INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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HELPING florida GROW ERS C
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PhycoTerra® and PhycoTerra® Organic are first-in-class soil amendments made with microalgae. Formulated by scientists at Heliae Agriculture for both specialty and commodity crops, when applied directly to the soil they restore the soil microbiome and deliver multiple benefits allowing plants to thrive. These innovative products demonstrate: soil health, soil water retention, root development, plant health, product taste, early yield, and yield weight. Our plan is to focus on doing what’s right, not just doing what’s better! Corporate Office 800.998.6536 | info@phycoterra.com | www.phycoterra.com Contact Local Representatives Allen Williford 813.860.8570 or Brian Sanders 813.860.8960 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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CONTENTS
JUNE 2018 | VOL. 13 • ISSUE 8
Dennis Carlton, Jr. CARLTON FAMILY LEGACY
64 Cover Photo by: Karen Berry PAGE 12 Harvest Award PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 24
PAGE 44 Animal Rescue
PAGE 58
PAGE 46 John Dicks
PAGE 62
PAGE 48 Endangered Species
PAGE 63
PAGE 50 Business Upfront
Fusarium Wilt
PAGE 52 Recipes
PAGE28 Photo Archive PAGE 32 Ag-Abilities
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE35 Blackberries
PAGE 56
Hurricane
Ag Careers
Okra
PAGE 66 Blueberry Growers
PAGE 70 Activity PAGE 71 A Closer Look
PAGE 74 News Briefs
Rain Garden
PAGE 36 Jack Payne
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 No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kenneth Parker....................President
Dennis Carlton Jr................Vice President
Michelle Williamson..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2017 - 2018
Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Carl Bauman, Will Womack , Melissa Grimes.
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ININTTHE FFIELD HE IELDM MAGAZINE AGAZINE
June June2018 2018
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Al Berry Melissa Nichols Chandler Workman
Letter from the Editor Although June 21 heralds the first day of summer, we have been experiencing summer weather for quite some time. The heat and humidity have been oppressive at times leading us to the hottest part of the year in sunny Florida. If you work or play outside, please be mindful of heat related symptoms and ensure you stay well hydrated. Signs of heat related illnesses include muscle cramps or hard tense muscles. Heat exhaustion symptoms include fatigue, nausea, headache, thirst, confusion, dizziness, fainting, drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold clammy skin or a prickly skin sensation, slow heartbeat, and agitation. Symptoms of heat exhaustion require immediate attention and include many of those listed above, as well as hot, flushed, dry skin, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, decreased urination, blood in urine or stool, increased body temperature, confusion, delirium or loss of consciousness and convulsions. Heat stroke can occur without any symptoms of heat exhaustion and require immediate medical care. Seek emergency care for anyone who has been in the heat and has the following symptoms: confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat, rapid rise in body temperature that reaches 104 to 106 degrees, convulsions, any symptoms not alleviated by moving to a shady or air-conditioned area and administering fluids and salt. Enjoy all Florida has to offer, but stay safe and hydrated. Until Next Month
Sarah Holt
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s 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 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.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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SUMMER SUGGESTIONS
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
Dear Readers: This is that special time of year for family vacations, but it’s also hurricane season in the Sunshine State. Please get ready for both. I would like to reinforce a communication that many of you received via email from Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Tommy Hale as it relates to hurricane season. If you haven’t yet gathered supplies to have in the event a hurricane strikes, please visit www.ready.gov for guidance. Have a plan in place for your family when a disaster strikes. Know your evacuation routes and detail where you will go if you must evacuate. And don’t forget to discuss how you will find one another if you become separated. If a storm or hurricane watch or warning is issued, be sure to listen to your local radio stations and watch TV for the latest information. Added information on planning is available at the National Hurricane Center’s website: www.nhc.noaa.gov. Should those of you insured by Florida Farm Bureau experience a loss or damage as the result of a weather event, call the 24/7 Claims Reporting Hotline at 866-275-7322 or visit: https://floridafarmbureau.com. Tommy also encourages Farm Bureau insured mem-
bers interested in policy review or coverage verification to contact him at 813/685-5673 or via email: Tommy.Hale@ffbic.com. Getting back to vacations, family members of Florida Farm Bureau shouldn’t forget the various cost-savings that are available for lodging, auto rental and even tickets to many of the theme parks here in Florida and other locations. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise are just a few of the car rental companies offering discounts, while Choice Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, LaQunta and Wyndham are hoteliers with saving offers for our members. For more information on member benefits you might want to utilize this summer, visit: www.floridafarmbureau.org/benefits. If your family does not belong to Farm Bureau, please consider joining so you, too, can enjoy our member benefits. Remember you don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to join. For more information visit: hcfarmbureau.org, call us at 813-685-9121. Thank you.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Kenneth Parker, President; Dennis Carlton, Jr. , Vice-President; Michelle WIlliamson Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Will Womack Member-at-large, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Melissa Grimes, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Jake Raburn, Member Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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is proud to congratulate
Stephanie Shimer Stephanie Shimer is this months winner of the Russels Western Wear boot giveaway. Stephanie started her foray into agriculture at 6 years old through equestrian activities. As a freshman at Steinbrenner high school she joined the FFA which immediately solidified her love of agriculture. Stephanie is representing the Florida State Fair Agricultural Authority this year as a Champion Youth Ambassador. She placed first in the Champion of Champions program at this fair this past Feb. Her 1st place finish for Rabbit and 3rd place finish for Steer landed her in the round robin. Stephanie’s Steer was awarded Reserve Grand Champion for its superior carcass value and her placement in showmanship. In addition she earned an SAE last year for breeding her rabbits, showing them and and selling them. She owns S2 Rabbitry where she has produced several Grand Champion English Spots whose lineage is now extended throughout the United States and Canada. Stephanie is currently reviving a muscadine grape vineyard where she will be using the grapes to produce jams and
jellies. She earned 2nd place in district for prepared public speaking and is the incoming chaplain for the FFA Hillsborough Federation and was last year‘s president of Steinbrenner high school’s FFA. In addition to her agricultural leadership pursuits, Stephanie is an avid marksman. She competes in Olympic Bunker Trap where she is nationally ranked through USA Shooting. She won Gold in the Florida State Junior Olympics two years in a row and a variety of Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) events nationally. Stephanie is AEST (Agriculture education services and training) Certified and will be entering her 4th year of veterinary technician education at Steinbrenner where she is an AP Scholar maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She looks forward to attending the University of Florida to pursue further education in agricultural and animal sciences. Students awarded a free pair of Justin boots from Russell’s due to their exemplary performance. If you have a deserving student, submit your recommendation to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com.
Hillsborough’s Agriculture Magazine INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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June 2018
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By Jim Frankowiak
THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR IS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2018 HARVEST AWARDS. THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JULY 1.
This is the 18th year the fair will recognize the Outstanding Farm Family and Lifetime Achievement award recipients for their accomplishments and contributions to agriculture in Hillsborough County. Added award categories are: Outstanding Agribusiness, Outstanding Public & Community Service, Urban Agriculture/Agriculturist, Young Farmer/ Rancher/Nurseryman age 40 and under and Outstanding Woman in Agriculture. Harvest Awards will be presented during the luncheon that will begin the annual fair Thursday, October 18 at the fairgrounds on State Road 60 and Sydney Washer Road east of Brandon. 2017 award recipients were Charles and Betty Grimes, Marvin Brown, Daniel Gutierrez, Alicia Whidden and the Mustard Seed Garden Ministry.
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The deadline for nomination submissions is July 1. Nomination forms are available on line at www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com. For additional information, call the Fair office at: 813/737-3247.
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June 2018
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PARTS & EQUIPMENT IN STOCK AT KENNCO YEAR ROUND!!!! You know what works... and we’ve listened to you.
Kennco’s new line of Strawberry Equipment is compatible with your current equipment and proven to form rounded beds on 48” row centers, lay tight plastic and drip, resulting in the
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Plant City strawberries are the best in the world. 14
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Call for details!
KENNCO MANUFACTURING, INC. P.O. Box 1158 | Ruskin, FL 33575 | 800-645-2591 | Fax 813-645-7801 Sales@KenncoMfg.com | www.KenncoMfg.com
Hear about specials and deliveries in your area. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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HELIAE AGRICULTURE INTRODUCES PHYCOTERRA® TO FLORIDA GROWERS A Cutting Edge Agriculture Product And Dedicated Regional Team By Shelley Baugh
Heliae Agriculture announced its entry into the Florida agriculture market with the hiring of two long standing industry veterans as well as introducing PhycoTerra® to local growers. Allen Williford, Agronomy Sales Manager and Brian Sanders, Territory Sales Manager have joined the PhycoTerra® team, to manage the Florida region. Doug Ranno, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Heliae Agriculture said, “We are pleased to have such talented industry professionals on our team to lead our efforts in introducing our amazing products into the Florida market.”
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In cooperation with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Heliae Agriculture hosted the top growers in the region with lunch and discussion on the innovative product, PhycoTerra®.
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PhycoTerra® is a sustainable soil amendment, that unlike other agriculture products, is a whole cell, plant based, pasteurized product that works to restore the natural quality of healthy soil and balance in the overall soil ecosystem. PhycoTerra® has demonstrated powerful results in multiple crops, in multiple growing regions, and is already showing real promise to Florida growers. Heliae Agriculture is a cutting-edge agriculture technology company creating sustainable solutions for growers everywhere. For more information on PhycoTerra® and Heliae Agriculture, contact Allen Williford at awilliford@heliae.com or 813-8608570 or Brian Sanders at bsanders@heliae.com or 813-860-8960. Visit www.phycoterra.com.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Allen Williford
About Your PhycoTerra: PhycoTerraÂŽ is a firstin-class soil amendment made with microalgae. Formulated by scientists at Heliae Agriculture for both specialty and commodity crops, when applied directly to the soil they restore the soil microbiome and deliver multiple benefits allowing plants to thrive. This innovative product demonstrates: soil health, water retention, root development, plant health, product taste, early yield, and yield weight.
Pam Lopez | Southside
Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
BrianSanders INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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June Fishing Report Tampa Bay 2018 Capt. Woody Gore After Alberto we should have plenty of water, but It’s June and already hot and humid. Keep in mind that after any extended rainy period we usually have plenty of dark water. On the other hand remember if you’re fishing low water, especially the flats and before an incoming tide, keep in mind the waters coming out of the shallow backcountry may be oxygen depleted. So, if you’re fishing live bait be sure to keep an eye on it and when it starts swimming in circles on its side and turning belly up it’s time to get out into deeper fresher waters fast or you’ll be netting more bait. Wherever low tides lasting through the night,especially as water temperatures climb through mid to late afternoon and evening heat, the shallow backcountry water has a tendency to become oxygen depleted. Therefore, some backcountry inside flats and exclusive mangrove pools might contain oxygendepleted water carried into your favorite fishing areas during outgoing tides. As usual, weather remains hot without much relief at least for another couple of months. In spite of the heat, anglers willing to endure high temperatures and humidity can look forward to catching plenty of fish. From Mackerel to Tarpon everything cooperates and eats just about anything from live bait to artificial’s tossed in their direction.
Snook season remains closed. Snook, Redfish and Trout have remained strong through the beginning of summer. Snook seem to be everywhere, especially around the flats and mangrove shorelines, willing to take greenbacks or artificial lures tossed in their direction. Speaking of greenbacks, they are everywhere one day and then disappear the next day. Sometime shortly the young fry should also start to appear. This means trout on deep water grass flats and mangrove/ gray snapper on every rock pile, bridge and bottom structure. Redfish action throughout the bay seems consistent with a few slot fish waiting to tug on your line. Trout, snook and redfish usually haunt the same areas often cruising open flats and sandy patches early then moving into the mangrove shade during the day. However, the trout will usually stay on the open grass flats hanging around broken bottom potholes. Anglers favoring artificial lures should try topwater action with lures like the new MirrOLure Series III S7MR or the Top Dog 74MR, Top Dog Jr. 84MR. Later in the day, soft plastic jerk baits like the favorite Gulp Shad rigged using their new 1/16 or 1/8 oz. heavy hooks practically assure success.
Mackerel: Mackerel fishing is on fire and Tampa Bay is loaded and June fishing should be no exception. Just find schools of threadfins or greenbacks, net a few, put out a chum bag, and hold onto your rod and reel. This means some real excitement on spinning tackle using 50 to 60 pound Seaguar leader and 2/0 long Daiichi shank hooks. Cobia: Markers and sandy broken bottom grass flats, especially those
holding bait, equal Cobia. These fish also frequent markers. They often cruise the miles of open grass flats following rays and manatees, always on the lookout for a quick snack. When fishing open water flats, it’s always a good idea to have a rod and reel rigged for something larger. You never know when one might slide by.
Tarpon: Tarpon fishing should continue this month. Many begin moving offshore to spawn some. Threadfin hearing, crabs, and larger greenbacks are all over Tampa Bay and work very well for tarpon. The Skyway Bridge, Anna Maria, St. Pete Beaches, and Egmont Key should be holding plenty of fish this month. PAGE
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN FOR CONGRESS
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM
I’m running for Congress to support the President, the President’s agenda and to make sure America succeeds. This campaign is going to be about the promise of America. The promise of the American people. And how our great experiment in Democracy and self-governance must not fail. That means protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States- every bit of it. That means making sure only American laws are used inside an American courtroom. That means allowing someone to keep more of what they earn, not less.
DONATE ONLINE AT: NeilCombee.us
send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2018
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• Sheep have very good memories. They can remember at least 50 individual sheep and humans for years. They do this by using a similar neural process and part of the brain that humans use to remember. • Sheep are known to self-medicate when they have some illnesses. They will eat specific plants when ill that can cure them. • Sheep have a field of vision of around 300 degrees, allowing them to see behind themselves without having to turn their head. • Their milk is used to produce gourmet cheeses. • Wild sheep tend to be larger than domesticated species, the largest (Argali) being 1.2m tall. They also have longer horns which they use to defend themselves from predators. • Cattle and sheep have what is known as a ‘ruminant’ stomach, consisting of four different chambers, each with a specified function. • Like various other species including humans, sheep make different vocalizations to communicate different emotions. They also display and recognize emotion by facial expressions.
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Sponsored by:
HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS
www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971
I have written several times in this column about how confusing the English language can be. The following thesis describes it perfectly.
shot one and the dove dove into the bushes. And a buck does funny things when the does are present. Confusing, eh?
We will begin with a box. The plural is boxes; but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
In closing the thesis the student surmised that we have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which our house can burn up as it burns down and an alarm goes off by going on.
If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn’t the plural of pan be called pen? If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet, and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet? If one is a tooth and whole set are teeth, why shouldn’t the plural of booth be called beeth? We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren.
We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
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To continue, I point out that a bandage was wound around the wound, and the farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. In my home we had Polish furniture, and my mother asked me to polish the Polish furniture. Huh? While dove hunting I
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I heard a story of a parish priest was being honored on the 25th anniversary of his arrival to the church he was serving. A leading local politician, who was member of the congregation, was chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner, but was delayed in traffic, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited. “You will understand,” he said, “the seal of the confessional can never be broken. However, I got my first impressions of the parish from the first conWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
fession I heard here. I can only hint vaguely about this, but when I came here 25 years ago I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first man who entered my confessional told me how he had stolen a television set and when stopped by the police, had almost murdered the officer. Further, he told me he had stolen money from his parents, embezzled money from his place of business, fooled around on his wife and took illegal drugs.” “I must say,” He said, “I was appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like that, and I had, indeed come to a fine parish full of understanding and loving people.” Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies for being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and give his talk. “I’ll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,” said the politician. “In fact, I had the honor of being the first one to him in confession.” Moral: DON’T EVER BE LATE When George Bush was president he went to Heathrow Airport in England. A red carpet was rolled out to Air Force One and the President strode to a warm but dignified handshake from the Queen. They rode in a 1934 Bentley to the edge of central London where they climbed in to an open 17th century coach hitched to six magnificent white horses. As they rode toward Buckingham Palace, each waving to the thousands of cheering people lining the streets, all was going well. This was indeed a glorious display of pageantry and dignity. Suddenly the scene was shattered when the right rear horse let rip the most horrendous, earth-shattering, eye-smarting blast of flatulence and the coach immediately filled with noxious fumes. Uncomfortable, yet maintaining control, the two dignitaries did their best to ignore the whole incident, but then the Queen decided that was a ridiculous manner with which to handle a most embarrassing situation. She turned to President Bush and explained, “Mr. President, please accept my regrets. I am sure you understand that there are some things even a Queen cannot control.” The President, ever the gentleman, replied, “Your Majesty, please don’t give the matter another thought. You know, if you hadn’t said something I would have assumed it was one of the horses.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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GCREC RESEARCH TARGETS SOILBORNE DISEASES OF TOMATOES AND SPECIALTY CROPS WITH THREE-YEAR/$770,000 USDA GRANT By Jim Frankowiak Fusarium wilt is a disease that threatens tomatoes and specialty crops. It is the target of a three-year, $770,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant that will hopefully lead to a biological strategy that will help growers control this disease. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural (UF/ IFAS) economists note that tomatoes are the top vegetable crop in the Sunshine State. Last year, approximately 28,000-acres of tomatoes were commercially harvested with a production value of $262 million. Dr. Gary Vallad, associate professor of plant pathology and associate director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), hopes to improve the activity of biological control agents (BCAs), primarily fungi known as trichoderma, to effectively fight Fusarium wilt using the $770,000, three-year USDA grant. He is working on the project with Seogchan Kang, Beth Gugino and Terrence Bell from the department of plant pathology and environmental microbiology at Pennsylvania State University and Priscila Chaverri from the department of plant science and landscape architecture at the University of Maryland. Researchers will begin their study July 1. “Trichoderma are common fungi in soil and on plants, and they have been used in agriculture as BCAs,” said Vallad. Researchers have used trichoderma to try to control pathogens, but with little to no success. “With this new research, we hope to understand what factors limit the fungus’ benefits as a BCA,” he said, “enabling us to develop ways to increase its ability to control Fusarium wilt.”
The use of BCAs came as methyl bromide was gradually phased out during the period 2005 – 2012. “As growers tried various ways to control diseases, including alternative fumigants, they saw a re-emergence in soil-borne pathogens and pests on many specialty crops, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, watermelon, cantaloupes and strawberries,” said Vallad. Once the current project is underway, UF/IFAS researchers will do most of their experiments on trichoderma at the GCREC, but they will also involve crops from commercial farmers. Research will also include studies in Pennsylvania and Maryland “likely focusing on small to medium-sized farm operations,” said Vallad. “We are focusing on tomato production in each of these states, hoping that our findings will help improve management of Fusarium wilt with trichoderma-based biological control agents.”
2018 NATIONAL FFA SCHOLARSHIPS INCLUDE THREE HILLSBORUGH COUNTY FFA MEMBERS Two from Durant; One from Plant City
By Jim Frankowiak
Three Hillsborough County FFA Chapter members were among 1,842 recipients nationally to be awarded scholarships by the National FFA Organizat5ion and National FFA Foundation. Durant FFA member Clayton Brock received a $1,000 John Deere Dealer/Everglades Farm Equipment Co., Inc. scholarship, while Jessica Tillis, also a Durant FFA member, received a $1,000 Built Ford Tough/Jarrett Scott Ford scholarship, as did Plant City FFA’s MacKenzie Steele.
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More than 8,800 applied online for the scholarships made available to students pursuing two-year or four-year degrees or vocational programs. The average recipient had a GPA of
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MacKenzie Steele
3.77 on a 4.0 scale and the average class rank was 23 out of 261. The selection process takes into account the whole student, including FFA involvement, work experience, supervised agricultural experience, community service, leadership skills and academics. This is the 34th year for the scholarship program which has awarded more than $50 million since its inception. The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also support4ed by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Plant City and the Food Revolution – An Untold Story By Plant City Photo Archives and History Center
The first new Publix super market in Plant City, on South Collins Street, in the early 1950s.
The farmers in the greater Plant City area played a major role in what became a revolution in the production, processing, and marketing of food. Beginning in the 1940s, a revolution occurred in the way consumers purchased their food, and particularly their fruits and vegetables. It involved the development and cooperation between three specific industries, agriculture, super marketing and food processing industries. Plant City and surrounding areas played a significant role in this revolution. Prior to the revolution, food stores operated in small, crowded and inhospitable shops. There was little self-shopping, shoppers were waited on by clerks. Most products were on high shelves behind a counter, and the clerk picked your items from that shelf. If you were lucky, you could get most items you wanted, and if the clerk was able to get the correct price and total your order, you may have gotten a fair deal. In 1940, George Jenkins opened the first supermarket in Florida, the Publix in Winter Haven. This store was innovative, and ahead of its time. It had air conditioning, automatic opening doors, and it was self-serve with all products price marked. Sales were totaled on cash registers, so errors in totaling the prices were somewhat eliminated. This new format in super marketing changed the way consumers shopped. It also streamlined the distribution of food, lowering the cost.
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At the same time, food processing plants began to open in and around Plant City. Many operate
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there today. Southland Foods opened in 1943 and began to process local fruits and vegetables. Herman Kennedy, an engineer, was hired by Southland Frozen Foods to open the Plant City operation and create equipment for processing the food. His innovative technology and designs increased production and lowered costs. The agricultural industry teamed up with the food processors and began to work together. As agriculture grew, the yield increased, and the processors were able to get their needs met by local farms. By working together, better forecasting, and selection of crops, cost decreased. The baby boom, starting in 1945, grew the population in the U.S. by 58.4 million, by 1965 – a 43% increase. Working together, these three industries were able to meet the exploding consumption of fresh and processed vegetables and fruits. Also amazing, the price of food began to decrease. In 1941, the cost of food as measured by percent of disposal income was 23%. By 1971, it had dropped to 16%, a 30% decrease in cost. The men and women working in these industries provided the American people better selection, fresher food, and an abundance never before achieved. Little has been written on this amazing revolution and the cooperation of these industries. Shoppers take it for granted that their food will be in abundance, fresh and plentiful. For those who achieved it and continue today, just knowing what they have achieved is satisfaction enough. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A typical grocer in the 1920s-30s, where the Budwine cherry drink was very popular.
Herman Kennedy, of Southland Frozen Foods, worked in the fields with the growers to improve quality and productivity of their crops.
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AG-ABILITIES – A SPECIAL DAY FOR ESE STUDENTS
By Jim Frankowiak
“I’LL NEVER FORGET THE DAY WHEN ONE STUDENT TOLD ME AFTER COMPLETING THE COURSE, THAT IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF HIS LIFE.” KENNETH PARKER Each year since 2001 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau has hosted Ag-Abilities, for Exceptional Education Students (ESE) from schools throughout Hillsborough County, at the state fairgrounds. The 2018 event was once again a success, helping participating young students with special needs learn about agriculture through the efforts of Farm Bureau members and volunteers. The program includes an opportunity for students to drive a lawn tractor, as well as learn about the foods we eat and animal breeds and plant identification through interactive activities. Participating schools this year were Caminiti, Turkey Creek, LaVoy and King. “It’s incredible to me how a simple (lawnmower) tractor can transform a person’s day,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Kenneth Parker. “The students are always excited and anxious to drive their own tractor. It’s easy to see on their faces the sense of joy and accomplishment when they start the tractor and navigate the driving course.”
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“I’ll never forget the day when one student told me after completing the course, that it was the best day of his life. As I consider the positive impact this program has had locally, hopefully other county farm bureaus will consider sponsoring and staffing such a worthwhile event.”
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Successful completion of all aspects of Ag-Abilities qualifies participants for individual award ribbons given to each at a ceremony held after lunch, which this year, featured pizza. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson, who was instrumental in the development of AgAbilities, calls the day “something I am so very excited to do every year. The excitement on those kids’ faces says volumes. I had more than one child tell me they had never gotten a ribbon for anything before, when it is common practice for traditional students to get one for showing up to an event.” “These students worked hard learning the components of the tests; and laid a number of fears on the line to be able to get on that riding mower, knowing they could fail, and be embarrassed in front of their peers. Test subject matter is part of their curriculum throughout the year. This is their ‘final exam’ so to speak. I was so proud of all of them who conquered all three tests and the tractor driving, earning them each those ribbons,” said. Helping Parker and Whitson make Ag-Abilities 2018 a success were Farm Bureau Board Members Tiffany Dale, Michelle Williamson and Tony Lopez. Florida Farm Bureau Area Director Dan West was also present as was Andy Neuhofer. Also lending a hand throughout the program were Gayle Yanes from Farm Credit, Terri and Amelia Zelzenock, Kelsey Newsome, Kelli Hamilton from Spoto High School and Morgan Maxey. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Bla c
er kb
a d i r o Fl
ries
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science While blueberries get plenty of attention in the media for their health benefits, blackberries are also full of nutrients. Several blackberry species are native to Florida and grow well in this climate. These include Apache, Arapaho, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Ouachita, Kiowa, Southern and Rosborough varieties. Blackberries turn from red to black when they ripen. In Florida, peak season for blackberries is during May and June. A member of the Rosaceae family, blackberries are very similar to raspberries. Both are kinds of drupelet, a cluster of fruit, and the seed inside each drupelet is quite nutritious. The core of the blackberry, the torus, is eaten with the fruit, while raspberries have a hollow center when picked and eaten.
Anti-aging Effects: Keeping the Brain Sharp
The deep, rich color of blackberries is due to anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that is full of antioxidants. This nutrient protects the body and brain from oxidative stress and can even reduce the risk of some cancers. Blackberries contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food. Regular consumption of this fruit contributes to good health and disease protection.
While the benefits of wine on the heart have been touted frequently in the news, blackberries also pack a very powerful punch. Feeding blackberries to animal lowers stroke damage and risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and total blood lipid levels. Other research showed a correlation between blackberry consumption in rats and altered vascular cell components that can influence blood pressure levels.
Nutritional Profile In addition to its antioxidants, blackberries are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and a host of other vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh blackberries (144 g) contains 45 calories, 1 g of protein, 0.5 g of fat, 10 g of carbohydrate, and 5 g of fiber. It also provides 50% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 47% for manganese, 36% for vitamin K, 20% for dietary fiber, 8% for vitamin E, and significant amounts of vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
How to get the Most Nutrients Fully ripened berries contain the most antioxidants. Research suggests that the antioxidant levels actually increase as a fruit fully ripens. Ripe berries are freshest if kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. They can also be frozen and can last up to six months in the freezer. Both fresh and frozen blackberries contain anthocyanins, but processed foods do not. Anthocyanins were almost undetectable in canned foods, bread, cereals, and baby foods containing berries, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Researchers speculate that this may be due to the instability of the chemical structure of anthocyanins, which allows them to be easily destroyed during processing. Therefore, fresh or frozen berries contain the most nutritional value.
Cardioprotective Action: Keeping the Heart Strong
Anti-Cancer Effects: Prevent or Slow the Growth Other disease-fighting compounds in blackberries that have been shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells include phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonols. High intakes of flavonols have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women, compared to those who ate the least.
Ways to Enjoy Choose berries with a fragrant smell and free of wet or soft spots. Refrigerate any berries you are not planning to consume immediately. Wash berries under running water just before consuming. Blackberries are delicious eaten straight out-of-hand or with a simple dollop of whipped cream. Other ways to enjoy include: • Top oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt with fresh blackberries • Make into jam or jelly • Mix with apples or peaches into a crisp or crumble • Use to top cake instead of frosting • Toss some into any fresh salad Eat more fresh Florida blackberries in their peak season today. They’re delicious and they’re good for you! Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Consumption of blackberries may alleviate some of the effects of age-related cognitive decline, which occurs in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. When older animals were fed blackberries, they showed improvements in short-term memory, coordination, balance, muscle strength and stamina. Polyphenols, another type of antioxidant occurring in high levels in blackberries, were thought to be responsible for this improvement. Regular intake of polyphenols, found in berries and red wine, is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Kenneth Parker and Zhengfei Guan By Jack Payne Zhengfei Guan wasn’t necessarily writing for the White House as he sought factors contributing to a spike in Mexican tomato and strawberry production. He had a much humbler aim. “My growers needed me,” said Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Ultimately, his white paper, “Agricultural Support in Mexico,” got handed to people in the White House, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the U.S. Department of Commerce just in time for the start of NAFTA renegotiations last year. Florida growers compete against a surge of Mexican fruit and vegetable exports to the United States in the NAFTA era. Some of that surge has come at your expense. Your commodity group leaders, including Kenneth Parker of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Mike Stuart of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, set about trying to convince U.S. trade negotiators that something was unfair. Growers had feelings about what was happening. They didn’t yet have all the facts. Enter Guan. The economist at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma dropped everything and dedicated himself and his team to digging for data. They scoured Mexican government databases and made sense of an alphabet soup of government bureaucracy. The end product was a report that revealed Mexican government investment of billions of dollars into its agricultural industries. It included subsidies for farmers to install greenhouses, postharvest facilities, and improved irrigation systems. That was just the infrastructure part of the equation. Guan showed in the white paper that Mexican government support covers the entire supply chain, including subsidized risk management, marketing, and the use of genetics technologies to develop and reproduce seeds and plants.
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The data was in plain sight -- but only if you spent weeks or months to dig into the archives that are all in Spanish.
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To get the benefit of all this information, all it took was a call to Guan. He could see the emergency, and he dedicated himself to equipping Florida agriculture leaders with data. He provided the white paper and other documentation free of charge. Not every Extension activity is free, but in cases of emergency, UF/IFAS Extension pros focus on help, not fees. It doesn’t matter if that emergency is a natural disaster such as Irma or manmade challenges like the complexities of a trilateral trade pact. The NAFTA talks continue. Florida’s commodity leaders continue to advocate for what they consider fair trade, not just free trade. On their trips to Washington – as well as Ottawa and Mexico City – they’ve carried Guan’s work with them. IFAS makes no recommendations on NAFTA. Instead it sticks to the science that can inform policy makers. That’s what can change a conversation from one based on gut feelings to one based on documented facts. As an economist, Guan knows that there’s a cost for everything. So he got beneath the surface to see if there was something more than the cost of labor behind the price difference in tomatoes or strawberries grown in Hillsborough County and those grown in Mexico. Just as Florida farmers compete in a global marketplace with the science of pest control, weed management, water quality, and more, they also do it with economic information. That information can be as targeted as a budget for your farm. It can be as big picture as data on international production of tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and cucumbers. Either way, it all starts with a call to Extension. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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PROF ITABILITY BEGINS IN THE ROOT ZONE Healthy soil is alive, a living ecosystem, and serves as the foundation for agriculture. Sometimes, it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. When treated like dirt, soil is less productive, and the fertility of the land may be diminished. One new technology, called Cool Terra®, provides growers a way to enhance soil vitality for greater yield in strawberry fields like yours. In fact, Cool Terra has shown some of the greatest results in the type of high sand, low organic matter soil common in Florida’s strawberry fields. Just like a coral reef supports sea life by providing structure, resources, and habitat in an otherwise barren ocean floor, Cool Terra can support plant life by: Microbes Inhabiting Cool Terra
• Optimizing water retention in the root zone • Enhancing nutrient exchange and availability • Building lasting soil structure • Providing an environment for microbes A 2018, 32 acre commercial trial in the Plant City area using Cool Terra demonstrated improved strawberry yields by over 500 flats per acre. The increased strawberry yield provided a revenue impact of over $4K and a grower return on investment of 15.5x!
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Terms and conditions: If you do not see the financial benefits from using Cool Terra; Cool Planet will reimburse you up to the total cost of the product purchased. Full program details can be found at www.coolplanet.com/cool-terra/grower-assurance/.
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STATE EMERGENCY SUPPORT REPS MEET WITH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM Update Information; Review Resources
Representatives of the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 17 (Animal and Agricultural issues), recently met with Hillsborough County emergency management personnel and volunteer group representatives to share updated information about support capabilities and limitations for pet sheltering. “Though the Hillsborough County meeting was held just prior to hurricane season, the information shared applies to any incident when the Florida Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated,” said FDACS’ Amie Facente, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor with the Division of Animal Industry. Emergency Support Function 17 (ESF 17), through its State Agricultural Response Team (SART) can provide support via training, volunteers and equipment – to a limited degree. Training is available online for various modules related to pet sheltering via the SART website: www.flsart.org. SART partner, the Florida State Animal Response Coalition (SARC), provides awareness and operations level trainings for small animals that are certified by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Registration for classes and added course information is available at the SARC website: www.flsarc.org.
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SARC is also a resource for trained volunteers able to assist with pet sheltering and another SART partner, the Florida Veterinary Corps, is a statewide ready reserve of private veterinarians and veterinary technicians who assist their communities and the state during a disaster.
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By Jim Frankowiak
Florida ESF 17 has limited SART equipment to assist with pet sheltering. Those resources include 14 Mobile Animal Response Equipment (MARE) units that can be loaned to counties during disasters. MARE units are equipped with pet crates, bowls and leashes for pet friendly shelter use. Additional equipment includes livestock trailers and panels. Counties are encouraged to identify and recruit volunteers with equipment needed during or after a disaster in advance of such events. Meeting attendees were also provided information regarding what ESG F 17 cannot do such as setting up county petfriendly shelters within days of a hurricane or other disaster. “It is the county’s responsibility to have these plans and shelters in place before a disaster,” said Facente who noted “Hillsborough County is well-prepared in this regard.” Additionally, State ESF 17 will not send its volunteers or employees into an unsafe, target area before it is impacted by an event such as a hurricane, especially a flood or storm surge zone. Counties are to submit all pet sheltering resource requests through the State EOC website. It was also noted that ESF 17 volunteers are not paid, not provided per diem or housing assistance and rely on the entity requesting assistance to be provide such support. Most such expenses incurred by a county are reimbursable through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Public Assistance.
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The Pets Evacuation ad Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (PETS Act) ad Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act mandate that state and local jurisdictions seeking FEMA Public Assistance must have provisions in their emergency plans for evacuating and sheltering people with household pets and service animals facing disasters. Neglecting such considerations disqualify jurisdictions from some FEMA funding. Reimbursable expenses may include rental fees for a facility, contract labor, overtime expenses for state and county government employees, housing and feeding expenses for volunteers, equipment rental, supplies and more. The meeting also included a presentation by Rich Brasher, a Sanitation and Safety Specialist with the Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Food and Meat Inspections, FDACS, who discussed damaged food guidance for food establishments impacted by emergency events. Brasher is a member of Florida’s Integrated Rapid Response Team, a multi-agency team, which responds to adverse food or feed incident or event for uniform and efficient response or recovery. The meeting also included the sharing of information regarding emergency mosquito control. FDACS conducts these ESF 17 update/information sharing meetings annually in all Florida counties.
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Cattle Tracking Going High-Tech
by John Dicks You know the world is changing fast when cattle tracking goes from pen and paper to computers, spreadsheets and data bases, and even scanning with cellphones! Perhaps it’s hard to imagine, but the new trend in cattle identification is moving (albeit slowly) from old fashioned hot iron branding to ear tags and now onwards to high-tech microchips. It is, of course, common knowledge that ranchers have for years identified their livestock using branding marks. To keep things a bit organized in Florida, state statutes have for sometime required that “any livestock owner who uses a mark or brand to identify her or his livestock must register the mark or brand” with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Yet, while the centuries old method of branding with a hot iron is still widely used, it is becoming less popular because of the pain and trauma caused to the animal, so much so that some governments have moved to regulate or outright ban its use. Several years ago, the USDA adopted regulations on cattle identification, and in compliance, the Florida Ag Department implemented the Florida Cattle Identification Rule. It is intended to improve the government’s “ability to trace diseased animals, prevent disease spread in an animal disease emergency, and protect the marketability of Florida cattle.” Simply put, in the event of a serious animal disease outbreak, the government wants to be able to trace specific individual cows back to the original owner. As such, the rule requires, with certain exceptions, that “cattle 18 months of age or older moving within the state to be tagged with official individual identification.” Such prevalent use of ear tags have proved to be a relatively simple and effective method of providing proof of ownership as well as enabling the tracking of a specific animal, tracing it along the farm-to-table production chain, providing a level of quality assurance.
However, with ear tags and other such ID and traceability systems, the problem has been with their reliability and the time and effort taken to read them. Just like hot iron brands can become illegible or even altered, an ear tag sometimes becomes unreadable, gets lost or removed. There are also the human errors that accompany the use of branding and ear tags since reading and recording the brand or ear tag is prone to human error. Further, there is the concern over the cost of time incurred in manually logging the recorded identity to a database for tracking. Seeking solutions to these challenges has caused attention to turn to radio frequency identification devices (RFID). These are similar to the implanted microchips that have gained popularity with owners of cats and dogs who want to keep up with them and hopefully find their pets if they happen to go astray. The RFID systems are proving to be relatively simple to implement and providing additional benefits other than just identification. Through simple scans, with even a cellphone, collections of data can be tabulated for individual animals for such things as pregnancy status, dates of vaccinations, tests and treatments etc. On dairy cows, daily recorded RFID data is input into computer spreadsheets and database software and used to monitor milk weight production and evaluation. Of course the costs of any such technology used in a project is always a concern. That’s particularly so with early adopters who seem to bear the brunt of the upfront expenses of research and development. Experimental projects conducted in Africa, however, have indicated that the cost for the implanted chip can be brought down to about $1 each. It is, though, suspected that labor costs there are significantly lower than they are here where prices seem to run about double that amount. Some operations with purebred cows or high-value bulls have really embraced the concept of tracking and have used RFID’s with GPS built in so that they can monitor the specific location and movement of each animal. Such high tech solutions for ranchers are giving new meaning to the old adage of a prized bull being “a (micro)Chip off the old block!”
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his law degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Nectar for the Bees:
Cooley’s Water Willow By: Ginny Mink
We spend a lot of time looking at birds, reptiles, mollusks, and various mammals on the endangered list and often negate the plants that reside there. This month that’s not going to be the case as we investigate the plight of Cooley’s Water Willow. This is especially important since it is a plant that’s endemic to Florida. Cooley’s Water Willow is on the Federally Endangered list (as of July 27, 1989). The water willow is a plant that doesn’t grow more than 16 inches tall. It is actually considered a perennial herb.¹ According to Dave’s Garden the willow is attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees.² As an endemic perennial herb, the Cooley’s Water Willow has only been found growing in Lake, Sumter, and Hernando Counties. But there is hope that this range is beginning to spread throughout Florida. When found in its own habitat, not having been planted there by enthusiasts, it grows in shaded areas of oak hammocks and rocky woods. Though it can tolerate moist soils and even drought, don’t let the name fool you. It cannot be grown in water.³ Its blooms are tiny and inconspicuous which make it a plant that is easily overlooked. However, the blossoms are a bright lavender, or are mottled lavender and white. The plant blooms between August and December and produces a tiny (.47 inch) fruit that looks like a wee-capsule.¹ And, as we noted previously, these flowers are a nectar source for our beloved bees and a variety of small butterflies.³ Though the seed pods, or fruit capsules, are very small, they are apparently spring loaded. This means, that when they ripen, they will explode and send the seeds within flying. If you intend to grow these plants from seed, collection is best done when the pods are a light brown color. Even then, use caution because they could explode in your hands and you would lose all the seeds you were hoping to transplant.³ One method of helping to ensure these endemic plants remain on the planet is by utilizing them in your home landscaping. They are exceptional ground cover elements, particularly under large oak trees and the shade they produce. You won’t have to do much to them except keep them well weeded. Average rainfall will sustain them as long as you incorporate a layer of leafy material to retain moisture and add nutrients.³ “Most Cooley’s water willow populations are located in hardwood forests on uplands or hills; some are situated on low rises in wet hammocks or swamps.”¹ However, the author of Sharon’s Florida seems to believe that there are more populations of these wee plants than people realize. She says this is mostly due to the fact that the plants are so small that people don’t take notice of them. Of course, we will probably stick with the experts on this and add, “Two known water willow populations are located in modified forest habitats. One population occurs on a wide highway right-of-way among a group of trees.”¹
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Residential and agricultural growth and development seem to be the key threats to these cute little herbs. Hernando County is particularly problematic for their existence as it is growing quite rapidly. Cutting down the Cooley’s Water Willow forest habitation is creating a serious problem for maintaining their existence. Of course, there is also the introduction of invasive exotics like the skunkvine and Ardisia. One final contributor to the decline is limestone mining. The Brooksville areas where these plants exist are particularly affected by this process.¹
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When it comes to trying to determine conservation methods, the biggest impact will be made when we are able to coordinate programs that protect hardwood forests. Then, of course, some system designed to monitor and assess the Cooley’s Water Willow distribution should be created as well.¹ But, we all know that these things take money. That’s why it is so important to support the Fish and Wildlife Service along with local and state parks whose purpose is to protect endangered and threatened entities within our state. Ordinarily, we look for reasons you might want to save an animal, plant, or other living creature. We hope to prove their worth and value to you. But, for us, the Cooley’s Water Willow already shows its value in that its nectar is well loved by bees. Florida is home to over 300 different types of bees and a bunch of them are endemic to our state. This means that with all the problems bees are having, Florida is in danger of losing a very vital natural resource. Protecting the plants bees thrive on is key to their longevity. Don’t let the Cooley’s Water Willow go! Contact Sharon’s Florida and see if she can help you get some plants going. Add them to your own yards. Care for them. Make a difference in the livelihood of an herb God created to help maintain our very existence through the bees that provide us with food! Cooley’s Water Willows need us and so do the bees they feed. Take action and keep our planet growing (not developing). Resources: ¹ US Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/northflorida/Species-Accounts/PDFVersions/Bellflower-Waterwillow-2005.pdf ²Dave’s Garden. Justicia Species, Cooley’s Water Willow. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/82117/#b ³Sharon’s Florida. Cooley’s Water-willow. http://www.sharonsflorida.com/cooleys-water-willow.htm Photo Credits: (Note: These may not be exact photos of the Cooley’s Water Willow but should give you adequate imagery to seek out the wee purple flowers.) Dinesh Valke (2011). Justicia Species? https://flic.kr/p/9wCVAT Bob Peterson (2011). Pineland Water Willow. https://flic.kr/ p/9FiLvG WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Business Up Front
By Breanne Williams
Cool Planet spearheads fight to regain soil health
Cool Planet, an agriculture technology company, uses engineered biocarbon technology to revitalize soil health, reduce water consumption and optimize fertilizer use. Cool Planet, an agriculture technology company, is tackling some of the world’s major issues including water consumption and revitalizing soil with its engineered biocarbon technology products.
for it to congregate and multiply. Having a very healthy soil micro-biome is critical to agriculture as it impacts everything from nutrient absorption to protecting the plant from harmful microbes.
The company’s main commercial product is Cool Terra, a carbon negative soil amendment that improves soil performance and increases plant growth and quality.
“Really if you think about soil health and you think about sustainability in agriculture, modern farming practices haven’t really been geared toward that over the last several decades,” Loar said. “Our soil carbon levels are lower than they were decades ago, we’ve basically farmed our soils pretty hard. We’ve thought about better seeds, we’ve thought about the use of chemical pesticides and they’re growing practices that have improved yields, have improved quality, but haven’t necessarily been all that positive for our foundation, our soils.”
The technology is top of its field and Cool Planet has conducted more than 100 independent, third party field trials across the country ranging from studies at prominent universities to trials in the fields of renowned farmers. Overall, Cool Terra has shown a 12.3% improvement in marketable yield. “We have extensive soil crop testing and trials across all soil types in the United States and many, many different crops and growing conditions,” Jim Loar, CEO of Cool Planet, said. “Really at the end of the day our mission is to provide growers and producers with tools that improve the health of their soil, the productivity and yield of their crops and the overall sustainability of their lands and operations.” Founded in 2009, Cool Planet originally focused on commercializing a method that takes biomass and turns it into renewable carbon negative fuel. After years of research the company pivoted all of its efforts toward biocarbon in 2015 and has begun changing the game for farmers across the country. Loar explained Cool Terra helps rebuild a healthy and prospering soil micro-biome. He equates the process to that of Florida’s coral reef. The reefs are vital to the ocean’s wellbeing and provide habitats for a variety of sea creatures.
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The soil micro-biome creates a habitat for soil biology, a place
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The refocus on soil health is steadily becoming one of the main focuses of agriculture technology. “We’re gonna soon have eight to nine billion people in this world,” Loar said. “How are we going to feed them? What is the next evolution of agriculture? I think what many agronomists and folks in agriculture will tell you is to refocus back on the quality of the soil and use our foundation, our soil, to improve the quality of that which in turn improves our productivity of our farming operations. We didn’t talk about soil health five or 10 years ago and if you just look at the amount of people that are now focused on soil health and soil health tools and farming practices, it’s taken off a little bit like a rocket ship.” Cool Terra is being used on a variety of crops ranging from alfalfa and tomatoes to lettuce and strawberries. It even is used for turf and landscape practices since it helps contribute to healthy and green environments while requiring much less water. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
In Plant City, Loar said one of the large strawberry growers did a 30 acre application using the product. By the end of the season he had increased his strawberry production by 510 flats per acre. Loar said sustainability is great, but it has to come with profitability. In many of the trials and uses Cool Terra is providing that profitability to its users while also beginning the process of completely revitalizing the ground. The material itself has a half life of approximately 400 years. It’s continued implementation into the soil will eventually return it to the natural carbon-rich state it was before excessive farming evolved the area. “From a societal alignment standpoint it’s a wonderful thing,” Loar said. “What does society want from us now, today, in agriculture? They want us to use less water, use less fertilizer, society wants us to use less chemical inputs. But society still wants to eat. So how are we in agriculture going to accomplish that?” A diverse set of tools is being developed throughout the agriculture industry to attempt to solve the increasing demand while still protecting the environment. Part of the solution involves returning to old remedies. Cover crops are one of the main practices being reintroduced to help enrich the soil and slow erosion. Relying on former practices alone, however, will fail to evolve the industry to a place of prosperity. New practices, like the use of a fixed carbon, like a Cool Terra product, are forging the way toward a healthier tomorrow. Fixed carbon helps hold water in the root zone, which holds nitrogen and phosphorous and micronutrients in the root zone, preventing runoff into streams and waterways. Cool Planet plans to expand its innovative technology to more than simply soil revitalization. Using engineered biocarbon technology it will soon offer a feed additive that will increase animal nutrition. In the testing phase the company saw weight gain and an overall healthier animal, which leads to a healthier gut system. Several other products are currently in the works as well as Cool Planet continues to establish itself as a top agriculture technology company. Loar said it can often be difficult to launch new products into the agricultural industry due to the conservative nature of growers. Adapting to a new scientific process is difficult and Cool Planet is offering a program to ensure growers feel safe with their products. “The adoption curve can be very long, especially on a technology their dad or grandfather didn’t use,” Loar said. “We have a program, a grower’s insurance program, that essentially is a money back guarantee. We feel that confident about our product that we guarantee our success.” A complete list of Cool Planet’s distribution partners: Crop Production Services Helena Chemical Company Triangle Chemical Company Simplot Partners Simplot Grower Solutions AgRx Tom Irwin Company Sigma Organics Sierra-Pacific Fisher & Son Griffin Greenhouse Marion Ag Services Nursery Supply National Seed
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s e p i c e R
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Stuffed Florida Zucchini and Yellow Squash Parmesan Stuffed yellow squash on a baking sheet.
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut off the stem side of the zucchini or yellow squash. Cut zucchini or yellow squash evenly in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds from each half to create room to hold other ingredients. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the preheated pan. Season the zucchini or yellow squash with salt and pepper. Place the zucchini or yellow squash skin side up in the sauté pan and cook for about 2 minutes on both sides. Remove from pan and place on a cookie sheet skin side down.
INGREDIENTS 2 medium Florida zucchini or large yellow squash 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite) 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese,
grated 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried Olive oil for cooking Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
In a small mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Season ingredients to taste with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Evenly distribute the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce on top of the zucchini or yellow squash. Top the yellow squash and zucchini with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping mixture on top of the zucchini or yellow squash. Bake the stuffed zucchini or yellow squash for 10 minutes or until topping is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm.
Florida Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice q Ingredients q 2 (8 ounce) Florida chicken breasts 1 Florida bell pepper (any color) 1 cup Florida cabbage, sliced thin 2 Florida carrots, sliced thin 6 Florida mushrooms, sliced thin 2 cups Florida spinach 2 eggs 3 cups cooked rice (brown
or white) 2 green onions, sliced thin 2 garlic cloves, minced 2-3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or Tamari 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking Chili sauce or sriracha (optional) Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS Cook rice according to package directions and set aside. Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Prepare and slice all the vegetables and set aside. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic and set aside.
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Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Beat two eggs and scramble, set aside. Next, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and sauté for 6 minutes or until cook thoroughly. Remove from pan and set aside. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sauté the carrots for one to two minutes. Add the bell pep-
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pers and cabbage, season with salt and pepper and cook for additional two minutes. Remove the vegetables and set aside. Using the same pan, add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the mushrooms and spinach. Add this to the rest of the cooked chicken and vegetables. Lastly, add a 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan and stir-fry the rice until it is slightly crisp, add the scrambled eggs and combine. Pour the soy sauce mixture and stir to combine. Serve chicken and vegetables over fried rice in large bowl. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Part 45 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Summertime is a great time for travel! So, why not hop aboard the Literary Time Machine and voyage back with us to the great ornamental gardening recommendations of 1926? We will join Mr. Charles Torrey-Simpson as he elaborates about the best trees for Florida’s climate. The first stop on today’s trip brings us to the Tamarindus indicus, otherwise referred to as the Tamarind tree. Mr. Simpson writes that it is, “A beautiful tree attaining a height of eighty feet and bearing clusters of pale yellow-ish flowers streaked red brown. The somewhat jointed pods are filled with a brown, subacid and very pleasant tasting pulp that is used in making drinks and for fevers. It grows to a large size in Lower Florida in pineland and hammock.”
curious, hard capsules which contain the seeds that are called ‘sailor’s lucky beans.’” Surely you know where we’d go from there! What in the world are “sailor’s lucky beans?” Apparently, another word for these seeds, is “sea-beans.” This is because they have the ability to travel long distances over water without losing their ability to germinate. Those who ascribed luck to seeds of this type (and there are a variety of plants that produce them) believed they held powers attached to longevity, fertility, endurance, and the like. Seeds were turned into snuff boxes, or worn around the neck and one type is supposedly the catalyst for Columbus’ desire to seek new land.⁴ Finally we arrived at the Vitex agnus-castus. Mr. Simpson calls it the Chaste tree and elaborates, “A hardy, small tree with digitate, incised leaves and pale lilac flowers, the whole having a strong, aromatic odor. It is occasionally planted in the upper part of the state.” Seeing no reason this tree would have been labeled “chaste” we had to do a little investigating. In the July 2009 issue of Southern Living, we found an article specifically about the chaste tree! Supposedly, it can quickly become a multi-trunked tree. But, this is the answer we were searching for: “It gets its name from the erroneous medieval belief that a potion made from it could curb the libido.”⁵ Though its name origins were inaccurate, the author writes, “That doesn’t mean the chaste tree doesn’t have its pharmacological uses. An extract made from Vitex supposedly does a very good job of controlling PMS.”⁵ The article goes on to tell you how and where to plant the chaste tree. And then we discovered one bit of information that instantly made us a huge fan of this tree, “Bumblebees love this plant above all others and will even spend the night on the flowers.”⁵ Given the state of bumblebees in the world today, it might behoove some of us who live in the proper climates and planting areas to make some chaste tree purchases. They are pretty and they might help us save the bees!
As those of you who frequent these voyages with us know, we are always intrigued when one of his suggestions includes a plant/tree that has additional healthy qualities. Of course, the concept of a subacid, threw us a bit, so we had to look up the tamarind he described. We discovered, “Every part of T. indica plant (root, body, fruit, leaves) not only has rich nutritional value and broad usage in medicine but also has industrial and economic importance.”² In fact, tryptophan is the only amino acid that the tamarind is not an ideal source of. And, its seeds are a protein source in locations where there are issues with protein malnutrition.² Given its exceptional value, we wondered if it were possible to order some to grow here. Of course, since we live in the swamp, its need for dry areas does not work at our location. However, we did find that “the tamarind tree grows easily in South Florida and requires little care.”³ The authors at that site state that the tamarind tree has a wide range of distribution, particularly in areas that are deemed semi-arid tropics.³ So, if you think that might suit your area, this is a tree that has more benefits than simply beauty.
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We moved on then to his mention of the Thevetia nerifolia, or Glabrous. He explains that it is a, “small tree with a poisonous, milky sap and slender, glossy foliage. The flowers are funnelshaped, yellow or salmon, very fragrant, and are followed by
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That’s all for this month’s voyage. Get out there and plant some bee saving chaste trees! Or else, consider the tamarind for your health! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 161-162). ²Kuru, P. (2014). Tamaridus indica and its health related effects. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (Vol. 4, Iss. 9). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S2221169115300885 ³Tamarind Tree (Tamarindus indica). Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardening. https://www.fairchildgarden.org/Science-Conservation-/Plant-Collections/Tropical-Fruit-Collection/Tamarind ⁴Sea-Bean Stories. http://www.seabean.com/stories.asp ⁵Bender, S. (2009). Chaste Tree is Pure Delight. Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/garden/grumpy-gardener/ chaste-tree-is-pure-delight Photo Credits: Malcolm Manners (2007). Tamarind (Pods). https://flic.kr/ p/7tTLsx Γιάννης Νικόλης (2012). Vitex agnus-castus (with bee). https://flic.kr/p/cBDF2U Dinesh Valke (2006). Thevetia nerifolia. https://flic.kr/p/vVrQR WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Great Season for a Rain Garden
Lynn Barber and Lisa Meredith, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
It’s that time of year, once again, where we are fortunate to receive rain frequently, sometimes daily! If you are looking for a way to capture rainfall, you may want to consider creating a rain garden in a particularly low area (shallow depression) in your landscape. The purpose of a rain/bog garden is to capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, such as roofs, driveways and sidewalks, and allow the captured runoff water to percolate through the soil. Rain gardens are beneficial because they decrease flooding and erosion and attract wildlife and beneficial insects. Another benefit is filtering runoff that would otherwise carry pollutants (grass clippings, pet waste, fertilizer, etc.) to storm drains and ultimately into Tampa Bay, contributing to algae bloom and killing fish. To create a rain garden, first, determine the size and location. The rain garden should be at least ten feet from your foundation, in an existing low area that drains quickly after a heavy rain, in full sun, not within 25 feet of a septic system or well, away from tree roots and within 30 feet of a water source.
garden in sandy soil, it will only hold water for a few hours. This will add to your maintenance duties which include watering until plants are established (60 days or so), weeding and using sphagnum moss to decrease weed growth, regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. You can create your own mini rain garden using a shallow plastic pan, like a dishpan. Dig a hole in the ground the size of the container, add potting soil, cat litter and your favorite plants like those above. For more information on creating a rain garden, stop by our office, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner 33547, 813-744-5519. You can pick up your own personal copy of Rain Gardens, A Manual for Central Florida Residents, by Marina D’Abreau, from which this article was crafted. While at our office, you may visit our rain garden in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, located in our courtyard. There are several other gardens outside our building that you may also enjoy. Hope to see you soon.
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Next is the construction phase. Before you start digging, be sure to call 811, Sunshine State One Call of Florida Inc., for underground utility marking. After that occurs, you can design the shape of your rain garden by laying out a garden hose in the manner you desire. Select plants that like wet feet and are drought tolerant for those times when we wish we had more rainfall. Some selections include: bald cypress, river birch, beautyberry, dwarf palmetto, Walter’s viburnum, swamp hibiscus, river oats, tickseed and muhly grass. As always, select plant materials after you have determined the site conditions which include sun, adequate space for mature height and spread and soil texture. If you install a rain
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Plants that
Wet Feet Our rainy season started about a month early this year. We can capitalize on this moisture by planting lovely perennials that like to have wet feet. Yes, I really do know that plants do not have feet, but as you can imagine, I’m referring to their roots! Three of my favorites include Swamp hibiscus, Cardinal flower and Muhly grass. These plants thrive in low areas in your landscape that retain water. Swamp hibiscus, Scarlet rosemallow, Hibiscus coccineus, native to Florida and the southeastern U.S., produces amazingly beautiful red flowers. We have this plant on our lower pond in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, located in the courtyard of the Extension office. This plant can reach a height of 15 feet. For additional information, refer to Hardy Hibiscus for Florida Landscapes by Gary W. Knox and Rick Shellhorn, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP24500.pdf. Cardinal flower, an aquatic perennial, sports tubular red flowers that attract and are dependent on hummingbirds for pollination. This is a native plant that can be propagated from seeds, cuttings or division. This plant is poisonous to humans and livestock, so if you purchase and plant it, keep that in mind. Refer to Native Aquatic and Wetland Plants: Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis, by Kimberly A. Moore, Luci E. Fisher, Carl J. Della Torre lll, and Lyn A. Gettys, http://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/ag402. Muhly Grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris, a native plant, reaches a height of 3-5 feet and spread of 2-3 feet. It prefers full sun and can tolerate extreme drought and flooding. Muhly Grass has narrow foliage and produces pink fall flowers. It is used as a border, accent, in mass plantings or as cut flowers. See Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhly Grass by Edward F. Gilman, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp415. There are several reasons to stop by our office. We have the magnificent Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, a gorgeous perennial garden and a pollinator garden created by Girl Scouts. There is a Master Gardener on duty that can answer your questions and you can submit a soil sample for testing at a nominal cost. Please check our calendar of events at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. The Extension office is located on the corner of County Road 579 and Old Hillsborough, at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.
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UF Experts: Prepare Your Farm Early for Hurricane Season By Beverly James, Director of Public Relations at UF/IFAS
It’s the beginning of hurricane season, time for farmers in Florida to worry about potential damage from a storm. Every farm and ranch in Florida must have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane, said a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension director. “The main thing is that farmers need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for more than a week if a storm hits,” said Doug Mayo, center director of UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County.
“It’s best to prepare now for a hurricane because this can minimize confusion and delays.” Mayo offered the following tips: Create a printed list of extended family, veterinarian, employees and their families, your local farm services agency office, utility company and local county Extension office.
Purchase batteries for flashlights and lanterns. Have enough flashlights ready for each employee. Stock up on feed for animals receiving supplemental feeds. Don’t forget the cat and dog food. Have enough hay, feed and health-care supplies on hand for one to two weeks. Feed stores may not be open for business for a week or more after a storm. Check to ensure generators are ready and in working order for livestock operations that rely on electricity for milking parlors, chicken houses, wells for watering livestock and electric fence chargers. Make sure chainsaws are in good working order and stock up on mixed fuel. Locate chains and come-a-long for limb and tree movement off fences and buildings. Stock up on fence repair materials: wire, posts and staples for repairing fences damaged by limbs and trees.
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For more information, visit http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu, or click here for additional tips on preparing your farm for a hurricane.
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Prepare Now. Sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review.
Are you FSMA compliant? The ďŹ rst Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (PSR) compliance dates have arrived. Very large farms with average annual sales exceeding $500,000 in the last three years were required to be compliant with the PSR as of Jan. 26, 2018, with the exception of the water requirements. Sign up now to request a Free On-Farm Readiness Review, offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an opportunity to receive on-farm education and technical assistance to help farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.
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RE-ADDRESSING AG CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION What Hillsborough County Schools Are Doing By Jim Frankowiak
allowing middle school students to earn high school credit while in middle school. Walden has supported AEST since its introduction and initial testing in 2013 at just one school, Armwood High School under Ag Teacher Edgar Watkins. Five Armwood students were tested and two received certification.
More than a decade ago Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) projected a growing shortfall of students prepared for careers in agriculture. That need was further defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which estimates 60,000 agriculture-related job openings every year, but only 35,000 college graduates to fill them. An annual shortfall of 25,000 strongly suggests an ongoing need for qualified high school graduates able to work in precision agriculture, animal, plant and food science immediately after graduation. That realization was the genesis for the Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) certification program developed by FFB and Florida FFA with strong support from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and FFB’s Frankie Hall.
As part of the AEST Program, teachers and students decide if the student is ready to take the certification exam in a given subject area.
“AEST TESTING AND CURRICULUM ARE DYNAMIC AND CONTINUALLY REFINED TO REFLECT INPUT FROM BOTH INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES AND TEACHERS.”
A year later, Durant High School and Simmons Career Center joined with Armwood. Thirteen students were tested and passed. In 2015, five schools and 46 students were tested with 39 passing. In 2016, seven schools participated with four different tests offered: Agritechnology, Biotechnology, Animal Science and Ag Communications. Of the 142 students who took the tests, 98 passed. Participating schools last year included Armwood, Durant, East Bay, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools, Simmons Career Center and Middleton Magnet School.
“AEST provides the opportunity for agricultural professional to hire individuals with Pam Walden, supervisor of Agribusia specific skill set and knowledge base,” ness, JROTC & DC said Keitha Bennett, FFB’s AEST coordinator. This effort received a boost from the Florida Legislature in 2007 with passage “Last year, tests were administered in four areas with 164 of the Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE) which student participants,” said Walden. “Eighty-nine passed and made industry credentials an integral part of the graduation earned their certifications. I am pleased to report that this path for the state’s middle and high school students, a path year we have 18 schools participating in AEST, but final results that prepares students for immediate jobs after high school or have not been fully reported.” for higher education. CAPE provides funding for AEST The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) reported 102,044 industry certifications were issued to middle and high school students last year. Of that number, more than 2,000 were for AEST credentials. Since its inception, AEST has issued 7,255 certifications in 49 Florida counties. AEST includes both associate and specialist levels of certification. The associate level demonstrates basic knowledge of agriculture and includes Agriculture and Agriculture Systems while the specialist credential validates the skill level in seven specific agricultural disciplines: Biotechnology, Communications, Mechanics, Agritechnology, Animal Science, Forestry and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.
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Hillsborough County Public Schools was one of the first districts to implement the AEST certifications for agriculture. Pam Walden, who supervises career, technical and adult education programs for Hillsborough County, was instrumental in getting AEST certifications at the 7th and 8th grade level,
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Teachers involved in AEST must take the same tests as students. “They must be certified in those areas that are part of the curriculum they teach,” said Walden, who noted the involvement of industry in both the curriculum and testing to help assure ongoing relevancy. “AEST testing and curriculum are dynamic and continually refined to reflect input from both industry representatives and teachers.” “Everyone involved benefits, as well,” she said. “Funding rewards the participating schools and teachers of students who pass the AEST tests, while students can quickly begin a career path after graduation that helps the Ag industry, and that, of course, helps us all as we look to agriculture at mealtime three times a day.” More information about AEST such as exam outlines, study references, practice exams, certificate validity and costs, is available at http://certify.ag/
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SAY“OK” TO OKRA Summer is here, and in our family, ‘tis the season to gather together for Sunday afternoon swim sessions and good oldfashioned Sunday suppers. When we walk in the door to my in-laws house, the smell of our fresh-from-the-farm okra cooking sends warm hearted memories flooding through me. I can hear the skillet sizzling now! Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), also known as gumbo or lady’s finger, is a warm-weather vegetable grown right here in Hillsborough County during the summer months. The commercial season typically begins in the beginning of June and ends at the end of July. This hearty, summer vegetable is well known for being a southern staple, and while fried is the usual cooking method of choice for many southerners, okra can be served in many other, more healthful ways. Okra grows on a tall, flowering plant that produces beautiful, yellow blooms that awaken with the sun and close at night. While all parts of the plant can be used, the part that we consume are the immature pods that contain the seeds, also known as the fruit of the plant. These finger-like, green projections, (hence the name lady’s finger), are found along the stem of the plant. Some varieties contain tiny, hair-like strands on them that can cause itching when touched on the skin, so be sure to wear gloves when picking and washing these. While okra may be notoriously known for its slimy exterior, it can take the heat; because this high-temperature withstanding little vegetable is finally getting its day in the sun. More science is now showing that okra may be beneficial for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus due to its effects on lowering blood sugar. Studies also suggest that okra has an effect on reversing dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids) often found in diabetic patients, by lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. Okra is high in dietary fiber, and fiber plays an important role in our diets by regulating blood sugar, reducing total cholesterol, and improving overall colonic health. In addition, okra seeds are a good source of vegetable protein and are noted for their amino acid composition that is comparable to that of soybeans. The seeds also contain a good source of essential fatty acids; especially linoleic acid, which is beneficial for protecting against heart disease. Okra is also a good source of Vitamins A, C, K, and folate, and is gaining significant attraction for its antioxidant composition, all of which help to prevent various ailments. If you’ve passed over the okra at a summer pot-luck or family supper, think again before turning down this low-calorie, good-for-you, veggie. Try your hand at cooking up some yourself by using this low-calorie, recipe below and next time say “OK” to the okra!
The Non-Fried, Fried Okra Recipe: Ingredients: 1 to 1 ½ pounds of okra ¾ cup unsweetened, non-dairy milk of choice *note, soy milk will thicken with the addition of lemon juice but may need to add more flour if using other types of milk ½ cup of cornmeal ¼ cup of brown rice flour 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of onion powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste) ¼ teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper Directions: 1.) Preheat oven to 450° F 2.) Wash okra and trim off stems * adjust recipe as needed if slicing pods instead 3.) Cut out a sheet of parchment paper to fit the size of a baking sheet 4.) Place the baking sheet, without the parchment paper, into the oven 5.) Meanwhile, use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients listed above, excluding the okra 6.) Mix well to create a batter with a slightly thicker consistency than pancake batter * add a splash more of milk if the batter seems too dry or thick 7.) Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully place the pre-cut parchment paper onto it. 8.) Place the okra into the batter a scoop at a time, making sure it is coated well. 9.) Remove the okra from the batter quickly, allowing any excess to drip off 10.) Place the battered okra onto the baking sheet 11.) Continue steps 8-10 until you have as much okra as you can fit onto your baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between them 12.) Place the baking sheet with okra into the oven 13.) Cook for 15 minutes 14.) Remove the sheet from the oven to turn over the okra 15.) Place the okra back into the oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the outsides are brown but not burning. 16.) Serve warm and enjoy
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By Alison Grooms, MPH, CPH, CHES® Nutrition & Health Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
PERPETUATING THE CARLTON FAMILY LEGACY By Jim Frankowiak | Photos courtesy of Mosaic
The next step in the progression and perpetuation of Carlton family businesses has now officially taken place as Dennis Carlton, Jr. has taken over day-to-day operational oversight. That is not to say C. Dennis Carlton, his father, is retired or no longer involved. “Before, he used to check in with me each work day to see what’s pIanned. Now, I now check in with him,” said C. Dennis, who celebrated his 66th birthday last month. But there’s a good deal more that’s involved. For eight generations, the Carlton family has been heavily involved in agriculture, both as ranchers and supporters of the industry. Dennis, Jr., who is 33, is the son of C. Dennis and Alice Carlton and has two sisters: Melissa, who is married to Patrick Thomas and the late Marlyn who passed away in 2013. Patrick has substantial responsibility with the operation of Audubon Ranch.
The family has significant cow-calf operations in six counties – De Soto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Polk. Owned and leased lands total more than 30,000-acres. Dennis, Jr. now oversees management of these lands plus others and the operations that take place at each with a staff of 12 full-time employees and additional “cowboys,” as needed during the year. Additionally, he and his brother-in-law Patrick, manager of Audubon Ranch, together own a cattle operation in Hillsborough and Polk counties. Dennis Jr. married Sara Beth Newsome in April 0f 2015 and they are parents of Anna Kate. He attended Seffner Christian Academy through high school and received his undergraduate degree in business finance from the University of South Florida. Dennis is also a licensed real estate agent primarily engaged in the purchase and sale of agricultural lands, working with his father, who continues to serve as a director on two bank boards, oversee a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings and supports the community and agriculture industry, as well as his church.
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“From his very first trip out to our land, he was always included in what and how we were doing something and why it was being done.” C. Dennis Carlton 64
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The transition for Dennis, Jr. “began a couple of years ago, and I am most blessed and thankful for the good employees we have, the confidence and trust they have shown throughout this process. I am particularly grateful for the relationship I have with my brother-in-law Patrick and his ongoing help and support,” he said. His father, on the other hand, said “this is part of a plan that really began when Dennis, Jr., was just a youngster. From his very first trip out to our land, he was always included in what and how we were doing something and why it was being done.” “With Dennis and Pat, I know the business will continue. There will be shifts as the family business model will change to include interests outside of agriculture as land availability continues to be impacted, but I am confident they will be real estate associated,” said C. Dennis. The change has meant more office time for Dennis, Jr. and a push “outside of my comfort zone with activities such as my role with Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s board of directors.” Dennis and his wife Sara Beth also help with Ag-in-theClassroom and try to assist wherever needed. “Our cow-calf operations require additional time in the office to keep a close pulse of the markets and a watchful eye on expenses to assure success.” “Managing and taking proper care of our lands is also very important,” he noted. “There are many variables, but we have to do what meets our needs, ranging from fertilization and feeding to fencing repair and pasture care. This means managed, disciplined scheduling and being good Samaritans of the land we own and lease.” At the same time, Dennis, Jr. is always “keeping my eyes open for opportunities within and outside agriculture, I’m not against expanding what we try as a family business or what I consider on my own. My eyes are always open.” Dennis’ father is a past president of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and appreciates how that role impacted his father’s community and industry relationships. “That is in my blood and I want to do my best and actively serve and help better our industry,” said Dennis, Jr., who is also a member of Florida Farm Bureau’s Beef Advisory Board. Part of getting out of that “comfort zone” while helping agriculture and the community, involves public outreach, teaching and fostering dialogue with others. Dennis, Jr., began this and continues with his role as an adult Sunday School Teacher at the First Free Will Baptist Church of Seffner where he has been a member all of his life. “Faith is important to me and to our family,” he said. “You simply can’t be a good teacher without putting forth the effort to study and understand the lessons you are presenting,” said Dennis, Jr. “From what my dad has told me and what I have experienced, the same is very true with advocacy. I see this as a natural extension of our family’s love of the land and
Photo by Karen Berry the increasing importance of having the voice of agriculture heard.” “There will be a natural progression for Dennis leading to more advocacy,” said his father. “Farm Bureau will lead to other things, just as it has for me. He reads people well and has lots of common sense,” said C. Dennis. When it comes to mentors who have impacted his life and the path he has chosen, Dennis, Jr. puts “dad on top of my list,” closely followed by his basketball coach at Seffner Christian Academy, Roger Duncan II. “He instilled a strong work ethic in me and the need to be responsible,” said Carlton. Duncan is also Associate Pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church of Seffner. The Carlton family’s love for the land is also reflected in nonworking activities such as hunting on their land. “I particularly enjoy archery and hunting for whitetail deer and turkeys,” said Dennis Jr., who, with his brother-in-law Patrick, has competed in ranch rodeos and done very well in a range of local and
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BLUEBERRY GROWERS SEEK INCLUSION IN NAFTA NEGOTIATONS By Jim Frankowiak
Add another specialty crop to those already seeking consideration in a revised version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Blueberry growers and their respective associations in Florida and Georgia want to be part of those negotiations and have reached out to their Congressmen. Representatives of strawberry, bell pepper, tomato and watermelon crops have already sought help with revisions to the agreement involving Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. “The Florida and Georgia blueberry industries have experienced growth and stability in the recent past, however the competitive disadvantage with the large volumes of low priced fruit has resulted in a collapsing market, and continual and rapid decline in pricing. It is impossible for our blueberry growers to compete,” stated a letter from both state blueberry grower associations to their respective Congressmen. Mexican growers have shipped more than 43.5-mllion-pounds of blueberries to American grocery stores this season-- nearly twice that of berries from Florida and Georgia -- “crippling the Florida blueberry industry,” wrote Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) President Brittany H. Lee.
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“We applaud the Administration’s commitment to renegotiating with Mexico and Canada, and hope that considerations will be made that will help protect our blueberry industry in the Southeast – the viability of our industry is at stake,” Lee concluded. 66
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE NATURE
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of engineers and other specialists work with regulatory agencies to identify areas of environmental sensitivity that should be preserved and protected. Through its land conservation and reclamation efforts, Mosaic has helped provide over 46,000 acres of natural lands that offer functioning habitats for plant and animal life. Shelley, a senior permitting engineer for Mosaic, works to ensure these preservation areas support a sustainable post-mining landscape that includes wildlife corridors and habitat diversity. To learn more about Mosaic’s preservation techniques, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.
© 2018 The Mosaic Company
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national events. His top priority for time away from work is “the opportunity to spend time with my wife and daughter.” Addressing the transition taking place with the Carlton family, Kenneth Parker, President of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, offers a broader perspective. “I can truly attest that the Carlton’s love for Christ, family, friends and the land they have worked is more than a lifestyle; it’s a way of life. For generations this family has placed keeping this order the highest priority. Dennis, Sr. has positively inspired many lives around this state, but none more than that of his own children.”
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“The transition or passing of the reins from Dennis, Sr. to Dennis, Jr. as the ‘trail boss’ cannot be marked on the calendar as a single event on one day; it has been a lifetime of learning and preparing Dennis, Jr. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jr. is fully capable of continuing the legacy of his family. Dennis, Jr. is a very gracious young man that feels no sense of entitlement and lives every day serving his Lord, his family, his friends and taking on the awesome responsibility of being a good steward of the land. It is their way of life, full of purpose.
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Congratulations my friend, see you on the trail,” said Parker. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson sees the Carlton family transition bucking a troublesome trend that has developed within agriculture. “I am so excited for the Carlton family. The natural progression of Ag for hundreds of years has been to pass it from father to son,” she said. “That has not been happening in the past 50 or so years because ‘sons’ don’t develop the love for the land. It’s not about the ranch, nor the animals, it’s about the land and the sustainability of that land.” “I have watched Dennis Jr. grow up, watching and learning from others and how he has developed his own sense of place on the ranch, in his church and in the community. He is assuming more and more leadership roles, and he is doing very well.” “I cannot wait to see where his journey takes him,” Whitson concluded.
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Presented by: City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 (Rainout date Thursday, July 5 - 9:00 pm Fireworks only, no games or vendors, gates open 8:00 pm)
6:00 to 9:30 pm • Plant City Stadium FREE ES ITI C A TIV
1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563
FREE ADMISSION—$5 PER CAR PARKING PARKING OPENS AT 5:45 PM GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE AT 9:15 PM
50/5 RAFFL0 E
Climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more!
Scheduled to appear on stage: Fifth Gear Band
ARY MILIT TE U L A S
FOO VEND D ORS W.K. McClendon Oil W.K. McClendon Oil
A FAMILY-ORIENTED EVENT Please follow Stadium and parking lot policy: No alcohol on the property (Sec 10-2). No coolers or outside food or drink are to be brought into the Stadium. No pets! No boom boxes or loitering outside the Stadium or in the parking lot.
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277399
For more information: www.plantcitygov.com (search July 4 Celebration) or call 813-659-4255 weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Cork Wine Bottle Shadowbox Wine corks are one of those things many people love to keep whether they have something to do with them or not. They have lots of personality, and if you emptied the bottle yourself, each one has a story. They are naturally waterproof and have an elegant simplicity. I do not typically collect wine corks but had a small stash of them and thought I would do something with them. I saw a cool wine bottle made of cut up corks and took the idea my own direction by making a shadow box to frame the cork bottle. I went into this project with no conceived notions and just let it evolve with the materials I happen to have laying around the house.
Materials: Wine Corks Scrap Wood Scrap Fabric Wood Glue Glue for Cork (gorilla glue,2 part epoxy, fabric glue) Wax Paper Finishing Nails Stone Texture Spray Paint
Process: Prepare the wine corks for cutting: In a vegetable steamer, bring water to a full boil, steam the wine corks for 10 minutes. Steaming the cork will return them to their original shape and sterilize them Cut the corks with a serrated knife, let the knife do the work, do not press hard or the cork will crumble.
Create the shadow box: Cut wood scraps (Back and 4 sides to a desired size, enough to frame your cork bottle.) Coat the back of the shadow box with wood glue and glue fabric to the top and sides of the wood. It helps to clamp the fabric with a scrap piece of wood and wax paper while the glue dries. The wax paper will prevent the wood glue from sticking to the scrap wood as it penetrates the fabric and dries. Nail four narrow strips of wood together with finishing nails to construct a rectangular frame, this will be the “shadow� portion of the box so the finished outside diameter should match the back of the shadow box. Paint the shadow box frame with a paint of your choice (I used stone texture paint) * leave the bottom of the rectangular frame unpainted, we will later glue this frame to the cloth covered shadow box back * Glue the rectangular frame to the finished backing (the one covered in fabric).
Create the cork design: If the cork did not cut clean, lightly sand the flat edge of the cork so there is an even surface to glue to the shadow box. Lay out the cork design for composition making sure it looks good in the frame (leave room for embellishment if desired). Glue the flat edge of the cork pieces to the fabric within the rectangular frame of the shadowbox. I used 2-part epoxy to glue the cork. Gorilla Glue works, too. Fabric glue works okay, but not as well. Finish by nailing a hanging bracket on to the back side and hang it on the wall.
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Hag Moth Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium) Part of the fun, well most of the fun of being outdoors and hiking is getting the chance to see the beauty of nature. If you’re lucky you’ll get a chance to see some strange creatures that you never knew existed. This month will take a closer look at a wildly strange caterpillar. The caterpillar we have in mind is known as the slug caterpillar or the hag moth caterpillar. Often, that of which we know least about strikes the most fear within us. The slug moth is one of our indigenous species that have the misfortune of being misunderstood and typically feared; in fact, it’s genus name (Phobetron) originates from several ancient root words that mean “Fear,” for example; from the French (phobe), the Latin (phobus) and the Greek (Phobos). Whether or not this species should be feared remains unclear as many authoritative sources have published conflicting data on the subject. One thing for sure is that the relatively rare encounter with this caterpillar will not be forgotten and if you take a closer look, may inspire more fascination than fear. The hag moth is the common name for one of about 1000 described species within the family Limacodidae, often called slug moths for the caterpillar’s resemblance to a slug, or cup moths to describe the shape of their cocoon, this insects caterpillar has put it on the chart of cool bugs. The adult moths are interesting example of Batesian mimicry, which means they mimic, or pretend to be an insect that some predators would avoid, in this case, the moth mimics a bee and even has fur on it’s hind legs that look like balls of pollen. The hag moth (Phobetron pithecium) however, gets its common name from the haggardly appearance of its caterpillar stage. These caterpillars look like no other and it is yet another example of mimicry. The caterpillar grows to less than an inch long and is covered in brownish setae that resembles short hair. Along the side of the caterpillar’s body grow six to nine pairs of fleshy projections that look like long twisted legs, making the caterpillar look like the molting of a hairy spider. The leg like projections can fall off or be plucked off by a predator without much harm resulting to the caterpillar. Like a lizard losing its tail, the distraction of the severed appendage gives an opportunity for the caterpillar to escape. This caterpillar does not even have the legs you would typically find on a caterpillar. Rather than having short stubby prolegs, the hag moth caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium) has tiny suckers that move it along in a rolling motion like that of a slug, in fact, it even produces a type of liquified silk lubricant to help it move.
can be dangerous if stuck in the eyes or respiratory tract. It is important to understand the difference between urticating hairs that cause a mechanical irritation, and a chemical defense like venom injected through a stinger, fangs, or spine. There are some caterpillars that have stiff hollow spines that are connected to a venom sac within the caterpillar’s body. The components of the venom are different from species to species, but can include serotonin, histamine, formic acid and various amino acids. When these spines are broken, the insects venom flows through the hollow spine into the attacker’s skin. Both the urticating hair method and venomous spine method produce sharp pain like a bee sting and a burning sensation, from there, the reaction may progress to redness, swelling, blistering, nausea or even allergic reactions, but usually subsides within a few hours to a day or two. Caterpillars in slug moth family (Limacodidae) are well known for their “sting”
and include notable species such as the Saddle Back Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea), and the Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii), however, that does not mean every species in the family is dangerous. While many authorities are still debating whether this caterpillar stings, there are some that took the question into their own hands. Dr David L Wagner, an entomologist and professor at University of Connecticut is widely regarded in authoring one of the most authoritative field guides on caterpillars; Caterpillars of Eastern North America. After experimenting on himself (as many entomologists seem to do), he concluded that, contrary to popular belief, the hairs of the hag moth (Phobetron pithecium) do not sting. But did include a responsible disclaimer that reactions can vary from person to person and just because he or other scientist report no reaction does not necessarily guarantee someone else will not be sensitive to the urticating hairs of this or any species. It is wise to keep in mind that any “fuzzy” caterpillar, venomous or not, has the potential to cause a negative reaction such as asthma, allergies, or various levels of dermatitis. There are some very dangerous caterpillars that are fuzzy and inviting. Fortunately, the hag moth caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium) is not considered as dangerous or cute as others. I will encourage our readers to explore, take a closer look, but do so with caution. Should you get stung while taking a closer look, I will share the advice provided from the Florida Poison Information Centers webpage, found at the following URL: http://www.poisoncentertampa.org/ poison-topics/venomous-critters/caterpillars/ “Place Scotch tape over the affected area and strip off repeatedly to remove spines. Apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation and follow with a paste of baking soda and water. If the victim has a history of hay fever, asthma or allergy, or if allergic reactions develop, contact a physician immediately.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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There are good reasons for this insect to go to such lengths to protect itself. Caterpillars are high in protein, as such, are on the menu for a bunch of predators. They have evolved great forms of protection which include mimicry, but also mechanical and chemical defenses. Some caterpillars, such as the Monarch, are poisonous and make predators sick when they are consumed and such species warn predators of their toxic nature by advertising with bright colors. Other caterpillars, the so called “stinging caterpillars,” have evolved either urticating hairs (setae), or venom spines, there are some species that use both, but no caterpillar has a retracting “stinger” to actually sting like a bee or wasp. Urticating hairs are tiny barbed bristles that are designed to easily dislodge upon contact. When they get stuck into an attacker’s skin and break off, they cause a non-venomous irritation like nettle plants, or fiberglass and
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
USDA/NRCS SEEKING FLORIDA EASEMENT RESTORATION PARTNERS The U.S. Department of Agriculture- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking assistance in Florida to complete restoration work of degraded wetlands, floodplains and forestlands. NRCS is requesting proposals from qualified individuals and organizations to undertake restoration activities on eligible easement properties.
For information about “Operation Cleansweep” and the way to sign up, call: 877-851-5285.
More information is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps.
BASIC HACCP TRAINING IN GAINESVILLE AUGUST 15-16
SAFETY NET COVERAGE ENROLLMENT CONTINUES
An August 15-16 training session in Gainesville will provide attendees with a working knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and its supporting programs. Information will be presented by certified instructors in short, concise lectures followed by small working groups where HACCP plans will be developed and presented to the class for discussion and critique. Successful course completion will lead to attendee registration with the International HACCP Alliance and recognition has having completed a HACCP training program.
Farmers and ranchers with base acres in the USDA Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program may enroll for the current crop year up until August 1, 2018. More information is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arcplc or your local Farm Service Agency IFSA) office. UF PART OF USDA/NIFA RESEARCH ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF GENE EDITING TECHNOLOGIES The University of Florida (UF) is part of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) research program on public engagement and the implications of gene drive and other gene editing technologies. The nearly $2 million in funding has been made possible through the Social Implications of Emerging Technologies initiative within NIFA’s Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities (AEC) program area. UF, which received a $466,202 grant, Iowa State University, Santa Fe Institute and Texas A & M University are all part of the research effort. More information is available at www.nifa.usda.gov. CERTIFIED PILE BURNER CLASS OFFERED The Florida Forest Service and UF/IFAS will be conducting a Certified Pile Burners Course July 25 at Immokalee. Attendees will learn how to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently. Certified pile burners receive priority for authorization to burn during dry periods, plus permission to burn two hours longer per day and receive multiple burn authorizations. The number of classes and registration for each is limited. Contact Jaime Jerrels at Florida Farm Bureau for more information: Jaime.jerrels@ffbf.org. PAGE
FREE MOBILE PESTICIDE COLLECTION OFFERED Florida farms, groves, greenhouses, nurseries, golf courses and pest control services have a free, statewide mobile pesticide collection program for the safe disposal of cancelled, suspended and unusable pesticides.
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For added information, contact Jaime Jerrels via email: jaime.jerrels@ffbf.org EWP HELPS LANDOWNERS AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding landowners that the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help with damage resulting from a natural disaster. EWP consists of two options: Recovery and Floodplain Easement. Additional information is available by visiting: https:// www.nrcs.usda.gov. You may also call the Plant City Service Center at 813/752-1474. FUEL TAX REBATE Florida agricultural producers are eligible to receive a refund on state and local taxes paid on fuel used to transport agricultural products between Sept. 10, 2017 and June 30 of this year. Fuel purchase receipts must be submitted to the Florida Department of Revenue by December 31, 2018 to receive a refund. Visit www.floridafarmbureau.org/hurricanetaxrebate for more information or assistance. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital? What if you need the rest of the hospital? When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.
OUR NETWORK:
BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS:
Bartow Regional Medical Center • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG
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FOR RENT
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER Call Blake 813-752-3378 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. VINYL SIDDING Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES 813-752-3378 Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
FARM EQUIPMENT TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
REAL ESTATE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS
Have you ever considered moving to beautiful Blairsville, Georgia or just need a getaway home? Blairsville is a desirable community & great location. Call Jane Baer Realty and ask for Jane. 706-745-2261 www.janebaerrealty.com
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR SALE
We are a Simonton/MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
FREE
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
MISC.
WINDOW SCREENS
CABINETS
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
24 HOUR SERVICE
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
JOBS
MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders 813-754-1766
JOHN DEERE
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
MASSEY FERFUSON 40
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Late 60’s model industrial diesel grading tractor. $3,750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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