INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2017
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Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
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USDA OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO HELP PRODUCERS COPE WITH NATURAL DISASTERS By Jim Frankowiak The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a wide range of programs designed to assist agricultural producers in the United States. Among them are two programs administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). One is the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and the other is the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for 2015 and subsequent years. Both are part of the 2014 Farm Bill. TAP is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines lost by natural disasters. Those must be annual crops produced for commercial purposes. Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees produced for commercial sale. Trees used for pulp or timber are ineligible for TAP assistance. To be considered an eligible loss: • Eligible trees, bushes or vines must have suffered more than a 15 percent mortality loss in a stand (after normal mortality) due to a natural disaster; • Mortality loss on a stand of eligible trees, bushes or vines is based on each eligible disaster event, except for losses due to plant disease; For plant disease, the time period as determined by the FSA for which the stand is infected; • The loss must not have been preventable through reasonable and available measures; • The loss must be visible and obvious to the FSA representative; If the loss is no longer visible, FSA may accept other loss evidence and determine whether that other evidence substantiates that an eligible loss due to natural disaster occurred; • FSA may require information from a qualified expert to determine extent of loss in the case of plant disease or insect infestation. Additionally, eligible producers must: • Have owned the eligible trees, bushes and vines when the natural disaster occurred, but eligible growers are not required to own the land on which eligible trees, bushes and vines are planted; • Replace eligible trees, bushes and vines within 12-months from the date the TAP application is approved. TAP limits applicable acreage to no more than 500-acres annually. There is a $125,000 limit to TAP payments in a given year and the Adjust Gross Income (AGI) of the individual or legal entity seeking assistance through TAP may not exceed $900,000. Additional information is available from the FSA office in Plant City. NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses or prevents crop planting. The
Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available and be any of the following: • Crops grown for food; • Crops Planted and grown for livestock consumption, such as grain and forage crops, including native forage; • Crops grown for fiber, such as cotton and flax (except trees); • Crops grown in a controlled environment, such as mushrooms and floriculture; • Specialty crops, such as honey and maple sap; • Sea oats and sea grass; • Sweet sorghum and biomass sorghum; • Industrial crops, including crops used in manufacturing or grown as feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity or biobased products; • Value loss crops, such as aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery and turf-grass sod; and • Seed crops where the propagation stock is produced for sale as seed stock for other eligible NAP production. Producers are advised to contact a crop insurance agent for questions regarding insurability of a crop in their county. For further information on whether a crop is eligible for NAP coverage, producers should contact their FSA county office where their farm records are maintained. Eligible causes of loss include: • Damaging weather, such as drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, excessive winds or hurricanes; • Adverse natural occurrences, such as earthquake or flood; and • Conditions related to damaging weather or adverse natural occurrences, such as excessive heat, plant disease, volcanic smog or insect infestation. The natural disaster must occur during the coverage period, before or during harvest and must directly affect the eligible crop. Additional information regarding coverage levels, applying for coverage, service fees, premiums, coverage periods and other aspects of NAP may be accessed at www.fsa. usda.gov/nap. The local contact person is County Executive Director Marcinda Kester and she can be reached at 863533—2051, Extension 2, for Polk County residents; 813-7521474, Extension 2, for Hillsborough and Pinellas county residents. Her email is marcinda.kester@fl.usda.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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USDA defines an eligible producer as a landowner, tenant or sharecropper who shares in the risk of producing an eligible crop and is entitled to an ownership share of that crop. The AGI limit for either the individual or entity is $900,000 and the NAP payments are limited to $125,000 per crop year, per individual or entity.
CONTENTS
MARCH 2017 | VOL. 12 • ISSUE 5
66 ALICIA WHIDDEN Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl.
An Extension Agent Considered “Family” by Strawberry Growers
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
PAGE 12 Meet Sean Green
PAGE 35 Pineapples
PAGE 14 Chapion of Champions
PAGE 38 Water Wise
PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 42 Jack Payne
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 45 Dennis Carlton Jr.
PAGE 24 Driscoll’s Strawberry classic
PAGE 46 Budget Battles
PAGE 25 Fertilizing Turfgrass PAGE 28 Endangered Species PAGE 32 Thank a Rancher
PAGE 48 Poultry Farming
PAGE 60 Rusty Knives PAGE 68 AG Literacy Day
DIRECTORS FOR 2016 - 2017
PAGE 70 Meet the Minks
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, Dennis Carlton Jr, Melissa Grimes.
PAGE 74 Activty PAGE 75 A Closer Look
PAGE 78 Kids Power
PAGE 52 Recipes
PAGE 82 Recycled Yard Art
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 84 FBGA
PAGE 58 CARES
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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Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President Michelle Williamson..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary
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
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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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 Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Lisa Donini Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
Letter from the Editor Spring is here! Although we are blessed with good weather for much of the year, I still enjoy the spring season. The lengthening days allow more time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer. So get outside and hike, bike, kayak, or whatever you like to do. Visit one of the many parks, ornamental gardens or find an event that celebrates spring flowers. What a great fair season we had in2017. The Florida State Fair was held in February, you can find the Champion of Champions in this issue of In The Field, and the Florida Strawberry Festival was held in early March. Look for the results of the agriculture events in the April issue. Congratulations to all those who competed. You set your goals to help you with your project. By setting goals you know where to concentrate your efforts and what you have to do to reach the goals you set. These events are the culmination of a lot of hard work for these students. They are to be commended for their determination. Thanks so much to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to Cover What Is Growing. We couldn’t do it without you.
Sarah Holt PAGE
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell 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
Until next month
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Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey
March 2017
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. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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THE FAIR AND FESTIVAL ARE HISTORY HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
Dear Readers:
events similar to those experienced last summer.
The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival and State Fair are now history. I hope you and your family had an opportunity to spend time at both. A number of your directors from Hillsborough County Farm Bureau spent several days in Tallahassee earlier this month as participants in Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Days event.
Another agenda item that was prompted by the lag in public notification of the Mosaic sinkhole event and St. Petersburg sewage leak is our support for legislation that enhances public transparency through reporting to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the public is notified properly and timely. Farmers and businesses should continue to report pollution incidents to the FDEP and the agency should be prompt and timely with its public notices of such events.
That event coincided with the start of this year’s legislative session which ends May 5. Legislative Days is an annual opportunity for Farm Bureau members to meet personally with their state legislators in Tallahassee to foster a dialogue about the current session, pending legislation and Farm Bureau’s position on that legislation. Farm Bureau’s legislative agenda this year includes reducing taxes and regulation on farmers, protecting the Greenbelt property tax designation, expanding transportation exemptions and improving trespassing laws, among other important issues. One very significant item on our agenda this year is our strong opposition to Senate President Joe Negron’s proposal to buy 60,000-acres of farmland in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee for water storage. That land would be used to build a reservoir with the goal of reducing discharges from Lake Okeechobee east and west to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. This $2.4 billion proposal would remove 60,000-acres of the most productive farmland in the world from production, does not address the serious need to clean the water coming into the lake from the north, and will do little to help with discharges during significant rain
More information is available about the complete Farm Bureau Florida legislative agenda by visiting: www.floridafarmbureau.org. Plans are also underway for this year’s Field to the Hill advocacy fly-in May 23- 25. That annual outreach event is Farm Bureau’s visit to our congressman and senators in our nation’s capital to personally share our national legislative agenda and further enhance our dialogue with those elected officials as regards the current congressional session. If you would like to join us and become part of the Voice of Agriculture, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information about the ways in which you can help as we look to the future.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
100 SOUTH MULRENNAN ROAD • VALRICO, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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Celebrating a most fruitful relationship between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
1996
2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Ray Reteneller (813) 230-4216 or Mike Sanders (813) 240-7316
2001
2003
Present
©2016 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
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WRITERS BIO
Sean Green
Sean Green is a monthly columnist at In the Field Magazine, a photographer, and educator. He has authored over 100 articles about insects over the past decade and collaborated with state entomologists, park rangers, and our local agriculture community to collect, photograph, and identify a variety of insects. Sean’s devotion to entomology began with a passion for reptiles and the necessity to rear his own insects to feed his reptile collection. Fascinated with the diversity, behavior, and ease of rearing insects, Sean’s affections soon shifted from herpetology to entomology. His participation in the entomology community began with volunteer activities, citizen science, and networking and progressed to being the local “go to” guy for anything involving insects and increasing requests for speaking engagements. As an educational speaker and workshop facilitator, Sean inspires countless school age children to explore and embrace the mysterious world of insects. When Sean is not teaching natural history for the parks system, special interest group or scouting event, he is teaching rural Florida history at Cracker Country, a living history
“never kill what you don’t intend to eat yourself and waste no part of the animal.”
museum in Tampa. One of Sean’s defining characteristics is his enthusiasm for exploring the world around him and much of his time is spent hiking, camping and canoeing. He attributes much of his love of life and the natural world to his Cajun heritage and family culture. Sean’s parents encouraged he and his two brothers to explore nature freely but always with respect; from the earliest years reiterating “never kill what you don’t intend to eat yourself and waste no part of the animal.” This creed comes easy for Sean, he finds opportunity for adventure as often as he can and when he hunts, it is done with a camera. Sean’s macro photography of insects illustrates his undying appreciation and fascina-
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tion with a world so many overlook.
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Left to right:Doyle Carlton, III, Chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority, Ainsley Peterson, Cady McGehee, Sydni Sinka, Michael Fioretto, Abigail Clapp, Nikki Foster from Mosaic
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best” “The Best of the Best” THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 1ST Place - $1500 Cash Award AINSLEY PETERSON FROM MAYO 2nd Place Champion of Champions Cady McGehee from Okeechobee 3rd Place Champion of Champions Sydni Sinka from Dade City 4th Place Champion of Champions Michael Fioretto from Bradenton 5th Place Champion of Champions Abigail Clapp from Punta Gorda 6th Place Champion of Champions Tierani Johnson from Land O’Lakes Mosaic Scholarship Winners The winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is: Kayleigh Heather from Dade City Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship Winners The winners of the $1,000 Scholarship are: Casey Wingate from Myakka Nicole Falk from Edgewater Michael Fioretto from Bradenton Genaveve Henson from Myakka Cady McGehee from Okeechobee Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship Winner The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is: Joshua Case Birge from Graceville
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CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS Youth Dog Junior Champion – Jada Sawhney from Punta Gorda Intermediate Champion – Jadyn Knox from Winter Haven 4th place Senior Champion – Stephanie Shimer from Lutz 3rd place Senior Champion – Kathleen Wann from Lakeland 2nd place Senior Champion – Shannon Piquet from Pinellas Park Champion Youth for Dog Show – Hannah Reeder from Lakeland Youth Llama Junior Champion – Kylie Morgan from Tampa Intermediate Champion – Ryan Swartz from Sarasota 4th place Senior Champion – Autumn Tinney from Zephyrhills 3rd place Senior Champion – Leila Davis from Wesley Chapel 2nd place Senior Champion – Tyler Davis from Thonotosassa
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Youth Goat Junior Champion – Noah Perdomo from San Antonio Intermediate Champion – Melina Perdomo Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Layla Grace Henson from from San Antonio 4th place Senior Champion – Brooke Miller Winter Haven Intermediate Champion – Kally Henson from from New Smyrna Beach 3rd place Senior Champion – Edward Maddox Winter Haven from DeLand 4th place Senior Champion – Daniel Rojas 2nd place Senior Champion – Breanna Edfrom Tampa 3rd place Senior Champion – Maegan Rodden wards from DeLand Champion Youth for Goat Show – Isabel Perfrom Lake Wales domo from San Antonio 2nd place Senior Champion – Tiffany Gerst from Holiday Youth Swine Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Michael Junior Champion – Macie Waller from InFioretto from Bradenton verness Youth Steer Intermediate Champion – Madison Lefler from Intermediate Champion – Taylor Waller from Inverness Lakeland 4th place Senior Champion – Taylynn William- 4th place Senior Champion – Taylor Gebo from Fort White son from Dade City 3rd place Senior Champion – Ainsley Peterson 3rd place Senior Champion – Emily Jennings from Mayo from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Shannon Green- 2nd place Senior Champion – Taylor Miller from Fort White wald from Port Orange Champion Youth for Swine Show – Christian Champion Youth for Steer Show – Tierani Rodriguez from Live Oak Johnson from Land O’Lakes Champion Youth for Llama Show – Miranda Tyler from Wesley Chapel
Youth Dairy Junior Champion – Johanna Heijkoop from Webster Intermediate Champion – Shelby Ane Sumner from Okeechobee 4th place Senior Champion – Aleah Burrill from Sarasota 3rd place Senior Champion – Jozef Heijkoop from Webster 2nd place Senior Champion – Sydni Sinka from Dade City Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Cady McGehee from Okeechobee Youth Poultry Junior Champion – Jada Sawhney from Punta Gorda Intermediate Champion – Faith Montalvo from Arcadia 4th place Senior Champion – Megan Handley from Mulberry 3rd place Senior Champion – Kaylee Cummings from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Oceanna Deaton from Eustis Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Emily Jennings from Dade City
Youth Beef Junior Champion – Chloe Davis from Ocala Intermediate Champion – Payton Davis from Ocala 4th place Senior Champion – Diana Courson from Bradenton 3rd place Senior Champion – Abigail Clapp from Punta Gorda 2nd place Senior Champion – Kendall Gill from Punta Gorda Champion Youth for Beef Show – Ryan Beany from Fort Pierce Youth Sheep Junior Champion – Rilee Smith from Edgewater Intermediate Champion – Megan Christopher from DeLand 4th place Senior Champion – Emily Rohde from Deland 3rd place Senior Champion – Edward Maddox from DeLand 2nd place Senior Champion – Michael Austin from DeLand Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Brooke Miller from New Smyrna Beach
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Response Needed to Establish Priorities for Beginner, New and Small Farmer Programming Francisco Rivera, Small Farm Extension Agent Identifying priority needs is always a challenge and determining program priorities is one of the most critical aspects of working in Cooperative Extension. As a Hillsborough County Small Farms Extension Agent, my commitment to the community is to bring the best customer service that I can. To do that, I am conducting a Needs Assessment to determine what specific types of programs should be developed and introduced to help current and prospective small farmers in Hillsborough County. How can a Needs Assessment be used? • Establishes the objectives for programs • Will help select the strategy a program might use • Can be used for designing or modifying an instructional program • Can be used to evaluate progress The University of Florida Institute of Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) is looking for specific needs in Hillsborough County to adapt our educational programs to small, new and beginner farmers. It would be most helpful for that segment of farmers in the county complete the assessment which is available at: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2nsycZ0OSdBQKlD For additional information on any aspect of poultry farming, contact Rivera by phone: 813-744-5519, Extension 54119 or via email: friveramelendez@ufl.edu
4-H 10th ANNUAL STRAWBERRY U-PICK MARCH 25 Anniversary Specials Announce By Jim Frankowiak Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation is celebrating its 10th annual Strawberry UPick Saturday, March 25, at Carl and Dee Dee Grooms Fancy Farms east of Plant City. The event, which benefits 4-H awards and scholarships for area 4-H youth, as well as providing strawberries to area food banks, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.—“Rain or Shine!” To help celebrate the 10th anniversary, a special “Buy Ten and get Two Free” quarts offer is available. The price is $1.00 per quart with no limit. Containers will be provided at the field and are the only ones permitted for use at the U-Pick. Strawberry pickers are also invited to pick extra berries at no cost for donation to area food banks. The U-Pick will take place at GPS, 1909 South Wiggins Road in Plant City. That field is approximately one-half mile west of the previous picking location. The field can be accessed by taking Interstate 4 to Exit 25 and proceeding south on County Line Road to Rice Road and then turning right (west) onto Rice Road and proceeding west for one-half mile. The event will include on site picking assistance for the elderly and disabled. Restrooms will also be available at the field throughout the U-Pick. 4-H is a global network of youth organization whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.” Its name is a reference to the occurrence of the initial letter H for times in the organization’s original motto “head, heart, hands and health,” which was later incorporated into the fuller pledge officially adopted in 1927. In the United States, the organization is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Throughout the world, 4-H organizations exist in over 50 countries. Each of these programs operates independently, but cooperatively through international exchanges, global education programs and communications. 4-H was founded in 1902 by A.B. Graham. For additional information, visit: 4-h. org. For additional information on the Strawberry U-Pick, call Mike McKinney, 813-477-8332, or email: mckcar@msn.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT MARCH 2017 LED LIGHTS Better, Brighter and Longer Lasting What is an LED? As lighting technology improves almost everyone has seen, or will see, this small bright light. Actually they are an electronic light source created from a light-emitting-diode, and so the name LED. Invented in the early 20th century and introduced as a practical electronic component in 1962, these early devices emitted a low-intensity red light, but modern LED’s are now available across the color spectrum and are capable of producing a very high and bright light. Applications of LED’s are widely diverse, often used as new equipment or as low-energy replacements for traditional lighting. Without getting into how they’re actually manufactured, let’s say it’s simple but complex. Although small they produce a bright light source with advantages over traditional lighting. Some include longer life, improved brightness, smaller size, lower amperage draw, and instant-on capability. To work properly in the marine environment LED’s are hermetically sealed for protection against the environment and other corrosive elements. To ensure long life, the most reliable sealing method is encapsulating the circuit board and LED diodes in a material that is impervious to outside industrial, road and marine environments. The most common application for LED’s in the boating industry is trailer lighting. However, boat manufacturers around the world are quickly jumping on the LED bandwagon. Primarily because of improved intensity, color combinations and low operating amperage draws. Boat and utility trailers for example, take a tremendous amount of abuse. They are continually exposed to elements including fresh and salt water, rough roads and rougher boat ramps. Therefore, to produce a long-life light source like LED’s means that greater care must be taken during their design and manufacture. While this translates to a higher principal cost, it also means lower replacement costs over the life of the trailer. With some research you can find an excellent LED trailer lighting kit priced somewhere between $50 and $75 dollars. On a personal note and because I trailer my rig over 200 days each year at night and in heavy stop and go traffic, I switched to LED lighting a couple of years ago. I like the added brightness and feel that when towing, especially in stop and go traffic, the vehicles behind me can see the brighter lights. Okay, Now That You’re Totally in the Know about LED Lights
“Let’s Go Fishing” We have four seasons in Florida – Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Christmas. But thank goodness all these up and down temperatures are almost over and summertime’s just around the corner. Because as the water temperatures begin to stabilize, the fish get comfortable and the outlook for April is great. We really didn’t have much of a winter this year and we’ve steadily been catching fish using greenbacks, shrimp and artificial lures. Usually I get to put the net away and it’s nice not having to throw it, but this year we’re still throwing the darn thing because the baits still hanging around. We had some good snook, trout and smaller redfish days, and once in a while we’ll get a sheepshead, snapper, grunt or pompano off a rock pile using shrimp. PAGE PAGE
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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“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.
In March be sure to check out docks, bridges, mangrove islands, oyster bars or any other ambush spot for snook and reds. You often hear me talk about topwater action, well this is a great month to get a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. punched out of the water by a big snook. It’s also a great time to fish docks and bridge fenders at night. Any good lipped lure tossed at or around lighted structures, then ripped through the light line, usually produce everything from snook, redfish, and trout to the occasional grouper, if you’re fishing down near the south end docks and canals.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
On any decent grass flat, through the rest of the summer, you can expect the trout fishing to be strong. Jigs with plastic tails, or greenbacks and shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork will do the trick. And don’t be surprised if you pull up a nice pompano off some the sandy edges of the grass flats especially if using shrimp. Redfish are a staple of the area and you can expect to catch plenty from now right through the summer. Live baits or artificial, it’s all fun tussling with these fighting dynamos. Targeting areas along the flats, edges of breaks and oyster bars should produce some nice fish. Reds also like cut baits lying on the bottom. Cut a pinfish in half, toss it out, put the rod in the rod holder, and let it lay on the bottom. Of course there’s always a chance of a stingray, but many times it’s a fighting redfish. Snapper, sharks, mackerel, and bluefish should begin showing during the month, especially when the large schools of threadfins appear. In February’s report I indicated that red grouper was closed from Feb 1 – May 31. That was my mistake and I need to correct it. According to the FWC rules red grouper in State Waters are: Open year-round; in Federal Waters are: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms see FWC; “The Edges” closed Jan 1 Apr 30 To figure out where the 20 fathom line is and The Edges are you need to look at the map. Seems like a lot of work and gas for a couple of fish to me, but that’s the rules. IINNTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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• A 2012 study suggested that eating at least one serving of blueberries a week slowed cognitive decline by several years. • Legend has it that early American colonists boiled them with milk to make gray paint, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s Fruits & Veggies More Matters campaign. • Eating blueberries may benefit heart and brain health, as well as help regulate blood sugar levels. • One cup of blueberries (148 grams) contains 84 calories. • Blueberries are rich in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which may account for many of their health benefits. • Consuming blueberries may help prevent oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the aging process. • Test tube studies suggest that the anthocyanins in blueberries can have beneficial effects on blood sugar control
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Grave Robber I have discovered a number of famous people lived in the city of Zephyrhills. Stock car drivers, Buzzie and David Reutimann, Ramiele Malubay, American Idol finalist and Carl Tanzler (aka Carl von Cosel), best know for stealing and preserving the corpse of Elena Milagro Hoyos. I suggest if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read this story. Most people never heard of Elena. She never did anything note-worthy, but died of tuberculosis. The story goes that Carl Tanzler, who lived for three years in Zephyhills, had a morbid obsession for a young Cuban-American TB patient, Elena Milagro, that carried on well after she died of the disease. The story goes, in 1933, almost two years after she died, Tanzler removed Hoyos’ body from its tomb, and lived with the corpse at his home for seven years. One evening in April 1933, Tanzler crept through the cemetery where Hoyos was buried and removed her body from the mausoleum, carting it through the cemetery after dark on a toy wagon, and transporting it to his home. He reportedly said that Elena’s spirit would come to him when he would sit by her grave and serenade her corpse with a favorite Spanish song. He also said that she would often tell him to take her from the grave. Tanzler attached the corpse’s bones together with wire and coat hangers, and fitted the face with glass eyes. As the skin of the corpse decomposed, Tanzler replaced it with silk cloth soaked in wax and plaster of paris. As the hair fell out of the decomposing scalp, Tanzler fashioned a wig from Hoyos’s hair that had been collected by her mother and given to Tanzler not long after her burial in 1931. Tanzler filled the corpse’s abdominal and chest cavity with rags to keep the original form, dressed Hoyos’s remains in stockings, jewelry, and gloves, and kept the body in his bed. Tanzler also used copious amounts of perfume, disinfectants, and preserving agents, to mask the odor and forestall the effects of the corpse’s decomposition.
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In October, 1940, Elena’s sister Florinda heard rumors of Tanzler sleeping with the disinterred body of her sister, and confronted Tanzler at his home, where Hoyos’s body was eventually discovered. Florinda notified the authorities, and Tanzler was arrested and detained. Tanzler was psychiatrically examined, and found mentally competent to stand trial on the charge of “wantonly and maliciously destroying a grave and removing a body without authorization.” After a preliminary hearing on October 9, 1940 at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, Tanzler was held to answer on the charge, but the case was eventually dropped and he was released, as the statue of limitations for the crime had expired.
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Shortly after the corpse’s discovery by authorities, Hoyos’s body was examined by physicians and pathologists, and put on public display at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, where it was viewed by as many as 6,800 people. Hoyos’s body was eventually returned to the Key West Cemetery where the remains were buried in an unmarked grave, in a secret location, to prevent further tampering. Then there’s the story of Jean Stevens and her twin sister, June. They were so inseparable they married brothers. When June was diagnosed with cancer, Jean shared a bed with her and rubbed her back. And when June died in October 2009, she was buried in her sister’s backyard—but only for a few days. Lonely and claustrophobic at the thought of her sister trapped underground, Jean had June dug up and brought inside to live with her, just like she had done 10 years earlier with James, her husband of 60 years, who had been buried at a nearby cemetery. There they lived—well, she lived—with her husband’s body on a couch in the extended garage and her sister propped up in a spare room off her bedroom for almost a year before the cops were tipped off that the 91-year-old was not alone. In an interview shortly thereafter, Stevens was aware that her behavior appeared disturbing, but explained unapologetically that she “felt differently about death.” I’ve always loved reading the head stones in old cemeteries. Some folks have a great sense of humor for their loved one. Enjoy a few of the better ones I have collected: “Here lies Johnny Yeast, Pardon me for not Rising.” Memory of an accident in a Uniontown, Pennsylvania cemetery: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake. In a Silver City, Nevada, Cemetery: Here lays Butch, We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger, But slow on the draw. In a Georgia cemetery: “I told you I was sick!” In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England: On the 22nd of June – Jonathan Fiddle –Went out of tune. The grave of Ellen Shannon in Girard, Pennsylvania: Born 1903 – Died 1942 Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was. In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery: The children of Israel wanted bread, And the Lord sent them manna, Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, And the Devil sent him Anna.
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our reclamation team and ecologists use the latest technology and scientific methods to reclaim formerly mined lands, creating natural corridors for native wildlife and even reviving streams that haven’t existed for over a century. As a global leader in reclamation ecology, Mosaic is pioneering new environmental approaches to create vital habitats and land uses for future generations — both ours and nature’s. The reclaimed perennial stream at Maron Run provides habitat and
© 2017 The Mosaic Company
food supplies for a diverse group of water-dependent species. To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit MosaicCo.com/Florida.
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The 36th Annual Driscoll’s Strawberry Classic 5K, 10K, Fun Run March 25th Join us for the Classic 5k, the Classic 10k or, for those ambitious runners, try running both races in our new 15k Challenge (5K + 10k). Race times are as follows: 10k – 7:15am; 5k – 8:30am 1 mile fun run – 9:00am. Race begins at Temple Terrace Elementary School Welcome to Florida’s ORIGINAL Strawberry Classic Run! It is almost time for another refreshing race through the heart of tree-lined Temple Terrace. The Tampa Bay Runners Club will host the 36th Annual Driscoll’s Strawberry Classic on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Get ready for the enjoyment as you run the winding turns beside the emerald golf course and past the beautiful, historical houses. Following the race, enjoy music, food, massage, awards and delicious locally grown strawberries! Few races can claim they have been around for 36 years and fewer still have the honor of still being considered one of the premier events in the Tampa Bay area. This is the ultimate community and family event that also benefits Local Tampa Meals On Wheels and Children’s Dream Fund. Strawberry Classic Races has been recognized as one of the top races by Florida Running and Triathlon Magazine, which named the 2015 15k race as the number four most scenic and number four best organized in the State of Florida. Please register by visiting http://www.tampabayrunners.com/strawberry-classic/ 124 Flotto Ave, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Please register by visiting http://www.tampabayrunners.com/strawberryclassic/ We have runners of all speeds, distances and ages. Our group enjoys getting together for running and socializing. Get the support and networking you need to sustain a lifelong healthy lifestyle! We have supported the Special Forces Wounded Warrior Fund, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, the Temple Terrace Library, Pediatric Cancer Center, Children’s Cancer Center, Meals On Wheels of Tampa and Children’s Dream Fund. During just the past six years of facilitating the Strawberry Classic, we have raised nearly $40,000 for charity and 85 percent of all donations go directly back to our chosen charities and the next year’s race. For about six months, Tampa Bay Runners members volunteer their time to create the best experience for all of the sponsors and racing participants. We pride ourselves in supporting/promoting local charities and businesses. Tampa Bay Runners’ motto: Fitness and well-being comes from serving others. Whether, we are helping another take that first running step or creating awareness in the community, it all breeds hope and happiness. This is what drives our commitment to others. Please register by visiting http://www.tampabayrunners. com/strawberry-classic/
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AWARDS AGE GROUP – 3 deep for 5k and 10k races. 1 deep for 15k challenge OVERALL WINNERS – Awards for Male and Female in 5k, 10k and 15k challenge races MASTERS WINNERS – Awards for Male and Female in 5k and 10k races FINISHER MEDALS – 5k and 10k race and 15k challenge race FINISHER RIBBONS – All 1 mile finishers
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REGISTRATION http://www.tampabayrunners.com/strawberry-classic/ https://www.athlinks.com/event/36th-annual-driscollsstrawberry-classic-22992 PACKAGE PICKUP INFORMATION Tuesday, March 21st from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Fitniche in Wiregrass Shopping Center Thursday, March 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Fitniche in Wiregrass Shopping Center Friday, March 24th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Shamrocks Ale House, Temple Terrace, Florida Saturday, March 25th (Race Day) starting at 6:15 am at Temple Terrace Elementary 124 Flotto Ave, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. SPONSORSHIP INFO We are currently seeking sponsorships from local businesses and groups to continue to make the Strawberry Classic a success. As a partner, you will experience an increased awareness of your group’s interests and goals. For more information about sponsoring the Strawberry Classic, please contact Tampa Bay Runners Club, Ron Tiller, President and Race Director by phone: 813-843-3276 or email: rontiller1@msn.com. About the Tampa bay Runners Club Tampa Bay Runners is a non-profit fitness group that hosts weekly community runs and also participate in other fitness group activities. Members of this group are passionate about running, races, or simply want to learn more. The group is responsible for hosting the Annual Strawberry Classic, in partnership with Driscoll, which is one of the premier races in the Tampa Bay area and in 2015 had the distinction of being ranked #4 most scenic 15k and #4 best organized 15k in Florida by Florida Running and Triathlon Magazine. This year, the 36th Annual Driscoll’s Strawberry Classic will be on Saturday, March 25, 2017. By facilitating the Strawberry Classic for the last 36 years, we not only serve but are able to donate to those in need. This year, Tampa Bay Runners is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds to Meals On Wheels of Tampa and Children’s Dream Fund. For more information please visit www.tampabayrunners.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fertilizing for Turfgrass Health By Susan Haddock, Commercial Horticulture/Integrated Pest Management/Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension
The weather is apt to fluctuate quite a bit during the months of February and March. According to the Florida Automated Weather Network station located in Balm, Florida, the 2016 low in February was 37˚F with a high of 84˚F and in March the low was 46˚F with a high of 86˚F. These fluctuations influence soil temperature, which in turn influences turfgrass root growth and the ability of plants to uptake nutrients. The shorter day lengths (less sunlight) and cooler nighttime temperatures of winter months are a signal to warm season turfgrass that conditions are adverse to the preferred warm summer season growth period. These adverse conditions cause warm season turfgrass to go into semi-dormancy in central Florida. Turfgrass photosynthesis and growth slows. Turfgrass will naturally become less ‘green’ and will slough off 40-60 percent of its root material. See the turfgrass growth curve below and note the seasonal differences in color as well as root density. In late spring, when the days become longer and soil temperatures are warmer, turfgrass will naturally regrow a more dense root system and green up.
they will not be able to recover or regain strength properly. Something will fail which may be the knees, ankles, feet, or hips (lush turfgrass shoot growth during cool seasons is typically at the expense of the root system, hence increased disease issues). Warm season turfgrass should not be fertilized during the months of January, February and December. Type of fertilizer, rates and schedule differ depending on the turfgrass species. See charts for reference.
For these science based reasons, the UF/IFAS Extension has specific fertilization guidelines for the appropriate amount of fertilizer to apply and the time of year to make fertilizer applications to turfgrass. The challenge is educating your clients on the normal growth curve for warm season turfgrass and that applications during the cooler months, which promote lush green grass year round, increase susceptibility to disease and insect issues, and will contribute to decreased water quality. The less dense and shorter root system in the cooler months can not uptake nutrients as readily, and as a result those nutrients may leach into groundwater. Additionally, the roots are not able to support lush shoot growth and will deteriorate over time. Have you had a client whose turfgrass has persistent or repeated disease issues year after year or, a client who replaces turfgrass every 3-5 years because it fails to thrive? If so, consider whether or not the fertilization practices are appropriate and take a look at the roots. The roots should be creamy in color, not dark and stubby. Think of turfgrass as a marathon runner. • The typical marathon runner will train intensely, eat more calories and perform well (the spring to fall warm growing season). • And, rest, recuperate and consume less calories between marathons (the late fall and winter cool season). • If a marathon is run every week with no rest or recuperation INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Knowledge is the Greatest Tool: Black Creek Crayfish By Ginny Mink When I was 14, or thereabouts, I spent a summer in Louisiana. My aunt and uncle were having their second child and they needed help. While there, my uncle suggested that I sample some of the local delicacies. I will admit that I am a rather picky eater. So, when he told me to try crawfish, I was slightly putoff. However, when he told me to pinch off the heads and suck out the insides, I gagged. There was no way I was doing something that disgusting, especially since I had seen these same entities crawling around in the ditches along the sides of the road. If you had told me all those years ago, that I would one day be coming to the rescue of such a creature, I would have thought you nuts. Yet, here I am telling you that we need to protect the Black Creek Crayfish, Procambarus pictus.¹ I guess since I would never consider eating one of these, it makes a little sense that I would tell you to leave them be. My distaste for crayfish, crawfish, crawdads, whatever you want to call them, doesn’t predicate their value though. These wee-lobster looking crustaceans are here for a reason and that means they need someone to bring their plight to the public eye. The Black Creek crayfish is a species of special concern and has been considered threatened. As crayfish go, they are midsized. The biggest ones get to be about three inches long. If you go looking for some, you’ll need to keep an eye out for those that have yellow and white marks against a black back. That black back, which seems a lot like a lobster’s, is called a carapace. The belly will be banded in black against a dark red base. And if you need one additional identifier, they have ten bumps on their claws while other crayfish have hair-like attributes on theirs.² Be aware that while this creature is considered threatened, it very nearly meets the criteria to be labeled endangered. It is steadily declining in presence, but there seem to be some genetic issues that require further investigation before that label can be adhered. Because these crayfish are endemic to the Black Creek, their habitat options are relatively small and that certainly contributes to the potential endangerment. And, when you add the human factor to the quality of their environment, it is easy to see why they are in trouble.¹
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Many times, when I write these, I wonder what value the threatened or endangered species I’m attempting to support holds in the grand scheme of things. It helps, sometimes, to add that kind of an answer for motivational purposes. So, when I read about the Black Creek crayfish’s diet, I realized it exists here for a reason beyond, “God made it and that’s good enough.” Crayfish exist off decomposed organic matter and dead plants and animals. Essentially, they are a type of underwater cleanup crew. They are the trash-men of the
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Black Creek and that makes them super important for that ecosystem.² While they are participative in the cleanup of the streams they inhabit, they don’t seem to be fond of those slower moving sections. They have been collected from over 30 sites, but most of them have been located within the Black Creek system. In truth, there are three stream systems that seem to house the largest populations, the Black Creek, Etoniah Creek, and a very small stream found close to Fort Caroline. Tannic-stained water appears to be their preference.¹ And, they particularly like hiding under tree roots and various other vegetation.² When it comes to trying to figure out why these wee-creatures are in harm’s way, it is easy to see that people are the problem. We are all about mining and urbanization. We choose to dam up head waters, and pollute them with our pesticides and insecticides, and various other contaminants. The roads we so desperately require to get us from point A to B, have a tendency to erode and that causes problems for the waters that flow nearby. Of course, there are also issues with silviculture (tree cultivation), and fluctuations in water temperatures.² Currently, the populations of Black Creek crayfish that are located on public land may be offered some level of protection. However, when they are found on private land, the threats we mentioned previously become more serious and there is little that can be done to defend them. Additionally, some of these crayfish have been diagnosed with a fungal disease, but no one is sure what impact that may have on their mortality.³ Perhaps the best chance they stand, is letting people who live on the private lands they occupy, know that they exist and are in danger. Aside from that, I have no other answer for the assurance of their survival. Knowledge, here, is the greatest tool. Resources: ¹The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Procambarus pictus (Black Creek Crayfish, Spotted Royal Crayfish). http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18213/0 ²Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Black creek crayfish: Procambarus pictus. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/invertebrates/black-creekcrayfish/ ³ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Black Creek Crayfish Biological Status Review Report. (2011). http:// myfwc.com/media/2273262/Black-Creek-Crayfish-BSR.pdf Photo Credits: Freeimages.com/Stacy Brumley- File # 1367643- Crayfish looking at you Freeimages.com/Richard McMillan- File # 1374745- Not a Black Creek Crayfish WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Thank a Rancher…
Ever wonder where steak or hamburger meat comes from? People often don’t think about where the beef on their plate comes from and no one will know unless they understand the beef industry. In this article I have decided to write and educate the importance of Florida’s beef industry’s history, how the industry feeds our nation and also how it provides an income for the ranchers and farmers. Once realizing the importance of the beef industry you might thank a rancher or farmer. Out of all the states Florida is America’s oldest cattleraising state. The history of beef cattle in Florida dates all the way back to the 1500’s. It was Spanish explorers like Ponce de Leon that helped populate Florida’s cattle industry. By the 1800’s the herds of cattle grew extensively and people raised cattle for beef. When the railroads reached the state of Florida it made it possible to ship cattle, therefore the cattle industry grew. From the use of cattle more jobs became available for the new settlers. Through care and dedication, the quality of Florida cattle had improved greatly in the 1920’s. To this day raising cattle is still one of the biggest businesses in Florida. Florida’s ranchers raise the third largest number of cattle of any state east of the Mississippi (Polk County Cattlemen 2007).
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Everyone likes a good steak! But some people don’t realize where their beef for dinner comes from. In the United States Florida’s cattle industry ranks in the top 15 and is mostly a cow/calf production. The biggest step to providing beef is having a good cow/calf operation. Cattle serves a unique purpose, providing high quality protein that can be consumed. Beef cattle production is dispersed throughout the United States but a significant amount comes from the state of Flor-
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By Allyson Polston
ida. Of the cattle, the dominate are calves, the calves are eventually shipped to other states to be finished out and processed for beef. To this day Florida is still a cow/calf crop providing state and is continuing to provide the nation with healthy and safe beef. There are many opportunities that provide income for ranchers and farmers in the state of Florida. The beef industry is also creating income opportunities for feed companies, equipment dealers, and fertilizer manufactures. The beef industry keeps the livestock markets in business as well. Each market takes a commission from each heifer, cow, or bull that is sold on their property and for using their facility. These are some good examples of how the beef industry provides income and jobs for residents in Florida. To add to this, cattlemen in Florida today are committed to the preservation of Florida’s rich farm land and significantly support Florida’s economy, providing people with jobs and food on the table. Often over looked because of the thrilling theme parks and the white sandy beaches, the beef industry in Florida is very important to the public. To understand the importance of Florida’s beef industry the public must understand the history, how the industry feeds our nation, and also how it provides an income for the ranchers and farmers. Florida has come a long way from the first herd of cattle brought over in the 1500’s, and since then, the beef industry has brought many great benefits to Florida’s residents and provides many opportunities for the public. Once you realize the importance of the beef industry, you will want to thank a rancher or farmer. Always remember “Beef! It’s what’s for dinner.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ONE DAY ONLY | U-PICK March 25th | 8:30am – 4pm All proceeds support the Hillsborough County 4H programs.
Stop by our produce stand and pick up some delicious strawberries. We’re sure they’ll make any occasion. berry special!
NEW STAND LOCATION: Southeast corner of 5212 Drane Field Rd. and County Line Rd. 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com
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Pineapples Florida
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Traditionally, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. Fresh pineapples are a sweet tropical fruit that flourish in Florida’s warm climate. Also known as anana, piña, or nana, the pineapple gets its name from its resemblance to a pinecone. The pineapple is native to South America. Florida was once the top producer of pineapples in the United States, but now Hawaii is the nation’s biggest producer. Pineapples grow easily in Florida soil, simply by cutting off the crown of the fruit and placing it in soil where it flowers in five to ten months and then fruits in the next six months. Florida’s peak season for pineapples runs from March through July. Pineapples are delicious when eaten fresh out of hand. They can also be cooked, juiced, canned, or preserved. The two main types of pineapples grown in the United States are the Cayenne and the Red Spanish. The Cayenne type is tall, cylindrical, golden yellow in color, and grown widely in Hawaii. The Red Spanish type, grown in Florida and Puerto Rico, is shorter, plumper with reddish gold skin. When ripe, pineapples have a fragrant aroma and the peel becomes yellow. The taste is a combination of sweet and tart.
Nutrition This sweet, flavorful fruit is high in many vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration database, one cup of raw, chopped pineapple (165 grams) contains 82.5 calories, 2.3 grams of fiber, 0.9 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, and 21.7 grams of carbohydrate. A one cup serving also contains 105% of your daily requirements for vitamin C, 77% for manganese, 20% for copper, 11% for vitamin B6, 9% for dietary fiber, and 7% for folate and pantothenic acid.
Bromelain Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and is sometimes used in tenderizer products. Bromelain is found in both the stem and fruit of the pineapple and helps with digestion of protein.
Vitamin C A single cup of this tropical fruit provides more than a full day’s requirements of vitamin C, an important water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C protects the body from free radicals that attack and damage normal cells, promote atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, and contributes to the inflammation found in arthritis. Additionally, vitamin C is required for good immune function, which helps the body prevent and fight off ear infections, colds, and the flu.
Pineapple is an excellent source the trace mineral manganese. This mineral is required for numerous enzymatic reactions important in energy production. A one cup serving of pineapple provides 77% of your daily manganese requirements.
How to Select and Store Choose large, plump pineapples that feel heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft or dark areas on the skin or yellow or brown leaves. Choose one that has a fragrant aroma and is partly yellow at the base with crisp, dark green leaves. One medium pineapple will yield about three cups of chunks. Cut pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Enjoy To cut a whole pineapple, first cut off the base and leaves, then stand the pineapple up on one of the cut ends and carefully slice the skin away from the flesh. To core the fruit, cut into quarters, then cut out the firm middle core from each of the quarters. Some stores also sell pineapple corers that make the job even easier. Fresh Florida pineapple is delicious eaten straight out-of-hand, or added to fresh fruit or vegetables salads. It can also be cooked by grilling, baking, or broiling. Other ways to enjoy this delicious fruit include: • Cut into quarters, freeze, and serve the spears on a stick for a natural popsicle • Use cored slices with a cherry in the middle as a garnish on ham • Chop the fruit and add as a pizza topping • Grill or broil spears of pineapple and brown sugar for an easy dessert. • Sauté and add to a savory pork or chicken stir-fry • Crush pineapple and add to yogurt, muffins, or ice cream • Juice the pineapple for use in all kinds of beverages and cocktails. • Core and slice for use in the iconic desert, pineapple upside down cake Enjoy fresh Florida pineapple today in its peak season. This delicious, nutritious tropical treat is sure to brighten any meal. Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg055 http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/ pineapples.html http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Manganese
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Smokin’ WE’RE
WWW.johnsonbarbeque.COM winter haven • plant city
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3/28/14 10:15 AM
Community Water Wise Awards Program by Lynn Barber, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPINGTM AGENT
The 2017 Community Water Wise Awards, sponsored by Tampa Bay Water, recognize individuals and businesses committed to conserving our water resources and protecting the environment by using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. There are nine FFL principles which include: right plant right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage yard pests responsibly, recycle, reduce stormwater runoff and protect the waterfront. Many of these principles are used as part of the landscape evaluation process for this award program. The retention of existing trees and vegetation is evaluated, as are landscape design, utilization of mulch and plant selection. Stormwater runoff prevention and efficient irrigation techniques are reviewed, including rain gardens, rainwater harvesting and functioning rain sensor devices. Winning landscapes balance attractive designs with plants, landscape elements and water efficient irrigation techniques that have a positive impact on our environment.
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You can view photographs of past winners at http:// tampabaywaterwise.org and watch a short video which includes several of them. The deadline for entries is June
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30, so you can complete an application now, submit it and get a head start on the 2017 contest! It takes approximately ten minutes to complete the application and submit on-line to tampabaywaterwise.org. Attaching a photo or two is helpful. On-site landscape evaluations will be scheduled and conducted in May and early June with homeowners and business owners present. Winning entries will receive a handmade mosaic stepping stone for homeowners or a plaque option for businesses. If you have questions regarding the Community Water Wise Award program, please contact me at 7445519 x 54105.
For more information about the nine principles of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program or for assistance with gardening-related questions, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-7445519, visit our website at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu for upcoming workshops. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jack Payne
Nathan Carson As soon as the kid from Plant City and Hillsborough Community College showed up at the University of Florida, he went to the office of the senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. That’s me. And as much as I love serving the 5,800 students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, it’s rare that one seeks me out. Just by showing up in my doorway, Nathan Carson was following the first piece of advice I’d given him. The year before, he had come to visit with Chip Hinton, who at the time was the executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and a friend of Nathan’s family. I invited Nathan to visit again once he had transferred to UF. He did. I don’t teach classes, but I gave Nathan recommended reading. He did it, and he came back to discuss it with me. I told him about the Challenge 2050 program. He enrolled. It’s a course sequence that has students think deeply for years – instead of just in preparation for a single exam – about how to feed a growing population in the face of the loss of farmland, tighter environmental regulation, water scarcity, climate change, and other challenges. He starred in the program, delivering a TED-style talk in 2015 on his idea to bring microloans to India as a way to combat hunger in what is projected to be the world’s most populous nation by the time Nathan is in his mid-30s. I encouraged Nathan to pursue Challenge 2050’s internship opportunities. He did, and he ended up in California as a supply chain and sales intern at one of the world’s largest seed companies. Nathan graduated from UF’s main campus in Gainesville, where he majored in food and resource economics. It’s audacious for a then 21-year-old to take on what is arguably the world’s greatest challenge. It’s audacious for a new student to walk into my office. But there’s plenty of audacity
among the young people of Hillsborough County, and that’s part of why the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has a Plant City campus. We’re in the human potential business at UF/IFAS. We help unlock it with the right classes but also with innovative teaching, whether it’s Challenge 2050 or our Plant City campus. Our online programs are constantly expanding. This year, for example, we’ve launched a completely online agroecology certificate. You supply the audacity. We supply the opportunity and expertise. That’s the equation for producing a new generation of agricultural leaders. Boy, do we need them. Chip Hinton has since retired and been inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Nathan is finishing his master’s degree at Purdue University. I recently wrote him a letter of recommendation for a master’s program in international relations, building on his master’s in agricultural economics and eventually apply it to combatting food insecurity. In it, I mentioned his TED-style talk and how he was introduced that night by the emcee: “International development is who he is and what he does.” I believe he’s on his way to a career in addressing the challenges the students were talking about that night. I got to see Nathan in February at One World 2017, the forum where he delivered his microloan talk two years earlier. It prompted me to reflect anew on how Nathan has been great about heeding advice. It also reaffirmed my conviction that in a few years this seventh-generation Floridian will be the one dispensing it to make a better world.
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Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS
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CARRYING FORWARD A LOVE FOR THE LAND AND COMMUNITY SERVICE By Jim Frankowiak
New Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board member Dennis Carlton, Jr., is an eighth generation Floridian whose family is known for its service to the community, love for the land and advocacy for agriculture. He hopes to build on that legacy through his association with Farm Bureau. Born in Tampa and raised in Brandon from age 2, Dennis moved to Dover in 1998. He is the son of C. Dennis and Alice and has two sisters: Melissa, who is married to Patrick Thomas and the late Marlyn who passed away in 2013. Dennis attended Seffner Christian Academy for elementary, middle and high school. He 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, a cattle rancher, citrus grower and real estate investor for more than 40 years. In April of 2015, Dennis married Sara Beth Newsome and four months ago they became the proud parents of Anna Kate. He is the manager of Carlton and Carlton Ranch, a cow-calf operation with cattle in six counties. Dennis and his brotherin-law Pat, who manages Audubon Ranch, also a Carlton operation, together own a cattle operation in Hillsborough and Polk counties. Dennis’s father is a past president of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and speaks highly of the impact his association with Farm Bureau had on his community relationships, an experience Dennis, Jr. looks forward to. “I know my dad’s involvement has and continues to help him know folks in the community,” said Dennis. “It really enabled him to advocate for agriculture through activities in the community and with politicians. As a consequence, it is in my blood, and I want to
The Carlton family’s love for the land is also reflected in nonworking activities such as hunting for deer and turkey at their Hardee County ranch and taking steps to preserve the land through cutting-edge environmental enhancement. C. Dennis has been recognized for his stewardship through state and regional honors. “I particularly enjoy archery and hunting for white tail deer and turkeys,” said Dennis, who with his brother-in-law Pat, compete in ranch rodeos and have done well in various events locally and nationally. “It’s all part of our family’s passion and love for the land.” Pat has also served on the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board of directors. An important dimension of Farm Bureau activity is its role as the “Voice of Agriculture.” That often represents a challenge,” said Dennis. “Becoming an effective representative for the industry requires a comfort level with public speaking and knowledge of the subject matter that is being presented, traits not always found among farmers and ranchers. I look forward to getting involved and doing my part as an advocate of and for agriculture.” “You simply can’t be a good teacher without putting forth the effort to study and understand the lessons you are presenting,” said Dennis. “From what my dad has told me and what I have experienced, the same is very true with advocacy on behalf of our industry. I look forward to my involvement and to helping the community. It’s a natural extension of our family’s love of the land and the increasing importance of having the voice of agriculture heard.” Dennis attends the First Free Will Baptist Church of Seffner where he has been a member all of his life. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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do my best to actively serve and help better our community.”
Budget Battles Brewing In The Florida Legislature by John Dicks
The first Monday in March marked the start of this year’s session of the Florida Legislature. Even before it began there was a contentious public battle brewing between Governor Rick Scott and the House Speaker, Tampa Bay’s Richard Corcoran. The feud centered mostly around the issue of the Governor’s much loved economic development agency, Enterprise Florida, and the marketer of our Sunshine State known as Visit Florida. Between the two, the Governor wanted to spend, this year, some $160 million, insisting that the expenditure both brings visitors who share their wealth throughout the state and also leads to the creation of jobs, which is the Governor’s long standing signature issue. The House Speaker, however, contends that the expenditure is excessive at least, if not wasteful at most. Most observers note that politics is certainly at play since it is likely that both the Governor and the Speaker will be seeking new elective positions next year and plan to use their hoped for success to propel them into the U. S. Senate in the case of the Governor, and for the Speaker, a move into the Governor’s mansion. Regardless of who wins and who loses over this $160 million spat, it’s important to recognize that it’s still the taxpayers who will foot the bill. In this case, it’s over a matter which most folks express little concern either way. Yet it’s the one that seemingly, at least in Tallahassee, all of the focus is made. The reality is that in the eyes of some who are watching the governing in our State’s capitol, budgets have been ballooning so quickly that such numbers get overlooked in the tidal surge of spending. Consider that in 2011 the Governor’s first budget came in at $69.7 billion. This year he has proposed one of $83.5 billion! That’s $13.8 billion more than six years ago, which amounts to an increase of nearly 20 percent. By comparison, our population has grown over the same time frame by only 8 percent (from just over 19 million Floridians in 2011, according to the U. S. Census Bureau, to some 20.6 million counted last year).
Provided the Legislature concurs with the Governor, the new budget will represent the fifth year of record spending. So much for holding the line on government spending! While the House Speaker has strong opinions on matters as mentioned above, so, too, does the Senate President, Joe Negron. He’s advocating hard on a proposal to buy 60,000 acres of farmland in the Everglades Agricultural Area to build a giant reservoir to reduce water discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Negron speaks passionately about the matter and contends that those discharges carry harmful algae and are sent from the lake through canals to the east and west coasts where it affects estuaries as well as people. The President frequently reminds folks that the pollution was, at times last summer, so significant that some beaches had to be closed. The reservoir proposal has been projected to cost upwards to $2.4 billion, but it has already seen substantial opposition from Ag community representatives showing up in Tallahassee. Opponents are skeptical of the project’s success and concerned about removing from production 60,000 acres of what has been described as the “most productive farmland in the world.” There are, of course, several other issues that will demand attention from the Legislature. Health care will be front and center as it has been for the last several years. Simply staying in step with whatever changes take place with the Federal Government will cause ripple affects if not tidal waves throughout our state’s health care industry. Certainly, too, will be the “elephant in the room” matter to deal with of medical marijuana. Having been approved by the voters last fall of the constitutional amendment allowing its use, already there are bills being debated which will regulate its growth, harvest, processing and dispensing. Regardless of the merits of whether medical marijuana is for good or bad, bets are on that it will balloon our state’s budget even more.
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own 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 years as Mayor.
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SO YOU WANNA BE A POULTRY FARMER
Getting Your Flock Started in Hillsborough County By Jim Frankowiak
By Libby Hopkins
It’s no secret. There’s a great deal of interest and involvement in buying locally grown produce and even raising your own poultry flock, enabling you to enjoy eggs you’ve raised and more. But what do you do first and beyond to make that happen? To answer those questions and lead the way to getting started, the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) -Hillsborough County Extension recently held a Small Flock Poultry Conference, bringing together a number of Extension agents to provide advice and counsel to county residents interested in raising their own poultry. The conference was organized by Small Farms Agent Francisco Rivera, with participation by agents Deanna Thompson, Jonael Bosques, Mary Beth Henry, Joe Walter and Megan Noel Brew, most of whom are members of Extension’s Central Florida Livestock Group, also known as C-FLAG.
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The conference began with an assessment for understanding the perception of participants. The result is the following: • 88.89% of the participants believe that access to forage will increase the nutritional content of poultry eggs and meat. • 83.33% believe that chickens are allowed in urban areas. • 77.78% think that a veterinarian’s prescription is not needed to feed antibiotic in the feed of food animals. • 72.22% are not familiar with common poultry respiratory diseases. • 61.11% don’t know the nutritional requirements of chickens. • 44.44% don’t know the definition of the term “Free Range.” The results reflect the perception of attendees and show
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the need to establish more educational conferences for people interested in chicken or egg production in health, management, diseases, nutrition and regulations. Deanna Thompson, who is with DeSoto County Extension, set the stage for the conference with her presentation, “Starting your Home Flock.” She suggested asking a few questions before buying birds, such as applicable local zoning rules and regulations regarding the raising of chicks, the number of birds permitted and whether or not your flock can include roosters as well as hens. Next was the question regarding the purpose (s) of the new endeavor: showing the birds, raising them for meat, eggs, or both or just as a hobby? Then, consideration of the age of the birds you begin with, from hatching eggs, young chicks, juveniles or adults. Brooding has considerations such as proper heating, required space per bird, type of structure and materials from which the structure is made. Referring to the purpose for the flock, Thompson offered several types of dual purpose, meat and eggs, birds: Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock and Brahma. Egg layer suggestions included Leghorns, Ameraucana and Minorca, while her meat breed recommendations included Cornish (and cross breeds) and Jersey Giants. Silkies were offered as among the most popular show and backyard breeds. The origin of your birds is next. Will you buy from a feed store, hatchery or producer? Her advice was a hatchery with a WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
strong admonition to avoid random breeders or auctions. Feed and water are important considerations and “those requirements change as the birds get older,” she said. Hygiene of your coop is an added, critical consideration. “Shavings must be kept clean and dry so that ammonia build-up can be minimized and rodent issues can be decreased.” It must also function as a roost with nest boxes of 12-18-inches permitting 4-5 hens per box, and the coop must be 18-20-inches off the ground. “Ventilation should keep the coop at an average of 70-degrees for adult birds,” she said. Biosecurity considerations included quarantining of new birds until proven healthy, “boots” for the coop, a vaccine protocol, maintaining a clean environment within the coop and an ongoing effort to keep rodent and airborne populations down. Jonael Bosques followed Thompson with a presentation keyed to predator protection strategies and coop construction, while Rivera discussed “Complying with Regulations to Sell Farm Fresh Eggs and Safe Egg Handling, Hillsborough zoning and Tampa Ordinance Sec. 27-282.28.” Following a lunch sponsored by Florida West Coast Credit Union, Joe Walter presented “Poultry Nutrition Basics” followed by “Egg Production Trouble Shooting” by Megan Joel Brew. Walter concluded the presentations with his remarks on “Poultry Health Management.” After the conference each participant received final assessment. Results reflect improvement in knowledge in all programs evaluated. For additional information on any aspect of poultry farming, contact Francisco Rivera by phone: 813-744-5519, Extension 54119 or via email: friveramelendez@ufl.edu.
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Florida Mineral Salt and Agricultural Products
Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Blueberry Lemon Corn Muffins
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
paper muffin cup liners 1/2 stick (Ÿ cup) unsalted butter 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest 1/2 cup whole milk 2 large egg yolks 1/2 cup blueberries
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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line six 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. 2. Melt butter and cool. Into a large bowl, sift together flour and baking powder and whisk in cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and a generous pinch salt. 3. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk and yolks and add to flour mixture with half of blueberries, gently stirring until just combined. 4. Divide batter evenly among cups (batter will fill cups) and press remaining blueberries into tops of muffins. 5. Sprinkle tops of muffins evenly with remaining tablespoon sugar. 6. Bake muffins in middle of oven about 15 minutes, or until tops are golden and a tester comes out clean. 7. Remove muffins from cups and cool on a rack. 8. Muffins keep in an airtight container at room temperature 2 days.
Blueberry Biscuit Cookies
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Ingredients 2 cups biscuit mix 1 cup blueberries 1 cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons low-fat milk 1/2 cup honey, divided
DIRECTIONS
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix, blueberries, pecans and milk. Mix well and add enough of the honey to make the mixture stiff like cookie dough. Place dough by tablespoonful onto a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle remaining honey on each cookie. Bake an additional 5 minutes and serve immediately.
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Last month we finished up the section on ferns. And now we enter the wide world of exotic ornamental plants. This will surely prove a grand adventure on the Literary Time Machine as we voyage back to the great gardening advice that surfaced in the 1920s here in Florida. We will join Mr. TorreySimpson and expect to learn much from his wealth of plant knowledge. He starts this chapter off providing fair warning to the readers, “I have endeavored in these lists to give data as to hardiness and tenderness of plants as far as I am familiar with them. Usually the vegetation of temperate and warm temperate regions does not succeed in tropical or near tropical areas, such things seeming to need cold as much as the tender ones require warmth. In general the word plant applies to everything I have listed.”¹ Having done his best to introduce us to this chapter, he dives right in with a listing of pinnate-leaved palms. That seems hardly exotic to us, given the fact that Florida is rife with palm trees. But, his concept of exotic is far more like the dictionary definition, meaning non-native. So, he starts with the Acrocomia, “A genus of very spiny palms from tropical America and Paraguay. The trunks have rings of terrible thorns and even the petioles of the leaves but they are sturdy, rapid growers and flourish in pineland with little care or fertilizer.”¹ He then reveals his own personal experience with these exotic palms. He writes, “Five seeds were received some twelve or more years ago of what was claimed to be A. media, round nuts an inch in diameter with a very hard, thick shell. I cracked two of them—one just a little too much so that I broke the skin of the kernel, and planted the four. One of the cracked ones came up quickly and is now a tree thirty feet high with a trunk a foot in diameter while the other three have not reported.”¹ We suspect that might mean it is necessary to crack the seeds of this kind of palm if you want it to grow.
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He did add, “On account of the spiny nature of these plants they should be put in unfrequented places and not along
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Part 30
walks or roads.” We are thinking that means they might make great protective accoutrements to lawns that discourage visitors. In fact, maybe we should look into planting some along our property line. At the very least, it has made us wonder about the length of the thorns. Take a look at the picture for yourself. Those are impressive spines! Sticking with palms, he moves on to Archontophoenix alexandrae. Which he says is, “…a tall, rather rapid growing palm of great beauty and elegance from Queensland. The pinnae are more delicate than those of the next species and are silvery underneath.”¹ The species with which he refers is apparently one of controversy as he writes, “Lately the U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a palm under the latter name that it is claimed is the genuine species.”¹ He’s debating the A. cunninghami and the Seaforthia elegans. Our research revealed differences in spelling and very little information about the first of those two. Apparently, the USDA stuck with the Seaforthia elegans. Then we arrive at a particularly interesting revelation, the Arenga saccharifera. He pens, “…the Sugar palm of India from whose sap taken at the time the tree is flowering sugar and wine or toddy are made. It is a majestic tree and as I write a fine specimen twenty-five feet high is blooming in my grounds. The trunk is about fifteen inches in diameter and the massive leaves are as large as those of a coconut but more erect. From inside their bases there spring a great number of very strong, blackish fibers and large dull spines, the latter reaching a length of three feet and both enclose the trunk and support the young leaves. The fiber is the Gomuti and is used for cordage and a variety of purposes by the natives of the East Indies.” His description continues from there but we were particularly intrigued by this palm’s usefulness. The Sugar palm has also undergone a name change. It is better known, these days, as the Arenga pinnata. Research suggests that it can reach heights of nearly 60 ft. But, the saddest revelation is that after these trees finish blooming, they die. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
They are said to grow in Naples, Loxahatchee, and Saint Petersburg.² So, we suspect it would be possible to see some growing in Plant City. But you would have to do a lot more research on how to harvest the sugar (called jaggery) from these trees. We have provided a link in case you are interested in learning more.³ It is a really great read and can definitely provide you with a larger glimpse of the value of these types of palms. We’ll be learning a good deal about exotic palms over the next few months. So, sit back and enjoy the future voyages on the Literary Time Machine. Who knows, maybe we’ll find some other palms for food and fuel provision. Until next time, enjoy your yards, it’s still cool enough to be outside gardening. 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. 125-127). ²Dave’s Garden. Solitary Sugar Palm. http://davesgarden.com/ guides/pf/go/62892/. ³Lavelle, M. (2011). A Rain Forest Advocate Taps the Energy of the Sugar Palm. National Geographic. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/06/110623-tapergie-sugarpalm-biofuel/ Photo Credits: Spines on the palm we first mention - Acromia aculeate- by Daniel Rengel. https://flic.kr/p/DXwUsq Double photo of Arenga palm- Arenga pinnata, the Sugar Palmby Dick Culbert. https://flic.kr/p/nFrEqp Nuggets of jaggery that look like mushrooms- Palm Sugar- by @ ccfoodtravel. https://flic.kr/p/degGPi Blocks of palm sugar- Palm Sugar- by Stu_Spivack. https://flic. kr/p/tH8wZ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM CELEBRATED AT POLK COUNTY EVENT By Jim Frankowiak It began in 2001 as a way to protect and nourish the Suwanee River Basin. The “it” here is a program that has grown from a handful of counties in north central Florida to 46 counties across the state, as a way to encourage and recognize farmers and ranchers who practice environmental stewardship activities. It was created by Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), which partnered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to promote Best Management Practices (BMPS). Officially termed the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship, CARES has recognized more than 900 participants statewide since it started 16-years ago. The program was celebrated at Angela and Marty Higgenbotham’s Rocking H Ranch, recognizing the nearly 100 local farmers and ranchers for their participation in CARES and their commitment to environmental stewardship
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“CARES is a voluntary program for our farmers and ranchers in Florida,” said FFB President John Hoblick during his welcoming remarks. “Additionally, it sends a message to nonagricultural audiences how we protect our natural resources in Florida.” Participants in CARES utilize BMPs relying on the most up-to-date technologies and research to maximize efficiency while protecting and preserving natural resources in the state. BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions producers can take to reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering Florida water resources and to conserve water supply. They are designed to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production.
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“Florida Farm Bureau established CARES to recognize how participating farmers and ranchers are promoting environmentally sound and economically viable practices by implementing BMPs on their farms,” he said. Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) Executive Director Brian Armstrong praised CARES as a program that shares the district‘s vision by protecting waters within the 18,000 square miles and 16 counties of the district through the efficiencies of the science-driven program. “This is not only helpful and important to farmers and ranchers, but it helps to protect everyone who lives within the district as we all need water.” Armstrong also noted how the CARES program participants, working collaboratively with FDACS representatives and through cost-sharing programs, are “saving more than 27-million gallons of water every day.” Florida State Representative Jake Raburn expressed his thanks to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for its important involvement in CARES through the provision of science-based approaches that “helps ease the tension between environmental and agricultural interests across the state.” Recognized as a lawmaker committed to helping agriculture, he went on to note how the CARES program and participating farmers and ranchers help “make my fight easier,” referencing his legislative activities in Tallahassee each session through the science-based components of the program that help protect both the quality and quantity of Florida’s water resources. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
CARES participant and sixth generation Florida cattle rancher Cary Lightsey described how the program helps his family function as “landlords of God’s land. The improvements we achieve are good for our cattle and the environment. It’s a win-win for our family,” he said. “I would urge all farmers and ranchers to participate in the CARES program as it will help their operations and the health of the land,” said Lightsey. FFBF CARES Program Coordinator Jason Mathis recognized the Mosaic Company for its continued support as a major CARES’ sponsor in seven counties of west central Florida, helping 76-participating producers and enabling 13 area program workshops to take place. Additional sponsors of the recognition event included Farm Credit of Central Florida, Everglades Farm Equipment, Highland Precision Ag and Crosby & Associates. For more information on the CARES program, visit: http://www.thisfarmcares.org.
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From Rust to Beauty By Libby Hopkins
It has been said that “Hobbies are one of the most potent methods for launching something of meaning and lasting value.” Rich Johnson’s hobby has lasted for more than 27 years and he continues to get more value out of it every day. Johnson is the owner of Rusty Knives and he makes bullwhips in addition to making and restoring new and old knives. “I started in 1990,” Johnson said. “My mom wouldn’t let me buy a knife or whip, so I got a book on whip making and in 30 minutes I was braiding.” He said the knives took a bit to learn. “I’m still learning both,” he said. “I started to make them just for me, but my friends wanted me to make them one too. I haven’t looked back and after 27 years I’m still learning.” Knife making is one of the oldest trades known to man. Knives were created for survival on all levels from food to safety. According to the website Knife Lover (www. knifelover.com), “Survival for people mainly centered around protection, food and shelter. They needed a tool that would allow them to kill animals for their meals. They needed a tool that would help them acquire clothing. And they needed a tool that would help them to protect themselves from vicious animals and other predators that roamed the environment. The bladed edge, or the knife, answered these needs and more.” The website also said, “As time progressed, these knife makers needed better tools for cutting, which was what prompted them to start sharpening stones in order to achieve a sharper blade. About 5000-2000 BC, knife makers started polishing their stone knives to achieve sharper edges, and even started to fit handles into them. The discovery of metal like bronze and iron gave knife makers a new material to work with. The first metal blades which were made of bronze or copper came into existence sometime between 3000-700 BC and were much preferred over their stone counterparts for obvious reasons. However, at around 1000 BC, iron knives started to gain popularity since they were more durable and sharper than the knives made of previous metals.”
Crackers, and further separating them from the Western cowboys to come, who would use lassos. The ranchers used these whips to corral the Cracker cows, a distinct breed with long horns and large feet.” Johnson feels his knives and whips are made to last a lifetime. “No two whips or knives are alike, since all of my work is custom made by hand,” Johnson said. “I also guarantee my work, and would gladly repair any wear and tear for free.” He said the first whip he made is still in existence and it’s on a farm in Northern Florida. The whip is 27 years old. “The first knife I made is with a family friend,” Johnson said. “I have shipped my whips and knives to many different states and even in other countries.” He does all of his business by word of mouth. “I consider both whip and knife making a dying art,” Johnson said. “As a native Floridian, it’s my honor to help and preserve two of the many traditions of a true Florida Cracker. The best part is, I get to educate the younger generation on how to preserve these very traditions, and hopefully inspire them to become future whip and knife makers.” Johnson is a strong supporter of keeping things local and supporting local. “I believe that supporting local businesses within our own community, and neighboring communities is more than just a sign of solidarity,” Johnson said. “Not only does this allow opportunities to employ locals, but producing custom made products within the U.S.A. is definitely something we can all be proud of.” If you would like to learn more about the products offered from Rusty Knives, you can visit Johnson’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rusty.knives.whips or call Johnson at 813-361-0586.
Bullwhips are legendary with cowboys and have been around for quite some time just like knives. According to an article on the website Mental Floss (www.mentalfloss. com/article/65947/riding-florida-sunset-americas-firstcowboys),
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“In 1763, after the English won the Seven Year’s War, the British settlers of Florida took over ranching in the region, turning it into a thriving business model. These cowboys eventually fashioned a 12-foot-long threaded leather whip which cracked fiercely when used, earning them the name
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Alicia Whidden
An Extension Agent Considered “Family” by Strawberry Growers By Jim Frankowiak
Alicia Whidden is a Hillsborough County Extension Agent, officially an Extension faculty member with responsibility for assisting commercial production of vegetables and small fruit. That responsibility includes cultural practices, plant nutrition, water and pest management, post-harvest issues, food safety and marketing. However, for area strawberry growers she’s more than a valued resource, she’s a friend and member of the “family.” Born in Jacksonville, Alicia’s father was a veterinarian and her mother’s family owned and operated a meat packing plant. “Both sides of my family were avid gardeners, growing flowers, fruit trees and herbs,” she said. Alicia’s parents owned a small cattle ranch near Live Oak, as well. Shortly before her 10th birthday, Alicia moved to Polk County to live with her grandparents at Bradley. She attended Lakeland Christian and was valedictorian of the school’s first graduating class. Alicia became involved in 4-H while in the 5th grade. “Our next door neighbor in Bradley, who became my ‘honorary’ uncle, had fruit trees that after school we would help pick and eat the fruit,” she said. “To this day, I believe that is a great way to get kids involved and learn about fruits and vegetables.” After high school, Alicia went on to Florida Southern College where she planned to major in biology, but found “animals were not for me. I really liked horticulture” and that led to a major in Botany and Horticulture.
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After college, Alicia joined the U.S. Department of Agricul-
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ture’s Subtropical Fruits and Products lab, which at the time was in Winter Haven, as an OPS associate. That facility is now located in Ft. Pierce. She then was referred to a part-time position at the then Dover strawberry lab by her professors at Florida Southern. That part-time position became full-time in less than two years, and Alicia worked there for nearly 18 years. “I worked for Soil Scientist Earl Albregts and Plant Pathologist Charlie Howard, two of the most wonderful men you could ever meet,” she said. “During that time, all of us at the lab did everything both inside and in the field. It was a great learning experience.” She then went on to an operations position with Florida Star, a lab post with Chemical Dynamics and a Quality Assurance position with Driscoll’s. Alicia then joined Hillsborough County Extension in January of 2003. While working at the Dover strawberry lab, Alicia pursued a Master of Science degree in microbiology at the University of South Florida, which she received in 1996. “I am most appreciative of the grants and financial support I received from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association,” she said. “That assistance made it possible for me to pursue and received that advanced degree.” The Extension position “is the perfect job for me,” said Alicia, who works not only with strawberry growers, but producers of blueberries, peaches and fruits other than citrus. “I love being able to help and to continue to learn,” she said. “Many WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
growers and I have grown up together. I am particularly happy being able to help small growers who have responsibility for all aspects of their operations.” Growers appreciate Alicia and her efforts on their behalf. “Alicia is a very good person to have on our side,” said well-known strawberry grower Carl Grooms of Fancy Farms. “I have known Alicia for a long time, she’s a neighbor and friend and she’s good enough to be the first name in my cell phone,” he added kiddingly since her first name begins with “A.” “Alicia is my go-to person in agriculture. She knows about all of it,” said Grooms. “She helps me and sometimes I am able to help her when the unexpected happens at her place which is very close to mine, and I’m happy to do it.” “No matter what the question, Alicia can get the answer for us and that’s usually less than a day,” added Grooms. “I’m just glad she’s with us.” Strawberry and vegetable grower Johnnie Beauchamp echoes Grooms’ comments. “I have known and worked with Alicia since she joined the strawberry lab,” he said. “We have become good friends and she has provided me much help over the years with all of my crops. Anytime I have needed help – no matter when – she would either come out to my farm or get me the answer I needed,” said Beauchamp. “She has a great deal of knowledge and a heart for the entire industry and all the people in it.” Since joining Extension in 2003, Alicia has seen an increase in challenges her grower friends must address. “Increased regulation, food safety and other factors that are all part of the industry have made it important for me to continue to learn so I can help growers,” said Alicia. “I am grateful for the assistance I continue to receive from the FSGA that enables me to keep learning, and I appreciate the support that’s provided by my wonderful coworkers at Extension, plus the faculty and staff of the University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm. All of that help enables me to assist growers as they strive to meet the challenges they face every season. Learning is great for self-motivation, too,” said Alicia. “Using what I am able to learn by giving back to the growers I assist is very satisfying and inspirational.” FSGA Executive Director Kenneth Parker is pleased the association can “continue our ongoing support of Alicia and her commitment to keep learning. She is a valuable asset to our industry and with her depth of knowledge and commercial experience she is the perfect person at Extension to help our growers.” “Alicia is an important member of our family and a good friend to all of us,” added Parker. In addition to the satisfaction she gets from helping growers meet the increasing challenges they face, Alicia is “pleased to see the growth of Hispanic growers. They are kind and generous and very hard-working members of our industry.” When not helping growers, Alicia continues to garden with roses as one of her most favorite crops. She also likes to quilt and read. “I try to be crafty,” she said. She also cares for her horse, two dogs and five cats. Overall, “I love the home town atmosphere that is so prevalent on family farms,” she said. “Working with people whose families have been involved in agriculture for generations is a wonderful way to contribute to the continuation of the American family farm. That’s another reason why I think my job is just perfect for me.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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FLORIDA AGRICULTURE LITERACY DAY MAY 2 New Executive Director Announced By Jim Frankowiak
The 14th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day has been set for Tuesday, May 2, during which the third in a series of new, non-fiction children’s books – highlighting aquaculture and seafood industries -- will be introduced to elementary students across the Sunshine State. The book, “Drive through Florida: Aquaculture and Seafood,” features the animated red truck named “Ole Red” and his new friend “Bobby Boat” that takes students on a tour in and around Florida to learn about the state’s aquaculture and seafood industries. The book is geared to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC) are inviting farmers, growers, ranchers, Farm Bureau members, FFA teachers and students and agriculture industry representatives to read in elementary classrooms around the state as part of the event. FAITC is asking readers to schedule their classroom visits and then to order materials on the FAITC website: www.agtag.org. Readers will be mailed one book, teacher and volunteer flyers and one set of stickers and bookmarks per classroom, which they will deliver to the classroom the day of the reading. FAITC is asking volunteer readers to allow two weeks for delivery. Readers must register for materials no later than Tuesday, April 18, for those reading on Florida Agriculture Literacy Day two weeks later. While readers are encouraged to read on that day, they can read until the end of the current school year. They are encouraged to read the book ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the content before their classroom readings. Funding for the books and related materials comes from the sale of agriculture specialty “Ag Tag” license plates and a donation from the Florida Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee. FAITC has also announced the appointment of a new executive director, Rebecca Sponholtz, who had served the organization since June 2013 as Education Program Manager. She is assuming the duties of Lisa Gaskalla who has been named executive director of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO). She had been FAITC’s executive director for 13 years.
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“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to educate youth and adults about the importance of Florida agriculture and help this important industry share their message,” said Sponholtz, a former agriscience teacher.
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“We are thrilled that Becky is our next executive director,” said FAITC Chairwoman Carol Roe. “Her past experiences and devotion to our program make her a perfect fit. We look forward to continue working with Becky in all aspects of our program.” Gaskalla served as interim executive director of NAITCO while the organization conducted a national search to fill the position in 2016. She served as president of the organization in 2014-2015, and hosted a National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Florida in 2011.
Lisa Gaskalla “National Agriculture in the Classroom has grown to a point where it needed a full-time executive director to oversee the business of our growing organization,” said current NAITCO President Chris Fleming and the Tennessee state contact for that state’s Agriculture in the Classroom contact. “Lisa’s experience managing a successful program in Florida will serve NAITCO well.” “I’m excited to serve such a talented group of agricultural literacy educators from around the country,” Gaskalla said. “I will strive to make NAITCO a premier K-12 agricultural literacy program for formal and informal educators interested in educating youth about the importance of agriculture at the state and national levels.”
FAITC is a non-profit organization that educates Florida teachers and students about the source of their food, fiber and fuel using lessons, materials, grants and other programs like Florida Agriculture Literacy Day. It is governed by a board of Florida agriculture industry directors from around the state. NAITCO helps K-12 teachers use agricultural concepts to each reading, writing, math, science, social studies and more by providing web-based lessons and companion resources, a national conference, a national teacher awards program and professional development opportunities for state Agriculture in the Classroom contacts. It is a non-profit organization with a network of state contacts in nearly all 50 states and six territories of the United States. Additional FAITC information is available by contacting Becky Sponholtz by phone: 352-8461391 or email: sponholtz@ufl. edu. You may also contact Hillsborough County Farm Bureau: http://hcfarmbureau.org or by phone: 813/685-9121. NAITCO information is available via email: info@naitco.org or by calling Gaskalla at 352745-0246. Rebecca Sponholtz WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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At the Florida State Fair
By Ginny Mink
Meet the Minks was going to involve attending the Plant City Rocks event. Hazel is a big fan of rock painting and Zeke would have probably been okay doing that for a brief stint. J, on the other hand, would have been utterly unenthused. So, while I was planning to head to the Planteen, I decided to ask my friend, Bambi, if she and her kids would like to join us. She said “No,” because they were going to go to the Florida State Fair. “Ah well,” I thought. Another friend was going to the Plant City Rocks event, but I still felt kinda bad about making J go. Then Bambi offered to take us to the Fair. She had some free tickets and was willing to foot the bill. I’m not going to lie, I don’t like crowds, and, the Fair equates with crowds! But, I knew my children would be thrilled. And, after I asked them, it was obvious we were going to the Fair. Zeke had never been, and the only time Hazel was there was as a baby in a stroller. She slept through most of it. Thankfully, Bambi was excited that we agreed. The kids were bouncing around at Mammaw’s house eager to get going. As much as last month’s venture was more about me, this one was definitely kid-centric. We met Bambi at her house and she followed us to the Fair. I took her the backroads, rather than hitting I4 and she was quite relieved at how quickly we made it into the parking lot, having skirted the I4 entrance traffic jam that frequently occurs.
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We had to wait in line and of course, that got the kids complaining. But once inside, we immediately ventured into Cracker Country. We stopped for some lemonade and then Zeke was dragging us to the railroad section. He has something about trains. In fact, he often asks me to take him to the train museum in downtown Plant City whenever he ends up
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at my shop. To my joy, Bambi gladly lifted him up to observe all the locomotive motion. And, the train conductor (who sat at the back of the display) enthusiastically blew the train whistles as they passed Zeke’s gaze. The thrill wore off quickly for Hazel, but we had to literally drag Zeke out. The first ride we encountered was a giant, and I mean GIANT, slide. Zeke got so excited about going on it I thought he might jump out of his skin. So, we went to get bracelets to allow the kids to ride. When the lady put Zeke’s bracelet on it was like Christmas. His eyes got so huge. He was just thrilled to no end. Bambi and I cracked up at his enthusiasm, but it was just so endearing and genuine that I wish I’d had a video of it for posterity’s sake! Seriously, that paper band might as well have been platinum and diamonds for all the joy it brought his wee soul. Sadly, that joy was instantly crushed when it was determined he was simply too short to go on the GIANT slide. Hazel went with Maddie, Bambi’s niece. Her eyes were wide coming down that thing, but certainly more out of sheer terror than joy. She assured us she wouldn’t be interested in riding that one again. And we had to laugh. Recently she told me, “If I’d gone down that thing by myself, I woulda flown off ‘cause I’m too skinny.” She’s right though. When you’re almost 6 and you barely weigh 35 pounds, that kind of speed could do some damage to ya since gravity can’t grab something that small very well. Once we got Zeke calmed down about not getting to go and Hazel, over having gone, we were off to new adventures. They wanted to ride everything they saw, unless it was scary looking and then Zeke was generally the only one willing to take it on. J would have ridden some of the more challenging WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
things but Maddie, who is older, and Nicky (Bambi’s son) who was younger, were not too interested and J didn’t want to go alone. So, they did the mazes and fun houses. Zeke and Haze had great fun going through them. At one point Zeke kept slipping on a moving floor and Bambi told me later, “I was laughing so hard at him I could have pee’d myself.” I know the feeling, that boy is hysterical. However, J, who was trying to walk behind him on it, was less than enthused. While there, we ran into another friend and had to go see her 1st place and Best in Show baskets. She is a tremendous artisan and valued confidant. But then, it was time to see the agricultural section of the Fair. After all, this is an Ag magazine! We went to feed the butterflies first. All the kids were enthusiastic. J got a little frustrated when he couldn’t get the butterflies on the brush. But Zeke, Hazel, Nicky, and Maddie seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. And, while we were in that section we went to see the bees and beetles. Zeke held a beetle in his hand and Hazel squealed, “EWWWWW! GROSS!” While he cracked up. Then we were off to the baby animal nursery. Zeke was a changed boy. He fed every animal he could come in contact with. Even Maddie smiled while we were in there, and she’s a relatively morose teenager. Hazel didn’t want to touch the animals. Something in her has become incredibly squeamish and it’s kind of annoying really. Maybe I should stop calling her, “Princess” so she won’t think she has to act like one. Sadly, the mouths of goats and cows are simply too “DISGUSTING” for her right now. But Zeke, well, this was another area we had to drag him out of! I was ready to go, but the kids were still wound up. This couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that Bambi fed them funnel cakes and various other fair food. I had to cut her off at giving them sugar. Shortly after I told her, “no more,” Zeke started making crazy noises and running around in circles. “See what you’ve done!” I told her. She laughed with great enthusiasm, apparently proud of herself. Later she convinced me to try chocolate covered bacon. Yes, you read that right, and yes, it was delicious. The last ride of the night for the wee ones was the “tractors.” They’d been begging to go on them since we’d left the midway for a bathroom break and ended up in the displays and animals. We had to ensure they got back to them. So, as adventures go, we ended it with Ag, and that makes it worthwhile. The kids loved it and Bambi felt like it had been money well spent, being able to see the sparkle in their eyes as they experienced these things for the first time. Of course J had a good time with Maddie and Nicky, but since he’s a 13-year-old boy, he’ll never admit that to them. Now the kids are hoping I’ll take them to the Strawberry Festival. I make no guarantees. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Tooled Leather Flask Sleeve Festivities are upon us and what better way to toast than with a flask, and what better way to protect your flask than with a hand crafted and personalized flask sleeve. This project is always great fun and it can be done with small scraps of leather. Some retail leather tools were used for this project, but are not entirely necessary, once the concept is clear, you will be surprised at the number of common items laying around the house can be used in place of a commercially available tool. This project covers the basics but could easily be augmented with embroidery, carving, dyed leather, or even wet molding. Have fun with it and wear your flask with pride.
Materials:
• Flask • Vegetable tanned Leather (4 – 6oz) • Swivel Knife or razor • Ruler (steel) • Leather stamping tools (beveller, shading) • Sewing Awl • Nylon thread (waxed) • Mallet (rubber or rawhide) • Sponge
Measure the leather
dry it’s color will begin to lighten, this is when the leather is in perfect condition to work.
Transfer an image to the leather
* You may find the need to repeat the dampening process often while tooling the leather to maintain ideal leather conditions. Never soak the leather, soaking wet will relax the leather too much and the image will not stay.
Wrap your leather around the flask and cut it to fit top to bottom with a seam at the rear of the flask (concave side) There are several ways to do this ranging from readymade transfer patterns available at art supply and leather craft stores to manual transfers from a design found on the internet. For images printed on paper: • Print the image • Cut the paper to the same size as the leather sleeve • Lay the paper pattern in place on the leather. • Using a needle or razor, poke through the paper into the leather making a dot to dot type pattern • Remove the paper and scribe the image by connecting the dots with a smooth deep cut using a swivel knife or razor. * Note: cut about half way through the leather, the deeper cut will result in a taller emboss.
Wet the leather
Leather tools better when it is wet. Using only a damp sponge coat the working surface of the leather (smooth side) with water. Allow the leather to absorb the water in for a few minutes until the leather has a dull appearance. When the leather begins to
Tool the leather
Using a leather stamping tool (or anything that makes a mark) gently hammer the outer edges of the design. The portions that are hammered (tooled) will be the low portion of the design. The portions that are not hammered will appear raised in the finished piece.
Sewing the leather
While the leather is still damp, poke holes on the sides of the leather for sewing the seam together. Sew the seam of the leather together with a sewing awl and waxed nylon thread. There are many types of stitching that can be done for seams, For this project, a simple baseball stitch was used because card holder was added to the back and the seam will not show.
Adding a card holder
Cut a square piece of leather slightly larger than a business card to allow for stitching. Stitch the square leather onto the back of the flask sleeve to create a concealed and safe holder for business cards, credit cards, or identification.
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green
The Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa)
Photo by: Travis Blunden *Note: The legend for apple snail eggs by rawling et al is as follows:
Photo by: Rawlingsetal
Egg masses of introduced and native Pomacea spp. in the continental U.S. a) P. haustrum, titan applesnail; b) P. diffusa, spike-topped applesnail; c) P. canaliculata, channeled applesnail; d) P. paludosa, Florida applesnail; e) P. maculata, island applesnail. Scale bar = 5 cm.
If you’ve ever been hiking or fishing along Florida’s lowlands you may have noticed huge empty snail shells scattered around bodies of water. These shells belong to some of North America’s largest gastropods, a group of animals comprised of snails and slugs. The worldwide diversity of these animals is astounding, second only to insects, and although repulsive to many, with a closer look I hope you will agree they have some pretty amazing characteristics. The word gastropod itself attests to its unique means of travel, it is derived from the Greek word gastro (stomach) and pod (foot). Simply put, gastropods literally crawl on a foot that is located just below their belly. Some aquatic gastropods can crawl on the underside of a water surface and there are amphibious species that can stalk their prey through rivers and up trees before they strike. Some species launch a harpoon tooth to disable fish, paralyzing their prey with venom. Other species drape themselves over clams and mussels waiting for the slightest opening with which they can slip their muscular foot into for a home invasion. If brute force does not work, some species can dissolve the shells of their prey with acids that are released from the gastropods foot. All gastropods have evolved to develop a rasping tongue rather than teeth as a means of scraping food from surfaces. The rasping tongue is quite similar to a cats tongue and rumor has it that on a quite night you can actually hear the faint rasp of snails cleaning their shells. Florida is home to a handful of these fascinating gastropods, some of which are rare or endangered. This month, we will take a closer look at the Pomacea; a genus of freshwater gastropods in the Apple Snail family (Ampullariidae). Ampullariidae is the name of a family of freshwater gastropods commonly known as Apple Snails. This specific family is unique because it has both a gill and a lung for respiration making this particular gastropod successful both on land and in the water, a true amphibian. Gastropods share the common characteristic of having a single shell (univalve), but the Ampullariidae have an evolutionary upgrade, a little lid (operculum) that is attached to their foot and serves as a door when the snail retracts into its shell. This door protects the snail from predators and helps to retain moisture when the snail is land bound during dry seasons or hibernating. Interestingly the Roman Snail (Helix pomatia), with similar operculum, was used as food in ancient history. The operculum, when closed, creates a natural food tin. Excavations of Roman civilizations indicate that legionnaires distributed these snails as a portable food source throughout the Empire, thus designating the Helix genus the Roman Snails. Within the Ampullariidae family is the Pomacea genus of snails com-
monly known as the Apple Snails. North America is home to at least five species of Pomacea. Four of the five species are introduced, Florida has populations of four species, of which only one species, the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), is native to Florida; this species is said to be the largest freshwater gastropod in North America reaching a length and width of up to 60mm (Burch 1982). All species of Pomacea can breathe underwater, with gills similar to that of a fish, but also have lungs with which to breath while on land if the food supply in the water becomes scarce. Unlike other gastropods, the Apple Snail has a siphon, similar to a snorkel that it can extend to the water’s surface or through mud flats to breath air without exposing itself to predators. Mating for the Florida Apple snail begins this month and will continue through October. Mating occurs at night and females will lay their distinctive white egg masses on tree trunks, plant stems, and pilings above the water line. Our native species lays white eggs that are the principal food of the endangered Everglades Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) and should never be removed. Other species lay eggs that are shades of pink or green making them easily distinguishable from the eggs of our native species. The few known introduced species of Applesnail in Florida are of little concern, historic data indicates that they are not spreading very well or causing significant environmental damage. Our native Florida Applesnail primarily feed on periphyton, a mixture of organic waste material that includes detritus, algae, cyanobacteria and certain microbes. The other known species in Florida include The Island Apple Snail (Pomacea maculata), The Spike-Topped Applesnail (Pomacea diffusa), and The Titan Applesnail (Pomacea haustrum). All three of these species are thought to have been introduced through the tropical pet industry and aquarium dumping. The diet of these species differ from that of our native Florida Applesnail and competition for food resources is not a concern. Decaying vegetation is the main diet for P.diffusa and P. haustrum and rooted aquatic vegetation is preferred by P. maculata. Fortunately, because we have a native species in the Pomacea genus, we also have a diverse population of natural predators that will not hesitate to consume the introduced species. In Florida, these natural predators include the Everglades Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), Limpkin (Aramus guarauna), various raccoons, turtles, and alligators. According to a University of Florida IFAS circular revised in July 2014, the only snail among the Pomacea that feed on higher plants is P. maculata and it is not a real concern; the only species that would be a concern is the Channeled Applesnail (Pomacea caniculata), and it is not known from Florida despite some reports to the contrary. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Pamacea paludosa Jax Shelf
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NOVEMBER 2013
Kid Power By Libby Hopkins
Anne Frank once said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Krista Valentage’s sixth grade class at Monroe Middle School in Tampa was inspired in a single moment after Valentage read “Seedfolks,” by Paul Fleischman to her class. “My students began to ‘bug’ me to do some sort of project to improve and beautify our school campus, just as they read in the book.” Seedfolks is a short children’s novel written by Fleischman. The story is told by a diverse cast of characters living on Gibb Street in Cleveland, Ohio, each from a different ethnic group. Chapter by chapter, each character describes the transformation of an empty lot into a vibrant community garden, and in doing so, they each experience their own transformations. Monroe Middle School is a Title-1 school with a student body comprised of neighborhood students and choice students attending a new technology institute. “My sixth-grade students are a very close-knit group, who are a part of a three-teacher team consisting of approximately 47 students,” Valentage said. “My students are very curious, motivated and enjoy the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and Math) focus Monroe offers.” Valentage’s students wanted to create a community garden like they read about in Fleischman’s book that incorporated the elements of STEM. “The students were so inspired, I was having a difficult time telling them ‘no’ we can’t build a garden, ‘no’ we don’t have time, ‘no’ we don’t have the money,” Valentage said. “Their persistence and determination convinced me that this could become a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) project that we worked on a little bit each month by planning, researching and designing and that we could start small and expand in the future. This year, our school has made monumental strides in improving our school culture and cultivating so that our students are proud to come to school and proud to be a Monroe Charger.”
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As Valentage began to brainstorm with her students, she realized they had great ideas. Some of her students had never completed such a project in their academic or personal lives, so she couldn’t say “no” to them. “We did compromise, however, to start with flowers that will attract butterflies instead of vegetables, like the example in the novel,” Valentage said. “I was able to get support from Ray Rose and US Lawns Tampa to help with the initial discussion and planning. US Lawns Tampa is also donating our soils, plants to attract butterflies
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and materials to make the above ground box planters. With each step of the way, I see the effect of the students empowered in the decision-making, design and planning of a space on our campus that is rather drab and depressing and their ideas to improve it.” Valentage incorporated the school’s technology, Spanish and core academic classes to teach gardening, composting, nutrition and environmental stewardship. When the project is complete, the school will have a beautiful outdoor space that will be utilized by all the classes, guidance counselors and mentors as a quiet place to read to talk with students. The plot of land the students used is adjacent to the school’s library, so Valentage and her students decided an outdoor reading space and garden would be perfect. “We also received some local and national funding through setting up a Donors Choose account, which allowed us to purchase two benches, a bird bath, the worm composter and a butterfly kit to raise and release when the project is complete,” Valentage said. “The students are working on measuring the area of the space and began with an initial field sketch which they will turn in to a blueprint for our project.” As Valentage and her students continue to work in the planning and development stages, she reminds her students of the overall theme. One person can make a difference and inspire others to make positive change. “The project has brought our students together as an excellent team-builder and each one is excited about the different garden ‘crews’ they will be signing up to help on March 22, when we complete the initial garden construction,” Valentage said. “They are already beginning to worry about problems we could run into and are being proactive in their thinking and planning. I also must remind them that we may have to do some problem-solving later if we run into issues we did not foresee, but these are all real-world skills our team of teachers truly believes the students will benefit from.” If you would like to learn more about the Monroe Middle School STEAM Garden Project of if you would like to help with the project, you can email Valentage at krista.valentage@ sdhc.k12.fl.us. Monroe Middle School is located at 4716 W. Montgomery Ave. in Tampa. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fourth Strawberry Picking Challenge raises $100,000 for children of RCMA Since the event started in 2014, a total of $250,000 has been donated to the organization. by Emily Topper
Sunny weather and fresh strawberries were a perfect match Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Fourth Annual Strawberry Picking Challenge. The event, held at Fancy Farms in Plant City, was hosted by Wish Farms and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. For $5 per quart, guests were able to participate in a strawberry U-pick challenge. All proceeds benefitted the children of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. The organization operates 70 childcare centers for Florida’s rural poor, including 18 in the Tampa Bay area. The organization also oversees three charter schools, two of which are based in south Hillsborough County. The organization has been focusing on improving the lives of those in need in rural areas since it was founded in 1965. This year’s event raised more than $100,000 for the organization. A total of 20 corporate-sponsored teams participated in the U-pick challenge, including Publix, Farm Credit of Central Florida, International Paper and Amalie Oil. “This has been our best year yet,” Gary Wishnatzki, the owner of Wish Farms, said in a statement. “The weather was gorgeous and the competition was exciting. We hope that we were able to recognize and bring awareness to our dedicated field workers and farmers, as well as the tremendous support that RCMA gives to the farm worker community.” Since the event began in 2014, a total of $250,000 has been donated to the children of RCMA from the Strawberry Picking Challenge. At the end of this year’s challenge, the Temp Labor team was crowned the 2017 Best Harvest Crew. The team was coached by Hector Cruz Jr. After winning the challenge, the team received the 2017 Strawberry Joe Trophy. Following the challenge, local growers selected their best harvesters to participate in a competitive picking challenge. Fancy Farms employee Misael Bautista received the highest judge’s score. He was based on speed and quality, and his ability earned him a cash prize of $300. Families were able to join in on this year’s fun and participate in their own U-pick challenges. In addition, attendees were able to enjoy performances by Next Radical Generation (NRG), a local singing group, and participate in a strawberry shortcake eating contest. Kids enjoyed balloon art, face painting, games and more. The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Drew Knotts, along with First Maid Marlee Arn and court members Caroline Brummer, Courtney Coton and Ariel Navarrete also made an appearance at the event. The annual Strawberry Picking Challenge is held at the height of peak strawberry season, right before the Florida Strawberry Festival begins. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2017 Florida State Fair
Recycled Yard Art Contest Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
As you probably know by now, twice a year, we sponsor a Recycled Yard Art Contest, one at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair. The purpose of the Recycled Yard Art Contest was to increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse/recycling of materials into yard art. The competition involved two and three dimensional art created from items already used for their original purpose. During the twelve days of the 2017 Florida State Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice award on one of the 24 entries submitted. The votes have been tallied, all 9,142 of them (an increase from the 2016 vote total of 8,144), and the winner is: Andy Hamilton for the “Farm Bike” created with boat fenders, bicycle parts, wheels and a propane cylinder. Jeffrey Scott De Blasio won first place for his “Metal Bonefish Sculpture,” which was created from horseshoes and various other metal parts. Dowdell Middle Magnet School won the first place Middle School Award for their creation, “Teacup Planter” that utilized old tires, tin cans, paint, a paper bag and rope.
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The first place award for an Elementary School went to Ballast Point Elementary for their “Fence Picket Self Portraits”
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made with reclaimed wooden fence pickets. First place for a High School was awarded to Hannah Barrionuevo from Wharton High School for her “Piano” created from clay and clothespins. All of the contest winning entries will be on display at the UF/ IFAS Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584, until March 21, 2017. We hope you will stop by to view these creations, stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, and see what we have to offer. I’m truly amazed at the creativity of all of the artists. Most of the artwork that was entered into the Recycled Yard Art contest would look fabulous in many landscape, mine included! Each of us would probably be surprised at how creative we can be. This is a great time to put on your thinking caps for a Recycled Yard Art project you have been considering creating…and create it. We will have two Recycled Yard Art competitions in 2018; one at the Hillsborough County Fair, and one at the Florida State Fair. Hope you will participate. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repeating!
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FLORIDA BLUEBERRY GROWERS SPRING MEETING By Jim Frankowiak
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) recently held its Spring Short Course at the Plant City campus of Hillsborough Community. The session was broad-based with information on a range of topics presented from enhanced grower tools and resources to the latest in policy from Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. The meeting began with comments from Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff Michael Joyner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), who discussed the different ways FDACS is working to help blueberry growers in the state. FBGA President Dudley Calfee, who introduced Joyner, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing commitment and support the association and its members have and continue to receive from FDACS. Joyner, who has worked as an association staffer, in the private sector and with government, noted associations like the FBGA “make a huge difference” through partnerships created with multiple entities. “We need growers at the table to become involved in discussions about marketing, water, pests, disease and trade issues,” he said, noting each as areas of importance and focus to the 4,000-member regulatory agency he represents. Joyner cited the aggressive marketing support FDACS has and continues to provide to blueberry growers, ranging from television commercials, outdoor advertising, in-store promotion, a website devoted to cooking with blueberries, magazine advertisements and a strong social media presence. While much of the marketing support takes place in Florida, Joyner noted FDACS’ efforts include other parts of the U.S. and Canada. “In store promotions take place at more than 12,000 stores in those areas,” he said. Joyner also told attendees about the strong results achieved through the department’s Fresh From Florida program, available to members for an annual fee of $50, such as nearly doubling the brand awareness of Sunshine State produce over the last three years leading to purchases from 80 percent of those who see the program’s ads and very high support for the emerging trend of buying locally grown produce.
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Joyner said more can be done to support the growers, “But we need to have their support through the provision of accurate data to help further improve crop forecasting. We are a flexible agency, as we have shown in past seasons, to provide marketing assistance to growers on very short notice, and we will continue. We can do better if more growers provide upto-date data to our staff when they contact them.”
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Calfee noted the challenges of last season were addressed in part by the FDACS multi-media campaign to promote U-Pick operations across Florida, helping growers get some of the “late fruit off the bush and put some money in their pockets. A lot of Floridians got to experience the fun of a day on the farm, picking our tasty and healthy blueberries with their families and friends. FDACS Commissioner has made our crop forecasting project a priority for his staff and we anticipate an enhanced system will be in place within two years, but we need to have grower participation to make it the best possible system for our industry.” Joyner also reported on actions FDACS is taking relative to the devaluation of the Mexican peso and the dumping of various commodities by Mexican growers. “We have had staff members travel to Washington to discuss these important issues with our elected officials so they have an understanding of the impact those matters have on our producers,” Joyner said. Following Joyner’s remarks, attendees were introduced to new multi-county Extension Agent Dr. Juanita Popenoe, who is working with fruit crops in Lake, Marion and Orange counties. Additional presentations included: • How the USDA Farm Service Agency can help Florida blueberry growers – Farm Loan Manager Bronwyn Bethea-Rowland • The Florida Automated Weather Network – Rick Lusher, IFAS • Licensing and distribution of blue berry cultivars from the University of Florida – John Beuttenmuller, Florida Foundation Seed Producers • What Florida blueberry growers should know about BMP’s – Dr. Kelly Morgan, IFAS • Worldwide blueberry production and how it could impact Florida’s blueberry industry – Cort Brazelton, Fall Creek Nursery, Inc. • Current and future needs for blueberry and cranberry breeding: A brief survey – Dr. Massimo Iorizzo, Plants for Human Health Institute • Preview of the 2017 Florida Blueberry Festival – Ms. Michael Heard, coordinator • Machine harvesting for fresh markets: Applying new technologies – Dr. Fumi Takeda, USDA • Water quality considerations for drip irrigated blueberries – Dr. Eric Smith – University of Georgia • Weed management in Florida blueberries – Dr. Peter Dittmar, IFAS There was also an update on bacterial scorch disease. Much of the presentation information is posted on the FBGA website: www.floridablueberrygrowers.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the FOR SALE BY OWNER 2 beautiful adjoining farms. 26 acres, all BIG Box STORES! Call Today! muck land. Lovely 4 bedroom home. InAsk for Blake. (813) 752-3378 cludes small beef heard & calves. $777,000 DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER www.floridabeulah.com 813-541-3490 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. SERVICES Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
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EFFECTIVE PEST CONTROL
STARTS WITH PAL ADIN® Start the strawberry season with Paladin ® soil fumigant for broad-spectrum control of weeds, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases. Since 2012, growers in Hillsborough County have relied on Paladin® fumigant to effectively control sting nematodes, purple and yellow nutsedge, and charcoal rot. And Paladin® has proven cost-effective while delivering high yields.
We are committed to providing our growers and distributors up-to-date information on proper product stewardship for successful use. To learn more, visit our website or contact your local distributor.
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Paladin® soil fumigant is a restricted-use pesticide. Always refer to and follow the federal label requirements for crops, specific use rates and application directions.
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