In The Field Magazine - Polk

Jan. 15 - Feb. 15, 2011 ®

Michelle Perez FFA Area IV Vice President

Covering What’s Growing INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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JANUARY 15 – JIM STAFFORD

Singer-songwriter and comedian, Jim Stafford will grace the stage in the Red Rose Ballroom on this evening for his special birthday celebration.

His hits include: Swamp Witch, Spiders and Snakes, and My Girl Bill. Jim’s music has been covered by George Jones and Jerry Reed and he has contributed to several movie soundtracks. Also performing - PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show. Space is limited, so please RSVP for this great dinner show soon!

JANUARY 21 & 29

JANUARY 22 – BOB ANDERSON

FEBRUARY 19

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

JANUARY 29

THE FABULOUS HUBCAPS

“One of the Nation’s Most Sought After Oldies Show Bands.” Tributes to Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Sinatra, Sonny & Cher... and much more! Plus, PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds.

FEBRUARY 4, 12, 19 & 26

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

FEBRUARY 12

WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM 2

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

Enjoy a romantic evening of continuous hits – “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Only You,” “Twilight Time,” “Enchanted”...and more.

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

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

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

In the Red Rose Ballroom “ENCHANTED” WITH THE WORLD FAMOUS PLATTERS

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

TEL: 813.752.3141

It’s a three hour Las Vegas style show, featuring adult contemporary music including show tunes and those special romantic songs for just the right Valentine’s atmosphere!

FEBRUARY 18 – RICHIE

JANUARY 28

Make your reservations today.

MARCH 11 & 12

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

“A Night in Vegas” Las Vegas Hall of Fame Entertainer! Rich, smooth voice- and great impressionist! PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.

Remember Valentine’s Day!

WITH RALPH ALLOCO & SECOND WIND

VALENTINE SHOWS In the Red Rose Dining Room

MERRITT

DOOWOP WEEKEND - VOL. 5

The annual event is underway for another spectacular extravaganza! This year’s line up will include The DelPrados, George Galfo’s Mystics, Terry Johnson’s Flamingos, The Edsels, Bob Feldman and P.J. Leary and the Las Vegas Sounds.

MARCH 19 & 25

JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

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

MARCH 26

THE VAN DELLS

BUDDY HOLLY & BEATLES TRIBUTE SHOW

FEBRUARY 26 THE LEGACY OF

APRIL 2

50s & 60s Rock and Roll – The Van Dells are a unique blend of comedy, choreography and tight harmonies... the group is nonstop action from start to finish! Plus, PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

THE

A tribute to two of music’s historical cutting age acts - Buddy Holly & The Beatles. BeatleBeat previously performed at Disney’s Epcot and was a big crowd pleaser. If you loved Holly and the Beatles, this is an act not to miss! Dinner served in a supper club atmosphere in the Red Rose Ballroom.

BOB RYMAN “THE FIDDLER”

TEMPTATIONS

Back by popular demand. This group will thrill you with the hits that we have loved for so long... including: “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg and “Papa Was A Rolling Stone!” Plus, Richie Merrit and PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds.

MARCH 4, 18, & 26

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

MARCH 5 – LOLA & THE SAINTS Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday. “Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” Plus, PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds.

Bob Ryman “The Fiddler” was a legend in the area for many years when The Red Rose was Lanny Purcell’s Holiday Inn and was also a favorite at Florida The Strawberry Festival®.

Because of his fans’ request, The Red Rose Inn is bringing “The Fiddler” back. P.J.Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds will open & close the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida

“UNFORGETTABLE”

SHOW RESERVATIONS Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!)

NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room with the purchase of dinner.

Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia Owner

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January 2011

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From the Editor

January

Sarah Holt

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

VOL. 5 • ISSUE 4

Cover Story

Happy New Year! January 2011 is well under way and I trust everyone is still abiding by the resolutions made on January 1. One you can easily keep is to read In The Field magazine each month.

It’s time for the Florida State Fair! This year the Fair will be held February 10 – 21 and, as always, will showcase agriculture in Florida. Youth from across the state will be on hand to vie for a variety of awards with their agriculture projects. So while enjoying all the fair has to offer, be sure to stop by the livestock pavilions to tell the youth that we appreciate them, the future of our industry. Look for a schedule of agriculture events in this issue. In The Field magazine will have a booth in the Ag Hall of Fame building, so stop by and say hello.

As always, when shopping to feed your family, look for food that is “Fresh From Florida.” Check out your local farmers markets, too. These cultural icons will have fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other offerings available on a seasonal basis. Go to the Florida Department of Agriculture web site at www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm to find a farmers market near you.

Please support our advertisers. They allow us to continue to “Cover What’s Growing.” We would like to wish them, and you, a very prosperous New Year. We look forward to spending it with you.

Until Next Month,

Sarah

Publisher/Owner ®

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry

Michelle Perez FFA Area IV Vice President

Sarah Holt

January 2011

Editor

Patsy Berry

7 Did You Know?

Office Manager

10 Business Upfront Seigler Funeral Home

Sales Manager

14 Recipes 16 Grub Station Bay Street Bistro

Bob Hughens Johnny Cone

Sales

Tina Richmond Nick Massey W. Russell Hancock Danny Crampton Chass Bronson

18 Fishing Hot Spots

Art Director

24 Champion of Champions

Designer

56 Manage Hay 58 Team Zip 61 Gentle Gardening

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

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

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.

JJanuary anuary 2011

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Michelle Perez 34

47 State Fair Schedule

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Senior Managing Editor/Associate Publisher

Covering What’s Growing INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

42 Mosiac Resort

4

®

Karen Berry

Jan. 15 - Feb. 15, 2011

28 Rocking Chair Chatter

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

Numbers 6:25

®

Amey Celoria

Juan Carlos Alvarez

Staff Writers

Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Kayla Lewis Nick Chapman Tracy Cox Sean Green Mark Cook Rhonda Walker

Contributing Writers Dick Loupe Bridget Carlisle Shelby Freeman

Photography

Karen Berry Jim Davis W. Russell Hancock INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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POLK COUNTY

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PO Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831-9005 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS The new year will start with a flurry of activity. January 6 is the Polk County Legislative Appreciation luncheon. Co-sponsored with The Polk County Farm Bureau, it is an opportunity to meet on an informal basis with county and state officials and affords an opportunity for us to get to know each other on a personal level.

The next week, on Saturday, January 14, the major fund raiser for the Polk County Youth Fair will be held on the property of Marty Higgenbotham. The large barn, with antiques and historical items adorning the walls, is an ideal location for such an event. The Polk County Cattlemens Association, Polk County Cattlewomens Association and Polk County Farm Bureau are joining together to prepare the meal, steaks of course, with all the trimmings. The meal preparation was taken over last year by the three organizations and was well received. It is expected that there will be a much larger turnout this year. With the increased turnout, additional workers will be necessary, and any members wishing to help with this worthwhile project should contact one of the directors or the Extension Office.

February 14th is the date for this years Annual Ranch Rodeo and Trade Show. This is the big fund raiser for the year and your support would be greatly appreciated. Bring several friends, maybe they will become a new member. Tell your neighbors, they might not have ever seen an event of this type. All types of ag vendors will be set up in the tent adjacent to the arena. Come visit with the vendors and their representatives in the morning. More people stopping by their booth will encourage a return by them next year. Have lunch and snacks at the concession stand being run by the Cattlewomen. Then in the afternoon get ready to see local cowboys compete in the colt riding event, double mugging, wild cow milking, branding, cattle sorting and stampede race. These teams work together and see each other throughout the year and put forth their best effort to gain bragging rights for the rest of the year.

As you can see, much work will be necessary to make all of these events successful. Volunteer your help in any way you can.

Charles Clark

Charles Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mature turkeys have more than 3,500 feathers.

There are 47 different breeds of sheep in the U.S. Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world.

The average person consumes 584 pounds of dairy products a year.

160 degrees Fahrenheit is the correct cooking temperature to ensure safe and savory ground beef.

Elevators in the Statue of Liberty use a soybean-based hydraulic fluid.

Like snowflakes, no two cows have exactly the same pattern of spots.

Twenty-nine cuts of beef meet government guidelines for lean.

The average dairy cow produces seven gallons of milk a day, 2,100 pounds of milk a month, and 46,000 glasses of milk a year.

Turkeys originated in North and Central America, and evidence indicates that they have been around for more than 10 million years.

Agriculture employs more than 24 million American workers (17% of the total U.S. work force).

Today’s American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide. In 1960, that number was 25.8.

Raising beef cattle is the single largest segment of American agriculture.

One pound of wool can make 10 miles of yarn. There are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in a baseball.

Soybeans are an important ingredient for the production of crayons. In fact, one acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons.

The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed 86 pounds, about the size of an average third-grader.

Cows have four stomachs and can detect smells up to six miles away!

Cows are herbivores, so they only have teeth on the bottom.

There are 350 squirts in a gallon of milk.

President – Charles Clark (863) 412-8349 cclark@expoco.com Vice President – Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemanslivestock@earthlink.net Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com Al Bellotto (863) 581-5515 Ray Clark, 4484 Swindell Road, Lakeland, FL 33810 L.B. Flanders, DVM (863) 644-5974 Dewey Fussell (863) 984-3782 Mike Fussell (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net David McCullers )863) 528-1195 Moby Persing (863) 528-4379 Ned Waters (863) 698-1597 watersn@doacs.state.fl.us J. B. Wynn (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com Alternate - Howard Yates, 2501 Arbuckle Lane, Frostproof, FL 33843-9647 Standing Committee Chairs: Membership- J.B. Wynn Events- Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Rodeo- Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Cattlewomen - President Sherry Kitchen (863) 221-0230 skitchen@bcieng.com Extension – Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Howard Martin (863) 534-7205 hmartin@polksheriff.org

Courtesy www.farmersfeedus.org

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ffa Student of the month Jennifer Meyer

On December 1, FFA members from across the state met at the FFA’s Leadership Training Center in Haines City to compete in the state Citrus career development event. Among those students was Jennifer Meyer, a senior at Kathleen High School, representing her school for the second time in the state contest.

Last year, Kathleen FFA finished second in the event, but this year was different—with Jennifer leading the team, and everyone else, Kathleen FFA won the state title and Jennifer was named high individual in the contest.

Jennifer Meyer is the daughter of Chris and Gail Rosen and Rob and Darlene Meyer and was born and raised in the Lakeland area. Jennifer has been in ag classes since the sixth grade, but has only been an FFA member since her sophomore year of high school. Jennifer states that her favorite thing about being an FFA member is “getting to make new friends and meet tons of new people.” She is looking forward to attending Florida’s State FFA Convention in Orlando this summer where she’ll be introduced to over 3,000 FFA members from across the state.

The Citrus CDE requires students to learn to identify 35 pests, 38 varieties of fruit, 27 weeds, 28 diseases and disorders and take a 25 question written exam on production practices in Florida. For Jennifer, distinguishing between the fruit varieties was the most challenging. “There are so many small details that you must analyze between the fruit that can easily confuse you—you have to pay close attention to every detail. Then there’s the 20 minute time limit that puts a lot of pressure on you during the contest to get it right the first time.” Jennifer worked hard and put in hours of practice at school and spent numerous hours at home reading and studying before the contest—but her work

paid off—her team was victorious and she earned her place as the high individual of the contest, outscoring 91 fellow contestants.

Jennifer is a well rounded student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, while taking two AP classes and three honors classes. She is the starting second baseman on the Varsity Lady Red Devil Softball team. Along with FFA, Jennifer is an active member of Kathleen’s National Honor Society. Now that Citrus is behind her, Jennifer has started practice on her next FFA CDE, Nursery and Landscape. Jennifer thinks this contest will challenge her, but will be easier for her than for others. “Once you understand the thought process you have to go through to identify a fruit or a plant, learning how to apply it to different things is easier.” Jennifer will compete in this contest later this year.

For Jennifer’s successes, her advisor and coach, Keitha Hall, let her dye her hair purple (of course it’s a 30 day wash out dye). Ms. Hall, who was former state citrus champion and high individual at Haines City High School in 1993, couldn’t be prouder and believes that walking around with purple hair is well worth it. “These citrus students, and especially Jennifer, worked tremendously hard for their victory—I knew they wanted it and they worked for it. I predicted Jennifer would be high individual—she wanted it so bad and tried so hard for it—I’m very proud of her and happy for her success.” Jennifer’s team members were Clayton Kiddey, Risa Langford and Morgan Carlton.

Upon graduation, Jennifer plans to attend college at Polk State College and pursue a career as a registered nurse. She hopes to stay in the Lakeland area, around her family. Keep your eye out for more great things to come from Jennifer Meyer—congratulations on your successes thus far!

Eat Better. Love Life. Live Longer.

YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER No Food HEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE InTheField® T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to: No Farmers

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

Winner will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 8

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facebook.com/FredsSouthernKitchen

www.fredssouthernkitchen.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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Business UpFront

Seigler Funeral Home

By Mark Cook While not a favorite subject most folks want to discuss, eventually we will all face our mortality. Since 1926 Seigler Funeral Home in Mulberry has helped thousands of local residents through the difficult duty of preparing their loved ones for their final resting stop.

Current owner and bearer of the family torch is Mark Seigler, a third generation Seigler, who learned the trade from his father and grandfather. Seigler is proud to carry on the work his forefathers started.

“Obviously there is a lot of pride in being a third generation (funeral home owner and director),” Seigler said. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that there are very few, if any, like us around anymore. So much of this business has turned into a corporate affair and people don’t get the personal service they deserve. And obviously when people come to us with their situation it is in a time of grief in most cases, and they deserve to be treated with compassion. That’s something my grandfather, my Dad, and myself always are aware of and want to make sure people feel the genuine care we have for each and every customer.”

In 1917 A.M. Seigler moved his family to Mulberry and began working as the city undertaker as it was known in those days. In 1926 the senior Seigler purchased a two story house where the funeral business was based. In 1956 the family built a new facility on Highway 60 on the eastern outskirts of Mulberry where the current operation is still run. After the death of A.M. Seigler in 1956, Mark’s father took over the day to day operations where he continued until his passing in 2005. The youngest Seigler, Mark, began working in the business starting at age 14.

“I was interested in the business from an early age and really started spending time in the business to be closer to my Dad,” Mark

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Seigler said. “This business is not the easiest on a family life as it’s a 365 day a year 24 hour a day operation. So my father stayed very busy and I joined him when I could and my interest grew from there.”

After graduating from Mulberry High School in 1980 Mark Seigler made a choice to go full time and enrolled in college at Miami Dade Community College of Funeral Service, graduated in 1982 and returned to Mulberry to begin his career fulltime.

“After high school it was a decision to go at it full time or run for the hills,” Seigler joked. “As I mentioned earlier, it is a full time job. You are always on the clock, so to say. The phone may ring at any hour of the day or night and you must be there for the customer.

I saw that dedication from my Dad and knew what was in store. But I have no regrets. It’s a challenging job, unlike a normal 9-5 job, but it’s kind of in my genes I suppose.”

Mark Seigler has seen the landscape of the funeral business evolve quite a bit over the last 40 years.

“Back when my grandfather ran it the funeral home director was also an ambulance driver in a lot of cases,” Seigler said. “We were the last funeral home to provide ambulance service in the county up until 1974. That’s a bit of history a lot of people don’t know about.”

“We have also seen the funeral traditions change quite a bit. We have adapted our practices also to meet the individual family need.

Some folks want memorial services and no burial service and there are some who prefer no service at all. But whatever the families we are serving want we try and build our services to their needs and wishes.”

One thing you’ll never get when calling Seigler Funeral Home is a recorded message asking you to call back or an answering service. “My business phone is forwarded to my personal cell phone the minute I leave the office,” Seigler said. “People are bereaved in most cases when they call. They certainly don’t need to wait for someone to call them back. I guess the one thing that we want folks to know is personal service is what we always strive for. I don’t begrudge business’ and corporations, but in this line of work people want to speak to a real voice not an answering machine. We have been family run since the beginning and while I don’t know the future we will keep it a family operation as long as I’m here to watch over it.”

The compassion Seigler feels was learned early. My father and I were two different personalities,” Seigler said. “I’m pretty forward and blunt and honest, Dad was a little more reserved and laid back, not as much of a talker as some people call me. But I saw what can only be described as love for people hurting. And I think as far as that goes he and I are exactly a like. No doubt that heart you need for people came from him.”

Seigler Funeral Home can be reached anytime by calling 863425-1131 or visiting their website at seiglerfuneralhome.net.

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I hope everyone had a Merry and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year, I know I did.

December is not known to be a busy month for the FFA due to holidays and school breaks, however, what we did have going on was very important and that would be Sub-District competition. Sub-Districts competitions include Public Speaking, Tractor Driving, Parliamentary Procedure, Creed, and Dairy Judging competitions. I would like to thank all of the FFA members and advisors who competed in Sub-Districts. Big congratulations to everyone who placed in each of these categories. These contestants will be moving on to compete at Districts.

Upcoming events for January will include the Nursery and Landscape Judging contest being held in January at Lake Gibson High School and I am sure that everyone has begun practicing for the upcoming Livestock Judging competition to be held at the Florida State Fair in February.

As the New Year begins…so do the fairs. As most of you know the 64th Annual Polk County Youth Fair is right around the corner, with the Florida State Fair and Strawberry Festival right behind them. This year’s Polk County Youth Fair dates are January 22 - January 28, 2011. I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone who will be participating in this years fair. I know the time and dedicate required to complete a successful project. I would like to thank the Youth Fair Board of Directors, each and every volunteer, and the parents that support each and every student that participates in the fair. Some of my best memories in life to date have revolved around my many years of participating in the local fairs. As a senior and knowing that this year will be my last year to participate at the PCYF, it is bittersweet that I reflect on my previous years and all the experiences, friends, and accomplishments that I was able to enjoy along the way. My Mom has always said to me “beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most.” I would have to say that pretty much sums up my years spent at the fairs.

Please go out and enjoy the students and their projects at your local fairs. These kids spend many hours and a lot of hard work on their projects. These students are the future of Agriculture and need your support and encouragement.

Lastly, as the President of the Lake Gibson Sr. FFA, it is with a sad and heavy heart that we say goodbye to a dear friend and beloved supporter of the FFA. Timmy Locke served as the current Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Alumni President, a member of the Alumni Council for the past 20+ years, and President of the Central Florida Rodeo Association. Timmy was a great man who was a friend to all and a stranger to none. Some kids turned to him for help and guidance, some for laughter, and others for discipline and in all of those he gave them love and encouragement. So long my dear friend, I love you and will miss you.

Your Friend, Shelby Freeman

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Banana Berry Jam Ingredients

3 cups chopped strawberries 2 cups mashed bananas 7 cups of sugar 1 box pectin

Preperation

Combine berries, bananas, 1 ½ cups of water and one box of pectin.

Bring to a boil. Boil hard for one minute.

Remove from heat, pour quickly into jars and seal.

Invert for 5 minutes.

Yields 8 half pints.

My Strawberry Shortcake (Poundcake) Ingredients

2 sticks of butter, room temperature 3 cups of sugar 6 eggs, separated 3 cups of flour, sifted ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup sour cream ½ teaspoon almond extract Submitted by Malissa Crawford Coldwell Banker 813-967-0168

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Preperation

Cream butter and sugar really well.

Beat eggs yolks with wisk and add to creamed mixture. Add a little water.

Sift dry ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients and sour cream into the creamed mixture alternately ending with dry.

Add almond extract.

Whip egg whites and fold in.

Bake in a bundt pan at 325 for 1-1 ½ hours.

Top with fresh Plant City Strawberries and whipped cream.

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by standing auRawlings rest ner Jameslding one of the ffee, w -o co o to Bistr with hine ho Bay Street e espresso mac a toffee pie made ownie. the antiqu ature desserts, and chocolate br t gn si nu ’s co rant alnuts, co pecans, w

By Cheryl Kuck The antiquated circa 1950 Studebaker Building at 211 East Bay Street in downtown Lakeland that used to showcase cars, has been turned into an upscale urban restaurant called the Bay Street Bistro.

Located in the historic district just around the corner from Lakeland’s “antique row,” this welcoming and intimate bistro with a European flavor was opened in late September by partners James Rawlins and Stephen Blois. Having worked together in another venue for the past ten years, this duo knows how to present a flawlessly-run dining experience.

Bistros are generally meant to be affordable while not having the intimidating environment of many formal restaurants. The new owners have embraced a cozily sophisticated ambience with a menu to match the décor. “We’re not a sandwich place although we may put a Kobe’ beef burger or something equally specialized on the lunch menu at sometime in the future,” says Rawlins who oversees the front of the restaurant.

The restaurant’s color palette consists of refreshing lemony walls, terracotta tiled floors, white table cloths with black napkins, and fresh daffodils in black vases, set the scene for the antique stained glass windows and doors with a surrounding display of art adding to a gallery atmosphere where the artwork is changed every few months. Presently, the works of local artist Amy Brinckerhoff are being featured.

As inviting as the décor may be, the real star is the food created by co-owner and executive chef Stephen Blois and designed to please every palate. “We do try to offer something for everyone,” said Blois.

The Bistro serves an eclectic menu where each item looks almost as good as it tastes with the price of entrée’s running from $9 to $36. All entrée’s are served with a salad and side dish. All the unique bistro vinaigrette’s, salad dressings, sauces, gravy’s and glazes are exclusively developed for the restaurant After dipping my spoon into their signature butternut squash soup topped with candied walnuts and

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spiced apples, I knew I had found Nirvana. This soup is almost pure puree with a touch of chili pepper. Not spicy. Not sweet. Just the best soup it has ever been my pleasure to savor.

Fortunately, despite the cozy surroundings, the tables are far enough apart so my moans and murmurings of pure pleasure couldn’t be overheard by other diners.

Even though the portions are very generous, it’s difficult to restrain yourself from asking for extra bread to mop up every last delicious vestige of the warm goat cheese and balsamic glaze that accompanies the grilled chicken breast. If you’ve never favored sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts, the bistro’s sweet potato mash and sprouts that are grilled and glazed will have you loving your veggies. Both are served with the chicken and a veritable banquet for $14.

Being seafood lovers, we were never-the-less delightfully surprised by a colorful combination of wild salmon and blue crab cakes with a roasted red pepper A’iole sauce that melts in your mouth. Served with fluffy white mashed potatoes and roasted beets, it was a differently delicious treat for a mere $15 and enough for two to share.

“We buy from the farmers market here and are proud of using only the freshest ingredients. We believe in supporting local business and giving back to our schools and the community. We’re actively involved with the Lois Cowles Harrison School for the Visual and Performing Arts and will auction off an art project during the annual spring Arts in the Park,” said Rawlins.

As my husband declared, “Real men do eat quiche,” he took a huge helping of what was a perfectly prepared quiche’ Lorraine with the added bonus of a thick topping layer of cheddar accompanied by fresh fruit and a pasta salad. The $10 meal was both lovely to look at and light enough to leave room for the chef’s signature desserts.

The Bistro’s signature desserts, a toffee pie made

with toffee, pecans, walnuts, coconut and chocolate brownie, cheesecake and three-layer chocolate torte with fresh raspberries are only a few of the delicacies on display at the antique marble sideboard. All cakes and pies are only $5 per slice or $25 for the entire dessert.

Everything served to us was recognizable for what it was but unique in its preparation and unlike any similar item we had ever tasted anywhere else. The chef turned ordinary food into a wonderful adventure. With ambience and mellow nightly entertainment, it’s a perfect place to hold hands and enjoy a great evening.

My partner in fine dining and life summed up the Bistro experience by stating, “I plan to return as often as I can and I’m going to start with the first item on the menu and work my way down the list until I’ve tried everything.”

Bay Street Bistro

211 East Bay Street, Lakeland Reservations suggested: 863-683-4229 Lunch: Mon. – Sat. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Dinner: Tues. – Sat. 5:00 pm to 9:00 am Beer & Wine served Lunch or Dinner entrées range from $9 to $36 Desserts are $5 per slice or the entire cake or pie for $25 Mellow jazz and vocal entertainment nightly from 6:00 pm INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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FRESHWATER FISHING IN POLK COUNTY

By Captain Dick Loupe

CHristmas Bass

“I Didn’t Want To Dig To China,

I Just Wanted To Tend To My Garden.”

- Jane, age 65 Plant City

It has become a tradition for me and my wife to go bass fishing on Christmas Day. Generally, the only time we don’t go is when we go out of town for the holidays or have some company in (unless it’s my step-daughter, Jennifer, and she loves to fish, too). This started several years ago, the first Christmas after my father passed away. We also have fish (either bass or crappie) for our Christmas dinner, which became a tradition ever since Jennifer asked for it the first time she spent Christmas with us.

It was a typical central Florida December day with the low somewhere in the 50’s and the high in the 70’s. It was the first Christmas that we did not go out of town and did not have anyone come in for the holidays, so we decided to go fishing on our home lake, Lake Walk-in-Water.

It was before the hurricanes had come through and wiped out all of the vegetation, so fishing was still quite good. It was just the two of us fishing in the south end of the lake in front of the ranch.

There was another couple that we knew fishing further over in the southwest corner of the lake.

We had been fishing for a good while and catching a few here and there when all of a sudden a huge school of bass (more like a whole college) pushed bait fish to the surface. They were hitting them so hard it made it look like the water was boiling.

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This took place over an area of about an acre or so. We started casting lipless crankbaits (like rattle traps) and were catching 2-3 lb bass almost every cast, and sometimes two at a time! It was absolutely amazing. After a few minutes of this I turned and looked at my wife, Joyce. She was just sitting there, taking it all in. I had seen something like this before, but never to this magnitude. But she had never witnessed anything like it before, so she was just sitting there, completely amazed. I called to her and said “Start casting!” We continued catching bass after bass, anywhere from 1 ½ lbs all the way up to around 5 lbs.

After about 15-20 minutes of this, I got on my cell phone and called our friends in the other boat and told them to come over our way, that the bass were schooling. They proceeded to make their way over toward us, trolling so as not to spook the fish. Once they were within casting distance the fish settled down. At first we assumed it was just because of the disturbance of another boat entering the area.

But the entire time they were in our sight, we all only caught a few here and there. Eventually, they decided that they must have spooked the fish and went ahead fishing elsewhere on the lake.

Once they were out of sight, the bass erupted once again.

This went on for quite some

For for

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call (813) 402-2345.

For a list of orthopedic seminars or to take an online Orthopedic Risk Assessment, visit MobilityIsEverything.org and receive a complimentary health kit.

Mobility Is Everything Ordinary tasks don’t have to be impossible. Jane didn’t want to spend the rest of her life in pain, so she chose the skilled orthopedic team at South Florida Baptist Hospital torepair her knee.

“Years of kneeling in the garden took a toll on my knee – when I had to have it repaired, I trusted South Florida Baptist. Thanks to them, I’m able to do what I love again!”

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301 N. Alexander St. I Plant City, FL 33563 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

BC2100893-1210

19

Captain Dick Loupe Southern Outdoorsman Guide Service Katydid Fishing Products, LLC More Tackle PO Box 7870 Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855 888-692-2208 www.bassfishingguide.com www.katydidfishingproducts.com www.moretackle.com

time, probably almost a half hour or so altogether, but it seemed like an eternity. After we both settled down and regained our wits about us, we talked about what we had just witnessed. We came to the joint conclusion that my Dad and her Dad, who had passed away years earlier, joined forces in heaven and sent us their last Christmas present. They had both been avid fisherman while here on earth and, now being in heaven and able to watch over us all the time, they might have been able to send us this ultimate gift. Anyway, that’s our story and we’re stickin’ to it! That was the only time that has happened to us. Of course there have been other times that we have found schooling bass, but never as many as we saw that day.

Now we chose not to go this Christmas Day because it was kind of windy and we both slept in since we didn’t have any com-

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pany this year. As my step-daughter puts it … it was a “stressfree” Christmas. Now that we are both semi-retired, we can go most any time, picking and choosing the best days. Anyway, we like to leave the weekends and holidays for the poor working man or woman because they’ve earned it. According to my wife, that’s what her Dad used to say and I think it’s a good rule of thumb.

I hope that all my fishing buddies out there had a wonderful and blessed Christmas, realizing that our best gift of all eternity is the gift God gave to us 2,010 years ago. Accept the gift of Jesus and make the New Year your best ever.

Best Fishes and God Bless, Capt. Dick Loupe

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

21

In the Field // 3.56x9.75

Battle Disease Resistance while Boosting Yields BY jAY hAllAron

Y

ear to year, few crops face as many obstacles as strawberries.

Disease pressure and highly variable moisture levels present growers with a revolving door of new challenges. Strawberry growers can protect their investment and overcome many of these challenges by adding a costeffective fungicide program that delivers more nutrients to your crop—and more yields at harvest.

One of the best ways to boost your bottom line is to use a unique product that offers powerful control of diseases like Botrytis (also known as gray mold) while it provides a micronutrient boost that increases yields.

A Wintertime Treat

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science Wintertime in Florida means a bountiful supply of juicy, delicious citrus fruits in their peak season. Florida is the second largest citrus producer in the world, behind Brazil. In 2005-06, Florida accounted for 68 percent of the U.S. citrus production, California for 28 percent, and Texas and Arizona for 4 percent.

Tangerines are similar to oranges, but are smaller in size, peel more easily, and have a less tart flavor. In the United States, tangerines are grown in Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas, and their peak season is November through January. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida produced 27 percent of the total U.S. value of production for tangerines ($58 million) in 2008.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Florida tangerines are bursting with nutrition. They contain vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. In addition to these nutrients, tangerines contain a wealth of other disease-fighting compounds, such as phytonutrients and antioxidants. These potent chemicals fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of tangerine segments (195 g) contains 103 calories, 1.6 g protein, 0.6 g fat, 26 g carbohydrate, and 3.5 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 87 percent of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 27 percent for vitamin A, 14 percent for dietary fiber, 9 percent for potassium, 8 percent for thiamin, and other nutrients including vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, and riboflavin.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, Vitamin C

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protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.

Current research findings support that Vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating a tangerine or consuming the juice.

Fiber Tangerines and other citrus fruits contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, assist with digestion, and prevent constipation. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.

A single tangerine provides 12.5 percent of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, which helps to prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels, as can fructose, the naturally occurring type of fruit sugar found in oranges. Oranges also contain pectin, a water-soluble fiber that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and aids in satiety.

Potassium Tangerines are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and cardiac arrythmias. One tangerine contains more than seven percent of the Daily Value for potassium, which is needed for proper electrolyte and fluid balance. Potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission, and people with low levels may experience muscle cramping. This important mineral may also help prevent or slow down bone loss from high-sodium diets.

Thiamin Thiamin helps the body convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. In addition to

January 2011

energy production, thiamin is important for brain and heart health and in coordinating the activity of nerves and muscles.

Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function, among other functions. Vitamin B6 is also needed to help the body use protein.

Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is important for metabolism. It is also essential in the formation of healthy red blood cells and plays a role in maintaining the central nervous system.

How to Select and Store Choose tangerines with glossy, deep orange, pebbly skins that feels heavy for its size.

When gently squeezed, they should feel firm to slightly soft. Avoid those with soft spots or dull color. Tangerines can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

How to Enjoy Since tangerines come in their own natural packaging, they are a portable, convenient snack. You can simply peel and eat the tangerine out-of-hand. Tangerines can also be juiced for a refreshing beverage.

Other ways to enjoy tangerines include: • Toss tangerine segments into a salad.

• Squeeze the juice into a pan, allow it to thicken over heat, and use it as a sauce for fish or chicken.

• Add tangerine juice to baked goods or icing for a bright refreshing twist.

• Slip a few slices of orange into a pitcher of water for a refreshing low-calorie beverage.

• Boil tangerine slices with your teabag or add slices to boiled tea.

Enjoy sweet, juicy Florida tangerines in their peak season today!

SELECTED REFERENCES http://www.florida-agriculture.com/agfacts.htm http://www.fao.org http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

Studies show Thiram’s unique composition provides strawberries with more nutrients, which ultimately leads to higher yields.

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Thiram Granuflo®, a product from Chemtura AgroSolutions, is an affordable, consistent fungicide that protects berries from diseases like Botrytis. With multisites of action, Thiram has low resistance risk and is safe for the plant as well as the pollinators.

“The main advantage of using Thiram is that it does the same job for control of Botrytis as some of the more expensive systemic fungicides,” said Dr. Natalia Peres, assistant professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida. “It’s also an effective resistance management tool because it works on different sites of the disease organism.”

“Thiram Granuflo gives growers a broad-spectrum fungicide that often is used in

place of seed protectants as an inexpensive, broad-spectrum alternative,” noted Glenn Brown, salesman for Crop Production Services in central Florida.

But disease control is only part of Thiram Granuflo’s success story. Studies show the fungicide also provides your berries more nutrients, which ultimately leads to higher yields.

“Our studies have shown that because Thiram has sulfur in its composition, it is also an effective nutrient boost that delivers increased yields in areas where soils are deficient of this nutrient,” said Dr. Peres.

Thiram Granuflo is a contact fungicide with preventative activity, so it should be applied at bloom before Botrytis becomes established. For the best results, use multiple applications of Thiram during the season, from very early bloom through fruiting.

Another product of Chemtura AgroSolutions that delivers successful disease protection is Procure® 480SC. Procure is a unique, locally systemic fungicide proven to have superior powdery mildew activity—providing an excellent rotational or tank-mix partner.

“We’ve also seen positive results with Procure. It’s one of the best products for powdery mildew control,” said Dr. Peres.

“The best way to control powdery mildew would be to use Procure in a rotational program.

In fact, one benefit of using Thiram and Procure would be an effective combination of disease control and increased yields.”

Chemtura AgroSolutions offers a full line of products to keep your berry crop at its best throughout the growing season. For more information about Thiram Granuflo, Procure, Acramite®, Firestorm® and Rimon®, contact me at jay.hallaron@chemtura.com or talk to your local dealer.

Firestorm is a restricted use pesticide.

Always read and follow label directions. ©2010 Chemtura Corporation. All rights reserved. Chemtura AgroSolutions, the logo and all brands are the property of Chemtura Corporation. Granuflo is a registered trademark of Taminco, S.A. Rimon is a registered trademark of Makhteshim Chemical Works Ltd. CASMPS12105362

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1105362_CASMPS12105362_ITF_3-56x9-75_4C_r2.indd 1

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23 12/8/10 11:09 AM

6th Annual

Polk County Cattleman’s Association Trade Show & Ranch Rodeo Saturday, February 12th, 2011 Trade Show begins at 9 a.m. Ranch Rodeo begins at 1 p.m.

Polk County Agricultural Center • 1702 Hwy. 17 S., Bartow

Make Plans to Attend!

Educating Today’s Youth to be Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Vina Jean Banks

Article on page 26 24

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Come visit with the many exhibitors and enjoy fellowship with other cattlemen from throughout Central Florida!

Enjoy the entertaining spectacle as ranch teams compete in these events for the Ranch Rodeo Championship!

H Calf Branding H Double Mugging H Stampede Race

H Wild Cow Milking H Colt Riding H Old Timers’ Sorting

Trade Show and Rodeo FREE to all Cattlemen’s Association Members. $10 Admission to Trade Show and Ranch Rodeo.

Children under 8 are free.

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25

Shelby Rae Adams, Sarah Luther, Amy Odom, Brittney Thompson, Somer Harvey, Pamela Mayo, with former Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson

While students throughout the state rise each morning to additional educational information related directly to their animal. head off to school, for 4-H and FFA students their morning One year they learn about the health issues of their animal. They begins as they hurry out to feed their animal projects. Their may learn how to correctly give an injection or read a medication mornings usually start much earlier than most kids as they have label and determine the correct dosage to be used. During another the responsibility for another living animal. The students are the year they will study about the correct nutrition for their animal. primary care giver for their projects. Their animals must be fed, They may learn about different feed types, how to select an animal watered, bathed, walked/handled, groomed, and housed so they or even how to tie knots. The other two years they will learn about can grow to their maximum potential to bring home that Grand marketing and reproduction specifically related to their animal.

Champion ribbon!

Participation in the Isn’t it just amazing that program has increased by we have young 8-year-old more than 85 percent since students that take on the its inception. According to project of, say, raising a hog We have young 8-year-old students that take on one exhibitor, “The Florida to show at the Florida State Fair has been the most the project of, say, raising a hog to show at the State Fair in February? What an educational, competitive awesome undertaking as and fun-filled fair that I Florida State Fair in February. there are so many parts to have ever been to.” Another the project. For showing said, “The Champion Youth an animal at the State Fair program has inspired me not only entails raising to learn more about my the animal, as this is the traditional foundation of livestock animal projects, and to strive to succeed in all of my livestock competitions, but the animal is just the tool that all the education competitions. Without the program, many young people like components of the project is built around. me would not have the opportunity to exhibit or learn so much Many years ago the Florida State Fair had the opportunity about livestock.” Still another stated, “It is a tremendous learning to add an additional educational component to the youth experience for me. I thought all I had to do was lead an animal animal projects. In conjunction with the University of Florida around a show ring. I soon found out there was much more to this the Champion of Champions program was developed. A four project. I learned to keep accurate records and complete a record year rotation was designed where the exhibitors would receive book. I participated at the All Specie Seminar and got to see the

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internal organs of an animal. I studied for the skilathon and the an illustrated record book test. I even tried to get artistic and completed a poster. talk or It was a wonderful experience for me.” demonstration The premise of the Champion program is that the exhibitors directly related can earn points (which are converted to money, Achievement to their project.

Premiums, after the Fair), by participating in various educational Volunteering activities. Most of the shows offer approximately nine activities. in the Ask Point opportunities may vary slightly from show to show, but Me Booth – basically they are the same. The activities the exhibitors can earn Exhibitors points in are the following: can earn up to Attending an Education Seminar - The Fair, in conjunction 30 points for participating in the Ask Me Booth where they can with the many committee members, produce two comprehensive display their project animal and talk with the Fair goers about seminars, one for the Steer Exhibitors and one for All Other their animal.

Species Exhibitors, where they learn subjects from record keeping All the activities were designed to give the exhibitor a better to feeding and selecting a animal. Exhibitors can earn up to 30 understanding of their project. points by attending one of the seminars.

After all the points are totaled, within each species, the top Entry Correct and Complete – Exhibitors can earn 10 points if four seniors with the highest number of points are announced as their entry is complete and properly filled out. the Champion Youth and awarded savings bonds ranging from Giving a Pre Fair Talk – Exhibitors can earn up to 30 points for $1,000.00 for highest point individual to $250.00 for fourth place giving a talk, before the Fair, to a group in their community. individual. The Intermediate and Junior high point individuals Completing a Record Book – Exhibitors can earn up to 100 are also announced and awarded $100.00 savings bonds. At this points for completing and turning in a record book. point the competition is not over for the top four senior winners Participating in a Skilathon – During the Fair the exhibitors in each of the eight species. They then continue on to the final can take part in a hands on Champion of Champions Skilathon where they are tested competition, which is held on the knowledge they have on the last day of the Fair learned from the Skilathon in the Special Events center.

At the 2010 Florida State Fair Youth manual that the Fair provides for This round robin competition them that directly relates to their Exhibitors earned more than $150,000.00 in requires these winners to display animal project. This Skilathon their skills and knowledge in Achievement Premiums/Savings Bonds. is worth 100 points. all eight species of livestock Taking a Record Book Skills production.

Test – Also, during the Fair Then the finale of the Fair, the exhibitors take a test that directly correlates with their record the Champion of Champions awards banquet where exhibitors, book. The test is in three levels. The juniors complete the first 10 sponsors, parents, 4 – H Leaders, FFA Teachers, committee questions, the intermediates the first 20 questions and the seniors members, and staff join together to recognize the top winners the complete 30 questions. This helps to verify that the exhibitors in all the species competitions. At the conclusion of the awards completed their Record Book that they turned in. The Exhibitors presentations, the top six winners of the round robin competition can earn up to 100 points for completing the test. are recognized with trophies and savings bonds as follows: 1st Showmanship - While ribbons are awarded, exhibitors earn up place Champion of Champion - $3,000.00, 2nd place - $2,500.00, to 100 points for participating 3rd place - $2,000.00, 4th place - $1,500.00, 5th place - $1,000.00, and placing in showmanship.

6th place - $500.00.

Creating an Educational At the 2010 Florida State Fair youth exhibitors earned more than Poster – An instrument to help $150,000.00 in Achievement Premiums/Savings Bonds. This was educate the Fair going public, in addition to the animal premiums of over $167,000.00. exhibitors can earn up to 30 As you can imagine this program takes a lot of work and points for creating a poster that support from a large number of people - University staff, sponsors, directly relates to their animal parents, volunteers and the dedicated board members of the project and the Skilathon topic.

Florida State Fair Authority, who are tremendous supporters of our The posters are on display 4-H and FFA youth in Florida, youth who will be our Agriculture during the Fair. leaders and voters of tomorrow.

Giving an Illustrated Talk or The 2011 Florida State Fair dates are February 10 through Demonstration - Steer, Sheep 21. The Florida State Fair – “The Best Time of the Year” – is and Beef exhibitors can earn organized by the Florida State Fair Authority under the leadership up to 100 points for giving of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For further information on the Florida State Fair Agribusiness Department, please contact Vina Jean Banks, Director of Agribusiness, 813-627- 4338. Or VinaJean.Banks@freshfromflorida.com.

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Making Florida’s future

that much sweeter Florida citrus growers — like so many American farmers — rely on crop nutrients to produce more abundant crops. This means lower food costs for us and more land that can be preserved for the environment. It is our business and our honor to provide farmers across America — and right here in Florida — with the crop nutrients they need to help feed the world.

A better Florida and a better world

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The other day I was walking down the sidewalk in downtown Plant City and a bug tried to fly up my nose. Of course it made me sneeze, and immediately the person walking in back of me said, “God Bless You.” I said, “Thank you,” and went in to the Chamber of Commerce. I thought, why do they say, “God Bless You,” when you sneeze? I asked Marion, Amy, Jane, Susan and Al at the Chamber if they knew, and they all said they had no idea.

Later that day I ran into Dean Snyder and asked him if he knew.

He said, “Yes Al, as a matter of fact I do know why they say ‘God Bless You’. When I was going to Harvard I wrote a thesis paper on this very subject. To sum it up, the Romans apparently routinely greeted sneezing with a salutation, most often, “May the Sun be with you!” The writers back then referred back to the legend of Prometheus, who made a clay model of a man, then brought him to life by applying a heavenly celestial-fire-filled reed in the clay man’s nostrils.”

Wishes for good health appeared to have been born out of a number of epidemics beginning the Middle Ages. There was a legend that the habit of sneezing dates back before Christianity, even before the time of Jacob. Back then the shock of sneezing was fatal. Buford, the right hand man for Cyrus the Great, bargained with the Gods, exchanging the fatality a of sneeze for the promise that a prayer would be said every time one sneezed. Thus, from that we get today’s “God Bless You,” so says Dean.

Why I spend time on the subject of sneezing I’ll never know, but one thing I did learn is that there are numerous superstitions about sneezing. When you sneeze you do it with your eyes closed, and your bodily functions completely are beyond your control. Have someone take your picture when you sneeze and you’ll see what I mean. Your face contorts, you might turn pink and the threatened

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explosion comes whether we are at home, attending a funeral or behind the wheel of our car.

‘Nuff of that, let’s move on to another subject.

I have two questions. One, if man evolved from monkeys and apes why do we still have monkeys and apes? Two, what do you do if you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? I’ll let you work on those.

Have you ever heard of “Coon Dog Cemetery?” I have and

I have been there. It’s located in northwest Alabama in a small, grassy meadow, deep in the rich, thick wilderness of Freedom Hills. The coon dog graveyard was established in 1937 on a popular hunting camp where coon hunters from miles around would gather to plot their coon hunting trips and compare coon hounds. The first coon hound buried there was old “Troop.” It was said he was “cold nosed,” meaning he could follow cold coon tracks until they grew fresh and he never left the trail until he had treed the coon.

The only dogs that are allowed to be buried there are coon dogs.

Key Underwood who established the graveyard said, “there is no way we would contaminate this burial place with poodles and lap dogs.”

The official name is now “Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard,” which has over the years become a popular tourist attraction and is the only cemetery of this kind in the world.

More than 200 coon dogs have been laid to rest here, and all have met the three requirements for internment.

1 - The owner must claim their pet is an authentic coon dog.

2 - A witness must declare the deceased is a coon dog.

3 - A member of the local coon hunters’ organization must be allowed to view the coonhound and declare it as such.

You can find the “Coon Dog Cemetery” 7 miles west of Tuscumbia on U.S. Highway 27. Turn left on Alabama Highway 247, travel about 12 miles. Turn right, and follow the signs. For more information contact the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

Put this place on your next vacation, and watch the expression on your friends faces when you tell them where you went.

Some people make profound statements, and I have collected a few of my favorites;

• Will Rogers - We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.

• Billy Crystal - By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he’s too old to go anywhere.

• Joe Namath - Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP! • Rodney Dangerfield - My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying.

• Lillian Carter - (mother of Jimmy Carter) Sometimes when I look at my children, I say to myself, “Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.”

• Victor Borge - Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.

Have you noticed how many people are using their cell phone while driving? Stranger things have happened on the interstate highways. When Lamar Maxwell of Lithia was with the Florida Highway Patrol he pulled over a car that was being driven by a chimpanzee on I-4 between Plant City and Lakeland.

Recently I heard the story of a highway patrolman that pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway in California. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper lowed his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, “PULL OVER!” “NO” the blonde yelled back, “IT’S A SCARF!” Till next month I leave you with this to ponder. Why is it that when you’re driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

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Johnny Georges’

TREE T-PEE Tested by the Freeze

by Jack McConoughey

With two nights of freezing temperatures recently, citrus growers across Florida took extra precautions to ensure the lives of their trees. A little less stress was welcoming to those farmers who use Johnny Georges’ Tree-T-Pee. With temperatures dropping to 25 degrees, trees without the Tree-T-Pee were surrounded with ice. However, those with the Tree-T-Pee did not have a drop of ice on them. Monitoring temperatures in the groves both nights, Johnny is proud to share that the temperature inside the Tree-T-Pee never got below 40 degrees.

Johnny explained, “with the irrigation systems running, it was like a steam bath coming up around the tree keeping it warm.” As the morning sun hit the black on the Tree-T-Pee, it immediately absorbed the warmth, causing the temperatures to be raised by 10 degrees inside the Tree-T-Pee. “It produces phenomenal results,” Johnny has been told. He’s also received numerous notes. One in particular read: The Tree-T-Pee is such a simple idea. All we have to do is reach out, grab a hold and embrace it - it’s there and it will change the world. For more information, visit http://treetpee.com.

When people ask Johnny why he does what he does, he states, “The inspiration that makes me the man I am, causes me to strive to be a better person, and gives me my passion...is my son Wesley.” Johnny gives all the credit to God being number one in his and his son’s life. He also added, “We are humbled and blessed by the attention given. I thank God and Pine Levels Methodist Church in Arcadia for their support and prayers. Changing the world doesn’t happen over night, but with the Tree-T-Pee, we’re going to do it!”

ers Farm No Food No

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MICHELLE PEREZ

A Very Special State FFA Leader from Polk County

By Jim Frankowiak

S

he’s an attractive young lady with substance and a track record that’s pretty hard to believe. As current Area IV Vice President Michelle Perez is spending the 2010-11 year spreading the news of FFA, recruiting new members and reaching the goals she has set for herself. She is one of eight FFA officers in the state.

Founded in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, FFA currently has more than 523,300 members, aged 17 – 21, in 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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To accomplish its mission FFA: •

Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership

•

Increases awareness of he global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being

•

Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work

•

Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career

•

Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs

•

Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources in the community

•

Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism

•

Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people

•

Promotes healthy lifestyles

•

Encourages excellence in scholarship

The FFA motto sums this all up in twelve words: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

The FFA Area IV is comprised of chapters in Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Polk counties and Michelle is engaged in a range of activities throughout the area and beyond. She visits and teaches at chapters at schools in her assigned area, works on leadership conferences and supports a multitude of activities with her fellow state officers. At this writing, she was readying herself for a two and a half week trip to Argentina with FFA state officers from around the country to study the agricultural industry in that South American country. The opportunity to take that trip required Michelle to raise $4,500 to cover her costs, no easy task in this economy, but thanks to guidance from her father, Miguel, her previous Agriculture teacher Kevin Wells, Mulberry High graduate Dick Mullenax and support from FFA chapters and individuals and companies in Polk County she raised the needed funds. Michelle and her father and stepmother,

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Susan, and younger brother, Mike, live in Mulberry. She is a 2010 graduate of Mulberry High School and once elected a state FFA officer, put off college for a year of service calling that decision “an investment” in her future.

Michelle’s dad’s advice, “Hard work will get you places,” is something she has taken to heart. She is the first state FFA officer from Mulberry High School and the first female to win both county and state whip popping competitions. The county competition was held at the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow and the state competition was held at the ranch rodeo finals in Kissimmee, Fl. In some respects, her FFA achievements are hard to believe when you consider she was born in Miami, later moved to Port St. Lucie and lastly moved to the Mulberry area as a seventh grader where she was first introduced to agricultural pursuits.

However, Michelle’s grandfather, Orlando, did develop avocado fields in south Florida after moving there from Cuba in search of a better life for his family. He now resides in Venezuela where he has an 800-acre cattle ranch. She also has an uncle who now has taken over the avocado fields in South Florida and a cousin who participates in barrel racing competitions. So there may have been something agricultural within her that finally surfaced.

Mulberry High School Ag Teacher Kevin Wells initially encouraged Michelle to compete in one of the FFA competitions and that’s how it began and has really taken off to the point where she has a “passion” for FFA and leadership. “I am indebted to Mr. Wells for his ongoing support and encouragement and truly want to be like him one day,” she said. “He works so hard and does it all without expectations of getting anything back.”

While Michelle does profess a love for animals, it’s the whole realm of FFA opportunities that attracted her. “I am a very competitive person and I enjoy participating in those types of FFA events,” she said. “Attending leadership conferences here in Florida and at the national level in Indianapolis have been some great learning opportunities. I am very social by nature and the opportunity to meet other FFA members and to learn about their programs is something I really enjoy. It also helps me do a better job in my position.”

FFA involvement has been a true learning experience for Michelle. “The first of the competitions I entered was forestry,” she said. “That was eye opening for me since I discovered there is so much to learn about forestry.” She has also developed her personal skills such as public speaking to the point where she won a Polk County Farm Bureau public speaking competition her first try.

One aspect of Michelle’s FFA involvement, her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), enabled her to combine a parttime job with one of the integrated elements of SAE, a job or internship on a farm or ranch. In her case it was a position at English Oaks Equestrian Center, immediately west of Lakeland Linder Airport. That position began while Michelle was in the 11th grade and continues today. Her duties run the gamut from giving riding lessons to beginners to cleaning stalls and whatever else needs to get done. She is most appreciative to English Oaks’ owner Shannon Morrell for allowing her to keep her part time job at the center during this year of heavy activity that keeps her away most weekdays.

The SAE education program includes classroom instruction and learning by doing such as Michelle’s position at English Oaks, placement, getting a job or internship on a farm or ranch, at an agriculture-based business, or in a school or factory laboratory. SAE research and experimentation involves the planning and conducting of a scientific experiment, while the exploratory category permits students to attend an agriculture career fair, or create a report or documentary on the work of a veterinarian. FFA members members can earn degrees as they progress through the phases of their leadership, academic and career skills development. You have to have so many hours and money gained/ earned in these SAE programs to gain the four possible degrees FFA offers.

As the second half of Michelle’s state office year approaches, she faces another decision and that is whether or not to pursue a national office. “That would be another year of service to FFA, which would be great, but also another year before I begin my college studies,” she said. “I will let the Lord help me to decide.”

National FFA officers receive compensation for their service.

Long term she plans to attend Hillsborough Community College then on to the University of Florida and ultimately to law school where she plans to specialize in Agricultural Law. “I have a passion for agriculture and want to do whatever I can to help and protect the industry.” Helping her to achieve those goals are scholarship assistance from UPS, her father’s employer, and various FFA support. Michelle graduated with a 3.8 GPA, was treasurer of the student council, treasurer of the junior board and treasurer for National Honor Society.

Michelle also played sports in high school as a member of both the junior varsity and varsity soccer team and varsity cross country team at Mulberry High School. During her high school career, she recorded 601 hours of community service to groups such as the Girl Scouts, Exploration’s Kid Museum and, of course, FFA. There’s a bit of a quirky side to Michelle, she drives a pink Toyota and wore a camouflage dress to homecoming and still came in as second runner up for homecoming queen. “It’s all really harmless, but people do notice,” she said. All of these things added up for her peers and later on they decided to elect her “Most talented” member of her senior class.

If Michelle decides against running for national FFA office, she will work on creating an FFA alumni club at Mulberry High School. “Many former FFA members and adults have supported me and I would like to do the same by forming an alumni group so we have a vehicle for giving back once our days as a member come to an end.” She’s done that before. While as a middle school student she began a drill team, which continues today.

That’s another characteristic she attributes to her father who has encouraged her to “leave things better than when you were there.”

A goal-setter, Michelle will be satisfied if she completes her year in office by gaining the most active members, influences at least one person and fulfills her duties as Area IV Vice President.

Our money is on Michelle to achieve all of those and more.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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All Of Ser ving orida Fl Central What a month it has been! Finishing up our turkeys from Thanksgiving, Christmas gifts being unwrapped to celebrate the time of giving and joy! Then celebrating the end and beginning of a New Year with mesmerizing colorful fireworks! Don’t you love the holidays? It is quite busy in the FFA world as well.

For the month of December the 2010-2011 state officer team finished off the year by hosting the State Citrus and Tool ID contest at the FFA leadership training center in Haines City, FL, and that very same week we hosted the Food Science contest in Gainesville FL. I just want to congratulate all the winners and give a “Job well done” for all that competed. After this event, the state officer team moved right into hosting the middle school conference which had a record breaking attendance of about 130 students. The theme for this conference was “Mad Science.” Students learned how to determine their natural strengths or attributes and how to utilize them in their chapters. In the “DNA” experiment lab, students also had a chance to look more into all the opportunities FFA brings and hopefully find out what interests them. In the “discovering our element” experiment lab, they explored impact vs. impression in the “Why does it matter lab” and had the opportunity to figure out how taking action is an integral part of discovering the perfect equation to leadership in the “get out of the lab and into the field.”

Right after the middle school conference, the state officer team had a chance to take a step back and participate in a conference that was hosted

by National FFA this conference was called “360”. The following week, the state officers traveled to the local sub district contests where students competed in prepared public speaking, extemporaneous speaking, tractor driving and much more. Throughout all of these events, I was going to chapter events, keeping up with our UF courses and working hard to raise $4500 to attend our trip to study the agriculture industry in Argentina in January!

Fortunately with the help of many people within the community, as well as people just trying to help, I was able to reach my goal. I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system and could not have done it without the help of many people. Thank you to all that helped and supported me in a time of need. I am excited to come back from my trip with a load of pictures to share!

Until next time have a wonderful month.

• • • •

Michelle Perez

& All U Can Eat Chicken & Fish

Area IV Vice President 38

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39

(from left to right) Morgan Carlton, Wes Fussell, Governor Scott, Taylor Walker and Shelby Oesterreicher

Polk FFA Members Attend Inauguration Day Tuesday January 4, 2011 was an exciting day in our state’s capital as Florida’s 45th Governor, Rick Scott, was inaugurated, along with Polk’s Adam Putnam as Florida’s new Commissioner of Agriculture. Four FFA members, Morgan Carlton and Taylor Walker from Kathleen FFA and Shelby Oesterreicher and Wes Fussell from Bartow FFA were there to witness the historic event.

The morning started at 3:30 am for these students as they traveled close to 300 miles from Bartow to Tallahassee. After arriving at the Capitol students waited in line to be seated for the swearing in ceremony, and had the pleasure of meeting several influential people including former Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter. Mr. Gunter began his political career as a Florida State FFA officer and then served as National FFA President. The students were able to share stories of FFA successes with Mr. Gunter.

The students were impressed with the Governor’s speech, which centered on job creation and improving Florida’s economy. Taylor Walker said “I feel the governor has a good plan to create jobs in our tough economy. It sounds like we have an exciting four years ahead of us.”

After the ceremony, students attended a reception in Commissioner Putnam’s honor sponsored by Fresh from Florida.

Students met with the Commissioner and had time to visit with many of his family members including his parents, his niece and nephews, and many friends and supporters. “As a student of Bartow High School, I count it an honor and a privilege to have

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attended the inauguration of Commissioner Putnam, alumni of Bartow High School,” related Wes Fussell.

Before leaving the Capitol the group took a chance on meeting the new Governor in his office. To their pleasure and surprise Governor Scott took time out of his busy schedule to have his picture taken with the Imperial Polk County FFA members.

The students and their advisors enjoyed a lunch in the Capitol dining hall before proceeding to the Inauguration Parade.

The parade featured many high school bands and junior ROTC units as well as the FAMU, and FSU bands.

Morgan Carlton and Taylor Walker had the pleasure of meeting their State Representative Kelly Stargel and her husband, Judge John Stargel. Morgan had also been commissioned by her grandfather Charles Carlton, to find the Carlton Building named for Doyle Carlton, a family ancestor. “I hope that I can live up to my ancestor’s legacy,” said Morgan.

“It was an inspiring day and a unique opportunity to experience our state’s government in action,” said Shelby Oesterreicher, District VIII FFA President.

The group was chaperoned by Keitha Hall, advisor at Kathleen High School, and Marie Fussell, advisor at Bartow High School along with David Byrd, Polk County FFA Federation Advisor.

“This was a great learning opportunity for our student leaders and I hope they use this opportunity to pursue future leadership endeavors beyond high school,” said David Byrd.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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By Jim Frankowiak The Mosaic Company has unveiled plans for a new “world class” resort under construction amid 16,000 acres of once phosphate-mined lands in southwestern Polk County, approximately five miles west of Ft. Meade. Streamsong Resort marks the first endeavor of its type for Mosaic, a global producer and marketer of phosphate-based crop nutrients.

“Many of our former mining areas have been reclaimed for public recreational or environmental uses in the past,” said Tom Sunnarborg, vice president of land development and management for Mosaic. “But now we plan to extend our land stewardship into building a world-class resort that showcases the environmental beauty as well as the commercial viability of reclaimed land.”

Tampa-based Alfonso Architects, Inc. is designing the resort, conference center and many amenities, while The Plasencia Group, Inc., also of Tampa, has been responsible for creating the overall resort development plan with Mosaic. Other members of the project team include Kimley-Horn & Associates for land planning and engineering, and ChappellRoberts and YPartnership – marketing services.

The new resort and conference center will have approximately 140 guest rooms (with the potential to expand to more than 200 rooms) and five villas -- each with four private guest rooms adjoining a common gathering area and either located on lakes or offering views of the central Florida landscape and its natural attributes. There will be 20,000-plus square feet of meeting space, three restaurants – one of which will offer fine dining -- and two lounge areas.

“Without city lights to hinder the spectacular starlight views, guests of the resort will enjoy scenic observation areas, such as a stellar rooftop,” said Alberto Alfonso, the resort designer. “This

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resort embraces the land it is built on and will offer guests an entirely unique Florida experience.”

Streamsong will also offer guests a full-service spa and two golf courses designed by Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw of Coore & Crenshaw. This will be the first location in the world where these two renowned teams have worked concurrently to design and build a course, following the success of projects in Oregon and Tasmania, Australia that feature their courses.

The resort’s conference center will include a 4,000-squarefoot main ballroom, junior ballroom and flexible breakout rooms.

Meeting areas adjacent to the main conference center, providing easy access for overnight guests, yet all meeting space is free-standing with no guest rooms or others areas built above. Individual meeting rooms will open to a multi-tiered outdoor terrace and pool deck and each will offer state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities, WiFi and lighting.

The golf course design team has already begun work on two 18-hole layouts that will take full advantage of the hills, lakes, towering dunes and dramatic contours left from the site’s days as a phosphate mine. Limited play is expected sometime in the last half of 2012. In addition to resort guests, Streamsong will have a variety of programs for the public, including local and national memberships. In addition to the courses, an on-site golf clubhouse will house small meeting venues, a pro shop and casual dining restaurant Streamsong’s substantial site will offer guests a variety of outdoor amenities and sporting activities, taking advantage of the property’s two stream systems and lakes that offer Florida bass fishing. Among those amenities are a lakefront fishing complex

with guides and an outfitter; large “infinity” pool with beverage and food service; sporting clays shooting range, trails for walking, biking and bird watching. The resort will also feature gardens and outdoor fireplaces, croquet and bocce ball courts and a series of nature-focused personal enrichment programs.

Indoor amenities and activities will include a 15,000-square-foot space with private treatment rooms, fitness center, pool and personal enrichment classes and programs.

In addition to serving as a destination for business and leisure travelers, Streamsong will help boost the local economy by adding several hundred jobs during construction and an anticipated 200 permanent positions once construction has been completed and the resort is operating. Additionally, Mosaic projects Streamsong will generate extensive property and hotel bed taxes, as well as serving as an example for future business and residential development in the immediate area. The company also said this “multiplier effect” is expected to boost the county’s tax base, bring tourist revenue and encourage the development and

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execution of similar strategies that can be achieved when a large piece of land is planned as a single development.

The resort land is located approximately five miles east of the town of Ft. Meade, bordering near the Polk-Hardee County line to the south, Fort Green Road to the west, State Road 630West along most of the northern perimeter and District Line Road along the majority of its eastern boundary.

For additional information, visit www.streamsongresort.com.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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Naturally Amazing Activities OVERWINTERING INSECTS

By Sean Green

Our tropical climate in Florida provides a terrific home for overwintering insects. Some insects even migrate here from other states to overwinter. Insects can overwinter in any of several life stages (eggs, pupae, adult). Finding overwintering insects can be like a treasure hunt if you don’t recognize the species. This month’s activity is the exploration and observation of overwintering insects. Watching immature insects develop into an adult can be especially fascinating.

Some insects are active while others remain inactive during hibernation periods. You will be surprised with the variety of insects that can be found in the wintertime in Florida, and for some of us, it can be more exciting than the theme parks that attract winter visitors.

Materials: •

Appropriate Clothing

• Habitat Container (Jar, plastic critter box, Tupperware) • Container Top (old nylon stockings, plastic lid with air holes) •

Substrate (soil, moss, sand)

•

Rubber Bands

•

Knife / Pruning Shears

Where to find winter insects: Acorns provide both shelter and nutrition for some insects.

Gather acorns from under the oak trees and place them in a container of water. Acorns that float are likely to have insects inside. You may find an Acorn Weevil or an Acorn Moth or one of a number of ants or fly species.

Galls are warty growth structures (usually round) you see on trees and shrubs and range in size from that of a pea to as large as a basketball depending on the species that created it. They are often created by

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insects such as gall flies, gall wasps, gall midges, aphids and psyllids as a habitat and food source for the insect.

Tree bark on decaying logs provides a home for a number of beetles such as the Patten Leather Beetle but also home to some of Florida’s centipedes and scorpions not to mention both native and imported fire ants. Caution must be implanted when exploring decaying logs, especially very large ones that can provide a habitat for many species.

Compost piles and leaf litter will provide a warm home for a huge variety of insects, each fulfilling its role in the decomposition of your compost pile. Of the many insects you may find one of the larger treasures are beetles, if you’re lucky perhaps you will find one of the larger species of stag beetle. Ladybugs also hibernate in leaf litter and usually communally.

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Keeping Insects: If you intend to keep the insects you find, try not to disturb its overwintering process. Include components from its environment in the habitat you create for it.

Keep any substrate in the habitat humid but not wet by misting the habitat every two or three days. It is best to keep the habitat outside to approximate the temperature and exposure to sunlight it received in the wild. If you do move an insect to the warmth of your home, it may develop faster that it would have in the wild or may not develop at all.

Enjoy observing the insect for a while, then return it to the wild unless you have researched the species and understand the commitment necessary for husbandry throughout its life cycle (which could be years). It would be great to see pictures of your findings.

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2011 FL State Fair Livestock Schedule of Events

By Johnny Cone Florida has been invaded by aliens! I am not talking about little green men and flying saucers. I am speaking of exotic wildlife species. This invasion began when the first explorers visited the New World and continues today. We see these exotic species every day and many times may not be aware that many common animals are not native to this state. For example, the brown anole lizards that are a common sight in most residential yards are not native to Florida.

They are native to various islands in the Caribbean. Older folks will most likely remember a time when the only lizards we saw in our yards were our native Green Anoles. But now the brown lizards are everywhere. Another species commonly seen and often assumed as a native is the House Sparrow. This small bird is a common sight at backyard feeders. The House Sparrow is actually native to Europe and parts of the Middle East.

The reason exotic species found their way to Florida is as diverse as the species themselves. Some arrived as part of a natural range expansion from other portions of the United States. Others were intentionally introduced in hopes they would serve some purpose or solve some issue. Many times this issue is the control of another non native species. On several occasions state officials have intentionally released an exotic species as a method of control of another exotic species already established. This has worked in some cases and in some cases it has not. Other exotics have become established because they were released, both intentionally and unintentionally, by pet owners. Of note, Hurricane Andrew is felt to have played a significant role in the establishment of some exotic species. Miami is an entry point for exotic captive wildlife coming into the United States. Because of that, there are many breeding and wholesale operations in Dade County. Those operations got hit very hard when Hurricane Andrew hit that part of the state, damaging and destroying many buildings and cages, causing the release of thousands of exotic animals. The strong winds helped distribute many animals, especially among the smaller species, far and wide across the Everglades and South Florida.

An underlying cause with the exotic wildlife problem in Florida is the same cause as other issues the state has, population growth, traffic, etc. Florida is a great place to live. The exotics like it here as much as the people do. With a mild climate, plenty of rainfall, and lots of sunshine, there are few species that cannot survive here. Some even appear to do better here than they do in their native habitat.

The heat is not so excessive that it causes a problem for species from more temperate climates. It also does not usually get cold enough to cause a problem for tropical species. While we get a good amount of rainfall, many desert dwellers even do fine in Florida.

Looking at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website page on Invasive Species, it becomes clear just how serious the problem is Florida. The number of species now residing in the state, established and breeding is simply staggering. According to the above mentioned site, the numbers are as follows: There are 15 species of mammals that are established and have been breeding for at least 10 years in portions of the state. Notable species include coyotes, nutria and Rhesus Macaque monkeys. Amphibians have the fewest species with just four. However, one of the four is the Giant Marine Toad, which is deadly to pets and native predator species.

A whopping 52 exotic bird species have bred within the state.

Some of these species have become established, some have not, and with some species it is not yet confirmed. Bird species of note

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January 2011

include Muscovy Ducks, European Starlings, and numerous parrot species. When it comes to fish, 55 species have been collected in state waters. The blue tilapia, known in Florida commonly as the Nile Perch, is a common sight for fishermen. In Saltwater, Lionfish, a native of Indio Pacific waters, has become established on our reefs and near shore waters. Lionfish pose some unique problems. Aside from the fact they are ravenous feeders and preying heavily on our native reef species, they possess venomous spines that can cause a serious injury to an unwary fisherman unlucky enough to catch one of these brightly colored fish. There is one success story when it comes to non native fish species. The state of Florida successfully introduced Peacock Bass, a South American Species into south Florida. This species does not compete with native predatory fish and does a good job of keeping many non native fish species in check. Peacocks are a sportfish and great fighters. So a new recreational fishery was created. The state considers the introduction of Peacocks as an important success and the species has the distinction of being the only non native wildlife species that receives legal protection with size and bag limits.

Leaving some of the most serious risks from non native species for last, we come to reptiles. Forty-six species of reptiles have been reported as breeding here in Florida. As with birds, some of these species are established, some are not, and some are unknown. This list contains some very ominous species, including the Nile Monitor Lizard. A large carnivorous lizard native to Africa has become well established in the Charlotte County area of Southwest Florida and appears to be expanding. This large lizard grows to a size of about six feet in length and is a cunning hunter that can be aggressive towards humans. Aside from the potential threat to humans, this lizard’s hunting habits pose a great risk for many native species including bird life. Notorious nest raiders, they are preying on the eggs of threatened species such as Gopher Tortoises and endangered sea turtles. Another Reptile established here in Florida has received national attention and has been the subject of television documentaries is the Burmese Python. This large species of snake has colonized the Everglades. Capable of taking large prey including deer, feral hogs and alligators, this species poses a very real safety threat to people. Like the Nile Monitor they appear to be expanding their range along the east coast of the state, with reports as far north as Volusia County. In addition to the 54 species on the FWC’s file of non native reptiles, there is one other species that may or may not be of a very serious concern. In August of 2009 a cable television worker was bitten by an Eastern Green Mamba while working in a Hollywood Florida neighborhood. Green Mambas are native to Africa and one of the most dangerous venomous snake species in the world. The bitten man recovered with treatment. But the snake was never found and captured.

It is not likely that State Officials or anyone else will be able to eradicate any of the problematic species of exotic wildlife. The best we can probably hope for is that numbers are held in check and new species do not become established. Keep an eye out, because one day you may look out your back window and see anything from a Gambian Pouch Rat, to a monkey, to a Burmese Python or worse. The next time you hear someone talking about aliens, don’t look to the sky for flying saucers. Take a look in the bushes because something just may come crawling or slithering past.

Thursday, February 10th 10 a.m. Purebred Poultry Judging Open Brahman Show Open Santa Gertrudis Show 10 a.m. Youth Rabbit Judging Open Zebu Show 1 p.m.

Open Angus Show 3 p.m.

Open Brangus/Red Brangus Show 7 p.m.

Open Goat Show – Junior Show

Thursday, February 17th 10 a.m. Youth Poultry (Purebred) Judging

Pre-Junior Poultry Judging

Open Boer Goat ABGA Show 12 noon Strolling Entertainment ( Barns)

Open Pigeon Exhibit Ranch Rodeo 2 p.m.

Ranch Rodeo 7 p.m.

Friday, February 11th 9 a.m.

Youth Beef Showmanship/Show Angus, Brahman, Brangus/Red Brangu, Santa Gertrudis

Purebred Poultry Judging (as needed) 10 a.m. Youth Rabbit Judging 12 noon Youth Goat Showmanship / Show 6 p.m.

Southeastern Miniature Zebu Classic

Friday, February 18th 8:30 a.m. Open Dairy Show

Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn After Open Open Dairy Supreme Champion

Dairy Show

Open Rabbit Judging 9 a.m.

Youth Poultry (Purebred) Judging

Pre-Junior Poultry Judging

Open Pigeon Exhibit 12 noon Youth Poultry Showmanship

Pre-Junior Poultry Showmanship

Youth Llama Show Clinic Youth Poultry Judging 2 p.m.

(Commercial/Farm Utility)

Youth Llama Showmanship Followed by Youth Llama Halter Classes Youth Sheep Obstacle Course Contest 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 12th Open Goat Show 9 a.m.

Junior & Senior Show

4H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest

Youth Rabbit Showmanship – Senior 9:30a.m. State 4-H Dog Show Youth Rabbit Showmanship – 1 p.m.

Junior & Intermediate

Purebred Poultry Crowing Contest 1:30 p.m. 4H/FFA Horse Judging Contest

4 p.m. Purebred Poultry Crowing Contest

5 p.m. Swine Showmanship Sunday, February 13th 8 a.m.

Goat Judging Contest Followed by Open Goat Show State 4-H Dog Show 8 a.m.

Swine Show 1 p.m.

Purebred Poultry Crowing Contest 2 p.m.

Monday, February 14th 10 a.m. Open Dexter Show 11:30 a.m. Open Hereford Show 12 noon Strolling Entertainment (Barns) Open Limousin Show 2 p.m.

Strolling Entertainment (Barns) Open Simmental Show 4 p.m.

Tuesday, February 15th Youth Beef Showmanship/Show 9 a.m.

Limousin, Simmental

All Other Youth Beef Cattle 12 noon Strolling Entertainment (Barns) Strolling Entertainment (Barns) 2 p.m.

Boer Goat Judging Contest 6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 16th 10 a.m. Youth Steer Showmanship Youth Boer Goat Show & Showmanship

Followed by Youth Wether Show Followed by Open Boer Goat ABGA Show 12 noon Youth Poultry Grooming Box Contest 2 p.m.

Ranch Rodeo 7 p.m.

Ranch Rodeo

Youth Steer Show

Saturday, February 19th Cavy Show 8 a.m.

9 a.m.

4H/FFA Poultry Judging Contest 4H/FFA Dairy Judging Contest

Open Pigeon Exhibit 10 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show 12 noon Youth Llama Performance Classes 1 p.m.

Youth Sheep Showmanship

Open Rabbit Judging

Youth Poultry Crowing Contest 4 p.m.

Youth Poultry Crowing Contest Registered Youth Sheep Show 6 p.m.

Sunday, February 20th 8:30 a.m. Youth Dairy Showmanship 30 min after showmanship Youth Dairy Show - Heifer Classes Youth Llama Performance/PR & Obstacles Classes 9 a.m.

Open Pigeon Exhibit 10 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show 11 a.m. Youth Breeding Sheep Show Youth Poultry Crowing Contest 2 p.m.

4:30 p.m. Youth Poultry Crowing Contest Monday, February 21st 8:30 a.m. Youth Dairy Show - Cow Classes All acts, concerts, scheduled times, exhibitors, prices and other advertised events are subject to change and/or cancel without notice.

Visit www.floridastatefairag.com for more information.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

47

Kathleen High School

Kathleen FFA Spreads Holiday Cheer

By Amy Klass and Emily Klass, Kathleen Ag Communications Students As the holidays approach most students are excited about getting out of school for two weeks, sleeping in and hanging out with friends. Things were different for Kathleen FFA students.

As the holiday approached they were worried about meeting their commitment of 72 gifts and a holiday party! In September, when the school year was just starting, students voted to adopt a Head Start program and provide the students with a holiday party — gifts and all — as their community service project.

Emily Klass and Natalee Moore co-chaired this year’s community service committee of the Kathleen FFA chapter.

These young ladies started their project by contacting Ms. Lore O’Conner with the Lakeland area Head Start program. The original plan was to adopt 15 students who would benefit most from added holiday gifts, but soon realized that every family in the program could benefit from the help. So, the young ladies decided that Kathleen FFA, with 101 members, could take on the challenge of all 72 students in the Sleepy Hill Elementary Head Start program.

The young ladies started rallying the troops by decorating a Christmas tree in the Ag building and placing ornaments with children’s ages on them all over the tree for students to take over a two week period. “We thought if members had a visual to show them how many children we were helping they would be willing to bring in a gift for their child,” Emily said. Soon, the ornaments were disappearing and the pile of gifts began to grow.

Natalee thought the two week time line was important to the project’s success as well, stating “By keeping the time frame so

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tight, students kept the gift on their minds and didn’t forget—every student who took an ornament from the tree actually brought in a gift, which was pretty cool.”

Both Agriculture instructors, Mr. Kyle Carlton and Ms. Keitha Hall, kept countdown charts in their classrooms of how many children still needed gifts, which kept all the FFA members excited about the project as well. “Everyday students came in asking how many more kids needed presents and constantly offered to bring in a gift for another child—it was pretty special,” said Mr. Carlton of the project. The final day of the project, FFA members met after school to wrap all the gifts and to take a final count to ensure every student received a gift at the party. The final count was 86 gifts—14 more than were needed! The students wrapped presents for close to three hours — Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, moving trucks, princess sets and much more.

The party was set for December 17. The FFA provided cupcakes and punch and a holiday gift for each of the 72 Head Start students, along with holiday songs, hugs and a great time. Many of the student’s parents attended the party and brought younger siblings, so the extra gifts were distributed as well. It was a great time for all and a wonderful way to start a holiday break for a season of giving for Kathleen FFA members. “Through this project our FFA members were able to see that giving back, even in a small way, can bring so much joy to others. Hopefully they will continue to give in their adult lives, which truly makes a difference in our community,” said Ms. Hall of the project’s success.

Kathleen FFA has Stellar Start this Year!

By Amy Klass, Emily Klass, Kasie Myers and Morgan Carlton

Like a bullet fired from a gun, Kathleen FFA has started off fast, strong and unstoppable. First, they won the county Opening and Closing contest. Then, District Forestry contest, Prepared Public Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure. By far the most strenuous and challenging of them all, were the State Forestry and Citrus contests.

On November 17-19 in Perry, Florida four Kathleen FFA members: Kasie Myers, Morgan Carlton, Nicole Green, and Ary Folds, participated in the state forestry contest. Guided by Kathleen Agriculture Advisor, Kyle Carlton, the girls captured another win for Kathleen FFA. Only the district champions are invited to compete in the state contest, so Kathleen FFA prevailed against the best of the best in the state. After countless hours of practice and numerous field trips, their hard work paid off. Kasie Myers came out on top, with 600 out of 650 possible points. Ms. Myers was awarded High Point Individual of the whole contest. She won a scholarship to the University of Florida and placed first in Timber Cruising and Insects & Diseases. Four points behind Kasie, Morgan Carlton placed second High Point Individual of the entire contest, with 596 out of 650 possible points. She placed first in Compass & Pacing. As a team they placed first in Timber Cruising and Insects & Diseases, second in Compass & Pacing and third place overall in Dendrology, Tool Identification, and General Knowledge. In October of 2011, the team will represent Florida at the FFA National Convention, competing against the best forestry teams across the nation.

On December 1, Kathleen FFA participated in the state Citrus contest at the FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City. The citrus contest requires students to learn to identify 35 pests, predators and parasites; 38 varieties of commercial fruit and rootstocks; 27 types of weeds that affect grove production; 28 diseases and disorders; and a written exam on citrus production practices. The citrus team, consisting of Jennifer Meyer, Risa Langford, Clayton Kiddey, and Morgan Carlton, competed against 22 other high school teams from across the state. Jennifer Meyer won first place High Point Individual, earning 194 of the 206 available points in the contest. Being advised by Kathleen FFA’s Agriculture Advisor, Keitha Hall, the team was able to take the victory.

Congratulations Kathleen FFA’s Forestry and Citrus teams.

Some of the happy children at the holiday party hosted by the Kathleen FFA.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

49

A Closer Look: The Winter Ecology of Insects Come visit

A Closer Look:

The Winter Ecology of Insects

at Booth #060!

By Sean Green

Now Open LF 60 39

301 State Road 60 W Plant City, FL 33567 landsfeed@ymail.com

p: (813) 737-LAND (5263) f: (813) 737-5260

Photo Credit: Thomas Hank

The natural capabilities of insects have fascinated me from an early age. Some insects can shoot streams of acid from their bodies, while others glow in the dark, change their body structure, or have ingenious predation behavior. Some of the least celebrated capabilities of insects are the adaptive mechanisms that ensure their survival through seasonal temperature changes. If you have ever wondered how such small creatures manage to survive cold weather, then you share my curiosity. Although some insect’s species will seek refuge in human structures, the majority will remain outside and rely on inherent strategies that predate the option of human structures.

Unlike mammals and birds, insects are not capable of generating enough heat to maintain their core body temperatures. When the weather gets cold they become cold and sluggish or completely immobile. As long as they do not freeze, most insects will resume normal activity as the weather warms. An insect’s innate ability to survive a great range of temperatures is an amazing feature distinguishing insects from other animals. Insects can survive core temperature changes that would be fatal for any other animal. The spruce budworm (Choristoneura) for example can resist freezing in temperatures approaching –22°F and the Alaskan beetle (Upis ceramboides) can survive temperatures of –76°F. A core temperature change of ± 5 °F is enough to compromise human metabolism and degrade normal body functions. With a change of ± 10 °F human organs begin failing and death is expected.

The ultimate goal for any living organism to survive in cold temperatures is to avoid cell damage that results in lethal freezing. Lethal freezing occurs when internal ice crystals cause cellular death. When ice forms on the outside of a cell membrane it draws water from the interior of the cell causing cellular dehydration (osmosis). Ice formations on the inside of a cell create mechanical damage as the ice crystals expand through the cell walls. Insects adopt one of two strategies for surviving cold temperatures that could result in lethal freezing. Insects in the northern hemisphere, where extended cold temperatures are expected are freeze avoidant species, they avoiding freezing by keeping bodily fluids in a liquid state. Insects here in the southern hemisphere are freeze tolerant species because they are able to tolerate moderate formations of internal ice crystals.

Freeze avoidant species condition their bodies to prevent internal fluids from ever reaching a solid state. Water requires a seed particle such as dust, food, or bacteria for ice crystallization to begin, without seed particles, pure water can cool down to about -43°F without freezing. Freeze avoidant species eliminate sources of ice crystallization by starving themselves or shedding their midgut when molting.

Insects also manufacture cryoprotectants that are circulated through the body of the organism to lower the lethal freezing temperature of their fluids. Cryoprotectants is a term used to describe a variety of substances manufactured from overwintering insects that protect its tissue from freeze damage.

Typically insects will circulate sugars and alcohol substances such as glycols and glycerins as a cryoprotectant to reduce the freezing point of their body fluids. Some insects have a wax coating that helps protects them from external moisture that could turn to ice while others such as the bark beetle will over winter inside living plants. Migration is a common strategy for freeze avoidant species. The most familiar example of insect migration is that of the adult monarch butterfly in its journey from Canada southward to Mexico. The return trip will be made by a member of its offspring.

Freeze tolerant insects that remain in their host environment during the winter months have adapted to tolerate the formation of internal ice rather than avoid it. Instead of relying solely on cryoprotectants they also produce antifreeze proteins that bind to small internal ice crystals and inhibit the internal growth and recrystallization of ice that would otherwise be fatal. The production of antifreeze proteins in the insect are triggered by the reduction of sunlight as the shorter winter days approach. Species that produce antifreeze proteins can control where the crystals form within their body thus reducing damage to vital functions. Not all insects produce antifreeze proteins and instead rely on the environment to provide enough heat to avoid freezing, a dry place to hibernate is critical if the insect is to avoid ice formation of internal ice from external sources. Insects may seem to disappear in winter, but can be found. Ladybugs hibernate in communities under stumps or rocks to share heat. Many butterflies and moths overwinter in soil in the egg stage. Beetles hibernate underground or in tree bark during the winter and will be found on the southeastern side of trees where they will receive the longest duration of warmth.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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51

4-H’ers Learn About Service Dog Work from PCSO K-9 Unit Woof, Woof Fort Fraser 4-H just went to the Polk County Sheriff’s K-9 training facility. While we were there we got to see how the dogs are handled by the Sheriff’s deputies. We were able to watch the K-9 deputies search for criminals hiding and we saw how the K-9’s deputies are trained to sniff out drugs, bombs, and explosives. We also got the chance to see the dogs up close at the end and take pictures with the deputies. This was an exciting trip for our 4-H club and it helped us learn how animals can be used to protect and serve. Fort Fraser 4-H club would like to thank the Polk County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit for their time and service to our community. The members that attended with our sponsor Mrs. Bridget Carlisle were, Brett, Carly, Cierra, Emily, Morgan, Savannah, Shelby, Skylar, Brianne, Reed, Jordan and Thomas. Reported for the Fort Fraser 4-H Club by Brianne Pueschell.

Pictured Above front left to right: Thomas Milam, Cierra Lowe, Brett Buzzard, Carly Milam, Brianne Pueschell. Rear left to right: Skylar Oglesby, Morgan Whitfield, Reed Fussell, Emily Edwards, Shelby Buzzard, Savannah Oglesby, Jordan Kirkland, and 4-H Leader, Bridget Carlisle. Detention Deputy, Thomas Gilbert and Tito.

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4-H Spotlight: Megan Campbell Hog Wild 4-H club member Megan Campbell started 4-H at the age of seven, and has been a member now for 10 years. Her project areas have included beef cattle, plant science, vegetable gardening, swine, foods and nutrition, crafts, and public speaking.

This year Megan is the club’s president. Last year she served as the club’s vice-president, and has also been the historian, photographer, and inspirational leader.

Megan is a very active high school student at Kathleen High, participating in the Color Guard. She also attends New Home Baptist Church and participates in the church youth group, and has participated in mission trips.

Regarding her 4-H club, Megan enjoys it tremendously and “wouldn’t change a thing!” Many of the club members interact in other venues, and Megan feels they can all “be themselves” around each other. Meeting once a month, the club plans and carries out a variety of events each year.

Megan says that one of the most important lessons she’s learned as a 4-H member is dedication. Working with animals every day requires dedication, as well as responsibility. She also says that youth can learn a lot through 4-H. “it’s business and it’s fun! It’s doing something productive not just sitting at home.”

After graduating from Kathleen High, Megan would like remain in Florida to attend a university, and then pursue a career as a coroner.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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www.seiglerfuneralhome.net INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

53

Polk County Teachers Awarded Grants for Water Resources Education Projects

by Robyn Felix, Southwest Florida Water Management District

Twenty-one Polk County teachers and four private school teachers are among the educators who were awarded Splash! school grants through the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

This year 206 Splash! grants were awarded to educators across the District’s 16‑county region.

Mary Margaret Hull, lead communications coordinator, attributes the effectiveness of the grant program in Polk County to the strong partnership with Polk County Schools, which helped get the word out to teachers. Milton Huling, senior coordinator of secondary science for Polk County Schools, serves as the District’s liaison to teachers.

“These teachers are receiving a small amount of money but are able to accomplish so much,” said Hull. “Grant recipients also use the District’s collection of curriculum materials and other free educational resources.”

The Polk County awardees include: • Sydney Weiss, Bartow Middle School, will receive $3,522. Students will visit the Peace River to test water quality and observe natural systems.

• Jessica Fredricks, Bethune Academy, will receive $3,995. Students will create projects encouraging water conservation, participate in water-related classroom experiments and view presentations by the Florida Aquarium.

• Lori Bradner, Central Florida Aerospace Academy of Kathleen High School, will receive $4,950. Students will compare Lake Hunter to Crystal Lake, analyzing water and sediment core samples to determine the health and water quality of each system.

• Melanie Tucker, Daniel Jenkins Academy, will receive $4,974. Students will perform water quality tests on a local lake. They will also create a Florida native plant garden and take a field trip to Bok Tower Gardens to study Florida

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January 2011

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

plants.

Heather Manrow, Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred, will receive $4,999. Students will study wetlands, perform water quality tests on local water bodies and use an Enviroscape watershed model to learn how wetlands impact water quality.

Kathi Decker, Eagle Lake Elementary, will receive $1,532. Students will take educational field trips to learn about Florida’s environment and natural systems. Students will also participate in an Earth Day festival.

Heather Teague, Hillcrest Elementary School, will receive $2,800. Students will study wetlands and take a field trip to Lowry Park Zoo’s Wetland Connections program. They will also create conservation projects and take part in an Earth Day festival.

Laura Mastrangelo, Jewett School of the Arts, will receive $1,142. Students will take part in freshwater outreach programs provided by the Florida Aquarium and create projects related to conservation.

Deborah Emmons, Lake Region High School, will receive $1,525. Students will organize community cleanups and teach elementary students about Florida’s water resources.

Dennis Dill, McKeel Academy, will receive $2,020. Students will set up rain barrels to water a campus garden. They will also perform classroom experiments related to water quality and create multimedia projects illustrating what they have learned.

Melissa Kelly, Polk Avenue Elementary, will receive $4,208. Students will take educational field trips to learn about freshwater resources and participate in hands-on activities.

Ray Cruze, Roosevelt Academy, will receive $3,816. Students will grow plants using a hy-

droponics system, comparing the amount of water used to produce crops using hydroponics to crops grown in the school’s traditional row gardens.

• Darcy Fak, Sleepy Hill Middle School, will receive $2,247. Students will plant and monitor three identical gardens on campus, comparing the ways in which each garden is watered (hose watering, sprinklers and micro-irrigation).

• Carlos Rodriguez, Snively Elementary, will receive $1,808. Students will take a field trip to the Florida Aquarium to study watersheds and wetlands. Students will create projects documenting what they have learned.

• Diane McCall and Debra Kennon, Summerlin Academy, will receive $782. Students will identify the presence of dissolved solids in lake, well, tap, distilled and bottled mineral water. They will evaluate the impacts of solute levels on human populations.

• Jenna Barefoot, Tenoroc High School, will receive $4,208. Students will grow plants using hydroponics, documenting growth to determine if vertical hydroponic gardening is an effective method of farming.

• Natalie Holland, Wahneta Elementary School, will receive $4,994. Students will take educational field trips to learn about freshwater habitats. They will document their project and share their findings with younger students at the school.

In addition to the county’s public schools, four private schools were awarded Splash! grants.

• June Stewart, All Saints’ Academy, will receive $3,170. Students will establish a classroom “mock stream” to practice water testing and perform experiments. They will also record daily weather conditions, take a field trip to Crystal Springs Preserve, add to an existing on-

campus garden and create projects documenting their work.

• Jennifer Canady, Lakeland Christian School, will receive $1,725. Students will participate in the Organic Earth Outreach Program through Nature’s Academy. Students will build a water cycle model, perform classroom experiments, participate in an oil spill simulation and create water filters using carbon, sand, soil and gravel.

• Carol Polkowski, St. Joseph Catholic School, will receive $1,943. Students will meet with a naturalist to study the school campus. They will take an educational field trip to learn about the watershed.

• Scott Nelson, St. Paul Lutheran School, will receive $3,914. Students will monitor and improve an on-campus retention pond. They will also perform water quality classroom experiments and take a field trip to Nature’s Classroom in Hillsborough County.

The goal of the Splash! school grant program is to provide hands-on learning opportunities that teach students about their local watersheds and the freshwater resources within them. Splash! school grants provide up to $5,000 per school on a reimbursement basis only and are available to public, private and homeschool teachers.

Past Splash! grant projects include water quality monitoring of local lakes and rivers, the development of water-conserving gardens on school properties, and outreach campaigns designed to promote awareness of water-conserving practices.

In addition to Splash! grant funding, the District offers educators free teacher training workshops, speakers for classroom presentations and free educational materials. The publications are correlated to Florida’s Sunshine State Standards and can also be ordered on the District’s web site at WaterMatters. org/publications/.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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55

Manage Hay to Minimize Loss

By Bridget Carlisle, Livestock Extension Agent Feed costs account for the largest percentage of the beef cattle operation’s expenses. Much of that cost is in stored forages fed through winter. Beef cattle operators need to find ways to maximize their feed dollar. That is maximizing, not decreasing or increasing the feed dollar. Just decreasing dollars spent on feed would likely be accomplished by feeding a lower quantity or quality feedstuff to the herd but would result in nutrient starved cows that are less productive. Increasing dollars spent on feed may slightly improve productivity but is likely not the most efficient use of the feed budget. The key is to maximize the dollars spent on feed for the cow herd.

One way to maximize the feed dollar is to minimize loss of stored forage during storage. It is a fact that hay and haylage will decrease in quantity (dry matter losses) and quality while being stored. But how hay or haylage is stored will greatly affect the degree to which these losses occur. Hay storage losses vary greatly depending on several factors, but storage method is of utmost importance. Weathering, water accumulation, and soil contact have major impacts on forage losses during storage. Hay that is stored outside and subjected to wetting and drying cycles will develop a weathered layer that is of very low quality as a result of the nutrients leaching. This is often evident as cows will tend to eat from the center of the bale, leaving that outer weathered layer for waste.

In the ideal situation, bales would be stored in a dry barn protected from the elements. In general (again there are many variables that affect quality and quantity of stored forage), one would expect a 2-5 percent loss of dry matter in this ideal situation. However, hay that is stored uncovered on the ground in a poorly drained and shaded area could experience a loss between 30 and 60 percent of dry matter! These losses can be reduced by simply moving the hay off of the ground to a well drained site (i.e. a well drained gravel pad, or on old tires or pallets). Uncovered hay that is moved up off the ground will experience losses of 15 to 40 percent dry matter. Losses can then be further reduced by covering the hay to protect it from rain saturation. Covered hay that is stored off of the ground will experience between 5 and 10 percent dry matter losses.

Each percentage of dry matter loss translates into dollars lost. To compound the matter, if the stored forage quality cannot meet the nutritional needs of the cow, additional dollars must be spent on supplemental feed. The only way to possibly get a return on all of this investment is to ensure that each fed cow produces a weaned calf and the only way she can produce that calf is if her nutritional needs are met.

Thus the importance of maximizing that feed dollar!

The following table is just an illustration of how storage losses may be translated into dollars. For illustrative purposes I have used the average of the loss.

James D. Webb, Jr. Senior Vice President Financial Advisor

863.421.4793

Value of Hay Lost (in cost of production or purchase cost) ($/dry ton) Storage Method (%DM loss)

$75

$100

$125

$150

Uncovered on ground (45%)

$34

$45

$56

$68

Uncovered off ground (12.5%)

$9

$13

$16

$19

Covered off ground (7.5%)

$6

$8

$9

$11

Barn (3.5% loss)

$3

$4

$4

$5

Storage methods do not have to be elaborate, just effective at protecting the stored forage from the elements (primarily water). Careful consideration to how forage is stored could save valuable dollars. For more information on reducing losses in stored forages see “Minimizing Losses in Stored Forages and Feeding” which can be found online at http://www.clemson.edu/psapublishing/PAGES/AGRO/hay.pdf.

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Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 We Support Agriculture.

611 US Hwy 27 South Sebring, FL 33870 direct 863 451 4035 fax 863 382 2212 toll free 800 962 2548 james.d.webb@mssb.com

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ContaCt: Julian l. Wright 941-628-9167 Cell 941-639-3926 office 941-637-0749 Fax

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

57

y rac yT

es it spell? ZIP as I, give me a P…what do Give me a Z, give me an ential nutrients and the n, members of the ten ess a healthy mind, in zinc, iron, and protei ving of beef needed for ser ry eve in nd fou l fue powerhouse need to join Team im, and bike? Well, you sw , run to e Lik l. sou d body, an woman!

ZIP to be an iron man or for the National Cattor of Communications rec Di Daren Williams, P, is a walking, talking and founder of Team ZI tlemen’s Beef Association . Since July 2007, he has y lifestyle can do for you svelte athlete example of what a health t 70 pounds to become a los d an es ach pre he at practiced wh desk jockey. instead of a 270 pound who loves to throw f-described grill master, sel the for n mo ser at gre A ss of wine for his wife e veggies, then pour a gla som add d an ak ste a on dining experience that not only the taste, but the and he as they anticipate lifestyle. zip to be physihas led him to a healthier t and beef gives me the die to ch mu too eat to “I loved kick for a number of . “I have been on a health cally active,” said Daren rn the advantages to in 2006 and began lea BA NC the ned joi I ce years sin of eating beef.” unds each year and ned an average of 10 po During his 20s, Daren gai esity and pre-diabetes. At of concerns: chronic ob found he had a new set weight of 270 pounds. the scales at his heaviest 30-years-old, he topped se,” said Daren. “If something through exerci “I knew I needed to do done…if you are not am I r body, it will say you in l fue od go e hav you don’t on you.” fueling, it will shut down to build muscles and ut the protein he needed abo He began to learn d that is not always good d, sometimes specific foo how the body craves foo the time. ver, he craved beef all of for you. In his case howe mountain bike stored owledge, he dug out his With this new found kn tim life e…the one to began the journey of his away in the garage and n he saw in the all acceptance of the ma of st mo d an , ess pin hap health, mirror. rce of lean protein,” nking it was the best sou l “I use to eat chicken thi n 10 grams of fat and fel cuts of beef had less tha n lea for gh thi he said. “I found out 29 ss skinle ess chicken breast and a between a skinless bonel protein.”

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B

Clockwise from top left: 1. The “Beef Backers” – California Central Coast Team ZIP members at a post-race celebration 2. The “Running Ranchers” – Team ZIP members from Oregon and Montana team up to run the 197-mile Hood to Coast Relay from Mt. Hood to the Oregon coast 3. Kansas rancher Barb Downey runs the Abilene (KS) marathon (her second race) and qualifies for Boston 4. Extreme runner Dane Rauschenberg (author of “See Dane Run” – the account of his journey to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2006) approaches the finish line of the 2010 Boilermaker 15K in Utica, NY 5. Kansas rancher Barb Downey crosses the finish line at the 2010 Boston Marathon (her third race) 6. A Team Zip member shows off his jersey.

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When Daren joined the NCBA, he talked with his colleagues ab how they, as an orga out nization, could evolve the message, “Beef, for active lifestyle.” an Meanwhile, Daren wa s pedaling on 100 mi le bike paths winding through the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. All the tim strategized for a new e, he concept, how to evolve the message he felt the NCBA must commun icate to the consumers of America. Team ZI born as he struggled P was up the bike paths wi th the fuel of zinc, iro protein. n, and We will need team jer seys…so he found a local man to create cy cling jerseys. The co ncept would be delic ious, yes sir, a big jui steak laid out on the cy t-bone classic Weber style ba r-b-q grill of that tim Next, find out how to e. overcome people’s ne beef. He thought ab gative perceptions of out himself and how he concentrated on thi didn’t want in his die ngs he t, like fat.

In his research, he lea rned the naturally nu trient-rich lean beef included zinc, iron, an cuts d vitamins B¹² and B6 plus the amino acids quired to boost our im remune system, repair damage to our muscl know, the “no pain, es…you no gain” exercise reg im en, and move more vit minerals, and other amins, needed nutrients thr ough our bodies, i.e. want more energ y, so fuel. We all eat more beef!

Daren had found his dream job at NCBA and it included his lov beef, pulled from his e for family background, and was all about co tions. mmunicaBet you would like to rock one of those su per cool Team ZIP jer and lead a pack of ma seys rathoners through yo ur home town, swim water hole like the Gu a local lf of Mexico, and the n jump on your bikes Pinellas Trail, so give on the a yell to the “Beef M an.”

To learn more about how you can join Te am ZIP, get the jersey begin your journey to , and a healthier, happier, and more energetic life go to the Team ZIP style, Web site at www.tea mzip.ning.com.

Look for Daren, he’s the guy who says, “S top feeling guilty abou I can eat whatever I want and look at me t it, . You can do it too!”

LOOK WHO’S READING Allen and Chuck Hancock, Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade ® Your AGRICULTURE Magazine

www.inthefieldmagazine.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

59

Foundations

by Johnny Cone Photo by CM Foto

Getting a new puppy or dog can be a very exciting experience. It should be the beginning of a friendship, a partnership between owner and dog, and many years of enjoyment. However, you need to ensure you start off on the right foot or it can become a frustrating experience. Far too many people wait too long to begin training a new dog. Some people voice comments and opinions that a puppy should be allowed to be a puppy. Or a new dog should be allowed to settle in. These statements are true. But they in no way mean that training should not begin immediately. When you build a house, you don’t frame in the walls and run the wiring before you pour the slab. In home building the real construction cannot begin until the slab is poured and finished. It is the same way when it comes to dogs.

You cannot begin your relationship until you have set the foundation. Far too many people wait. In most cases, waiting leads to a dog that laid its own foundation and decided for itself what behaviors were and were not important. The result is a dog that needs to be retrained proper behavior.

It is much easier, and enjoyable, to train a dog how to do the proper things in the first place rather than eliminating problem behaviors and re training the correct behaviors.

Cynthia Humphrey of Call Me Farms, a long time breeder of Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies and Rat Terriers, advises her clients to start training the basics right away. She recommends keeping the sessions short and fun, and to only use positive reinforcement. Don’t make it too complicated for the dog. Use simple techniques that are easy for the dog to pick up on. If you follow this advice, there is no reason a puppy cannot begin learning, sit, stand, and down right away. These commands can easily be taught using treats for shaping and motivation. A creative trainer can create fun little games to introduce and teach these games, so the puppy is playing and learning at the same time. Ms. Humphrey also suggests keeping treats in your pocket at all times. Each time you call or speak to the puppy and it responds by coming to you, reward it with a treat. This ingrains the behavior and lays the foundation for when you begin formally teaching the recall later on.

Ms Humphrey’s recommendations ring of the three key ingredients in building a great foundation with your dog. Keep it fun, keep it simple, and keep it positive. It is important to remember when building the foundation that you are not only training and reinforcing commands and behaviors but you also establishing a bond and building a relationship with the dog. This is a critical ingredient that will follow you for the life of the dog. If the dog enjoys training with you and learning from you, it will be eager and responsive. Negative reinforcement has its place in dog training.

Likewise, complex training techniques to learn advanced cues are another valuable tool, as is pushing the dog to work harder and longer. But not during the foundation, save these tools and techniques for later. Failure to do this can result in a dog that shuts down on you, reacts poorly to stress, and has a distant relationship with you.

So it needs to be repeated. During the foundation, keep it fun, keep it simple, and keep it positive. To keep it fun, always make training a game.

For example, if you are working on sit, bring that training into a game your dog loves, such as fetch. Have the dog go into a sit each time before you throw to ball. Or if you are playing a game of tug, take a break and have the dog go into the down position for a brief moment. This is also not the time to use the latest fad training technique you learned on a television show or DVD. You can save those for later if you like. But at this point you are working on very simple behaviors. All can be shaped and taught

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Gentle

GARDENING Tip of the Month:

By Craig Chandler

Mid-Winter Reminders

Now that the holiday season is behind us and the football season is almost over, you may have time for some yard work.

Here are six mid-winter reminders: • If you want to move a shrub or small tree (except palms), now is the best time to do it. Try to keep root loss to a minimum by severing the horizontally spreading roots as far from the plant’s trunk as is practical. Most of these roots will be in the top 12 inches of soil.

• Water plants based on the weather and their needs.

Established shrubs and trees need very little water this time of year, while turf, annuals, and herbaceous perennials will generally be fine with ½ to ¾ of an inch of water every 7-10 days. An inexpensive rain gauge is a great tool for keeping track of how much rain you’ve received. to the dog very quickly and easily by luring the dog into the position you want with a treat. If you want the dog to sit, take a treat and move it past the dog’s nose, just above its head and move your hand towards the dog’s tail. The dog will naturally move into the sit position to get the treat out of your hand. As soon as the dog is in the right position, it immediately gets the treat. There are two important pieces of advice here. Only reward when you get exactly what you want. When the dog goes into a down, it does not get rewarded for “sort of” going into a down position. Only reward the dog when it goes into a proper down with its rear legs tucked and its elbows making contact with the ground. It is the same for sit and stand. Only reward nice square sits, and nice solid stands with the feet square. There are a lot of sloppy dogs out there. They are sloppy because sloppiness was rewarded during the foundation. Again, it is much easier to train it right the first time than to clean it up later. The second piece of advice is that timing is critical when rewarding the behavior. Make sure you get the dog the treat the instant the dog performs the behavior you are looking for. This will ensure the dog understands what you are looking for and gives it to you the next time you ask for the behavior. And don’t forget to only use positive methods of training at this point the dog’s development. Reward what you want and ignore what you do not want.

Just like a well built house, a good foundation is critical in your relationship with your dog. That foundation can be the difference between a poor dog ownership experience or maybe a mediocre ownership experience and a great long lasting relationship with a dog that wants nothing more than to please you. So don’t wait for cracks to form in the walls. Start building your foundation today.

If you have a dog question you would like answered in the magazine, email it to Johnny Cone, Johnny@inthefieldmagazine.com.

• Keep fallen leaves on your property. You’ve heard of carbon credits, right? Carbon, in the form of organic matter, is valuable, and leaves are mostly carbon. So don’t burn them or bag them for the trash man to collect. Mow over them with a lawn mower and let the leaf pieces disintegrate into your lawn. Or rake them into your shrubbery beds where

they serve directly as mulch. Alternatively, move them to a corner of your yard to partially decompose before using as mulch.

• Don’t head back your crape myrtles. This type of pruning destroys their naturally attractive growth habit. It’s okay to do some pruning early in the life of the tree – to limit the number of trunks the tree has or to remove excessively twiggy growth – but there is no good reason to reduce the length limbs and stems that have a diameter greater than a #2 pencil.

• Fertilize citrus in January or February, and palms in February. Use a fertilizer that is labeled specifically for these plants (e.g. a “Palm Special” for palms) and follow the label concerning the amount to apply.

• Plant some flowering annuals to brighten up your spring. Petunias and snapdragons are generally reliable performers when planted in January or February. Consider adding wax begonias and geraniums in February.  Don’t do this. Or this. 

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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C L A S S I F I E D S RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get one FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378

MISCELLANEOUS Used farm implements.

Call Fred 813-623-3573

DECKING BRDS. & T1LL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378

Ford Industrial tractor/Loader modEL 515 2WD, 54 hp, runs good, $4500.00 (U13367) Call Fred 813-623-3673

MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

Rear Blade 84” $175.00 (U13350) Call Fred 813-623-3673

KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift • Ready to work! $3,500.

Call 813-759-8722

Kubota L2600 2wd, 2334 hours, 27hp. $2,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

DBL INSULATED Thermo Pane. Starting at $55.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378 Beautiful Brooksville Horse Ranch, 51 Acres, Large 7 Stall center Aisle Barn, 5 Bay RV Garage, 4 Car Garage, Nice 3 Bedroom 2 Bath house, Private Lake, Private Pool and Much More! $699,000 http:// alturl.com/i9rka (Old Video) Realty Associates (352) 346-5295 CALVES FOR SALE Simmental outstanding pedigree, gentle.

813-967-4552 or 813-754-5370 HUSQVARNA LZ 6127 Zero turn mower. 61” cut, 27 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty $7,499 (MSRP $9,699) C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671 SURPLUS WINDOWS DOUBLE INSULATED Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SIZES WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens all sizes available in different frame colors.

Call Ted 813-752-3378

Kubota 1750 4x4 Hydro Stat Trans. 20hp. $3,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 HAY FOR SALE 4X5 rolls.

Tifton 44, Star Grass, Clean Bahia Grass. Delivery Available. Call Charlie 813-763-4967 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON

Dyna Glide Streetbob with only 368 miles.

Excellent condition, garaged kept, covered.

Extras added and ready to ride! $11,000.

Serious Inquiries Only. Call 813-6593402

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

813-752-3378

1984 KUBOTA B6200 2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower. $3,000 • 863-698-2967

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

KUBOTA KX 41 Mini Excavator low hours. Quick attach bucket.

Call Scott 813-764-0603

NEW HOLLAND TC35 tractor / loader 35 pto hp 150hrs. $17,500 (UT9809) 813-623-3676

STUMP GRINDER Shaver S-25 PTO mount. Less than 3 years old.

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

For sale for $2,500.

Lake Wales 863-528-3213

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

T1LL 4X8 sheet B-grade $14.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378

New Holland TN55 Tractor/loader, 2WD, 45 hp, (UUT7084) Call Fred 813-623-3673

$13,000.00

Ford 2000 Gas Tractor Restored, 2WD, 33 hp, PS, 3600 hrs, $4,950.00 (U13360) Call Fred 813-623-3673 Used Post Hole Digger W/6” & 9” augers $500.00 (U13347) Call Fred 813-623-3673 Ford 3010S Tractor 2WD, handyman special $3000.00 (UT5634) Call Fred 813-623-3673 FORD 2000 GAS TRACTOR 2WD, 33 hp, $2500.00 (U13378) Call Fred 813-623-3673

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BLACK ANGUS CATTLE Purebred bulls & cows. Some bred also Angus / Belted Galloway cross $400 and up.

813-309-8100 or 813-633-6802 NEW HOLLAND TC29 tractor / loader 29 pto hp, 268hrs. $13,000 (UT6406) Ask for David 813-623-3673 English bulldog puppies Born 8-12-10 CKC, Health Cert. White and Brindle. Call Andres 863-644-1537 john deere Lawn Tractor/Riding Mower GX345 250 hours 48in. cut. Just serviced, runs great! $2,800 Call 813.909.8954 hay for sale Coastal Sq. bales $5.75, 4x5 rolls under barn well fertilized, weed-free. Delivery available.

Call John 863-412-2683 | 863-299-3171 for sale or lease 2.66 acre nursery in N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq. ft. frame house. 2 sheds, irrigation throughout.

Call Bruce 863.698.0019 2002 Massey ferguson 243 4x4. Shuttle Trane, Remote. $9,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 1999 Massey ferguson 4270 4x4, cab, 99 pto hp. $22,500. Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722 Mahindra 4530 Tractor Loader 455 hours, 4x4, 42 hp. $14,900. Call Alvie 813759-8722 Contributing writer Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures.

Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com ACCOUNT manager Sales, account management. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Email your resume to info@inthefieldmagazine.com

For classified info:

(813)759-6909 info@inthefieldmagazine.com

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

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

800 rolls available. Call for pick up 863-287-3091 or 863-294-1650

January 2011

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

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