved.

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District 6 Update

From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

In September of every year, the Board of Directors for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation meets somewhere outside of Gainesville. The intent is to conduct their normal business and to learn about different areas. This past September they held their meeting in Sebring. The Board toured several agricultural operations in the Heartland. They learned about the budding biofuels industry firsthand at a local operation being constructed in Highlands County. The opportunity allowed the Board members to see and learn about various crops to be used to make cellulosic ethanol.

They were treated to a tour at the Air Force Bombing Range in Highlands County. A local cattle producer who leases land from the U.S. Government was able to present them with facts about the challenges he faces and the benefits of having stability on leased pasture.

A local hog producer, who has developed a niche market for his products, treated the Board to a tour of his operation where he raises pigs for slaughter, packaging and delivery. It is a vertically integrated operation that has become profitable from hard work www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

and savvy by the owner. The Board was also treated to a pork lunch with help from local Farm Bureau members.

A nursery in Hardee County showed the board their facilities and explained how they are profiting in a tough economy. The nursery is a shade house operation and ships indoor plants to the Midwestern part of the country. It is a true family operation with the involvement of members from two generations.

The Highlands County Farm Bureau hosted the board for dinner in the evening. The lunch at the hog farm and the dinner hosted on a local ranch, gave most of the Highlands County Farm Bureau Board members an opportunity to meet and interact with the State Board members. It was an occasion to meet each other and discuss pertinent issues. The State Board was also treated to a presentation about the All Florida Agricultural Show, which is in the planning stages.

It is always good to get out and see different things and I thank the FFBF State Board and staff for visiting District 6. Further, many thanks to those who took their time to host and cook for the Board. I did not mention names because I did not procure permission.

However, you know who you are. I continue to be astounded at the amount of time members are willing to donate to make Farm Bureau a strong organization.

Andy Neuhofer Field Representative District 6 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org 352.318.2506 www.floridafarmbureau.org October 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 11

USDA Announces Major Water Quality Effort in Florida Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $100 million in financial assistance to acquire permanent easements from eligible landowners in four counties and assist with wetland restoration on nearly 24,000 acres of agricultural land in the Northern Everglades Watershed.

The wetland restoration will reduce the amount of surface water leaving the land, slowing water runoff and the concentration of nutrients entering the public water management system and ultimately Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.

This is the largest amount of funding Florida has ever received for projects in the same watershed through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in a single year.

“Protecting and restoring the Northern Everglades is critical not just to Floridians, but to all Americans,” said Vilsack.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to conserve our national treasures, enhance the quality and quantity of our water, and secure the economic opportunities afforded by a healthy Everglades ecosystem.”

“This announcement would not be possible without our local conservation partners and our relationship with private landowners who play a critical role in restoring wetlands and protecting wildlife in this unique habitat.”

Vilsack also participated in a signing ceremony with A.J. Suarez of Hendry County Nursery Farms — a landowner who will benefit from the funding.

Suarez signed an agreement with USDA to start the process to acquire the easement rights to 3,782 acres.

After the signing ceremony, Vilsack toured the 550-acre Winding Waters Natural Area, a site restored with $1.5 million from WRP in 2007. The nature area, owned by Palm Beach County, is home to bird species such as little blue heron, snowy egret and great egret, white ibis and Florida sandhill crane.

It also contains large areas of pine flatwoods, Cyprus forests, freshwater marshes and wet prairies.

Under WRP, landowners sell development rights to land and place it in a conservation easement that permanently maintains that land as agriculture and open space.

USDA plans to purchase these permanent easements from eligible private landowners and assist with wetland restoration in Glades, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties.

The easements will contribute to the connection of public

and private lands and help form a conservation corridor from the Kissimmee River to Everglades National Park.

Easements on existing conservation lands provide the large open spaces, food resources and connectivity needed to sustain wide-ranging animals like the federally endangered Florida panther.

Other species found on these lands include the crested caracara, Florida black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker and the whooping crane.

USDA continues to demonstrate its commitment to restoring the Northern Everglades through increased financial and technical assistance to landowners. USDA has provided a total of $189 million in WRP funding during the past two fiscal years to help farmers protect and restore wetlands in the Northern Everglades.

Last fiscal year, USDA obligated $89 million through WRP to acquire easements on almost 26,000 acres of land in the Fisheating Creek Watershed, located in remote Highlands County.

Four landowners on five adjoining ranches enrolled the nearly 26,000 acres into the program, making it one of the largest contiguous easement acquisitions in WRP’s history.

An additional 12,000 acres were acquired through WRP in other counties, bringing the total potential acres acquired since 2010 to more than 60,000.

Working with conservation partners and others, USDA helps communities find local solutions to natural resource issues such as protecting a large-scale ecosystem like the Northern Everglades.

Placing easements on working agricultural land helps improve watershed health, the vitality of agricultural lands and aesthetics, and the economies of local communities.

“Our working lands provide abundant food, fuel and fiber and are an essential piece of vibrant and diverse rural communities that are part of the fabric of our nation,” Vilsack said “Well-managed private lands also support healthy ecosystems that provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and other environmental services that benefit the public.”

For information about WRP, please visit http://www.nrcs. usda.gov. Click on Programs and Services on the left side of the page. Click on Alphabetical Listing of Programs and scroll down to the Wetlands Reserve Program.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 13

U.S. Sugar Executive Appointed to National Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee U.S. Sugar Corporation is proud to announce that U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk have appointed Judy Clayton Sanchez, of U.S. Sugar, to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) in Sweeteners and Sweetener Products.

Judy Sanchez “Trade issues have an enormous impact on the sugar industry and it is vital that our industry have a strong voice in Washington, D.C. Judy Sanchez brings that voice and nearly 20 years of experience and expertise to the table,” said Robert Coker, senior vice president, public affairs.

“With the 2012 Farm Bill discussions underway, Ms. Sanchez’ appointment could not have come at a more opportune time,” Coker said. “With the national economy in shambles, it is more important than ever that we not allow subsidized foreign sugar to replace efficient American sugar farmers and export more American jobs overseas.”

“With U.S. agricultural exports reaching record highs as our farmers and ranchers bring the American brand to more of the

world consumers, agricultural trade is demonstrating once again its vital role in the health of our nation’s economy,” said Vilsak.

“By serving on these committees, they have the opportunity to provide their expertise and knowledge to deliberations that influence U.S. trade policy, ultimately helping to grow, innovate and out-compete the rest of the world.”

Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure a private-sector voice in establishing U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives to reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative jointly manage the committees.

Advisory committee members provide advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on negotiating objectives, positions and other matters related to the development, implementation and administration of U.S. agricultural trade policy. The ATACs offer technical advice and information on specific commodities. This appointment requires secret security clearance. These members will serve until June 9, 2015.

“This is both a great honor and opportunity for Ms. Sanchez and a great benefit for the sugar and sweetener industry,” Coker said.

Sanchez is the senior director of corporate communications and public affairs.

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 15

Florida Freezes

by Ron Lambert

32° Florida Freezes

On a Saturday afternoon on September 17, I began to put together my continuing recollections of the freezes of the 1980s.

Those of you who noted last month’s article and the illustration of a thermometer saw records of low temperatures recorded in Orlando, Florida throughout the past century.

There was no mention of the low temperatures reached in the year 1989, which occurred on December 24 and 25 as this article was published prior to 1989. The cold temperatures of that freeze were deadly, not only due to low temperatures but also from the long duration of that freezing temperature.

I recall that in 1981 and 1982 the citrus belt had back-to-back freezes in late December. In this area groves were dry due to lack of rainfall and this seemed to have caused increased damage to citrus. I had a small grove at that time, as well as acreage joining our nursery operation.

The grove that I owned was located in a low lying area east of Wauchula near the Peace River.

Temperatures there dropped below freezing before dark and continued to fall throughout the night. The lowest temperature always seems to reach its lowest point right at dawn. I registered a low of 11 degrees on one of those mornings. I thought for a long while that my thermometer was wrong. However, later a neighbor said that he had recorded that same temperature.

The citrus trees there had a great deal of frozen wood as large as four to five inches in diameter. Of course pruning this dead wood out was necessary. These formerly bearing trees were set back severely. It was a very slow and painful rebuilding process to regrow a productive tree.

We also had a fair amount of damage done to our ornamental plants in the nursery. A plant or tree that is thought to be cold tolerant can have damage caused by expanding tissue which will cause bark to split and separate from the wood. This will heal in all but the most severe cases.

We all thought that those freezes in 1981

16 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

23°

1982

22°

1989

20° 18° 16° 15° 14° 12°

1970 1934 1905 1971 1906 1977 1886 1895 1958 1940

9°

1981 1962

-2°

1899

and 1982 were some of the most severe that we had experienced.

I can recall trips on US 27 through Polk and Lake County where you would see miles and miles of the most beautiful groves imaginable, in what was a rolling, almost hilly blend of citrus groves and lakes. The trees were just huge and emerald green.

We were completing a landscape project at a residence in Babson Park right before Christmas 1989. That week we had a fair amount of rain here in Hardee County.

On Christmas Eve the temperature dropped below freezing very early in the evening and did not rise above freezing in most of the area north of I-4 for as much as 30 hours.

This freeze totally destroyed thousands of acres of bearing citrus in some of Florida’s most productive growing area. Today, sadly, a drive through this area will reveal row after row of residential housing. I wonder if the next generation will know or care of the true history of this incredible productive citrus belt lost to the weather temporarily and then permanently to development.

Here in Hardee County, even though the temperature was very low, the rainfall that preceded the freeze did much to prevent severe damage.

We have learned much recently in regards to citrus culture and with proper cultural practices, seem to be staying ahead of canker and greening for the most part.

We have been, and I expect that we will remain limited on what we can do to protect our crops from extremes in weather conditions. All of you who experienced this memorable decade no doubt have your own memories of ways that you or your families were affected.

Until next month, may you receive life’s blessings, but more importantly strive to be one in all that you do.

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FFVA Honors Industry Veteran and Tomato Producer Tony Dimare for Distinguished Service Tony DiMare, vice president of DiMare Company and a veteran in the tomato industry, was awarded the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Distinguished Service Award during the organization’s 68th annual convention.

DiMare has worked in his family’s company since 1983 and now oversees its operations in Ruskin and Homestead, FL, and Johns Island, S.C. He has served as a volunteer leader in numerous state and national agriculture organizations. A member of FFVA’s board of directors since 1996, DiMare served on the executive committee from 1996 to 2008 and as chairman from 2004 to 2006. He took on the chairmanship on the heels of the 2004 hurricanes, which had a significant effect on Florida’s specialty crop industry.

“Tony epitomizes the kind of industry-focused leadership that truly makes a difference for specialty crop agriculture,” FFVA Chairman Drew Duda said. “He has testified before Congress on industry issues, and has visited Washington and Tallahassee numerous times to take our concerns to lawmakers. Whether he is advocating for rigorous food safety standards, sound labor practices, or fair trade, Tony brings an intensity and a passion for our industry to the work that he does, and we are better because of it.”

In accepting the award, DiMare said, “This is an unbelievable honor. I have so many wonderful memories of this industry. To be afforded the opportunity to serve the industry over the years has truly been a great experience and a real honor, and to be recognized by my peers and the industry is very humbling to me. I am very grateful to everyone I have worked with and to those who have helped me over the many years in this industry. We could not

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have accomplished the numerous feats without the support of my peers and the support of the entire industry. I very much appreciate from my heart this honor.”

DiMare also has served as president/chairman of the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Committee and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange.

At the national level, he was elected in 2008 to serve on the United Fresh Produce Association’s board of directors. In 2002, he was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the first USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. Also that year, he served on the Florida Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee for then Congressman Adam Putnam.

“From my perspective, there are two types of volunteer leaders that get involved in industry associations: those who do it for the benefit of their industry, and those who do it for the benefit of their company,” said FFVA President Mike Stuart. “We’ve been very blessed at FFVA over the years to have strong, industry-minded individuals serve as our chairman, and Tony represents the very best of volunteer leadership.”

The award presentation took place during FFVA’s 68th Annual Convention at The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach. Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida’s producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 17

October’s Hunting Spotlight Brought to You by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters

Phosphate Operations “Helping Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

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Please join CF Industries in supporting community events:

Friday Night Live! Pumpkins in the Park Friday, October 21, 2011 – 6‐9 pm Main Street Heritage Park – Wauchula

YMCA Veterans Day 5K Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 8 am Starts: Wauchula YMCA 610 W. Orange St. Wauchula, FL 33873 Ends: Main Street Heritage Park Downtown Wauchula

Saddle Up to Attend Hoofin’ It on Main 2011 Addyson McKay Smith, age 7

Hosted by CF Industries

Malorie Reynolds, age 12

The daughter of Kelly Knight of Wauchula and Mitch Smith of Fort Meade shot her first turkey on March 26, 2011 in Fort Meade. She called the turkey in by herself, shot him at 15 yards with her Daddy’s .410 shotgun. That was the gun he shot his first bird with when he was a little boy.

Addyson loves hunting with her Daddy more than anything. She has been hunting with him since she was 3 years old. They go hunting and fishing whenever they can on the weekends. She is learning to call in turkeys for her Daddy (makes it easier for him) and plans to get her first buck this coming year. This little girl has a love for all things outdoors.

She is involved in 4-H and is an all A student!! Makes her Mommy and Daddy VERY proud!

Saturday, November 12 – Registration 8 am – Ride 9­Noon

Malorie Reynolds harvested this nice buck opening 2011 weekend. Mal shot the buck as he was tending a doe with another nice buck. She made a perfect shot at over 125 yards. She was using a 270 Winchester Malorie is twelve years old and goes to school at Lake Placid Christian school. She is looking forward to a youth season deer hunt coming up in Missouri in November.

Bring your horse and join us for a half‐ day, fun filled ride through forested wilderness, pasture land and across beautiful streams on the CF Industries Reclaimed North Pasture.

Registration fee is $30 per rider 16 and up, and $20 per rider under 16. Lunch is included at the end of the ride.

All proceeds benefit Main Street Wauchula, Inc.

For more information, call (863) 767‐0330 or download a registration form from www.mainstreetwauchula.com

18 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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Jaycee Pella, daughter of trail boss, Louis Pella, flashes a big smile for the camera during the 2010 trail ride.

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3 Annual R.C. Mattson Memorial 3-D Archery Shoot rd

Storm clouds threatened but couldn’t put on a damper on the upbeat crowd who gathered at Kissimmee River Little Ranch to show off (or brush up on) their archery skills and celebrate the life of R.C. Mattson.

R.C., a 2005 graduate of Okeechobee High School, was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 2008. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

His leadership qualities were apparent as he was chosen captain of the varsity football team and served in officer positions in the OHS FFA chapter.

Proceeds from the annual event fund scholarships for graduating OHS seniors and also provide funds for OHS FFA members to attend judging contests, conventions and other activities. According to Carla SantAngelo, R.C.’s mom, the first two shoots raised a total of close to $15,000 and this year’s event brought in $8,000 for the memorial fund.

Twenty-eight 4-person teams took aim at 25 deer, hog, turkey, and coyote targets that were placed in the woods to simulate real-life hunting experiences. The team of Storey Hunts took first place with an almost perfect score of 984 out of 1,000. Big Lake Eye Care placed second with 955 points and Kevin Sanders’ Team came in third scoring a 931.

A delicious lunch of pulled pork, BBQ chicken and ribs was served in hearty portions with potato salad, green beans, fruit salad and bread. Homemade apple cobbler and mango crisp topped it all off. Live Bluegrass music was provided by Flatwood Blue, a group of talented local artists.

Drawings were held for several donated items including a deer shoulder mount, a “Hunt of a Lifetime” trip, and a 50/50. A dog box built and donated by Wes Clemons was auctioned off and was purchased by Randy Dressler.

After lunch, many shooters extended the afternoon with games of “drain the jug” and “shoot the pig.” Jug materials were donated by Dr. Charles Bartlett. Yetti Outfitters, Inc. donated both the metal hog target and the decorative metal cut-out given to the winner.

R.C’s family and friends would like to thank all of those who offered their support through donations, purchasing lunch and participating in the shoot. Additional donations can be made year-round to the R.C. Mattson Memorial Fund, c/o Carla SantAngelo, 5260 Bluff Hammock Road, Lorida, FL 33857.

20 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 21

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by Captain Mark King Rodger Batten from Rochester Illinois with a nine pound Okeechobee bass caught in September..

With summer coming to an end and October here the water and air temperatures will start to cool down and that will get these bass in the mood to head toward traditional spawning areas.

What does all this mean? It means there will be big bass to catch here on Lake Okeechobee and after the great winter we had last year, I can hardly wait to see what happens this year. The water level is coming up slowly and is around 11 feet above sea level and hopefully we might get a late tropical storm to dump some rain over central Florida that will run into Okeechobee and bring the lake level up around 13 feet above sea level. But if this doesn’t happen we will still be able to catch lots of bass. We will just have to change our tactics a little. The water is high enough now that we can get back to the outside grass edges and that is where these bass will start to head toward soon.

We have been fishing areas like the Clewiston Channel, the spoil islands, Uncle Joe’s cut on the lake side, Bare Beach channel, and over around the Pahokee area of the lake and the fishing has been pretty good. I had a few bass over seven and one over eight pounds in September and with the water cooling it will only get better. I have been throwing a 10” Charlie’s Worm Texas rigged with a 1/8 ounce sinker in watermelon-red color and catching most of my fish, but when that isn’t working try a Charlie’s Swimming Juke in watermelon-red on a ¼ ounce shakey head jig. I have also had some nice bass around four and five pounds on a HighRoller RipRoller topwater lure in firetiger color. This wooden topwater plug will catch bass all day long here on Okeechobee, not just in the mornings. Some of the other lures that have worked this past month are lipless crankbaits and Carolina rigged Charlie’s Salt Stick O’s in junebug color. I have been trying to target areas that have a rocky bottom or where I see bluegill beds, even if I don’t see any bluegill around. I was catching bass on swimbaits in these areas like the Spro BBZ1, but now that I’m not seeing a lot of bluegill around this bite has really slowed down.

My outlook for this fall and winter fishing here on Lake Okeechobee is good and with the amount of bookings that I have already made I think everyone was really pleased with the fishing

22 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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last year on the lake. I’m looking forward to catching a lot of big bass on the beds and near the spawning areas on both artificial lures and wild shiners. Everyone knows that I prefer fishing with artificial lures, but throwing a big wild shiner and watching a monster bass chase them around and eat them can really get your blood pumping.

If you are thinking about coming to Okeechobee fishing, now is the time to start planning that trip of a lifetime before all the good dates are booked up. And if catching a giant tarpon in the Florida Keys is something that you have been dreaming of, I am now booking for the 2012 season for the months of May and June. Until next month good luck, tight lines, and hope to see everyone out on the water.

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 in the Florida Keys. 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, U.S. Reel, Deep South Rods, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Gambler Lures, AFTCO clothing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Frigid Rigid 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.

I am proud to announce that I am now sponsored by Charlie’s Worms and will be fishing with their products both in freshwater, as well as with their all new line of saltwater lures. Look for the new line of Charlie’s Worms at your favorite tackle shop or retail sporting goods store.

Visit them at www.charliesworms.com

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Celebrate the Arts in Arcadia

by Karen Smoke Discover a decidedly different side of downtown Arcadia, the arts side. Known for its antique shops, and All-Florida Rodeo, Arcadia is also home to many talented artists.

Five years ago a group of artists got together and formed the DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council. The group’s aim is to encourage and promote all forms of the arts — visual, performing and literary.

“There is so much talent in this area,” said DAHC president Kim Johnson. “But our artists didn’t have a venue to show and sell their art.”

The group began holding an annual show at the offices of local realtor Mac Martin, Florida Outdoor Properties, Inc. Slowly, interest in the arts began to build, and last year Marc Washicheck, owner of Cherry Hill Antiques, opened an art gallery next to his antique store.

“This year we are sponsoring a fall art show at Gallery 122 West on Oak Street,” said Johnson. “We are really excited as it will be a fantastic opportunity for our artists to sell their work.”

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The Heartland to Gulf Art Show will open October 2 and run through November 30. Opening reception is Sunday October 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works are displayed with salvaged architectural elements. Works by artists throughout southwest Florida and elsewhere will be on exhibit. For more information about the show see www.CherryHillAntiques.com.

DAHC also holds Art Walks on the third Saturday of each month from October thru April, held in downtown Arcadia at the Tree of Knowledge Park at the intersection of Oak Street and US 17 South, hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists and authors will be set up in the cool shade of the massive oak tree with a selection of fine art, affordable art, and books. There will be entertainment on the community stage, gallery tours and historic district tours. The first Art Walk of the season is Saturday October 15. For more information see www.desotoartscouncil.org or call Clel Shore at 863-494-2701.

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 23

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October 2011

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Couture’s Gallery’s featured artist for this month is Tripp Harrison. Tripp was raised in South Florida and there developed a love for tropical beauty. At the age of 19, while attending business school in Atlanta, he discovered his passion for painting and began to pursue that career. Paintings in oil by Tripp reflect quality and peacefulness.

He primarily focused on coastal areas of the U.S. for his subjects. He worked at perfecting his unique style that would become his trademark. In the 80s Tripp was introduced to the Bahamas and fell in love with the lush tropics, which became a source of his inspiration for many of his paintings.

The quality of his artwork is unfailing in capturing the feel and the beauty of the subjects of his paintings. His subtle technique lends a realism to the paintings and is especially reflected in his light and color in the water and the lush tropic foliage in his paintings.

Tripp’s love and talent for art was kindled in his early teens by his beloved grandfather, Frank Tarlowski, who immigrated from Europe to become a noted artist in America. Tripp studied artist Andrew Wyeth’s works for inspiration. Tripp’s art shows a strong influence in Wyeth’s works that was the result of these studies. Tripp credits hard work and perseverance for his abilities, as well as an eye for studying everything around him for inspiration.

Note the detail and realism in the painting “COWS,” which he did for us folks in Central Florida. This painting is on display at Couture’s gallery in Sebring.

Tripp resides with his wife, Kathleen and their two children in historic St Augustine.

Couture’s Gallery in Sebring has more than 20 of Tripp’s paintings and prints on display and many are featured on their Web site at CouturesArt.com.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 25

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26 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Well it’s back-to-school time, and even in this bad economy all the clothing stores are offering discounts to fight for their share of the money spent by parents on their kids clothing and other accessories.

Maxine has had an eye on the bad economy, and reports that it is so bad, if the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds” you need to call and ask if they meant yours or theirs.

She said she got a predeclined credit card in the mail, too.

I remember when I was going to grammar school some of the kids went bare-footed. I had one pair of tennis shoes from Black’s Department store that mother would wash every-other-day ‘cause I would put a hurt’n on them playing football after school in the sand lot.

Much emphasis in school today is put on writing and politics they tell me. I read an

October 2011

essay from a sixth grader the other day that shows the progress of not leaving anybody behind. “As you know the colonists won the War and no longer had to pay for taxis. Delegates from the original 13 states formed the Contented Congress. Thomas Jefferson, a Virgin, and Benjamin Franklin, were two singers of the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin had gone to Boston carrying all his clothes in his pocket and a loaf of bread under each arm. He invented electricity by rubbing cats backwards and declared ‘a horse divided against itself cannot stand.’

Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.

George Washington married Martha Curtis and in due time became the Father of our Country. Then the Constitution of the United States was adopted to secure domestic hostility. Under the Constitution the people enjoy the right to keep bare arms.”

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I ran across these excerpts from student’s science exam in Alabama. “There are three kinds of blood vessels: arteries, vanes and caterpillars. The process of turning steam back into water again is called conversation. The Earth makes a resolution every 24 hours. Clouds are high-flying fogs. A blizzard is when it snows sideways. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.”

In my opinion teachers have their job cut out for them these days. They have so much competition from X-Boxes, TV, cell phones, and computer games. I wonder what the next 30 years of electronics will bring.

I read an article comparing the 60s to today at school.

The scenario: Fred goes rabbit hunting before school, pulls into the high school parking lot with his shotgun in his gun rack. Back in 1962 the principal comes out to look at Fred’s shotgun. The principal then goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Fred. Today the school goes into lockdown and the FBI is called. Fred is hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors are then called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Then there’s the story of a second grader that came home from school and said to her mother, “Mom, guess what? We learned how to make babies today.” Mom was startled, and tried to keep her composure. “That’s interesting,” she said, “how do you make

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babies?”

“It’s easy, Mom,” she replied. “You just change ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es’.”

We need to give children credit as they have logic! For instance a teacher asked the class to give her a sentence about a public servant. One small boy wrote: “The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.” The teacher took the boy side to correct him. “Don’t you know what pregnant means?” she asked.

“Sure,” said the young boy confident. “It means carrying a child.”

I’ll close with this story. A private school in Oregon was faced with a problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom.

The problem was after they put on their lipstick, they would press their lips on the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints.

Every night the maintenance man would remove them, and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the janitor who had to clean the mirrors every night.

To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the janitor to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.

Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror. There are teachers……and then there are educators.

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 27

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28 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 29

Dear In the Field Readers,

An FFA state officer’s favorite part of the year has arrived. Since school has

started, we have more opportunities to visit with the members in their home chapters. It

never ceases to amaze me just how strong the agriculture programs are around the state

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of Florida. I had the opportunity to travel to an FFA chapter in Clewiston last week

Call: 1-863-452-2031

agriculture programs in Florida and Florida Ag in general is that it is so diverse. If some

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where the students were literally raising cane (sugar cane that is), farming fish, and

building metal projects in their ag machine shop. If there is one thing that I love about

monster bug came to Florida, knock on wood, and wiped out all of the citrus trees we

would still hold our own because we have so many commodities that are strong. Floridians

• AG TIRES

can always rely on agriculture to strengthen our economy. The more time I spend in the industry the more I realize that.

Last week the Florida FFA officers were privileged to have the opportunity to

• FUEL TANKS

intern at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Tallahassee.

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don’t even know exist. To sum up our time: We visited a tree nursery, a dairy farm, a

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During our internship we were able to see many parts of agriculture that most people

pig farm, handled a drip torch fire starter at the Division of Forestry, inspected food at Walmart alongside a veteran food inspector, fished for oysters in the Appilachicola bay,

and finally got to visit with the Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam in his office.

The more we experienced, the more our passion for agriculture increased. We even had the opportunity to visit with a few FFA chapters along the way.

After the turn out we had at the chapter president’s conference last week in Day-

tona, I think it is safe to say that FFA has gotten off to a great start this year. We

are all looking forward to the COLT (chapter officer leadership training) conference next weekend. If you haven’t done so already I would recommend that you visit our Florida

FFA Facebook page and “like us” so that you can receive updates from us regularly

about what is going for the future of FFA. Also feel free to friend request each of the officers including myself. I’m looking forward to meeting each member this year as we travel the state!

James Sharpe FFA Area VI State Vice President

October 2011

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 31

photo by Jim Davis Photography

Cutting Horses of Distinction

by Sarah Holt photos by Karen Berry and Jim Davis Photography

Jim

Justa Merada Nut

photo by Karen Berry

and Linda Brown of Crescent View Ranch have always loved horses, but didn’t always have the opportunity to be involved in the industry. As so often times happen, people are busy building their lives and businesses and put other things on the back burner. The desire never goes away, it just simmers, waiting patiently for its turn.

Jim & Linda Brown 32 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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Crescent View Ranch, or the idea of it, simmered in the minds of Jim and Linda Brown for a good many years while they worked in the concrete business. Once that business sold, boredom set in and the idea of horse ownership had simmered long enough. It was time for horses to be pulled from the back burner to front and center.

Four years ago Lisa Stokes was working as a successful photographer. Their lives came together last year when Lisa, a cowgirl turned photographer, again turned cowgirl and became the ranch manager.

Crescent View Ranch was formed four years ago and has grown to more than 300 acres with an impressive collection of cutting horse stallions. Kit Dual was the first stallion purchased.

The next acquisition was Meradas Money Talks, and then Playboy Boonsmal arrived. The final addition to the current line up is Atta Cat. These four stallions have produced offspring with earnings in excess of $6 million. Jim Brown, the owner of Crescent View Ranch, said, “We wanted to make it one of the best breeding facility in Florida.” And that they did.

Last year Bucky Smith, the ranch foremen from hometown Arcadia, came to work for Crescent View Ranch. Bucky was raised around cutting, back when a lot of folks will remember Florida’s biggest NCHA Winner Circuit Cutting Shows held right down the road at RD Wells’ place in the 80’s. Bucky’s father, “Runt” Smith, was one of the best when it came to training young horses. Runt was in charge of the RD Wells Cutting Horse Ranch. Bucky has since come back to those roots, only miles down the road, and is now starting the young colts for Crescent View Ranch. He brought along a friend, Lisa Stokes, originally from Okeechobee, ranchraised, involved with ranching, rodeo and now cutting horses. She soon became the ranch manager. “We’ve already done a lot of

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things we are really thankful for and Lisa Stokes and Bucky Smith are doing wonders with it right now,” said Jim. With a background in promotions and marketing, Lisa saw new opportunities to increase the reputation of Crescent View Ranch by attending local cutting competitions and becoming an active part of the community, as well as sponsoring a number of these events.

Crescent View Ranch is a full service breeding facility, and although it is located in the heart of Florida, semen can be shipped all over the US and Canada. During breeding season the reproductive veterinarian, Dr. Liz Steele, as well as local veterinarian, Dr. Mark Davis, are both a big part of the breeding success of the ranch. “A lot of people have expressed interest in bringing their mares here from all over the country,” said Lisa. “We want people to come in and bring their mares.”

While the stallions at Crescent View Ranch won their money in the cutting pen, they come from amazingly athletic lines. If you are looking for a performance stallion to cross with your mare, look no further. They will have a cross that will work for you.

Check out their web site at www.crescentviewranch.com for more information.

Crescent View Ranch will be hosting a barbeque on October 8. Come check out the ranch, breeding facility, the stallions, and see the young horses available for sale being worked. Simply reading this article is your invitation to join us. Give us a call 941-2347660 and come join the fun.

Gates open at 10 am and lunch will be served at noon. Meet Jim and Linda Brown, owners of the ranch, and the amazing group they now have in place to make sure everything runs like a welloiled machine. Come see everything the Browns have worked for.

We welcome in visitors to come by for a visit and see the young horses under saddle.

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 33

photo by Karen Berry

photo by Jim

graphy Davis Photo

Kit Dual

Merada’ Money Talk s s

Rick St Justa Meradeed on a Nut

Playboy Boonsmal

Atta Cat

34 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

photo by Jim

tton on Tiffany Stra oney Bar M s a’ ad Mer

Davis Photo graphy

Bucky Smith and Lisa Stokes

Here is a brief history of the stallions.

Kit Dual (Dual Pep x Pretty Little Kitty) was the first stallion purchased.

With this purchase the Browns let the world know that cutting was indeed alive and well in the state of Florida. Kit Dual has lifetime earnings in the cutting pen of $251,791. Even more impressive than that, Kit Dual is the sire of offspring with earnings of more than $2,096,265.

The next acquisition was the 1993 stallion, Merada’s Money Talks (Freckles Merada x Money Talks Rio). A winner of $47,894, he also has offspring with in excess of $2 million, including Merada Clone, winner of $414,438. He is a 2007 Equi-Stat top 10 Leading Reined Cow Horse Sire and an All-Time Leading Reined Cow Horse and Cutting Sire.

Playboy Boonsmal is another outstanding stallion standing at Crescent View Ranch. This son of the great Peptoboonsmal is out of a daughter of Freckles Playboy and his earnings total $157,500. He was the winner of the Texas Cutting Open Derby Championship, a top 10 at the NCHA Open Finals, 5th in the NCHA Finals $10,000 Novice, Houston NCHA Open Cutting Champion, and Augusta 4-Year-Old Limited Open Futurity Reserve Champion and more.

The final addition to the current line up is Atta Cat, sired by Highbrow Cat. He has earnings of $123,434 including the 2006 Idaho Classic/Challenge Open Championship, PCCHA Spring Roundup Open Derby Reserve Champion, 2006 NWCHA Ranch Festival Open Classic/Challenge Reserve Champion and more. And you never know when Atta Cat will make an appearance. Yes, folks, he is right here in Florida – Arcadia to be exact.

Great stallions are only a portion of the equation. You need great broodmares to complement the lineup and Crescent View Ranch has been equally impressive with their broodmare band. Mares include Spoonful of Love, by Grays Starlight and out of the Doc O’Lena mare Lovie Lena; Lilly Dual, the dam of Merada Clone, winner of $418,209, is by Dual Pep and out of the Doc O’Lena mare Gays O’Lena; and ARC Holly’s Chicadee, earner of $65,263 and the NRCHA non-Pro Derby Stakes Champion. These are only a few of the amazing mares grazing the fields in the Heartland of Florida at Crescent View Ranch.

October 2011

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 35

n a m Wo

Located At: 3305 Hwy. 92 E. • Lakeland, FL 33801

E R U T L U C I IN AGR

by Robbi Sumner

Lindsey Wiggins

The responsibilities of a County Extension Agent are varied and numerous. It takes a special talent to coordinate and cover all areas as neededßππ when the territory covers five counties, Armed with a University of Florida Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Ag Business, a Masters degree in Ag Education/Extension, and seemingly unlimited enthusiasm, Lindsey Wiggins is not only willing but extremely capable of the task.

For over four years, Lindsey has been the Multi-County (Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier) Livestock Extension Agent. She has three main program areas: Livestock Production, Pasture Management, and Agriculture Awareness. The Livestock Production program educates ranchers and small farmers in the areas of animal health, reproduction, nutrition, handling, and general care. The goal of the Pasture Management program is to educate ranchers, small farmers, and home owners about forage varieties best suited for their soil type, grazing management, and Best Management Practices like soil testing, fertilizing, and weed identification and control. But it is the area of Agriculture Awareness that Lindsey enjoys the most.

To further the goal of Ag Awareness, she participates in the Hendry County City Farm Tours, which have over 600 participants each year. The groups travel via motor coach touring Hendry County visiting cattle ranches, citrus groves, the Southern Gardens juice plant, vegetable farms, and sugar cane production areas.

Participants are treated to a delicious 16-ounce ribeye lunch served by extension agents and members of the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association. Lindsey also spends some time educating youth about agriculture by speaking at schools for Agriculture Literacy and participating in field trips to local ranches. She is involved with the coordination and presentation of several multi-day educational programs for adults that involve classroom and hands-on activities.

Workshop topics range from horse owner concerns to cattle forage and reproduction management. Lindsey disseminates educational information through a bi-monthly newsletter called Bovine Headlines, which is delivered via USPS or email to those who are interested.

When asked about the favorite part of her job, Lindsey smiles and replies, “I sincerely LOVE my job and everything that I get to do, but

36 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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GO TO: WWW.LMAAUCTIONS.COM if I had to choose my favorite topic, it would be reproduction! I love the blood and guts part of my job - showing people an actual uterus and teaching them how everything works. Most people are fascinated with this, although some can’t stomach it. I am frequently asked to speak on reproduction at 4-H meetings and youth field days and bringing along a model uterus is usually a crowd pleaser for the kids. It gives them a real hands-on experience.”

A seventh generation Floridian, Lindsey’s family tree traces back to Captain Francis A. Hendry. In May 1923, the Florida Legislature created a new county named for the early resident and so called “Cattle King of South Florida.” This lineage gives her a special interest in and respect for Florida history, especially local history.

Lindsey is a member of the National and State Association of County Agriculture Agents, the South Florida Beef Forage Program and the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association. She was appointed by the existing Cattlemen’s board to fill a position that became vacant last year, and is the first female Director in the organization. “I take great pride in the confidence shown in me through this appointment, and strive to represent the best interests of the association members,” she said.

Lindsey is married to her high school sweetheart, Matt, who works for South Central Florida Express, a short-line railroad based in Clewiston. Matt is an avid team roper who competes in PCA, IPRA, USTRC and local jackpot events. According to Lindsey, “We are on the road nearly every weekend going to a rodeo or a team roping. I love traveling with him and visiting our friends at the ropings.” She also enjoys riding when she gets the chance, and even works cows with some of her producers from time to time.

For more information on any of the programs that Lindsey handles, you can contact her at 863.674.4092.

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 37

Sandra Pearce

by Robbi Sumner

Photography

Sandra Pearce Photography opened its doors for business in April of 1996, however, Sandra’s love of photography began much earlier. She always enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby and often photographed community events and special occasions for family and friends.

Originally from Wildwood, Sandra moved to Okeechobee when she was 18 and has enjoyed raising her family in a rural environment. “I was raised on a ranch, and although I wasn’t a cowgirl, I’ve always appreciated the ranching lifestyle,” she says.

She also realized early on that most people are more comfortable being photographed in natural settings rather than in a studio. Her lush backyard has served as the backdrop for hundreds of family photo shoots.

A talented artist in multiple mediums including pencil, chalk, and watercolors, Sandra says, “I’ve always been a sketcher and remember drawing a lot when I was a little kid.” Today she enjoys computer-based painting, using Photoshop software to create paintings from digital images. In fact, she says that painting is her passion and she enjoys sharing her talent by teaching others the techniques used to make her works more expressive.

While a fan of digital art, she still occasionally shoots with film and is well versed in the technical aspects of shutter speeds, F-stops, and various camera models. Sandra does fear that the digital age could lead to people losing their family history due to complacency towards printing photos or even keeping backup files.

“So many people now use their phone as not only their address book but also as a photo album. If the phone gets lost, it’s all gone,” she says. She feels strongly about the important role that photographs play in maintaining historical accounts of families and communities.

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October 2011

A graduate of Toby’s Clown School in Lake Placid, Sandra believes that “people shouldn’t take themselves too seriously.”

Her reason for attending the school was to be able to provide entertainment at the local hospital and nursing home, but she keeps a framed photo of herself in full clown regalia as a reminder that life should be fun and that we can all be kids at heart.

Through the years Sandra has become an integral part of the Okeechobee community, often volunteering her time and talent to groups like the March of Dimes, OHS athletics, the Youth Livestock Show, and she is on the local Hospice Board. She also enjoys spending time with her husband David McAuley, and her three sons and their families, including nine grandchildren.

Sandra has received her Craftsman Degree, Master of Electronic Imaging (MEI) from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

She currently serves as Vice President of the Florida Professional Photography Association and looks forward to filling the role of President in 2013.

“I take photos because I love photography, not to win awards,” said Sandra. But it is obvious that her passion for art shines through and the awards naturally follow.

Among her most prestigious are International Art and Science Photographer of the Year SWPP (2009), SPA International Sports Photography first place digital art (2009), Fugi Masterpiece Award, SEPPA (2009), FPP top ten photographers (2008), FPP Artist of the Year (2010), International Sports Photographer of the Year SWPP (2011), and PPA GIA First and Second place overall winners in Electronic Imaging (2011). She was also named 2011 Artist of the Year by the Florida Professional Photographers.

To enjoy more of Sandra’s artwork, visit www.sandrapearcephotography.net.

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 39

Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association Highlands Heartland Chapter

I help create clean, green energy every day.

I am Mosaic.

by Dianne Dilger Jacobson, Board Member, Highlands County Extension Faculty In these tough financial times for our nursery industry it is so easy to focus on “self” instead of our communities. Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association (FNGLA) Highlands Heartland Chapter has remembered it is all about the community. We are all in this recession together, so let us help each other when we can.

The Highlands Heartland Chapter has done just that. Scott Kirouac, President of the chapter, saw a real need that was in his area of expertise - horticulture.

Scott met John and Eileen Sala, director and founder of Little Lambs, Inc. ministry in Sebring, Florida. They have dedicated their lives to this prison and teaching ministry for adults with addiction problems.

With the dream to extend this program, the Sala’s recently acquired a home they call Grace Place. It has been renovated with a layout to house up to eight women coming out of prison or rehabilitation, and guides them back on their feet by creating jobs/tasks on the property. “Part of the ministry and responsibility of the residents of Grace Place is learning how to maintain the landscape, interiorscape, and vegetable garden,” says John Sala.

Scott Kirouac made a few phone calls and before you knew, it members of the chapter involved themselves with landscaping the Sala’s Grace Place. The Highlands Heartland chapter donated time and money to the project. Bobby Heffner, owner of Robbins’ Nursery and FNGLA

member, sized the place up and created a sanctuary for these women to sit in the garden and read, talk, or just relax. Other FNGLA members who contributed to the project were Hillary Peat, who donated soil, 7L Brands donated the mulch, Waste Transport donated a roll-off dumpster, Jimmy Somers, Vice president of Somers Irrigation and treasurer of FNGLA Highlands Heartland Chapter, donated $200 toward the irrigation system, Steve Kirouac, owner of Big Sky Growers, donated landscape plant material and Delray Plants Co. donated interior and patio plants for the home.

Part of the design included edible landscaping, and a veggie garden made out of raised beds. Bobbie Heffner’s wife offered her services to the ladies of Grace Place by teaching them how to grow and maintain the vegetables. Dianne Jacobson, Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator of the Highlands County Extension Service and board member offered her expertise by teaching classes and working with the Grace Place ladies.

After the completion of the project John Sala said, “This is a dream come true. I could never have imagined this landscape.

We are truly blessed.” Now the house is open for ladies to begin their new journey.

The point is together we can accomplish anything and the Highlands Heartland Chapter did just that. What are the needs in your community?

Mosaic is about more than providing nutrients to help grow the world’s crops. It’s also about environmental leadership. As an engineer for Mosaic, I help convert the steam from our fertilizer manufacturing process into power — enough to run our Florida plants, and then some. The process, called cogeneration, requires no fossil fuels and releases zero carbon dioxide emissions. Which means it is easy being green.

And I’m proud to be doing just that. ®

www.mosaicfla.com

’s G t e L

o To Market

Monday’s Sale - 12 noon

(Bring Your Cattle Sunday 10am - 7pm or Sale Day)

Wednesday’s Sale - 12 noon

(Bring Your Cattle Tuesday 8am - 9pm or Sale Day)

Upcoming Special Sales October:

Open Monday - Saturday 8-5 4803 US 27 South | Sebring (863) 385-1111

November:

Biggest Inventory in Highlands County Knowledgeable Sales Staff Monthly Sale Prices on Oleander, African Iris, Cord Grass (Native), many more!

40 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

December:

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Friday, Oct. 7th at 1:00pm Florida Fall Black Bull Sale Mo Brangus & Hines Cattle Co. Brangus & Angus Bulls Friday, Nov. 11th at 1:00pm Black & White Bull Sale American Marketing Services, Meadows Creek Farm & Pintlala Cattle Company Charolais, Angus & Brangus Bulls Wednesday, Dec. 28th at 12:00 noon Special Slaughter Cow & Bull Sale

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Owned and Operated by: Carl McKettrick and Joe Hilliard II

Located on Hwy. 17 (8 miles north of Arcadia, FL)

8 6 3 - 4 94-3737 8 6 3 - 4 94-1808 Fax: 863-494-5933 www.arcadiastockyard.com

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 41

Farmers & Ranchers

by Robbi Sumner

Perry Hollingsworth

A native Arcadian, Perry Hollingsworth graduated from DeSoto High before spending two years at Florida Southern College studying citrus and horticulture. From there he transferred to the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

Perry grew up helping with his family’s business, Sun Bulb Company, Inc., a national supplier of orchids, orchid supplies, home décor accents, and environmentally friendly gardening innovations. Working in the nursery he became familiar with various aspects of irrigation, fertilization, and growing plants. These experiences provided him with an excellent background in horticulture and marketing.

After college graduation, Perry spent five years in Flowery Branch, Georgia with Specialty Tag & Label, Inc., a company that offers identification solutions for horticulture. There he was responsible for outside sales within a seven-state territory in the southeastern United States.

Strong family ties were calling Perry back when, through a Sigma Chi fraternity brother, he made contact with Doug Marine of Agri Services International. According to Perry, Doug is a “guru of irrigation” whose passionate convictions to both his family and his business helped make Perry’s decision to return to Florida and work with ASI. That was two and a half years ago, and now from the Arcadia location, Perry manages the West Coast Division, which stretches from Immokalee to Ocala, west of Highway 27. He supervises 14 employees, including those in the Construction and Wholesale Irrigation Parts Divisions. He is also responsible for many of the corporate marketing decisions, including brochure design, website management, and selection of advertising outlets.

A typical day for Perry is often arriving at the office before 7:00 am, getting the construction crew started, and then meeting with Abby Lyons (the wholesale inside

42 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

sales representative). He then will spend some time on new business proposals, work on engineering take offs or business reports, and then he tries to spend as much time as possible “in the field” meeting with existing and prospective customers. He says that his “favorite part of the job is getting out and explaining the various systems, and discussing water conservation measures and cost sharing programs that are available to farmers and growers.” His customers include growers of blueberries, citrus, peaches, sod, hay, row crops, and greenhouse nurseries. Perry is trained and well versed in irrigation solutions for a variety of crops and situations. For example, one of his larger customers was faced with the distinction of having one of the highest recorded salt water intrusions in the state.

Together they achieved a solution for safely irrigating the crop.

Notes from a recent staff meeting in Perry’s office show “Take pride in your work” as the number one priority listed. It’s obvious that he possesses a strong work ethic and strives to instill that quality in others. Although according to Perry, “Doug works harder than anyone else in the company. He really sets the standard for what the rest of us should achieve.”

Perry says that he is “very close” to both of his parents and that his father has been a huge influence both personally and professionally. He notes his father’s “strong business background” and says that he has learned a great deal from him regarding business management and investments.

Earlier this year, Perry and his wife Rachel welcomed home a new baby girl named Harper. Rachel is a Pediatric Speech Therapist at All Children’s Hospital in Ft. Myers. When he has time, Perry enjoys salt water fishing, quail hunting, golf, and he is an avid college football fan. It is interesting to note that while his diploma is from Georgia, he still roots for the Gators! This season he’s enjoying watching the games with five month old Harper.

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100 Acres of Activities, Air Conditioned Arena, Barns and Exhibit Hall

Saturday, November 19, 2011 Gates open at 9am $5 Parking, Free Admission Turner Agri-Civic Center 2250 NE Roan St.| Arcadia, FL

863-993-4807

www.turnercenter.com jsullivan@turnercenter.com

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* * * * * * * * *

Come enjoy a day honoring our heritage through recognition of yesterday’s and today’s Farmers and Ranchers.

Equipment and equestrian demos Youth beef show Cowboy Polo Wine tasting Working cow dog demos Petting zoo Livestock exhibits Pony rides CEU Classes offered by UF/IFAS

Vendors offering and selling services and products-see what is available in the agriculture industry!

STEAK AND SWAMP CABBAGE COOK-OFF Come hungry and grab a plate!

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 43

Six convenient locations throughout Highlands and Hardee Counties www.wauchulastatebank.com

Grazing Management School 2011 Approximately 50 people from various backgrounds took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about issues surrounding cattle forage at the 2011 Grazing Management School held in Okeechobee September 15 and 16. The classroom was filled to capacity on Thursday morning when Extension Agent Pat Hogue welcomed the group and introduced the agenda.

Grazing Management is the manipulation of livestock grazing to obtain defined outputs of livestock products. Sponsored by the South Florida Beef Forage Program of the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the program incorporated both classroom sessions and a ranch tour to support practical applications in the field.

Participants were each provided a three-ring binder packed with information on subjects like soil fertility, forage varieties, weed control, and managing feral hog and coyote problems.

Dr. Maria Silveira from the Ona Range Cattle Research and Education Center (REC) kicked off the session with a presentation on Soil Fertility for Forages, Pastures and Hayfields. Among the topics covered were essential nutrients for plants, the importance of a soil test, and proper fertilization. Pat Hogue spoke on Forage Varieties for Grazing Management, including common grass and legumes. Christy Kirby discussed Pasture Establishment and Renovation, and the team of Lindsey Wiggins and Dr. Brent Sellers addressed Weed Management and Control. According to Sellers, cogongrass infestation is “spreading like wildfire” in Florida and must be diligently controlled.

Afternoon topics included Conserved Forage Options: Nutritive Value and Dry Matter Losses presented by Courtney Davis; Grazing Management by Dr. Joe Vendramini; Native Range in Grazing Systems by Chad George; and Forage-Based Nutrition and Deficits in Forage Quantity and Quality with Dr.

44 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

Matt Hersom. Dr. Hersom stressed three elements that influence forage nutritional value: maturity, grass species, and fertilization.

Friday morning everyone enjoyed a ranch tour of Southern Accent Farm owned by Allen and Nicki Smith. While best known for their quality registered Brangus, the Smiths also grow a variety of grasses used for grazing, cutting and planting, and for both cattle and horse forage. Allen demonstrated a grass planter that he designed to unroll plant material without damaging the material like many machines do. “If my material includes 4’runners, the 4’runners now get planted, not broken in to smaller pieces,” he explained. He and Nicki found the need for such a machine after their own experience with hand planting, and recalled it taking six people the better part of a day to plant five acres. They can now plant 15 acres a day with just three people working.

During the tour, fields planted with different varieties like jigs and stargrass at various growth terms were also studied.

The group returned to the Extension office for lunch, and the afternoon was spent back in the classroom on the hot topics of Economics of Producing Cattle on Forage presented by Dr. Curt Lacy, Producing Grass Fed Beef by Dr. Chad Carr, and Managing Feral Hog and Coyote Problems with Dr. Martin Main.

With subject specialists from the University of Florida, University of Georgia, USDA-NRCS, the Ona and Southwest Florida RECs, in addition to the knowledge of 11 county extension agents, the Grazing Management School proved to be worth much more than the price of admission.

According to one attendee, “I can’t believe we have such valuable resources rights here at our fingertips. I learned a lot and plan on putting it to use in my cattle operation.”

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Better Soil Health

Beneficial microbes are nature’s way of maintaining healthy soil.

Without them, the soil’s fertility will deteriorate no matter how much fertilizer is add to it.

Rhizogen fertilizers are packed with beneficial microbes, Mycorrhizal fungi, humates and essential nutrients — all of which help build rich, fertile soil. Beneficial microbes make the nutrients in the soil more available to plants. Mycorrhizal fungi create extensions of plants’ roots, multiplying their ability to pull water out of the soil. Humates reduce soil compaction, which means less water is required.

www.rhizogen.com U.S. Patents 6,878,179, 7,044,994 & 7,442,224

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 45

0ctober 22,2011 9:30 REGISTRATION 10:00 START Quail Creek Plantation

When: Where:

FFA Alumni: Helping Shape Our Youth Into Tomorrow's Leaders Ask about Raffle Tickets and our "Green Bird Poker Run."

During the morning while we are waiting on everyone to finish up, there will also be a turkey shoot, $3/shot, and the winner will receive a smoked turkey for Thanksgiving.

Sponsorship Levels Level Tournament Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor

Tournaments Course Open to Cost Number of Targets

November 19, 2011

Hicks Oil Co. Independent Distributors Full line of Lubricants Wix Filters Interstate Batteries Meeting all Your Petroleum Needs • Fill-Rite Pumps and Hoses • Tanks, Retail Fuels • 2 Locations Public Welcome

Prospect Steer Show, Heifer Show, Brahman Influence Steer/Heifer, DeSoto County Steer/Heifer, and Showmanship.

On Friday November 18 legends of the past will be honored and the Young Farmer/Rancher of the Year award will be presented at the Ag Fest Heritage Banquet. Seating is limited and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Come enjoy a steak dinner with all the fixins’ - individual tickets are $25 or a table of eight can be reserved for just $300. The purpose of the Young Farmer/Rancher award is to recognize a young agriculturist aged 18-40 for their service to the agriculture industry with innovation and vision for carrying on the heritage in DeSoto County. There are nine nominees, and that night the winner will be awarded an engraved .22 Golden Boy rifle donated by KJ Guns and Ammo.

Vendor space at Saturday’s festival is available and costs only $50 for an 18’x18’ spot. Show off your products and services and support this agriculture focused event by reserving your space by October 28.

For more information on any of the Ag Fest events, please contact Jody Sullivan at 863.993.4807 or visit www.turnercenter. com.

• Gasoline • Fuels • Lubricants

Open

Ladies

Youth

Sporting Clays All Individuals $50 50

Sporting Clays Female Shooters $50 50

Sporting Clays Students $40 50

Lunch

$12

I am interested in shooting, but not sponsoring ______ open, ______ ladies, _____ youth, _____ lunch.

(Please enter number of each).

Enclosed is my check for _______________ made payable to FFA Alumni.

Contact Name_________________________________ and I can be reached at ______-______-___________.

Address :_____________________________ City:____________________ State:_________ Zip:__________. * All Entry Prices include lunch; prizes will be given for First, Fifth, and Last Place.

All proceeds go to benefiting Okeechobee FFA Students with activities and education.

For information on sponsorship, or registering to shoot, please contact:

Buddy Mills Darryl Boney

E MAIL: okeechobeeffaalumni@gmail.com Dr. Randall Mims Ray Anuez

(772)-519-0603 (863)-634-0642

Certified Public Accountants

Wicks, Brown, Williams & Co. Serving Central Florida for Over 40 Years

Sebring

COMPLETE LINE OF LIBERTY SAFES

GUN • HOME • OFFICE Keeping America Safe & Green

C. Mark Cox, CPA, Partner John W. Davis, CPA, Partner Charles P. Cox, CPA

• Lifetime Warranty • Factory Direct Pricing • Fire Protection • Burglary Protection • American Made • Purchase Locally • Professional Delivery • Personalized Service

Lake Placid

Okeechobee

Cheryl M. Williams, CPA, Partner Corey A. DeHays, CPA

140 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, Florida 33870

(863) 382-1157 wbwtaxmgr@wbwcpa.com

October 2011

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(863)-697-2613 (863)-610-0219

Please mail registration and checks to 4400 SE 138th Ave Okeechobee, Fl 34974

W. Bruce Stratton, CPA, Partner

Avon Park (863) 453-8166 Sebring (863) 385-0495 Toll Free (877) 595-8166 46 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Includes 6 Shooters, cart, lunch and large banner at awards ceremony.

4 Shooters, cart, lunch and banner at luncheon area.

4 Shooters, cart, lunch and sign advertisement at shooting station.

Sign on sporting clays course

Please sign me up for a ________________________ sponsorship. (Tournament, gold, silver, bronze).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 19, that’s when Ag Fest 2011 takes over Arcadia’s Turner Center! This exciting new event will honor our agricultural heritage through recognition of yesterday and today’s farmers and ranchers. While the event is being held in Arcadia, participants and spectators from surrounding areas are invited and encouraged to attend. There will be something for everyone with activities like: Beef Shows, Cowboy Polo, Farm Equipment Displays, Wine Tasting, Pony Rides, Working Cow Dog Demos, a Petting Zoo, a Cow Whip Contest and more!

Gates open at 9:00 am on Saturday, parking is only $5 per vehicle and admission is free! Don’t miss out on this affordable, all-day entertainment for the family. Come hungry and enjoy the food. There will be both a steak and swamp cabbage cook-off.

Enjoy the day with local entertainment, canning and quilting demonstrations, and vendors offering everything from jewelry to trucks and tractors.

The Beef Show begins at 10:00 am in the air-conditioned arena and is open to all 4-H, FFA, and Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association members up to 18 years of age. Classes include a

• • • •

Amount $550 $375 $275 $100

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 47

Heartland Growers Supply and Behlen Farm and Ranch Equipment

Okeechobee Cattlemen Host

Longtime Okeechobee Rodeo Announcer Jerry Todd

Championship Bull Riding and PRCA Rodeo

by Robbi Sumner photo by Jim Davis Photography

The Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association held their Championship Bull Riding & Labor Day Rodeo, Sept. 3 - 5 at the Agri Civic Center. This marks the 60th year of the local Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned rodeo, the first having been held in 1951.

On Saturday night, the crowd enjoyed two rounds of exciting bull riding action. With $1,000 added money, cowboys did their best to make the 8-second whistle. After the final scores were tallied, Josh Skeen of Live Oak placed second with a combined score of 156. Clay McIntyre of Wauchula clinched the championship with 172 points.

On Sunday and Monday the rodeo action was called by announcer Jerry Todd of Hope Hull, Alabama. Rodeo clown Rockin Robbie Hodges of Cave Spring, Georgia provided added entertainment with his quick wit and off-the-cuff banter.

Jeremy Mouton won the Bareback Riding with a high score of 74, Freddy Herrera scored 73 for second, Zachery Kiestler had 72 points for third, and Matthew Smith placed fourth with a 71.

Competition in the Steer Wrestling was equally tough, as only two-tenths of a second separated first from fourth place.

Bob Rohrer and Ivan Bruised Head split first with a time of 4.40 seconds. Darby Hunt was second with a 4.50 and a 4.60 gave Justin Thigpen fourth.

Garrett Beach topped the Tie-Down Roping in 8.20 seconds,

48 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

with Stetson Aldridge taking second with an 8.30. Other check earners were Seth Rodriguez with an 8.90, Miles Ashton with 9.70, Mitch Rinehart 10.20, and Will Lane with a 10.60.

Team Ropers Bradley Massey and Kyle Lawrence wowed the crowd with their winning time of 4.60 and Josh Jumper and Jerry Courson placed second with 5.20. With two teams stopping the clock in 6.00 seconds, third place was split by Jeremy Hester/ Cory Kidd V and Troy Weekly Jr./Adam Plyler. Miles Ashton and Ty Chancey were fifth with 7.60 and Joshua and Jonathon Torres placed sixth with a time of 11.20.

There was a three-way tie for first in the Saddle Bronc Riding with Austin Joseph, Nickolas LeBlanc and Justin Caylor all scoring 73 points. Jim Burnette took fourth with a score of 70.

Tammi Pettis clocked a 17.59 to best the field of Barrel Racers, with less than a half-second deciding first through fifth place.

Other money earners were Sherry Cannon with 17.66, Heather Clemons with 17.75, Kyndal McCormick with 17.84, and a fourway tie for fifth with Jennifer Lynd, Crissy Staley, Casey Chappel and Katie Palmer all clocking a 17.96.

The score was Bulls 8, Cowboys 0 as the stock provided by the Silver Spurs proved themselves too rank to be ridden. No one made the 8-second whistle in either performance of the rodeo.

The Cattlemen will host their next PRCA rodeo in March 2012.

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Heartland Growers Supply and Behlen Farm and Ranch Equipment will be hosting a Cattle Handling Seminar October 13 at the Hardee Cattlemen’s Arena in Wauchula. The purpose of the seminar is to introduce an easier way to handle and work cattle in the State of Florida by demonstrating cattle handling equipment that will cause less stress on the cattle and the cattleman. There will be several different representatives from different companies talking about and demonstrating their products. There will also be drawings for mineral feeders, mineral, poly bunk feeders, water tanks, gates, and discounts on feed.

Bob Simon with Lakeland Nutrition Group will be discussing mineral nutrition basics and mineral feeding management, including the importance of minerals in a cow’s diet as it relates to performance, especially this time of year as cows are preparing to calve then rebreed. The management of mineral products as it affects intake and ultimately the nutrition status of the cow is another important topic being covered. Simon will also host a question and answer session regarding mineral supplementation.

Greg Woodard with Merck Animal Health will discuss the strategic deworming practices that will help cattle producers more effectively control internal parasites in their herd and will be demonstrating the air powered dosing gun for drench application of Safeguard.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.’s Carlton Taylor will present information on TrichGuard. Trichomoniasis, caused by Tritrichomonas foetus, a tiny single celled protozoan can wreak havoc on your herd. One infected bull can spread it throughout the entire herd. Prevention and protection go hand in hand and TrichGuard is the first vaccine licensed to protect against trichomoniasis in cattle.

Chris Mellow with Nutrena Feed will be talking about the current state of the cattle industry and how the world economy can affect the beef business. He will also discuss cattle needs and what nutrients are important and work with ranchers to set goals and explain what it takes for them to meet their annual goals.

The seminar takes place from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on October 13.

Following the seminar will be a delicious BBQ Brisket Dinner and drawings and give-a-ways, including a chance to win a John Deere Gator. Be sure to take advantage of the cattle handling seminar and RSVP today.

For more information please call Heartland Growers Supply at (863) 773-5888.

Cash ts n i D scouna, FL O F.O.B.

A sample of the Behlen Farm & Ranch Equipment you’ll see at the Cattle Handling Seminar

Custom Blended Foliar, Suspension & Solution Fertilizers

Barney Cherry 863-441-1482 Bruce Hutcheson 863-441-2018

FLORIDA FENCE POST Co., Inc. 5251 S.R. 64 West • PO Box 645 • Ona, FL 33865

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Our Posts Meet The Federal Standards!

CCA.40/AWPA C-16 Ground Contact

Email: sales@flfencepost.com

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 49

Thank You...

To Highlands County Farm Bureau’s Heritage Sponsors.

WANTED Dyson Spare Part, Inc. is currently hiring for the following FT/PT positions: • Clerk • Account Manager • Sales Representatives • Receptionist Should be computer literate and have 2-3 hours of access to the internet weekly. Must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information send your resume to Mr. Donald via email at dysonsparepart@gmail.com

Southwest Crescent Pie

Prep time: 5 minutes Total recipe time: 35 minutes Makes 4 servings Ingredients ) 1 pound ground beef (80% to 85% lean i sauce chil in 1 can (15 to 16 ounces) chili beans ed tostew ed 1 can (14⅟2 to 15 ounces) chili-season matoes, undrained ican-style corn ⅟2 cup frozen or drained canned Mex cent dinner cres 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated rolls ese with jalapeño pepper ⅟2 cup shredded Cheddar-Jack che Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Heat larg e nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add gro und beef, cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings.

2. Stir in beans, tomatoes and corn, bring to a boil. Cook about 10 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile separate cresce nt roll dough into 8 triangles.

Line 9-inch pie plate with dough triangles, placing narrow tips toward center. Firmly press edges of dough together to form crust.

Bake in 375°F oven 10 minutes.

Remove from oven.

4. Spoon beef mixture into cru st. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of crust are golden brown and cheese is me lted.

Upcoming Events: Southern Women’s Show, Orlando-October 13-16, 2011 December Quarterly, Gainesville-November 30-December 2, 2011 Cattlewomen Clay Shoot-Okeechobee (Quail Creek Plantation)-January 7, 2012 More information to come on these events as they get closer.

Please support these businesses!

50 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

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October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 51

Charlotte Mann Lewis

Are you uninsured or have a high copay?

Memorial 4-D Barrel Race

by Robbi Sumner The names Charlotte Lewis, Clara Lou Carter, and Cheryl Lynn Mann are synonymous with barrel racing in Florida.

The trio of sisters began making a name for themselves in the rodeo world during the 1960s and 70s.

When the Florida Barrel Racers Association was formed in 1968, Charlotte and Clara Lou were both charter members.

According to NBHA Florida State Director Linda Jones, “I’ve known the family over 40 years. Their momma, Irma, also ran barrels and their daddy, C.L., was one heck of a horseman. It was only natural that the girls would be talented too.” In fact, Cheryl Lynn qualified twice for the National Finals Rodeo.

Unfortunately, Charlotte passed away in December 1998 at the age of 57 after a long and courageous fight with breast cancer. But during her time, she touched the lives of many people with her straightforward, caring ways of helping them to learn about horses and barrel racing, her event of choice.

Longtime family friend Gail Blount shared that “Charlotte possessed a wealth of horsemanship knowledge. Her father exposed the girls to different disciplines so they learned about everything from cutting to cowpony races. She was an allaround hand with a lot of wisdom about horses and life in general. She always tried

to see the good in people and inspire them to work to the best of their abilities.”

Today Cheryl Lynn and Clara Lou continue to run barrels competitively and share their talent and passion for the sport with others.

Last year, friends Buddy Hall and Cheryl Collins decided that it was time to hold a memorial barrel race in Charlotte’s honor. The event was a celebration of her life, with those who knew her personally and those who only know of her, all coming together to enjoy her sport of barrel racing and raise money for cancer research and awareness. The event was a huge success and raised almost $1,800.

This year’s event will be held Sunday, October 16, at the Brighton Seminole Reservation - Fred Smith Rodeo Arena.

Exhibitions start at 9:00 am and Church service will be held at 10:30 am. The

Personal Service is Our Pledge

We Breed Award Winners

barrel racing action begins at 12:00 noon.

There will be $1,000 added prize money with a saddle going to the 1D winner and buckles to the 2, 3, and 4D winners (with ½ second splits.)

For only a $5 donation you can have a chance to win a 2011 AQHA filly donated

by Daniel’s Quarter Horses or a 2012 breeding to 2005 stallion My Special Dynasty donated by Gary and Linda Jones.

The filly is out of Hot Check Dually and Mias Wahoo. My Special Dynasty is a full brother to the 2003 WPRA World Champion Dyna’s Plain Special. The drawing will take place at the event prior to contestant payout.

Admission is free for spectators. For tickets and sponsorship information call 863.990.2159 or 863.634.1962. For vendor or additional event information call 863.467.6039 or visit www.rezrodeo.com.

DeSoto Machine Shop Triangle Spreader Manufacturing Co. www.desotomachine.com

Robert O’Connor 863-214-5144 Kim O’Connor 863-214-6160 Duroc • Blue Butt • Hamp-Cross • Exotic

52 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2011

MOWER

(800) 494-0335 (863) 494-0703

2692 N.E. Nat Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Do You Need a Mammogram?

Many women spend so much time taking care of everyone else in their lives they forget to look after their own needs. But every woman should make her own healthcare a priority, which includes regular breast and reproductive-health exams.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer sometime during her life is about one in eight. But the odds of dying from breast cancer are about one in 35. Breast cancer death rates are decreasing, largely thanks to earlier detection and improved treatment.

Experts agree that early detection of breast cancer is essential to delivering the most effective treatment. The ACS recommends that women age 40 and older have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year and that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your personal medical history.

Being familiar with your breasts and paying attention to changes can be another way to detect breast cancer. If you notice a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or redness, or any unusual discharge, talk to your doctor right away.

The Breast Care Center at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center and the Heartland’s top physicians are working together to bring you quality breast care close to home.

Our highly trained staff includes board certified radiologists, the area’s only fellowship trained breast radiologist, registered

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mammographers, ultrasonographers and a nurse navigator to personalize and guide your care.

Our multidisciplinary team, which includes surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists and pathologists, meets regularly to review diagnostic imaging, surgical intervention and treatment plans for optimal management of your breast care. This saves you and your family precious time and the inconvenience of traveling to Tampa and Orlando. Quality breast care is right here in Sebring.

If your mammogram results show anything suspicious, our specially trained nurse navigator is there to assist you. She is an expert in the field and can help answer your questions or point you in the right direction. With many resources at her disposal she will help in guiding you through a personalized treatment plan, set up your appointments, and offer group meetings for ongoing support. She provides the care and support you need, and is always only a phone call away. To schedule a free consultation with the Breast Patient Navigator call 863-402-7575.

The Breast Care Center is dually accredited nationally by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), and certified by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). This means we set, and exceed the highest standards for breast care in the nation. To make an appointment for your mammogram please call 402-3383. You’re worth it!

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 53

DeSoto County

54 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Julie Nunez and her children at a home dedication for her friend as she was awaiting word whether or not she would be the next home recipient.

OPEN ROAD RALLY

1ST ANNUAL FAMILY FU N DAY

by Robbie Sumner A few In the Field staff members recently had the pleasure of meeting for lunch at El Tarasco in LaBelle. Upon arrival we were greeted with friendly service and a festive atmosphere. Fresh tortilla chips and salsa were served as we studied the expansive menu. With about five pages of delicious sounding and reasonably priced dishes, it took some time to select our meals!

Botanas, or appetizers, include Buffalo wings, Buffalo tenders, and a variety of dips like guacalmole, bean, cheese with spinach, and chori cheese dip.

Lunch specials are offered Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and include plates like the Speedy Gonzalez, which is one taco, one enchilada, and your choice of rice or beans for $5.99; Fajitas Vaquero - tender beef, chicken, shrimp and mushrooms grilled with tomato, onions and green peppers, served with tortillas on a hot “comal� for $8.99; or the Pancho Special, a lunch portion of chicken and shrimp topped with shredded cheese, served hot from the grill with rice, beans, guacamole salad and tortillas also for $8.99 (that’s what Rhonda ordered!).

At El Tarasco, nachos are much more than tortillas covered with melted cheese. Choose from Supreme, Fajita style, or steak and grilled chicken as toppings. The menu also includes a selection of Marisocos (seafood) plates like Filete Patzcuaro – a fish filet and grilled shrimp covered with cheese and served with a side salad and tortillas for $12.99.

Chile Colorado and Arrachera are two of the “Especialidades El Tarasco.� The Chile Colorado has tender beef chunks seasoned with red chile sauce, rice and beans. The Arrachera is grilled, thinly sliced ribeye and bell peppers filled with chicken and cheese, all topped with shredded cheese and served with salad, a cheese enchilada and side of rice for just $12.49.

On the lighter side, a number of Ensaladas (salads) are offered, including Fajita Taco, Taco, and Ensalada de Camaron (grilled shrimp). Diners aged 10 and under can choose from a special menu of kid favorites like a corn dog with fries, taco and enchilada, or grilled chicken with rice – each for under $5.00.

Meals are served on colorful Fiesta plates, which add to the fun atmosphere. I enjoyed a delicious and filling chicken chimichanga, which was covered with melted cheese and served with Mexican rice, refried beans and guacamole salad. Others in our group dined on the chicken quesadilla, nachos, and chicken fettuccini alfredo (yes, pasta at a Mexican restaurant!).

It was all delicious, as attested to by the clean plates left on the table. We had chosen a fantastic spot to get together and enjoy yummy food, prompt, friendly service, and each other’s company.

El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant is located at 675 W. Hickpoochee Avenue/Highway 80, LaBelle and is open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 10:00pm.

Meet Julie Nunez and her family. Julie is a single mom with four great kids. She is a school bus driver and works at the Health Department. But Julie was living in an unsafe and overcrowded house. Now, Julie is scheduled to move into her new house this December. Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out. We do not give houses away, but, rather, they are purchased by our partnering families with a zero percent loan. Julie has worked hard on her house and the houses of other partnering families, as well. As a single mom, she only had to work 200 hours of ‘sweat equity’. Julie has surpassed 300 hours, and shows no signs of slowing down in her commitment to helping others. Habitat for Humanity helps families like Julies’ to build and buy their own homes. Through donations and volunteer labor and fundraising activities, these dreams become a reality for our partnering families.

Date: October 22, 2011 Time: 12 noon—8:30pm

Where: DeSoto County Fairgrounds POKER RUN— 3 Winners/3 Great Prizes

SIGN UP NOW!-Call Jan Schmitz at 863-491-4100 Don’t Miss this 63(&7$&8/$5 (9(17 Admission ONLY: $3 per adult, $1 kids under 12 Free Parking

Lots of kids games and activities

FREE!

YOU, TOO, CAN BE A WINNER HEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE InTheFieldÂŽ T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to: InTheFieldÂŽ Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by October 15, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.

No Farmers No Food

Silver Sponsors Partnering with: The DeSoto County Fair Association

James D. Webb, Jr.

Senior Vice President–Investments Financial Advisor (863) 402-2009 • (800) 937-0259 2623 US Highway 27 South, Sebring, FL 33870

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May Lose Value

Š 2011 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 55

by Robbi Sumner

4-H Can Make a Difference

That was the theme for the annual Okeechobee County 4-H Awards Program and Banquet held September 10 at the Okeechobee High School cafeteria.

Extension Agent Debbie Clements welcomed the crowd and began the awards presentation by introducing this year’s winners of the Friend of 4-H Award, stating that it is “the most important award,” as 4-H could not be successful without the many people who give their time, knowledge, and various resources to the program. First established in 1989, the award honors persons or organizations that have performed exemplary service to the Okeechobee 4-H program. Clements went on to state that she is proud of the cooperation that exists in Okeechobee between 4-H and FFA programs, and introduced the county’s Ag Educators and FFA Advisors Brian Dryden, Marshall Gerbitz, Roger McWaters, Buddy Mills and Brian Trimble as Okeechobee County Friend of 4-H Award recipients. “4-H and FFA are members of a family with the common goal of producing outstanding future leaders, well prepared with necessary life skills,” said Clements.

“These men have coached various Judging teams, Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Ag Mechanics, Tractor Driving, Tool Identification and Leadership Development, with no differentiation between the color of the jackets or the emblems on the official dress.”

Clements then introduced the Rudy Suchel Spirit of Volunteerism Award, “given in memory of one of the best volunteers the county has been blessed with. It is presented to 4-Hers who personify his giving spirit.” This year’s recipients were Shiloh Anuez, Jake Menendez, Joseph Menendez, and Mariah Parriott.

During the program, over 225 “Amazing Resource Volunteers” were recognized in addition to the Club Leaders and Parent Helpers/Club Volunteers. Over 360 4-H members completed projects to receive pins for 2010-2011. With about 20 existing clubs to choose from, Okeechobee 4-H is expanding its offerings this year with new clubs including ones focused on photography, cooking, and a goat/lamb club.

Leaders from each club present recognized members with awards for accomplishments like 100 percent meeting attendance and project completion. Record Book Contest winners in each category were announced and six members, Chance Deen, Ross Laskey, Raychel Rabon, Shiloh Anuez, Jake Menendez and Joseph Menendez were congratulated for achieving scores of 100 percent on their record books. County medals were presented in the areas of Achievement, Agriculture, Citizenship and Leadership. The 2011 graduating seniors were recognized, as were those members who participated in State and National events.

Before and during the banquet a Chinese auction was held by the Junior Leaders/County Council as a fundraising event for their club. There was something for everyone as donated items ranged from pet care products and restaurant gift certificates to jewelry and a gun cleaning kit.

For more information on Okeechobee 4-H programs, contact the County Extension Office, 863-763-6469.

56 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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District X 4-H in Action

District X 4H Installs 2011 – 2012 Officers Left to right: Darin Terry, Executive Board, Hardee County; Destiny McCauley, Vice President, Hardee County; Raychel Rabon, Treasurer , Okeechobee County; Amanda Killmon, Secretary, Highlands County, Megan Stine, Immediate Past President, Highlands County; Ruthie Erekson, Executive Board, Hardee County and Tracy Tesdall, 4H Regional Agent and District X 4H Council Advisor. Not present for the photo Emilie Mattiette Lege’, President, Okeechobee County.

District X 4H at State Congress Left to Right Front Row: Juliette Perez, Highlands County; Lauren Welborn, Highlands; County, Destiny McCauley, Hardee County; Amanda Kay, Highlands County; Back Row: Shiloh Anuez, Okeechobee County, Tater Bent, Okeechobee County, Emilie Mattiette Lege’, Okeechobee County; Wesley Mims, Okeechobee County; Megean Stine, Highlands County, Rachel Rabon, Okeechobee County; Victoria Floyd, Hardee County; Ruthie Erekson, Hardee County.

Sharing time with a University of Florida ‘gator are (from left) Ruthie Erekson, Victoria Floyd and Destiny McCauley.

Hardee County Represents District X 4H at Executive Board Left to right; Matt Guy, Lake County; Darin Terry, Hardee County, Tatum Britt, Sarasota County; Destiny McCauley, Hardee County, Victoria Floyd, Hardee County and Ruthie Erekson, Hardee County.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 57

AgCalendar What’s going on InTheField?

• October 1—2nd Annual Smokin’ in the Swamp BBQ Contest Cookoff, Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, Brighton-Seminole Reservation, www.rezrodeo.com

Florida 4-H Hosts Visiting 4-H Leaders from Iraq

by Jim Frankowiak Yes, the headline is correct. Florida was one of three states recently visited by a group of 4-H leaders from Iraq, the 81st foreign country to become associated with 4-H International. The nine leaders were joined by three interpreters, all were part of the International Visitor Leadership Program.

The visit took place July 16 – 27 and included stops in Pennsylvania and Nebraska, as well as the Sunshine State. How this all came about, the progress of 4-H in Iraq and interesting ties to Florida, make for an interesting story.

In early 2009 there was no 4-H in Iraq, but in April of that year Mary Kerstetter arrived as a one-year volunteer U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advisor for the Department of State’s Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Anbar Province where she was to work to help build Iraq’s agricultural sector.

“My work as a district conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ellicottville, New York, would prove useful in helping Iraq better manage its natural resources,” said Kerstetter. “As I began to acclimate to my new work environment, I found that my active involvement in 4-H as a child growing up in Pennsylvania was a resource I could draw on as well to make a difference in Iraq. I realized that starting a 4-H program in Iraq would be a good way to help the country ensure a brighter future for its children.”

4-H is the premier youth development program of the USDA. Originating in the early 1900s as “four-square education,” the 4-H’s head-hearthands-health seek to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of their community through USDA’s Cooperative Extension Service to enhance the quality of life.

4-H is recognized worldwide and exists in more than 80 countries.

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Though none of the Iraqis had ever heard of 4-H, Kerstetter found high levels of interest and support from the provincial agricultural ministry and private sector. Unlike the U.S., where 4-H is a USDA program, in Iraq 4-H the private sector provides the foundation for 4-H and sponsors individual clubs.

Kerstetter noted that in Iraq as in the U.S. sheep are a popular species of livestock, small and easy for children to handle.

She submitted a funding request for $25,000 to cover the cost of starting a 4-H club in Anbar Province with the funds to be used to purchase grain, sheep shears, hoof nippers, feed pans, water buckets and sheep. The grant was approved and the foundation for 4-H in Iraq was put in place and the focus was placed on disadvantaged children.

To help grow the 4-H program in Iraq, Kerstetter reached out to former colleagues for assistance. That included retired Hardee County Extension Director Lockie Gary and retired state 4-H Program Leader Marilyn Norman. They provided materials to help Kerstetter and her efforts with 4-H in Iraq. What began with 24 youngsters has grown to 42 clubs with 1,100 children involved throughout the country.

To nurture the development of 4-H in Iraq, Kerstetter was successful in securing a grant for Iraqi 4-H leaders to come to the U.S. to learn more about 4-H, enhance their skills and help their efforts in Iraq. The trip was “pending” for a period of time, but was finally approved this past May. It included stops in Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Florida.

Leading the Florida leg of the trip was Georgene Bender, South Central Regional Specialized 4-H Agent and “the invaluable assistance of 46 others,” said Bender, who serves 11 counties in the west central part of the state from her office at the UF/IFAS Plant City Center.

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• October 1-2—FLW Outdoors BFL Division Final Fishing Tournament, C. Scott Driver Park, Okeechobee, 863-763-1666

• October 13-16—Southern Women’s Show, Florida Cattlewomen, Orlando • October 15-16—Florida Bass Federation State Championship, C. Scott Driver Park, Okeechobee, 863-763-3959 • October 16—Charlotte Lewis Memorial Barrel Race, to benefit cancer programs, Fred Smith Rodeo Arena

• October 1-2—Martha Josey Barrel Racing Clinic, Agri-Civic Center, Okeechobee (863) 763-1666

• October 21—Friday Night Live!

Pumpkins in the Park, Downtown Wauchula 5p - 9p

• October 10-13—Reproductive Management School, Buck Island Ranch, Contact Lindsey Wiggins, (863) 674-4092

• October 29-30—Florida Gun Show, Highlands County Fair Convention Center

• October 12-16—Venice/Naples Dog Show, Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia, (863) 993-4807 It was a fitting match since Bender’s 4-H tenure includes posts in Poland, Japan, Latin and South America.

After stops in Pennsylvania and Nebraska, the group came to Orlando and began their visit at Disney’s EPCOT with a behind the scenes tour of agricultural areas at the attraction.

“Some of the techniques they saw depicted similar land conditions in their native Iraq,” said Bender. The EPCOT tour also included a fish farm, alligator pool and other crops.

The next day the group visited Arcadia where they attended a local 4-H club meeting and saw demonstrations from DeSoto County 4-H leader Cindy Kinard on poultry and a sheep showmanship and shearing demonstration from Jessica Squitieri, Hillsborough County 4-H’er. Norman also met with the visitors and discussed the value of 4-H in the development of citizenship, leadership and life skills among youth. The handling of livestock in emergency response situations was the focus of a meeting with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services State Agriculture Response Team.

Later in the day, the group observed a cattle sale at the Arcadia Stockyards and toured the Dakin Dairy and Sales Outlet. “The sale was of particular interest,” said Bender. “In Iraq livestock sales are much more informal, though the cost per

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• November 30-December 2—December Quarterly, Florida Cattlewomen, Gainesville • January 7—Cattlewomen Clay Shoot, Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee animal is as much as 10 times more than in the U.S.” The day concluded with a series of demonstrations at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center and a barbecue dinner reception.

The group’s last day in Florida was spent with more demonstrations and roundtable discussions on designing quality programs for youth at the college level. Programs such as Collegiate 4-H and course work in the University of Florida Agriculture Education and Communications Department were discussed. There was much interest between both groups to participate in some educational exchange via existing distance education programs for students in Iraq. Since Iraq 4-H is sponsored by local businesses, they are interested in developing partnerships with universities at home and abroad. There was also an opportunity to interact at lunch with more than 300 senior 4-H members at the annual State 4-H Congress.

At this writing, the final chapter in this story is yet to be written. As part of the grant to bring the Iraqi 4-H leaders to the U.S., Bender and some of her colleagues may be going to Iraq to help teach the teachers during a 10-day trip later this year. The trip is subject to final approval, but Bender “is ready to go.”

October 2011

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 59

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

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