WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
1
CAPTAIN FORD KEEPS YOU COVERED WITH OUR GREAT WARRANTIES CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED •
7- Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage • 24 Hour Roadside Assistance • 172 Points of Inspection by Certified Mechanics • 12-Month/12,000 Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage
ROyal ShIElD USED VEhIClE lIMITED WaRRaNTy •
50-Point Mechanical Inspection • 24 Hour Roadside Assistance • 6 months or 6,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
JarrettScottFord.com 800-545-2018 2000 East Baker St. Plant City • Se habla Español
Warranties include $100 deductible. See dealer for details. 2
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
3
Contents
VOL. 11 • ISSUE 7
Beef Ambassadors Jeff Mitchell & Kaylee Stallard
Page
70
Business Up Front
Join Farm Bureau
GMO Discussion
Growing Fresh From Florida
Signature Florida Crop
Naturally Amazing
Page 10 Page 16
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 18
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Strawberry Festival New President
Page 24
Chrissy Grimmer
Page 25
Endangered Species
Page 28 Deere Day
Page 33 Florida Asparagus
Page 35 Dry Creek
Page 38
4
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Page 42 Page 45
Fresh From Florida
Page 80 Page 84 Closer Look
Page 46
Page 85
Heritage Roses
Meet the Minks
Page 48 Recipes
Page 86 Kallee Cook
Page 50
Page 87
Funky Flowers
Festival Neighborhood Village
Page 52
Literary Time Machine
Page 54
Florida Strawberries
Page 58
Controlling Bacterial Leaf Spot in Tomato
Page 64
Fighting Hunger
Page 74
May 2015
Page 92
Festival Exhibitors Banquet
Page 96
Chocolate Festival
Page 98
Gardening in Remembrance
Page 100
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW. WWW.IN NTHEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
IN NTHEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE
May ay 2015
5
Letter from the Editor Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt
It is heating up Florida! Just because the weather is hot doesn’t mean the work stops, or play for that matter. So be cautious, drink plenty of fluids, wear light weight, light colored clothes, avoid sunburn and find a cool spot when you can. The inside of an air-conditioned building is ideal, but even the shade will help. Some of the signs of heat exhaustion include confusion, dizziness, fainting, fatigue , headache, muscle or abdominal cramps, nausea, pale skin and rapid heartbeat. If you, or anyone around you, have these symptoms, get out of the heat! If left untreated it can progress to heat stroke. Heatstroke symptoms include high body temperature, altered mental state, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and racing heart and headache. If you suspect heat stroke, seek immediate medical help. Don’t forget about your pets. Heat stroke is also a real issue for them. Make sure they have plenty of fresh clean water and a shady place. Do not over exercise them and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. And while I shouldn’t have to give this reminder, here it goes, NEVER leave your animal in a parked car! Temperatures inside a car, even with the windows down, escalate rapidly. Enjoy fun in the sun and all that Florida has to offer, but do it safely and responsibly. Until Next Month
Sarah
Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25 ABC Pizza...................................................91 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.............76 Alan’s Air Conditioning Service............72 Antioch Feed & Farm Supply.................51 Arrowhead Archery.................................76 Astin Strawberry Exchange...................91 Bill’s Transmissions.................................79 Bingham...................................................69 Brandon Auto Services, Inc....................19 Brandon Regional Hospital...................89 Brewington’s Towing & Recovery........94 Broke & Poor...........................................76 Brownlee Citrus & Garden Center....23 C5 Biotech...............................................40 Cecil Breeding Farm................................41 Country Village.......................................44 Country Village......................................101 Country Village.....................................102 Crescent Jewelers.................................75 Dad’s Towing..........................................66 Dental Associates at Walden Woods...9
6
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
Dr. Barry Gaffney, O.D. PA.............................29 Dr. Pat Almerico..................................................11 Driscoll’s.............................................................23 East Coast Ag Products, Inc...........................83 Everglades Farm Equipment.........................104 Exo Creative......................................................81 Farm Bureau Insurance-Valrico....................90 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner...........59 Farm Credit.......................................................67 Felton’s.................................................................31 Fischbach Land Co...........................................67 FL AG in the Classroom...................................61 FL Dept of Agriculture....................................36 FFA Foundation..................................................36 Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products.............61 Florida Propane................................................36 Florida Strawberry Growers Asso...............56 Forbes Road Produce........................................17 Fran Haasch.......................................................95 Fred’s Market Restaurant................................23 Gator Ford.........................................................30 Gladstone Land.................................................57 Go Fresh Produce..............................................14 Grove Equipment Service......................47 &66 Gulf Coast Tractor............................................73 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply..............................3 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply............................43 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc........................................91 Haught Funeral Home..................................12-13 Hillsboro Bank...................................................27 Home Protection Pest Control........................81 I-4 Power............................................................34 Jarrett-Scott Ford..............................................2 Johnson’s Barbeque.........................................21 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................91 Keene Plumbing................................................101 Ken’s Well Drilling............................................60 Key Plex..............................................................83 Loetscher Auto Parts........................................39 Malissa Crawford.............................................60 Mosaic...................................................................9 O’Conner Automotive.....................................103 Pathway BioLogic.............................................94 Patterson Companies.......................................68 Plant City Homestyle Buffet.............................5 Plant City Housing............................................57 Plant City Tire & Auto.....................................91 R&O Pest Control.............................................37 RAMM Recycling.................................................55 Rhonda Wetherington......................................82 Savich & Lee Wholesale......................20 & 21 Seedway.............................................................39 South Fl Baptist Hospital..................................7 Southside Stores LLC.............................15 & 63 Southwestern Produce.....................................55 Stephanie Humphrey........................................84 StingRay Chevy.................................................32 Sweet Life Farms.............................................68 The Southern Barn.........................................62 The Wild Guava...............................................65 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort...............30 Trinkle,Redman,Swanson,Coton,...................79 Verti-Gro, Inc.....................................................47 Walden Lake Car Wash & Service...............91 Waller’s Lawn & Power Equipment.............26 Wasabi Japanese..............................................17 Wells Memorial..................................................78 Willie’s.................................................................82 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Celebrate Month of the Woman
BayCare invites you to participate in Month of the Woman, an annual series of programs in May that focus on women’s health and wellness. Join us for Ladies Night Out events, featuring our women’s health experts, all tailored specifically for women. Tuesday, May 5, 6pm
Stroke Prevention
Aging Well at the Long Center (Clearwater)
Wednesday, May 13, 6pm
Relieving Back and Neck Pain
St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital (Tampa)
Thursday, May 14, 6pm
Autoimmune Disorders
South Florida Baptist Hospital (Plant City)
Tuesday, May 19, 4:30pm
Stress Management and Aging
Winter Haven Hospital (Winter Haven)
Tuesday, May 26, 6pm
Knee and Hip Pain Relief
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South (Riverview)
Thursday, May 28, 6pm
Women and Stroke
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North (Lutz)
Free Seminars | Free Parking | Refreshments Provided Registration is required: (877) 850-9512 | BayCareEvents.org WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM BC1502840-0415
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
7
FARM BUREAU Dear Readers:
100toSouth MulrennantheRoad • Valrico, 33594 • 813-685-9121 I am both humbled and honored have been challenges our localFL industry partners face as elected president of YOUR Hillsborough County they strive to produce the high quality products Farm Bureau. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to our markets demand. Those tours are hard work outgoing president Danny Aprile for his years of and represent many hours of support from our service to our organization. I promise to do my A BUSY industry colleagues. We YOUR thank them and those TIME FOR best to continue the momentum he carried forth. legislators and regulators who take the time to FARM BUREAU learn first hand about agriculture in our area and As a sixth generation Florida farmer, I know the how and why we need their ongoing awareness, world’s growing population demands that we continually chalDear Readers: many challenges and opportunities all of us have help and support. lenge ourselves and optimize all that we do to feed the world. in the agriculture industry and that is an industry Dear Much, if not Readers: all, that Farm Bureau achieves is the result of the There’s our program fortour bringing that is global. challenge is to continue Again, mymore. thanksAg-Venture, to all who participated in the program: great volunteer work ofOur our major members. They happily serve our the story of agriculture to children through school to produce the food our growing population must industry through special programs here in Hillsborough County, am both and honored to have been challenges our local industry face as •the Co-sponsors Company Hillsborough County as well Ias through personal meetings with our elected officials activities, is Mosaic going on and weand willpartners again be particihave whilehumbled the lands devoted to farming continue Farmstrive Bureau locally, elected intoTallahassee and our nation’s president of YOUR County they to produce the high quality products pating in Farm City Days through which we bring diminish. Theat good thingHillsborough iscapital. that the market •our The owners and staff members at eachare of the Veterans Farm Bureau. All continues of us owe to a debt of gratitude hard work the markets story of demand. agricultureThose to ourtours friends living in for our products expand. Our taskto Farm Tour stops We just completed the annual Ag Literacy Day. On that day Farm outgoing president Danny Aprile for his years of and represent many hours of support from our Tampa. is to effectively meet those dual challenges while • Hillsborough County Bureau volunteer members from across the state met with eletoand our organization. promise to dodiversity my colleagues. thank them and those protecting our precious I am confident •industry Hillsborough County We Extension mentaryservice students read portionsenvironment. of aI book about the best tohere continue thetask momentum heforward carried and regulators who take the time •legislators Participating veterans of agriculture and its importance to all offorth. who Lastly, if you are not a member of our FarmtoBureau we are upintoFlorida that and I look toushelping live here.us My to part thoseto who participated that learn first handjoin about in ourthat areayou andbe a family, please us. agriculture It isn’t necessary allthanks do our assure that weindo so.program. As a sixth generation Florida farmer, I know the how andorwhy we need theirPlease ongoing awareness, farmer rancher to join. visit Let me close by encouraging you to consider the benefits of beOn the 1st of this month Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and challenges andthe opportunities allnew of Farm us have help and support. http:// Let jointly me also tell you about officers or call 813/685-9121 for with coming ahcfarmbureau.org Farm Bureau member. The modest fee associated Mosaicmany Co. sponsored firstthe everother Veterans Tour. in the agriculture industry and that is an industry elected by your board last month. They are: more information. family membership in Farm Bureau is a great deal and your active This was a day-long program that included stops at Fancy Farms, There’s more. our program for bringing isPresident global. major challenge to Ray continue involvement willAg-Venture, be beneficial to both your family and our indusHarrell’sthat Nursery, Keel Our & Curley, where lunchiswas served, and Vice Will Womack, Treasurer Wood, try through suchtoaschildren the ones above. If school yourand family is Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery. the story ofprograms agriculture through to produce the foodWilliamson our growingand population must Secretary Michelle Member-AtOnce again, I am honored to be your president already partisofgoing our Farm Bureau please on and and we family, will again beconsider partici-suggesthave the lands My devoted to farming continue Largewhile Bill Burnette. thanks to each of them and activities, my very best to you your family. ing membership to your friends. Everyone who eats is involved in This was more than just a tour of some of the diverse agricultural pating in Farm Citymore, Daysplease through we bring to diminish. The good is that theour market our board for their willingness to for serve. agriculture. To learn visit:which http://hcfarmbureau.org endeavors in the county. It was an thing opportunity industry to the story of agriculture to our friends living in for our products continues to expand. Our task or call 813/685-9121 for more information. tell these men and women we appreciate your service to our counTampa. isAstoyour those dual challenges while try through service. We respect what have done. I effectively ammilitary sure allmeet of you have come to you realize In addition, we sincerely believe your training, commitment and protecting our is precious environment. I ambusy confident vacation time over. We are particularly at Thank you, Sincerely, experience are that could easilyforward transferred to our Lastly, if you are not a member of our Farm Bureau we areall upqualities to that task and be Iwe look to helping Farm Bureau. This month are completing the industry. Hopefully, some of those tour participants will take adfamily, please join us. It isn’t necessary that you be a ouropportunities part to assure that wehas do so.offer. third of our legislative tours during which we take vantageus of all thedo many agriculture to farmer or rancher to join. Please visit elected and appointed officials to several of our http:// hcfarmbureau.org Let me also tell you about the other new officers or call 813/685-9121 for That brings to mind an important of agriculture thatsee is agricultural businesses inaspect this areas so they can Kenneth Parker - President sometimes overlooked. suresome manymonth. youbest can management recall elected by your board last They are: the aumore information. agriculture at I’m work, ofofthe tomotive advertising that usedWomack, the phrase: “It’s not your father’s Vice President Treasurer Wood,of practices that Will have been put into place Ray and learn Oldsmobile” to typify the updated attributes of that brand of Secretary Michelle Williamson and Member-AtOnce again, I am honored to be your president and automobile. Well, the same thing can be said of agriculture. Large Bill Burnette. My thanks to each of them and my very best to you and your family. ourbeen board for their willingness to serve. There has growing emphasis on Science, Technology,Board Engi- of Directors
A Special Thank You to Some Special People
Kenneth
8
neering and Mathematics – mostPresident; often referred to as STEM -- in Kenneth Parker, Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; education all levels. Letof meyou assure you STEM alive and well Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Billcome Burnette; Board members: As at I am sureMember-at-large; all have toisrealize and most noteworthy in all aspects of agriculture. Those men Glenn Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Gregat Lehman, Erin Nesmith, vacation time over.that Wefirst arehand. particularly Thank you, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, and women on the touris saw Ag is Ron a busy robust inWetherington, and Ray Wood, Farm Bureau. This month we areIfcompleting the dustry that utilizes cutting edge technology. you think Judifarming Whitson, Executive Director third today of ourislegislative tours which weagain. take and ranching just as it was yearsduring ago, please think Sustainability the ever-increasing demands of the electedand andmeeting appointed officials to several of our INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2013
Kenneth
agricultural businesses in this areas so they can see agriculture at work, some of the best management practices that have been put into place and learn of
Kenneth Parker - President
W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; Member-at-large; Bill Burnette; Board members: Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Glenn Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Greg Lehman, Erin Nesmith, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Ron Wetherington, and Ray Wood, Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 88
THE FIELD M AGAZINE May 2015 INTIINN HE FIELD AGAZINE THE FIELDMM AGAZINE NOVEMBER May 2013 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM W W W. I N T H EIF IE MA AZINE.COM WWW. NT HELFDIELD MGAGAZINE.COM
Reclaiming the land for future generations is
Ashlee Harrison, Reclamation Ecologist South Pasture Mine, Hardee County
As an ecologist, I am part of a dedicated team that oversees the reclamation of Mosaic’s mined lands. Before phosphate operations begin, I work with scientists, engineers and environmental specialists to carefully plan for reclaimed land uses. Last year, those plans included planting more than 2 million trees — and reclaiming land for wildlife habitats, parks, agriculture and other productive uses. There’s a reason Mosaic’s 4,000 Florida employees are so passionate about reclamation: we know our kids and grandkids will enjoy these lands for generations to come.
mosaicco.com/florida
We help the world grow the food it needs.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
®
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
9
Business Up Front By Nick Chapman
Car shopping can always be a challenge, unless you have a friend who understands the ins and outs of the automotive business. And that’s exactly what Bill O’Connor offers beginner or experienced shoppers at O’Connor Automotive. “This is my life’s calling. I enjoy helping people and taking care of people,” said Bill O’Connor, owner of O’Connor Automotive. They offer quality vehicles at an affordable price at their location at 5211 James L Redman Parkway, and carry a wide variety of makes and models, with price points from a few thousand on up. The inventory is constantly changing, but it’s easy to keep up with on their website at www.oconnorauto.net. It’s a great way to browse before coming in, but when you do come in, you’ll have the benefit of Bill’s knowledgeable and helpful staff. Their focus is not to sell you one car, but to make you a loyal customer. “If you take care of people and treat them right and follow the Golden Rule, they’ll come back to buy ten to twelve cars instead of just the one.” Bill adds those loyal customers they have established helped keep business going during the recession years.
the motor, the transmission, the air, the tires…all the other major systems and safety related issues that are meaningful, that I would have fixed on my wife’s or daughter’s car, are fixed on these cars.” This is how O’Connor Automotive gets about an 80% return ratio on their customers. They help arrange financing for almost any situation, and encourage first time buyers and those with bruised credit to come in and see what they can do for you. O’Conner has built a good relationship with several credit companies and can find the right one to suit your particular needs. They also work closely with Family Life Resources in Tampa, a Christian debt counseling company, which can be an aid to families that may need help with their financial burdens. “You just need to look out for people, and treat them the way you want to be treated.”
O’Connor follows that same philosophy when getting their cars ready to sell. “I would never say that our cars are perfect, but they are all in the same condition I’d want them to be in if I were going to put my wife or daughter into one.”
On the neighboring lot, Bill also owns O’Conner Enterprises which operates a U-Haul rental business and a distributorship for Weather King portable buildings. They carry U-Haul rentals from the small utility trailers to 6’ x 12’ covered trailers, and 10’ to 26’ moving trucks. Rentals are local or one-way trip. The Weather King storage buildings are “Rent-to-own” and they offer 8’x12’ storage sheds up to deluxe 12’x32’ cabins and barns. “Weather King is the best buy in the market. Anybody can rent one. There is no credit check and there are no delivery fees or set-up fees.”
He openly admits that doesn’t mean the cars are without fault. They may have a squeak or rattle that you probably wouldn’t fix on your own car. Not spending extra repair work on minor cosmetic issues helps O’Connor keep the cost to their customers down. “The brakes,
He started in the auto business while in college and remembers the exact day he walked onto a lot looking for a job. “I started December 17, 1968. It was a week before Christmas and I was a student at USF. I had to earn my tuition for the next trimester, and I did it working at a
10
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
car dealership washing cars. I got what I needed, but then I just stayed in the car business.” Bill and his wife Debbie and family moved to Plant City in 1992. They were returning Floridians, both having graduated high school in Hillsborough County. He became the general manager of B.M. Smith from 1992 to 2001 until they sold the dealership. He went on to Winterhaven Ford for almost two years and was putting in some long hours. “I decided if I was going to do that, I was going to do it for myself.” So in October 2002, O’Connor Automotive opened their doors for business. Bill has been an active member at St. Clement Catholic church. He has also been involved with local groups including the Lion’s Club, the Pregnancy Care Center and the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation committee. He admitted the strain of the recent economic downturn caused him to have to put more hours into the business. “As business gets better, I look forward to getting back to those volunteer activities. It’s very meaningful to do that. The other people volunteering for those types of organizations are the right types of people, folks you want to make friends for life.” You can visit O’Connor Automotive at 5211 James L Redman Parkway in Plant City, just a bit north of S.R. 60, or call at (813) 650-0535 or (813) 610-7624. They are open six days a week, but closed on Sundays except for prearranged appointments. Don’t forget to visit them on the web at www.oconnorauto.net.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
11
12 12
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
WWW. WWW.IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
13 13
14
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
813-752-2379
Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidestores.com WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
15 15
Growing Submission by Commissioner Adam H. Putnam
More than 47,000 farms in Florida work day in and day out to produce the food and fiber that Florida – and the world – depend on. Florida agriculture produces a variety of products -- nearly 300 different commodities – and generates more than $120 billion in annual economic impact. As Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, one of my most important missions is to strengthen and grow Florida’s agriculture industry. Through the “Fresh From Florida” brand, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services raises awareness for the high-quality products we produce in Florida and promotes the sale of Florida commodities. From TV commercials and digital advertisings to in-store promotions and so much more, we’re showing that it’s possible to cook quick, easy meals with fresh Florida ingredients. This year, we launched the second statewide TV and online marketing campaign in as many years to highlight “Fresh From Florida” produce, seafood and more. The ads play across the state during strategic programming and feature new recipes that consumers can use to make quick, healthy meals for themselves and their families. We also continue to promote “Fresh From Florida” products directly to consumers through retail campaigns. We’ve partnered with 65 retail partners with more than 12,000 stores worldwide to market Florida products at point-of-purchase, giving Florida-grown products a competitive advantage over others. In fact, we recently announced that Publix, the largest supermarket chain in Florida, produced its one-millionth “Fresh From Florida” in-store promotion. Also, Kroger, the country’s largest supermarket chain, recently announced 16
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
“Fresh From Florida” online coupons and in-store advertising in more than 300 Kroger stores in seven states. Florida growers who participate in the “Fresh From Florida” program benefit from more than the advertisements and partnerships. Members of the “Fresh From Florida” program can also display the widely recognized, eye-catching logo on product packaging and signage. The logo associates the products with Florida agriculture’s world-wide image of high quality and freshness. Many point-of-purchase and retail display materials to promote Florida products are available for free to “Fresh From Florida” program members. In addition, members are eligible for incentives to offset a portion of consumer packaging and carton printing costs if the “Fresh From Florida” message is included. I am excited about the success and momentum of the “Fresh From Florida” campaign, and I know that we’re having a positive impact on Florida’s entire agriculture industry. I encourage Florida’s farmers, growers and ranchers to join the “Fresh From Florida” program to support our efforts, as well as reap the benefits of these recharged and exciting new programs. I value your partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and your continued support for our efforts. To learn more about the “Fresh From Florida” program and view the latest advertisements, visit FreshFromFlorida.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
17
Aubrey Hankins (VP & COO American Surveying) fished the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore and her team mates Shawn Savage owner of (ABC Paving & Sealcoating) and Mike Darden (Account Mgr. Consolidated Service Group); They had a banner day catching snook after snook, plus redfish and topping it off with a small tarpon Aubrey is shown with a nice 27 inch snook
Summertime Means Hot & Humid Fishing Good fishing will continue in June, but you can expect to pay the price for enjoying a day on the water. That price, if you’re not careful, could be SUNBURN, or possibly worse, HEAT EXHAUSTION OR STROKE. Although everything will be biting try planning your trips in advance to take advantage of good summertime fishing, especially during the cooler parts of the day to avoid the high price of summer time fishing.
What are SUNBURN, HEAT EXHAUSTION and HEAT STROKE?
On the other hand, fluids containing alcohol impair your decisionmaking process. It also imposes safety issues to yourself and others. Therefore, if you drink… do it “Responsibly.” Operating a watercraft and drinking alcohol always equates to trouble for yourself and others. Remember… BUI or Boating under the influence carries stiff fines, confinement or both.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report June 2015 By Captain Woody Gore
Know the Signs: unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry flushed skin without sweating. These are all symptoms of one of the most common problems facing boaters and anglers during the summer. If you or someone close to you exhibits, any of these symptoms take immediate action. Cooling and rehydration are the cornerstones of treatment. The affected individual must stop their activity and try to move to a cooler environment. The person may be placed in the shade or if in a boat it can be started and driven to create a breeze. Clothes may be removed to help with air circulation across the body. Misting the skin with cool water helps by stimulating evaporation and cooling. Rehydration is the next important step in treating heat exhaustion. This may be a challenge if the person begins to suffer from nausea and vomiting. Small sips of water, a mouthful at a time, might be tolerated even if some vomiting persists. Water, sports drink and other electrolyte replacement drinks are reasonable options. Keep in mind hot humid days can dehydrate your body quickly, often to the danger point before you realize what is happening. Most heatrelated illnesses are preventable by keeping the body cool and avoiding dehydration. So, remember to drink plenty of fluids especially water and sports drinks to re-hydrate the body. 18
NTHE HEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE AGAZINE IN
ay 2015 May
Shawn Savage owner of (ABC Paving & Sealcoating from the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore shown hold the prize of the day a 37” snook, Shawn also caught the tarpon.
Snook
(Season Closed) Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially during weekends, it’s a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook provided there are bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders Snook love lying in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand bars are also good places to investigate. Also early morning broken bottom grass flats produce well using topwater lures and soft plastic jerk baits, but remember live greenbacks always seem to do the trick. WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
On April 27, 2015 Andy Boynton the Dean of Business at Boston College with Captain Woody Gore and had a good day on redfish and snook Andy is pictured with a 29” snook caught just as we were leaving to end our trip. Talk about terrific timing. Mike Darden (Account Mgr. Consolidated Service Group); from the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore shown with his 29½ snook, Mike also caught a 26” redfish.
Redfish
June produces some good redfish days around the grass flats. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding moving or feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering plenty of water, but once located they do not venture too far if there is food present. Keep in mind as long as there is food there are fish. Although with the weekend fishing pressure, once a school is located it seems the general practice of most recreational anglers is pursuing the school up and down the grass flats. Sometimes there will be 10 to 20 boats hot on the trail of a school of redfish. Little do they understand, if they will not chase the fish they will stop and go back to feeding. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish are good choices. Do not forget the old standby… live shrimp and cut pinfish and ladyfish.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, 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 him a call at 813-477-3814
Spotted Sea Trout
Trout fishing remains strong through the summer. Search out deeper grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing areas using live shrimp and greenbacks free lined or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce larger fish and an occasional flounder. We’re also catching plenty of silver trout, some topping the scale at a pound and a half to two pounds. These are great eating and awesome fun for the kids to catch.
Cobia
Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They frequent markers especially those holding bait and cruise the flats usually following large rays.
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry, from the beach to the bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs, found abundantly throughout the bay and gulf, are excellent bait choices. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, and Ladyfish offer diversity during the summer and continue to be strong on moving tides. Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good starting places.
WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
NTHE HEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE AGAZINE IN
ay 2015 May
19
20
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Smokin’ WE’RE
WWW.johnsonbarbeque.COM winter haven • plant city
small ads 3.56x4.8.indd 1
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
One dollar in cattle sales generates approximately five dollars in additional business activity. Almost 60% of all burgers are purchased in a restaurant. However, 65% of all burgers/cheeseburgers are consumed off-premise (take-out) vs. on-premise (35%). Beef is the #1 food source for Protein, Vitamin B12 and Zinc! Beef is also the #3 food source of iron behind fortified cereal and grains. America’s Beef Producers spend an average of $2 million on food safety research and technology each year. Gelatin, made from bones and horns, is used in making candies, marshmallows, ice cream and photographic film. Beef fat, called tallow, is an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings, and chewing gum. Worldwide there are more than 250 breeds of cattle. Over 60 of these breeds are present in the United States. The hide from one beef animal can be made into 20 footballs or 12 basketballs or 18 soccerballs or 12 baseball gloves or 18 volleyballs or144 baseballs. Cattle are descended from a wild ancestor called the aurochs. The aurochs were huge animals which originated on the subcontinent of India and then spread into China, the Middle East, and eventually northern Africa and Europe. 3/28/14 10:15 AM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
21
Weird Stories
Over the years I have collected numerous funny, weird and strange stories about people. This story is wild. Two men were seriously injured when their pick-up truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Road 38 in Arkansas. The accident occurred as the two men were returning from a frog-gigging trip. On an overcast Sunday night, the boy’s pick-up truck headlights malfunctioned. The men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, they noticed that the .22 caliber bullet from a pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering wheel column. Upon inserting the bullet, the headlights again began to operate properly and the two men proceeded on east bound toward the White River Bridge. After traveling approximately 20 miles and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck one of the men in the right testicle. The vehicle swerved sharply to the right exiting the pavement and hitting a tree. The man that was struck by the bullet suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident, but will require surgery to repair the other wound. The other man in the truck had a broken clavicle and was treated and released from the hospital. The wives laughed about it, and wanted to know if anyone got the frogs out of the back of the truck. A 47 year-old man shot himself to death in Newton, N. C., when, awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but grabbed a Smith and Wesson .38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.
Scientists at NASA developed a gun for the purpose of launching dead chickens. It is used to shoot a dead chicken at the windshield of airline, military jets or the space shuttle, at the vehicles maximum speed. The idea being, that is would simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne birds, and therefore determine if the windshields are strong enough to endure high-speed bird strikes. British engineers, upon hearing of the gun, were eager to test the gun out on the windshield of their new high-speed trains. However, upon the firing of the gun, the engineers watched in shock as the chicken shattered the windshield, smashed through the control console, snapped the engineer’s backrest in two, and embedded itself into the back wall of the cabin. Horrified, the engineers sent NASA the results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield, and asked the NASA scientists for any suggestions. The NASA scientists sent back a one-sentence response: “Thaw the chicken before you shoot it.”
near Naples, Italy in 1983. He managed to break out a window, climb out, and swim to shore -- where a tree blew over and killed him. Frank Stewart, 31, of Dallas was filming a public service movie in 1983 on “The Dangers of Low-Level Bridges” when the truck he was standing on passed under a low-level bridge -- killing him. Walter Jones, a 26-year-old store clerk in Leeds, England was so afraid of dentists that in 1979 he asked a fellow worker to try to cure his toothache by punching him in the jaw. The punch caused Hallas to fall down, hitting his head, and he died of a fractured skull.
George Snow, owner of a factory in Providence, Rhode Island, narrowly escaped death when a 1987 blast flattened his factory except for one wall. After treatment for minor injuries, he returned to the scene to search for his files. The remaining wall then collapsed on him, killing him instantly. Depressed since he couldn’t find a job, 42-year-old Romolo Ribolla sat in his kitchen near Pisa, Italy with a gun in his hand, threatening to kill himself in 1981. His wife pleaded for him not to do it, and after about an hour, he burst into tears and threw the gun to the floor. It went off and killed his wife. In 1990, a woman of Lake Winston, N.J. was laid out in her coffin, presumed dead of heart disease. As mourners watched, she suddenly sat up. Her daughter dropped dead of fright. A man hit by a car in New York City in 1971 got up injured, but laid back down in front of the car when a bystander told him to pretend he was hurt so he could collect insurance money. The car then rolled forward and crushed him to death. Surprised while robbing a house in Antwerp, Belgium, a thief fled out the back door, clambered over a nine-foot wall, dropped down, and found himself in the city prison. I am on the “No Call List,” but I still get calls. The other day a telemarketer called and asked to speak to Rhonda Jones. I replied, “She doesn’t live here any more, but I have her number!” “Thank you,” He replied.
Did you read about a man using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend’s windshield, accidentally shooting himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a hole in his stomach?
I gave him the number of the Oaklawn Cemetary in Plant City. A few minutes later he called back and said I must have given him a wrong number, as that was the number of a cemetery. I said, “No, she is there, Mrs. Jones passed away last week.”
A fierce gust of wind blew 45-year-old Vittorio Luise’s car into a river
That ended that call.
22
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
23
Florida Strawberry Festival Elects New Board President
Dan Walden The Florida Strawberry Festival’s board of directors elected a new president at its monthly meeting. Dan Walden, who has served as a board member for 15 years, was elected president and succeeds James “Jim” Jeffries who has served as president for the past two years. Sandee Parke Sytsma was elected vice president along with Floyd Hall, who was elected secretary, and W.D. “Dub” McGinnes, who was elected treasurer. “Dan Walden is an excellent leader and board member,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “We are privileged to have a man like him as our new president.” The Florida Strawberry Festival’s board of directors is the governing body of the 11 day event and is made up of 30 individuals – 16 board members and 14 associate board members. Each year, four board members are elected to serve on the executive board, made up of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Generally, each president has previously served two years in each office before being elected to the highest office, said Davis.
Sandee Parke Sytsma
Dub McGinnes
Floyd Hall
“Our board of directors is made up of a very giving and talented group of individuals,” said Davis. “They each have a passion for our festival and will serve us well in the coming year.”
About the Florida Strawberry Festival The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its world-famous strawberry shortcake. The 81st Annual Florida Strawberry Festival will be held March 3 through March 13, 2016 in Plant City, Fla. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest16). 24
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
SHARING HER UNDENIABLE LOVE FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY
Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart
Chrissy Grimmer By Jim Frankowiak
always looking for another way to share my passion for the beef industry with people outside the cattle industry and that is the goal of the FCA Sweetheart – to educate the consumer and promote our industry. The FCA Sweetheart is an advocate for the Florida beef industry and is a role model to the youth of the beef industry. It would be a true honor if I was chosen as the FCA Sweetheart in June.”
Chrissy Grimmer, the reigning Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, is a third generation cattle producer and daughter of Kenny and Michelle Grimmer. “My parents helped me purchase my first heifer when I was 7, and that was the start of our family-owned and operated business CG Cattle & Hay. My brother, Chad, and I were blessed to have the opportunity to follow in our father’s footsteps, showing beef cattle at youth shows around Florida.” “My grandfather, Ken Grimmer, instilled in my father a strong work ethic through the years, which has enabled my parents to support me in all of my undertakings within the beef industry. I am very appreciative of my parents who willingly hauled me all over Florida when I held the titles of Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association President and Florida Beef Ambassador. My mother serves on the Executive Board for the Florida CattleWomen’s Association, is the Hillsborough County CattleWomen’s President, and serves on committees with the American National CattleWomen. My father is a member of the Hillsborough County and Florida Cattlemen’s Associations.” Grimmer is a 2011 honors graduate of Plant City High School, has an Associate’s Degree in teaching from Hillsborough Community College, and recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education and Communication. “I am actively involved with the Plant City Collegiate FFA and I serve on the Florida FFA Alumni Council,” said Grimmer. Her memberships also include the Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida CattleWomen’s Association, the Hillsborough County Cattlewomen, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “My undeniable love for the beef industry is why I chose to enter the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Sweetheart contest. I am WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Through her various memberships and as the current HCC Sweetheart, Grimmer has been a mentor to the livestock youth of Hillsborough County for many years. “My current position has helped me reach more students,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to go to my local elementary schools and talk to the students about where beef comes from. I find working with students to be very rewarding, which is why I chose to become a teacher.” Grimmer recently completed a teaching internship at Tomlin Middle School in Plant City. “I also had the opportunity to attend and advocate for beef at the Southern Women’s Show in Orlando,” she said. “This was a joint effort with the American National CattleWomen and the Florida CattleWomen and I was excited to serve alongside such knowledgeable ladies.” This term as Sweetheart was not the first for Grimmer. She held the title in 2012-2013 “and was blessed to have placed Second Runner Up in the state contest in 2013. I am constantly surprised by the consumers’ willingness to converse with me about the many health benefits of consuming lean beef.” “I would like to thank my sponsors: The Hillsborough County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen, CG Cattle & Hay, Berry Sweet Memories, and Grohs Farms. I would also like to thank Mrs. Kim Strickland and her family for putting so much love and time into the sweetheart competition every year. My thanks, too, to the Plant City community for its outstanding support. I am truly blessed.” Future plans have Grimmer teach agriculture education at a high school in eastern Hillsborough County. “Within my teaching, I plan to bring cattle to my school’s land lab and teach my students how to properly care for and maintain a healthy, productive herd. I plan to stay heavily involved with the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association and hope to one day serve on the executive board.”
Congratulations Chrissy and best of luck at the state competition. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
25
26 26
NT THE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IIN
May ay 2015 2015 M
WWW.IIN NT THE HEF FIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
27
Carnivorous Plants: You Hungry?
By Ginny Mink
This month’s endangered species article is going to be a little bit different because we’d like to alert you to an entire group of endangered plants. There are various forms, of course, but we want you to wrap your mind around the concept of carnivorous plants. Yes, those plants that eat bugs. We’re certain you’re singing the lyrics to Little Shop of Horrors. No doubt, “Feed me Seymour,” is playing on repeat in your head. Now that you’ve got a theme song, let’s talk about these endangered elements of God’s great creation. Interestingly enough, Florida is home to more carnivorous plants than any other state! We are well known for our pitcher plants which are native to this great state. However, there are a number of other carnivorous plants residing on our soil. There are butterworts, bladderworts, bromeliads, water wheels, oyster mushrooms and sundews (plus a slew of fungi). We cannot fail to mention the infamous Venus flytrap here, but you should know that’s mostly found in North Carolina. So which ones are endangered here? That’s a great question and the answer required a good deal of research. First though, we wanted you to understand the difference between these plants. Obviously, carnivorous plants eat bugs. They digest them through the use of naturally occurring enzymes and then they utilize the nutrients retrieved to supplement that which is missing from the boggy soils from which they like to grow. The super neat difference is found in their methods of attack. 28
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
The pitcher plant has a body that’s shaped like a tube (or vase). It’s decorated beautifully and its patterns catch the light drawing bugs near. Inside, there’s a coating of sweet smelling serum, compelling the bug to enter the long, narrow tube (imagine crawling into the plant’s throat and you get the idea). The sidewalls are very slippery, and the bottom of the vase like cavity is full of water. The curious bug loses its grip and slips and slides down to its death: drowned and then devoured! Recall that these are really what Florida is known for when it comes to carnivorous plants. Pretty cool when you think about it. Sundews and butterworts kind of act in similar ways when they’re hunting. Their leaf surfaces are covered with sticky glands that basically act like fly paper. The sticky glands usually create droplets that sparkle in the sunlight attracting bugs who are thirsty. Once a bug lands in the sticky secretions, the leaf surfaces roll up around it and digestive enzymes go to work. Think of a creepy hand beckoning you into its grasp, that seductive roll of the fingers draws you in and you’re ensnared. Yep, then the life’s dissolved out of you. What a way to go. Notice that we only explained the methodology of three of the carnivorous plant styles we listed in the second paragraph. That’s because we really just wanted to call your attention to the crimson pitcher plant, the violet (Godfrey’s) butterwort and the threadleaf sundew. All of which are endangered and can be found in our great state (though obviously in very limited quantities). Sadly, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
their boggy, pinewoods and swampy, Florida Panhandle habitats are quickly being destroyed. There’s an increase in greed that has initiated the destruction of a number of habitats. These, specifically, are being affected by a desire to harvest timber on the lands they so love and need. The human desire to expand, build, own and consume is readily eradicating some of the most innovative, and astounding representations of the Almighty’s creativity. Here are plants that actually eat meat and we’re waving goodbye to them as we restrict natural burns and applaud industrial development. We’re not tree huggers here, and really, these aren’t trees to hug anyway, but when we sit idly by watching the destruction of nature, we have to wonder what the ramifications will really be. That carnivorous plant that we’re ignoring eats mosquitoes! We’d much rather secure the butterworts’, pitcher plants’ and sundews’ lives than feed the mosquitoes with our own! So, what can we do? That’s a great question and sometimes it’s really hard to make suggestions to enable you to take action. The first thing would be to learn to recognize the plants we’re discussing. The crimson pitcher plant has some dark red (sometimes purple) veins along the top opening of its vase like structure and can be 4-20 inches tall. The violet butterwort has thick green leaves with curved edges (the better to roll up on a bug with) and the whole plant is shaped a little like a rose. Finally, the threadleaf sundew has leaves (which look a lot more like stems) that are covered by little tentacle-esque extensions that form tiny (very sticky) droplets. These are by far, our favorites. All of these carnivorous plants are dependent upon natural fires for survival. Too much shade created by the overgrowth of shrubbery is causing them great harm. If natural fires occurred, there wouldn’t be that overgrowth. In addition, if we’d be more mindful of their indigenous habitats then we could do a great deal to protect them and the other small creatures who are dependent upon the pinewood bogs and other swampy areas. We really must learn to respect this planet before we destroy the things that protect us from ourselves (and the mosquitoes). Sources:
http://www.carnivorousplantnursery.com/info/cptypes.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinguicula_ionantha http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/SARU4/saru_text.html http://www.growsundews.com/sundews/sundew_drosera_information.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
29
30
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
31
32
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Deere Day By Melissa Nichols
On April 10th Everglades Farm Equipment hosted their annual Deere Day (Customer Appreciation Lunch) & Drive Green Event. The day began with tractor demonstrations, a full staff of trained John Deere Specialists, a DJ playing music, and Everglades customers from all around Central Florida. This year Everglades reached out to three local FFA Chapters, Tomlin Middle School FFA, Kathleen Senior FFA and Warner Colligate FFA. The three chapters sold raffle tickets to pieces of Stihl handheld equipment that Everglades provided. Mr. J.O. Schlechter, owner of Everglades Farm Equipment, blessed the meal and then Dan Inglima, Site Manager, led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Then a wonderful lunch of Prime Rib, BBQ chicken, Rice and tomato gravy, and green beans was served. After lunch three flavors of ice cream, made by a PTO driven ice cream churn, provided a delicious cold dessert to the guests and the door prizes were given out. In addition the FFA Chapters prizes were also given out. At the end of the Deere Day Event each FFA Chapter WWW. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
left with close to $300 each to help their chapter with future expenses. The existing customers left feeling appreciated and Everglade’s employees felt blessed to work for a company that cares so much about their customers. In the afternoon the gears changed to the Drive Green Event where potential customers come in and compare John Deere to the “other guys.” Guests are invited to drive a John Deere tractor side by side with a competitor’s tractor. Everglades is confident John Deere equipment is the best built tractor in America so they have been offering this opportunity for the last few years. Everglades stands by the products they sell from “ice cold” YETI coolers to the “hottest” tractors and lawn maintenance equipment available on the market. Whether you are looking for a new John Deere product, Krone hay mower or a new piece of Stihl handheld, Everglades is your place. IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
33 33
34 34
IIN NTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M ay April arch2015 2015 2015
WWW. IIN FFFIELD M WWW. WWW. INNTTTHE HE HE IELD IELD M MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
Florida Asparagus By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science With its elegant, long, green stems and delicate flavor, asparagus is synonymous with springtime. A perennial vegetable, asparagus is most abundant during its prime season in April to May. Also called sparagrass or sparrowgrass, this vegetable grows in Florida, as well as California, New Jersey, Washington, and Massachusetts. Stem thickness is related to the age of the plant. The younger shoots are thinner, while older plants have thicker stems. While most people think of asparagus as green, this vegetable also comes in white or purple varieties. Fresh asparagus is crisp and juicy with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and is delicious eaten out-of-hand or cooked. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Asparagus is a nutrition superstar, and is bursting with a wide range of vitamins and minerals while containing very few calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of cooked asparagus (180 g) contains 40 calories, 4.3 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 7.4 g carbohydrate, and 3.6 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 101% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for Vitamin K, 67% for folate, 33% for copper, 24% for vitamin B1, 20% for selenium, 18% for vitamins C and E, and 14% for manganese, phosphorus and dietary fiber. One serving also contains plentiful amounts of other nutrients, including potassium, zinc, iron, protein, magnesium, and calcium! Bone up on Vitamin K A one cup serving of Florida asparagus provides a whopping 101% of your daily vitamin K requirements. This vitamin is crucial in the blood clotting process and plays an extremely important role in bone health. Vitamin K is required to synthesize multiple clotting factors in the body, which is necessary to prevent excess bleeding. Several large research studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Framingham Heart Study have found that lower intakes of vitamin K were correlated to a higher risk of hip fracture in both men and women. WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEART-HEALTH Asparagus is high in a variety of heart-healthy nutrients that work together to promote a healthy cardiovascular system. This vegetable boasts high levels of the antioxidants vitamin A, C, and E, which work to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body and prevent its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, Vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
As a very good source of dietary fiber, asparagus provides 14% of your daily requirements in a one-cup serving. Fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. It can also help stabilize blood glucose levels. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, plays an important role in converting homocysteine into less harmful compounds. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been shown to damage blood vessel walls and are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Research studies have linked folate deficiency with elevated homocysteine levels, and conversely, folate supplementation with decreased homocysteine levels and improved blood vessel function. One serving of asparagus contains two-thirds of your daily folate requirement as well as a significant amount of many of the other B vitamins. HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose firm, brightly colored asparagus stems that snap crisply when bent. Examine the pointy ends; look for closed tips and avoid those that are wrinkly or shriveled. The stalks should be rounded and not too thick. Asparagus is best eaten as soon as possible, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The stalks can also be blanched and frozen or canned to enjoy for later use. HOW TO ENJOY Fresh Florida asparagus is delicate, crisp and delicious eaten straight out-of-hand. It can also be cooked, pickled, or frozen. Any sauce or simply a pinch of salt and fresh herbs can enhance their flavor. Here are some more ideas: Stir-fry with shrimp or chicken in teriyaki sauce Steam or blanch stems and add to salad or a crudité platter Toss into soups and stews Dunk raw or steamed asparagus into any dipping sauce—salsa, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, hummus, or hot sauce Grill with olive oil and garlic Oven roast and top with parmesan cheese Enjoy fresh Florida asparagus in its peak season today. With its subtly sweet flavor and versatile uses, asparagus can boost your health in a very delicious way. SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
35
Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now
Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.oridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org
36
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
37
JOIN THE “FRESH
FROM FLORIDA”
PROGRAM “Fresh From Florida” is a program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is designed to connect distributors and retail buyers with Florida growers to increase sales of Florida products. To learn more about the program benefits, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/Join or call 850-617-7399.
38
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Road
America’s First Frontier
By Les McDowell
Photos by Linda Constant
The other day I looked through some old picture albums. I was reminiscing about the first few shows of Dry Creek. No matter how successful Dry Creek becomes I will never get the enjoyment that I felt at that point. I’m no big Hollywood producer and Dry Creek still has a lot of road ahead to get to where we want to be. But the road has been quite a ride and it’s fun to look at pictures and look back. My mind kept going back as I flipped the pages of that album backwards. I saw the cowboy road I had followed that brought me to the dusty streets of Dry Creek. It’s been a ride in lots of old trucks pulling old trailers and on horses that ran through my life, dogs at my side for our seasons together, pictures of friends who shared my fire, family members smiling in photos held together with old tape watching me ride a stick horse. What grabbed me at such a young age to follow that western dream? Was it that your word was your bond? Doing the right thing was the path you tried to follow? That the good guys always won? I believe it was all those things and more that had me follow this trail. Here’s a little hickory smoked pontification on my thoughts. I open that picture album and some are yellow and faded. But even as a little boy, due to the big brim, my face was always shaded. No it’s not a police or fireman hat on my head that sat. It’s a cowboy hat. It had to be white cause I wanted to be good. Riding a white horse to school, I would if I could. Here’s one of me with dime store cap guns. This of Dad and Me watching Gun Smoke, just father and son. When Gun Smoke started I’d be standing in front of that old Zenith, ready to draw. When Matt Dillion pulled his gun I was always the one to fall. Here’s one from 57 where the hat covers my head and rests on my shoulders. Here’s one at ten riding proudly on my Burro ole Tonka, dreaming of a horse when I got older. So you see my whole life has been in cowboy pictures since nineteen fifty three. Boots and hats, spurs and saddles with my rope hanging on my family tree. I close the pages of this picture book and find myself in Dry Creek. I see a lot of road still ahead with lots of pictures to be added. Everybody knows where Dry Creek is.... It’s inside each and every one of us. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
39
40
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW. WWW.INTHE HEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHE HEFIELD MAGAZINE AGAZINE
May ay 2015
41
MANY REASONS TO JOIN FARM BUREAU Not the least of which is assuring “3 square meals” a day
By Kenneth Parker, president of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association You don’t have to be a cattle rancher or farmer to join Farm Bureau. While it is certainly important for those agriculturalists to belong, those of you who enjoy three meals a day have a very good reason to join and that’s to assure producers will be able to meet your food and fiber expectations into the future. That’s not meant to be a scare tactic or an exaggeration. That is the truth. Check for yourself by using any one of the search engines available to all of us on the web. See what the experts have to say about population growth and match that against global food productions estimates. The essence of that search will show that population is anticipated to grow from just over 7 billion now to more than 10 billion by 2050. However, there is genuine concern that food production will not be sufficient to meet the needs of all of those people. Here in Hillsborough County membership in Farm Bureau for your entire family is $55 a year and that includes a dinner for your family at our annual meeting. That’s a steak dinner for mom and dad and burgers for the children. I submit that the cost of that meal is an immediate return “in full” on your membership investment. But we don’t want you to just write a check and have a meal. It would be great for you to get involved. That’s all of you since we have programs for all members of the family and each of those is of benefit to agriculture. We have educational opportunities, the chance to help promote agriculture and a bevy of options for advocating on behalf of our industry. The beauty of each of these endeavors is that each offers education and training before implementation. In other words, you will be able to learn while you are engaged. It’s kind of like playing in the minors before getting to the big leagues. However, the pace is up to you. Let’s look at some specifics. Educational opportunities include leadership training programs for members at the county, district and state levels. There are also specific programs for women and young farmers and ranchers, plus support and involvement in the Florida Agriculture in the Classroom program through which volunteers help educate elementary students about the role and importance of agriculture by reading stories developed specifically for these youngsters in their classrooms. Farm Bureau also offers mini-grants opportunities for teachers and Ag subject school certifications such as biotechnology and agritechnology along with continuing support of FFA and 4-H programs. We are also involved in coordinating Best Management Practices for producers with the 42
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and other agencies such as the water management districts and entities within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are a number of ways in which Farm Bureau and its volunteers help to promote the benefits of agriculture. They include various Farm Bureau publications, its diverse Internet presence and selected social media sites. The statewide County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship Program is a way to showcase producers who have committed to Best Management Practices on their operations. There are countless opportunities to assist with farm tours, helping to educate consumers on how commodities are grown and the countless steps growers take to protect and sustain the environment. Special events such as Farm-City Week and Food Check-Out Week, as well as Ag Literacy Day are added opportunities to promote the industry and help educate urbanites about agriculture. There are other chances for your involvement and assistance here in Hillsborough County and we would welcome your inquiry. Policy advocacy is another important area for Farm Bureau and its members. We work continuously to build alliances with others interested in natural resource conservation and our staff and volunteers pursue opportunities to represent agriculture before local, state and federal government agencies. It is essential that agriculture be engaged in the creation of public policy and we work hard to be sure that occurs. Our members also participate in the development of economic opportunities in our counties and state. We promote private enterprise, private property rights and incentive-based regulation. All should recognize that farmers and ranchers were “green” when it was just a color. We are deeply involved in the promotion of agriculture’s benefits for natural resource conservation through the preservation of freshwater recharge areas, wildlife habitat and greenspace. As you can see we do many different things to foster understanding and support of agriculture. None of this would be at all possible without our members and their involvement. If you like to eat (and who doesn’t) and have found some areas where you would have interest in being involved, please contact us. We would appreciate your involvement and look forward to having your family join ours. For more information, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call: 813/685-9121. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
43
44
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Leaders must be a signature crop for Florida ag
By Jack Payne We know how to grow things in Florida – oranges, blueberries, coleus, you name it. Fortunately, we also know how to grow leaders in our agriculture and natural resources industries. Their vision will be essential in how successful we are in feeding Florida and the world, in adapting to climate change, in protecting the natural resources that make agriculture possible and Florida a continuing magnet for visitors. Just throwing money at challenges isn’t feasible. The challenges are too grand and complex. We have to throw talent at them. It’s a lot more cost-effective to produce homegrown talent than to bid at auction in a national job market. And it assures us that Floridians will lead Florida. Our leadership programs might produce the most important crop in our state because they help all other crops thrive. It’s the development of visionary, bold, honest, earnest, get-it-done people whose talent multiplies itself by bringing out the talent in others. Well-executed leadership training also helps grow the economy. That’s why the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has developed leadership training with an agriculture and natural resources focus. We can demonstrate an effect. A recent study done by our Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources indicates that each person who goes through the yearlong program contributes to creating an average of three jobs. With more nearly 250 alumni, that starts to add up. We know we need to grow Florida leaders faster. We have people clamoring for the tools they need to be better Floridians. After all, it’s never a good time to delay job creation. Programs such as those of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute are at capacity, though. The legislature has the opportunity to grow leaders faster. For less than $900,000, our leadership programs would provide new programming or additional support to an average of 125 students a year and as many as 30 additional graduate degrees in the next decade. The investment would also provide more slots for an additional 100 leadership program participants in training such as the Legacy Leadership program that has helped cultivate a new generation of visionaries in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Don’t take my word for it. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam gives Legacy the ultimate endorsement.
When he’s seeking to fill an important position in a department that is key to Florida’s economy, public health and consumer protection, he turns to his chief of staff and asks, “Do we have a Legacy?” That question led him to Michael Short. Until last year, Short had served nine years in the same job, a midlevel operative in the FDACS animal division as an equine programs manager. During his year in Legacy, he got promoted to bureau chief and then to state veterinarian, the job his boss’s boss used to have. Legacy wasn’t the only reason for Short’s sudden rise. But he got the training at just the right time. Short says he couldn’t have developed the skills he got in Legacy from any other program, and certainly not anything so tailored to a career in FDACS. Here’s the other thing Short says. At first he was hesitant about taking the state veterinarian position. It’s a huge responsibility. I give half the credit to Commissioner Putnam for helping Short get past his hesitancy. The commissioner is persuasive. It’s tough to sit across a table from him and say no. But Legacy changed Short’s image of himself. The Legacy training provided by UF/IFAS gave him the confidence to say yes to the state veterinarian job offer and to lead 114 program managers, field inspectors and veterinarians and other staff as director of the FDACS Division of Animal Industry. He’s now in a position to use his skills to help hundreds of veterinarians, protect animal health, and support an equine industry, for example, in a state with more horses than Kentucky. He might even grow some jobs. UF/IFAS wants the chance to help produce more Michael Shorts. Reorganizing our various leadership programs under a single umbrella would help us speed the flow of our homegrown talent pipeline. We start identifying and training leaders as young as 5 years old through 4-H and making sure people well into their careers continue through their entire working years to bequeath a better Florida. Leaders are a perennial crop. Like citrus and vegetables, though, they don’t grow without being cultivated. So let’s make sure we have a steady hand on the plow to keep Florida agriculture growing.
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
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
45
“Fresh From Florida” … Where Farmers and their Fans connect!
by John Dicks Whether you’re a farmer looking to promote your farm, or just a fan of one (meaning that you like to eat what farmers produce), it makes sense to use some of the free fine services provided by our Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Did you know, for example, that the Ag Department maintains an interactive list, including maps, of U-Pick Farms? Neither did I. One of the questions we frequently get is where you can go to find farms that allow people to pick for themselves some of the fruits or vegetables, which they know will be fresh, and maybe save a bit of money in the process. Farmers, too, have wondered how they might promote their farms to a wider audience than those who just happen to see a U-Pick sign planted beside the road somewhere. One great online source for both the farmer and the consumer can be found on the Ag Department’s Consumer Resources website. The only problem is, it’s difficult to find exactly where on the website you can find how to “Buy Fresh From Florida.” You’d think that the Ag Department would want to make that simple, quick and easy to do, but apparently it does not!
ing 850-617-7350. They’ll ask you to send by email some information about your farm, including its name and contact numbers, what kind of fruits or vegetables you want listed and a general time frame for your harvest. It’s simple, quick and easy to do, and best of all, costs you nothing. Despite it being more difficult than is desired to find where to “Buy Fresh From Florida,” once you’re there, it’s interesting to click through and learn about the other items listed. I was surprised to see, for example, how many wineries and vineyards are listed, including about a dozen in the Tampa Bay area. Among other things, you can also find where to buy hay, should you need any, and learn the prime time to enjoy various fresh Florida seafood, including alligator. I know not why alligator is listed as a seafood, but it will surprise you none to learn that the peak months of availability for Florida alligator is … every single one of them, January through December!
Here’s what you do. First go to the Ag Department’s Consumer Resources website at www.FreshFromFlorida.com. Once you’re on the main website, look to the left and click “Consumer Resources.” It will take you to another page where you’ll want to find and click on the link for “Buy Fresh From Florida.” From there, you’ll find a variety of options, many of which you’ll likely find interesting (such as “Christmas Tree Farms”), but navigate down to “U-Pick Farms” and you’ll see your sought after info. While the Ag Department makes no recommendations nor gives rankings on the farms that it lists, this section of the website is easy to navigate and has an interactive map to let you zoom in on the various locations. The individual listings include, naturally, the name of the farm and its address and phone number, but also links to any particular farm website that might be maintained so that consumers can get a closer and more detailed look. As you would imagine, the site includes listings for farms which allow visitors to pick their own blueberries and strawberries, but there are also other listings of opportunities to, as the website says, “pick more unusual items, everything from persimmons and chestnuts to star fruit and avocados.” If you are a farmer and wondering why your own farm isn’t listed, you can get included for free by contacting the AG Department’s Bureau of Education and Communication. The simplest way is by call46
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
47
Heritage Roses At first blush it may be difficult to consider a linkage of roses, Lakeland and the Harlem area in New York City. But there is and it is an interesting story. The starting point is the Heritage Rose Foundation (HRF), a 501c3 non-profit foundation dedicated to: • The collection of roses originating in the nineteenth century or earlier and roses with particular historic, education or genetic value. • The establishment of one or more gardens wherein heritage roses may be grown and displayed. • The advancement of research and investigations into heritage roses, including history, identification, genetics and breeding, propagation, diseases and pests and suitability for landscape use. • The publishing and dissemination of information about heritage roses, including any and all research that emanates from the foundation. • The establishment and maintenance of a library of books, periodicals, research papers, manuscripts, catalogues and other items to facilitate further research and investigation into heritage roses. • The establishment of public knowledge of heritage roses through seminars, meetings, forums, panels, lectures, tours and exhibits designed to encourage and increase the public’s perception of heritage roses. Add to that ‘Harison’s Yellow’, a famous old rose, introduced in 1824 in New York by George Folliott Harison, who had a nursery in what is now midtown Manhattan. It traveled west with the wagon trains and is found all over the continent now. Some call it the Yellow Rose of Texas. In 2009 HRF President Stephen Scanniello and HRF Secretary Betty Vickers were in New York looking for Harison’s grave in 48
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
An Interesting Link Between Harlem and Lakeland Service – Learning for Florida Southern Students
By Jim Frankowiak
the Trinity Wall Street church cemetery in Harlem. That’s right, the church had been on Wall Street while its cemetery was in Harlem, some distance away. They found the grave and planted roses around it, an event that came to the attention of the NEW YORK TIMES which then published an article. Manhattan Borough President - at the time - Scott Stringer, read the article and contacted Scanniello with an idea of beautifying Harlem with gardens appropriate to the periods in which neighborhoods were settled and developed, initially the Old Dutch colony through the Jazz era. The HRF ran with the idea and since more than 1,200 roses have been planted in more than 20 sites throughout Harlem and Washington Heights. The Lakeland connection came by way of Malcolm M. Manners, Ph. D., John and Ruth Tyndall Professor of Citrus Science and Horticulture Program Director at Florida Southern College (FSC). He is also a charter member and trustee of the HRF. Dr. Manners has been teaching at FSC since 1981. “Since 1983, we have had a rose mosaic virus heat therapy program at the college,” he said. “Nurseries and private growers send us infected roses, we cure them and return them, keeping interesting varieties for our collection which is now approaching 400 varieties. Probably the most diverse collection of roses, many of them antique, in the South.” The HRF asked Dr. Manners to provide historically important roses to the Harlem project. “My classes learn plant propagation using roses as their working material,” said Dr. Manners. “Two of those classes made it a project to produce the roses needed for the New York Heritage Rose District. The first year, we produced 300 and since then have produced several hundred more. Several nurseries have also conWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tributed to the project, but FSC is the primary source for the roses.” But there’s more. “Once we started propagating the roses, we got the idea – why not do a service-learning trip to New York – to participate in the planting,” said Dr. Manners. “We have now done that on four occasions, always in March or April, departing on a Thursday evening and returning the next Sunday night.” Participants are typically Dr. Manners’ students and brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at FSC where he is advisor. Groups have ranged in size from four to 14. The groups work on Friday and Saturday and then do some sightseeing on Sunday before taking a late flight back to Florida. Trip takers typically check luggage with 25-30 roses packed and carry-on their personal belongings. Mitchell Varnum, now an alumnus of FSC currently attending Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, was a member of the first FSC group to make the trip. His family resides in Lithia. Mitchell’s brother Claybo (the nickname he has been given for Clayton), an FSC senior majoring in recreational turf management, has made the trip the last three years. “I participated in the trip my first year as a whim,” he said. “I knew my brother had gone on the trip before and that he’d had a good time so I decided to go. I immediately fell in love with the experience and the work we did in Harlem. So much so that I recently returned from my third trip to Harlem. My father, Scott, has been on the last two trips. “One of the biggest things I learned is how blessed we are to live in an agricultural community. Many of the people we work with in Harlem have never had the opportunity to plant something much less know anything about the importance of horticulture. Being able to assist WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
them in propagating roses is a sheer delight. It really is amazing to see someone’s eyes light up when you tell them the rose they just planted will blossom into something beautiful one day.” Some of the gardens are planted where residents have agreed to help maintain the apartments and common areas where they reside as part of their low cost housing leases. Sugar Hill Apartments, which is comprised of 30-units, now has a rooftop rose garden of 18 planters thanks to the heritage rose program. “Claybo asked me to join him the second time he went on the trip,” said his father, Scott. “It was a great experience. We met some good people, got some work done and had the opportunity to see parts of New York from the perspective of a resident, Steve Scanniello, a good man and very special tour guide. All of that plus the opportunity to spend time with my son. I was also happy to help Dr. Manners keep an eye on these college students.” Scott has been on the last two trips with his son. In addition to planting new gardens, the groups “do some clean-up and pruning of the existing gardens,” said Dr. Manners. “We have also conducted workshops on propagation and planting for children in the neighborhoods and Girl Scout troops. Funding for the trips comes from donations, “but mostly, we earn the money through plant sales at the college,” said Dr. Manners. “For someone who was born and raised in Lithia, New York was a different world for me, Mitchell and Dad,” said Claybo. “The speed at which that city moves is insane! Although I could never see myself living there, I will always jump at an opportunity to visit the city in the future. And to know I had a hand in beautifying the most famous city in the world is something I will always cherish.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
49
Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Rustic Tomato Spread
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine tomatoes and their juices, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a heavy pot and cook covered for 1 hour. Remove the lid and cook for 1 more hour, or until the juice has thickened. Stir occasionally and scrape down the tomatoes from the edges to prevent burning. Cool and puree finely to a paste-like consistency. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve on toasted baguettes.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
2 medium Florida bell peppers (your color choice), seeds and stem removed, sliced into 1/4inch strips 1 pound top sirloin or your favorite cut of beef, excess fat trimmed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved 6 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly ground black pepper extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil, separated 1/2 Spanish onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (to match peppers) 1 large Florida tomato, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
DIRECTIONS Trim any visible excess fat from the beef. Cut the beef across the grain into ¼ inch wide strips that are as long as the peppers and onions. Season the steak strips with kosher salt and pepper. Add chopped garlic to seasoned steak and let sit in the refrigerator for around 10 minutes. While the steak is sitting, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan on medium high to high heat. When the oil starts to smoke, add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cook wile stirring, until the peppers and onions are just barely starting to become tender, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute. Remove the vegetables from the sauté pan to a bowl and set aside for the moment. In the same sauté pan, heat an additional 2 tablespoons of oil on medium high to high heat, until the oil is almost smoking. Carefully add the strips of beef and let the beef brown on both without much stirring. As soon as the beef reaches the desired doneness, add the vegetables and Worcestershire and cook quickly. Remove from heat and serve with seasoned brown rice or rice noodles.
Florida Sweet Bell Peppers with Beef 50 50
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M ay 2015 MAY 2015
WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
51 51
Favorite Funky Flowers LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPINGTM AGENT I have several plants in my home landscape that produce unusual flowers. They are funky enough in the looks category to nearly stop traffic. I thought you might appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each one. The plants I have selected are: Spiral ginger, Dutchman’s pipevine, Hoya, Tillandsia, Gloriosa lily, White powderpuff and Chinese hat.
Dutchman’s pipe, pipevine, Aristolochia spp:
This is a fast growing vine that can reach a height and spread of 10-15 feet. It prefers slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Sand works best as the soil texture. Soil moisture should be medium drained. Dutchman’s pipevine has medium drought tolerance and low to no salt tolerance. It prefers partial shade/ partial sun and performs well in full shade. The flowers are white/purple from summer through winter. This plant is the larval food plant for several swallowtail butterflies. This plant grows well in central and south Florida.
Spiral ginger, Costus spp
: This is a fast growing perennial that can reach a height of 6-10 feet and spread of 4-8 feet. It prefers slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Any soil texture works well, from clay loam to sandy loam, from sand to sandy clay. Soil moisture should be well drained. Spiral ginger has low drought tolerance and low to no salt tolerance. It prefers partial shade/partial sun and performs well in full shade or full sun. The undersides of the leaves are very soft and the flowers remind me of a red wax sculpture with yellow bird bills protruding. Flowering occurs from summer through fall. This plant grows well in north, central and south Florida.
52
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
Wax plant, Wax flower, Hoya carnosa:
This is a slow growing vine whose height and spread depend on the structure utilized. It prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH of 4.5 to 7.2. Any soil texture works well. Soil moisture should be extremely well drained. Wax plant has high drought tolerance and poor salt tolerance. It prefers partial shade/partial sun. This plant produces large, round hanging clusters of cream colored or pink flowers in the spring and summer, and performs very well in containers or hanging baskets. Propagation is by cuttings. For more informaWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tion on this plant, please see the University of Florida publication, ‘Hoya carnosa Wax Plant, Wax Flower’, by Edward F. Gilman, at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp257.
Bromeliads, Tillandsia: There are approxi-
mately 85 species of native ‘air plants’ in Florida. Tillandsia is a member of the pineapple family. They live on other plants but do not live off of other plants, so they are epiphytes, not parasites. Tillandsia do not have roots on the ground and some capture water through their roots or leaves. Some prefer sun and some prefer shade. Propagation is from ‘pups’ produced by the mother plant. For more information on this lovely native plant, please see the University of Florida publication, ‘Florida’s Native Bromeliads’, by Barbra C. Larson, J. Howard Frank, Ginger M. Allen and Martin B. Main, at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw205.
Powderpuff, Calliandra spp. and cvs: This is a fast growing small tree that can reach a height of 1015 feet and spread of 8-15 feet. It prefers slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Any soil texture works well. Soil moisture should be well drained. Powderpuff has high drought tolerance and low to no salt tolerance. It prefers full sun and does well in partial shade/partial sun. This plant attracts hummingbirds. It flowers from fall through spring in colors of pink or white. According to the UF/IFAS Assessment of the Status of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (Fox et al. 2005), only Calliandra haematocephala has been assessed as not being a problem. This is the plant photographed for this article, cultivar ‘White’, which produces 2-3 inch wide snow-white flower puffs. This plant grows well in central and south Florida. Propagation is by seed and cuttings.
Chinese hat plant, Holmskioldia sanguinea:
Gloriosa lily, Gloriosa spp: This is a fast
growing perennial that can reach a height and spread of 2-8 feet. It prefers slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Soil texture should be sandy/clay. Soil moisture should be well drained. Gloriosa lily has medium drought tolerance. It prefers partial shade/partial sun and performs well in full shade. This plant grows well in north, central and south Florida.
WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
This plant has a moderate growth rate and can reach a height and spread of 5-8 feet. It prefers acid to slightly alkaline soil pH of 4.5 to 7.2. Any soil texture works well. Soil moisture should be medium drained. Chinese hat plant has moderate drought tolerance. It prefers partial shade/partial sun. Chinese hat plant produces bright orange/red flowers that look like a hat, thus the name. Flowering occurs year-round in south Florida. It works well as a standard, hedge, border or specimen plant. This plant grows well in central and south Florida. For more information, see: ‘Holmskioldia sanguinea’, by Edward F. Gilman at: http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/holsana.pdf. For more information about the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program or for assistance with gardening related questions, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or visit us at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. We hope you will stop by to stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden in our office courtyard. INTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IN
May ay 2015 2015 M
53 53
By Ginny Mink
Part 8
Ornamental Gardening in Florida
Welcome, once again to our voyage to old school Florida and the gardening techniques offered up to us by the honorable, Charles Torrey Simpson. We so love reading this nearly one hundred year old novel and therefore we find ourselves in a chapter about propagation. Thankfully he admits (in reference to propagation), “Grafting, budding and inarching are hardly within the scope of a book like this.”¹ In fact, he recommends a good gardening manual if that’s an area you want to study further. However, as we’ve seen with Mr. Simpson, he can’t refrain from adding his own thoughts on the matter. He tells readers, “The entire process of propagation and all that is connected with it are among the most delightful experiences of the plant lover and gardener. What joy can be sweeter that actually to witness the creation of living organisms- to see little seed leaves and plumules pushing their way up through the earth?”¹ His elation continues, “What is there more thrilling than to feel that these dear things are your very own, that, in partnership with nature, you have helped to bring them into existence? Only a true lover of plants can ever feel the pleasure of digging up a cutting he has planted and finding…that in his hands he holds, perhaps, the possibility of a noble and beautiful tree which may live through generations to cheer and bless mankind long after he has passed away.”¹ That’s an interesting way to look at it. You’d think then, having directed his readers to get a book on gardening that the next chapter, Planting, wouldn’t even exist and yet, there it is! He admits that he really can’t add much to the instruction of planting ornamentals as most everything has been discussed elsewhere. In fact, he humbly states, “I make claim to no particular skill; I am only an amateur and a poor one at that; there are many who succeed where I fail.”¹ We have to love that about him because as we’ve been reading this book, he has seemed extraordinarily knowledgeable on Florida’s habitat and native species. He doesn’t stop at his humble revelations though. In fact, he just reiterates what is so obvious in his writing, “I love all these dear things with a mother’s devotion,” and then he returns to humility, “but somehow I fall a little short of complete success in planting and making them grow. I can preach better than I can practice.”¹ We admire his honesty and find it hugely amusing that this, practice what you preach, cliché is nearly 100 years old! Since we live in Florida too, it’s easy to relate to his complaints when it comes to successful gardening. We’ve seen the sun scorch our crops and our flowers alike. So, when he writes, “Our sandy soil soon dries out on the surface and becomes scorchingly hot in the summer. The sun beams down almost vertically on it at that time and the moisture 54
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
evaporates quickly even after rain,”¹ we have to nod. Certainly we experience these same things today. Then we laugh when he adds, “I try, when possible, to put my things out during a rainy time but it seems to me that no matter how wet it is when I plant the weather immediately turns dry and stays so.”¹ You know you’re chuckling here too. We wonder if he knew anything about Murphy’s Law? Reading on, we discover his signature irritation with the way things are going, particularly in the commercial, or cultural, arena. He has some quite serious issues with the landscaping design of his day defending the natural layout of the earth, saying that people should adhere to that design. In fact, he says, “We hear a good deal about massing trees and shrubs for effect, of matching colors of flowers and foliage in planting, of harmony and discord…It seems to me that those who are so insistent about these things only use plants as a means to an end, that to them these beautiful things which to me seem to have souls are merely what soldiers are to a commanding general on a battlefield. They simply want to make a fine picture and are not interested especially in the material of which it is made.”¹ We have to love his indignance and wonder if perhaps that same emotional attachment and position might have kept us all from the vast destruction we’ve perpetrated on this great gift from God. There’s only one earth and we’re tearing it to shreds. Mr. Simpson’s outrage is justified and he continues to describe it in language from his time, “They remind me of the society woman who had to have a nurse whose complexion harmonized with that of her baby.”¹ Yep, he thinks their design goals are ridiculous, self-centered and just plain wrong. We’re afraid we’d have to agree. We do need to adhere to the natural order of things. God planted what He wanted in Florida and who are we to alter that? In closing, Mr. Simpson says, “I love every tree, shrub, vine and plant for its own sake; to cut one down or even trim it seems almost cruel. I am interested in them…They are my friends tried and true and I am theirs, they will never betray me and we seem in some measure to understand each other. It is a rest and a comfort to me to go among them and visit with them…” He advises then, “…plant trees, shrubs, vines and the lowlier things for they are nature’s mantle of charity that covers man’s monstrous sins of hideous landscaping and architecture. If a home, a town or city is embowered in beautiful vegetation we can overlook the mistakes made by its builders and even admire it.”¹ That’s something to think about. 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. 35-45). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
55
56
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WE BUY FARMS Gladstone Land is actively acquiring farms in Florida. We offer owners and farmers three options: 1. We buy farms and provide long-term leases to the farmer.
2. We buy land that farmers would like to farm, but not own.
3. We buy farms with leases in place or can be leased.
Please contact Bill Frisbie at Gladstone Land: (703) 287-5839 bill.f@gladstoneland.com | www.GladstoneFarms.com
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
57
FLORIDA STRAWBERRIES:
By Jim Frankowiak
Snowbirds with a Twist and How They are Getting Better
Snowbirds is the term most often used in reference to winter visitors to the Sunshine state from the cold and blustery north. However, Dr. Vance Whitaker, a faculty member of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), which is part of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, also uses that term to refer to Florida strawberries. And he should know since he heads the strawberry breeding program based at the GCREC. “Strawberries are not grown from seeds, but from the runners originating from plants that have been propagated in field nurseries,” he said. That is similar to the way cuttings are used from house plants. “Nurseries in the north, where it is cooler than Florida with less rain, grow those runners into plants during the summer, which are then shipped back to Florida and hand-planted in the strawberry fields in and around Plant City in the fall,” he said. “To me, that makes them snowbirds.” And there are lots of them. Whitaker estimates some 200 million individual plants shipped here for planting by hand across 11,000-acres. That annual process begins with the preparation of plastic covered bedding for the plants, fumigation of the beds and a cooling off period so applied fumigants can dissipate. Hand planting of the plants takes place from the last week of each September through the second or third week of October. “Fruit harvesting takes place between Thanksgiving and Easter,” he said. “Each one of those plants is hand-planted individually into the small holes that were punched into the plastic mulch. It is highly labor intensive and I am amazed at the speed of those workers.” Once planted, the growers continually scout their fields, watching for pests and diseases and take the appropriate action should any be detected. The strawberry breeding program traces its beginnings to 1948 and a U.S. Department of Agriculture facility located at that time in the Springhead area east of Plant City, butting up against the county line. It then moved to Dover, where the Florida Strawberry Growers Asso58
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
ciation is now located, in 1963. Then it was on to southern Hillsborough County in 2005 with the opening of the GCREC. The early variety of strawberry planted in the Plant City area was called “Missionary”. By the middle 1940s yields dropped greatly due to virus infections. This led to initiation of a breeding program to develop a new variety for growers in the area and rest of Florida. Several varieties were transplanted in the field and seeds were saved from the fruit in 1948. From 1,070 seedlings grown, 120 selections were made. One of the selections included in the 120 “best” seedlings was the 90th plant in the row. During testing this seedling was referred to as ‘Florida Ninety’, a name retained and the variety was released in 1952 and became the dominant variety for the next decade. Following the move to Dover a systematic breeding program was begun in 1968. The first variety developed and released was Florida Belle’. In 1987, Dr. Craig Chandler joined the program and spearheaded the development of the ‘Sweet Charlie’ variety in 1992. Named in honor of Plant Pathologist Dr. Charles M. Howard, “’Sweet Charlie’ was the first big splash of the breeding program,” said Dr. Whitaker. “Previous to that time, growers in Florida relied primarily on California varieties which were not suited for the disease challenges we face in Florida.” Since then, new and successful varieties have included ‘Festival’ in 2000 and ‘Radiance’ in 2008, both under the leadership of Dr. Chandler who retired in 2009. “We have made a good deal of progress over the years in our quest to keep making a better product,” said Whitaker, who joined the breeding program, which he now heads, in 2009. “The size of our berry has grown markedly since the 60s and 70s. The latest varieties have fruit that are twice as big, growing at the rate of a quarter-gram a year.” The process involves crossing of parents of one plant with another parent plant leading to hybrid seedlings each of which is genetically distinct from all other seedlings and both parents. The breeding program does 100 - 150 crosses each year leading to 10,000 – 15,000 seedlings. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“One out of approximately every 30,000 seedlings becomes a new variety and that process takes up to seven years,” said Whitaker. His breeding team includes a dozen members of staff, including graduate students and hourly labor. The team’s funding comes primarily from royalties paid by nurseries that grow and sell varieties developed and released by the program here in the U.S. and overseas. “The strawberry industry and our program are mutually dependent upon one another,” noted Whitaker. Traits sought from new varieties of strawberry are diverse. “Nurseries in the north want new varieties to produce sufficient runners; growers want a berry of a size that is easily and efficiently picked as well as being disease resistant. There is also the desire for color consistency. Produce buyers are also interested in size, but that interest has to do with the quantity of berries packed, and they want extended shelf life. Consumers seek flavor and taste traits. Overall, we have many bosses, each with a specific set of traits they desire in new varieties.” Whitaker and his team are also forward thinking. “In addition to the various traits that are sought by everyone in the chain from nurseries and growers, to retailers and consumers, we are looking ahead to the next disease, flavor preference, competitive considerations and other challenges that we have to help overcome as we develop new varieties.” “We are fortunate to have a great facility, faculty and adjacent fields plus the support and participation of all who are involved in the industry.” For more information about the GCREC strawberry breeding program, visit: gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/fruit-crops.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
59
60
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PRINT Ag Tag ad In the Field Mag Glades School.pdf
1
9/25/14
4:33 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
61
AT LONESOME G RANCH
Southern Charm, Rustic Elegance Florida’s All-Inclusive, Unforgettable Wedding Venue
TheSouthernBarn.com 62
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
813-752-2379
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
T F• www.southsidestores.com M M 2015 63 3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City,IFL
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
N HE IELD
AGAZINE
ay
CONTROLLING BACTERIAL LEAF SPOT IN TOMATO The Solution May be At Hand, but Faces Major Hurdles By Jim Frankowiak
Bacterial leaf spot is one of the most problematic tomato diseases in the tropics and subtropics since it is widespread and is very difficult to control. Often, the disease causes significant reductions in the yield and marketability of fruit. “Bacterial leaf spot has always been a problem for tomato growers here in Florida,” noted Dr. Samuel Hutton, assistant professor of Horticultural Sciences and a tomato breeder at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). “The most economical solution for controlling any disease is through development of resistant varieties. And researchers have devoted decades to this challenge for bacterial spot,” said Hutton. Dr. Jay Scott, a professor at the GCREC and tomato breeder since 1981, has been close on several occasions through the use of classically-bred resistance genes but these genes ended up being short-lived and there has never been a bacterial spot resistant variety released. The primary strategies employed in an effort to control this disease have included cultural practices and pesticide applications. “Culturally, growers avoid handling wet tomato plants,” said Hutton. Chemically, the use of antibiotics was “once very effective, but the bacteria quickly built up resistance.” Growers have since relied heavily on the use of copper chemicals, but the bacteria have also built up resistance to these, and copper is no longer effective. “Over the last 10 years, new chemicals have been introduced that promote plants’ natural defenses,” said Hutton. “There are referred to as SAR-inducers, and that stands for systemic acquired resistance. They help alleviate, not remove, the problem. And, they are costly.” 64
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
As a consequence, “growers have come to accept that they cannot control bacterial leaf spot on tomato and the results are typically lower yields and reduced fruit quality and marketability,” said Hutton. Despite years of scientific effort and study to develop disease resistant tomato varieties efforts have thus far been unsuccessful. However, resistance to bacterial leaf spot does exist in pepper, a close relative of tomato, and a gene known as Bs2 has been isolated and found to confer resistance in both species. There has been considerable discussion the past several years within the Florida tomato industry about Bs2 tomatoes. Previous and continuing trials conducted by UF researchers have consistently and repeatedly demonstrated the disease management benefits of these cultivars. Growers and other industry members, who have visited these trials, recognize the potential for Bs2 tomatoes to make Florida tomato production much more sustainable. However, Bs2 tomatoes are transgenic tomatoes that have been engineered to contain the Bs2 gene from pepper, and are, therefore, considered a genetically modified (GM) food or a genetically modified organism (GMO). Bs2 transgenic tomatoes were developed by the Two Blades Foundation, a charitable scientific organization, which holds an exclusive license to the Bs2 gene, in collaboration with scientists at the University of California and UF. Based in Evanston, IL, The Two Blades Foundation supports the development of durable disease resistances in crop plants and their deployment in agriculture. Founded in 2004, the foundation supports the use of safe, environmentally-benign and sustainable strategies WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
for crop production so as to provide long-term protection from crop losses due to plant disease. In addition to occurring naturally in plants and providing excellent disease control against all field strains of bacterial leaf spot, the Bs2 tomato variety also obtains higher yields and could enable growers to achieve higher production without increasing fertilizer, pesticide, plastic or other inputs, making the variety a green technology. “The Bs2 gene is a simple, highly effective tool for tomato breeders to utilize,” said Hutton. For the Bs2 tomato to maintain the attributes listed here, care will need to be taken to limit the emergency and spread of resistancebreaking strains, utilizing available strategies such as: • Deployment of Bs2 exclusively in varieties that contain conventionally-bred tolerance or partial resistance to bacterial spot • Utilization of cultural practices to minimize the emergence and spread of mutant strains of the pathogen, especially good sanitation from seed production all the way to the growers’ field • Deployment of Bs2 in combination with other novel resistance genes, pyramiding resistance genes to promote their durability The production of Bs2 tomatoes faces two significant hurdles: The first is the de-regulation process. “It takes years for a transgenic crop to be de-regulated and the process is costly,” said Hutton. “The Two Blades Foundation has invested significant resources towards the development and testing of this GMO. However, additional funds are needed to complete the de-regulation process, and many potential investors are wary due to the concerns about public acceptance of a GMO tomato, which is the second hurdle.” The Bs2 protein product is known to be safe based on decades of its consumption in pepper. But before Bs2 tomatoes can be grown, producers must be satisfied that they can sell their product once the process of de-regulation has been completed. “In essence, public controversy over GMO technology has everything to do with the future of Bs2 tomatoes,” said Hutton. While there is considerable opposition to and great skepticism over GM technology, “it is evident that much of this is based on the public’s perception of the science,” noted Hutton. “A recent Intelligence Squared U.S. debate illustrated this; after hearing concerns over GMOs addressed by both GMO-skeptics and by supports of GMO technology, the audience changed from 32 percent supportive of GM technologies before the debate to 60 percent afterwards, making it clear that the path towards acceptance of Bs2 tomatoes and other GMOs will no doubt involve a great deal of transparency and many open discussions as scientists seek to make the benefits of GMOs to consumers, growers and the environment clear.” For more information about the GCREC tomato breeding program, visit: http://tombreeding.ifas.ufl.edu//. Additional information about GMOs can be accessed at: https://gmoanswers.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
65
66
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
It Pays to Borrow from Farm Credit! “Farm Credit makes it simple to borrow money”
Strawberry and vegetable growers, Elias (L) and Lorena Gutierrez, have been Farm Credit Members since 2007. Loans made for farmers by farmers, since 1916. Farm Credit is the nation’s leading provider of credit to agriculture and rural America.
866.245.3637 FarmCreditCFL.com Loans for land, homes & country living WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
67
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2013
FOR ALL OF YOUR FTL OR LTL NEEDS
(813) 359-1200 OFFICES NATIONWIDE
2 4 0 0 R O B E R T S R A N C H R O A D , P L A N T C I T Y, F L O R I D A 3 3 5 6 6
W W W. PAT T E R S O N C O S . C O M
68
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
49
88 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE WWW. WWW. ININ THE THE FIELD FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
NOVEMBER 2013
ININ THE THE FIELD FIELDMM AGAZINE AGAZINE
W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M
MM ayay 2015 2015
69 69
Jeff Mitchell
Kaylee Stallard
BEEF AMBASSADOR PROGRAM:
Educating Consumers about Beef Nutrition, Food Safety and Industry Stewardship Practices By Jim Frankowiak Kaylee Stallard of Hillsborough County and Pasco County’s Jeff Mitchell are ambassadors. No, neither represents a country in the area of international diplomacy, but they are both are spokespersons and, hopefully, future leaders for the beef industry. Stallard and Mitchell were winners in the January finals for the Florida Beef Ambassador Program, a statewide competition for junior and senior level entrants. Stallard took top junior honors and Mitchell was picked the state’s senior Beef Ambassador. The junior category was open to those age 12 to 16, while the senior entrants must be 17 but not over 20. The Florida Beef Ambassador Program is part of an ongoing national initiative involving youth across the U.S. educating consumers in their respective areas about beef and beef production. Senior program participants gather annually and five are chosen to serve as the National Beef Ambassador Team. Mitchell and Stallard will attend the national competition in Denver later this year. “This program is essential because today’s youth are bombarded with anti-beef messages that often find their way into schools,” according to National Beef Ambassador Program officials. “Beef Ambassadors go into classrooms, daycares, after school programs and attend youth organization activities where they make presentations about their personal experiences with beef and the beef industry, including industry messages on nutrition, animal welfare, environment and other key topics.” Program participants reach out to consumers through attendance at promotional events during consumer expos, health and state fairs and in-store demonstrations, as well as via social media. The program is funded in part by The Beef Checkoff Program, established 70
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50-cents on each dollar assessed. The program manager is the American National CattleWomen, Inc., a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. Here in Florida the program is sponsored by the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW), Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) and the Florida Beef Council. Tami Newsome of Riverview and Plant City’s Michelle Grimmer co-chair the Florida Beef Ambassador Program. Ambassador contestants participate in media interviews and consumer promotions with their engagement viewed by a panel of judges. Senior contestants are also required to prepare and submit a youth presentation for judging evaluation and questioning along with involvement in an issue response activity through which they must prepare a response to a recent published article regarding the beef industry. Stallard, the daughter of Brian, an FCA member, and Andi who belongs to the Hillsborough County Cattlewomen (HCW), is the sister of Justin and Bailey. She is an 8th grader at Turkey Creek Middle School with plans to attend Durant High School. Kaylee is an active member of the FFA at Turkey Creek and president of her 4-H group, Alafia Kid’s 4-H. She also currently holds the title of Hillsborough County Junior Harvest Queen and “loves to play guitar and run track.” “My family raises commercial cattle,” she said. “Some we keep and show, some we sell. Anyone who has ever raised show cattle knows how challenging it can be, they also know how rewarding it is.” As to why she got involved in the Beef Ambassador Program, “I enjoy public speaking and I have a passion for the beef industry. When my 4-H leader told me about the program, I couldn’t wait to compete. This WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
is actually my third year competing and my second time winning.” After high school, Stallard “would like to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in agriculture communication.”
ators and represent agriculture was very fulfilling for me and made me want to pursue a career that would allow me to do more of that type of work.”
Since being named Florida’s Junior Beef Ambassador, Stallard has worked with the Hillsborough CattleWomen at the Florida State Fair “where we handed out samples and talked to the public about beef nutrition. There is a lot of misinformation given about the beef industry. I want people to know about the benefits, but sometimes it’s difficult to present the facts to someone that has been convinced by false information. Working with Jeffrey is so much fun. He is super smart and really funny and, of course, the amount of beef I get to eat is a plus! I am paying close attention to Jeffrey so hopefully when it’s my turn to compete for Senior Beef Ambassador, I will do as well as he did.”
Mitchell works with his uncle, Chuck Combs, on the Combs Cattle Co. in Zephyrhills, a 200-head cow calf operation, and “we also sell show steers to others,” he said. “I also have my own herd of 40-head that I manage with my uncles’.” Combs recently retired as an Ag teacher at Durant High School.
“I am grateful to my 4-H leader, my FFA advisors, the Hillsborough CattleWomen and the Hillsborough County Cattleman’s Sweetheart, Chrissy Grimmer, for helping me. I would encourage anyone that is interested in cattle or beef to consider competing. It is such a great program. I have met some wonderful people and learned a lot. I even had my friends ask me questions about beef so they could test my knowledge. This has worked well for be so far, I will continue working with them and preparing for the national competition. I plan to bring Florida the National title!” Mitchell, the 18-year-old son of Christie and Scott, is a senior at Pasco High School in Dade City where he served as senior captain and offensive tackle of the Pirate’s varsity football team, which achieved a winning record this past season. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and president of his Dade City FFA Chapter and 4 Bar 4-H club, as well as vice president of the Pasco County Junior Cattlemen’s Association and state secretary of the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Upon graduation from high school, Mitchell will attend Stetson University on a full scholarship with plans to attend law school. “I had plans to become a veterinarian, but that changed in 2014 when I served as Florida State Senator Wilton Simpson’s page during the legislative session at Tallahassee. I hope to someday become Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, carrying on the work of Mr. Adam Putnam. That opportunity with Senator Simpson to lobby other senWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
In addition to working with his uncle, Mitchell also competes across the state “where I have won several grand championships and 62 buckles over a show career that began when I was very young.” Recently, he and his uncle embarked on a hay field endeavor where they are growing Tifton 44 on 50-acres. “Yes, that’s a lot of work, but it’s really fun not work when you enjoy what you are doing, and I do.” The Beef Ambassador Program had particular appeal to Mitchell. “It sparked my interest, and even though it was a tough competition, it has been a great experience. I love this industry and plan to be involved all of my life.” “Our industry has significant impact on others. It is necessary and crucial to society today and in the future. I want to continue to learn and share what I have learned with others of all ages about our industry and its importance to each of us and the economy in Florida.” Mitchell takes marshmallows along whenever he speaks to youth groups about beef just as he did at the Pasco County Fair and Farm on the Hill. “They are surprised to learn that marshmallows are made with cow by-products, bone marrow. That’s just one example of why I enjoy helping to educate people of all ages about the beef industry.” “None of this would have been possible without the help and support of my parents and my uncle. I am most appreciative of what they have done and continue to do for me.” Congratulations to Kaylee and Jeffrey for their involvement in the Beef Ambassador Program, and best of luck in the national competition at Denver later this year. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
71
72 72
IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
WWW. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
73 73
Fighting Hunger By Libby Hopkins Laser Spine Institute President and CEO, Dotty Bollinger, at the official Give & Grub launch event that took place at the Amalie Arena in October.
Mother Teresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Josh Hall, Marketing Communications Manager of the Laser Spine Institute and Thomas Mantz, Executive Director of Feeding America Tampa Bay, have something in common with Mother Teresa. They too believe in feeding people but they want to feed more than one person. They are striving to feed thousands. Feeding America Tampa Bay is the largest hunger relief organization in the Tampa Bay community, serving a food-insecure population of more than 700,000 people in a 10-county area. According to Feeding America Tampa Bay, “There are an estimated 700,000 people in West Central Florida struggling with hunger and 250,000 of those people are children.” Hall and the Laser Spine Institute believe in helping people achieve a better quality of life. They also believe people can achieve a better quality of life if they aren’t hungry. “As a health care organization specializing in the importance of preventative care and every day wellness, investing in community partnerships that extend the reach of the local communities served by Laser Spine Institute is one of the company’s core values, and because hunger is a serious problem many Tampa Bay area residents face daily, we knew there was something that needed to be done to fight this problem,” Hall said. The Laser Spine Institute, Feeding America Tampa Bay, Metropoli74
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
tan Ministries and The Tampa Bay Lightning all joined forces to create the Give & Grub food truck to help fight hunger in the Tampa Bay area. The way Give & Grub works is that you buy a meal from the food truck and for every meal purchased from the truck, the Laser Spine Institute will donate a meal to a child in need. It’s that simple! “We are very proud of the unique way Give & Grub continues to give back and stick it to hunger in our local community,” Hall said. “We’ll also donate a meal for every use of #GiveAndGrub on various social media platforms.” The food truck serves some amazing gourmet food that is inspired by some of the Tampa Bay Lightning personnel and their favorite foods, like Cooper’s Candied Burger (Coach Jon Cooper), a Chicken Parmkos Sandwich (Steven Stamkos), and Callahan’s Mac Slam (Ryan Callahan). “Top notch quality ingredients are used in our dishes, with our food truck team making most of our menu items from scratch, including bread that’s baked daily just prior to service,” Hall said. The Laser Spine Institute has pledged to donate 150,000 meals by the end of October of this year, which will wrap up Give & Grub’s first year of service to the community. “So far, Laser Spine Institute has donated about 60,000 meals to Tampa Bay area children in need, but that number increases every week with each giveback event,” Hall WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
said. The Give & Grub initiative has proven to be instrumental to hunger relief in the Tampa Bay area. The Laser Spine Institute donates meals to children in the community on a weekly basis. Distributions take place each Friday, with givebacks rotating weekly between Hillsborough and Pinellas County Schools. At these events, the company donates a backpack of food that is secured through Feeding America Tampa Bay, with each backpack containing five shelf-stable meals for the student to eat over the weekend. In addition to the weekly distribution at schools, the Give & Grub food truck is on site at local Boys and Girls Clubs once a month to distribute meals secured through Metropolitan Ministries that mimics the truck’s gourmet menu. These children also receive a backpack containing five meals to take home for the weekend. “The partnership has given us the resources to more than double the number of backpacks we distribute to children every week through our Backpack Program. It has gone from 700 per week to over 1400 per week, as well as expanded the program into a new county,” said Mantz. “We are here to create better opportunities and futures for thousands of people who live right here in the Tampa Bay with us.” If you would like to learn more about Give & Grub or if you would like to find out where their food truck will be next, you can visit their website at www.giveandgrub.com. You can also request the Give & Grub food truck to come to your next event through their website as well. If you would like to learn more about the Laser Spine Institute, you can visit them on the web at www.laserspineinstitute.com/landing/tampa. If you would like to learn more about Feeding America Tampa Bay or if you would like to make at donation to the organization, you can visit their website at www.feedingamericatampabay. wordpress.com.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
75
Jim Dorman at Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc | (813) 601-2540
Can I overcome crop nutrition challenges with AgroLiquid?
agroliquid.com/yes-you-can 1 MAGAZINE 76 In the field_March.indd INTHEFIELD
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDM AGAZINE.COM 2/26/15 7:56 AM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
77
78
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
W W WI.NITNHE TFHIELD E FM I EAGAZINE.COM LDMAGAZINE.COM WWW.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2013 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE May 2015
69 79
Eight Basic Facts in the
GMO Discussion
by: Kevin M. Folta
From reputable news outlets to the Internet’s informationallybankrupt cesspools, there is tremendous interest and focus on agricultural biotechnology, the topic referred to in familiar terms as “GMO” technology. The term “Genetically Modified Organism” was conjured as a pejorative term representing a modern means of crop genetic improvement. Like any new technology, it has risks and benefits, strengths and limitations. But also like any new technology, “GMO”-based plant improvements have attracted a significant number of critics. Many claim significant health risks, environmental perils, and economic catastrophe related to these products. These claims, typically promoted by television doctors, celebrity chefs and the internet’s endless experts, do not agree with the massive scientific data accumulated from 30 years of study and almost 20 years of use in food production. There is a substantial difference between the activist claims and the scientific reality — and a concerned public seeks reliable answers. The purpose of this summary is to provide a primer on the state of the science, noting the important trends, risks and benefits as distilled strictly from the scientific literature.
Ten fundamental facts:
1. There are currently only eight commercially-available crops containing transgenic modifications. While the common belief is that everything in the produce section is a GMO, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and most other produce items have only been improved using traditional breeding. Biotech improvements have only been developed in corn, soy, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, and canola, with a small amount 80
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
of Hawaiian papaya and squash. 2. Transgenic plants make an insecticide. That’s true, at least some of them do. It is a natural protein that is toxic to certain caterpillars, particularly those that feast on corn and cotton. The integrated gene allows the plant to make its own protection. This technology is a good thing because it has cut insecticide applications by 50-80%, so it costs less for farmers, less insecticide ends up in the environment, and on-target insects remain unaffected. 3. No connection to health problems. After eighteen years of intense use, there has not been a single case of illness or death attributed to these products. Products derived from these plants have a perfect safety record. 4. There are basically three main traits. Aside from plants that make their own insect protection, others have been produced that cannot be killed with a common herbicide. This allows farmers to use an environmentally-low-impact chemical to control weeds while not harming the crops. This technology has decreased tilling for weed control, and saves valuable top soil. Papayas and squash are resistant to relevant viruses. 5. The downside is resistance. Like any one-sided solution, pockets of insects are developing resistance to the crop’s genetically engineered insect protection. Similarly, weeds resistant to the herbicide have become a major problem in some areas. New solutions are need to control these pests, and will be introduced in the near future. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
6. Regulation is rigorous and expensive. Deregulation requires tremendous amounts of data to be presented to the FDA, the EPA and USDA. This regulatory maze takes a lot of time, money and expertise to navigate, which is why only the big companies attempt to deregulate crops. 7. The scientific consensus recognizes safety. The world’s major scientific organizations acknowledge a deep scientific consensus that states these crops are no more risky than those produced through traditional breeding. 8. Future technologies are slow to emerge. Proven solutions exist but are not likely to be implemented commercially, at least in the foreseeable future. Crop varieties have been developed that use less water, are more efficient with fertilizer, and produce important vitamins. Plants that protect themselves from nematodes, fungi and bacteria have been developed and tested. Fortified plants that provide the needy with desperately needed nutrients exist, but have not been deployed. The slow progression of sound technology is directly related to poor public perception, fear mongering, and lax communication from scientists. These eight points represent important starting points for any conversation on GMO crops. They encompass the known scientific consensus, the central misconceptions and well-known limitations. An honest dialog will be necessary to speed the integration of these technologies into useful venues, while ensuring safety to humans and sensitivity to the environment.
We Help Your Business
GROW.
Web Design Graphic Design Lead Generation Online Marketing Content Development Branding
About the Author:
Kevin M. Folta, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. In addition to his internationally-recognized programs in strawberry genomics and light regulation of plant traits, he has recently gained national visibility in relating science to public audiences, particularly in the area of genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs. Dr. Folta seeks to separate the myth from fact regarding agricultural genetics that is typified by public confusion regarding GMOs and fear mongering by its critics. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
exocreative.com 929.500.1396 301 S. Collins Street, Plant City
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
81
Now Hiring Experienced Painters 82
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
83
Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green
Stone Trivet Have you ever thrown away used CD’s or DVD’s? They do not decay very fast in the environment where they ultimately end up. This month we are featuring a cool way to repurpose old CD’s DVD’s or even vinyl records (if you still have any that are not worth keeping). Trivets can be made from a number of materials and stone is a good choice for hot items. In this example, we made a decorative trivet with glass beads purchased at an art
supply store. Glass beads work especially well with the refraction of the CD. Stone pieces can be used for a more rustic appeal, as can small irregular chips of wood for that matter. Regardless of the material that is used for the project, this will be a fun, safe, activity that will put good use to those CD’s that may have otherwise just been tossed in the garbage.
Suggested Material: Stones CD Clear Glue Dispensable Brush Cork
(Natural or Glass) (Preferably used) (Gorilla Glue, Epoxy Glue) (Inexpensive foam brush) (from empty wine bottles, cork roll, scraps from old corkboard)
Step 1 Organize your stones by size and color Step 2 Starting from the center, arrange the stones WITHOUT glue to try different layouts. Step 3 When you are happy with the layout, apply glue to the center of the stone and attach it to the CD. Step 4 Continue gluing bands of stone to the CD to reach the edge, let it
Air dry for 2 or 3 hours
Step 5 Glue small pieces of cork to the bottom of the trivet to protect the table from getting scratched by the CD.
Natural rocks will absorb heat and can be used with any hot pan, pot, or skillet in your kitchen. Glass stones or beads will also absorb heat but will be more prone to shattering and chipping than natural stone. Glass beads can be used for decoration or for cold items like drink pitchers.
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
• 84
P ortrait P h o tograp h er Spe c ializ ing in H igh Sc hool Se niors
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
•
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look
By Sean Green
Photo credit: Chelyapin Dmitry
The Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis)
David Albaugh
hotograph by Clemson University www.insectimages.org
If you have ever happened upon one of the larger species of butterfly or moth we have in Florida, you have hopefully shared my excitement in seeing one of these majestic creatures. Some of our native moth species can have wing spans comparable to that of a small bird and are every bit as exciting as the exotic species you may have seen on wildlife documentaries. Adult moths in the Saturniidae family are the largest in the world and include the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), the largest in North America and the atlas moth (Attacus atlas), the Asian species that is generally acknowledged as the largest moth species in the world. The name Saturniidae itself is derived from satu (sowing) and honors the agriculture arts of sowing, tilling and pruning as a god given gift delivered by the Roman god Saturn. This month we will take a closer look at the regal moth (Citheronia regalis); a species of Saturniidae that produces the largest caterpillars in North America affectionatly known as the Hickory Horned Devil. The regal moth (Citheronia regalis) is one of Florida’s largest moths and is typically found in deciduous forests (trees that shed their leaves). It’s habitat range includes New Jersey to Missouri and south to eastern Texas and Florida, but its largest populations are in the southern ranges. Although the regal moth is not the largest adult moth in North America, it does produce the largest caterpillars. The larvae of this moth are commonly known as Hickory Horned Devil caterpillars, a common name that accurately describes the caterpillars daunting appearance. Cloaked in bright green or turquoise and flaunting huge red horns tipped in black this caterpillar looks extremely dangerous but is actually completely harmless. Many dangerous insects advertise their potential to inflict harm with colors of red, black and yellow. The Hickory Horned Devil mimics (or imitates) the appearance of a dangerous caterpillar to fool predators into thinking twice about attacking, one look at the caterpillar and you might think twice about picking it up yourself if you had no knowledge of it’s true nature. Regal moths produce one generation per year throughout most of its range. In Florida, two generations per year are common. Adults can be collected as early as this month and populations will increase through the summer months. Adults mate on the second evening after emerging from their pupa stage and adult females lay yellow eggs on an appropriate host plant at dusk on the third evening to begin WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
© Edith Smith Shady Oak Butterfly Farm
the lifecycle for the next generation. Ideal host plants are trees in the walnut family (Juglandaceae) such as walnut, butternut, and hickory; however, newly hatched caterpillars are also known to feed on species of ash, sumac, sweet gum, beech, lilac, and persimmon. The eggs are laid on the top side of leaves either singly or in clusters of up to six. The larvae hatch from the eggs within ten days and the small yellow caterpillars emerge to begin feeding. In the earliest stages of the caterpillars life they feed alone at night. During the day the young caterpillars curl up in a “J” shape to mimic bird droppings. The larval stage (as a caterpillar) will last 37 to 42 days and the caterpillar will shed its skin several times (instars). As the caterpillar develops through the first four instars it will change appearance and begin feeding during the daytime. The fifth and final instar of this caterpillar is the most spectacular and befitting of its name Hickory Horned Devil. By the time the caterpillar has reached the fifth instar, it has grown to nearly six inches long, about the size of a hot dog, and become bright green in color. The most spectacular feature of the late instar caterpillar is the appearance of red spiked horns tipped in black, sometimes as long as 3/4 inch growing near the caterpillars head. The projections are not actually horn or thorns that can sting but are a tubercle called scoli, which is a fleshy tentacle like projection. Venomous caterpillars have tubercles that bear stinging spines, other caterpillars use tubercles release chemicals that are part of its defense system. For the Hickory Horned Devil, it’s defense strategy consists of looking very dangerous and thrashing it’s head around when disturbed in an attempt to intimidate would be predators. The tubercles of the Hickory Horned Devil do not actually sting but the combination of coloring and dramatic head movements would make most predators think twice about messing with this caterpillar. At the end of the larvae stage, the caterpillar crawls down the tree to burrow underground and construct a pupation chamber to pupate through the winter. The following summer, newly emerging adults climb out of the ground to begin the lifecycle of the next generation. If you are fortunate enough to find one of these caterpillars this summer, observe it, enjoy it, but please do not harm it, they do not occur in populations great enough to be an agricultural concern and are in no way harmful to human beings or their food supply. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
85
By Ginny Mink
Hazel & Zeke’s 2nd Annual Blueberry Pickin’ Birthday Bash I cannot believe that we’ve been doing these “Meet the Minks” for over a year now! If you’ve been following right along with us you know that we’ve seen dairy goats, chicken farms, rodeos, ridden horses, done archery and picked strawberries (among other things). In fact, if you’ve been with us this whole time, you also know that last year when Hazel turned three we had a blueberry picking party. Well, this year the princess determined she’d like to do that again. Therefore, we welcome you to Hazel and Zeke’s 2nd Annual Blueberry Pickin’ Birthday Bash! Yep, that’s what we called it when we sent out the invitations. In fact, we’d so enjoyed last year’s experience that we returned to Shady Oak Farms in Lakeland, thanks to Retta (who rocks). She welcomed us, once again and planned to provide the kids with a new planting experience. She’d been doing some investigating into plants that can be regrown from your kitchen scraps (super cool) and intended to share that with them. We arrived to the serene view that makes Shady Oak Farms one of our favorite Ag venues. The kids were immediately drawn to the pond, the ducks and fish there captured their attention for a good while. Once everyone had settled in, Retta came out in her overalls and big floppy hat and invited the children to learn a little about how to grow pak choi, garlic, beans and potatoes. Of course many of them were totally unfamiliar with pak choi but once Retta explained it was, “from China and a little like lettuce,” they were intrigued. Hazel kept her eyes glued to Retta’s every move and was thrilled to receive her gift. However, later, when I explained to her that it was an onion plant she promptly added a revolted face and an, “eww.” Sorry, Retta, she’s not a fan of onions, but Zeke will eat them raw! Anyhow, Chris and Zeke had a grand ole time digging in the mulch/dirt and J tried to act like he wasn’t interested but I could tell he was listening. He’s at that “I’m almost a teenager so everything is boring,” stage. I’m sure some of you are familiar with that (if you’re not, then just remember what you were like at 11). Finally, the words everyone had been waiting for were uttered, “Time to pick blueberries!” I’m not going to lie, I could see the glee in the adult’s eyes when Retta told us we could eat while we picked. Free berries, come on, who’s not going to love that? A friend of mine, Lisa, was particularly enthusiastic as she’d never done the blueberry pickin’ thing, only tomatoes (and possibly some other veggies). She promptly went home and made a blueberry dump cake (complete with Facebook posted pictures). I’d say she had a good time. I went with Hazel and Chris handled Zeke. I think Zeke had a tre-
86
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
mendous time as he picked more than Hazel or J (though a bunch of his were green). He likes to destroy things and so ripping berries off a plant was beyond exciting for him. Hazel on the other hand was a little reticent as she was afraid this one little boy I’d invited was going to be mean to her (I guess they’ve had other altercations). Wouldn’t you know it, they picked berries together and even shared their stashes. “Here Hazel, here’s a big one for you,” Liam told her. She did the same for him. They laughed and played and I’m super glad because I really appreciate Liam’s mom. So I want Hazel to see the value in Liam as well. It was really quite amusing just walking along behind them listening to their conversations. You would never believe how adult three and four year olds can actually sound! They even argued their points of view on blueberry sizes. I spent a lot of time chuckling and shaking my head. Liam’s mom came over and relieved me and I was able to wander through the fields listening in on all the “Look at this one!” and “Mine’s bigger,” coming from the competitive kids (and their mostlycheating parents). You see, I’d promised a prize to the person with the largest blueberry because Retta told us that there were quarter sized berries on the bushes. I have to admit that I dropped a few, “nice ones” in Hazel’s pail. Sadly, the prize didn’t go to the birthday girl or her nearly birthday brother. Jaeda Cribbs won the contest with a berry that was literally the size of a quarter! Incredible. I’ll tell you a secret though, the smaller ones are sweeter! Of course, I couldn’t convince the kids that since we’ve so engrained in our populace that bigger is better. After the pickin’, we came back to the canopy where we enjoyed fresh blueberry muffins, homemade birthday cake (that’s another story; this was the second cake I made since the first was a decapitated Care Bear) and opened presents. I cannot tell you how many kids talked about the fun they’d had picking berries. I think they really enjoyed searching out the biggest one. The parents even talked about their “finds” and how beautiful the property is. All in all, this was a terrific experience. Hazel said, “I loved pickin’ berries and eatin’ ‘em!” The emphasis for her was on the eating. I asked Zeke what he thought about picking blueberries and he told me, “It’s nummy! I eat it!” Then he giggled hysterically and made his cookie monster imitation. Yeah, I’d say this was pretty great. We’ve so many thanks to those who came out and celebrated with us and even more to Retta and the owners of Shady Oak Farms. You should totally check them out during their blueberry u-pick season (which is now). Give Retta a call and tell her the Minks sent ya! (863) 512 1547.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Can’t Keep a Cow Girl Outta the Ring:
Kallee Cook
Some Ag kids come through the pages of this magazine never to be heard from again. They accomplish their FFA dreams and move on to other great things that we never know about. However, there are the rare few who just keep coming back deserving more; more recognition, more applause, more wow-we’re-impressed. It would appear that Kallee Cook is just such a one. No doubt you remember all her accolades: her grand champion heifer, her strawberry court accomplishments, her position as the Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen and her first place showmanship awards. Really, we could probably write a small eBook on her ribbons and accolades. She’s a pretty impressive young lady. Yet, there’s a side that maybe all that glitter and glam hasn’t revealed. Kallee Cook loves cows. Yes, we said it, she loves ‘em and all that is encompassed in showing them, specifically. So much, in fact, that she didn’t want to give up that thrill when she reached the can’t-showcows-anymore-age. What to do? Well, being the innovative and wholly dedicated woman that she is, she decided to help other youngsters learn how to show their cows! Brilliant! We had the opportunity to chat with her about this new endeavor (and catch up in general). She told us, “I started helping others with showing cattle when I stopped. I showed for nine years and I showed steers at the Florida Strawberry Festival, as well as Angus heifers all around the State of Florida and I actually went to Georgia two times for Angus Nationals. I started because I didn’t want to stop showing. At the age of 20 is when you do stop.” No doubt the love of cattle runs deep. However she admitted, “Once I graduated high school, I really didn’t have the time to necessarily continue showing,” and here’s the kicker, “…but I did have the time to give my time.” We just love that last statement. Really, how many 20 year olds are thinking about having the time to give back to others? Yet, here’s this college student thinking, I should help other kids do what I love since I can’t do it anymore. Did we say we were impressed? She continued, “I started helping, just local people, whether it was getting ready for a weekend show, or getting ready for showing cows at the Strawberry Festival, or the State Fair. I would just basically go over the steps: how to groom your cow, how to set them up in the ring, where their feet need to be, how you need to be, what you need to wear and the way that they need to look. The way I put it is, ‘showing a cow is basically like a beauty pageant,’ because you want your cow to look their best as well as you look your best. Your cow can’t do it unless you do.” She’s got a little beauty pageant experience (and success) so this is probably some pretty good advice. We wondered why she was so enamored by cattle. So, we asked and she answered, “I just had a knack for it; me and my dad took it up as a hobby when I was in 6th grade. My mom showed steers and my brother showed steers, but they never went above that. When I started showing Angus heifers it was just fun and my dad, we had a big bond with it. Over the years you got to see yourself progress. I started with a heifer that I couldn’t get to stand still in the ring and I ended up with a heifer, my senior year that won grand champion every show she was in. So it was just a really big opportunity to see yourself succeed.” WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
By Ginny Mink
We still wondered what the catalyst was to inspire her to help. She told us, “The drive to help others would be to show them the fun and the outcome that comes from it. With me showing cattle I was introduced to so many people that helped get me to where I am today. I’d like to get others in that position as well. Actually a lot of people that I met while showing cattle I’ve met in my college career. I want kids to see that it’s a work effort and that you actually get something out of it. It’s not just you’re doing it and it goes nowhere, you actually get somewhere with it.” “I don’t really promote it. Really I don’t, but if people ask me for help, I go and I help them. A couple of them it was their first time. Most of them were in middle school, they were going into high school, and they wanted some tips on how to show their first cow. For me it was rewarding because I got to go and to watch them and they would get either 2nd or 3rd. I think one of them did get 1st at the Kissimmee show. It was about a year ago. She ended up placing first with her cow, she had a heifer; she did really good.” She shared, “I really haven’t promoted it. I’d love to get it bigger, I really would. I really think it’s neat to get to help people and show them what I did because at first when I started off I wish I had someone there to show me every step of the way, but I didn’t. It was hard, not gonna lie, learning how to break your calf and learning how to show it and you go into the show ring with people who have done it for several years. I mean I felt clueless at first. At the end I felt knowledgeable about what I was doing and felt ready to share it.” Apparently that’s just what she’s doing! She informed us, “I plan on being an agriculture teacher and I would love to teach middle school and have my own show team. With me helping students now, it’s actually preparing me for my career and me being able to teach others the way I was taught. Right now it’s just kind of my jump start. I’ve got about two years left.” In an effort to fill you in briefly, here are some additionally cool things to note about Kallee’s current life: • In June, she’s going to study abroad in France to study the southern culture and the food with the college of Agriculture and Life Science. • She was nominated as the collegiate FFA president of her chapter. • She is the ambassador for the Agricultural and Life Sciences program. • She is the FAAE (Florida’s Association of Agricultural Educators) collegiate representative. She closed with, “I’ve worked hard. It’s definitely been a tough road, but don’t give up and you will succeed. My mom and dad were big supporters and the guy I first started showing Angus cattle for, his name is Dale Locke, for Locke and Load Cattle Company in Lakeland, FL. He’s the one who helped me get started with showing Angus calves and he promoted me 100% of the way with constantly supplying me with new cattle and pushing me to go that next step. If anyone needs help with their steers this year or any other cattle show I would definitely be willing to help. They can email me at: kalleecook@yahoo.com.” If you need her, she’s available! IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
M May ay 2015 2015
87 87
Durant High School Students
First Place
On Friday, April 24, students from Durant High School participated in the Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contest in Gainesville at the University of Florida. Participants created and presented a 7-10 minute presentation about something to do with the Horticulture industry. Autumn Smith and Adrian Dyer placed first in their division, consumer use. They demonstrated how to create a “strawberry tart” and gave some factual information about the strawberry industry. Sierra Flood and Samantha Metts were 7th in their division, Landscaping. They gave instructions on how to program an irrigation timer and provided practical applications.
Grace Pagliaro Grace Pagliaro participated in the Bonnie Plants 3rd grade cabbage program. Each 3rd grader at Lincoln elementary received a small cabbage plant in a biodegradable cup. The students were given instructions on how to plant and care for their cabbages. Grace watered and talked to her plant daily for the last 5 months. She affectionately calls him “Junior”! He grew to be 25 inches wide and weigh a whopping 4.4 pounds. This was wasn’t Graces first experience with gardening. She and her mother planted a sunflower garden a few years and ago and Grace tends to a strawberry plant in her back yard.
88
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
89
90
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2013
93
5117 Hwy 92 West • Plant City INTHEFIELD WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2013
93
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
91
Highlights from the 2015 Strawberry Festival’s Neighborhood Village Story by Cheryl Kuck
Chairwomen in charge of Neighborhood Village management, from the left; Linda Walden - all judging and judges, Ginger Vincent – event planning, Judy Bassett – festival cookbook and sales, Betty Lucas over-all chair, Doris Smith – head of all department chairs and all volunteers.
Quilts Co-Chair Debbie Coleman and Chairwoman Anna Davis with grand champion quilts.
There were many changes to the landscape of the Strawberry Festival. One of them was the Neighborhood Village move from its centrally located quaint stone Hull Armory building to a 12,000’ site resembling an aviation hangar. Among the many concerns were how to give the gigantic space some old-fashioned warmth which would enable the public to comfortably feel the spirit of rural America and understand the value of learning about home skills.
Home Decoration Department Chair Joan Reed with daughter and co-chair Tammy Arnold
décor co-chair. Capturing the coveted purple ribbons are; Margaret Beach, Nancy Monagham, Joy DeMarco and Karol Nickerson. Nickerson received her ribbon for an intricate strawberry basket. She is a basketry grand champion winner for the second year in a row. In 2014 her winning entry was a wood corner basket. Betty Roney chairs the wearing apparel and accessories department. Gerri Brownlee is co-chair. Top awards went to Claudia Ingram and Toni Gould.
“Well, last year was certainly busy,” admits Betty Lucas, Neighborhood Village Overall Chairwoman who has been involved with the Festival for 24 years. “The village competitions and displays are sponsored by Kitchen Craft Cookware and on several occasions, we worried about the lack of demonstration space in the armory building which we had, truthfully, outgrown.”
Cindy Bently-Roberts is photo scrapbooking chair. Brenda Lipham is scrapbooking co-chair. Judging is based on design, layout, color use, creativity and journaling skills. Second time 2015 winners Sarah Walker and Jennifer Wolfgang were 2014 grand champions in this category.
“The first decision was to take the old departmental displays out of the vacated armory building and bring them to the new village location, refitting them to house the non-perishable competition. Each department head had to figure out how to make her allotted space attractive and workable. Next, the Plant City Garden Club’s horticulture display and competition was moved from the Parke building to the village, creating an attractive green space. Relocation of the Strawberry Festival’s Queen’s Hall of Fame has added historical content, as well as, an exciting touch of glamour to our surroundings. It’s been an amazing transition that could never have been accomplished without having the perfect committee to help organize and sort everything out.”
Marsha Passmore is the knitting, crocheting and tatting chair, with her sister Dodie White as co-chair. Garnering top awards are; Donna Ellis for knitting, Christine Srock for crocheting and Edith Wooley for tatting. “It is so important that delicate hand work is not lost… especially tatting. This year the submissions were so excellent, I am in great hope that we will be taking in more of this type of creative hand work for years to come,” affirmed Passmore.
There are eleven departments in the village, with most of them having both a chairperson and a co-chairperson to coordinate displays, entries and judging. Basically, there are two groups consisting of non-perishables and perishables that form most of the individual entries for competition. Entrants who receive first place blue ribbons are reconsidered for the highest award; a purple ribbon with a large rosette, denoting the highest standard of excellence and recognition as a Strawberry Festival grand champion. While applauding the efforts that went into each and every entry, only grand champion awardees will be noted here. The chairpersons and grand champions for non-perishables are: Noma Riley is the chair for needlepoint, needlework and plastic canvas and is an officer on the advisory board of the Brandon/East Bay Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. Esther Farkas is co-chair. Winners in this category are Shirley Hammock and Joy DeMarco. Joan Reed is home décor chair with her daughter Tammy Arnold as 92
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
Malissa Crawford is the toys, dolls and porcelain dolls chair. Linda Daugherty is a second time champion since she was also a winner in 2014.
“We were also tremendously pleased and honored to have been invited to design and coordinate the latest village showcase; the Queen’s Hall of Fame with its historical photographs, crowns and gowns worn by the Strawberry Festival Queens at their coronation,” said White. Nina Megginson is the jewelry chair and Gladi King is jewelry cochair. “I am so pleased that Jeri Heer’s intricate bead stringing and weaving, with the incorporation of mosaics for a modern style with a decided antique appearance set around a center piece or cabochon has affirmed her status as a double grand champion for two years-inrow,” stated Megginson. Quilts are considered fine heirloom art on a grand scale. The quilting department chair is Anna Davis who has been a judge for seven years and holds an appointed position with the Brandon/East Bay Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. Debbie Coleman is the department co-chair. The categories for judging are divided into four classes of expertise. Christine Sudberry won for appliqué, Claudia Ingram won for her holiday themed quilt, Polly Horne won for her pieced quilting WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
work and Jean Zabel won for embroidery. Each of these 2015 award recipients have become double grand champions for receiving champion status two years in a row. The area of perishables are placed into three divisions; food preservation, baking and cake decorating. All grand champions and first place awardees will have their recipes entered into the next publication of the Strawberry Festival Cook Book.
Neighborhood Village showcases youth competitions
Judy Bassett is the food preservation chair, as well as, the coordinator for the Festival Cookbook and sales. “We have more than doubled the number of entries and will need to go from four over-worked judges to 12 judges in 2016. Particularly in these precarious times and economy, it is important for everyone to know how to properly preserve food,” said Bassett. Coleen Ross and Bill Asher are the grand champions in the category of jellies, jams and preserves. Judy Hooker wins for canning fresh fruits. Katye Blackman receives her purple ribbon for pickles and relishes and William Grosser wins for meats and vegetables. Fittingly, Donna Arrington’s dehydrated strawberries receive a purple Strawberry Festival grand champion award of excellence. Baking Chair is Patti Brosky who, along with her volunteering daughter Olivia, and co-chair Carol Corley were completely surrounded by a plethora of breads, cakes, candies and cookies…yum! “There are a lot of blue ribbons but only a small fraction made it to grand champion. A baker needs to be very, very good in order to survive three hours of judging by 13 judges. A huge part of our community is represented here. There are a lot of categories and people can find a niche they can happily enter,” said Brosky. Karol Huges and Debra Bershak received their purple ribbons in the diverse breads categories, Jacqueline Ryan won for cakes, Gary Keotz took the top prize for candies and Peggy Sciara won for her cookies. Cake decorating is always the center of attention but unlike cakes in the baking category, these are not edible. If you try, you might get a piece of PCV pipe stuck between your teeth. Like a lot of beautiful creations in this world…don’t touch! Each cake is a crafted work-of-art designed to look like a mouth-watering confection, kind of like making a diorama of a waterfall; it might look like the real thing but it will taste more like glue and styrofoam than refreshing water. Joan Barfield is a cake decorating instructor who has judged this event for the past four years before taking up her position as cake décor chair. The co-chair is Carol McClelland. Three division’s presented for judging are; Beginner (cake decorating less than 18 months), Intermediate division is for the home hobbyist (decorating more than 18 months) and Professional level (for those who are either instructors or sell their cakes). This is a real opportunity to show off various levels of artistic skills. Tamara Doyle wins in the professional division. “These cakes just blew me away! I’m so glad I’m not judging this year,” stated Barfield. “In most cases there was an increase in competition entrants and as the public begins to find its way to our new location we are also looking forward to a substantial increase in village visitors. We have been pleased with our progress during the past two years and are discovering that the addition of crafters who demonstrate daily are a big plus in helping the public understand Plant City’s pioneering spirit and continued encouragement of home skills,” says Lucas. With acknowledgment and gratitude to Kitchen Craft Cookware for their long-time support for the Neighborhood Village and its competitions. On Sunday, Mar. 8, Kitchen Craft held a drawing for a prize give-a-way of some of their products valued at over $1,000. The prize recepients are: Rubie Hurd of Apollo Beach, FL who received a free cooker. Maria McGrew of Tampa, Fl., the happy recipient of a set of Kitchen Craft Bakeware. Darryl Merriam, of Syracuse, New York is a winter resident of Leesburg, Fl., and the drawing winner of a set of Cookware. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Youth Judges - From the left, Glenda Raulerson, Faye Wetherington with Hillsborough County Farm Bureau executive director Judi Whitson (standing), Michael Peacock, Rose Peacock and Allene Broward
The Neighborhood Village Youth Craft and Baking Competition under the leadership of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Director Judi Whitson strives to showcase how the 4-H and FFA are having a positive influence on the lives of our youth and is open to Hillsborough County students from ages five to 15 whose schools have 4-H and/or FFA programs. Youth entrants earned approximately 54 grand champion titles for their perishable and non-perishable contributions and show pieces. As in the adult village competitions, each entrant can enter one item in more than one category. Here’s how it works; it’s possible for a student to enter twice in the perishables and four times in the non-perishables because each area has individual categories so, conceivable, a student can enter the perishables with pickles and pumpkin bread or non- perishables with a painting, a , a knitted cap or an aquifer filter system. Perishables and non-perishables are different entry-level departments with different sub-categories of expertise, i.e., Perishables department: baking and canning or Non-Perishables department: knitting, painting or science. If a sub-category receives a blue ribbon, all blue ribbon created items are eligible to be re-judged for a Grand Champion award. “Parents need to pass on home-skills. When we live in this fastpaced, drive-through world, it’s unfortunate that people are not involved in teaching the values of the past and experiencing the joy of working side-by-side with family members. Family relationships are not items that can be bought and sold. Our memories of working with parents and grandparents may remain fresh and new throughout our lives, long after the colors of the quilt we made fade or the cakes we baked are just sweet dreams. We will always remember that dad showed us how to hammer our first nail or rebuild an engine or grow something magical and sustaining from a tiny seedling” said Whitson Your do not need to want to become a farmer in order to enjoy the learning benefits of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. They are programs that help our youth become more self-confident and prepared for the future. Whitson is a firm believer that we need more schools requesting to have these outstanding programs. The Strawberry Festival competitions and the annual Youth Bake Sale (where all baked goods are sold after judging) are primary sources of scholarship funding. Proceeds go toward offsetting costs and any profit is donated to the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Youth Scholarship Fund.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
93
Giving your customers the most out of your inputs… Using the World’s Smallest Technology Pathway’s PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) are formulated to enhance Nutrient Cycling, Nutrient Efficiency, Nutrient Availability and Uptake through Phosphorus (P) solubilization, Nitrogen (N) cycling, and the Chelation of Iron (Fe) through the synthesis of organic acids and siderophores. Pathway’s PGPRs increase root growth and enrich the recycling of organic matter into plant usable compounds and nutrients, supporting plant health by encouraging positive plant immune responses.
Bulk Fertilizer
Formulated to be blended into your liquid fertility formulations or impregnated onto your dry bulk fertility blends. Microbial solutions to maximize ROI of conventional crop production products!
www.PathwayBioLogic.com // 813.719.7284 94
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
95
Florida Strawberry Festival Market Steer and Swine Exhibitors Banquet By Melissa Nichols
To wrap up a year of success for the Florida Strawberry Festival market animal exhibitors, the festival board held their annual Market Steer and Swine exhibitors banquet on April 9th at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center. Food was catered by Sonny’s BBQ and the entire inside of the arena was filled with tables for exhibitors and their families. The banquet started with the Grand Champion Swine exhibitor Chance Christie leading the crowd in the flag salute followed by Grand Champion Steer exhibitor Jarrett Gillman who delivered the invocation. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Ray Clark, retired Ag Teacher at Plant City High School. After a few words from Brian Shepherd, Kenneth Parker, Jon Poppell and Paul Davis about the success of the livestock events at the festival the scholarships and awards were handed out. First was the scholarship winners. The William McClelland Scholarship was presented to Zachary Campbell, the James Redman Scholarship awarded to Shannon Gill, the Roy Parke Scholarship went to Emily Beniot, The Jim Walden Scholarship to Trey Fletcher and The Heather Layton Memorial Scholarship was presented to Landon Messick. The awards are broken down to several categories. Record book, where the exhibitors are awarded based on accuracy, legibility and detail of their record keeping. Herdsmen where the committee members award exhibitors based on the effort they exhibit during the time their animal is at the festival, not only caring for their animal but also assistance to fellow exhibitors and the committee members. Premier exhibitor is based on overall success in the show in a points system for every area from showmanship to placing in the show. In the steer show, the 96
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
additional contests winners are weight gain contest based on the gain the steers make from initial weigh in to final weigh in. The final category awarded at the banquet is the carcass contest, where the steers are evaluated based on the quality of the meat, the marbling and the fat coverage. In the record book contest for swine: Junior: 1st place Kagan Alred 2nd place Shalee Conrad 3rd place Rebecca Holcomb. Intermediate: 1st place Kenneth Hattaway 2nd Place Marissa Zolna 3rd Place Garrett Gould Senior 1st place Madison Dowdey 2nd place Marybeth Stewart 3rd Place Madison Worfeld. Herdsmen Junior - Sophie Allen Intermediate - Chase Campbell Senior - Tiffany Wilson. Premier Exhibitor Junior Exhibitor - Chance Christie Intermediate exhibitor - Marissa Zolna Senior exhibitor - Tiffany Wilson Steer Record Book Junior category 1st place Dalton McMath 2nd place Madi Conrad 3rd place Allison Pierce Intermediate category 1st place Keely Christie 2nd place Cassidy Hastings 3rd place Delaney Lloyd
May 2015
Senior category 1st place Cassidy Dossin 2nd place Ashley Denslow 3rd Place Dalton McHenry Steer Herdsmen Junior Exhibitor - Dustin Jacobs Intermediate Exhibitor - Gresham Stephens Senior Exhibitor - Camron Diem Steer Premier Exhibitor awards Junior exhibitor - Madi Conrad Intermediate exhibitor - Anna Conrad Senior exhibitor - Cassidy Dossin Weight Gain 1st place Lexi Jett 2nd place Cassidy Hasiting 3rd place Autumn Tarlton, 4th place Amiah Williamson 5th place Matthew DelCastillo Carcass Grand Champion - Kyla O’Neal Reserve Champion - Shannon Gill 3rd place Jessica Kaye 4th place Mariah Edward 5th place Haley Flack 6th place Chloe Tew 7th place Alyssa Cooper 8th place Zack Campbell 9th place Jessica Tillis 10th place Ashley Sanchez 11th place Anna Conrad 12th place Dakota Allen At the end of the night the participants of the Florida Strawberry Festival Steer and Swine competitions showed an unbelievable amount of dedication, hard work and perseverance. All of the parents and exhibitors should be very proud. They are all winners for participating and seeing it through. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
97
Growing Up Chocolate
By Libby Hopkins
Chocolate lovers have their own four basic food groups, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles. All of the chocolate lovers’ four basic food groups were present along with any and everything chocolate one could think of at the Festival of Chocolate. The festival was held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) this past April and the two-day event brought more than 3,000 chocolate lovers to the museum to indulge in everything chocolate. The festival has been recognized as one of the top 10 chocolate festivals in the country. “The Festival of Chocolate is the ultimate, all-chocolate shopping, interactive and education event,” said MOSI’s Tourism Development Specialist, Vivian SantiagoMcIlrath. “Our guest learned more about the scientific side of chocolate in hands-on demonstrations and workshops with our S.T.E.A.M.punks. They got to sample ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, measure trajectory with marshmallow catapults, and calculate your age in chocolate with a unique formula.” The demonstrations featured at the festival also taught guests how chocolate is created from the bean to the bar. Chocolate has quite a unique history. According to the Wilbur Chocolate website (www. wilburchocolate.com) “It is believed that cacao originated in the Amazon Orinoco Basin more than 4,000 years ago, but was used primarily for the sweet pulp that surrounds the beans inside of the pod. Humans along the coastal trade routes most likely spread it through Central America from Ecuador. By 1800 BC, Theobroma cacao had spread into the Soconusco region of Guatemala and the Pacific coastal plain of Chiapas, Mexico. It was here that cacao is believed to have been first domesticated and used for its beans.” The website 98
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
also says, “In 1847, an English company introduced the first pieces of a solid eating chocolate, changing the way the world consumes the majority of its chocolate. Two decades later, Daniel Peter of Vevey, Switzerland introduced the formula of the world’s first milk chocolate. After spending many years attempting to find a way to incorporate the creamy, smooth taste and texture of milk into chocolate, Peter succeeded by incorporating the sweetened condense milk that had just been invented by his friend and neighbor, Henri Nestle.” The theme for this year’s Festival of Chocolate was “Growing up Chocolate” in honor of the festival being held in the spring. The event highlighted the Tampa Bay area’s best chocolate and confection companies that sold chocolate treats from truffles to chocolate BBQ sauces and meat rubs. Guests also got to sample liquid chocolate with chocolate beers, wines and floats. “The festival is now in its fifth year and it has grown considerably over the years,” said the festival’s director and chief chocolate chick, Aileen Mand. “There is a method to the madness and whether you are 5 or 105, you will learn, laugh, indulge and experience chocolate in all forms when you come to the Festival of Chocolate.” In addition to being a lover of chocolate, Mand also loves fashion. The Festival of Chocolate gives her the opportunity to bring together her two passions through the Coco Couture Fashion Show, which was held at the festival. “This completion showcased chocolate-inspired designs created by artists between the ages of 5 and 15,” Mand said. “This year the garments were sassier and the designers were better than ever. The dresses were made from 50 percent creativity and 50 perWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
cent candy wrapper.” Some of the dresses from the Coco Couture Fashion Show will travel to international fashion shows as well. Another unique component about the Festival of Chocolate is that it featured 25 local chocolate vendors and a portion of the proceeds raised at the event went to help fund MOSI’s education programs. “The entire festival was founded on local small businesses,” Mand said. “We have been approached by the big chocolate companies to partner with us, but we say ‘no,’ that’s not the show we run. We support those small businesses who have a dream and a mixer.” Mand hoped that everyone who attended the Festival of Chocolate enjoyed all it had to offer. “If you’ve been to the festival before, we hope you enjoyed it again this year and if this was your first time, we hope we blew your mind by all that chocolate has to offer.” If you would like to know when and where the next Festival of Chocolate will be taking place, you can visit the festival’s website at www.festivalofchocolate. com. If you would like to learn more about MOSI, you can visit them on the web at www.mosi.org. MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
99
Gardening in Remembrance
By Shannon P. Mitchell, The Redheaded Gardener You know what I find so fascinating about gardening? The cycles. Every day in the garden you see birth and death and the in between. For me one of the most shining examples of this is the monarch butterfly laying tiny dot eggs on the underside of my robust bully of a passion vine. Emerging caterpillars then hungrily munch away on the passion vine and my nearby milkweed thankfully added to my butterfly garden just for their enjoyment alone. Finally, spent from their gorging, fat and content, they curl up into papery cocoons and again burst forth to start the cycle anew a short time later. The color they add to my garden as they flit about among the sunshine bright yellow lantana and the deep periwinkle blue porter weed is a delight. At this time of year when the rains become more abundant, courting frogs begin to sound a cacophonous chorus, spawning and depositing their future tadpole offspring in my nearest barrel tub of water lilies. Sometimes, I find inspiration about the season of life when I observe the withering of a flower under the burning Florida sun, the spontaneous explosion of a dandelion seed head in our slight spring breezes or the unfurling of a fern’s tightly wound fiddlehead amidst the shady oaks. These signs all shadow for me the very essence of why I garden. To be reminded. Reminded of being brand new to experiences in life. To be reminded of the sometimes angst-filled journey, the struggle, the space between birth and death which can be filled with happy moments, sadness, fleeting joy and unimaginable anger. Sometimes we experience regret, glorious laughter and overwhelming grief all in what seems like eternity but yet can also be a moment. Yes this is profound, but my point is I use my garden to work through all these feelings, these experiences and to remember. How do I garden in remembrance? In simple ways. It’s the two oak trees that were given to us when we bought our first house. It’s the crape myrtle that was used as a backdrop in our wedding and was given to us as a gift. It has moved from house to house with us and still it thrives blooming strong each year in bright red-pink cascades. It’s the garden stone on my garden pathway that covers the grave of one 100 100
HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IINNTTHE
May ay 2015 2015 M
of my favorite pet cats. It’s the yellow rose that friends just gave me in honor of my father-in-law who just passed away suddenly in April. It’s a simple sharing of a special scented jasmine from a friend’s garden. All of these examples I see daily in my garden and they remind me to continue living life to the fullest and to squeeze every moment out of it. They remind me of friends, they remind me of devotion, and they remind me of loyalty. All these things I treasure in my garden and I remember. Seeds breaking ground symbolize beginnings. In my eyes, this is the birth of beauty in so many visions of color, form and texture. From there the seedlings struggle to rapidly take in nutrients provided through welcoming surroundings. Rich soil, ample water and warm days allow them to flourish, adding true leaves ready to accept the care we so lavishly provide in the race to beautify our surroundings. Ultimately the seedlings will grow into strong plants that strive to bloom and reproduce for the next season. This is a reminder to you fellow gardeners that we leave behind what we sow for following generations. So sow wisely. Sow to remember and pay tribute to the earth, to your family and to your friends. To those you love. The garden is the perfect place to do it for it will mean that much more to you every time you walk out in it. Happy gardening. WWW. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
101
Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com 2002 EXISS
ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com July 19, 2015, Nov. 29, 2015
3H Slant w/Mid Tack and full living quarters, $31,500. Email brie1936@gmail.com for more information.
PRODUCE Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau (863) 439-3232
HUSTLER RAPTOR
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
RedMax 28 hand held blower with purchase of NEW zero turn mower with select brand &models of select inventory while supplies last. Prices start at $2,599. 813-759-8722, 908 E. Baker Street Plant City.
FRESH PRODUCE
CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE
BUILDING SUPPLIES
FREE REDMAX
42” cut, 21 hp Kawasaki engine. 3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722
FOR RENT
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mullcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, pro drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
FOR SALE
WINDOW SCREENS
GO FRESH PRODUCE
Working with local farmers! 2500 sq. ft. of FRESH produce, Locally Owned. Come out and visit us. On the corner of Hwy 92 & Forbes Rd. 5117 Hwy 92 W. Plant City
REAL ESTATE HOME FOR SALE
1109 S. Wiggins Rd. Plant City. 3/2.5 Manufactured home with pool situated on 1 acre. $134,900 mlsT2725652 Call for showing 813-967-0168
We make window screens of all sizes available KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the in different frame colors. HOME FOR SALE BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Call Ted(813) 752-3378 808 W. Risk St. Plant City. 3/2 Bungalow, Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 recently updated and ready for occupancy. CABINETS $115,000 mlsT2728687Call for showing All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER 813-967-0168. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Call Blake 813-752-3378 Many standard sizes in stock. FOR SALE - 45 ACRES VACAT LAND Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of SIDING gently rolling hills with big trees & solid Ext. Siding 4’X7’ sheets stucco ground, A great setting for residential develFor Sale texture & 12” on center. $18.95 Beautiful & unique coffee table, 2 side tables opment. To the east of the property is a 60 Call Blake 813-752-3378 and a wall clock made out of Buckeye Wood acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. for $1000. MOBILE HOME TUBS Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs (813) 759-8311 Cecil for more information (863) 899-9620 Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $185.00
JOBS
FARM EQUIPMENT
In The Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team. Appointment setting & presenting marketing plans to prospective clients. Develop & Maintain relationships with clients. Ensure proper/effective input from client for advertising campaign & evaluation.
2010 MASSEY FERUSON
GC2410 Tractor Loader Backhoe. 22 hp diesel hst Trans. 4X4 60” mid mount mower. 207 hours, $13,500 Call Alvie @ 813-759-8722
BUSH HOG 3209
9’ Offset mower $3,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 7X15 LAWN TRAILER Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Extreme focus on client service: client retention & growth. Multi-Tasked. email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
TIGER POWER 15KW
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
YANMAR F205 TRACTOR Loader Backhoe 173 hours. 3pt. lift, pto, 4x4. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
PTO driven generator like new condition! $1,250 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
102
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kawasaki engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
May 2015
LOOKING TO LEASE
10 Plus acres prefer North Lakeland for cattle. Will maintain fences and mowing. Call Reggie 863-698-2967
SERVICES CALLER ON HOLD
A low cost service that enables you to communicate important information about your business to customers while they are on hold. No monthly payments or annual payments. Call today and ask for Al (813) 763-2220
MISC. JEWELERY
Diamond setting & jewelry repair. All done on premises! Crescent Jewelers 813-752-2413
HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?
Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Let us help you get rid of it!
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INITNHE THE FIELD FIELDMM AGAZINE AGAZINE
MM ayay 2015 2015
103 103
John Deere Quality your wallet will find them irresistible...
5075M Tractor
Serving our customers with 12 Locations At Everglades Farm Equipment we take pride in working with those who work with the land. With superior customer support through leasing, rentals, in-field service support, technology, the best parts availability, and loyalty programs just to name a few, we’re ready to be your equipment partner for the long haul.
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567
Leesburg
1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748
813-737-1660
352-315-1016
Odessa
2240 Success Drive Odessa, FL 33556
Okeechobee
727-842-8618
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
Clearwater
863-763-1921
5090 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33760
727-828-8200
Fort Pierce
6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
Palmetto
772-461-5568
906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-3281
Loxahatchee
13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Fort Myers
Give us a call today.
561-784-4000
9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-332-5045
Belle Glade
Corporate Headquarters
Immokalee
775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142
239-657-4413
2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430
Naples
561-996-6531
1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples , FL 34109
239-260-8800
www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com
104
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
Since 1963 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM