INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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FFVA NAMES MIKE JOYNER TO REPLACE RETIRING PRESIDENT MIKE STUART years. Prior to his association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Joyner represented clients throughout Florida and the U. S. before the Florida Legislature and state regulatory agencies. He also served in public affairs and environmental affairs positions with The St. Joe Company and Progress Energy, which is now known as Duke Energy. Joyner also served as chief of staff for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). “Mike is uniquely equipped to lead FFVA into the future,” said Orsenigo. “Given his experience and leadership in Florida agriculture, he has a keen grasp of the issues that Florida producers face in growing and marketing their crops. We’re looking forward to having him at the helm of our association.” Mike Joyner has been named the new president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), according to FFVA Chairman Paul R. Orsenigo. Joyner will replace retiring FFVA President Mike Stuart. The appointment was effective October 15. Joyner most recently served as Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture and chief of staff for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, a position he held for the past eight
Joyner is an alumnus of the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics. He and his wife, Alicia, have two daughters.
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“I’m excited to join this association, which I’ve admired for many years,” said Joyner. “The positive influence that FFVA’s advocacy work has had on public policy is impressive. There are challenges ahead for agriculture, which means that advocacy is more important than ever.”
NOVEMBER 2018 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 1
CONTENTS Jake & Melissa Raburn
64 PAGE 10 Deere Day
PAGE35 Coffee
PAGE 13 Paige Gran
PAGE 36 Jack Payne
PAGE 16 Business Up Front
PAGE 38 Harvest Awards
PAGE 63
PAGE 18
PAGE 40 C.A.R.E.S.
PAGE 66
PAGE 46 John Dicks
PAGE 70 Soil and Water Science Intern
Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 28 Holiday Plants
PAGE 50 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 32 Heights Meat Market
PAGE 54 Olivor Heritage Farms
PAGE 56 Yard Art
PAGE 62 Corn Maze Design
Thankful
The Field Foodies
PAGE 71 A Closer Look
PAGE 74 News Briefs
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Kenneth Parker....................President
Dennis Carlton Jr................Vice President
Michelle Williamson..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2017 - 2018
Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Carl Bauman, Will Womack , Melissa Grimes.
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Patsy Berry Editor Sales Melissa Nichols Karen Berry Sarah Holt
Letter from the Editor It’s hard to believe that In The Field magazine is celebrating the completion of 14 years. Things have changed for us throughout this journey, both good and bad. The magazine has continued to cover what is growing as the way of cultivating crops adapts with the changing times. We’ve lost people dear to us, including Al Berry, father of publisher Karen Berry and author of everyone’s favorite Rocking Chair Chatter. We look forward to many more years of covering the second largest industry in our great state. As things evolve we will keep you informed. Stories of families that have been farming or ranching continue to amaze us. We look forward to meeting more of you and sharing your stories. But most of all, our advertisers allow us to continue bringing you the latest on agriculture in our area. Some of you have been with us since day one and we want to let you know how much we appreciate you. You are so important to us. It’s been an incredible journey and we aren’t stopping now! As you gather together with your families for Thanksgiving, don’t forget the farmer and rancher. When shopping for your feast, and every day, look for the Fresh from Florida label. You will be getting the freshest possible food and supporting our community. “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”– W.T. Purkiser
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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A GREAT ANNUAL MEETING HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
District 4-H Council. There’s also a story on Paige in this edition.
Dear Readers: The annual Florida Farm Bureau Federation state meeting is always a very productive time for attendees thanks to the sharing of information and fellowship that occurs. This year’s meeting was especially gratifying for a number of reasons. President John Hoblick presented your Hillsborough County Farm Bureau with the President’s Award for excelling in all five program areas of Legislative Policy Implementation, Organization and Management, Public Relations/Information, Education/Agriculture Promotion and Leadership Development, as well as exceeding our membership quota. Jake and Melissa Raburn won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, recognizing young farmers and ranchers who do not derive a majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. There’s more on Jake and Melissa in this edition of IN THE FIELD and I encourage you to read about this fine young couple, their family and contributions to the community and our industry.
Your county farm bureau was recognized for its contribution to the Women’s Fund for 2017-2018, supporting such organizations as the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Seamark Ranch, Glazer Children’s Museum and Ronald McDonald House Charities, just to name a few. In addition, the State Women’s Leadership Committee on behalf of the Women’s Fund made a contribution of $10,000 to the Glazer Children’s Museum over the next three years and presented a $5,000 check to the Florida Agriculture Museum at the state meeting. My thanks to all of our county members and to those whose hard work was recognized. We have a very bright future with such committed and hard working members here in Hillsborough County. If your family does not belong to Farm Bureau, please consider joining so you can help our industry continue to advance. Remember you don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to join. For more information, visit: hcfarmbureau.org, call us at 813-685-9121. Thank you.
Paige Gran, daughter of Stephen and Belinda Gran, represented our District in the statewide Youth Speech Contest, and she did a very fine job. She is a senior at Riverview High School and President of the
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Kenneth Parker, President; Dennis Carlton, Jr. , Vice-President; Michelle WIlliamson Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Will Womack Member-at-large, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Melissa Grimes, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Jake Raburn, Member Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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Everglades Equipment Group hosts “Deere Day” By Melissa Nichols
Each year Everglades Equipment Group hosts “Deere Day,” an event to thank their customers. This year the Plant City store, which services Polk and Hillsborough counties, held Deere Day on October 25. The President of Everglades, Mike Schlechter, his wife Anna, his daughter, Alleigh Reitz, who is the Marketing Manager of Everglades, and Diane Padron, the Human Resources director, came up from the Everglades headquarters in Wellington to spend the day with the staff of the Plant City store and their loyal customers. “It is hard to maintain the feel of the little hometown tractor store where everyone knows everyone and you are greeted with a handshake and grow the business, but our focus is to do just that. It was my father’s vision and something we will keep working on, we want to know our customers and we want them to know we appreciate them,” Mike Schlechter said. This year was no different from years past, they set up a huge tent, had tractors on display, new implements and items out, BBQ food prepared on site (amazing ribs and chicken), along with corn on the cob, potato salad, mac and cheese, a variety of desserts and of course the famous “Everglades ice cream” with the pto ice cream churn. There was also live entertainment and amazing door prizes, like Stihl equipment and a John Deere Safe. Hats and cups were also given at the gate to guests as they arrived. “Our customers make up this business, we know that without them we would not be Everglades Equipment Group and Everglades is so much more than a name, to us it’s a legacy, a family legacy that I am proud to carry on,” Alleigh Reitz said.
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Everglades was also present at the ribbon cutting for Warner University’s new Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle Agriculture Complex, greeting members of the community and the founders. Everglades Equipment Group goes above and beyond to win over your business and to thank you for it.
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Buy the AgTag® $20 of your purchase helps educate our kids!
Through your purchase of the Florida Agriculture License Plate, Florida Agriculture In The Classroom is able to provide: • Funds for school gardens • PreK–12 agriculture curriculum • Teacher and volunteer grants • Workshops and farm tours • Florida Agriculture Literacy Day • And much more! Visit www.agtag.org to learn more.
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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FARMWORKER STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM By Jim Frankowiak
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is accepting applications now through April 1, 2019 for the Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship (FFSS) Program. FFSS is a needbased merit scholarship that provides financial assistance to a maximum of 50 eligible students who are either farmworkers or the children of farmworkers. Students who attend a public, postsecondary institution will receive an award equal to the amount required to pay tuition and specified fees. Initial eligibility requirements include: Florida residency; a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 for all high school courses creditable toward a diploma; completion of a minimum of 30 service hours, a transcript with a minimum of 90 percent attendance rate and no disciplinary actions; and, be a farmworker or child of a farmworker. To receive funding, students must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, the status of which is determined by the postsecondary institution. Any questions regarding status should be directed to the financial aid or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend. Also, students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term, or the equivalent, at an eligible participating public, postsecondary institution in a program of study leading to an undergraduate degree or career certificate.
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Program scholarship application requirements include a Florida Financial Aid Application, which must be field by April 1, 2019. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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must be completed online on or before May 15, 2019. The application is available at: https://fafsa.org Eligible applicants will be ranked and selected first by the lowest “expected family contribution� as specified on the FAFSA and second by the earliest application submission date. Among eligible applicants, priority awarding will be to renewal applicants and then initial applicants. Awards are distributed by the postsecondary institution to eligible students each term. Awards are not currently available for the summer. Scholarship recipients may receive an award for a maximum of 100 percent of the number of credit hours required to complete an associate or baccalaureate degree program; or 100 percent of the credit hours or clock hours required to complete a program that terminates in a career certificate (up to 90 credit hours}. Renewal applications are not required since award recipients are automatically considered for renewal of his or her award. Eligibility for renewal is determined at the end of the second semester, third quarter or the equivalent each academic year. Students must have earned a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. More information is available at fldoe.org, Office of Student Financial Assistance or the admissions or financial aid office of the postsecondary institution the student plans to attend. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“I was attracted to the Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest by the topic which I found very interesting,” - Paige Gran
Paige Gran:
Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest County and District Winner Courtesy Photo
By Jim Frankowiak Paige Gran, daughter of Stephen and Belinda Gran and a senior at Riverview High School, is the Hillsborough County and District 8 Champion in Florida Farm Bureau’s 2018 Youth Speech Contest. That annual competition is sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Program with three levels: County, District and State. Gran, who is also currently the District IX 4-H President, took top honors at the county and district competitions, but did not continue her winning streak at the recent statewide competition, which is held in conjunction with Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting. Her county and district wins included cash prizes. The purpose of this contest is to promote a stronger interest and clearer understanding of agriculture; to provide opportunities for youth to gain knowledge, appreciation and understanding of agriculture; and help to promote agriculture’s many values and virtues. The competition is open to any student who is at least 14 years of age, but not over 18 years of age as of September 15 of the year of the competition. Students must be a resident in the county of the sponsoring county Farm Bureau. Previous state winners are not eligible to compete again. Contestants must display a positive attitude about agriculture and the speech content must be consistent with Farm Bureau policies. Speeches must be five-minutes in length, plus or minus 30-seconds and they must be given personally. Short or long speeches result in point reductions. Judges have the right to question competitors following their presentations. The competition’s scoring rubric covers four primary areas: oral communications, non-verbal communications, speech content and response to questions. The topic for the 2018 competition was: “How has the introduction of agricultural mobile apps impacted the agriculture industry?” Gran’s father is Hillsborough County Extension Director and her mother is a an agriculture teacher at East Bay High School. She has a brother Tate, who is a freshman at River-
Paige has been an active 4-H member since she was 8 and the FFA since she was in middle school. As the District IX 4-H President she works with members from Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. She has been involved in the Florida 4-H Project Life – Living in Florida’s Environment community service initiative by helping with beach and park clean-ups. In addition she is a member of the Florida 4-H State Executive Board, Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Board and President of the Chautauqua 4-H Club. A senior at Riverview High School, Paige is a member of the leadership team of the FFA Chapter; she is also the Logistics Coordinator for the National Honor Society, Vice President in the Science Honor Society and an active member in Senior Steering Committee. Paige was a member of the Riverview swim team, but an injury ended her competitive activities, however, she continues with the team as part of the coaching staff. Paige’s 4-H and FFA main projects included exhibiting market swine, beef heifers and plants at the Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival. “I was attracted to the Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest by the topic which I found very interesting,” said Gran. “My parents and some of my teachers continually encourage me to try things that take me out of my comfort zone. Ms. Karen Hamilton, who teaches veterinary assisting at Riverview, is one of my mentors and encourager.” Another of her mentors was Greg Lehman, an Ag teacher at Barrington Middle School. “He has stuck with me through the years and has always encouraged me to go and fulfill my full potential,” said Gran. “Even with the strange ideas that I come up with they have backed me up if it was something I believed in. “ Gran’s future plans include college and eventually becoming a marine biologist.
Congratulations Paige on your Youth Speech Contest victories and best of luck going forward! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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view High School and involved in baseball.
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Business Up Front Tailor-Made Structures carries on family legacy by: Breanne Williams
Blake Bliss, son of Rick Bliss the “Pole Barn King,” is carrying on the family legacy following Rick’s retirement with his new company Tailor-Made Structures. Blake Bliss is carrying on his father’s legacy of building high quality and affordable structures with his new company Tailor-Made Structures, LLC. His father, Rick, was dubbed the “Pole Barn King” and after more than 30 years he retired. His son began learning the ins and outs of the industry when he was 16 years old. But even as a young child he said he remembers lending a helping hand whenever there was a chance. “I have pictures of me standing on a ladder with my dad when I was two years old,” Bliss said. “I’ve always known I was going to build barns and I’ve been doing this my whole life. We have a couple of the same crews as before and they’re building the same barns they were under my father’s company. Rick was known for building a quality barn for a quality price. That’s our motto too.” Right out of high school Bliss began his journey to becoming a legendary general contractor. As a teenager he was working on the job site constructing a variety of barns and shortly after he became a foreman. From there he shifted into a consulting role to help customers conceptualize their dream project. He said his plethora of experience allows him to help clients walk away with a structure “that’s Tailor-Made to fit their life.” Bliss said traveling for “the right job” is no problem for his company, but they predominately work around the Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Hernando County areas. They build everything from custom horse stables to open and enclosed pole barns. Bliss even built the intricately designed building his office currently resides in. He’s tackled projects for LEGOLAND and Safari Wilderness as well as constructed some intricately designed barns throughout the area that are being used for elaborate wedding venues. Some of his more notable clients have been Wishing Well Barn in Plant City and Cross Creek Ranch in Dover. His roots, however, go back to building sturdy, long-lasting barns for farmers and ranchers. He has built countless horse barns and pole barns and said the quality of the material they use always sets their products apart. “Over the years, I’ve been doing this literally my entire life, but over the years I’ve had thousands of satisfied customers,” Bliss said. “It’s my personal mission to make sure that every single project I have my hands on is perfect, is exactly what they need and want.”
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Clients sometimes ask Bliss to build an open structure and then later they have him come back through and enclose it, making one structure last through a variety of services. He said he’ll even come back 10 years later and transition the barn into living quarters if that’s what the customer wants. His
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teams can do it all and he vows his products are made to last. With the horse barns, Bliss said he always uses tongue-andgroove boards to add a sturdiness to all of the stalls. Too often he sees horses destroy the weaker products others may use to construct the barns and he said it simply is not logical or affordable to build something that will be in constant need of repair. Everything is done in house with Tailor-Made. When they build a horse barn they fabricate their own stalls, ensuring their quality of work will be consistent throughout the entire structure. Word is quickly spreading about Bliss embarking on his own path. Through word of mouth, many of the farmers and other clients have recommended him for barns and the residential units. Slowly the community is beginning to take note that Tailor-Made Structures is becoming a staple in the market. “Our guys in that work in this field are what set us apart,” Bliss said. “They’ve been in this field so long, they’re experts and the quality of their work is unmatched. Most of the foremen have been doing it for at least 20 to 25 years. You can do the exact same size project right next door and there will be little things we will be prepared for that newer people just haven’t learned to anticipate. Experience is everything in this business and our products speak for themselves.” Whenever a customer decides they wish to have Tailor-Made Structures build their project Bliss likes to take the time to sit down and map out exactly what it is the customer truly needs. He said taking the time to really understand the demands of the customer and also the property the structure will be erected on helps ensure every customer walks away satisfied. “I really like to sit down with the customers and find out exactly what they want, what they like and don’t like,” Bliss said. “Pole barns may be very similar in how they’re made, but those little details really make a huge difference in the final product. We make sure every single thing is perfect.” He said his teams are detailed and thorough, but fast. The combined years of experience have allowed them to get construction down to a science. A simple pole barn normally can be done under a week and enclosed barns take about two to four weeks. They also frequently add to existing venues to expand the size and offerings of the structure. For more information about Tailor-Made Structures visit its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page or its website tailormadestructures.com. There are a variety of pictures of past projects online. For more information or to schedule an appointment give Bliss a call at 813-751-7770. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Winter Wonderland
NOVEMBER 23RD - DECEMBER 24TH THURS - SUN | 6PM - 10PM
at the
2508 West Oak Ave Plant City, FL 33563
Admission:
3 & Under.......FREE Ages 4-12............$3 13 & Older...........$5 *plus tax
letters to santa, ornaments, face painting and LEGO in the KidZone
FREE PARKING
FREE RIDES FREE
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT
(ADDITIONAL CHARGE)
LIVING NATIVITY
Check the website for times and dates
Living Nativity Thur, Fri, and Sat at 7pm & 8pm *Weather Permitting
www.ChristmasLane.com
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MEDIA SPONSOR
Fishing Tampa Bay December 2018 Capt. Woody Gore
Zach decided to wade after his first snook that got caught on some rocks. Jumped out of the boat and landed it.
Snook: Moving water and a live well full of sardines and pinfish will work but don’t be surprised if you don’t drag a redfish or gator trout off the same broken bottom grass flats. If you’re wanting to snag that snook of a lifetime, especially with the heart-stopping action of a topwater lure, I would suggest tying on a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. and walkthe-dog, letting it rattle across that same broken bottom grass flat. Soon you’ll witness the most incredible strike as a giant snook crashes your lure. But always remember that really big snook are females and probably full of eggs so handle with care. If you have to lift her out of the water do it gently then snap a quick photo, and return her gently back into the water reviving her slowly.
Mackerel: Finding them is fairly simple, just locate a spoil bar or in-
shore reef. Once you’re anchored up-tide from the reef or bar start pitching a few sardines into the water. If they are close it won’t take long before the feeding frenzy starts. Now using a 2/0 long-shank hook on a 50# leader tied to your 15# Seaguar braid on your spinning reel; nose hook a threadfin or sardine, toss it into the strike zone and hold on tight. Many folks don’t believe it but mackerel are good table fare. For those you keep, bleed them promptly getting them on ice quickly.
Redfish: The reds are still biting anything tossed in their direction and
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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should continue on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures are catching their share along with living shrimp, sardines, and pinfish. The key to finding redfish is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. On flooding tides, most are holding close to or pushing back into mangrove shoreline. While chumming with live bait often works, tossing dead threadfins or cut bait up close and tight to the mangroves on flood tides usually brings them out to investigate.
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Spotted Sea Trout: The big trout have started to show up on our flats
along with plenty of slot fish. Find a good grass flat with plenty of potholes, I usually refer to these flats as broken bottom flats, and start by working the edges of as many potholes as possible. Trout aren’t too picky and are a good species to hone your artificial lure skills. One good artificial is a DOA Measles shrimp under a popping cork; hook the shrimp like you would a live one, through the carapace or top of the head then cast it out and pop the cork. The popping sound draws the trout’s attention to the bait. Remember; take only what you plan on eating for supper because they do not freeze well. Sea trout are a fragile species and have a delicate slime coat, so please use wet hands or a de-hooker and not dry-hands, rags, or a landing net for the ones you plan to release.
Snapper: If you’re looking for some late summer fun, particularly for the youngsters, take them snapper fishing. Not only are these fish fun to catch but they are great eating. Small free-lined greenbacks or pieces of fresh shrimp around markers, bridges or rock piles will usually result in a limit of fish. If the tides a little strong, add enough split shot to keep the bait down 3-6 feet. Don’t forget a chum bag.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
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• Madame Tallien, a member of Emperor Napoleon’s court, bathed in the juice of fresh strawberries, squashing 22 pounds into the bathtub each time. Like most citizens in the 1700s, she did not bathe daily or even weekly. That strawberry bath may have taken place once a year. • According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat an average of 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries every year. • Unlike some other fruits, strawberries don’t continue to ripen after being picked • The impressive polyphenolic and antioxidant content of strawberries make them good for improving the immune system, preventing against various types of cancers and for reducing the signs of premature aging. • There is a legend that strawberries were named in the nineteenthcentury by English children who picked the fruit, strung them on grass straws and sold them as “Straws of berries”. • Brushing your teeth is important, but eating strawberries can actually help whiten your teeth. The acids in the fruit help to remove stains. • Ancient Romans used the berries to treat everything from depression to fever and sore throats.
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Sponsored by:
HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS
www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971
Sometimes at the end of the day I feel like it was a really bad one. Then I read in the papers about other people, and realize it wasn’t so bad after all. For instances, two animal rights protesters were protesting at the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Germany. Suddenly the pigs, all two thousand of them, escaped through a broken fence stampeded, trampling the to protesters to death. I read a police report from Argentina where a 25-year-old man pushed his 21-year-old wife out of an eighth floor window after an argument, but her fall was broken when her legs became entangled in power lines below. A police spokesperson to the state-run newspaper said when the husband saw the woman dangling beneath him he apparently tried to throw himself on top to finish her off. He missed, however, and fell to his death. Meanwhile, the woman managed to swing over to a nearby balcony and was saved.
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I watched the next man in line sign the receipt for his credit card purchase, and the same clerk noticed that he had never signed his name on the back of the card. She informed
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him that she could not complete the transaction unless the card was signed. He asked her why, and she explained that it was necessary to compare the signature on the credit card with the signature he had just signed on the receipt. He signed the credit card in front of her. She carefully compared the signature to the one he had just signed on the receipt. She looked up at him and said, “O.K. they match.” There are many transmission lines that crisscross Connecticut. Transmission towers of various constructions description hold up these power lines. Those most commonly installed near urban areas are called “metal ornamental towers” (supposedly prettier than wood towers). Sometimes the adventurous climb the towers in order to enjoy the view and the night air. Most stay away from the wires, and when they get bored, come back down. Apparently, a man who was forlorn after a recent spat with his girlfriend needed some fresh air to clear his head and decided to climb a tower. He stopped for a six-pack to help clear his thoughts, went to a tower south of Hartford, next to I-91, and climbed it. Public Service employees later pieced the story together. The man sat there 60 feet above the highway, drank his beer and consoled his WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Check out the classified ads. They can be funny too! “Free Puppies: ½ Cocker Spaniel – ½ Sneaky Neighbor’s dog. Bill’s Septic Cleaning –“We Haul American Made Products,” Whirlpool Washer $100, owned by clean bachelor who seldom washed,” “Nice Parachute – Never Opened –Used Once – Slightly Stained.” I love the excerpts from letters sent to landlords: “This is to let you know that there is a smell coming from the man next door,” “I am writing in behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall,” “Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk. Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.” And the best one of all; ”I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.” I’ll close with this story. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked near Disney, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find an ill man curled up next to the back wheel of the RV. The police report said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his hose into the motor home’s sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the RV declined to press charges, saying that it was the best laugh he had ever had.
to the
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Always read and follow label directions.
I have collected some funny news headlines over the years. The most recent was “Unopposed Candidate Wins.” Others include “Man Run Over by Freight Train Dies,” “Larger Kangaroos Leap Farther,” “Stolen Paintings Found by Tree,” ”Red tape Holds Up New Bridge,” “Police Found Safe Hidden Under Bed,” “Lawmen From Mexico Barbeque Guests,” “Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors” and “Blind Woman Gets New Kidney From Daughter She Hasn’t Seen in Years.”
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bruised ego. After five beers, he needed to do what people often need to do after five beers. It being such a long hike down, he unzipped and did his business right there off the tower. Electricity is a funny thing. One doesn’t need to touch a wire in order to get shocked. Depending on conditions, 115,000 volt lines, like those supported by the tower, could shock a person as far away as six feet. The guys at the power company noted a momentary outage on this line and sent repairmen to see if there was any damage. When they got to the scene of the accident, they found a very dead person, what was left of his private parts smoking and a single beer left on top of the tower.
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Time to Think About Gifting Holiday Plant Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
The holidays are right around the corner now which makes it a great time to consider gifting plants for the holiday! The classic holiday plant selection is most likely the Poinsettia. However, this article will focus on two other great holiday plants; Amaryllis and Gardenia.
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Amaryllis is a bulb that produces large trumpet-shaped flowers. It is also a good container plant and can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet. This bulb needs well-drained soil and soil pH that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline, 6.0-7.2. Any soil texture works well, from clay loam to sandy loam, from sand to sandy clay. Amaryllis has medium drought and low to no salt tolerance. It makes a great impact when planted in terraces, at gate entrances or as a border plant in groups of 10 or more. Plant this bulb between September and January. Amaryllis performs best in partial shade and well in sun. Propagation is from seeds, cuttings and
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smaller bulbs attached to the “mother” bulbs. You can leave bulbs in the ground for years or dig them up and replant them during September and October. Paula Staples said: “Amaryllis adds structure and color to a holiday season centerpiece. The blooms last for several weeks, so the centerpiece can be adapted to extend over several seasonal holidays.” Gardenia produces fragrant white flowers and has glossy dark green leaves. This plant can reach a height and spread of 4–8 feet. Full sun to partial shade provides the best flowering. Well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter is preferred. Soil pH for Gardenia is acid to slightly acid, 4.5-6.5. Any soil texture will work. This large shrub has medium drought and low to no salt tolerance. It should be fertilized 2-3 times each year. After flowering has been completed, it can be pruned. However, if you prune after October WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
1st, that activity will decrease the blooming the following year. Propagation is by grafting or cuttings. Gardenia can be used as a hedge, groundcover, is beautiful in mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Years ago I planted a one gallon pot which now blocks a quarter of the front of my house! It’s so beautiful when covered with dozens of blooms that I don’t have the heart to prune it…..yet! For more information about these holiday gems, please see the University of Florida publications, “Gardenias at a Glance” by Sydney Park Brown and Joan Bradshaw, http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP33800.pdf, and “Hippeastrum x hybridum Amaryllis’, by Edward F. Gilman, at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ fp255, from which information contained in this article was adapted. For assistance with gardening-related questions, contact the UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813744-5519, visit our website at: http://sfyl.ifas. ufl.edu/hillsborough/ and check out our calendar of events at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/.
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First Flat
Strawberry Season is here!
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The first flat was picked at Favorite Farms. Lisa Fox is the farm owner and the Farm Manager is Clint Taylor. Four flat boxes of the new variety, Florida Beauty, were picked October 22, 2018.
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Prepare Now. Sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review.
Are you FSMA compliant? The ďŹ rst Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (PSR) compliance dates have arrived. Very large farms with average annual sales exceeding $500,000 in the last three years were required to be compliant with the PSR as of Jan. 26, 2018, with the exception of the water requirements. Sign up now to request a Free On-Farm Readiness Review, offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an opportunity to receive on-farm education and technical assistance to help farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.
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The Urban Meat Market
By Libby Hopkins
By Libby Hopkins
Vegetables are interesting, but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a cut of good meat and truly good cuts of meat are hard to find these days. For the Seminole Heights residents, the search for good cuts of meat is over. The Heights Meat Market is just one of the new locally owned businesses popping up in the community. “We officially opened our doors on October 16 and we plan to have a Grand Opening in November,” said co-owner Douglas Coogle Jr. “We chose Seminole Heights because we have all grown up in or around this area. We are so excited to see the community booming like it is and we wanted to be apart of it. Our family has attended church at Christ Fellowship in Seminole Heights since it was Spencer Memorial.”
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The market has five employees and they are all family. Coogle and Kevin Crofton are co-owners. “Kevin’s family are the founders and former owner’s of Crofton & Sons, who produced and created a number of local smoked sausage brands. They sold the company in 2015 after more than 40 years and three generations of success,” Coogle said. “Kevin hired me in 2013 to be his accountant and when the company sold in 2015, I bought Lee & Davis Country Meats in Waycross, GA, which was another business that was owned by Kevin and
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his family. I married Kevin’s cousin in 2013 and I have always been close with his family, so we decided to team up to open this store.” Coogle and Crofton are thrilled that their market can offer the Seminole Heights community and beyond a wide variety of meats. “Our market specializes in offering high quality Wagyu, Prime and Choice beef as well as antibiotic-free pork, free range antibiotic-free chicken, our own Lee & Davis Smoked Sausage, wild caught seafood, and exotic game,” Coogle said. “Our exotic game consists of alligator, pheasant, rabbit, elk, venison, bison, duck, wild boar, and camel.” Meat markets and butcher shops have a long and extensive history. According to Central Vic Meats Blog (www.centralvicmeatsblog.wordpress.com) “Butchery, being one of the world’s oldest and most respected professions dates back to the domestication of livestock when meat was first brought into our regular diet. There is evidence to show that even pre-historic man was able to primitively butcher the giant tortoises and giant sloths that roamed the Florida sinkholes in the U.S. It was during medieval times that the profession of butchery came into the fore, as preparing the animal and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
cutting the meat into proper cuts without waste whilst providing high levels of hygiene was paramount to the tastes and demands of customers. While butchery had become popular around the world and evidence found in ancient Rome that showed how the Romans carved and dressed meats, the earliest reference in recent history was in London, England with The Worshipful Company of Butchers Guild, which was formed as early as 975AD. In modern times, the butchers and their butcher shops became popular locations for their quality of meat, personal service and a local expert who could recommend meats and recipes.” Keeping things local is very important to Coogle and Crofton. “We love to carry local items,” Coogle said. “Most of our dry goods are from companies around the Bay area. We also offer prepared meals, compound butters, dinner sides, and cheese items from Curative Eats, which is a Seminole Heights company as well.” They also work with other small, locally owned businesses such as Urban Canning, Tampa Bay Hot Sauce and Flaming Fruit Sauce to name a few. For the short amount of time the market has been open, it has received some great feedback. “So far everyone has been very excited about our store,” Coogle said. “They all talk about the quality of the meat and that our pricing is on point. We’ve had a great vibe on Facebook and Instagram and it seems like the neighborhood is really excited.
The Heights Meat Market, you can follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heightsmeatmarket or call 813-964-6534. The Heights Meat Market is located at 4001 N. Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights.
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If you would like to learn more about
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Florida
Coffee By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Many of us think of coffee as a necessity pick-me-up to start the day. Did you know coffee can be grown in Florida? A major horticultural crop, coffee (Coffea arabica) is grown commercially in over 80 countries, including Central America, the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa, Madagascar, and Indonesia. The main types of coffee plants are Arabic, Robusta, and Liberica and hybrids of these. In Florida, the Arabica type grows the best. Much like cacoa beans, coffee plants grow best under shade and within 30 degrees north and south of the equator. They thrive in high humidity and low wind conditions and can live up to 60 to 70 years. In South Florida, white flower buds appear in summer and the coffee berries ripen and turn red in the fall. Surrounding the bean is a sweet fruit pulp. Once the berries are ripe, they are ready to be harvested from the tree. The process of preparing coffee beans is similar to that of cacao beans. Remove the seeds from the berries and ferment in water for several days. Dry the seeds in the sun for two days, then roast in your oven. Separate the beans from the hulls, then grind in a coffee grinder.
Nutritional Profile Current research has pointed to many health benefits of coffee and more benefits continue to be discovered. Ground coffee contains very few calories, a good punch of caffeine, and a myriad of benefits including its well-known ability to improve alertness. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of brewed coffee from coffee grounds (238 g) contains 2.4 calories, 0.3 g of protein, 0 g of fat or carbohydrate and 95mg of caffeine. It provides 11% of the Daily Reference Intake for riboflavin, 6% for pantothenic acid, 3% for potassium and manganese, as well as small amounts of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and folate.
Health Benefits Coffee has not been shown to be associated with any increased risk of heart disease or cancer, as it was once thought. In fact, recent studies have found an association between moderate coffee consumption and decreased cardiovascular and overall mortality. Coffee may have a wide variety
Research studies have found that those who drink coffee may have a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. However, excessive coffee intake (4 cups or more per day) is linked to nervousness and faster heart rate. Coffee has also been linked to lower levels of some cancers, including uterine and liver, as well as decreased risk of gout.
How to Select and Store Choose the least processed coffee you can find. It is fairly easy to find whole coffee beans that you can grind at home. What you add to your brewed coffee is important. Cream and sugar can add a lot of calories, fat, and refined sugar. Low fat milk is a healthier choice.
How to Enjoy Coffee is delicious brewed from the coffee grounds. This popular beverage can be brewed in multiple ways, including an electric coffee maker, French press, or drip style through cheesecloth. It can be purchased as light, medium, or dark roast, as well as decaffeinated. Other ways to enjoy coffee include: • Pour coffee into ice cube tray and freeze • Blend coffee into any smoothie • Use in dessert recipes such as tiramisu • Use in chocolate recipes for an extra depth of flavor • Ground coffee can be used in a meat seasoning or in savory dishes Enjoy the health benefits and delicious flavor of fresh coffee today. After drinking the coffee, keep the grounds for composting and fertilizing your plants. Selected References https://www.fairchildgarden.org http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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of health benefits, including protection against Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including cirrhosis. Coffee may also improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of depression.
By Jack Payne If you want to pick a home-grown tomato from the produce bin, you better reach carefully – past the five Mexican imports for each one grown in the U.S.A. It wasn’t always like this. Less than a generation ago, U.S. farms supplied the majority of the tomatoes in U.S. markets. It’s the same story with strawberries, peppers, and blueberries. Why the change? Until recently, we explained it away as imports beating out local produce on price in a free market. To University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences economist Zhengfei Guan, the question was “How free?” To find out, he and his team of economists dug through government data. Mexican government data. It revealed that before you make a choice in the supermarket aisle, the Mexican government made choices to increase the likelihood that you’d buy cheap instead of American. It paid much of your cost by spending billions of pesos to help Mexican growers purchase irrigation systems, shade houses, genetic materials, and other tools. In other words, subsidies. International trade has winners and losers. U.S. growers sell a lot of corn and soybeans to Mexico, for example. The Mexican government has essentially conceded those commodities to American farmers. The government subsidies for other crops make it possible for Mexican growers to sell strawberries, blueberries, peppers, and tomatoes for essentially less than it costs to produce them – or at least to produce them in Florida.
These leaders have repeatedly turned to Guan to produce data on the food fight on Florida grocery store shelves. As recently as this month, the leaders were texting Guan for more as they visited federal offices to educate policy makers on the effects of Mexican government subsidies. Guan got them the data within an hour, while they were still on Capitol Hill. They also shared copies of Guan’s new published research that reveals the startling extent of how the price of a Mexican strawberry can be influenced as much by government ministers in Mexico City as by farmers in Michoacan. Guan’s previous work on agricultural trade with Mexico had already been shared with the White House and some of the highest-ranking U.S. trade officials. The stakes are high. The agriculture, food, and natural resource industry is Florida’s second-largest, accounting for about one in every five jobs in the state. An unfair playing field – whether strawberries or peppers grow on it -- threatens Floridians’ livelihoods. It exacts environmental costs in the extra carbon miles our food travels from abroad. And if we go too far down the road of outsourcing of our food supply, we could ultimately be handing over to others the choice of what we eat – or even whether we eat.
That doesn’t seem like free trade. It’s certainly not fair trade.
You can do your part by looking for food that carries the Fresh From Florida logo.
UF/IFAS provides the science behind how to grow food in Hillsborough County, Polk County, Southwest Florida, and beyond. It also provides the science behind the choices that consumers and governments make.
UF/IFAS agricultural economists will continue to support Florida by providing the science behind your choices while they’re still yours to make.
That science is called economics. UF/IFAS has a large Department of Food and Resource Economics that crunches numbers on Plant City strawberries, Polk County cattle, nurseries throughout the region, and much more. They’re the local agricultural economists for every Florida community where people make their living off the land. PAGE
Guan, who works at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, is the go-to economist for Florida agricultural leaders who continue to track trade issues as the North American Free Trade Agreement turns into the U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement.
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Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Celebrating a most fruitful relationship
between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
1996
2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Dean Fultz (901) 355-5197 or Jim Johnson (813) 205-0355
2001
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Present
©2018 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
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2018 HARVEST AWARDS HONOR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND ITS LEGACY By Jim Frankowiak Hillsborough County agriculture was once again the star of the show at the 2018 Harvest Award’s Luncheon at the Hillsborough County fairgrounds. The Harvest Awards, in keeping with its mission, annually recognize the accomplishments of families, individuals and organizations for their achievement and commitment to agriculture and to preserve the agriculture heritage of Hillsborough County.
for the honor and noted, “A lot of blood, sweat and tears are associated with each crop. This recognition is a breath of fresh air to help me continue on.”
Young Farmer - Dustin Grooms Lifetime Acheivement- Richard Joyner Welcoming comments from Fair President Robert McElheny recognized the significant support from “hundreds of volunteers who each year make the fair possible,” the Mosaic Company for its sponsorship of the Harvest Awards luncheon and many other supporters and sponsors that enable the fair to continue and grow. Retired Hillsborough County Extension Director Mike McKinney, who is Harvest Awards Committee Chair, asked attendees to mark their calendars for March 9, 2019 the date for the next a strawberry U-Pick event at the Grooms family’s Fancy Farms with proceeds supporting 4-H in Hillsborough County. “The Grooms Family is the number one 4-H supporter in Hillsborough County,” he noted. Farm Family of the Year honors went to the Dale McClellan Family, owners and operators of M&B Products, based in Temple Terrace with its dairy farm in Lecanto. Their award was presented by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam
The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCB) Board of Supervisors was presented the Outstanding Public & Community Service Award for 2018 which was presented to the five-member board by Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill. He expressed his pleasure with the recognition since it honors the “connection between urban and rural communities” fostered by the HSWCB and its varied and growing initiatives” in support of sustainability that is so important to agriculture and all of us who benefit from and rely on the industry. Harvest Award attendees were also given the opportunity to recognize and honor Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture recipient Richard Joyner, retired Chief Executive Officer of Farm Credit of Central Florida and minister. Joyner’s long term commitment to agriculture and ongoing assistance to youth and their education was cited. 2017 Outstanding Young Farmer Daniel Gutierrez was recognized by attendees since he was not able to attend last year’s Harvest Award ceremony as he was with his wife who was giving birth to their daughters.
“Dale and his family exemplify the character of farm families and their perseverance and shared sacrifice,” said Putnam. “Agriculture is not always easy. The McClellan’s have been innovative and committed to staying ahead of a rapidly changing industry.” Putnam also noted Dale’s varied and long term commitment to reaching out to lawmakers and regulators, as well as the general public on behalf of his industry. Expressing his appreciation for the Harvest Award recognition, McClellan said, “You know that you have arrived when Adam Putnam gives you an award.” Mosaic’s Nikki Foster presented the Outstanding Women in Agriculture award to Sue McHargue Harrell, who was accompanied to the podium by her granddaughter Stevie. Director of Marketing for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA), Harrell, who is also known as Strawberry Sue, travels the country on behalf of FSGA members, promoting Florida strawberries and sharing information on the many different recipes offering countless ways to enjoy strawberries. She and her husband Mark are also strawberry growers.
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Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White recognized Dustin Grooms of Fancy Farms as the Outstanding Young Farmer of 2018, noting Dustin’s “love of God, family and farming learning from the past to grow in the future.” Grooms, who served in the U.S. Army for eight years, expressed his thanks
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Women in AG - Sue Harrell Retired Hillsborough County School Superintendent Earl Lennard, who is also an active member of the Awards Committee and Fair, closed the ceremony with recognition of attending past recipients and notable elected and appointed officials in attendance, as well as the Awards Committee. In addition to Lennard, committee members include Kathy Curry, Richard Joyner, Mike McKinney, Stephen Gran, Ronda Storms, Ron O’Connor, Wesley Joyner, Michelle Williamson, Tom Umiker, Betty Jo Tompkins, Kenneth Parker and Yvette Lewis. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jim Frankowiak
From the Ground Up! Each of our farmers and ranchers has a story to tell. For grower, Tom Pospichal, that story is one about turning potential into productivity. Nearly 15 years ago, while working for The Mosaic Company®, Pospichal saw an opportunity to experiment on a five-acre parcel of reclaimed land in Bowling Green to see how productive it might be for agricultural purposes.
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Pospichal noticed that the soil type on this particular piece of property is heavier due to a high concentration of clay particles mixed in with sand particles. What is beneficial about this soil type is that is has a higher water-holding capacity than the original, native soils.
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For commodities, such as sod, the high waterholding capacity in combination with a dense soil type allows the root structure to not only use water efficiently but when the sod is harvested, the intertwined root system and soil remains intact. Consumers have shared that they like a sod product that remains intact like this. Since then, Pospichal has grown Mosaic’s sod enterprise into a 300-acre operation and he cares deeply for Florida’s environment. Having devoted the beginning of his career by working in Extension, he understands agriculture’s responsibility to be sustainable with natural resources. As a Land Utilization Manager for The Mosaic Company®, his work directly relates to environWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
mental restoration. Pospichal utilizes a variety of the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services Best Management Practices, or BMPs, to reduce water and nutrient use and improve water quality throughout his sod operation. By definition, BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions that agricultural producers can take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering our water resources.
Florida Farm Bureau proudly awarded Pospichal with a 2017 CARES designation and sign. As the voice of agriculture, it is important that Florida Farm Bureau Federation shares our farmers/ ranchers stories of environmental stewardship. Pospichal is an outstanding example of a farmer who cares
One BMP that has proven highly effective in reducing water use is center pivot irrigation. This irrigation method allows Pospichal to apply water in a uniform matter across each sod field and only apply what is needed. With this BMP, Pospichal is able to provide exactly .25 inches of water when needed. Another successful BMP implemented has been native field borders. By planting eucalyptus trees around the perimeter of each sod field, wind protection is provided, deterring wind-borne diseases and creating wildlife habitats. One of the ways Pospichal works with the community is by using a surface water pond that allows the city of Bowling Green’s discharge to drain to this pond. The water is then recycled onto the sod fields. Implementing a wide variety of BMPs to protect the environment and innovating parcels of reclaimed land into agricultural operations is why
Turning Land Into Legacy Phosphate and farming have always gone hand in hand. And at Mosaic, we’re making sure that relationship continues for generations to come. After mining, our sites are carefully reclaimed and returned to productive use—as citrus groves, cattle pastures and more.
// Learn more at MosaicCo.com
Reclaimed pasture at Mosaic’s Fort Meade mine
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Thankfully, ’Tis the season for Thanksgiving! by John Dicks
Finally, it’s the season for Thanksgiving! For many, it’s their favorite time of year.
Anyway, that’s the way it’s supposed to work out. I’ve got confidence that it will again, too.
That recognition of excitement in the air is true even if you’re reading this after our official Thanksgiving holiday, which is marked on our calendar unusually early this year as the 22nd day of November.
Never bet against the future of America! You’ll always lose when you do, even when things seem bleak and at their darkest.
Technically, of course, Thanksgiving was earmarked by Congress, many, many years ago, to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November, which makes the one we celebrate in 2018 as the earliest possible date it could be (and leaving it for next year to be the very latest to fall on November 28). Skipping past, for only a moment, the most obvious facets of life for which to be thankful, mainly family, friends and a hopeful future, the date upon which the holiday falls is providing much thanks from retailers across the country. Imagine the glee of CEO’s staring at the calendar, recognizing that this year offers essentially an entire additional week of Christmas shopping than is provided next year. My prediction is that if any economic slowdown or recession is near upon us, it will take hold not this year, but rather heap its sorry pain upon us next year with the shortened holiday shopping season of 2019. That just means it’s time to start shopping while things are still good! Take a quick moment though, to be a bit reflective. There really is much be thankful for. We can start with giving thanks for an end to the barrage of nonstop negative political commercials! Didn’t they just drive you nearly nuts?! Considering the things that were said about every serious candidate, you’d think that each and every one of them should be serving time in prison! It’s truly ridiculous the audacity of the things that people sometime say about each other. Nonetheless, hopefully, the best ones won. Only time will tell. Maybe our forefathers had it all figured out by planning our elections for the first Tuesday of November. They knew that following the screaming slugfest of an election we’d need a break and a chance to calm down. It seems like a good plan, even if by coincidence, that only about three weeks after elections we’d be back to celebrating a good holiday, Thanksgiving, and start reflecting once again on the greatness of being an American.
Ours is not the only country in the world to celebrate with Thanksgiving. I’d maintain, though, that we do it the best. Our neighbors to the north, in Canada, also have an official Thanksgiving holiday. Theirs is celebrated in October, which I suppose makes sense since it starts getting rather cold shortly thereafter. Pilgrims and Indians aren’t the focus for the Canadian Thanksgiving. The Mayflower landed here, not there, so (according to Wikipedia) Canadians “celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year.” The official date of Thanksgiving in Canada is the second Monday of October. Worth noting is that it means Canadians get a three day weekend whereas we Americans, celebrating Thanksgiving, as we do on Thursdays, get to stretch our fall holiday weekend into four full days! Of the other countries around the world celebrating Thanksgiving, I find none that are as fascinating as that observed in the Netherlands. There, they celebrate our American Thanksgiving! It’s all because of an interesting and often forgotten bit of history. While we remember and recount to our children and grandchildren the story of the brave Pilgrims who left Plymouth, England, for the dangerous ocean voyage, which landed them at Plymouth Rock in what is now Massachusetts, it was actually the Netherlands from where they first set sail. Before leaving for America, the Pilgrims had evaded English persecution by finding a religious safe haven in Holland. They stayed there, planning and organizing for about 10 years before setting out on their journey. Finally, in 1620, we pick up the story we all know where, after heading back to England to change ships, they set sail aboard the Mayflower, headed to the “New Land.” I deem it an honor that Holland takes pride in its part of the founding of our country. Mind you, the Dutch have had influence and shared a special relationship with America in many other ways as well, but their annual celebration in observance of our Thanksgiving provides us with one more of many things to be thankful for.
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his law degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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Teaching Future Generations To Eat Healthy By Libby Hopkins
“We believe in the old way of doing things and faster is not always better,” ~John Roberts
Olivor Heritage Farms started in February 2015. Roberts and his wife Chrysti had been making changes to their diet to be healthier for our grandchildren. “Olivor is a combination of our grandsons’ names Oliver and Ivor,” Roberts said. “We wanted them to grow up knowing where their food came from and how to raise it naturally.” This was the driving factor behind wanting to create Olivor Heritage Farms, to expose their grandchildren to real food. “I wanted them to know that chicken did not come in a carton formed as nuggets,” Roberts said. “Now, they will only eat our chicken and they have a respect for animals and they know about a healthy food system.”
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The couple started their small farm with 15 baby chicks and YouTube. “We raise and process our own Non-GMO, pastured chickens, turkey’s eggs, and some Berkshire Hogs,” Roberts said. “We initially intended on just selling chicken and eggs, maybe 25-50 chickens a week or something.” Close to 15,000 chickens later, they sell on average 150-200 per week along with eggs, Amish cheeses and butter, grass-fed beef and heritage pork. “We are now moving our little porch store into a brick and mortar retail location in the coming weeks,” Roberts said. “We also sell some of the top tier restaurants in Tampa such as Armani’s and Oyster Catchers.”
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John and Chrysti believe they are stewards of the earth, it’s resources and all the animals that go with it. “We are the real deal,” Roberts said. “You can shake the hand of the farmer that raised and butchered your chicken. We have consistent quality and we go the extra mile to make every customer feel like our only customer. We also sell fresh, most small farmers only sell frozen. We also offer a larger variety of cuts and options than most.” Eating organic, healthy food isn’t a trend; it’s a return to tradition and the Roberts are thrilled to help their clients keep this tradition alive. “We believe in the old way of doing things and faster is not always better,” Roberts said. “We believe in natural farming techniques without out herbicides and pesticides. I think a lot of people are more concerned about where it is coming from. People are increasingly skeptical of the supply chain. Most have figured out the deceptive buzzwords that the big retailers are using to up charge them for basic commodity product.” All of their heritage fruits and vegetables are grown hydroponically. “This allows us to be more environmentally friendly,” Roberts said. “One of the things we do is to use re-purposed growing containers. This keeps these items out of landfills. Hydroponics also uses much less WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
water than in standard ground farming. This allows us to grow more produce in a smaller space with less fertilizer.” The plants absorb all the fertilizer so it doesn’t go into the ground and contaminate the water supply or anywhere it is not intended. “Having our plants up off of the ground keeps down pests, fungus and other plant diseases that are in the soil,” Roberts said. “Since we do not use pesticides or herbicides this helps to increase our crop yields and reduce plant loss due to disease and insect damage.” Keeping things local is very important to The Roberts. “We keep it local when possible,” Robert said. “I will pay more for things if I can buy them locally.” Olivor Heritage Farms sources all their promotional materials and food containers from local businesses in the Tampa Bay area as well as North Florida. Olivor Heritage Farms does offer a Monthly Box Program where food can be delivered to your home. “People like the combos to save money,” Roberts said. “We have plans to expand into a few more local areas in the coming years with stand alone stores. We are constantly getting request to expand to new areas.”
If you would like to learn more about Olivor Heritage Farms or see the different products it offers, you can visit their website at www.olivorheritagefarms.com or call 813-494-6751. Olivor Heritage Farms is located at 341 Sydney Washer Road in Dover, Fla.
CROP INSURANCE: IT PAYS TO MANAGE YOUR RISK When you purchase risk management coverage with Farm Credit of Central Florida, we return a portion of our commission as patronage dividends to eligible stockholders. Patronage dividends could help lower the cost of insurance premiums, saving you money as you manage your risk. Farm Credit of Central Florida is glad to discuss how we can save you money on your crop insurance with patronage dividends. Feel free to contact our crop insurance specialist, Regina Thomas, at 407.721.4687 or rthomas@farmcreditcfl.com. Patronage dividend distribution is subject to eligibility. Certain limitations, conditions, and exclusions apply for crop insurance. Please refer to the policy for more details.
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s e p i c e R
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Strawberry or Blueberry Pop Pastry
DIRECTIONS In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups diced strawberries, corn starch, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook, while stirring, until a sauce has formed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Reserve ¼ cup of the strawberry mixture to make the glaze.
q Ingredients q 2 ½ cups fresh Florida strawberries (or blueberries), diced 2 tablespoon Florida sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1 teaspoon water 1 cup confectioners sugar 1 box pie dough, store bought
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Unroll the pie dough and cut out 4 matching rectangles. In a small bowl mix the egg and water to create an egg-wash. Place an even amount of the strawberry mixture to the center of half of the rectangles, and do not overfill. Leave a clean edge around the dough to seal properly. Place another piece of the
cut pie dough on top of the mixture and use the tines of a fork to seal. Transfer the pastries to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of the egg-wash. Sprinkle each pastry with the remaining sugar. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. In a small bowl mash the reserved berry mixture with a fork. In another bowl, add in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and a small amount of the strawberry mixture, stir until completely combined. Adjust consistency with more confectioners’ sugar or strawberry sauce. Drizzle each tart with the glaze.
florida Strawberry or Blueberry Icebox Pie
q Ingredients q
4 cups fresh Florida strawberries, sliced (or blueberries) 1 tablespoon Florida sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup confectioners sugar 1 teaspooon vanilla extract 8 to 10 full sheets of graham crackers, roughly crushed
DIRECTIONS In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups sliced berries, corn starch, lemon juice, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook, while stirring, until a sauce has formed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. In a large mixing bowl add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract. Wisk to form stiff peaks.
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Line the inside of a 9x5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Extend the plastic wrap over edges, for easier removal.
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To assemble, spread an even thin layer of the whipped cream on the bottom. Next add a layer of crushed graham crackers, then a layer of sliced berries then drizzle a layer of the berry sauce. Repeat this process until the pan is full. Cover the pie using the extended plastic wrap and freeze. Before serving, place the frozen pie in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Use the extended plastic wrap to remove pie from the pan and place on a platter. Slice and serve cold. Garnish with whip cream, crushed graham crackers and/or berry sauce. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Part 50 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida We meet again for a venture on the Literary Time Machine as we return our botanical interests to that of 1926 via Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson’s book, Ornamental Gardening in Florida. We closed out our last voyage focused on the wonderful gardenia. And this trip, we will open up the world of ornamental gardening with a bit about the hibiscus. Mr. Simpson writes about this well-known and well-loved plant, “(It’s) probably native to South China (and) is easily the queen of flowers in South Florida. It is grown everywhere by the lowliest… and the millionaire and is at home in all soils from high pineland to marl and muck, sending out its great, flaunting blossoms to the sun and breeze.” Interestingly enough he continues, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture has lately sent to Florida a number of varieties from Hawaii, some of which are quite different from any we had before. H. mutabilis has pale flowers in the morning that become deep pink later in the day. H. schizopetalus has slender, drooping branches and long stemmed, pendulous flowers whose reflexed petals are beautifully fringed. H. syriacus, Rose of Sharon, Althea, is a hardy species that may be grown anywhere in the north half of the state.” Essentially, we enjoy such a wide array of hibiscus varieties because the US Department of Agriculture, in the 1920s, imported them here. Incredible! His list continues on, mentioning hydrangea and a variety of different “jessamines,” which we learned on our last voyage means jasmines. We will stop at his mention of the crape myrtle as we have a bit of an affinity for it. He writes, “L. indica, the Common crape myrtle, is now believed to be a native of China and hardy well up into Georgia and the Carolinas. In the northern two-thirds of Florida it is one of the commonest ornaments of yards and gardens and it blooms throughout the warmer part of the year. The best known form has a purplish pink flower and there is a white, a carmine and a purple variety.” Onward, we arrive at Lippia citridora. He explains, “Lemon verbena is a dear, old-fashioned shrub with lanceolate leaves in whorls that give out a delicious fragrance when disturbed. I have tried it here several times and it has utterly failed but it might be that it would succeed farther up the state.” Reading that a shrub is old-fashioned, from a book written nearly a hundred years ago, makes us chuckle. But we also had to wonder if lemon verbena grows anywhere near us.
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We found an article on Mother Earth Living’s website entitled: Growing Lemon Verbena and Keeping it Alive. There we learned that Mr. Simpson’s scientific name for the plant has been changed. It is now known as Aloysia triphylla. As we
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read the article, we discovered that, “North American home gardeners who try to grow this tender, wonderfully fragrant perennial herb may succeed more often than they fail but a large number…develop a deep sense of frustration and guilt when they repeatedly ‘commit herbicide’.”² That information leads us to believe that we probably shouldn’t delve our notso-green thumbs into this particular herb. But, if you think you’re up for the challenge, it grows best in well-drained, loose soil that has a lot of organic matter within it. You are better off watering less than watering more because it is subject to root rot when it’s too wet.² Hopefully that will get you going! Our last stop brings us to Malvaviscus. The name is both unfamiliar and intriguing. Mr. Simpson pens, “Formerly we attempted to cultivate the old-fashioned M. arboreus in Lower Florida but though it sometimes succeeded fairly well it often grew poorly and amounted to but little. Recently we have introduced M. grandifloras and I know no plant in our part of the state that is more completely at home than it is…with large, dropping, scarlet flowers, each three inches long. I have a specimen that has been constantly in bloom for three years, filling up until it was a sheet of color, then slacking off. I like such plants, things that take care of themselves, that it is not necessary to walk the floor with nights.” Plants that take care of themselves are right up our alley and since this one was completely new to us, we had to look it up. We love Dave’s Garden as a resource, so while there we discovered that the images were of a familiar plant. Apparently, its common name is Mexican Turk’s Cap.³ To us, it’s reminiscent of droopy hibiscus flowers. But we’re sure you will know exactly what we’re talking about when you see the pictures. And, that, dear friends, will conclude this month’s excursion. We hope you have found some valuable tidbits of gardening information and we will look forward to our next adventure. Until then, happy gardening! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 168-171). ²Merrill, D. (1993). Growing Lemon Verbena and Keeping it Alive. Mother Earth Living (June/July 1993). https://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/plant-profile/growing-lemon-verbena-zmaz93jjzgoe ³Mexican Turk’s Cap. Dave’s Garden. https://davesgarden. com/guides/pf/go/1819/#b Photo Credit: Cooper, Paul. (2014). Turk’s Cap. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/p8YWHi Jahjahau. (2009). Hibiscus. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/8F3iHw WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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2018 Hillsborough County Fair
Recycled Yard Art Contest The Results Are In!
Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
Twice each a year, we, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, sponsor a Recycled Yard Art Contest, one at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair. The purpose of the Recycled Yard Art Contest is to increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse/recycling of materials into yard art. The competition involved two and three dimensional art created from items already used for their original purpose. During the eight days of the 2018 Hillsborough County Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice award on several entries submitted. The votes have been tallied, all 1,673 of them, and the People’s Choice Winner is Jim Dreby, for his Minion in Airplane which was created using an air tank, freeon tank, car parts, wheels from a pressure washer and scrap metal.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Judge’s Choice award Ruth Leedom’s Hot Frog Contest 2 Night (frog band on a rope) won the Judge’s Choice Award for Adult submissions. She created her whimsical entry with a World War II Navy rope, saucer, aluminum cans, rocks, corks, buttons, plastic silverware and moss.
Middle School Award
Randall Middle School Students (Art Teacher Ragen Carpenter), won the Judge’s Choice Award for their Middle School entry, Walking the Dog, using a female dressmaker form, bottle caps, a bicycle tire and old flooring.
Alina Grillo’s plastic bottle tree won the Judge’s Choice Award for High School Submissions. She created this tree with plastic water bottles and bottle caps. Unfortunately, there was no grade school entry this year, but the State Fair is coming soon!
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All of the contest winning entries will be on display at the UF/IFAS Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584, until November 30, 2018. We hope you will stop by to view these creations, stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden and see what we have to offer.
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What a group of creative residents! Every contest there are items I would love to have in my landscape. Put on your creativity hat now! We hope you will consider submitting an entry to the Florida State Fair contest. Contact Lisa Meredith for more information about the upcoming State Fair contest at: meredithL@hillsboroughcounty.org or 813-744-5519 x 54146. Hope you will consider participating. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repeating!
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NEED BERRY OR VEG GROUND ???
Gladstone Land owns a dozen farms with close to 2,000 acres in Hillsborough and Manatee counties that we lease to growers.
THE TIME IS NOW TO PLAN YOUR ACREAGE NEEDS 1. We provide flexible lease terms based on market rents.
2. We provide ongoing capital to improve the wells, irrigation and drainage.
Please contact Bill Frisbie at Gladstone Land: (703) 287-5839 bill.f@gladstoneland.com | www.GladstoneFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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PARTS & EQUIPMENT IN STOCK AT KENNCO YEAR ROUND!!!! You know what works... and we’ve listened to you.
Kennco’s new line of Strawberry Equipment is compatible with your current equipment and proven to form rounded beds on 48” row centers, lay tight plastic and drip, resulting in the
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KENNCO MANUFACTURING, INC. P.O. Box 1158 | Ruskin, FL 33575 | 800-645-2591 | Fax 813-645-7801 Sales@KenncoMfg.com | www.KenncoMfg.com
Hear about specials and deliveries in your area. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Chelin Lauer, left, shows fellow student Cecilia Peressutti the design for the corn maze.
UF Student Helps Design Corn Maze at Local Farm By Beverly James
Farmers and ranchers across Florida are fighting lack of consumer education on food systems by opening their properties to the public in a practice called agritourism. Agritourism allows non-farming folks to learn about the day-to-day operations of a working farm and see firsthand where their food comes from. One such farm is the Single R Ranch in Plant City, Florida. The Futches, a family of UF graduates, were recently awarded Farm Family of the year by Hillsborough County for their work in agritourism. “Agritourism has become a hot topic in the state of Florida, whether it’s through a You-Pick operation, corn maze, or a working ranch,” said co-owner Carson Futch. Since 2012, the Futches have shared their ranch each fall with the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze event. This familyfriendly gathering features a pumpkin patch, games, local vendors, and the crown jewel, a five-acre corn maze. This year, they chose to partner with the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center’s (GCREC) geomatics program to make their corn maze bigger and better.
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Chelin Lauer, a senior majoring in geomatics, was immediately intrigued by the project. She works as a Survey CAD Technician at King Engineering Associates and has a keen eye for design.
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“Chelin is known in the Geomatics program for her creative and elaborate designs,” said Katie Britt, GREC geomatics program specialist, “so she was perfect for the task.” Chelin and co-owner Janet Futch agreed on the theme: a celebration of Florida farming. Chelin used computer-aided design (CAD) software to design the maze, which incorporates a tractor, an outline of the state of Florida, and the word “farm.” She then used GPS technology to physically mark out over two miles of trails in the cornfield. “I am really familiar with the design side, but to get that hands-on in the field experience was indispensable. I plan to build my career in surveying and this was a great opportunity to get to experiment with the different types of equipment available,” Chelin said. Chelin is mentored by Katie and Amr Abd-Elrahman, an associate professor with the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Chelin will build onto this experience for her final senior project. “One of the great things about the Geomatics program is that we’re able to form these really unique partnerships. Together with the Futch family, we provided invaluable real-world experience for a student and also supported a local Florida farm. We plan to engage in similar projects in the future,” Britt said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Are you thankful or just thank-FULL?
By Alison Grooms, MPH, CPH, CHES® Nutrition & Health Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Here we are already into November, which unofficially kicks of the season of overindulgence. With all the holiday parties and gatherings to attend, food is at the forefront of most of our minds. I can smell the fresh baked pumpkin pie coming out of the oven right now! Because many of our holiday functions are centered around food, it’s easy to forget to slow down and take time to really embrace what the seasons are truly all about. Don’t get caught up this season in the vicious eating cycle that can come with the holidays. Use some of the useful tips below to enjoy this time of year, along with the food it brings, while still being mindful of making healthy choices and resisting the urge to overindulge. 1.) Leave the “fat pants” in the closet! You know what I’m talking about- that comfortable pair of pants we all have with the stretchy elastic waist band that we want to wear to Thanksgiving dinner every year so we can eat until our heart’s content but our bellies explode! Choose to wear something that fits well to your holiday festivities so that you will surely feel when you’ve had enough and not be tempted to overindulge just because your pants could give way to make more room. 2.) Choose only your favorite foods and use a tablespoon portion for scooping. It’s tempting to pile heaps of food onto your plate when there’s a smorgasbord of choices, but pass on those foods that may not be your “first choice” items and only choose those that you are most looking forward to. By using a tablespoon you will be sure to fit all your favorites onto the plate and savor the taste of each item without filling up on too much of any one particular item, (or all of them). 3.) Once dinner is over, put the food away immediately. Even if you are not the host of the party, try to encourage them to put the food into a refrigerator if possible. Not only will this help to prevent foodborne illnesses from occurring, but it will also help to avoid grazing due to the temptation of continually seeing the food. 4.) Make time for exercise on the day of your event. Schedule time either before or after the meal to get in some sort of physical activity. This could be a walk after Thanksgiving
5.) Don’t arrive to the dinner party hungry. I know it is tempting to want to “save all our calories” for that special dinner where we know there will be foods that we won’t want to resist. You don’t have to resist any foods as long as you are able to correctly portion the amounts of them, but when you are hungry, all good intentions go out the window. We always eat moreand faster- when we are hungry. It takes our brains at least 15 minutes to receive the signal from our stomachs that we are actually full. If you arrive hungry, you’re surely to consume way more than you otherwise would before your brain even realizes you’ve already eaten too much. Consume your normal meals just like you would on any other day, and when you are ready to eat at the party, even a bite or two of the foods you couldn’t wait to consume will be enough to please your palette while not upsetting your stomach. 6.) Volunteer to host. If you have the opportunity to host the meal, take it! Then you can be in charge of the kinds of food you will serve, how it is prepared, the time you will eat, and what you will do once the meal is done. Schedule your holiday feast to occur between 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. This will ensure you have time to exercise before or after the meal and that you will be able to eat beforehand. 7.) Make swaps when cooking. In charge of the mashed potatoes? Make them with 25% cauliflower instead of 100% potato. Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Cook with more spices and herbs in place of salt and try applesauce or bananas in place of eggs and oil. Most importantly, remember what is most important during the holidays and that food is just a part of the gathering but not the main focus. Treat your holiday meals like you would a meal any other day of the week. Focus more on the fellowship of friends and family and being thankful, instead of just plain full. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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dinner or maybe even a “Turkey Trot” race you’ve signed up for that morning. This will help you to stay focused on making healthy choices no matter the event.
JAKE & MELISSA RABURN NAMED EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD RECIPIENTS By Jim Frankowiak After graduating from the University of Florida, “it was an easy decision to come back home where our roots run deep with our family and community,” they said. There were job changes and periods of financial uncertainty, “but the highlights of our life include Friday night dinners at the farm, working with kids all around our feet and quiet Sundays at church and home together. Looking back, it is truly magnificent to see how our paths as kids in 4-H and FFA, growing up on our family’s farms, charted a course that we are hoping will teach our kids the same lessons while giving them the most memorable childhood,” they said.
Hillsborough County fared very well at the recent Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting. An important part of that gathering was the recognition of Jake and Melissa Raburn as recipients of the Excellence in Agriculture Award for 2018. This award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk, and who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. They will receive a $500 check and a John Deere XUV-560 courtesy of Florida Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. The Raburns were one of three state finalists, and now advance to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation in New Orleans this coming January where they will compete for the national title. The path to this recognition begins with completion of a multipage entry form in which Jake and Melissa provided personal background information, details on their agricultural involvement, how their activities have an impact on agriculture, the key issues they believe are facing agriculture and their goals. The form’s last section requires evidence of the applicant’s leadership experience. The state finals required a 25-minute presentation that was somewhat uncomfortable for the Raburns since “that whole time was devoted talking about ourselves and what we have achieved. That’s like bragging and doesn’t take into account or recognize the support we have and continue to receive from our family, friends and co-workers that enables us to do what we do,” said Jake. The son of Buddy and Susan Raburn, Jake grew up in the Plant City area, active in both 4-H and FFA. As a student at Plant City High School, he competed with his future wife in various FFA-related competitions. His parents are well known administrators/educators in Hillsborough County schools. Both are now retired. Melissa, the daughter of Bob and Lisa Hinton, is a third generation on her father’s side of the family which operates Hinton Farms Produce. She attended Durant High School.
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Jake and Melissa met while attending the University of Florida. They have been married 10 years and have four children: Jackson, 7; twins Mason and Clayton, 4; and two-year-old daughter Leah. Their shared long-term vision of the American Dream focuses on “faith, family and agricultural way of life.”
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The focal point of their careers is involvement in the family farming operation, Hinton Farms Produce that encompasses growing fruits and vegetables at several locations, a packing house and cooler for their own crops and those of other growers, as well sales and marketing initiatives from Florida north into Canada. Jake began working at the farm nine years ago in the Sales Department. Throughout his time with the company his role has included Food Safety Director and Salesman, and now serves as Marketing Director, which runs the gamut from sales and marketing to grower relations. Melissa began her job at the family business in elementary school when she was paid in strawberry milkshakes to help with payroll. Her most recent role at the farm has been working in public relations and marketing which included maintaining the social media outlets and buyer and employee relations. Currently, she works in public relations, pursuing her passion of telling the story of production agriculture. Jake also maintained a secondary career as a Florida State Representative, representing constituents as their voice in Tallahassee and navigating the political sea to be as effective as possible for the issues he believes in. He served three, twoyear terms, but opted not to seek re-election in order to meet family needs and to step up his role at Hinton Farms. While serving in the Florida Legislature, Jake “was able to combine his two jobs synergistically,” he said. “The issues that we are facing on our farm are not unlike other farmers and small business owners in our area” which led him to fight for changes in the agricultural industry and small businesses in the legislative process, among them tax exemptions, labor housing inspections, fire code regulations, agritourism and more. As the business begins to transition into the third generation, Jake and Melissa are excited to have a seat at the table “as we make decisions about growth and how we will continue to thrive in the future,” the Raburns said. Melissa has spent the last several years at home with their young children, but is now back into the working world with two additional positions. As the state regional representative for the Nutrients for Life Foundation, she serves as liaison between the fertilizer industry and classroom education with the primary goal of teaching about soil science and raising awareness of the agricultural industry in Florida. Melissa also works closely with area farmers and landowners in her role as a real estate agent with Fischbach Land Company. Helping area farmers and ranchers with their land management strategies is a logical connection with her passion and background in agriculture.
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Jake and Melissa believe they have impacted agriculture through education, awareness and legislative initiatives. Educational activities began while they were students in FFA and 4-H, continuing in college as ambassadors for the UF College of Agriculture to Melissa’s work as an agriculture teacher and Jake’s role with the FFA Foundation. As young adults they continued as mentors to FFA students and youth in the community. “Closely related, is our mission to raise awareness of who we are and what we do,” they said. “It has been a huge passion of ours to share the story of our industry and help consumers see the faces of American agriculture and the honesty, work ethic, patriotism and grit that comes along with it. “One of the highlights was our chance to be featured in a national virtual field trip in partnership with Nutrients for Life and Discovery Education, highlighting our farm. On that day, over 40,000 students from across America tuned into a one-hour field trip on our farm, learning about everything from fertigation to what it looks like for our family to grow up farming together. Our media presence also enables us to share a behind-the-scenes look at our operation with buyers all over the country,” they said. Notwithstanding Jake’s role as a Florida State Representative, the couple often participates in Farm Bureau trips to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of the industry, an activity that will continue going forward. As to issues facing agriculture, Melissa and Jake cite availability and access to qualified labor, water shortages and policy and the cost of entry for new and/or young beginning farmers. “American agriculture is in desperate need of an afford-
able guest worker program, especially in the specialty crop industries,” they said. “Without better access to affordable labor, farms across the country will continue to feel the strain from labor shortages.” With regard to water and related policies, we “need to strike a balance between urban needs and agricultural use. We must be partners in our efforts to continue to have access to clean and abundant water supplies,” said the Raburns who see a similar need for partnerships to aid new generations of farmers. “As generations are further removed from the farm, it is becoming much more difficult to recruit the next generation of agriculturists. When you couple this growing disconnect in farming with financial barriers to entry, enticing someone to start their own farm is almost impossible. Our industry needs to find ways to bridge the disconnect with agriculture and find innovative ways to help beginning farmers find capital to start their own businesses.” Not surprisingly, Melissa and Jake have a number of solid suggestions to meet this challenge, including some that they successfully acted upon and supported on their own. Jake and Melisa have a defined path forward. “With our faith and family topping our decision-making hierarchy, following that is our commitment to the family business and the agriculture industry. Farm Bureau so closely aligns with our personal goals of education, awareness and advocacy for agriculture, that it is only fitting we will remain active participants in our local and state organizations,” they said. Congratulations to Melissa and Jake, and best of luck at the American Farm Bureau Federation finals in New Orleans!
From our family to yours, wishing you a
Happy Thanksgiving
Fancy Farms would like to give thanks for all our friends and family who love and support us throughout the year!
NEW LOCATION: Southeast corner of Drane Field and County Line Rd.
Produce Stand: 5212 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Pinky’s Eatery
Photos by Jackie Benitez
A quaint diner nestled adjacent to Bayshore Boulevard is helping hearty, traditional breakfasts return to the spotlight. Pinky’s Eatery, often referred to as Pinky’s Diner, is a local favorite and all those who drop in for a bite should be prepared to have to wait for a table. However, if you’re willing to take your meals at non-traditional times there’s a good chance you can walk right in. Eating at Pinky’s is reminiscent of the trips spent heading to mom and pop diners with your grandparents. If you want a hot cup of joe you pick out your own mug from a cupboard near the counter and pour your preferred brew from a variety of coffee urns. The paper menus feature items ranging from healthy to wholesome and the staff is always quick to recommend their favorites. All of the meals are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $5 to $14, and are large enough to subdue any appetite. The weekend brunch special featured classics like breakfast wraps and Cubans as well as more unique offerings like a honey habanero turkey frittata. The frittata was covered in cheddar cheese with an even mixing of mushrooms, onions, greens and all natural habanero turkey breast. Paired with a side of fresh fruit, the $12 meal seemed to be a crowd favorite as several diners at nearby tables received plates filled with the savory Italian staple.
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One of Pinky’s signature items is the massive pancake sandwich. The meal is comprised of two buttermilk pancakes whose insides are slathered in cheddar and Swiss cheese. Layered in between the melted cheese is hardwood smoked ham and two over easy eggs. The sandwich is sprinkled in powdered sugar and topped with a dollop of pineapple jalapeño butter.
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The gargantuan pancake breakfast takes up the entirety of the plate, but sides of grits, bacon, sausage or toast can be added for an additional few bucks if you’re feeling ravenous. The waitress said the pancake sandwich is one of the most frequently ordered items and if you look online you find it has created its own cult following. The concept itself is not all that unique, but the fresh ingredients and addition of the pineapple jalapeño butter makes it a mouth-watering feast. Those with more traditional palettes will enjoy classics like the $9 two egg plate breakfast — two cage free eggs, applewood bacon or sausage links and a choice of rosemary home fries, fresh fruit or grits — or the $8 and $10 oatmeal pancakes and the $6 and $8 buttermilk pancake offerings. Pinky’s also offers a $12 classic silver dollar plate breakfast for those who like a mix of sweet and savory in the morning. The meal has three silver dollar buttermilk pancakes, two eggs and either applewood bacon or sausage links. Dinners have the option of sitting inside at cozy tables, at the counter or outside on the porch. Many locals bring their dogs and appreciate the early morning weather while they enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch. There are also unique specials every day, which are displayed on a chalk board near the kitchen.
Pinky’s Eatery Location: 3203 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629 Price: $-$$ Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m
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The Real
HALFTIME SHOW.
FEED YOUR TEAM WITH PARTY PLATTERZ™. Choose from our delicious Boneless Wings, Chicken Fingerz™ and Nibblerz Party Platterz. Or mix things up and go for three.
2901 1/2 James Redman Pkwy. Plant City • 813.752.1971 Prices may vary by location. © 2016 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s,” “Party Platterz” and “Chicken Fingerz” are trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.
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NEW SOIL AND WATER SCIENCE INTERN AT THE GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER By Jim Frankowiak
There’s a new intern at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Wimauma, working with Soil and Water Science faculty member Dr. Mary Lusk. But that’s only a small part of the story, a very small part. His name is Juma Bukomba and he is from Mbale in eastern Uganda. He is also a “rising senior” at Earth University in Costa Rica. That’s a lot of geography when you consider it is more than 8,000 miles from Uganda to Costa Rica and another 1560 miles from Costa Rica to Wimauma. First, more about Juma. He is 22 and one of 13 children in his family, seven boys and six girls. His country has been challenged by political unrest, high unemployment and poverty. Family farms are not hobbies in Uganda, but critical needs to assure families will have sufficient food. The country’s primary crop and export is Arabic coffee. Bukomba realizes there are opportunities to improve the plight of Uganda, particularly when it comes to agriculture, and those challenges are not limited to his country, but are global in scope. “Sanitation, sufficient water, enhanced yields and sustainability are areas needing improvement in my country as well as globally,” he said. Ideally, he would like to return to Uganda and help address those agricultural challenges and opportunities. To that end, Bukomba pursued a scholarship opportunity through the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program for Africans, which has as its vision “to educate and develop academically qualified yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent.” It is a $500 million program that is to provide students in secondary school and university with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to contribute to economic and social progress across Africa. The MasterCard Program aims to give out $500 million in scholarships to 15,000 African students over a 10-year period. The scholarship recipients receive financial support for fees, uniforms, books and supplies, transportation, accommodations and stipends.
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“The MasterCard Scholarship Program is highly competitive,” said Bukomba. He was one of 85 short-listed applicants, and of that number, two scholarships were awarded. The program partners with host institutions around the world, and one of those institutions was Earth University in Costa Rica.
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The private, non-profit school was founded in 1989 and offers an undergraduate degree in agricultural sciences. The university invests in students working to become leaders of positive socio-economic and environmental change for their home countries and the world at large through a technoscientific education emphasizing social entrepreneurship. Earth University was developed through a partnership among a group of Costa Ricans, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Costa Rican government. Bukomba is especially appreciative of the mix of classroom studies and field applications at Earth University. Students devote 30 percent of their time to the classroom and the balance to real world applications of their studies. They began classes each day at 6:30 a.m., concluding field work at 4:30 p.m. He learned of the GCREC internship opportunity on the web and successfully applied. His 15-week internship under Dr. Lusk is focused on nitrogen availability in residential soils and supporting Florida Friendly Landscape designs that protect and enhance water quality. “I have been impressed with Earth University and Juma,” said Dr. Lusk. “His work ethic and hands on experience are impressive.” That is not limited to Bukomba’s work at the GCREC. While interning, he is also volunteering with Redlands Christian Migrant Association at its Wimauma location where he is working with students on agricultural education. “Juma is fluent in Spanish and helping the children of migrant workers learn of the importance of agriculture and practices to enhance yields and foster sustainability is of interest to him,” said Dr. Lusk. Bukomba became fluent in Spanish out of necessity. When he first arrived in Costa Rica, he was housed with a Costa Rican family that only spoke Spanish. While the future is yet to be determined for Bukomba, an advanced degree in agriculture is of importance. “Given the strong competition for employment in Uganda, it is important that I improve my chances with an advanced degree,” he said. However, he does not rule out career stops in places other than his homeland. “The agricultural challenges of Uganda are present in other countries,” he said. “Helping to make changes where they are needed will help make a better world.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Florida Worm Lizard (Rhineura floridana) There are important differences that distinguish these reptiles from snakes. Their right lung rather than left is reduced to fit their body. Unlike a snake, Amphisbaenia have a thick, shovel shaped head of nearly solid bone with which it digs it tunnels in sandy, well-drained soil. Their primitive sunken eyes have a cornea and lens covered in clear protective scale but are reduced in size and offer little more than the detection of light for the lizard. Unlike other lizards and snakes, the Amphisbaenia lack visible ear canals, however they do have earlike sensors that detect vibrations in the ground. Nostrils are located on the underside of the head but are used more for breathing than smelling. These lizards are nearly blind and are thought to rely heavily on a Jacobson’s organ with which they collect molecules from the air on the tips of their tongue and “taste” what is around them be it prey, predator, or mate. The Florida Worm Lizard (Rhineura floridana) has a single large tooth in the front of its upper jaw surrounded by several tiny teeth. It is an opportunistic feeder that preys on small soft bodied invertebrates and their pupa, such as termites, spiders, worms, or anything else it can catch.
I am always happy to learn about wildlife that is unique to Florida or at least close to it. This month are featuring a lizard that although abundant worldwide, is somewhat rare in North America. In fact populations are nearly restricted to Florida. These lizards look a lot like giant earthworms at first glance and can reach lengths of 12 inches. It’s pink to beige scales are arranged in a circular pattern giving it a segmented, worm like appearance. That and the fact that they have a complete absence of legs are characteristics responsible for the common name “Worm Lizard.” These lizards live underground and do not bask in the sun like their cousins do. In fact, the only time you are likely to see them is after a heavy rain forces them to surface. For this reason, these lizards are sometimes called “Thunder Worms.” We still have a few rainy days ahead of us and you might be lucky enough to find one of these extraordinary lizards if you take a closer look while the weather is still warm enough for reptiles.
The geographical origin of the Amphisbaenia is not certain, however, fossil evidence dating back 60 million years include Rhineuridae and suggest that the Amphisbaenia family are not only native to North America, but the crown from which other species probably diverged and dispersed. The Florida Worm Lizard (Rhineura floridana) is the only living remanence of the Amphisbaenia family in North America and has not changed significantly from its ancestral roots of the early Palaeocene epoch of new life after the mass extinction. If you would like to see an example of prehistoric life, these reptiles are found primarily in Florida, but their range includes a small part of southern Georgia (Lanier County) and can be found during or right after a hard shower under logs, in leaf mold, or well-drained soil in dry upland hammocks of sand pine, longleaf pine and turkey oak. Eggs would have hatched through September and October, so you may find some young ones not much bigger than a worm, take a closer look next time it rains.
Although its appearance may suggest a link to snakes or Dibamidae (blind lizards), this reptile is not a snake, and technically not a lizard (as we know them). Recent studies in the evolutionary development and diversification of this group of reptiles have led scientists to believe they are more closely related to the lacertidae (wall lizards) which are the common lizards we all see around our homes. (Townsend et al.2004) To be accurate however, this reptile is properly referred to as Amphisbaenia (worm lizards) which is scientifically described as a group of legless scaled reptiles. Their name has its roots in the ancient Greek amphisbaena, a mythological ant eating serpent with a head at each end of its body that spawned from the blood of the slain Medusa’s head. This reference is attributed to the lizard’s blunt tail that resembles a second head and its ability to move backwards as easily as forward. Within the group are five families of worm lizards belonging to different regions of the world. In North America we have the Rhineuridae family which has only one living species, The Florida Worm Lizard (Rhineura floridana) (Baird, 1859) INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
FLORIDA FARM BUREAU OFFERS CONSERVATION EASEMENT GUIDE Florida Farm Bureau has created “Farmland Amenity Protection – A Brief Guide to Conservation Easements – to help farmers consider the amenities of land ownership. To access the guide, visit: www.floridafarmbureau.org and click on ‘Media & Publications’ and then ‘Publications’ in the drop down menu.
EWP AIDS LANDOWNERS AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding landowners if their area suffers damaged, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help relieve imminent hazards to life and property. This includes damage caused by hurricanes, floods, fires and win-storms. Aid may include financial and technical assistance. More information on EWP is available at the USDA Plant City Service Office, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201. The telephone number is 813-752-1474.
FOOD AND FARMS FACTS JUNIOR EDITION NOW AVAILABLE The new Food and Farm Facts Junior edition, produced by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, is now available. Developed for young students from kindergarten through third grade, the 12-page book explains farming practices to young learners. Copies of Food and Farm Facts Junior may be purchased for $3 each. Orders of 25 or more copies have a reduced price of $2 each. Visit http://bit.ly/FFFJR18 for additional information and to order copies.
UF/IFAS Sets Record for Research Support The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received a record $166 million in funding for research projects this fiscal year. Funds were received from federal, state and private sources for programs that include feeding a hungry world, improving nutrition among at-risk populations and ensuring sufficient safe water for a growing global population.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance for landowners to purchase and restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Extra selection points are given to applications for easement located within areas designated for restoring longleaf pine forests and quail and gopher tortoise populations. Questions may be directed to Crenel Francis (352-338-9508) or Charles Shinn (352-3741522), email: charles.shinn@ffbf.org.
NEW USDA NATURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE DISCOVERY TOOL The USDA recently launched a disaster discovery tool through its new website – farmers.gov – that takes agricultural producers through five questions to help them identify personalized results as to which USDA disaster assistance programs can help them recover after a natural disaster.
Mild Winter Forecast by NOAA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a mild winter for most of the U.S. However, the Southeast is expected to see wetter-than-normal conditions during the period December through February. More information is available at: http://www.noaa.gov.
USDA UPDATES NATIONAL IPM ROAD MAP The USDA has announced an update of the National Road Map for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a science-based, sustainable decision-making process that uses information on pest biology, environmental data and technology to manage pest damage in a way that minimizes both economic costs and risks to people, property and the environment. The Road Map provides guidance to the IPM community on the adoption of effective, economical and safe IPM practices and on the development of new practices where needed. Added information is available by visiting usda.gov and searching for “IPM national road map”.
UF/IFAS has as its mission “to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life.”
WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENT APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31
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Agricultural landowners have until December 31 to apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement for fiscal 2019 funding.
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Mobile Irrigation
By Jim Frankowiak
HELPING THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY SAVE WATER AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY
It’s a challenge that becomes harder for the agricultural community to effectively address every year. That is, producing more crops with fewer resources. Ag producers also must respond to greater restrictions, new regulations and increasing costs of water use. There are other issues that must be addressed annually such as labor availability and cost, the implications of trade practices and others. Efficient irrigation systems save water and promote sustainable agriculture. Those water savings result in decreased operational costs and also improved water quality which benefits all residents, not just those engaged in agriculture. To help the agricultural community with water conservation and water quality improvements, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) created and implemented the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) program in the mid- 1980s and it continues today. The MIL is a joint effort between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), the U. S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) and the agricultural community. “The program was developed to help growers conserve water by evaluating their irrigation systems and identifying deficiencies,” said Jeff Whealton, Senior Environmental Scientist and District Ag Program Coordinator. Ag producers that have used the MIL include citrus growers, nurseries, blueberry growers, and row croppers. The MIL is available in all 16 counties the District covers. The MIL Program is a free and confidential service offered to the agricultural community.
“Any farming or nursery operation in the district may schedule a free evaluation to learn more about their irrigation system and how to reduce water use and related operating costs,” PAGE
said Whealton. “There are no obligations of growers who voluntarily participate in the program,” he noted.
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USDA-NRCS Irrigation Management Specialist Guillermo Alverio is Whealton’s USDA-NRCS MIL Program colleague. Growers who participate in this voluntary program benefit almost immediately by decreasing the amount of fuel, fertilizer and water needed to produce their crop. “The District and its residents also benefit by increasing water savings and improving water quality in the regions where the MIL Program is implemented,” said Whealton. The MIL Program process consists of four steps. The first is for the grower to contact the MIL and schedule an irrigation system evaluation. The MIL technician performs a site visit to the grower’s property, meeting with the producer and those who operate the irrigation system to discuss current practices and observe and measure the irrigation system while in operation. The information collected is then analyzed to identify potential issues with the system design, operation and maintenance. That analysis leads to the fourth step in the process and that is the preparation of a confidential report that details evaluation results – both issues and recommendations; a site map with irrigation system and pressures at key points; photos; an irrigation management plan specific to the site; system scheduling guide that includes recommended times and frequencies; and, a soil map and available water capacity for the site. “The irrigation schedule included in the report offers a general guide to determine when and how much to irrigate based on system efficiency, crop requirement and soil characteristics,” noted Whealton. If needed, the MIL technician can return to the site for further data collection and review with the grower how to install free soil moister sensor devices (tensiometers) and how to calibrate and maintain those devices. MIL assistance can also include redesign of the irrigation system. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Agricultural participants in the MIL Program whose irrigation systems need upgrading based on program recommendations may access funding support from several sources. Several of those agencies provide cost-sharing on a variety of new technologies that assist with irrigation management and water conservation. Among those technologies are upgraded control panels, variable rate irrigation delivery systems and weather stations. The District has two cost-share programs. One is the Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) and the other is Mini FARMS. FARMS is an agricultural cost-share reimbursement program that reduces groundwater withdrawals from the Upper Floridan aquifer through conservation and alternative
“We encourage agricultural commodity producers to begin the process by scheduling an appointment to have their irrigation system evaluated or to find out more about the MIL Program,” said Whealton who can be reached at
1-800-836-0797 ext. 6119. Alverio’s telephone number is (863) 773-4764, ext. 3.
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water supply best management practices (BMPs). Mini FARMS is a cost-share program that assists Ag operations of 100 acres or less to conserve water and protect water quality within the District. Additional information is available on both programs by visiting: WaterMatters. org or by calling 1-800-423-1476.
In The Field Classifieds 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 15, 2018, Nov. 25, 2018
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
Tel: 813.759.6909
2012 MAHINDRA 4025-4
Low hours with 6ft rotary cutter. Ready to get to work! Call Alvie for additional information. $12,500 813-759-8722
TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
JOHN DEERE
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
ALUMINUM
MASSEY FERFUSON 40
METAL ROOFING
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
WINDOW SCREENS
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CABINETS
Late 60’s model industrial diesel grading tractor. $3,750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED
FMC 352
Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders 813-754-1766
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
4X4, 65 hp with loader. All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. 1,000 hours. $15,900 Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Call Blake 813-752-3378
VINYL SIDDING
FOR SALE OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
MAHINDRA 4530
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Tractor with loader. 4X4, 44hp. $13,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR RENT
HUSTLER RAPTOR 54
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
New! Has a flip deck. New price $5,499 SALE for $4,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
FARM EQUIPMENT MAHINDRA 8560
MISC.
83 hp, 4X4. $12,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2015 MAHINDRA 2565
Tractor, cab with loader. 4x4, 453 hours. $27,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
3 POINT BACK HOE ATTACHEMENT
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VTEKSHDVTZS - Self contained. Asking $3,650 Call today and ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
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TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
24 HOUR SERVICE
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
November 2018
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