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‘FRESH FROM FLORIDA’ BREAKFAST A WINNER ONCE AGAIN AT THE FAIR By Jim Frankowiak It takes place every year immediately after the official opening of the Florida State Fair. That’s the “Fresh From Florida” Breakfast at the Agriculture Hall of Fame building. Presented by Roadmasters Drivers School, the annual breakfast features products grown here in the Sunshine State.
Gran then introduced Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, who offered brief remarks and introduced Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, with each sharing comments with attendees.
Hillsborough County Extension Director, Stephen Gran welcomed breakfast guests and recognized participating sponsors before introducing State FFA President, Kyle Garner and State 4-H President, Steven Lommerse, who together gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
These state leaders joined local farmers, ranchers and representatives from Florida’s agriculture community for a casual breakfast.
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CONTENTS
MARCH 2018 | VOL. 13 • ISSUE 5 Jade Banks the 2018 Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart
64 PAGE 12 BMP
PAGE 38 Mary Lusk, Ph.D.
PAGE 13 Work Protection Standards
PAGE 40 Champion of Champions
PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 62 Strawberry Crest FFA
PAGE 70 Activity
PAGE 46 John Dicks
PAGE 71
PAGE 48 Endangered Species
PAGE 74 News Briefs
A Closer look
PAGE 80
PAGE30 The Meaning of FFA
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 32-33 FFA Austin Holcomb
Wishing Well
PAGE 84 Spring Gardening
PAGE 56 Recycled Yard Art
PAGE 60
PAGE35 Rosemary
Cupcakes and Queens
PAGE 36 Jack Payne
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kenneth Parker....................President
Dennis Carlton Jr................Vice President
Michelle Williamson..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2017 - 2018
Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Carl Bauman, Will Womack , Melissa Grimes.
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry
Letter from the Editor I trust everyone has recovered from “fair season.” It’s always a busy time of the year in Florida for youth involved in agriculture, making it even more busy for their families. Congratulations to everyone who participated. You are to be commended for all your hard work throughout the year. Those participating next year have already turned the page and are preparing for their next project. If you missed visiting the livestock and plant area of any of the fairs, make plans to check it out next year. Let the youth know you are proud of the hard work they put in to these projects. While recovering from fairs, the time changed, springing us ahead an hour and
Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Melissa Nichols Taeler Dupre Chandler Workman Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams
shorting our nights sleep. Hopefully everyone is settled in to the new time with daylight extending our evenings outside. Please remember when shopping to feed your family, look for the Fresh From Florida logo. Not only will you get the freshest food available, you will be sup-
Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
porting your local farmers and ranchers. Also be sure to say “thank you” to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what’s growing. Check out next months issue for coverage of the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival.
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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COPING WITH CHANGE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
Dear Readers: Since my last letter to you much has changed with regard to the priorities of our Florida Legislature. Hurricane relief, recovery and preparation for future storms had been among the main priorities. However, the shooting and senseless loss of lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last month have caused focus of the session to change. Thousands of protestors have traveled to the Capitol along with hundreds of survivors from that shooting incident and others to support steps that would hopefully prevent such tragedies from ever again occurring in our state. Those events have caused major changes to the state budget and policy objectives. Hundreds of millions of dollars are now being shifted toward mental health and school safety. I ask that you join with me in supporting our legislators so that they take the most prudent steps possible to effectively address the needs of our school children and their safety. Similar initiatives are taking place at the national level. As I write this letter, the Legislature is slated to end the current session in less than a week. While there has been a shift of legislative direction, I want you to know that Florida Farm Bureau continues to focus its
efforts on the needs of Florida agricultural producers. That is, inclusion in the state’s hurricane relief package, as well as sales tax exemptions and regulatory relief to help our Florida farmers and ranchers recover from Hurricane Irma. At the same time, we are in the midst of the Florida Strawberry Festival, a very special time for agriculture in Hillsborough County and many opportunities for families to enjoy this annual event. My thanks to our industry for its involvement and support of this festive occasion, as well as the countless volunteers who give tirelessly of their time. If you would like to become involved in the activities of agriculture, we have many ways that you and your family can assist. If you’re not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining. That’s a great first step. For more information, visit: hcfarmbureau.org, call us at 813-685-9121 or send us an email at: info@hcfarmbureau.org. Thank you,
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Kenneth Parker, President; Dennis Carlton, Jr. , Vice-President; Michelle WIlliamson Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Will Womack Member-at-large, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Melissa Grimes, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Jake Raburn, Member Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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is proud to congratulate
Cole Hanson Cole Hanson is the epitome of a leader. Heavily active in Durant High School’s FFA program, Hanson has been on the state winning Citrus team, Ornamental Horticulture Demonstraton contest, Forestry team and was the high individual in the state winning Nursery and Landscape contest. He was also the seventh high individual in the Floriculture contest and his team placed third overall. Hanson has proven FFA is his passion and is currently serving as a chapter officer, which he uses to help out his community every chance he gets. He is constantly volunteering his time and services and has been essential in helping at the Florida State Fair Swine Show, the Florida Strawberry Festival Swine Show and Rabbit and Poultry Show and even the Durant FFA
Sweetheart contest and Blueberry Pageant. His advisor said he’s “always there to lend a helping hand.” This year he helped his school complete their FFA booth at the Strawberry Festival and has conducted chapter programs at Mulrennan Middle School. He has a 5.0 GPA and plans to attend the University of Florida upon graduation. He also hopes to run for State FFA Office next year. Students awarded a free pair of Justin boots from Russell’s due to their exemplary performance. If you have a deserving student, submit your recommendation to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com.
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AG PRODUCERS REQUESTED TO HELP TELL THE STORY OF SUCCESS OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES By Jim Frankowiak
Sunshine State farmers and ranchers are being asked to help tell the story of how widely agricultural best management practices (BMPs) have been adopted. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Water Policy (OAWP) is contacting producers in the state and asking them to participate in completion of a report on the current status of the implementation of their best management practices. The information collected will be used to report to the Florida Legislature on the extent of BMP implementation. FDACS has to report annually on BMP implementation as a result of a change to Florida law in 2016. FDACS is aware that BMPs are in widespread use by Florida farmers and ranchers. Collection of this information and presentation to the Legislature and public will help tell that story and correct misperceptions about the efforts Florida agriculturalists are making to conserve water and protect water quality. BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions that agricultural producers can take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal water and other pollutants entering water resources. They are designed to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining and sometimes enhancing agricultural production. DEP has tested water bodies throughout the state and has designated many to be impaired below state standards. To improve water quality in these systems, DEP has established Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPS) statewide. Typical practices include nutrient management to determine nutrient needs and sources and manage nutrient applications, including manure, to minimize impacts to water resources; irrigation management to address the method and scheduling of irrigation to reduce water and nutrient losses to the environment; and water resource protecting using buffers, setbacks and swales to reduce or to prevent the transport of sediments and nutrients from production areas to water bodies. FDACS develops and adopts BMPs by rule for different types of agricultural operations.
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Florida agriculture BMPs have been used extensively statewide for nearly two decades. Some 54,000 farmers and
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ranchers throughout the state have signed Notices of Intent (NOIs) to implement BMPs with FDACS’ OAWP and are presumed to be in compliance with state water quality regulations. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has tested water bodies throughout the state and has designated many as impaired if they do not meet state water quality standards. To improve water quality in these systems, the Florida Environmental Control Act establishes a process, termed Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPS), to work toward improving impaired water bodies to meet state standards. FDACS, DEP and stakeholders are implementing strategies to reach BMAP nutrient or bacteria reduction goals. These strategies include the utilization of environmental permitting by regulatory agencies to meet goals while other entities, such as counties and local governments that contribute non-point sources of pollution to water bodies use other methods to achieve BMAP objectives. Agriculture is using FDACS-adopted BMPs to meet water quality goals. As part of this process, and as required by the 2016 changes to the Florida Environmental Control Act, FDACS OAWP adopted Implementation Verification Rule 5M-1. This rule identifies tools that FDACS will use in the process of verifying the status of BMP implementation by farmers and ranchers. These tools include self-verification by producers and site visits by staff along with information gathered from other agencies and property appraisers. The status of implementation of BMPs for individual producers is confidential and exempt from public records disclosure. Requests for participation in the data collection process are being sent by letter and email to producers throughout the state. Farmers and ranchers with concerns or questions regarding the forms and requested information are encouraged to contact their OAWP field staff representative for help with any questions. They may also contact a University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences BMP Implementation Team member. A key resource for assistance is agbmphelp@freshfromflorida.com or calling: 1-800-435-7352. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
UPDATE: 2015 WORKER PROTECTION STANDARDS (WPA) By Jim Frankowiak
Last year, the 2015 revised version of the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) was put on hold by the Federal Government. “Now, it is coming back again,” said Hillsborough Extension Agent Alicia Whidden in the Winter 2018 edition of BERRY VEGETABLE TIMES. “Florida expects to adopt it as a rule, if it has not already done so, so growers need to start training based on the 2015 version of WPS. At first, the inspectors will be helping growers to comply and get up to speed with the new revisions instead of being in a regulatory mode, but they plan to start enforcing the new rule as soon as it becomes rule.”
Protect Yourself from Pesticides Protéjase de los Pesticidas IN AN EMERGENCY: EN UNA EMERGENCIA: Get medical help nearby. Busque atención médica cercana.
Avoid getting pesticides on your skin or in your body. Pesticides can be in many places. They can be on plants, in plants, in soil, and in irrigation water. Pesticides can drift in the air from nearby applications. They can also be on tractors and other equipment. Pesticides can also be found on used goggles, gloves, boots, and other personal protective equipment. Evite que los pesticidas hagan contacto con su piel o entren en su cuerpo. Los pesticidas pueden estar en muchos lugares. Pueden estar sobre las plantas, dentro de las plantas, en el suelo y en el agua de riego. Los pesticidas pueden ser llevados por el viento desde aplicaciones cercanas. También pueden estar en tractores y otras maquinarias agrícolas. Los pesticidas también pueden encontrarse en lentes protectores, guantes, botas y otros equipos de protección personal usados anteriormente.
Protect your body from pesticide residue. Wear long- sleeved shirts and long pants when working. Also, wear shoes, socks, and a hat or scarf.
Proteja su cuerpo de los residuos de pesticidas. Use camisas de manga larga y pantalones largos cuando trabaje. Además use zapatos, calcetines y un sombrero o pañuelo.
Name | Nombre:
Address | Dirección:
Phone number | Número Telefónico:
There are several areas that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to make decisions about: • The Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) • Minimum age 18 years of age • Definition of designated representative and that this causes a two-year record keeping requirement “There is a fourth concern in Florida and that is the change in the definition of enclosed structure and the restrictions on what can be sprayed in an enclosed structure,” said Whidden. “Hoop house and high tunnels would now be considered an enclosed structure. One of the restrictions of concern is that fumigants cannot be used in an enclosed structure which could limit what growers are doing in these other types of structures. “One big change is that all workers will be trained annually and records are to be kept for two years,” she said. “There is no grace period like before – workers are to be trained before they go into the field and could possibly come into contact with any pesticide residue. For a list of the changes between the ‘old’ WPS and the 2015 revised version, this website has the information: https:// www.epa.gov/sites/production/files2017-01/documents/comparison_chart_wps_011117_cwpb.pdf.” Protect “Also, training content for workers and Yourself handlers is to be expanded and was to start in 2018, butfrom it has not been released yet and it could be we will have to wait till 2020 for that,” said Whidden. “This brings upPesticides the issue of the training material you are using now. On a conference Protéjase call with EPA, we were told the materials used for training needed to have an EPA approvalde number los for you to be in compliance with what you are using to do the Pesticidas trainings. If you are using old materials that were produced many years ago, they may not have an EPA apIN AN EMERGENCY: UNA EMERGENCIA: proval number and you may be out ofENcompliance using them. At this time, I do not have a list ofhelpapproved Get medical nearby. materials, but will be trying to get a listBusque so atención check back médica cercana. with me if you need to be sure your training materials Name | Nombre: are approved.”
If you need an ambulance, tell them where you are. Si usted necesita una ambulancia, dígale dónde se encuentra.
Stay out of treated areas when told, and whenever you see signs like this displayed. When you see a pesticide application taking place, stay back.
Facility name | Nombre del establecimiento:
Manténgase fuera de las áreas tratadas cuando se lo indiquen, y siempre que vea carteles como éste. Aléjese cuando vea que una aplicación
Facility location | Ubicación del establecimiento:
Applicators must suspend their work if you get too close.
Wash your hands before you eat, drink, or chew gum. Also, wash before smoking, using the toilet, or using your phone.
Lávese las manos antes de comer, beber o masticar chicle. Lávese también, antes de fumar, usar el baño o usar su teléfono.
de pesticidas está en curso. Los aplicadores deben suspender su trabajo si usted se acerca demasiado.
If you have questions or concerns, call the pesticide regulatory agency. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, llame a la agencia reguladora de pesticidas. Name of state/tribal pesticide regulatory agency Nombre de la agencia reguladora estatal / tribal:
When pesticides are spilled or sprayed on your body, wash
Address | Dirección:
Phone number |Número teléfonico:
Wash your body and hair with soap or shampoo right after work; then put on clean clothes. Lávese el cuerpo y el cabello con jabón o champú inmediatamente después del trabajo; luego póngase ropa limpia.
FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT INFORMATION, CALL THE POISON CONTROL CENTER: 1-800-222-1222 PARA INFORMACIÓN SOBRE TRATAMIENTO MÉDICO, LLAME AL CENTRO DE CONTROL DE ENVENENAMIENTOS: 1-800-222-1222
immediately. Water, soap, and towels must be provided nearby. Use the nearest clean water, including springs, streams, and lakes, if they are closer to you. After that, wash your body and hair with soap or shampoo as soon as possible. Put on clean clothes. Lávese inmediatamente cuando se derramen o rocíen pesticidas en su cuerpo. Debe haber agua, jabón y toallas cerca. Use el agua limpia más cercana, incluyendo manantiales, arroyos y lagos si están cercanos a usted. Después de eso, lávese el cuerpo y el cabello con jabón o champú lo más pronto posible. Póngase ropa limpia.
E M E R G E N C Y
This poster contains pesticide safety information that is required under the Worker Protection Standard as revised in 2015, 40 CFR 170.311(a)(3)(i-x). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License by The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus, 2017. For information contact PERCsupport@ucdavis.edu.
Wash your work clothes before wearing them again. This program was developed through a cooperative agreement between the US EPA (#X8-83616301) and the University of California Davis Extension in cooperation with Oregon State University.
Wash them separately from other clothes.
Lave su ropa de trabajo antes de volver a usarla.
Get medical help as soon as possible if you think pesticides caused an injury or illness. Consiga ayuda médica lo más pronto posible si usted cree que los pesticidas le han causado una lesión o enfermedad.
Lávela separada de otra ropa.
Questions about pesticides? Call 1-800-858-7378 (National Pesticide Information Center) ¿Tiene preguntas sobre pesticidas? Llame al 1-800-858-7378 (Centro Nacional de Información de Pesticidas)
Avoid getting pesticides on your skin or in your body. Pesticides can be in many places. They can be on plants, in plants, in soil, and in irrigation water. Pesticides can drift in the air from nearby applications. They can also be on tractors and other equipment. Pesticides can also be found on used goggles, gloves, boots, and other personal protective equipment. Evite que los pesticidas hagan contacto con su piel o entren en su cuerpo. Los pesticidas pueden estar en muchos lugares. Pueden estar sobre
Protect your body from pesticide residue. Wear long- sleeved shirts and long pants when working. Also, wear shoes, socks, and a hat or scarf.
las plantas, dentro de las plantas, en el suelo y en el agua de riego. Los pesticidas pueden ser llevados por el viento desde aplicaciones cercanas. También pueden estar en tractores y otras maquinarias agrícolas. Los pesticidas también pueden encontrarse en lentes protectores, guantes, botas y otros equipos de protección personal usados anteriormente.
Proteja su cuerpo de los residuos de pesticidas. Use camisas de manga larga y pantalones largos cuando trabaje. Además use zapatos, calcetines y un sombrero o pañuelo.
Address | Dirección:
“This is a link to the new safety poster that needs to be Phone number | Número Telefónico: displayed: http://pesticideresources.org/wps/cp.html and you can print the posters yourself or purchase them. If you need an ambulance,
them where you are. that “Watch out for more information on thetellfour areas Si usted necesita una decisions are being made on and the new training ambulancia, dígale dónde content information,” Whdden concluded. se encuentra. Facility name | Nombre del establecimiento:
Lávese las manos antes de comer, beber o masticar chicle. Lávese
Applicators must suspend their work if you get too close.
Manténgase fuera de las áreas tratadas cuando se lo indiquen, y siempre que vea carteles como éste. Aléjese cuando vea que una aplicación
I T
Facility location | Ubicación del establecimiento:
smoking, using the toilet, or using your phone.
F
de pesticidas está en curso. Los aplicadores deben suspender su trabajo si N HE IELD usted se acerca demasiado.
también, antes de fumar, usar el baño o usar su teléfono.
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Wash your hands before you eat, drink, or chew gum. Also, wash before
Stay out of treated areas when told, and whenever you see signs like this displayed. When you see a pesticide application taking place, stay back.
Wish Farms Announces, “Misty Organics” Organic blueberry farm features innovative methods and techniques Wish Farms, the year-round grower-marketer of berries, is pleased to announce a new, state-of-the-art organic blueberry farm located in Alturas, Florida. Named for Wish Farms’ mascot, Misty the Garden Pixie, the project began as an idea in 2014. It represents a joint-venture that includes three ag veterans at Wish Farms: Gary Wishnatzki, J.C. Clinard and Teddy Koukoulis. With demand for organic blueberries getting stronger, supply falls short of consumer and retail demand during certain times of the year. As South American blueberry production starts falling off in late February, supply can be tight until the Southeastern U.S. ramps up in late April. Misty Organics hopes to fill the gap during that historically challenging window of time. “Necessity is the mother of invention. When you see a need, you’ve got to recognize the opportunity to fill that void,” said Teddy Koukoulis, Director of Wish Farms’ Blueberry Operations. The impressive 20-acre farm sits on a south facing slope that overlooks a lake front. This geographical arrangement, coupled with high tunnels, creates a greenhouse effect. The high tunnels not only provide freeze protection for the crop, they also provide higher growing temperatures during cooler periods. The cover also protects the crop from rain, hail and general moisture. “It took us a year just to find the perfect plot of land,” said Wish Farms’ Chief Operating Officer, JC Clinard. “We’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and observe some of the best farming practices, and we used that information to make the best possible decisions to build this project.”
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Misty Organics entire crop is grown in containers, which al-
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lows for spatial flexibility. As a result, there are more than twice the number of plants per acre than a typical blueberry farm. Additionally, the farm showcases high-tech soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation that drastically reduces water usage. With more than seven blueberry varieties featured, the team can also observe which varieties perform on output and quality. “We’re excited to continue innovating as a company,” added Wish Farms CEO Gary Wishnatzki. “Misty Organics is an important piece of the puzzle. By extending the Florida growing season, we can continue providing consumers with highquality, domestic blueberries.” Earlier this season, Wish Farms launched a quick-style recipe video series, allowing consumers to engage with the brand and try new berry recipes at home -- Blueberry Breakfast Casserole and Raspberry Dessert Wontons, to name a few. “As marketers and growers, we recognize the trends and aim to find solutions for our retailers and consumers,” said Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing at Wish Farms. “Wish Farms’ new quick-style recipe videos go hand in hand with this goal.” For more information about Misty Organics, please contact Amber Maloney at amber@wishfarms.com. About Wish Farms: Wish Farms, founded in 1922 and third-generation owned, is a year-round supplier of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries growing both conventional and organic varieties. Nationally recognized for innovation, Wish Farms utilizes How’s My Picking?™, a patented tool for traceability to ensure quality by tying consumer feedback to specific information from each day’s harvest. For more information about Wish Farms, please visit www.wishfarms.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
OUR PROFITS ARE YOUR PAYDAY When you do business with Farm Credit, you are a member of a cooperative. When we do well, you do well. And we’ve been doing well for over 100 years. LOANS FOR: • • • •
Operating expenses Farm land Lots and homes Recreational property
• • • •
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Loans for land, homes & living. 866 . 245 . 3637 farmcreditcfl.com
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CIVILITY, CONSIDERATION & PATIENCE SIMPLE WORDS TO UNDERSTAND & LIVE BY
by Capt. Woody Gore Occassionally when anglers get together the sharing of fishing and adventure stories results in hours of companionship often leading to quality and lasting friendships. However the pressure to catch fish, inexperience, and often overcrowded fishing areas can increase the strain on people’s patience and tensions. This crazy behavior sometimes undermines what otherwise should be a relaxing and fun day on the water. Everyone is guilty! It’s called impatience and temper and unless you’re an extremely easygoing person, on daily doses of Valium, you’re likely to lose yours at some time or another. Although not deliberately, we’ve all done it, we unintentionally cut someone off, take a little too long getting our boat into or out of the water, or get a little too close to another angler. And when we do, we must brace ourselves for that all familiar “hey idiot stare” or an oratory of verbal repartee often including profanity. When this occurs it’s often difficult to maintain a non-confrontational attitude, especially when someone starts calling you every name in the book using an aggressive profanity assault resembling a sailor on leave and your nine year daughter, son and sometimes wife are with you. However, it’s to your emotional and often physical advantage to totally ignore their futile attempts at provocation. Very often as you venture out for a relaxing day on the water, you often encounter folks with the mental and emotional capacity below the age of three, lacking the ability to comprehend everyday logic. Nevertheless, there they are, in a boat, fishing, and guess what? The water around them for a square mile belongs only to them and you or no one else should dare get too close. Whenever you find yourself in this situation, here’s the deal, if you offend some dim-witted individual, just wait till they’re finished yelling the insults, simply say you’re sorry and continue your day by ignoring them. However should you engage the situation, more times than not, you will lose your composure, become emotionally involved, and give the other person control of your emotional state. When actions and tempers flare the possibilities exist for that situation to escalate often to a point of physical confrontation or, worse yet, violence. When that happens no one wins. Always remember, “Never give anyone control over your emotions.” Common sense, on the other hand, is what the world refers to as wisdom, which requires little education, but also requires the ability to think and reason. Combine common sense with everyday civility and consideration and our lives become much brighter and lots more fun. In closing, let me say that fishing is a great individual and family pastime, offering a source of relaxation, entertainment, and most of all fun. Nothing will ruin the day more than getting upset with someone or having them upset with you. Always try to be patient, courteous, and use common sense by thinking before you act. Don’t let an insignificant nothing turn a fishing trip into water rage, after all, “It’s only a relaxing day on the water; certainly not a matter of life or death.”
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT MARCH 2018 Capt. Woody Gore PAGE PAGE
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Inshore: April fishing is getting warm and the fishing should be off the wall. The weather will hopefully be cooperating and we’re anticipating a great bite to kick off the summer. WWW. INITNHE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM
Snook - Depending on tides and lunar phases, snook fishing is going gangbusters with nice fish caught on both live bait and artificial lures. This should continue through April and May on in to the summer. But remember, Snook are closed from May 1 through August 31 so revive them quickly and return them gently to the water. Redfish - Redfish are found almost everywhere in the Tampa Bay area. Search for them around oyster bars and early morning grass flats. Expect good early morning topwater action on the flats and along mangrove shores. Work both incoming and outgoing tides. Live sardines, pinfish, cut bait and crab works well for redfish. Spotted Sea Trout - Trout fishing has been exceptional all year
and unless something drastic happens we can expect it to continue into summer. Look for really nice size trout on Tampa Bay grass flats, especially deeper edges on outgoing tides. South Tampa Bay reports great catches of big trout on the grass flats.
Cobia - Cobia should start traveling the flats and open water, sometimes as singles or groups and often behind large Rays. Keep your eyes peeled, toss your bait close and the battle begins.
Tarpon - Tarpon anglers should check the beaches and bridges. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. Toss them directly into the path of rolling tarpon and hang on. Bridge Tarpon are always fun. Be ready to cast off your anchor line and buoy to give chase.
Mackerel & Bluefish - If you are looking for some great light-
tackle action, look no further than Tampa Bay. It usually gets full of threadfins and that means Mackerel and Bluefish. Drift the bait schools or anchor around markers, tossing out bait, and hang on. Shinny artificial lures, like silver spoons, also work. If it’s a Mangrove Snapper dinner you’re after, it’s a great time to fish for these tasty rascals. Also expect large snapper action at night around the full moon. Expecting the weather to remain stable, the winds should stay fairly calm for some warm water offshore action. While temperatures will often affect the near-shore bite, cooler offshore temperatures turn fish on.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 ININ TT HE FF IELD AGAZINE HE IELDMM AGAZINE
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• In 2016, $135.5 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the world. The United States sells more food and fiber to world markets than we import, creating a positive agricultural trade balance. • The millennial generation (people aged 34 and under) includes 257,454 farmers. More than 20 percent of all farmers are beginning farmers (in business less than 10 years). • One U.S. farm feeds 165 people annually in the U.S. and abroad. The global population is expected to increase to 9.7 billion by 2050, which means the world’s farmers will have to grow about 70 percent more food than what is now produced. • Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable overall and among the world’s safest, thanks in large part to the efficiency and productivity of America’s farm and ranch families. • Women make up 30 percent (969,672) of the total number of U.S. farmer operators.
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Sponsored by:
HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS
www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971
April Fools Jokes Ever wonder who started April Fools’ Day? There are many theories how the tradition began, but none of them have ever been accepted. The origin of the “custom of making April Fools” remains as much a mystery to us now as it was back in the 1700s. Although not a national holiday in any country, it started becoming popular in the 19th century when people started playing practical jokes on one another. On April 1, 1957 a BBC News show announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. They even went so far as to tell their viewers how they could grow their own spaghetti tree by placing a spring of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best. Hundreds were taken in. I recall on our radio show “This’n That” with Ercelle Smith in the mid-nineties, we told our audience that Crea Beauchamp and Coleman Davis were looking for spaghetti pickers, and would pay $10.00 an hour. Crea and Coleman went along with our April Fools joke. We told our audience that their spaghetti farm was a side venture from their Badcock store, and their crop came in early. We gave out the stores phone number a couple of times, and in about ten minutes Coleman called back and said their lines were overflowing and they had all the pickers they needed.
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We pulled a prank on Doris McDonald one day when she stopped by during “This’n That” to bring us home homemade cookies. We took a quarter and ran a pencil around the edge of the quarter a few times leaving black carbon on it. Ercelle said, “Doris, Al wants to check your stability. Take this quarter and with your left
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index finger on one side, and your right index finger on the other side, see if you can roll the quarter from the top of your forehead down across your nose to you chin with dropping it.” She did it perfectly and left the radio station with a black line from the top of her forehead to her chin. Then she went shopping downtown, and finally after about three stores the clerk inquired about the line on her face. She was a good sport, but not to be outdone, the next week she turned a polecat loose on me in the radio station control room. I didn’t realize I could move so fast. We all got a laugh when she told us it had been de-skunked. In 1962 there was only one TV station in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. But on April 1, 1962, the station’s news anchor announced on the evening news that thank to new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their TV screen. Thousands of people gave it a try, and many caught on to the joke. Color broadcast actually started in Sweden on April 1, 1970. Taco Bell Corporation took out a full-page ad that appeared in six major newspapers on April 1, 1996, announcing it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Libery Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was located to express their anger. Everything settled down a few hours later when Taco Bell revealed that it was just a practical joke. The best line of the day was when White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known, he said, as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A barber in Columbus, Ohio, on April Fools’ Day, 1980, went to work without a shirt on — wearing only a bow tie and pants. He put up a sign in front of his one-man shop that read: “Topless Stylist on Duty Today.” Police said his ad caused traffic to back up and a muckety-muck from the state’s licensing board stopped by to check on the shenanigans after receiving a call from the vice squad. On the morning of Friday March 31, 1972, an eight-member team of scientists from Yorkshire’s Flamingo Park Zoo was having breakfast in the dining room of the Foyers House hotel, on the shore of Loch Ness. They were there on a joint mission with the Loch Ness Phenomena Bureau to prove the existence of a monster in the loch. They had developed a new form of “hormone sex bait” that they hoped would lure Nessie out of the depths. As they dug into their bacon and eggs, the manager of the hotel approached them. Someone had just called, she said, to report seeing a “large hump” floating in the loch near the hotel. Intrigued, the team put down their knives and forks and walked outside. Sure enough, a large, dark object was bobbing up and down in the waves about 300-yards offshore. One of the leaders of the team immediately swung into action. He directed the team into their boat, and they headed out to investigate. Twenty minutes later, at around 9 a.m., they returned, dragging behind them a bizarre object. It appeared to be the dead body of the Loch Ness Monster. Within hours, news of the discovery had reached the rest of the world. Television news anchors solemnly informed their audiences that the Loch Ness Monster had been found, but was dead. Reporters rushed to the loch to get more details. Local residents confirmed that something weird had been dragged out of the water. A 23-year-old area resident, said, “I touched it and put my hand in its mouth. It’s real, all right. I thought it looked half-bear and halfseal... green in color... with a horrific head like a bear with flat ears. I was shocked.” Other witnesses told reporters the creature had been between 12 and 18 feet in length and must have weighed up to 1½ tons. They said it had a green body without scales and was like a cross between a walrus and a seal. Eventually reporters contacted the Director of the Flamingo Park Zoo, who said, “I’ve always been skeptical about the Loch Ness Monster, but this is definitely a monster, no doubt about that. From the reports I’ve had, no one has ever seen anything like it before... a fishy, scaly body with a massive head and big protruding teeth.” The next morning, April 1, the discovery made frontpage headlines around the world. The British press dubbed the creature “Son of Nessie.”
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her five years in FFA. She explains, “I owe everything to FFA because of the opportunities it has brought me and the friends I have gained. I discovered what career I want to do.” Brooke Rasmussen found her passion in showing dairy cows, an industry she finds passion in. Through buying and showing her cows she was able to develop herself and grow as a person, something FFA has given her the opportunity to do. After feeling uncomfortable Brooke says that FFA has helped her find her place and has made her appreciate her family and friends even more.
The Meaning of FFA
By: Jessica Velte
FFA is an organization that means a lot to many people. Future Farmers of America has been helping students to grow as working members in their communities across the nation by promoting agricultural education and leadership skills. FFA has changed countless members’ lives and presently continues to inspire those involved. The FFA organization was founded in 1928 to allow boys to plant their interest in agriculture and eventually grow their knowledge into a career. As time has progressed, FFA opened their doors to all types of people, including girls in 1969 and middle schoolers in 1988. Even now, FFA continues to changes lives.
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Steinbrenner FFA members have dug deep and really thought about what FFA has helped them do. Students partake in learning skills ranging from showing animals and judging market animals to presenting prepared speeches and evaluating citrus. Along the way, they meet many others who share in the same passions and push them to go farther with their interests. Vice President and 12th grader, Brooke Rasmussen, reflects on
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Steinbrenner FFA President, Stephanie Shimer, finds a similar root in how she has changed with the help of the organization. She states, “FFA has helped me to develop myself as a person. To learn what truly gives me peace in the world.” Students of all types can follow their interests in FFA and achieve what makes them happy. Competitions in speaking or showing help members put themselves out there and learn vital skills for their adult lives. Eleventh grade member Johnathan Toledo adds, “It’s a doorway to many opportunities… I can get scholarships for many of the things that I do and even continue doing them well into life, so FFA has really done so much for me.” The Steinbrenner chapter also promotes volunteering within the community and helping out other chapters. Members collected and bagged nonperishable food items during the holiday season as well as during Hurricane Irma. They reached out to neighboring FFA chapters while hosting fundraisers and have gone to support other schools. Officer Taylor Lowery explains how this has made her “become such a more social person and more approachable.” Members branch out into their community the more they get involved and engage in FFA. FFA has changed the lives of its members for the better. It has opened up countless opportunities for the students involved and helped them to become better versions of themselves. Brooke Rasmussen admits, “FFA is more than an organization to me, it’s a family.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Austin Holcomb: Keep Him on Your Radar
By Jim Frankowiak
Austin Holcomb is an 8th Grader at Turkey Creek Middle School, but he’s more, much more and someone to keep your eye on going forward. A fifth generation dairy farmer, Austin is the son of Suzanne and Christopher Holcomb, and the older brother of Rebecca, 11, and 7-year-old Colby. Agriculture runs long and deep in Austin’s family. His mother is Assistant Manager of the Greater Hillsborough County Fair staff and his dad is State Youth Dairy Specialist, working out of the Polk County Extension office in Bartow. “Yes, Ag is always around,” said Austin. “And it has taught me many lessons.” Not surprisingly the Holcomb’s share their Keysville area homestead with dairy cows, rabbits, chickens, horses, pigs, dog and cats. Austin begins each day milking his cow and feeding the other animals. “The animals get fed before we do,” he noted. As an eight-year-old, Austin became a member of the 4-H Farm Fresh Clovers Chapter, an entrée to national competitions, public speaking and showing his dairy cattle, as well as other animals. He joined FFA in the sixth grade and continues his membership in that organization. “FFA enabled me to get involved in additional agriculture competitions, dairy valuation and ornamental horticulture demonstrations,” said Austin. He is currently the Turkey Creek FFA Chapter Vice President and plans to continue through high school, “hoping to be elected to office and continuing to compete.” He recently took top district level FFA honors for extemporaneous public speaking. The competition’s topic: “The Best Scientific Breakthrough for 2017.” Austin responded with award-winning comments on the use of drones in agriculture. His district win qualifies him for the State Extemporaneous Speech competition at the Florida FFA convention later this year. His remarks reflect another of his key interests and that is a hoped-for career that blends agriculture with engineering or science.
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“I definitely plan to attend college, possibly studying Ag engineering,” he said. While Austin has not yet settled on a college after Durant High School, “there are many possibilities helping farmers do better to feed more people on less land,” the global challenge facing agriculture today and into the future.
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For the second year in a row, Austin visited Tallahassee as part of the annual Florida Farm Bureau “Ag on the Hill” Program that brings the state’s producers face-to-face with lawmakers. This year, he met with Governor Rick Scott, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and a host of legislators, seeking their support for FFA and 4-H funding by the Legislature. “It’s really cool to talk to people who make our laws,” said Austin. “Many of them are former 4-H and FFA members and they told us of learning life lessons that got them to where they are today.” He also agrees with Commissioner Putnam who refers to FFA members as “not leaders of tomorrow, but already today’s leaders.” Holcomb is most appreciative of the support and guidance he has been given by “my parents and grandparents, as well as my FFA and 4-H advisors,” he said. Austin’s impact is also appreciated. “Austin is a genuine hard worker,” said Allison Sparkman-Bender, an Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor at Turkey Creek Middle School. “He is kind to others even when no one else is watching. He isn’t afraid to step up when something needs to be done. He encourages the other members to get involved. We are blessed to have him here at Turkey Creek Middle School.” Buddy Coleman, also an Agriscience Teacher and FFA Advisor at Turkey Creek Middle School, echoes the comments of his colleague. “Austin is a very strong student and athlete at our school,” said Coleman. “He does anything you ask of him with excellence. He has competed at National Holstein and Guernsey Conventions where he was named a national champion in Dairy Quiz Bowl, Essay, Prepared and Extemporaneous Speech and Tri-fold Demonstrations. Austin also was captain of the 2017/2018 Turkey Creek Cross County and Soccer teams. He plays competitive travel soccer for the Fishhawk Soccer Club, too. At the recent Florida State Fair, Austin was named the overall Intermediate Showman and Dairy Show Champion of Champions Winner. Keep your eye on Austin Holcomb. He is most definitely someone to watch! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the Durant and J.F. St. Martin (Durant's 9th grade chapter) FFA Chapters who did something that had never been done before in the history of Durant High School at the Nursery and Landscape contest. They were State Winners and State Runner's Up! Durant placed first out of 27 teams at the FFA State Nursery and Landscape competition in Apoka on Friday! Team Members were: Cole Hanson, high individual in the contest Tyler Hewet, 2nd high individual Jordan Blount, 8th Abby Davis, 20th Taylor Harden and Chris Wink were alternates J. F. St. Martin were State Runner Up's Team Members were: Carter Howell, 3rd high individual David Ferrell, 6th high individual Kayla Swantek, 14th Rachel Hewitt, 31st Their advisor is Thomas Sturgis
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Both teams will be recognized at State FFA Convention in June.
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Strawberry Crest FFA Places 2nd In the State By Ferman Bueno, Agricultural Communication Student Strawberry Crest FFA participated in the Environmental CDE contest. This contest entailed identifying invasive and noninvasive plants, animals and equipment, along with a group presentation around a scenario, GPS location, water analysis and waste management. This year the scenario was regarding water quality and quantity in agriculture. The team consisted of JP Prescott, Priscella Shreve, Anna Ress, Ayden Kelly and Meagan Schouest.
all agreed that it’s a wonderful experience and a wonderful project that can help them out in the future. These students are looking forward to competing again next year.
Strawberry Crest High School FFA Chapter sent students to compete with other chapters around the state of Florida placing first in the preliminary. The contest took place on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Apopka UF IFAS center. Strawberry Crest was excited to place second overall. Three of the four students on the team were asked why they joined, why it’s important and what they could gain from participating. “It educates students about issues involving our environment. This contest raises awareness and help us to possibly learn more. For example, before I joined this event there was so many bugs, insects, and animals that I had no clue existed but hopefully now through studying this it can help in remembering and identifying them later in life,” said Ayden Kelly. When asked if they would encourage others to join FFA to be able to participate in these events, they all strongly recommended others to join. “It’s fun, especially if you and your team can work together and get along, then it just makes the whole experience even better especially the team presentation part,” said Ayden. “Without a doubt, I highly recommend FFA to anyone in school looking to get experience in a career in agriculture. It is fun being able to go try new things, traveling and competing with others,” said Anna Ress. All the students participating in the Environmental CDE have INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Florida
Rosemary By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
We often see rosemary around holiday time when it’s shaped into a topiary resembling a Christmas tree. Rosemary is an evergreen herb that is easy to grow in Florida. It typically grows as a small shrub but can reach up to six feet in height. This Florida-friendly plant thrives in Florida because it can tolerate drought and grow even in sandy conditions. It blooms in the winter and flowers in the springtime. Its name comes from ros, meaning “dew” in Latin and marinus meaning “sea” or “dew of the sea.” Rosemary has a strong distinctive flavor that smells a little bit like pine when crushed. This herb can be used fresh or dried and is often used to season chicken, lamb or potatoes or bread. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is famous in its claim to strengthen memory.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Rosemary, as with other herbs, are usually eaten in small quantities. It may not contain a great deal of vitamins and nutrients when consumed in such a small amount but combined with other herbs and vegetables, it can add a real boost of nutrition. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, two tablespoons (4.2 g) of fresh rosemary contains 5 calories, 0.1 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 0.8 g carbohydrate, and 0.6 g of dietary fiber. It also provides vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Health Benefits Nutritious as well flavorful, rosemary contains substances that can stimulate the immune system as well as improve digestion. Rosemary is also known for its ability to increase circulation and blood flow throughout the body including the head and brain, which may help improve concentration.
Vitamin C Rosemary contains vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that helps support the immune system. This vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. Rosemary and other foods high in vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. This vitamin also acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. As a result, vitamin C has been associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several large scientific studies have shown that a high consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals and cell damage much like vitamin C. Required for optimal functioning of the immune system, this vitamin helps to maintain the integrity of cells in the skin and mucosa, which function as a barrier to germs. It is also involved in the development and differentiation of white blood cells, which are part of the body’s immune response to infection. In addition, vitamin A plays an important role in vision. Inadequate retinol available to the retina may result in “night blindness.” It also acts as a hormone to regulates gene expression in a number of physiological processes, including the production of red blood cells.
How to Select and Store Choose fresh rosemary that is deep green in color with fresh, crisp leaves. Avoid those that have wilted or yellow leaves. To store rosemary, cover with a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator. If it wilts, sprinkle water on the leaves to refresh them. Rosemary can also be dried by laying it out at room temperature. After it is dried, store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Rosemary freezes well and can be added to soups and dishes without thawing first. This herb can also be stored in vinegars and refrigerated oils, giving these an extra flavor boost.
How to Enjoy Rosemary has a strong distinctive flavor that pairs well with other herbs and flavorings including onion, garlic and parsley. Strip fresh leaves from the stems and chop finely. Add to soups, meats, stews, vegetables. You can also add this herb to wine or olive oil for a marinade or mix into bread dough. Rosemary can also be grilled along with chicken or lamb for extra flavoring. Other ways to enjoy this herb include: • Add chopped fresh rosemary to omelets and frittatas and scrambled eggs • Mix into softened butter and spread onto bread • Use to season chicken and lamb dishes. • Add rosemary to tomato sauces and soups. • Puree with olive oil and use it as a dip for bread or as a quick sauce for pasta • Garnish salmon, tuna, or any fresh fish • Mince and add to coleslaw, potato salad, or salad dressing Enjoy fresh Florida rosemary today. With its fresh, vibrant flavor and exceptionally low calories, rosemary makes a nutritious addition to any dish.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://www.whfoods.com http://www.ipmcenters.org/ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Vitamin A
By Jack Payne
Carole & Nicole
We’ve all heard the joke about kids thinking their milk doesn’t come from cows but from the dairy case at the supermarket. Nicole Walker doesn’t think it’s funny. Not even a little bit. She’s devoted her career to connecting kids to agriculture. She does it through her continuing 4-H work and through Agri-Fest, which this year is scheduled for March 12-23. It’s part of what’s driven Walker’s involvement in Agri-Fest since she arrived in Polk County in 2000 as a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent. She started as a 4-H agent and became the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension director in 2010. One of the things I often say is that our most important crop in Florida is future leaders. Polk County is fertile ground. It’s where Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, and former Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Al Belotto grew up. Belotto’s Circle B Bar Ranch was chosen as the site for the first Polk County Historical Commission marker three years ago. Walker doesn’t want to leave any talent on the table. She doesn’t reach every fourth-grader in Polk County, but she comes close. Some 6,000 of them get a close-up look at local agriculture over the 10 days of Agri-Fest. Kids who know where their food comes from have a greater appreciation for what agriculture means to their community. It encourages healthy eating choices. And it can even open eyes to potential career paths in the wide world of food. Even if they don’t go into agricultural careers, programs like AgriFest shape the perspective they bring into the leadership positions they’ll one day hold. Walker has all of her agents involved, whether through direct teaching at the stations, arranging for volunteers such as Master Gardeners, or contributing to educational posters. Of course, Walker doesn’t do this herself. The Farm Bureau’s Carole McKenzie and Polk County schools’ Paul Webb are key partners in making Agri-Fest happen.
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Walker is an administrator, but she’s still a 4-H agent at heart.
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Webb was a longtime agriculture teacher before moving into an administrative post with Polk schools. McKenzie, in advocating for the future of 4,400 Farm Bureau members in the county, sees 4-H, FFA and other youth development programs as vital to farming’s future. Walker, Webb, and McKenzie agree that their first mission with 6,000 kids is awareness. Students may not know, for example, that the world’s largest research center dedicated to a single commodity is just a few miles up the road in Lake Alfred. Agriculture is more a part of Polk County kids’ community than they realize. To ignore this would be like not telling kids in Miami or Daytona how important the ocean is. Agri-Fest is the main hands-on ag experience for most of these children. Walker has been working for years on getting more of them engaged in 4-H. The quality of the experience we provide our children determines what they’ll become when they grow up. Some of them become teachers, and Agri-Fest has been going long enough that some students who attended decades ago are now teachers who bring their classes to the Polk County Extension Center for the hands-on activities at six stations. These teachers understand, just as Walker and McKenzie and Webb do, that we have to keep replanting our most important crop. Polk County can be proud of Agri-Fest, of the great partnership among UF/IFAS, the Farm Bureau and Polk County schools. That partnership precedes Walker, McKenzie, and Webb. They are the latest valuable stewards of the relationship. And 6,000 kids – and the county’s future -- benefit from it. 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 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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NEW FACULTY APPOINTMENT AT GCREC
SCIENCES DEPARTMENT By Jim Frankowiak Mary Lusk, Ph.D., has been appointed to the faculty of the Soil and Water Sciences Department of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) of the University of Florida (UF), Balm, Florida. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Lusk served as one of five Regional Specialized Agents for Water Resources with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). As a Regional Agent, Dr. Lusk was engaged in the development of statewide extension, applied research and outreach programs related to fertilizer fate in residential urban landscapes, stormwater pond management and nutrient considerations for using reclaimed water. She also served as the lead developer and instructor for statewide extension in-service trainings on residential irrigation practices, onsite wastewater treatment systems, water quality best management practices for urban farms and reclaimed water. Dr. Lusk also co-led a statewide working group to develop program evaluation metrics to demonstrate the societal and ecological impacts of UF/IFAS urban water quality extension programs. In her new post, Dr. Lusk’s research areas will include nutrient, pesticide and waste management along with soil, water and aquifer remediation. “By 2050, more than two-thirds of the earth’s population will live in urban areas, and population growth will add 2.5 billion people to urban centers,” she said. “We’re in a time or rapid urbanization and much of how we do so sustainably will depend on how well we employ development practices that are protective of soil and water quality. Doing this will require engagement in research and extension activities that discover and promote science-based best management practices for urban landscapes.” “My research investigates how landscape management practices at site and neighborhood scales influence the storage, transport and fate of constituents that may lead to water quality degradation. I study the flux and storage of nutrients in managed urban landscapes, and the linkages between landscape management practices and urban soil and water quality. “Much of my work is driven by the hypothesis that human decisions in urban land management can influence the accumulation and turnover of ecologically important elements (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous) in urban soils, and that this, in turn, is one regulating influence on land-water exchanges of these elements.”
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“In basic research endeavors, this involves elucidating mechanism of nutrient cycling under conditions of ecological disturbance,” she said. “In applied research, this means developing and testing urban best management practices such as approaches for maintaining soil organic matter, reducing stormwater flows and using nutrients efficiently.”
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Dr. Lusk’s Extension program goal is “to develop regional partnerships and collaborations that will provide Floridians science-based information about water conservation, alternative water supplies, and water use efficiency.” She also noted that “by 2030, Florida will need an additional 1.3 billion gallons per day of fresh water to keep up with state population growth trends. “My Extensions goals in this area are to develop educational programs that will: • Reduce nonpoint source pollution from urban sources • Increase participation in Florida Friendly Landscaping programs • Give Green Industry Professionals and Builders/Developers the science-based tools they need to make sustainable actions at the sites where they work Dr. Lusk received her doctorate in Soil and Water Science with an emphasis in biogeochemistry from UF, a Master of Science in Geoscience from Brigham Young University, a Master of Science in Crop and Soil Environmental Science from Virginia Tech and her Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and Horticulture from Brigham Young University. She and her husband Craig, an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of South Florida, have three sons: Kyle, 20; Joshua, 15 and 13-year-old Alec. A North Carolina native, Dr. Lusk’s father’s family members were dairy farmers and “I grew up with a love of agriculture and spending time with my family outside, enjoying all types of environments. Given the growth we are experiencing we must develop smartly, making sure what we do makes sense from an environmental perspective,” she said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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2018
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best”
1ST Place - $1500 Cash Award STEPHANIE SHIMER FROM LUTZ 2nd Place Champion of Champions Madison Dvorak from Lakeland 3rd Place Champion of Champions Jessica Bierds from Bradenton 4th Place Champion of Champions Emily Jennings from Dade City 5th Place Champion of Champions Shelby Sumner from Okeechobee 6th Place Champion of Champions Sage Dawson from Deland Mosaic Scholarship Winners The winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is: Elanie Mason from Parrish Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship Winners The winners of the $1,000 Scholarship are: Ryan Beany from Fort Pierce Jessica Bierds from Bradenton Oceanna Deaton from Eustis Brooke Miller from New Smyrna Beach Christian Rodriguez from Live Oak Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship Winner The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is: Ainsley Peterson from Mayo CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS Youth Dog Junior Champion – Michelle Faith Lightsey from Winter Haven Intermediate Champion – Carsen Babich from Odessa 4th place Senior Champion – Mason Coughlin from Mulberry 3rd place Senior Champion – Emily Horlocker from Trenton 2nd place Senior Champion – Genevieve Cruickshank from Largo Champion Youth for Dog Show – Allee Marie Bilancione from Lithia Youth Llama Junior Champion – Travis Prevatt from Lithia Intermediate Champion –Maggie Jordan from Nokomis 4th place Senior Champion – Jessica Fine from Wesley Chapel 3rd place Senior Champion – Savannah Morgan from Tampa 2nd place Senior Champion – Lelia Davis from Wesley Chapel Champion Youth for Llama Show – Amy Hedgepath from Lithia Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Dylan Walden from Spring Hill Intermediate Champion – Kally Lynne Henson from Winter Haven 4th place Senior Champion – Emma deBruin from Tampa 3rd place Senior Champion – Anne Marie Bornman from Riverview 2nd place Senior Champion – Ashley Weinstein from Apopka Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Stephanie Shimer from Lutz
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Youth Steer
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Intermediate Champion –Gabe Mitchell from Trenton 4th place Senior Champion – Stephanie Martinez from Orlando 3rd place Senior Champion – Stephanie Shimer from Lutz 2nd place Senior Champion – Jessica Bierds from Bradenton Champion Youth for Steer Show – Heidy Hillaire from Orlando Youth Dairy Junior Champion – Amarylis Hallaert from Sarasota Intermediate Champion –Austin Holcomb from Lithia 4th place Senior Champion – Kaleigh Sinka from Dade City 3rd place Senior Champion – Julia Heijkoop from Webster 2nd place Senior Champion – Camryn Farquhar from Zephyrhills Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Shelby Sumner from Okeechobee Youth Poultry Junior Champion – Hayden Williams from Arcadia Intermediate Champion –Adrith Himmel from Auburndale 4th place Senior Champion – Emely Ponce from Miami 3rd place Senior Champion – Kaylee Cummings from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Emily Jennings from Dade City Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Kayleigh Frederickson from Odessa Youth Goat Junior Champion – Justin Davis from Pierson Intermediate Champion – Melina Perdomo from San Antonio 4th place Senior Champion – William Carbino from Lake Helen 3rd place Senior Champion – Madelyn Margo from Land O’ Lakes 2nd place Senior Champion – Deanna Brock from Dade City Champion Youth for Goat Show – Brooke Miller from New Smyrna Beach Youth Swine Junior Champion – Chloe Davis from Ocala Intermediate Champion – David Austin from Deland 4th place Senior Champion –Madyson Keim from Lakeland 3rd place Senior Champion – Shawna Clay from Deland 2nd place Senior Champion – Madison Dvorak from Lakeland Champion Youth for Swine Show – Sierra Graham from Lake City Youth Beef Junior Champion – Carlee Taylor from Lakeland Intermediate Champion – Payton Davis from Ocala and Payge Dupre from Kathleen 4th place Senior Champion – TJ Schroeder from Deland 3rd place Senior Champion – Mykayla Clark from Valrico 2nd place Senior Champion – Sage Dawson from Deland Champion Youth for Beef Show – Emily Jennings from Dade City Youth Sheep Junior Champion – Mia Portillo from Deltona Intermediate Champion – Tyler Watson from Lake Helen 4th place Senior Champion – Kaitlyn Simmons from Zephyrhills 3rd place Senior Champion – Megan Christopher from DeLeon Springs 2nd place Senior Champion – Shawna Clay from DeLand Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Loralei Clifton from DeLand WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Protected Ag Farming Growing Popular
by John Dicks
Certainly we are blessed to live in the Sunshine State. That fact rings true even when you consider that our four seasons consist mostly of spring, early summer, summer and late summer!
much as 10 times versus field grown production. Such successful results have been seen through production of higher quality products with more consistent harvesting, both of which tend to lend to higher sales.
For Florida farmers, such ideal weather makes for great growing seasons. Still, anytime you can improve on an already good thing, it’s always worth taking a look at opportunities.
While passively ventilated greenhouse type structures can protect crops from both storms and drought, they can also be effective in keeping insects and other pests away. The use of insect exclusion screens is a popular deterrent, which can reduce the need for, and costs of, pesticides.
Lately, lots of attention is being paid to protected ag operations, which has generally been defined as the modification of the natural environment to achieve optimal growth. It’s being considered as both a method to increase yields while reducing costs as well as a possible way of dealing with potential climate change effects on our local food supply. Protected ag farming is a growing trend globally, particularly in those areas where soils are less fertile (think deserts) such as the Arabian peninsula. There, for example, it’s been reported that farmers in Oman have increased cucumber yields by 60% using protected systems and Yemeni growers have reduced the use of agrochemicals by 80% with no loss of yield. More locally, Florida farmers are testing protected ag production with systems which include everything from production in greenhouses to high enclosed tunnels. There’s a growing diversity, too, to the types of crops as well as different productions systems and seasons for their use. The most obvious benefit of protected farming is environmental control (or at least an attempt at such). The enclosed tunnels, for example, are being experimented with for keeping plants warm(er) during times of freezing. Growers with greenhouses are also finding success since the structures make for more effective irrigation when much of the moisture remains inside rather than being evaporated away. Generally, these systems are thought to be used most often for ornamental plants; but in Florida, researchers are seeing widespread use of the facilities for strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, microgreens and other specialty fruits and vegetables. It’s been estimated that yields from protected farming are boosted by as
Interest in protected agriculture has grown to the extent that the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently held in Riverview a conference on Protected Ag and Hydroponics. It included onsite visits or field trips to farms utilizing the techniques including growing strawberries and blueberries in tunnels and a net house operation raising blueberries. There was enough serious interest in the operations that the two day conference included educational sessions and insights into economics and budgeting as well as a discussion regarding the formation of an association for Florida protected ag and hydroponic growers and allied industry. As you might imagine, some (I suspect most) of this protected farming is done on a small scale. More particularly, it seems that it is being marketed with the new trend of “farm to table.” Consumers are progressively becoming more interested, if not concerned, with the source and systems by which the food on their table has been grown. Quite often they’re willing to pay a premium for food grown both locally, and in controlled environments. This trend is growing such that the popularity of protected ag farming has even begun to spread to “urban farming” and micro farms on the fringe of some larger cities. Certainly higher land costs come with proximity to the higher density population of cities. These micro farms utilizing ag protected systems are one way to offset the location’s expense. It all makes for protected ag farming as being one more tool to help feed an ever growing global population.
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his law degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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Celebrating a most fruitful relationship between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
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Striking or Sticking? The Florida Semaphore Cactus
By: Ginny Mink
phore Cactus. And, if you happen upon one in an unexpected area, it is always best to let Florida Fish and Wildlife know. This way you can contribute to the protection of this species. As far as potential propagation, the cactuses are pollinated by bats, ants, hummingbirds, hawkmoths and, potentially, bees. Ants seem to eat the pollen. Dropped pads from the cactuses can sometimes result in new growth, but there appears to be an overabundance of male plants. This is problematic as reproduction cannot occur. Very few fruit are being produced and unfortunately, attempts to grow plants from fruit have failed.²
When we think of Florida, cactuses are not usually our first mental images. But, maybe there’s a reason for that in the realm of endangered species. Perhaps Florida used to be full of cacti like Arizona but we’ve done something to deplete their existence. This possibility is demonstrated in the example of the Florida Semaphore Cactus, or consolea corallicola. It is on the Federal Critically Endangered list and has been there since October 11, 2012.¹ Discovered in 1919, the potential devastation of this species should be grounds for pause. Plants that have existed for several hundred years and are now considered, potentially, one of the most endangered plants in the world, are worthy of further investigation. And that is why we bring the Florida Semaphore Cactus to your attention now. These cactuses grow in shrub or large tree-like groups. They are generally found in the rockland hammocks, coastal berms, buttonwood forests, or coastal rock barrens. They appreciate habitats with very limited amounts of organic matter.¹ They are endemic to the southern Florida region. And, sadly, are only known to exist (naturally) in two locales. Some have been found in Swan Key and a far more limited amount are located on Little Torch Key. In truth, there were only 12 mature cacti on Little Torch Key. But, in 2001 researchers discovered several hundred on Swan Key. Unfortunately, by 2005, there were only 7 left on Little Torch Key. However, the population on Swan Key was estimated to have reached 570.² Due to this serious decline and limited amount of mature plants, there was an effort made to reintroduce populations in four different areas. These populations are located in Key Largo, Big Pine Key, Lower Saddlebunch Key, and Upper Sugarloaf Key. They are all restricted to conservation areas and do not total more than 1500 individuals.¹ While most cactuses are relatively small, as we said, these can grow to the size of trees, up to 15 feet tall. Their branches are generally two to four times longer than they are wide. They grow at right angles from the ground and are very spiny. These spines can extend to four inches long and grow in clusters of two to four. Their flowers are small with red or orange petals. And, are only an inch wide. The fruit is also small, not exceeding 3.2 inches. It is yellow, flat, spiny, and fleshy.³
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The best time to see these plants in bloom is between December and April. However, they are known to bloom all year round.³ These blooms will help you recognize a Florida Sema-
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Years ago, the Florida Semaphore Cactus was used in ornamental gardening. And the process of collecting cactuses might have contributed to its serious decline. In fact, some believe that collecting contributed to the elimination of populations that were once abundant in Key Largo and on Big Pine Key. These populations disappeared sometime in the 70s.² There are additional threats to the survival of the cactus. The nonnative cactus moth (cactoblastis cactorum) is a serious threat to the existence of the Florida Semaphore Cactus. Additionally, disease, habitat loss, wildfires, invasive and nonnative plant species, as well as vandalism and collection are also attributed to the decline. They are incredibly vulnerable to human- and naturally-caused changes in their native habitat.¹ Something we don’t generally speak of in these endangered species articles is the cost for protection, repopulation, and critical designation. However, having located that information, it seemed important to share it with you. According to sources, as of 2014, not more than $7100 was going to be spent on the critical habitat designation.¹ That seems a small price to pay to ensure that a species native to Florida, and in serious danger, gets the protection it needs to potentially make a comeback. As we frequently remind you, we do believe that every species on this planet was intentionally placed here by the Creator. And, we are here to be stewards of that creation. Therefore, it is up to us to ensure that those creatures, plants, and other living things get the best protection we can provide. If you are ever in the Keys, feel free to keep an eye out for these beautiful cactuses. Take pictures and share what you know. That’s the best way we can all make a difference. Resources: ¹Fish and Wildlife Service. (2016). Questions and Answers for the Florida Semaphore Cactus and Aboriginal Prickly-apple Critical Habitat Designations. https://www.fws.gov/verobeach/Ne wsReleasesPDFs/20160121CHfor2FloridaCactiQandA.pdf ²IUCN Red List. Consolea Corallicola. http://www.iucnredlist. org/details/full/16329591/0 ³Florida Natural Areas Inventory. (2000). Sempahore Cactus. https://opuntiads.com/oblog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Florida-Semaphore-Cactus.pdf Photo Credits: Ketzirah Lesser & Art Drauglis. (2010). Semaphore Cactus. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/7HFvgQ) John Tann. (2013). Cactoblastis egg stick. Flickr (https://flic. kr/p/hD6EiE) Caleb Slemmons. (2004). Cactoblastis cactorum moth larvae. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/5wH86w) WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida
Part 42
It has been a month since we last hopped aboard the Literary Time Machine. We welcome you back as we prepare to venture to 1926 with Mr. Torrey Simpson. And, like always, we are wondering what new plant or bit of historic knowledge he might introduce us to on this voyage. So, buckle up and prepare for the ride as we learn more about ornamental gardening in Florida from a nearly one hundred year old perspective. We will begin with a potential mistake in Mr. Torrey Simpson’s book. He begins by talking about the Garcinia morella, or Gamboge tree. He describes it as, “A beautiful tender tree with large, leathery, shining, opposite leaves and attractive flowers which should be grown in a protected place.”¹ He further adds, “It is a native of southeastern Asia and there is a possibility that the specific name I have given is not the correct one.”¹ We love when there’s a mystery to be solved. So, we looked up his assigned name, Garcinia morella. After looking at several websites, we would like to announce that even though he felt like he might have given the wrong name, it would appear to be correct. The only issue of note is that this is an Indian tree, not an Asian one. We also discovered that the trees are utilized for their gum resin and that their fruit is edible.² Pictures look pretty cool, too! The next plant he mentioned that caught our attention was the Hura crepitans, or Sandbox. He expounds, “A native of the West Indies with rather attractive, cordate leaves which bear large, hard, ribbed capsules that explode with a loud noise when ripe and scatter the seeds.”¹ We had never heard of a plant’s seed pods making large explosive sounds so we had to look it up. This tree has a host of names including: possumwood, monkey’s pistol, and monkey’s dinner bell. It is invasive in East Africa, specifically in Tanzania. And, sure enough, the fruit opens with an explosive sound. Which contributes to another name: dynamite tree. The seeds can be dispersed, after the explosion, up to 45 feet from the tree.³ That tree packs a punch! Moving right along we arrive at Laurus nobilis, also referred to as Sweet bay. Mr. Torrey Simpson describes it by stating that it is, “…the classic laurel of the Greeks and Romans.”¹ He then goes into more detail writing that it is, “A small evergreen tree whose lanceolate leaves are aromatic and bitter and the plant is much used in tubs for decoration.”¹ He adds, “We have it here in Lower Florida but as far as my experience goes it does not do so well as farther north, its home being southern Europe. At Tallahassee it does well.”¹ Which suggests that if you are interested, it might work well here.
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Not going to lie, got excited when reading about this next tree: Melaleuca leucadendron. According to Mr. Torrey Simpson, the “Cajuput tree (is) a very rapid grower which seems to be perfectly at home in Lower Florida as it withstands wind, brackish mud,
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drought and some frost. I have fine trees on high pineland and equally good in brackish swamp. The narrow leaves are thick and alike on both sides…and when bruised they give out a delicious, aromatic fragrance, while the whole tree is covered with attractive white flowers in summer. The bark is soft and velvety to the touch, often three inches thick and peels off in great layers. It is very desirable and my friend Curtis, Superintendent of Parks in Miami, believes it will prove one of our best street trees.”¹ This one grows in the swamp! In case you were wondering why the thrill. But, will it grow in a non-brackish swamp? We didn’t find out that answer, but we did learn that it has strong antiseptic properties and is related to Tea Tree, an essential oil we are quite familiar with. Unfortunately, further research revealed that this tree is also part of a group of invasive species here. So, we will have to forego our excitement. You win some, you lose some in life and that can be just as applicable to antiquated ornamental gardening expertise. While Curtis, in Miami, was optimistic about the Cajuput tree, that decision to use it as a street tree probably contributed to its widespread invasive nature in the Everglades. It’s a good thing we have the ability to research plants before we choose to integrate them into our own yards. And, that concludes our trip this month. Hopefully you have learned a good deal and will also refrain from supporting the continued invasion of the Cajuput tree. Until next time…happy 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. 154-156). ²Useful Tropical Plants. Garcinia morella. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Garcinia+morella ³BioNET-EAFRINET Keys and Fact Sheets. Hura crepitans (Sandbox Tree). http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/eafrinet/ weeds/key/weeds/Media/Html/Hura_crepitans_(Sandbox_ Tree).htm Photo Credits: Biodiversity Heritage Library. (2012). Garcinia morella. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/dxpUcn) Tatters. (2014). Male flowers of the Hura creptians, sandbox tree. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/nRhtL8) James Gaither. (2009). Laurus nobilis #1. Flickr (https://flic.kr/ p/66a1G3) WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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2018 Florida State Fair
Recycled Yard Art Contest Lynn Barber and Lisa Meredith, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
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 is 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 2018 Florida State Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice award on one of the 32 entries submitted. The votes have been tallied, all 11,501 of them (an increase from the 2017 vote total of 9,142), and the winner is: Andy Hamilton for the “Flying Minion” created with propane tanks, fans, bicycle parts, rebar and a chain.
s r e n n i W
33584, until March 21, 2018. 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. Thanks so much to all of all of the artists who submitted entries. Lisa, our co-workers, Master Gardener volunteers and I certainly enjoyed talking with everyone that walked by our booth. Right now would be a great time for all of you creative types to start visualizing your entry in our next Recycled Yard Art contest which will be held at the Hillsborough County Fair. We hope many of you will participate. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repeating!
JoAnn Emerson won first place in the adult category for her “Chauncey the Garden Sprinkler” which was created from a trash can, bucket, planter, bottle caps, BBQ skewers, garden tools, vacuum cleaner hoses, PCV pipe, rain gauge, functioning irrigation sprinkler and a thermometer. Greco Middle School won the first place Middle School Award for their creation, “Happy Bottle Bush” that utilized plastic hangers, chlorine bucket, plastic bottles and tubes from a printer. The first place award for an Elementary School went to Lucas Maytum, The Art Factory, for the “Dog House” made with beads, a yard sign and shelf liner. First place for a High School was awarded to Erin Connor from Wharton High School for her “Giant Fly” created from an old purse, bubble wrap, pine needles, soundproof board and newspaper.
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All of the contest winning entries will be on display at the UF/ IFAS Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL
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“Cupcakes and Queens�
By Kelli Messick
Consulate Health Care Staff Members, Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queens, Pageant Director, and Consulate Residents.
The 2017 Hillsborough County Fair, Senior Harvest Queen, Olivia Frazier and Junior Harvest Queen, Taryn Storter, visited the Consulate Health Care Center of Brandon to bring joy to the residents. On February 10, the Queens, along with the Pageant Director, Kelli Messick, visited the Center to decorate Valentine's Day Cupcakes with the residents. Cupcakes and Queens was a huge success and everyone walked away with a heart full of great stories and shared memories. As the queens and residents decorated cupcakes and got to know each other, no one expected how their time together would enrich each of their lives. Stories told of the "good ol days" left the queens with a great sense of gratitude for the rich lives that were led. Once the residents started sharing their life stories, it was like being taken on a journey through the eyes of the storyteller. The memories shared that day will forever be etched in their hearts and minds.
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As the queens sat and listened to the stories regarding the resident's lives, hearts became overwhelmed by
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the thought of just how wonderful each person really is. One resident, Pheriba Snyder of Tampa, recalls her time as a pediatric nurse with Tampa General Hospital. For 27 years she enjoyed her life as a nurse. Her smile was so genuine as she told her story, you could tell that helping others was what she was meant to do. Many memories were recalled that day. Mr. John Killorn, (Jack), played major league baseball for the Yankees in the 70s and Mrs. Gloria Edmister (94 years young), is the administrator's grandmother, and keeps her grandson on his toes and loves a good cold Coca Cola. All the stories down memory lane were enjoyed by all who heard them. These precious lives left a footprint on all the hearts that attended that day and the wonderful residents at Consulate Health Care of Brandon will be forever remembered. While the queens thought they were coming to bring a blessing, they walked away with being blessed themselves. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Mrs. Gloria Edmister (94 yrs old) with Senior Harvest Queen, Ol- Junior Harvest Queen, Taryn Storter, with Mrs. Pheriba Snyder ivia Frazier, discussing her love for her grandson and Coca Cola. and Her sister. Also pictured, Debbie Gilmore, Activities Director at Consulate Health Care.
Consulate HealthCare Resident with the Queens
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Queens with Kelli Messick, Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen Pageant Director
Tasting & Smelling Their Way to the Top! Written by Natalie Patton
Strawberry Crest High School FFA chapters competed February 3, at the University of Florida for the Food Science & Technology Career Development Event. Two teams competed, the Elton Hinton Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter, which is the 9th grade chapter, and the Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter. Each team had to qualify to compete at the state competition. The results were great with Elton Hinton SC FFA placing fourth and Strawberry Crest placing third. The Food Science & Technology competition has three different categories, aroma test, triangle taste test, and the team marketing project. The aroma test is when the students smell different scents and have to identify them from 32 different options. During the triangle test each student is given three different food items, two are the same and one is different. They must use their senses to determine which one is different.
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For the team marketing project, each team is given a scenario in which they have to make a product, sell it, and produce a nutrition label. They must also come up
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with a company they will be selling it to and how they will package the product. One example came from 11th grader, Raelynn Hudson on the Strawberry Crest team. “Teens don’t get a sufficient breakfast so we have to come up with a breakfast that will be appealing to teens while still being healthy and sufficient,” said Raelynn, one of four other girls competing for the top spot on the Strawberry Crest team. Both teams have had countless days of practicing and studying and it didn’t stop once they made it to Gainesville. Before the day of the competition both teams studied at the hotel to make sure they were ready for the big day. These teams also made friendships that they will remember forever. The competition may seem difficult, but those who have studied for it said it wasn’t hard at all. Ninth grader Paige Schelb said, “The easiest part of the competition was the triangle test with the foods. It was easy for me because I’m very good at deciding which food is different from the rest.” When asked about her favorite part of the competition she said, “My favorite part was the team marketing project. It was my favorite because WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
each team got to interact with one another and it was very hands-on. We all had a chance to become closer friends and have conversations with each other that we may not be able to have every day. Overall the team project is just such a good experience that only comes once in a lifetime.�
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Both teams will be recognized at the Florida FFA State Convention this summer. Strawberry Crest FFA is very proud of these two great teams! Their dedication and hard work definitely paid off in the end. Along the way these teams made friendships and memories they’ll never forget all while learning something new. This experience is definitely one they will cherish forever.
Meet the 2018 Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart
Jade Banks is looking forward to using her title to help promote agriculture education and spread knowledge about the beef industry. By Breanne Williams
Jade Banks is no stranger to agriculture. Growing up in a family heavily immersed in the industry, Banks learned from an early age the joy that comes from showing and caring for animals. After a decade of showmanship that transitioned from chickens to goats to hogs to cattle, Banks has officially entered the next stage of her life as she begins her journey through college. Now she’s been crowned the 2018 Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. “I’ve always wanted to be a sweetheart,” Banks said. “When I was younger I watched (Kaitlyn Gill) and I thought she looked like a princess. I’ve always wanted to do that so this year seemed like a pretty good year to do it because I just started college and I have a more flexible schedule.” Banks said she was so excited for the opportunity, which she hopes to use to meet people in the field and learn more about the industry she loves.
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Banks attended the Cattlemen’s conventions every year, showed her animals at the Florida Strawberry Festival and Florida State Fair and was active in 4-H and FFA. She said she
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plans to get her AA from Hillsborough Community College and then transfer to the University of Florida. With her title, Banks said she hopes to be able to shed some light on the beef industry and combat many of the stereotypes that surround the field. She said a few of her friends no longer eat meat because they believe the animals are mistreated. She said hopes to be able to educate others on the reality of the industry and talk about the many local farmers who constantly do the right thing and give the highest quality of care to their animals. She’s grown up around cattle, her father has shown his entire life and her grandparents have a cattle ranch in Balm. She said she remembers helping them gather all of the cattle so they could cut them, worm them and treat them to keep them healthy. One of her fondest memories growing up was watching her grandfather and uncle head out to feed the cattle. She would always tag along and they would put her in the feed barrels so she wouldn’t get in the way. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Banks said she remembers playing with the feed and then climbing out once the cattle began eating so she could watch them and occasionally pet them. Before her grandfather returned she would always run and hop back in the giant barrels. Though she has tried her hand at a variety of agriculture events, Banks said her competitive nature has always made her partial to the showmanship competitions. Through the competitions she was able to travel all over the country, meeting people from all walks of life and backgrounds, which she said she loved. Her growing knowledge has ignited a passion to share those lessons with others, a plan she said she plans to implement during her reign. “I want to go to schools, not even just elementary schools but also more middle and high schools and explain to them what we’re all about,” Banks said. Banks has recently transitioned from a competitor to a leader. At the Florida Strawberry Festival Banks handed out ribbons at the steer show and showmanship and attended the Youth Beef Breed show.
Through it all, Banks said she is most looking forward to furthering the agriculture education in the area. She said there is so much misinformation going around that it’s crucial those who are educated and know the truth about different agriculture industries have a platform to spread that knowledge with the youth. Growing up in 4-H and then FFA, Banks said she learned so much more about the industry than she knew even though she grew up surrounded by it. Thankfully, she said it appears as if interest only continues to grow in those programs as they become more and more popular in local schools. “FFA taught me that you can basically do anything you put your mind to,” Banks said. “My FFA teacher wanted me to do meats judging and I never in a million years had thought about doing that and it was actually a lot of fun… I think it teaches kids a lot.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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“It’s definitely fun watching because I can say ‘Oh I used to do this’ or ‘I messed up with this,’” Banks said. “I definitely love showing. I talked to my mom the other day about how I can’t believe that I’m not going to show again. But it’s fun to watch the kids. We did Pee Wee Showmanship so I got to see the little kids and talk to them and pass out ribbons and they were so excited.”
Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent
In the February 2018 edition of In The Field Magazine, I noticed that I made a typographical error after my name on the article: Ten Ways to Save Potable Water in Your Landscape, showing IF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. This should have read UF/IFAS for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. On further reflection about IF/IFAS, I considered the possibilities of expanding on this unintentional error and turning it into a good thing. IF/IFAS: If you are seeking research based information on a variety of topics, from gardening to agriculture, child care to money management, fruit and vegetable production to certifications in Green Industry Best Management Practices, small farms to 4-H, the University of Florida/IFAS has the answers.
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All you have to do is go to the browser on your phone or
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computer, type in UF and the topic on which you want information, such as rain gardens or the Florida Gardening Calendar or Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Yard Recognition. Once you hit enter, you will see a list of unbiased research based publications available for you to select, read, print or save for future reference. Or, you can call the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 813-744-5519, for assistance and answers to your questions, or stop by our office at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner 33584. We have several demonstration gardens you can visit and a Master Gardener on duty to answer your questions. IF/IFAS: Fast, easily accessible and accurate information. IF/IFAS: What a great way to find the solutions for your life that you seek.
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Seasoning Camping Cookware Have you noticed that the gear you cook with when camping always seems to need more work than what you have at home? Cookware for camping is not much different than your home cookware, other than perhaps not having a factory seasoning on it. A typical mess it is made from stainless steel and can be seasoned in the same manner as the cookware you have at home. I found a really good posting of the science behind seasoning cookware, the technical term for this is Fat polymerization, and thought I would try it on my camping mess kit. This month, we will share the results and the project with our readers. If you want to know all the details of the science behind seasoning cookware, Sheryl Canter shares it here: http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/02/black-rust-and-cast-iron-seasoning/
Materials:
100% Flaxseed Oil (Food Grade) Paper Towels Oven Mitt DIRECTIONS:
Heat the wpan in a 200°F oven (to open pours and assure the cookware is dry) Remove the pan from the oven Turn the oven off Rub oil into the heated pan (let it sit until the oven is cool again) (once cool) rub all the oil off, leaving only a very thin coat of oil in the cookware. Place the cookware into the oven Turn the oven on to bake at its highest setting (> 500°) Wait for the oven to reach temperature Set a timer for 60 min Let the cookware bake for 60 min Turn the oven OFF, but DO NOT open the oven or remove the cookware, let it cool inside the oven for 120 min Repeat the process until the cookware has an even brown coat on the cooking surface (6 to 8 times) Note: The mess kit in the pictures is the progression of only 4 cycles of oil. Continue the cycle for at least 6 cycles, or until your cookware has a nice even brown coating.
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There should be no need to scrub your finished cookware clean. If plain old water does not rinse your food out, let it soak and gently wipe with a sponge. Your cookware will become more non-stick over time, this project will create a good starter seasoning on your camping cookware.
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green Photo Credit: April Green
Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana)
Beetles are among the most beautiful insects known to man. Ancient civilizations, notably the Egyptians, revered beetles as gods, often depicting them in their artwork, jewelry, and hieroglyphics. Our primal fascination with the beetle has not receded into history with the artifacts that once celebrated the awe of natural beauty. In fact, with a quick internet search, you are likely to find many sources of jewelry and art made from real beetles. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and, it seems, the beetle still shines as brightly as ever. I am in no way endorsing any of our readers to take up the practice of killing beetles for the purpose of making beetle jewelry or artwork; however, I will encourage our readers to take a closer look at the beauty of the beast, specifically the Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana). I hope you will find this beetle is more of a knight in shining armor than a beast of burden. Woodboring beetles (Buprestidae) such as the Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana), may seem to be a mini forest disaster to the casual observer. Active populations will include adults feeding on the young buds and pine needles of live trees, although the adults do not actually damage to the tree. The larvae, however, by their very nature, destroy wood. Adult female beetles lay eggs in the cracks or wounds of the bark. The eggs hatch and the larvae bore tunnels into the wood eating their way into the heartwood where they pupate in a single cell, eventually chewing an exit tunnel from which they emerge. The wood damage caused by the larvae, known as woodworms to those in the timber industry, is big deal. The tunnels created by the larva cannot be repaired by the tree because the larva typically feed on dead or dying trees that are incapable of repairing damage. Harvested timber that is blemished by borer beetle tunnels is a less valuable commodity than pristine timber. In Florida, the indigenous host trees for the Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana) include: the shortleaf pine (Pinus echinate), the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), these have all been economically important trees in Florida’s history. Beetles are hands down the largest group of insects in the word. With an estimated 400,000 species, beetles make up about 40% of all known insects. They feed on a large variety of plants, animals and insects alike but many beetle species are primary decomposers and therefore, critical agents in return-
The Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana) is one of the largest jewel beetles in North America. The common name comes from their sculptured physic and their strict association with pine trees. We have four species in the eastern U.S., but only the Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana) has the iridescent gold coloration that makes it look like a knight in shining armor. From an ecological perspective, the Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana) are indeed tiny knights in shining armor. They serve the greater good by replenishing the riches of the soil of which many kingdoms depend; i.e. the plant kingdom, the fungi kingdom, the bacteria kingdom, the animal kingdom etc. These noble servants are called to duty from up to 50 miles after sensing pine wood smoke or a recently burned forest. It’s the larvae that actually carry out the duties of the kingdom. To reach maturity, the larvae need nutrients (other than pine wood) and rely on fungi that grow on the surface of the decaying pine. The nutrients consumed in the process are passed along to the soil through the frass (droppings) of the larvae. The Southern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora georgiana) is a funny little critter. Adults are active during the hottest part of the day and will readily take flight. The one in the picture flew onto my shirt while I was hiking. When it landed on my shirt, it was poised in a defensive stance with both of it’s front legs pointed at me like a praying mantis would stand. When I lifted my arm to take a closer look, it fainted and dropped to the ground with it’s legs tucked close to its body. If you happen to run into one of these beetles, stand your ground, don’t let the little critter intimidate you! It will eventually faint and drop to the ground. When it does, you can pick it up and take a closer look with no concern of it waking up and attacking you. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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ing nutrients to the soil. Woodboring beetles have evolved to feed on wood (xylophagous), usually dead or dying trees. There are three main families of woodboring beetles, these include bark beetles and weevils (Curculionidae), longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), and jewel beetles (Buprestidae), also commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles for their metallic iridescence. The Buprestidae family of beetles is one of the largest with about 15,000 species worldwide, many of which are highly prized by collectors and commonly used as a component of artwork such as beetle wing jewelry.
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Smokin’ WE’RE
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3/28/14 10:15 AM
NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
COMMISSONER PUTNAM ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SUBWAY Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adan Putnam has announced a new partnership between Subway and “Fresh From Florida” designed to promote Florida grown produce served in the restaurant chain’s nearly 1,500 locations in the Sunshine State. The promotion will run through April and highlight Subways sourcing of locally grown cucumbers, green peppers and tomatoes. Last year, Subway purchased more than 74milion pounds of Florida-grown cucumbers, green peppers and tomatoes. USDA UNVEILS NEW MARKET DATA DELIVERY CAPABILITY The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing service has announced the launch of a new web-based platform, Market Analysis and Reporting Services (MARS) to deliver market price information to the commodities industry. The new capability can be accessed by visiting: www. arms.usda.gov/market-news. USDA LAUNCHES FARMERS.GOV TO FACITATE INTERACTION WITH FARMERS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced Farmers.gov, a new, interactive, one-stop website for producers that will ultimately make it easier for agricultural producers to make appointments with USDA offices, file forms and apply for USDA programs. The new website unites the three USDA agencies that comprise the Farm Production and Conservation mission area: the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency.
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GCREC SITE FOR PRODUCE SAFETY ALLIANCE
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GROWER TRAINING APRIL 26 The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm will be the site April 26 for one of a series of Produce Safety Alliance Training Sessions taking place across the state. Advance registration is required. Contact Sarah McCoy at sarahmccoy@ufl.edu or call: 863-9568632. ONLINE FOOD SAFETY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Google Play and the iTunes Store have a range of Food Safety Apps available. Among them: Calculate a Crop Protection Formula for Success; Be Aware of Bees When Applying Pesticides; Work Protection Standard Regulation Update; Avoid Mishaps When Handling Pesticides; Make Sure You Stow Your Pesticides Before You Go; Pesticide Law and License Renewal and more. BROOKSVILLE COVER CROP TOUR This free tour, which will take place April 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Brooksville Plant Material Center, 14119 Broad Street, will showcase cover crop species in West Central Florida to improve soil health. Attendees will learn of evaluation results for different cover crop seed sources and planting recommendations.
UPDATED LATE WINTER AGROCLIMATE FORECAST AgroClimate has issued an updated late winter weather forecast for the Southeast over the next three months indicating La Nina conditions are present in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and are expected to persist for the remainder of the winter. Dry conditions are expected to develop in the Florida peninsular. An outlook for the next three-months and a review of recent weather patterns observed in the Southeast is available at http://agroclimate.org/agroclimate-outlooks/. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO PRESERVE NATURE
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of engineers and other specialists work with regulatory agencies to identify areas of environmental sensitivity that should be preserved and protected. Through its land conservation and reclamation efforts, Mosaic has helped provide over 46,000 acres of natural lands that offer functioning habitats for plant and animal life. Shelley, a senior permitting engineer for Mosaic, works to ensure these preservation areas support a sustainable post-mining landscape that includes wildlife corridors and habitat diversity. To learn more about Mosaic’s preservation techniques, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.
© 2018 The Mosaic Company
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The path to “I do”
Wishing Well Barn is bringing the rustic charm of ranch life to event planning with a venue that has captured hundreds of hearts over the last few years.
By Breanne Williams
Wishing Well Barn is transporting people back to a simpler time. The cattle ranch and farm opened its doors to the public with a fully refurbished barn that has been home to weddings, birthdays, and more. Michelle Welch is the wedding designer and coordinator and her husband, Blake Welch, manages the ranch. What started as a simple venue for family and friends has transformed into a coveted destination for those across Florida. “People think of marriage as something natural, something organic,” Welch said. “When they think of their wedding they want something that’s in a comfortable setting, something that feels down home and heartfelt.” What Welch has created among the strawberry groves and hay fields of Plant City is an alternative to artificial affability encased in a carbon copy venue. Wishing Well Barn is the epitome of warmth, from its exposed wooden beams to the its worn dance floor.
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Welch knows first hand the magic that comes with using such a rustic and unique venue. In 2012 three of her sons decided to marry in the same year. Receptions and ceremonies were held on the farm that has been in their family since 1960 and before she knew it friends and strangers alike were messag-
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ing her asking to be able to build their own memories on the property. Unfortunately, the law was working against farmers. So Welch decided to join the movement to change the law. For decades Florida law made it difficult for agriculture property to host events. Welch joined a group of farmers in Tallahassee where they spoke to legislatures and helped a 2013 Agritourism law to pass. She became an advocate and is currently secretary for the Florida Agritourism Association. The former Plant City High School teacher has now spoken before the House and the Senate, learned how to write and construct laws and is fighting for the continued financial support of farmers. As the agriculture industry becomes more and more expensive, having a side business, like using a venue for events, helps balance costs. As of this March, Wishing Well will have hosted 500 weddings at its facilities. As word continues to spread, business steadily climbs. The unique venue is not the only thing drawing flocks of customers to the barn. Clients who book with Welch won’t be signing up for a stereotypical partnership. When they put their trust in Wishing Well, they gain a friendship that will last for years to come. Welch said many of her former clients are still in touch with her and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
keep her updated on how their life is progressing. In fact, one woman who was married at Welch’s property two years ago recently sent her an invite to her baby shower. “We take about a year to plan these weddings so by the end we really know the families,” Welch said. “ By the time it’s here we’re friends. This is a lasting relationship. They know from our reviews we’re going to treat them like family.” Welch takes pride in the fact that Wishing Well Barn loves everyone. Religion, race, culture and sexual orientation all go out the door when a client chooses to book an event with Welch. Any event that is held through Wishing Well is full coordinated by Welch and her team. They have an abundance of local
vendors they partner with ensuring every client can see their dreams come to fruition with little hassle. Though she loves the classic inspired events, Welch said there are a growing number of themed weddings. One of the most memorable was a Star Wars wedding that featured a Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Stormtrooper and more. Welch herself shared a dance with the infamous R2-D2. “Its so much fun making people’s dreams come true,” Welch said. “I have them add me on Pinterest and we make a board together. My husband can build anything, stain and paint it, so we can recreate anything they’d like. We say yes where most venues would say no.”
For more information: Contact Wishing Well Barn at 813-478-6554 or wishingwellbarn@gmail.com. Facebook: facebook.com/WishingWellBarn/ Website: wishingwellbarn.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Charity Events Benefiting the Florida FFA Foundation
SATURDAY • MARCH 24 SECOND A NNUAL
FUTURE FARMER CLASSIC REGISTRATION - 8:00 AM SHOTGUN START - 8:30 AM
$125 PER INDIVIDUAL SHOOTER $450 PER TEAM OF FOUR SHOOTERS 50 Bird Tournament. Carts are $125 each. Limited Quantities Available.
and stick around for the 15TH ANNUAL
BEAST FEAST & AUCTION FOOD & SILENT AUCTION - 11:00 AM LIVE AUCTION - 1:30 PM
Wild Game Dinner to include Gator, Venison, Swamp Cabbage and more! Silent & Live Auctions include Hunting & Fishing Trips, Travel Packages and much more!
$75
ADULTS
$25
STUDENTS
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center • 5000 Firetower Road Haines City, Florida 33844
For more information, visit FloridaFFA.org • Sponsorship Opportunities are available. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Spring Gardening in Hillsborough County
Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent
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March is ready, set…garden month in Hillsborough County. We’re past the last chance of frost, local area gardening festivals are occurring and we can recycle and redesign our landscape beds.
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View our Calendar of Events and register at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/upcoming-events/.
Maybe you’ve already completed most of your pruning. If you haven’t, it’s a good time to shape and reduce the size of landscape plants. Don’t prune Gardenias and Azaleas until after they have bloomed. For ornamental grasses, cut the stems to 4-12 inches above the ground, depending on the size of the clump.
It’s a great time to mulch! Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to your landscape beds and pull the mulch away from the stems of your plants. Mulch is a great landscape addition because it adds nutrients to the soil when it decomposes, retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weed growth and is much prettier than sand.
Recycle your landscape clippings in your compost bin. If you’re raking oak leaves, compost or use them as mulch in a landscape bed. To learn about the do’s and don’ts of composting, sign-up for a composting workshop offered one Saturday a month at the UF IFAS Extension Hillsborough County from February through November.
Consider taking a soil sample to determine the pH in the area you want to plant. For more information about soil testing, please see: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss494, Soil Sampling and Testing for the Home Landscape or Vegetable Garden. Soil testing for pH only is done at our office for $3.00 per sample.
IINNTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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WWW. WWW.IIN NT THE HEF FIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
February 10
All workshops are at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County office, 5339 County10 Road 579, March Seffner, FL 33584. (813) 744-5519.
April 14
Pre-registration required. Space is limited.
May 5
Register online at:
June 2
http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml
February 10
July 14
March 10
August 4
April 14
September 15
May 5
October 6
Fertilize vegetables, perennials and palms. Check the Central Florida Gardening Calendar, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450, which provides information on what to plant and what to do month by month. Also, view the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021\, which provides information about the site, plan, soil preparation, adjusting the soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation and drainage, pest management, no-pesticide approaches, using pesticides wisely and lists the months during which vegetables can be planted.
June 2
November 3
Watch for Lubber grasshoppers, aphids and mites. Lubbers can be ‘pruned’ in half, picked off the plant or thrown to the ground and stepped on. Who knew gardening was this dangerous…at least for Lubbers?! Insecticidal soap sprays control aphids and mites if their natural predators (Lady beetles, for one) don’t. Roses should be sprayed with a fungicide to control black spot and powdery mildew diseases.
October 6
You may want to plant vegetables, herbs, spices and bulbs. Beans, corn, southern peas, winter squash, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin and much more can be planted in March. If you like to grow your own herbs and spices, consider basil, chives, ginger, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. Bulbs provide color, form and texture. Some bulb beauties are African lily, Amaryllis, Blackberry lily, Caladium, Crinum, Rain lilies, Shell gingers and Walking iris.
July 14 August 4 September 15 November 3
Let’s get outside and dirty our hands so our gardens can return to their former beauty. Be sure to take time for a nice glass of iced tea and a good book (gardening, of course) on your front porch or lanai. Enjoy! Life’s too short not to garden. For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. More gardening information is available at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/ and http://edis. ifas.ufl.edu. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat.
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Workshops are sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County and Public Utilities, Tampa Bay Water and City of Tampa Water Department. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.
Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909
ANIMALS & NEEDS
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
4X4, 65 hp with loader. ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES 1,000 hours. $15,900 Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & Call Alvie 813-759-8722 exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire MAHINDRA 4530 by roll or foot. (863)752-2230. Call Don Tractor with loader. 4X4, Ammerman. www.ammermans.com 44hp. $15,000 Call Alvie July 15, 2018, Nov. 25, 2018 813-759-8722
ROUND BALES
4X5 round bales of herbicided and fertilized Pangola Hay. Call Dale 863-229-9876 or John 407-448-5608
METAL ROOFING
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
ALUMINUM
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
WINDOW SCREENS
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CABINETS
All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Blake 813-752-3378
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED
USED MOWERS
Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
2015 MASSEY FERGUSON
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders 813-754-1766 HIRING
Zero turn mowers. Good Condition. Price starts at $1,000. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
BUILDING SUPPLIES
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
1739ELL Tractor w/ loader. 243 hours, 4x4, 39hp, hst. Warranty!! $16,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FMC 352
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
7X15 LAWN TRAILER
Agriculture / Grove Equipment tractor parts sales person. Experience a plus, Computer skills a must! Call 863-537-1345
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR RENT
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
REAL ESTATE
VINYL SIDDING
NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
ROSSI CADDY 8 HAY RAKE Call Alvie 813-759-8722
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
Good Condition $1,500.00 Call Dewayne 863-528-4703
Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378 We are a Simonton/MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
CONIBEAR FERTILIZER SPREADER
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FARM EQUIPMENT
RUBBER MULCH
TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Have you ever considered moving to beautiful Blairsville, Georgia or just need a getaway home? Blairsville is a desirable community & great location. Call Jane Baer Realty and ask for Jane. 706-745-2261 www.janebaerrealty.com
JACTO AIR BLAST SPRAYER
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
Excellent condition 75 hp minimum $4,500.00 Call Dewayne 863-528-4703
NEW MAHINDRA 1538
Tractor cab with a/c. 4X4 with loader. $26,775 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
MASSEY FERFUSON 40
Late 60’s model industrial diesel grading tractor. $4250.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR SALE DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER
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No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. 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.
paladin-USA.com paladin.com
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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