INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
1
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
813-752-2379
PAGE
Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidewesternwear.com I T F M I T F M October 2018 23014 N HE IELD
AGAZINE
WWW. N HE IELD
AGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
3
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
OCTOBER 2018 VOL. 13 • ISSUE 12
CONTENTS PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER EXHIBIT
64 PAGE 12 Florida Agriculture PAGE 12 Farmers Market
PAGE 32 Gator PAGE35 Atemoya
PAGE 16 Business Up Front PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22
PAGE 36 Jack Payne PAGE 38 AG Expo PAGE 46 John Dicks
Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 48 Warner University
PAGE 28 Brianne Putnam
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 30 V.A.S.P.
PAGE 56 Armed Forces AG Education
PAGE 62 Strawberry Crest
PAGE 63 The Great Pumpkin
PAGE 66 The Field Foodies
PAGE
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
PAGE 71
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
A Closer Look
PAGE 74 News Briefs
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! October 2018
Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Hey Readers!
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PAGE 70 Activity
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
4
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL.
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
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
5
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt
Sales Melissa Nichols Karen Berry Sarah Holt
Letter from the Editor According to Feeding Tampa Bay, Florida is fourth in the nation for family hunger. In west central Florida, 60% of the population is eligible for food stamps. Many at-risk students won’t eat at all between lunch on Friday and breakfast Monday morning.
When you don’t know what your next meal will be or where it will come from, this is food insecurity. Many associate being hungry with negative stereotypes, such as being homeless or uneducated, when in reality, according to the Hunger in America 2014 study conducted by Feeding America, the hungry in our community are largely families or seniors with homes. In the Tampa Bay area children and seniors make up nearly half of the hungry population. Many families have homes and jobs, but still struggle to put food on the table. Living on a fixed income, or even one bad month, can lead to difficult decisions, such as spending money on food, or medical care. It’s a difficult problem to solve.
I don’t have the answers. Luckily, there are those in our area and all across the country, working to help end this problem. But they can’t do it alone. We are approaching the time of giving. Please open your hearts to help those with food insecurity. Please remember, this is a problem 365 days of the year. If we work together, we can build resources to make our communities happier and healthier. No one should have to go hungry.
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
Until Next Month
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.
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
Sarah Holt
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.
PAGE
Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
6
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
7
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
BE PREPARED VOTERS
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
- Kenneth Parker - President
Dear Readers: I’m sure you recall the phrase “Be Prepared” as the mantra for the Boy Scouts of America. I would like to suggest that to all of you that plan on voting this coming Election Day. First off, I echo the comments of our Executive Director Judi Whitson in her article in this edition of IN THE FIELD. If you can vote, there really is no reason why you shouldn’t. Assuming that those of you who can vote will do so, please be good “Scouts” and be prepared so you make educated choices. Remember, the ballot will be substantial. In addition to the candidates, there will be 12 amendments that we are being asked to vote on. Secondly please do your homework on both the candidates and amendments so that when it is time to cast your vote, you will do so as an educated and fully prepared voter. As the “Voice of Agriculture” in Hillsborough County, it is vital that Farm Bureau members make our voices heard on behalf of our industry. For candidate information, visit: FFBF.org and select the “advocacy” option for information and staff contacts that can assist you. You can also do an online search for “2018 Florida Election” for candidate and amendment information.
Your Farm Bureau Board has met with many of the candidates and has participated in sessions that have given us insights into the understanding each of them has of the benefits of our industry and the ongoing need to support farmers and ranchers. Judi’s article details those candidates that our Political Action Committee (PAC) has decided to support financially. We are one of the few county Farm Bureaus in the state that has a PAC and those of us who are members take very seriously our responsibility to support those candidates who will support us. Lastly, if your family does not belong to Farm Bureau, please consider joining so you can help make our voice that much louder. Remember you don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to join. For more information, visit: hcfarmbureau.org, call us at 813-685-9121. Thank you.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
PAGE
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
8
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
9
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
UF/IFAS REPORTS ON STATUS OF FLORIDA’S AG, NATURAL RESOURCES AND FOOD INDUSTRIES By Jim Frankowiak
The latest annual report from the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), covering the period 2007 to 2016, details that portion of Florida’s Gross State Product (GSP) generated by agriculture, natural resources and food industries grew faster than the state’s total GSP. GSP is a statistic typically used as a gauge of economic strength. “This long-term trend indicates that Florida’s agriculture, natural resources and food industries sector is strong and helping keep the state’s economy on firm footing,” said Project Leader Christa Court, a UF/IFAS Extension assistant scientist. “This sector continues to be one of the three biggest contributors to Florida’s economy, along with tourism and construction,” said Court. “It is the sector responsible for the greatest percentage of state employment and is usually third or fourth among all economic sectors in terms of contributions to Florida’s GSP, a measurement of the value-added or labor income and business profits within a sector.” The report, “Economic Contributions of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food Industries in Florida in 2016” is available online at: https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/economicimpactanalysis/publications/2016-ag-natural-resources-and-food-industries/. Court noted Florida’s overall GSP rose by 17.6 percent from 2006 to 2016, while the Ag, Natural Resources and Food Industries Section increased by 28.6 percent.
Important sector statistics for 2016 included: • Direct employment contribution of 1.68 million full and part-time jobs and total employment contribution (including multiplier effects in other sectors) of 2.29 million jobs, representing 19.9 per cent of the state workforce. • Direct industry output or sales revenues of $165.51 billion and total output contributions (including multiplier effects in other sectors) of $263.20 billion. • Value-added contributions of $1237.23 billion, representing 14.7 per cent of Florida’s GSP • Combined exports to foreign countries and other U.S. states totaling $47.70 billion. • Taxes on production and imports paid to local, state and federal governments totaling $12.79 billion.
PAGE
• Labor income contributions of $80.82 billion, including employee wages, fringe benefits and proprietor income.
10
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
11
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
October 26th, from 5-9 p.m.
PLANT CITY MAIN STREET SEEKS VENDORS FOR NEW FARMERS MARKET By Jim Frankowiak
Plant City Main Street is looking for fresh produce and quality handcrafted and homemade products vendors for its monthly Farmers Market, held in conjunction with Food Truck Rallies on the last Friday of the month. The initial market was held in September and the second, pre-launch market is set for the last Friday of October, the 26th, from 5 – 9 p.m. “We hope to create excitement around the market when guests are attending the food truck rallies,” said Plant City Main Street President Lizzette Sarria. “With a priority on fresh local produce, our guidelines give first preference to local farmers selling their own crops. Resellers will be allowed, if most of the crops are locally sourced. We also accept vendors that sell items like jams, jellies, breads and other valueadded products, as well as artisans that sell handmade jewelry, art, candles and other specialties,” she said.
The official launch will occur in November and markets will be held weekly on Thursdays, except for Thanksgiving, from 4-8 p.m. The Farmers Market will be located at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum & Depot, 102 North Palmer Street in downtown Plant City. Vendors are not being charged for participation in the prelaunch markets, once the market is launched in November the vendor fees is $25/week or $90/month. Vendors will be permitted to bring a 10-foot by 10-foot tent for their space at the market. Vendors are also encouraged to bring signage to promote their items and the things that make their products unique.
PAGE
Vendors interested in participating in the market, should email: info@plantcitymainstreet.com for application and handbook. 12
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2018 “Good Times and Country Rhymes”
By Jim Frankowiak Livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food and more will headline the Greater Hillsborough County Fair, which runs the weekends of October 18-12 and 25 – 26. Free entertainment includes Robinson’s Racing and Swimming Pigs dashing and splashing for Oreo cookies. The Fair’s popular Firefighter Show will once again have firefighter extraordinaire Neal Snyder putting his young volunteers through training. This year’s Fair circus will again feature thrilling and amazing acts, including camels for added fun and enjoyment. The fair’s youth livestock shows are among the largest at county fairs in the southeastern U.S. with more than 800 dairy and beef cattle, rabbits, poultry, sheep, goats and pigs on display and competing in the show ring. The market show weekend at the Fair will include the inaugural market steer and market lamb shows, in addition to the ongoing market swine and turkey shows, each is a chance for attendees to support youth through the purchase of one of these livestock projects. Grandstand events October 19 and 20 include horseback and bull riding at the rodeo while the following weekend will feature the Truck and Tractor Pull. The Demolition Derby will culminate grandstand shows October 28th. Grandstand event are $10 with paid admission to the Fair. Advance purchase from cooperating merchants listed on the Fair website (www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com)is $10 with free admission to the Fair. Art, photography, recycled yard art and home economic competitions will be located in the 7,000-square-foot climate controlled Family Living Building which will also house the Butterfly Experience. New to the Fair this year is the STEAM (STEM plus!) area, a tent with focus on educational displays and competitions in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and math. Interactive displays featuring Legos building blocks, a so-
A pair of stages will feature Community Talent from children’s pageants and each Sunday area churches will perform as part of the Fair’s Gospel Jam. The Fair’s historical area, Home Hillsborough, which includes a 2,500-square-foot replica of a farm packing shed, houses many of the tools and equipment used in bygone days. The East Hillsborough County Historical Society is highlighting the history of area churches in their building this year, while sugar cane grinding, syrup boiling, cowboy camp, a six shooter gallery, storytelling and tool demonstrations round out Hometown Hillsborough activities at the 2018 Fair. The Little Red School House will continue featuring displays from Hillsborough County Schools thanks to the efforts and contributions of students. Arnold’s Amusements is providing new and safe familyoriented rides with armbands available each day for $20. Discounted armbands can be purchased online for $15 from the Fair’s website: www.hillboroughcountyfair.com. The Fair’s opening day, October 18, is Dollar Day with admission and each ride is $1. Thursday, October 25, is also Dollar Day at the Fair. The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District Plant Auction is set for Saturday, October 27. Regular fair admission is $7 with K-12 students at $5, seniors at $4 and children age 5 and under are free. Parking at the Fair is free. For more information, visit: www.hillsboroughcountyfairm. com. The Fair is located at 215 Sydney Washer Road (just north of the intersection of Sydney Washer Road and State Road 60). Fair hours are 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
13
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
lar panel cook-off, marshmallow challenge and trebuchet (catapult) competition will also take place.
PAGE
14
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
15
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Business Up Front
by: Breanne Williams
Solar Feeders future of livestock farming A local ag enthusiast channeled her passion for Solar Feeders into a career by becoming the only dealer in Florida for the new technology. As the country grapples with how to incorporate energy efficient strategies into every day life, one company has found a way to make solar technology a musthave for the livestock industry. Several years ago Janene Cook was searching high and low for an automatic livestock feeder. For decades she had relied on the knowledge and experience of local youth and friends to help “baby sit” her cattle whenever she had to leave town for a vacation of work trip. As the years passed she said there were less people involved in the industry that she could trust with the basic skills needed to care for her herd. “I’m an ag person at heart, been that way my whole life,” Cook said. “When I found the Solar Feeders, it was perfect. It let me have a chance to leave for vacation, it’s helped me with weaning calves off their moms, I use it to do a headcount for my routine check ups of the herd. It’s changed the way I care for my livestock.” Solar Feeders has a variety of sizes for its machines, a 1,000 pound feeding capacity, a 2,500 pound feeding capacity, a 6,000 pound feeding capacity and a econo 3,000, which is the same as the 2,5000 pound feeder except it uses sled bottoms instead of wheels. The box-shaped design allows the feed to stay dry in all types of weather and the owner can simply pull it behind a truck to a feed store, open the hatch and have them fill it up. The three standard feeders come on top of a trailer style base with a removable tongue to make attaching it to a vehicle a breeze. They all feature a stainless steel trough and use a spinner plate set to a timer to distribute feed. The troughs have plentiful drainage outlets and Cook said even with Florida’s wet summer months her feed has never been soaked through. The operator can indicate how much food they would prefer to be distributed each time it goes off upon initial setup, which Cook said makes it preferable to gravity feeders, which allows the cattle to eat nonstop as it continuously pours out. A solar panel at the top of the machine is connected to the battery, which runs a 12 volt battery. Cook said even when Florida has endless cloudy days a full charge can easily last for more than a week. She said the solar aspect is perfect because she doesn’t have to worry about getting electricity out to her pasture for an automatic feeder.
However, it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the products. She is confident that anyone who has livestock would quickly realize how much time and money the items save in the long run. She said without hesitation, “they won’t be able to live without them.” When researching the company she took a trip to a dealer in Tennessee to see the product first hand. She realized it was “a piece of cake” and quickly ordered some of her own. The main company is housed in Arkansas and the feeders are prevalent throughout surrounding states. Thanks to Cook, the solar technology should soon be trickling into the sunshine state. “Solar was perfect, after all, look at where we live,” Cook said. “I became a dealer because I think it’s a great product. I can get a load and divvy up the cost of shipment so no one person has to pay that hefty price. It’s been a lifesaver for me. I can’t tell you how great it is to know my cattle will be taken care of regardless of if it’s storming or I’m out of town. I can just rest easy and know they’ll get exactly what they need.” The feeders are designed for all livestock and goat guards are available for a variety of the sizes to keep the animals from climbing the machine. Because of Florida’s humid weather, Cook recommends buying the agitating motor add on, which is attached to a separate on/off switch. If flipped, when the timer goes off the motor adds extra vibration to the feed, which helps prohibit clumping and encourages even distribution even with molasses infused feeds. She said it “sure didn’t take long” for the cattle to become trained for the machine. During the designated feeding times they all meander over toward the feeder and any stragglers come running when they hear the machine kick on. The wheels attached to the product also make moving the feeder a breeze, which Cook does frequently to avoid flooding areas and as she moves the cattle from one pasture to another. She also likes how open Solar Feeders is to client feedback. If they are given a suggestion, they take it to heart and adjust their products as needed. Cook is enraptured with the feeders and takes them with her to ag shows across the country to show people the future of agriculture. Anyone interested need only give her a call and she’ll give them a personal tour, showing off the variety of sizes and teaching you how it all works. “I am not a salesperson, I’ve never been one,” Cook said. “I’m a retired NICU nurse. I retired because agriculture was my love and when I found this product that just works so great for me, that frankly took me so long to find, I just wanted to let others know it exists and help them get their hands on it.”
Dale & Janene’s Farm & Ranch Services acts as the sole Solar Feeders dealer for Florida. Cook said she never was interested in getting into the business side of the industry, but she saw first hand how these products can change lives and wanted to help others have the experience.
PAGE
It’s solar technology, all made in the USA, and at first glance the price took Cook by surprise. A feeder is $3,500 and one of the larger products is $4,500. As a dealer, she said she simply sells at the retail value from the company with a minimized shipping fee since she is able to buy in bulk.
16
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
Dale & Janene’s Farm & Ranch Services Call: 813-986-2227 or 813-716-3611. Email: solarfeedersfl@yahoo.com Visit: solarfeeders.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
17
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Tampa Bay Fishing Report November 2018 Capt. Woody Gore
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has passed an executive order Executive Order: EO 18-45 temporarily making snook and redfish catchand-release only from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Collier County. This order took effect at 12:00 a.m. on September 28, 2018, and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on May 10, 2019, unless rescinded or extended by a subsequent order. In late September we entered our fall fishing season and should have begun noticing cooler temperatures and less humidity, but not this year. Regardless it did not keep the fish from biting and made for some good mid-bay and North Bay fishing, as evidenced by Captain Mike Gore putting one back. Hopefully, the red tide issue continues resolving itself and we get back to our great October fishing, what this means is the bite should continue to improve as water temperatures begin cooling. What it also means is that November should be an excellent time to escape the chill of the north or the heat of our Florida summers and schedule a fishing trip. Having fished the Tampa west coast waters for over 50 years, Capt. Woody offers a professional full-time guided charter fishing service. As the days become less humid and grow more pleasurable you will be able to experience some of the best fishing in the “Capital of the World”…Florida West Coast.
Let’s Go Fishing – Capt. Woody Gore
FWC MAKES SNOOK, REDFISH TEMPORARILY CATCH-AND-RELEASE
Snook season is closed but still, catch and release. Greenbacks are still the bait of choice. We have also been catching them on fresh cut bait lying on the bottom. Anglers using live bait should have no problem finding plenty of greenbacks, threadfins, or pinfish. It’s not uncommon for a juvenile snook to chase down a greenback, but the larger fish are usually neutral in pursuing a fast swimming greenback. Instead, they seem content to take damaged or dead bait off the bottom. A simple technique I have been using to slow down my live bait is to break its back or cut off the tail fins. Carl thought it was a giant snook but turned out to be a huge Yellow Tail Jack. Man those guys can fight. Redfish are also closed, but still catch and release and seem to be on every grass flat and also eating live and dead baits. We are catching plenty of nice size fish. The broken bottom grass flats, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines throughout the mid and upper Tampa Bay seem to be holding hungry redfish. Greenbacks, dollar size pinfish, big shrimp, or fresh cut bait along with some good old-fashioned fishing patience seems to do the trick. Spotted Sea Trout action is on the upswing with good reports when
fishing strong tide days around deeper grass flats. They are eating freelined shrimp and under a popping cork and freelined greenbacks. Deeper flats, good moving water in or out prove deadly in catching nice Trout.
Artificial Lures: If you are interested in something different, perhaps it
PAGE
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
18
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
is time to try artificial lures. Fall and winter are great times to use them. They give fish a look at something totally different, like color, shape, and action or a combination of all might entice them to strike. Some lures float, some dive, while others suspend, all usually require a learning curve, but remember WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
that’s half the fun. Fishing artificial’s requires a certain level of talent, but once you start you will surely enjoy mastering the techniques. If you’re an artificial lure angler topwater lures do well on early morning grass flats. My topwater lures include MirrOLure Top Dogs, or Catch 2000 and are loads of fun especially the unanticipated strike when the explosion from beneath almost stops your heart.
Mangrove Snapper have flooded Tampa Bay grass flats,
bridges, markers, and docks. Try fishing with small greenies and shrimp as they should produce some nice sized fish often tipping the scales around 1 to 3 pounds. Lighter Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, small slip sinker, a # 1 hook and you’re in business.
Cobia can show up on the back of large Rays and Manatees.
Check buoys and markers and keep an eye out when Mackerel fishing especially if you’re using a chum bag. Have a slightly heavier rig ready because they tend to pop up at the most inopportune times, like when you are not ready. Many times, we have been fishing for mackerel and looked behind the boat to see one or two cobia hanging around the outboard.
Mackerel action should remain strong. Look for diving birds
and you have probably found a school of mackerel, jacks, or ladyfish; also look for schools of threadfins or glass minnows and you will usually find the same thing. Try using 40# to 50# Seaguar Fluorocarbon Leader with long shank #2 or #3 Daiichi hooks. Free line the baits in the current with a #3 split-shot weight.
“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
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.
Important Sales Closing Dates Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) . . . . . . .Feb. 28 Citrus Fruit & Citrus Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 15 Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1 Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 15
86 6 . 245 . 3637 farmcreditcfl.com
Apiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 15 Blueberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 20
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
19
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
20
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Pepsi’s red, white and blue logo was made in the 1940s to support America’s war effort. In colonial America lobster was anything but a delicacy, so cheap and plentiful that it was often served to prisoners. In a Sesame Street episode, Cookie Monster said that before he started eating cookies, his name was Sid. English muffins were first made in America, Venetian blinds were invented by the Chinese and Belgians were the first to make French fries. Guinness says the world’s hardest tongue twister is this: “The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick. Augie, a golden retriever from Dallas, Texas, owns the doggie world record for holding tennis balls in the mouth, with five. There was no toilet in the kid’s bathroom on “The Brady Bunch” sitcom.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
21
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Sponsored by:
HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS
www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971
Figures of Speech Have you ever wondered about the phrase, “figure of speech?” I went to Google on my computer and looked it up, and this is what I found: fig·ure of speech noun plural noun: figures of speech
An expression that uses language in a nonliteral way, such as a metaphor or synecdoche, or in a structured or unusual way, such as anaphora or chiasmus, or that employs sounds, such as alliteration or assonance, to achieve a rhetorical effect. Huh? No kidding. I asked around to see if I could get an answer. Nobody seemed to know. I’ll bet if my English teacher, Mrs. Smith was alive she would have an answer I could understand. As a last resort I went back to Google for the answer. I did not get an answer I could understand, but I found some examples of “Figure of Speech.” You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. The evening news is where they begin with “Good Evening,” and then proceed to tell you why it isn’t. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
PAGE
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. If I agreed with you, we’d both
22
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
be wrong. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. Where there’s a will, there are relatives. And lastly the one most everyone can understand, well, his goose is cooked! There you have it. Now you know a figure of speech when you hear it or read it. As a kid I remember we would have fun seeing who could come up with the most tongue twisters. The one most people remember is: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, how many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick? See if you can read this one without making a mistake. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? As much wood as a woodchuck could chuck, If a woodchuck could chuck wood. Try these two: But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought. If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much. A skunk sat on a stump. The stump thought the skunk stunk. The skunk thought the stump stunk. What stunk the skunk or the stump? I have always thought the dictionary is filled with words that are seldom used. Open any page and you’re likely to find a word you have never heard, whether it’s gongoozle (means to stare idly at a waterway and do nothing) or zwodder (a feeling of drowsiness). We see it, and think to ourselves that we absolutely must use it in conversation.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Sometimes people never understand what you’re saying. They hear what they want to hear. Case in point. About a week before this last Christmas I was at the checkout stand at a local grocery store. The lady in front of me wanted to buy some postage stamps to mail some Christmas cards. Here’s the way the conversation went; “Ma’am, I got these Christmas cards I need to mail today. I need 14 stamps, please.” The clerk said, “O.K., I have books of 6 first class or 12 second-class stamps.” “OK,” she said, “I’ll take 14 second-class stamps.” “I’m sorry,” the clerk said. “We only sell the stamps in books of 12.” “Yes. I need 14 stamps, please.” The clerk replied, “Okay. So two books will be $11.04.” The customer replies, “What! That seems like a lot of money for 14 stamps.” Clerk: “No, madam. That is for 24 stamps. We only sell them in books of 12.” Customer: “But I only want 14.” The clerk remained calm and said. “Lady, we are not a post-office, we only sell stamps in books of 12. In order to get 14 stamps you will have to buy two books. I am sure you can use the rest of the stamps later. Now, if it’s a real problem there’s a post office just around the corner past the fire station, which will be open in the morning.” Very loudly she says, “Don’t you understand I only need 14 stamps.” The clerk at the cash register politely said, “Sorry, I cannot help you.” With that the lady said, “Well give me one book!” She turned and looked at me and said, “I’ll hand deliver the other two cards tomorrow.” People not only hear what they want to hear, but have trouble writing what they want to say. As an example, here are some notes a schoolteacher friend of mine collected over the years. “My son is under a doctor’s care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.” “Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick, and I had her shot.” “Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.” “Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.” And I leave you with this, which has nothing to do with anything written in this column. “If you can’t have a midnight snack why do we have a light in the fridge?
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
23
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
24
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
25
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
26
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
27
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
BRIANNE PUTNAM NAMED NEW FARM BUREAU DISTRICT V FIELD REPRESENTATIVE “My job responsibility primarily includes voicing local farms and county Farm Bureaus’ concerns to the best outlets in order to ensure their needs are met,” ~ Brianne Bird Putnam By Jim Frankowiak William “Buddy” Putnam, IV, Brianne Putnam & Paislee
Brianne Bird Putnam is the new Florida Farm Bureau District V Field Representative, serving as liaison between country Farm Bureaus within the district and the state office in Gainesville. District V includes Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Sumter and Lake counties. “My job responsibility primarily includes voicing local farms and county Farm Bureaus’ concerns to the best outlets in order to ensure their needs are met,” said Putnam. “Whether it is educational outreach events or local government issues, and everything related to production agriculture in between, my position is responsible for ensuring county boards, agriculturally-affiliated individuals and farmers have the support they need to continue to improve agriculture and the rural way of life. I also help educate the general public regarding the Federation side of Farm Bureau,” she added. Putnam, who is married to William “Buddy” Putnam, IV, is an alumna of the University of Florida with both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her undergraduate degree is in Animal Science with an equine industry specialization and minor in Extension Education, while her Master of Science is in Agricultural Education and Communication and an Extension Education specialization. Buddy, who is a sales representative for GP Solutions, is a nephew of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and he and Brianne are the parents of 10-month-old Paislee.
PAGE
A first generation Floridian, Brianne grew up in Winter Haven with a “love for animals.” She was a 4-H member, beginning as a Clover Bud on through her graduation from Lake Re-
28
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
gion High School. While an undergraduate, Putnam was the captain of the UF Equestrian Team and competed on the UF Collegiate Horse Judging Team. She later served as an Assistant Coach for the UF Collegiate Horse Judging team. As a graduate student, she was a farm operations assistant at UF’s Horse Teaching Unit, providing on site daily and emergency assistance with UF’s horse herd. Along with these opportunities, she served as a Teaching Assistant for the UF Equine Psychology and Training Course instructed by Mr. Joel McQuagge. Brianne is also involved locally in Polk County’s 4-H program by serving as the Chair of the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee and a member of the Youth Fair Horse committee. As an alumna of the Polk 4-H horse program, Putnam finds it important to serve as a volunteer in order to ensure positive youth development programs continue to thrive in local communities. Initially attracted to Extension, Putnam sought her current post because of “the opportunities working in the field on a personal basis with members of the industry and various stakeholders. I hope to grow with Farm Bureau, becoming an asset to all members of District V, amplifying their voices to help assure the right people hear their message,” she said. Before joining Florida Farm Bureau, Putnam was a Client Service Associate in the Morgan Stanley Scheck/Lewis Group office at Winter Haven. Putnam continues her equestrian activities through competitions in Ranch Versatility events, and she is also a member of WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
a ranch rodeo team with her husband. Buddy also participates in team roping competitions. “Ranch rodeos enable us to participate together, competing as a couple,” said Brianne. Putnam can be reached via email at brianne.putnam@ffbf.org or by telephone: 352-672-5234 Florida Farm Bureau Federation is celebrating 76 years of service to agriculture and the people who make it a success. With more than 145,000 members, Florida Farm Bureau is Florida’s largest agricultural organization, representing farm owners who produce all 300 of the state’s agricultural commodities. More information is available at www.floridafarmbureau.org.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
29
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Amy M. Entress, a U.S. Navy veteran
VETERANS FLORIDA ANNOUNCES V.A.S.P. MANAGER By Jim Frankowiak
Amy M. Entress, a U.S. Navy veteran with extensive business and non-profit organization experience, has been named Manager of the Veterans Agriculture Selection Program (V.A.S.P.), an internship program to help veterans transition into sustainable careers in Florida’s agriculture industry. Agriculture is one of Florida’s largest economic sectors, generating nearly $120 billion in economic impact each year and supporting nearly two million jobs. V.A.S.P. is an initiative of Veterans Florida, a Tallahassee-based non-profit corporation created by the State of Florida to help veterans transition to civilian life. As V.A.S.P. Manager, Entress has ongoing responsibility for participant recruitment, building and maintaining relations with University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Research and Education Centers where the internships are based and recruiting agribusinesses for post-internship full-time career opportunities for veterans.
PAGE
The initial six-months of each internship takes place at the UF/IFAS research and education facilities located across Florida. During the final threemonths of the program, participants are matched with a local agribusiness on a working farm or ranch. Veterans selected for the program receive a $500 monthly stipend for the first six months in addition to an hourly wage throughout the internship. They work a full-time, 40-hour week during both phases of the program.
30
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
While participating in the program, veterans are encouraged to enroll in a UF agriculture certificate program in which they are eligible, either GI Bill or VA Vocational Rehabilitation funding. Program participants who do not receive job offers at the conclusion of their internship will be assisted with placement in a permanent position within Florida’s agriculture industry. Prior to her current position, Entress was cofounder of Global Metrix, LLC, a project/program management firm serving private sector and governmental clients. She was also co-founder of AgFreeze LLC, the first of kind Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) processing facility in Florida. From 2003-2014, Entress worked with the Association for Marine Exploration, a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization fostering scientific knowledge and preservation of the marine environment, and organization that she helped found. While in the Navy, Entress served aboard the USS Shiloh (CG-67), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) USS Willamette (AO-180) and at various shore stations during active and reserve time. She is an alumna of Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. Entress is based at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County office in Seffner. She can be reached via email at: entress@veteransflorida. org or by telephone: 813/997-3448. The Veterans Florida website is: www.veteransflorida.org. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
31
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
GATOR by: Les Miller 14,411. That’s the number of CITES tags issued in 2016. The most recent year the Florida Wildlife Commission has results from their annual Statewide Alligator Management Program, a program that has been in place since 1988. As they put it, ‘a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource.’ When the state issues these tags, the expectation is that they are filled by the selected hunter in order to control what has become a healthy population. Of the 14,411 tags issued in 2016, 7,180 were filled. Sixty-eight alligators were harvested that measured over 12 feet in length. So, to do the math, .547% of 14,411. At 3:00 am on Friday morning, September 9, 2018, we rolled out of a bed of the Liars Lodge at Camp Mack on Lake Hatchineha. Our intention was to find that red set of eyes indicator, alerting us to the location of our quarry early enough to avoid the morning’s boat traffic. We did find plenty, though none cooperated. And we did meet what seemed to be millions of hatching May Flies, so thick that our flashlights were blacked out when in use. We had plenty of shooting starts to wish upon, and the Milky Way was as bright as ever, like a cloud across the entire night’s sky. Unfortunately, the early effort did not produce as planned. Morning came, and Jimmie quoted his dad, ‘the only reason people rave about the sunset, is because they’re too lazy to see the sun rise.’
PAGE
Plan B was to run the lake and scan with binoculars. The thing is, going 30 MPH, around an ancient lake, that is part of a river system and swamp lands, makes it really easy to see about as many alligators as you’d like. Unfortunately, again, most of the alligators we targeted didn’t care to cooperate.
32
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
I guess they liked their alligator skinned boots too much to share. So, when we came across a promising big black head in the lens, we took our usual angle and applied a strategy that’s usually not very productive, we hoped for the best. With trolling motor down, we took pursuit, and as we closed in, noticed this one was more than an average size. Two casts from our spinning reels fell left, and short. The alligator didn’t stay up long enough to let us make up for our mistakes. From experience, I know that an alligator will comfortably hold their breath for around 30 minutes, and we had nowhere better to be, so we decided to back away a little and wait for him to emerge. At 8:33, we figured he had been under for three minutes, so in 27 more we should get another look. At 8:55 he was early for our party, but welcomed. At 8:55 and about 10 seconds, a bass boat was not welcomed, but came by anyway. So down he went, 50 yards from the boat, and invisible. Now, a passing boat causes an alligator to drop for a matter of minutes. If not, they’d be under 50% of their lives. So, five minutes later he was back up and in casting distance. And at five minutes and 10 seconds we saw the second passing boat of this now 50-minute stop. Two boats at exactly the time our target allowed us our second and third chances. Murphy’s law should be abolished. So down he went again. If nothing else, hunters are eternal optimists, certain that the next effort will produce, so we decided to throw some test casts along the weed edge to try our luck. Within a handful of casts, Jimmie hooked a log. Then the log started moving, and then the drag started screaming, and we knew we were in the fight we thought we wanted. I fired up the big engine and attempted to close the distance already gained. Game on! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The goal quickly became to get a second ‘connection’ with the gator, and at about 30 minutes in Robert did just that with the second 12 0 treble hook. With both rods lifting, eventually the bottom of the lake came to the top, in the shape of an alligator. Uncle Dan grabbed the harpoon, but skipped it off the gators back like he was trying to stick in into a concrete slab. The second shot was purposely at the side, and less armored skin of the animal. So it sank in this time, we thought. The first 44 magnum bang stick shot by Robert, AKA Bangstick Bob, went wide. And if it doesn’t hit in the middle of the neck, right behind the head, it will not have the affect intended, in fact the opposite. We now have an angry, capable gator with a significant headache. The second shot was better, but the result was not. As the gator lurched from the shock, both the treble hook that was still connected, and the harpoon came free. So down went the gator, for the fourth time of our stop. This time, unconnected and with two additional 44 magnum bullets holes. Devastating. It was 9:30 by now, and legal hunting ends at 10am. We scrambled to start dragging the bottom with our ‘hope’ strategy once again, to hook him as he floated away. Around 10 minutes later, he came up, 100 yards away, and not doing well. We closed in quickly, and fired our reels. Both missing again, and again close enough to send him down. Humbling. We followed what we thought was his intended escape route, since it was back to where we met and closer to the thick brush. The current was mov-
As they lifted the gator with all four lines, the gator presented the third bangstick shot. And Jimmy hit his mark. I’m not sure if it was the adrenaline, or the prior mishaps, but everyone agreed a forth shot wouldn’t hurt, hurt us anyway. Now it’s a matter of a hand gaff, the proper angle of lift and about as many wraps of electric tape as you can spare. And then several more for Robert’s comfort apparently. Three grown men still weren’t done. First the head comes in, as far as possible. Then roll the front leg. Then the other, then the back legs and tail. The Ranger boat barely rocked, but we had an additional 500 lbs of load that felt like pure gold as the high fives flew around. I looked at the clock. 10:01 and 56 seconds. Unbelievable! Our gator measured 12 Feet and 4 inches, and as I mentioned above, that puts us almost at the 100th percentile. Our catch was nearly 500 lbs, had a tail circumference of 36 inches, and they say that these living dinosaurs can live to be 50 plus years old in the wild. None of these facts are lost on us, and we have an absolute love and appreciation for the sacrifice of our target, the epic battle of wins, losses, high and lows, and ultimate euphoria of the catch. But also, as mentioned above, doing our part in this program, and doing it the way we did with this amazing animal will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. As Uncle Dan says, ‘If you end up getting what you wanted, then you did everything right.’ I think I agree. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
33
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ing that way too, and he was hurting. Someone was smart enough to mention that Uncle Dan needed to keep an eye out behind as well. 10 minutes later, we heard, ‘there he is’, and with the binoculars, Uncle Dan had spotted him, back up, still hurting, headed for brush, and nearly 200 yards upstream. How? I cranked the engine again, and spun around to shoot back to his location. He was half way into the brush, so this time Jimmy grabbed the harpoon, since we couldn’t even throw a treble hook over him in open water evidently. Of course, before we got to throwing distance, he dropped down, out of sight for the 1000 time now, or so it felt. This time, Robert grabbed the treble hook, made one cast along the weed line, and snagged a log again. Jimmy grabbed another rod and snagged the same. The log rose, dead weight at this point. And for the second time an enormous mass that resembled our alligator appeared. Robert switched a rod for a harpoon with Uncle Dan, and drove it home into the soft side of the gator. He then grabbed a second harpoon and did the same to the other side. We now had two fully secured harpoons and two attached treble hooks. We had a loaded bangstick and plenty of bullets. Relief.
Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital? What if you need the rest of the hospital? When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cuttingedge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital. Learn where to get the right care: BayCareRightCareRightPlace.org
OUR NETWORK:
BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS:
Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital
PAGE
BAYCARE.ORG
34
INTHEFIELD 18-425223-0618
MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Florida
Atemoya
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science The atemoya is a tropical fruit that is a blend between the sugar apple and the cherimoya. Other names for this fruit are pineapple sugar apple, anon, chirimorinon, and achta. Heartshaped with pale green, lumpy skin, the atemoya is very juicy and smooth, and both sweet and tart. Some describe the taste of atemoya to be like a pina colada, with notes of vanilla, custard, pineapple and coconut. Atemoya is best eaten chilled and scooped straight out of the shell. The inner black seeds are toxic and should be discarded before eating. In Florida, fresh atemoya are produced in the fall months, with the first peak in August and September, followed by a second peak in October and November.
Beta carotene
Nutritional Profile
How to select and store
Fresh Florida atemoya are rich in vitamin C, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and some minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one 3.5 ounce serving (100 g) of fresh atemoya contains 94 calories, 2 g of protein, 0.5 g of fat, 24 g of carbohydrate, and 2 g of fiber. It also provides healthy amounts of potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, dietary fiber, thiamin, niacin, and beta-carotene.
Vitamin C The atemoya is a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant which has many important functions in the body. Eating foods high in vitamin C significantly raises the amount of iron your body absorbs, which is a good way to prevent anemia. Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses, and may possibly shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.
Fresh atemoya is rich in beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. This antioxidant helps to protect your eyes from damage caused by UV rays and decreases the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that leads to vision loss. In the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Eye Institute, people at high risk for the disease who took a daily multiple vitamin that included vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper had a 25% reduced risk of advanced AMD during a sixyear period. Atemoya has many of these same nutrients all in one fruit!
Choose atemoyas that are slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure. Look for color changes on the fruit rind between the knobs as a sign of ripeness. The color will change from green to light green and the bumps on the skin will flatten out as the fruit ripens. The atemoya will also ripen at room temperature if it is still firm when you purchase it. Select fruit that is free of bruises or broken skin. Ripe fruit can be refrigerated for up to several weeks.
How to enjoy Atemoya is delicious all on its own, eaten chilled and scooped out of the shell. Enjoy the flesh and discard the seeds. This tropical fruit makes a great addition to other fruit salads or in ice cream. Other ways to enjoy this tropical fruit are: • Blend the flesh with milk for a fruit shake • Mix the flesh with cream and freeze for a simple ice cream • Slice and add to fruit salad or platter • Chop and add to cereal or yogurt • Use the pulp to top off oatmeal or pancakes Enjoy delicious, nutritious atemoya during Florida’s peak season today.
Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
35
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WE ARE By Jack Payne
ALL IN
He can’t say this, but I can: Nian is going to find those genes. He’s going to use a technology that’s become available in just the last few years and turn it against a problem that’s more than a century old. No one in the whole world has been able to find a cure in all that time. In a much shorter time here, our scientific advances have convinced me that someday we’ll look back at HLB the way we now remember polio or AIDS. The responses to those diseases are examples of what happens when a scientific community is all in to tackle a problem. That commitment puts men on the moon. It takes a computer that once filled a room and puts it in the palm of your hand. Surely, that kind of commitment can deliver what we need to know so we can continue to grow citrus. And that’s what you have from UF/IFAS.
Editor’s note: This month’s column is adapted from Payne’s address to the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs in June. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is all in to help you beat HLB. We have nearly 60 citrus faculty in Lake Alfred, Fort Pierce, Immokalee, and Gainesville. And we have additional faculty who weren’t hired to do citrus research but have responded to our all-hands-on-deck call to the fight against HLB. UF/IFAS has made a greater commitment to citrus than it has to any other of Florida’s nearly 300 crops and commodities. We have added 20 new citrus faculty members to our ranks in just the past four years. This is expensive, time-consuming, complicated, humbling, and sometimes frustrating. And it’s worth it. So I’ll say it again: UF/IFAS is all in. With the support of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, of Florida Citrus Mutual, of many other partners, we have made tremendous scientific progress in the past decade. We understand the psyllid much better, so we can more effectively attack it. We’ve developed tolerant varieties such as Sugar Belle and Bingo. We’re harnessing the revolutionary gene editing technology called CRISPR to attack the disease in a way we never dreamed of a decade ago. Nian Wang has knocked out canker in grapefruit with this technology.
PAGE
He hasn’t found the genes yet that make citrus susceptible to HLB, but he’s getting closer all the time. He’s thinking about this every day, all day. Nian is all in.
36
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
We know we must continue to step it up, and we’re doing that. We just hired an entomologist to fill the position vacated when Michael Rogers became the director at the Citrus Research and Education Center. We’re continuing to invest heavily in giving our citrus scientists the tools they need to do their best work. The cost of being in the anti-HLB business is high. We’re paying those costs. For example, we’re putting nearly a million dollars into a lab for the new entomologist and for Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski. Those labs had appeared and functioned as if they’re straight out of the 1950s. The labs of Yu Wang and Jude Grosser were not able to stay cool enough to allow their high-tech machines to function properly. So we invested $841,000 to make them cool enough. We’ve invested nearly $1.2 million in new greenhouses in Immokalee. They’re being used by citrus pathologist Ozgar Batuman and three other faculty who do most of their work on citrus. There’s no other UF/IFAS research center dedicated to a single plant commodity (though we do have the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona). Citrus is where we can say most forcefully that we’re all in. And here, when I say we, I don’t mean just UF/IFAS. Together UF/IFAS, USDA, FDACS, Florida Citrus Mutual and other citrus associations, and you are going to make citrus history by making HLB history. Thank you, and let’s keep up the good work.
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
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
37
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2018 AG EXPO SET FOR NOVEMBER 7:
Focus on Precision Ag, Data Management and Labor-Saving Automation Tools By Jim Frankowiak
The 2018 Ag Expo will take place Wednesday, November 7, at the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm. An annual opportunity for growers, researchers and other Florida Ag professionals to come together for an exchange of new ideas, marketing information and the latest trends in varieties, the Ag Expo this year will focus on precision agriculture, data management and labor-saving automation tools to increase farm efficiency.
PAGE
This year’s day-long event will include practical discussions on hot button issues such as maximizing labor resources, market competition and alternative crops. The Ag Expo will also offer hands-on pest and disease identification training plus popular field
38
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
tours, keyed to the latest developments in crop management, alternative crops and new varieties. The Florida Ag Expo is organized by FLORIDA GROWER Magazine in cooperation with UF/IFAS, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Tomatoes and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. Additional information is available at: FloridaExpo. com. Registration is also available at that website. Growers, researchers, students and association personnel may register at no charge. FLORIDA GROWER Magazine is also hosting a Precision Tour November 8 with stops at selected farms and locations to view how growers in Central Florida are deploying new Ag technology on their farms. That tour, which is separate from Ag Expo, is part of the Precision Agriculture Specialty Crop initiative. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
39
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ELECTION DAY – NOVEMBER 6! By Jim Frankowiak
PAGE
VOTE
40
As the “Voice of Agriculture” there’s no better way for Farm Bureau members and those who appreciate the important and role of agriculture to have their voices heard than to vote this coming Election Day, November 6. “There are services that will pick people up, you can vote early or you can mail in a ballot,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson. “The numbers of voters in the primary election were extremely low, more people need to vote, to make sure that our voices are heard.”
have sent contributions to Florida House District 59 Candidate Joe Wicker, District 59 Candidate Mike Beltran, Florida Senate District 18 Candidate Dana Young, County Commission District 7 Candidate Todd Marks, Gubernatorial Candidate Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Agriculture Candidate Matt Caldwell and Ashley Moody, candidate for Florida Attorney General.
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is one of the few county Farm Bureaus in Florida that has a Political Action Committee (PAC), enabling it to financially support candidates that recognize and support the role of agriculture in the Sunshine State. As of the time of this article, “We
The website for the County’s Supervisor of Elections, www.votehillsborough.org., has detailed information regarding options for voting, the location of polls, what to bring to the polling place and more. Once on the site’s landing page, click on “Election Day Voting.”
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
“Our PAC may add to this list as Election Day draws near,” said Whitson. “I encourage every one of legal age to exercise their right to vote.”
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
UF/IFAS UNVEILS NEW DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM Offers Faster Reporting for Producers University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension staffers now have a better system for reporting damages and losses suffered by producers following a hurricane, flood, drought, wildfire or other large-scale disaster. Developed by a team of economists with the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, the new damage assessment system is faster, more focused and more standardized than prior reporting procedures. “After the danger has passed, UF/IFAS Extensions agents will go into the field to make first-hand observations and interview products,” said Christa Court, an assistant scientist with the department and co-developer of the form. “This information is critical to relief efforts. State and federal agencies rely on UF/IFAS Extension to do this work because our agents have the expertise and the contacts to collect the raw data that’s needed.” Once the information has been gathered, it will be forwarded to Court and her colleagues so that they can develop a summary of the estimated asset damages and commodity losses. These estimates will be provided to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida offices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help guide relief and recovery efforts.
Court noted that under USDA rules, before a crop disaster can be declared in a particular county there must be documentation show at least a 30-percent loss of one agricultural commodity. “The disaster declaration is needed before producers can participate in some federal relief programs and receive compensation for their damages and losses,” said Court. She said damages refer to physical harm impacting crops, animals and property, while losses reflect decreases in revenue attributed to the disaster or to damages it caused. “The assessment form was created using Qualtrics software and can be completed using mobile devices, laptops and desktop computers,” said Alan Hodges, a UF/IFAS Extension scientist and co-developer of the form. “Accessibility and ease of use were high priorities during the form’s development,” he said. “You want to provide solid estimates to state and federal agencies as quickly as possible. If it takes months, that may have a negative impact on the assistance that’s provided, because when the process takes too long, peoples’ attention can get focused on other things.” Funding for development of the assessment form was provided by UF/IFAS Extension and the Food and Resource Economics Department, according to Hodges. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
41
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
By Jim Frankowiak
PAGE
42
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTRODUCING THE BEST-IN-CLASS
6-YEAR
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ON COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS
Introducing the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, available on all Compact Utility Tractors*. You expect the highest quality when you buy a Deere, now expect it longer... We take pride in working with those who work with the land. With superior customer support through leasing, rentals, in-field service support, technology, the best parts availability, and loyalty programs just to name a few, we’re ready to be your equipment partner for the long haul. And with the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, your partner for the long-er haul… Give us a call or visit us online today EvergladesFarmEquipment.com
ShopEFE com
John Deere Parts/New/Used Equip.
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567
Leesburg
1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748
813-737-1660
352-315-1016
Odessa
2240 Success Drive Odessa, FL 33556
Okeechobee
727-842-8618
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
Clearwater
863-763-1921
5090 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33760
727-828-8200
Fort Pierce
6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
Palmetto
772-461-5568
906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-3281
Loxahatchee
13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Fort Myers
561-784-4000
9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-332-5045
Belle Glade
Corporate Headquarters
Immokalee
775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142
239-657-4413
2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430
Naples
561-996-6531
1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples , FL 34109
239-260-8800
43
PAGE
Beginning 1/1/2016 all Sub-Compact and Compact Utility Tractors purchased new from Everglades Farm Equipment come standard with a 6 year/2000 hour (whichever comes first) www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com Powertrain Warranty. See the Manufacturer’s Warranty Statement for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment at Everglades Farm Equipment for complete details. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE October 2018
GROWER, PACKER, SHIPPER - 2 LOCATIONS
C&D FRUIT & VEGETABLE COMPANY 16505 FL-64 IN BRADENTON, FL 34212 14745 US 301 NORTH, PARRISH, FL 33598 th
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 at 10AM EDT Inspection: Day prior to auction from 9AM - 4PM
LIVE AUCTION & WEBCAST TRACTORS - (10) JOHN DEERE Farm Tractors - Model 7200R, 6140M, 8320, 7230, 6430, 6420 & 7130, Low as 3,048 Hours, Diesel Engines, 4-Gear V/S Trans, Climate Cabs • FARM EQUIPMENT - (6+) JOHN DEERE Engines w/Pumps • (2) HARTLINE 16’ 5-Point & 12’ 4-Point Bedders • (3) Spray Trailers • (2) CASE 586E & 585E Yard Lifts • JOHN DEERE & ATHENS Cultivators • RHINO 12’ & Other Bush Hogs • JCB Backhoe • TAYLOR 12’ & Other Rakes • ATHENS Disk Plow • KEMCO 10’ Trencher & Plow • (13) Produce Picking & Wash Trailers • TRAILERS 2008 PITTS 33’ Drop Deck T/A • THOR 24’ Gooseneck Dovetail T/A • GREAT DANE 53’ Box Trailer • GREAT DANE 48' & UTILITY 53’ Reefer • (3) WABASH, FRUEHAUF & STRICK 53’ Van Trailers, New as 2005 • (3) Grated Steel T/A • TRUCKS - PETERBILT Sleeper Cab Truck Tractor • FORD F700 Roll-Off Dump Truck • (7) FORD Flatbed / Stake Bed Trucks, New as 2005 • 2006 FORD Expedition Limited • FORKLIFTS - K-D Manitou M430CC Yard Forklift • (4) CAT & NISSAN Forklifts to 5,000-lbs. • VEGETABLE & WATERMELON LINES - Cucumber & Pepper Sizing, Sorting, Grading & Pack Line • (2) Watermelon Brush Unit & Sorter Lines • (4) LARKIN Chillers • (3) 20' Pre-Cooler Stations • AMERICAN PANEL Cooler • MISCELLANEOUS - Cardboard Bailers • SNAPON MIG Welder & Plasma Cutter • LINCOLN Arc Welder • CRAFTSMAN Rip Saw • RIDGID Drill Press • TAHOE TPI 7000 LXH Gen Set • Mi-T-M 4,000-PSI Power Washer • (262) Plastic Produce Bins • Scales • (9) Bays - Push Back Rack • More!
Buyer's Premium - 15% Onsite, 18% Online with Bidspotter.com | Myron C. Bowling - AU0002081, Jeff Luggen - AU0001719
PAGE
513/738-3311 | myronbowling.com 44
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
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
2003
Present
©2018 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
45
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fall in Florida For Many Is A Favorite Time! by John Dicks Many people tell me that this is their favorite time of year. It’s a bit cooler, the kids are back in school and have settled into their “normal” routines, fall festivals are in full swing and the holidays are just beginning to lineup.
It hasn’t always been this way.
Of course for strawberry farmers in our area, it’s also been a busy time of year, which generally also is another good reason to make it a favorite.
Remember those homemade Halloween costumes? There was the white sheet you used to pretend you were a ghost by simply pulling it over your head after cutting two holes for eyes to peer through. And then there was the easy and simple scarecrow you could morph into by stuffing some straw or hay into your shirt.
October is just one of those special months in Florida. Granted we don’t see much change in color with our Autumn evenings, but there’s just that special scent in the air letting you know things are changing.
Sure, they were simpler times back then, but you’ve got to admit that the candy you got from Trick-or-Treating wasn’t nearly as good (nor as plentiful) as what is passed out today. I suppose it’s all a trade-off of sorts!
Fortunately for us, October also means that the hurricane season is drawing to an end. Just the thought of it makes us thankful that this year, other than the outbreak of red tide that we had to contend with, there were only a few minor storms that spoiled some otherwise special summer afternoons.
The generally accepted (though not universally so) notion of Halloween is that it is a contraction and named after “All Hallows’ Evening,” which was the evening before an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
To no one’s surprise, screaming the loudest for our notice in October is Halloween. You simply cannot escape its demand for our attention, unless, of course, we throw into the equation the eternal and nonstop blathering of political ads.
All of that was taking place about 2,000 years ago and not all scholars concur that it evolved into our modern day observation of Halloween. Nonetheless, it does appear that most of the current traditions connected to Halloween have been occurring for at least a couple of hundred years.
It’s almost too funny to recognize that elections and Halloween both end within days of each other! Elections certainly matter. We hope and pray for fine leaders to emerge victorious this fall. The future of our state and nation is much too important to settle for anything less.
Nowadays it seems like many adults are celebrating more heartedly than even the kids, what with all of the elaborate decorations and costumes.
Halloween, though, give us a break. It’s a diversion or respite from reality and life’s frustrations. It’s a holiday that has grown in great measures beyond the imagination of marketers.
Thankfully, most have not taken up the tradition of Trickor-Treating, leaving the custom mostly to children. Granted, though, that all of us parents have, just on occasion, ransacked our children’s bag of candy that has been happily filled by our neighbors.
Decorations, costumes, customized candy, candles and lights are all lined up and down the aisles awaiting our purchases. We’ve seen the display of such goods in stores before even the beginning of Labor Day weekend!
Whether it’s enjoying the cool(er) weather, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a fun, fall festival or spending time with the kids (or grandkids) cheerfully carving a plump pumpkin into a ghoulish goblin or maybe a delightful elf, I hope you enjoy this special time of year.
PAGE
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.
46
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
10-05 10-19 11-09 11-30
Mo Brangus/Hines Bull Sale ZWT Angus Bull Sale Meadows Creek Black & White Bull Sale Jorgensen Angus/Weink Charolais Sale
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
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
47
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
WARNER UNIVERSITY DEDICATES NEW SWINDLE AG COMPLEX By Jim Frankowiak
The Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle Agriculture Complex at Warner University is open and fully operational. Dedication ceremonies were held in late September for the 18,000-square-foot facility, complete with four classrooms, welding and workshop areas, livestock barn, faculty suites, offices, equipment area, greenhouse and meeting spaces. Remarkably, Warner’s Agriculture program was introduced in 2012 and now offers a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Studies with complimentary minors in Business, Social Work, Communication and Pre-Law. Thanks to a $1 million gift from Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle and strong financial support from individuals, foundations, associations and corporate entities, the more than $3 million complex is debt free. The facility was constructed by Canco General Contractors of Plant City. Nearly 600 attended the dedication event for the new complex. During ceremonies, Warner President Dr. David Hoag noted that this is Warner’s 50th anniversary, as well. “We thank the Ag community for believing in Warner University,” he said. Hoag also noted that the university has raised more than half of its $15 million campaign “to fund the ministry of Warner University.” Hoag termed Warner faculty as sowers, students as seed and the soil where they work and serve. “We work to help our students find good soil and make a difference showing their love of Jesus,” he said. Former Warner Vice President Dr. Doris Gukich gave a historical perspective on the school which began as Warner Southern College and “continues to belong to God.” “God is responsible for all we do as a family,” said Ed Swindle who also indicated that the Swindle family is “not done yet” in terms of its support of Warner University.
PAGE
Following the dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the new complex. They also learned of the “Stock the Barn” opportunity to help equip the complex with what is needed to help students complete their education in a hands-on atmosphere. “Hand tools,
48
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
welding booths and saws are just a few of the things needed to finish out the complex,” said Leigh Ann Wynn, Warner’s Assistant Vice President of Advancement. “Any size gift is helpful to complete the inside of the complex.” Additional items include cattle/livestock, mowers, irrigation and greenhouse equipment, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and other implements. Dedication event sponsors included: Duda Ranches, Mosaic, Farm Credit, Highlands Precision Ag and Everglades Equipment Group. Warner has been given a free John Deere tractor lease from Everglades Equipment Group, which was at the event. The tractor was attached to a churn that made ice cream for attendees. The first Ag students were enrolled in 2013 and the first class graduated in 2015. The program features hands-on learning, practicums, internships and 500-hours of in the field experience, Wynn noted. “Our students have completed internships with over 120 Ag companies across the U.S. thus far and are pleased with the feedback we have received about our students. Their respect and hard work has led to full-time job opportunities for a large number of them.” Some of Warner’s Ag Program’s top supporters and partners include Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., Hunt Bros., Debbie and Doyle Carlton, III, Ernestine Tye, Larry and Debbie Swindle, Hill and Pia Griffin, the Homer and Annette Thompson Legacy, Charlie and Betty Grimes, Jahna Foundation, Putnam Groves and The Share Foundation. Founded as Warner Southern College in 1968 by Church of God pastors and laity, the institution became known as Warner University in 2008. The first freshman class of 27 students entered in the fall of 1968, but now numbers nearly 1,200 students from more than 30 states and 20 countries, all dedicated to learning in a vibrant Christian community. Warner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate, Bachelor and Master’s degrees. Warner University is located at 13895 U.S. Highway 27, Lake Wales, Florida 33859. Its website is: http://www.warner.edu. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Specializing in Foreign and Domestic Trucks and Cars
4X4 and NPR’s
BILL’S TRANSMISSIONS Tel: 813.707.9865 13350 Hwy. 92E WE NOW OFFER TOWING Dover, FL 33527 Come See Porky!
Bill Somerlott, Owner
SERVICES ALSO OFFERED: A/C Repair • Brakes • Timing Belts • Alternators • Starters •Suspension Drivetrain Repair • Tune Up • Differential Repair Specialist • Fleet Maintenance Specialist R.V. & Heavy Truck Repair • Trailer Repair • 7.3, 6.0 & 6.4 • Diesel Specialist • Same Day Service in Most Cases • 30,000 & 40,000 Pound Lifts and much more!
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
49
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
www.parkesdale.com 3702 W Baker St Plant City FL 33563 8137520502
50
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
51
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
52
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
53
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Part 49 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida We remain, this voyage, in the midst of the section on Exotic Shrubs. Our trips on the Literary Time Machine over the past four years have proven quite educational and sometimes even amusing. The fact that we can still garner so much knowledge from a book that is nearly 100 years old reveals to us the value of the written word. We feel it necessary to thank Mr. Charles Torrey-Simpson (though he’ll never know it) for penning Ornamental Gardening in Florida all those years ago! Plant City is no newcomer to the bottlebrush tree. So, it was interesting to find that it was included in Mr. Simpson’s section on exotic scrubs. He writes, that the, “C. lacelolatus is somewhat cultivated in Florida for its dense spikes of red flowers. They grow in dry regions in Australia and should be planted in well drained ground…It is claimed that the bloom may be much increased by judicious autumn pruning.”¹ We had no idea that the bottlebrush, Callistemon, originated in Australia. However, our personal experience with the tree has been exasperating because its “dense spikes of red flowers”¹ end up everywhere! Moving on, he focuses on the Camellia. His commentary on its leaves seemed odd to us. He explains, “In suitable places this sometimes reaches a height of forty feet but it is generally a shrub. The thick, glossy, serrated leaves are handsome and for them alone the plant would be worth growing.”¹ Having limited experiences with the camellia, we would have found only their flowers noteworthy, which come in an array of colors. Of course, we’re not the types to plant things just because of their leaves. Maybe we don’t have the appropriate appreciation of plant life here. We skipped through his list until we arrived at Cestrum. Initially, that word held no meaning for us and his use of the word jessamine was still lost until a latter explanation. Here’s what he had to say about it, “A fine genus of shrubs from the warmer parts of America some of which become sprawlers with plenty of room. C. elegans has clusters of red purple, tubular flowers, C. diurnum, Day jessamine, has white flowers, C. nocturnum, Night-blooming jessamine, has greenish yellow blossoms of wonderful fragrance.”¹ At that point we understood him to mean jasmine. But were we mistaken? A quick visit to Dictionary.com revealed that indeed, jessamine is a variant of jasmine. We love the smell of jasmine! What about you? Imagine our surprise when we next landed on Codiaeum, Crotons. We just finished an article about the Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak and its dependence on the pineland croton for survival. Mr. Simpson writes, “The name of this genus is changed every few months…(they are) Magnificent shrubs or small trees from tropical islands of the Pacific and too well known in Lower Florida to need description.”¹ This last line made us a wee bit morose since the pineland croton’s habitat has been 98 percent destroyed. For us, a description would be necessary! That shows the difference 92 years can make on our environment.
PAGE
We noticed, in our continued reading, that he mentioned something else in the pineland habitat. This intrigued us. So, we read on and discovered, “Dombeya wallachii. An overgrown shrub with large, soft velvety, lobed leaves and great
54
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
pendent heads of lovely pink flowers in early winter. It is perfectly at home in Lower Florida on pineland or hammock and is one of our fine ornaments.”¹ Having no idea what plant he was referencing here, we did a little research. We found that the University of Florida thinks, “Nothing could be more attention-getting than Pinkball when in full bloom.”² Apparently, Pinkball is the common name for Dombeya wallachii. Their site states that this shrub tends to stay in a rounded form but can reach heights of 30 feet. They suggest it would make an excellent patio tree, but is normally grown in shrub form. Sadly, it won’t change color in fall like most other Florida grown plants.² Sorry, y’all! Let’s close out this voyage with another one of our favorite blooms, the gardenia. Also called cape jessamine, according to Mr. Simpson. He states, “G. florida is a beautiful plant with broad, glossy leaves and large, fragrant, white flowers. It is grown up the state but is said to be subject to white fly. Down here in Dade County it is cultivated by a few but it does not seem to be completely at home.”¹ Herein we found another lesson to be learned, what, we wondered, is a white fly? According to our research on Planet Natural Research Center’s site, Mr. Simpson should have combined the two words to make: whitefly. These insects are quite hardy and have proven themselves capable of becoming resistant to synthetic pesticides. They are problematic because they suck juices from plants and stunt their growth. And, comparable to aphids, they secrete honeydew that can make the leaves end up covered with black sooty mold or else, very sticky. They are found year round in our lovely state and can transmit viruses to your beloved plants. Though labeled flies, they are actually moth-like. Neem oil has been recommended to kill their eggs, and other forms.³ In case you notice some in your garden. Wow! We have learned a great deal on this voyage. We hope you have done so as well. And, we will look forward to the next time we see you on the Literary Time Machine. Until next time, keep planting and learning all you can about what’s best for our state and our planet. 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). ²Environmental Horticulture University of Florida. Dombeya wallicii Pinkball. http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_ sheets/domwala.pdf ³Planet Natural Research Center. Whitefly. https://www.planetnatural. com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/whitefly-control/ Photo Credits: Elzey, R. (2009). Bottle Brush Tree. Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/6fhEMy Hyde, V. (2008). Camellia. Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/4LpHox gbohne. (2016). Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Aleyrodidae). (Whitefly). Flickr- https://flic.kr/p/25W1EZi
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
55
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR ARMED FORCES AG EDUCATION TRAINING First Step in National Re-Launch
By Jim Frankowiak No matter the foreign country, whenever America’s Special ADAPT was initially funded by the USDA to train military, priOperations military forces are deployed agriculture is the vate contractors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) number one employer and one of the top two gross domestic and other agricultural specialists who were slated to go to product (GDP) drivers in those countries. Stabilizing agriculAfghanistan to assist in agricultural stability and development. ture and food security is essential to overall stability. Those were the reasons, in 2010, Bill Erysian, Ph. D., and Paul SomTraining was designed to help those deploying to unstable mers of Fresno State University, began Agriculture Developareas with practical and actionable information to train, edument for Armed Forces Pre-Deployment Training (ADAPT). cate and work in partnerships with Afghans in solving critical stability issues related to agriculture. The ADAPT students ADAPT is designed to provide actionable training to U.S. were also to partner with officials of the Afghanistan Ministry military personnel on agricultural and food security issues in of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock to build their capacity countries to which they are being deployed. Danny Kushmer, in providing services to the agricultural sector. a partner in the small business consultancy Florida’s Horizons, which is based in Bartow, and Hillsborough County AgribusiSome of the topics covered in the ADAPT six-day course ness Development Manager, Simon Bollin, have teamed up to included an Overview of Afghanistan Agriculture, How to re-launch ADAPT nationally. Conduct a Needs Assessment, Agricultural Extension skills, Livestock, Range land and Pasture Management, Crop and Kushmer and Bollin are collaborating on the first step in Horticulture Production, Orchard and Vineyard Management, ADAPT’s re-launch, a December workshop at the University of Irrigation and Water/Soil Management. Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm. ADAPT provides its students with basic agricultural assessThe workshop would include ADAPT founders Dr. Erysian and ment skills and short term intervention tools that address Sommers, as well as active duty military representatives from food insecurity, one of the fundamental causes of instability the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), U.S. Central in rural areas. More than 1,500 frontline U.S. government perCommand (CENTCOM) and U.S. Pacific Command (PACCOM), sonnel have graduated from the five-day course. as well as senior leadership from Civil Affairs, Special Operations, Reserve and various other military stationed in Florida While ADAPT was initially developed in conjunction with the and across the country. “We would also encourage attendeployment of U.S. troops and others to Afghanistan, the dance at the workshop from military innovation centers, the same basic educational needs and skills have proven to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other governmenessential in any country where U.S. military forces are detal organizations,” said Kushmer. ployed. “Part of our current focus is to raise financial support for the Those individuals or entities interested in more information or one-day workshop,” said Bollin, estimating the need at $5,000. supporting this workshop may contact Kushmer at 813/360Partners for this event include UF/IFAS GCREC, Hillsborough 0747 or via email: danny@dannykushmer.com. County Economic Development, Fresno State University and individuals and entities supporting those re-launch.
Marshall FFA…living to serve
PAGE
#FFAtengallonchallenge Marshall FFA donated 32 gallons of milk as part of a ten gallon challenge
56
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FAIRNESS AND INTEGRITY IN THE COURTROOM FAMILY
Lives in Tampa with wife Betsy, daughter Sophia and son Jackson. Attends Idlewild Baptist Church.
PROFESSIONAL
26-year legal career Successful private practice for 21 years Former Assistant State Attorney Admitted to the United States Supreme Court (2003)
AWARDS & COMMUNITY
State Attorney’s Long Term Service Award, 18th Circuit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award of Excellence (1993, 1994, 1995) St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
The Most Experienced and Qualified Candidate in Hillsborough County Court OVER 300+ ADDITIONAL LEGAL, COMMUNITY AND ELECTED OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENTS including
PLANT CITY MAYOR RICK LOTT Mark Proctor Soil & Water Conservation
Charleene Closshey & Mayor Rick and Di Lott
Roy Davis
VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6TH INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
57
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Dee Dee & Carl Grooms Fancy Farms
PAGE
58
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
59
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fresh from Florida Mineral for your Fall Livestock Needs:
Sulfate-Free
FMS Super-Mol Products Enhanced with
For more information, contact us at 813-623-5449 or by email at info@fmsap.com
Check out our full line of
Sulfate Free
PAGE
FMS Super-Min, Super-Mol and Super-Pro Products at
60
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
61
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Strawberry Crest FFA Agricultural Communication Team Heads to National FFA Competition By Anna Ress
Strawberry Crest FFA is heading to National FFA Convention on October 24, 2018 to compete in Agriculture Communications. They have been working all summer and up to now to prepare for the national competition and to raise money to support their trip.
practicums including web design, video producing, a news story, and an Op-ed piece. The students are working hard perfecting their writing skilling and learning to use Premiere Pro, Filmora, and WordPress Website design program.
The Strawberry Crest FFA Agricultural Communications Team competed on April 27, in Gainesville and received first place in the state. Team members included Ayden Kelly, JP Prescott, Anna Ress, Sydney Swartman and Priscella Shreve. At the state contest, held at the University of Florida in Gainesville, all team members placed in the top ten high individuals. Ultimately, their efficiency on the quizzes helped them to take the lead.
As the national contest draws closer these FFA members have had a lot of early morning practices, evening practices, and practices during their agriculture class preparing for the practicums and presentation.
The Agricultural Communications CDE prepares students for exciting careers in journalism, radio and television broadcast, web design, marketing and more. Using their knowledge in communications, students conducted countless hours of research, writing, editing and creating materials to use in the paper and presentation. At the national level, students submitted a lengthy paper about how they would advocate for agriculture through a local farmer or rancher and gave a presentation based on the submitted paper. The team had to selected Dennis Carlton Jr. to use to promote agriculture. The team met with Dennis Jr. and quickly learn that his vast agriculture businesses and environmental stewardship would be ideal to use in advocating for agriculture.
PAGE
All at the national competition the team must also take editing quizzes and Agricultural Communications quizzes. The team members will also complete additional
62
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
The Strawberry Crest FFA Agricultural Communications team “has been prepared for communications careers through the paper and media presentation that we’ve put together to advocate to the public about agriculture,” said Sydney Swartman. This FFA contest is one of the most time consuming and tedious contests that FFA members can compete in, with all the components that must be submitted and rehearsed. Team member Ayden Kelly said that “It’s not a contest for those who want an easy win or a free title. With a ten plus page paper full of detail and information, this contest takes a lot of work. However, when your paper gets the highest marks, you’re proud of what you’ve done, and it makes it worth it.” Good luck to these FFA members as the Agricultural Communications team travel to compete at the National level. The National FFA Convention is held in Indiana, Indianapolis during the week of Oct. 24-27, where they will compete against top teams from all over the United States. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Great Pumpkin
By Alison Grooms, MPH, CPH, CHES® Nutrition & Health Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
skin and immune systems healthy and promotes growth, development, and reproduction.
Fall is officially here and though cool air and colored leaves might not be something we see here in Florida during this time of year, one thing you can surely count on seeing everywhere are pumpkins! Pumpkin patches, pumpkin decorations, pumpkin coffee - pumpkin flavored everything! It seems that we can’t get enough of this fruit. That’s right, it’s a fruit - botanically speaking anyway. From a culinary perspective it would be classified as a vegetable, but no matter what you call it, either way it’s delicious!
In addition to vitamin A, pumpkins also contain a good source of fiber, which is known to help keep the gastrointestinal system healthy and regular, and may also work to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Along with these positive benefits to health, pumpkins are also naturally low in calories, saturated fat, sodium, and dietary cholesterol.
There’s so much you can do with a pumpkin. You can carve it into a jack-o-lantern and save the seeds and pulp inside to make some delicious cuisines. There’s pumpkin bread, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pie, pumpkin puree, roasted pumpkin seeds…the list goes on and on. But before I start sounding like Bubba Gump listing off all the different things you can make with pumpkin, let’s talk about how nutritious this fruit (or vegetable) really is.
As if that wasn’t enough, pumpkin seeds pack their own punch when it comes to nutritional content. Pumpkin seeds provide a high source of unsaturated fats, including omega fatty acids, which are essential in our diets to reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and influence blood clotting factors, among other functions. As you can see from all of these healthful reasons, this fruit (or vegetable), is a great choice to incorporate into your dietary regimen.
A pumpkin is actually a gourd- like squash- from the Cucurbitaceous family, which includes gourds, watermelons, and cucumbers. Pumpkins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors- from red, green, white, yellow, and the most common, orange. Pumpkins are grown on every continent of the world, besides Antarctica. In the United States, Illinois is the top producer, but some varieties can also be grown in Florida. In the U.S., pumpkins are usually harvested seasonally- or for processing uses- like pumpkin pie fillings and purées. Pumpkins take about four months to grow, so if considering growing your own pumpkins to be ready in time for Halloween, start planting them in early July.
This fall, while the weather may still be warm and leaves unchanged, add a little season to your life by choosing this perfect fall crop and try all of the many ways you can enjoy the great pumpkin!
Maybe picking out the perfect pumpkin is part of your fall tradition more so than growing your own. If that is the case, then when seeking the perfect pumpkin to carve into a jacko-lantern, you’re likely choosing a variety that was bred for that specific purpose- to look aesthetically perfect to be picked for carving. Pumpkins used for baking and cooking are typically those of the smaller varieties, (weighing around 6 to 7 pounds). However, that’s not to say you can’t still whip up some nutritious treats from the leftovers of your carved pumpkin as well. Speaking of nutrition, remember when your mom told you to eat your carrots to have better vision? Well, she should’ve been telling you to eat your pumpkins for that same reason. The bright orange color of many varieties is a dead give-away that this crop is filled with a high amount of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A in food helps preserve vision, and is most commonly known for this, however it is also an antioxidant that may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It also works to keep our
Recipes adapted from allrecipes.com 1 ½ cups of raw, pumpkin seeds 2 teaspoons of butter, melted 1 pinch of salt Preheat oven to 300º F Toss seeds in a bowl with melted butter and salt Spread seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet Cook in oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally
Pumpkin Purée
1, 4 to 6 pound baking pumpkin (sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin varieties) Salt Preheat oven to 400º F Wash and dry pumpkin Slice the pumpkin in half lengthwise (don’t cut through the stem) Separate pumpkin into halves and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts Salt the inside Place sides face down onto baking sheet Bake for 45 minutes, or until the inside is soft Once cool, scoop insides into a food processor and process until smooth INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
63
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER EXHIBIT FEATURES THE AREA’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE REVOLUTION OF THE FARM-TO-TABLE CHAIN By Jim Frankowiak
The term “revolution” is one that is rarely, if ever, associated with the greater Plant City area, but it fully applies to the agriculture, food processing and supermarket movement that took place hereabouts during the period of 1939 – 1975. And, that’s the focal point of the just-opened exhibit at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, a celebration and commemoration of a revolution that changed the way of life throughout America. The Center’s Gil Gott, his colleagues, volunteers and several sponsors have assembled exhibits that include farming improvements, education, distribution, food processing, transportation and the advent of the super market. The exhibition runs through November 4 and it is located at the Center, 106 South Evers Street in Plant City. This revolution was among the “great changes in many industries following World War I,” noted Gott. “During the war it was recognized that the application of scientific methods could improve the quantity and quality of farm products. The second industrial revolution was in process and new methods and materials were being used in industrial and agricultural production.” “In Plant City, the improvement of agriculture was foremost. Both in 1925 and in 1927 the state legislature made special appropriations, first for an agricultural research center in Plant City, then for the Strawberry Investigation Laboratory constructed in the agriculturally rich area of Springhead, just southeast of Plant City. Additionally, federal funding of state programs, such as 4-H, FFA, Home Demonstration, and Extension Services facilitated the agricultural improvement effort, especially effective in the 1930s and 1940s.” “In the 1920s a man named Clarence Birdseye developed a method of fast freezing food and later developed the business into a retail operation. He also experimented with dehydration. These two concepts were to prove large in the agricultural industrial development that grew in Plant City. In 1930 George Jenkins opened his first food store and by 1940 opened the first “supermarket.” Additionally, in the 1930s, businessman and owner of the R. W. Burch Company, Lew Prosser, took his legal case to the Interstate Commerce Commission in Washington, D.C., and won – providing strawberry growers from Plant City the ability to transport their produce in full refrigerated cars (“carlots”) by express throughout the country.
PAGE
“With marketing and distribution being a serious problem for the growers in the Plant City area, forward thinking Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Mayo spurred the construction of State Farmers Markets in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Florida’s agricultural support pro-
64
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
grams. In 1939, the Plant City State Farmers Market opened to wide acclaim and was immediately utilized by 1,300-1,500 small farmers. It was the largest State Farmers Market in Florida. “Businesses flocked to the West Haines Street area around the market. In 1943 Herman Kennedy opened the first Southland Frozen Foods operation adjacent to the railroad tracks in Plant City, and soon after opened an operation at the Farmers Market. Lew Prosser opened the first citrus canning plant in Plant City in 1944 just east of the market. J. William Horsey merged several businesses, located in Tampa and Bartow, and set up the new operation in Plant City adjacent to the State Farmers Market. By 1949 J. William Horsey Corp., canners of “single strength” citrus juice and grapefruit segments, was one of Plant City’s biggest industries. “Horsey also led the way in developing the use of dehydration and crystallization of citrus products and by the mid-1950s became the only plant in the world in citrus crystal production. These methods provided new ways of processing, packaging, and shipping citrus products.” “By 1940, George Jenkins had built his first supermarket, redefining what a supermarket should be. With glass and marble, a stucco exterior, paved parking lot, automatic doors on the wide front entrance, air-conditioned interior, bright lighting, wide aisles, music playing, open dairy cases, freezers for frozen foods, clean floors, and sanitary cases and shelving, this was a “food palace.” “In 1945, Jenkins bought a small chain of stores called All American Food Stores that was headquartered in Lakeland and included a store at 106 South Collins Street in downtown Plant City. Jenkins moved his Publix headquarters from Winter Haven to Lakeland, began renovating the Plant City store, and in 1954 built the first new Publix supermarket at 801 South Collins Street in Plant City.” “Southland Frozen Foods Corporation, with Kennedy at the helm, pioneered the frozen foods industry by combining Birdseye’s fast freeze technology with his own invention (IQF, Independent Quick Frozen) for quicker freezing. He hired scientists to work in the field with the growers to improve their quantity and quality of production through soil analysis, crop rotation and timing, pH manipulation, and chemical applications. He challenged Future Farmers of America students to produce a better-quality crop, and he contracted with the growers for the vegetables and strawberries he needed for his processing plant.” This is a statement as to what Southland Frozen Foods had become by 1953. The Tampa Daily Times reported on August 15, 1953, the following: “In this plant of Southland Frozen WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Foods, Inc., at Plant City more than 1200 carloads of vegetables and produce fresh from fields of East Hillsborough County (principally) are processed, packaged and frozen each year to end up finally on America’s dining tables. Southland’s Plant City unit produces more frozen foods than any other plant of its kind in the Nation.” “The firm of Wishnatzki & Nathel is typical of the grower’s progression from strictly brokers, to buyers and shippers, to operations as both growers and brokers. Wishnatzki & Nathel was operating early in the State Farmers Market at Plant City and became a very active family in both Lakeland and Plant City. Continuing to develop through the changes from Wishnatzki & Nathel, to Wishnatzki Farms, to Wish Farms, and growing an expanding variety of products in addition to strawberries, the Wishnatzki company has become a large and important part of the agriculture industry in the greater Plant City area.” “All the businesses in these three industries (agriculture, food processing, supermarkets) operated in the nexus wherein connections were made, and new methodologies and processes were developed; in the end, it changed the American way of life. Plant City and the surrounding communities were in the center of this dynamic revolution. By 1975, although changes would continue, the frantic and manic nature of the changes in these industries became much more of a continuum of practical adjustments.” “Results of this revolution include these: the percentage of household income spent on food decreased from 23% in 1941 to 16.1% in 1975. This was a 30% decrease in the average household cost of food. Plant City’s population exploded following WWII, growing 23.2% from 1940 to 1950, and an astonishing 70.2% from 1950 to 1960. To meet the demands, the food stores transformed into supermarkets and grew in number from 3,150 in 1945, to 20,000 in 1950, and to 36,900 by 2017.” “Mechanical, biological, and chemical applications improved the grower’s product. Mechanical, biological, and chemical applications improved the processor’s product. And, with advanced refrigeration, sanitation, lighting, automation, mechanical devices, and customer satisfaction planning, the supermarkets were born,” said Gott. The exhibition features a large exhibit by Publix Super Markets, exhibits by Future Farmers of America (FFA), Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Florida Strawberry Festival, Wish Farms, State Farmers Market at Plant City, Southland Frozen Foods, J. William Horsey Corp., Citrus Hall of Fame, and more. Plan now to attend and to learn about this important “revolution” and the role of the greater Plant City area. The exhibition is open every day through Sunday, November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The exhibition is free. For more information, visit: plantcityphotoarchives.org. The Center’s email address is: info@plantcityphotoarchives.org and phone number: 813/754-1578.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
65
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
EL MIRASOL When you open the door of El Mirasol don’t be confused by the aisles of imported supermarket products, piñata hanging from the ceiling, or meat deli in the back -- there is in fact a restaurant within this genuine cultural experience. The nondescript Plant City gem is tucked between Big Lots and MetroPCS under simple signage advertising Bakery - Deli - Meat - Grocery; it’s almost as if they want to keep the restaurant portion a secret. But the best secrets get found out. Grab a tray and get in line to choose from the gallery of authentic Mexican dishes. The quesadillas and tacos are made in front of you as you work your way down the cafeteria-style line past the variety of dishes and sides and ultimately house made flans, among other desserts. All the while a long conveyor belt littered with fresh tortillas is rapidly cranking out the flat bread a few feet away. The informal, charming atmosphere is ideal for a casual meal with friends, family or a quick solo bite to eat. On a Monday afternoon it was as bustling as the life size pueblo market mural decorating the restaurant wall.
Machaca con Huevo - Or “shredded with eggs” tradi-
tionally includes the basics of egg and dry beef. Often considered a breakfast meal, here it is infused with pepper, tomato, and a flavorful sauce worthy of being served three meals a day. Complement it with a healthy dose of yellow rice and beans, but make sure you have time for an afternoon siesta before heading back to work.
PAGE
Tacos - After seeing the tortilla machine in action, it’s impossible not to include a taco or three in the order. The al pastor
66
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
and barbacoa are worthy choices. Piled on the meat is fresh cilantro and sweet onion. There is an extensive salsa bar with half a dozen salsas and all the fresh fixins you would want to sprinkle on; but after the first bite you will likely realize it has already been prepared to perfection.
Carnita Quesadilla - If the hanging piñatas or fresh cacti
in the produce section didn’t already make you feel like you’d crossed south of the border, the first bite of the quesadilla will. The cheese and guacamole are spread generously over tender shredded meat.
Tamales - Unwrapping the cornhusks to discover the cu-
linary gift inside feels like Christmas at Jamie Oliver's house. The elote corn tamale was lightly sweet and perfectly savory. It was complemented well with the strong flavor of ground pork.
Milkshake - There are a long list of flavors, but being in the Winter Strawberry Capital the clear choice was strawberries and cream, with an emphasis on cream. As this milkshake emphasizes, this best shakes can be just as easily consumed with a straw or spoon. Plant City Plaza 1419 S Collins St. Open: Breakfast, lunch & dinner Price: $ (modest) Noise Level: Moderate, allows for easy conversation Pet Friendly: No Reservations: No WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
67
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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
best berries.
PAGE
Plant City strawberries are the best in the world. 68
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Call for details!
KENNCO MANUFACTURING, INC. P.O. Box 1158 | Ruskin, FL 33575 | 800-645-2591 | Fax 813-645-7801 Sales@KenncoMfg.com | www.KenncoMfg.com
Hear about specials and deliveries in your area. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
69
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Leather Masquerade Mask Masquerade masks were first worn in the 15th century during the festive season of Carnival. During this religious celebration, people crowded the streets in costume to party before Lent. Today, masquerade masks are worn for all kinds of parties. The costumes include masks of all shapes and sizes. The mask usually covers the top half of the wearer’s face and is sometimes attached to a handle. This month, we are making a durable leather mask that will be perfect for the upcoming dress up events (Halloween, Renaissance Festival, Gasparilla, etc..) You can make your own mask using thick paper, tulle, or plaster, and then decorate it any way you wish
Materials: Leather (6oz – 8oz) Scissors / Razor Sponge & Water Printer Small Paintbrushes
Hot Glue (High Temp preferred) Leather Tools (Punch, Stamp, Skive, Burnisher.. etc) Leather Dye / Acrylic Paint (optional) Beads / Fabric Trim (optional)
Design:
There are many template styles available online that can be downloaded and printed for your mask design. Our mask is based on the Venetian Volto that was intended to cover most of the face. If you are a bit of an artist, you can create your own mask or modify an existing vector drawing (.svg, .ai, .dwg, etc..). If you do not own a copy of Adobe Illustrator, there are many free open source software packages available on the internet that can be used to create vector artwork. We used an open source application called Inkscape (www.inkscape.org).
face and retain its shape)
Production:
Print out your image on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper Dampen the leather (this will soften it so it marks easily) Place the design on top of the leather and firmly trace it with a ballpoint pen (the pen will indent the leather). Cut the design out of the leather, including any holes you want in the mask (easier to cut when damp) Any tooling desired should be done while the leather is damp. (Stamping, Texturing, Tooling)
Beveling raw edges of the leather (skiving) will give the mask a finished look and should be done when the leather is dry It is suggested that the eye holes are skived for a more comfortable fit. Rough edges of leather can be sanded (dry) just like wood. Once you have finished the design work (texturing, tooling etc..) soak the leather in water for 5 minutes Heat the oven up to its lowest temperature, (125 – 175) Place the wet mask in the oven (it should be floppy) for about 5 minutes.
PAGE
(The goal here is to partially dry the mask so it can be formed to your
70
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
Remove the mask from the oven and CAREFULLY mold it onto your face (or mannequin head) the way you want to fit. Pinch areas that require drastic angles (bridge of nose, forehead,) When the mask is formed and holds its shape without support, it’s ready to bake. Bake the mask at low temperature (150-175) for 15 to 20 minutes (or until the color lightens). Check the mask often to make sure it does not burn, and it is hardening up. When complete, the mask will be ridged, but still flexible and it will hold its shape. Dye the mask, (allow to dry between coats) Paint the mask (if desired) Use a glue gun to glue beads, trim, and other decoration to the maske Hot Glue can also be used to draw designs onto the mask that can be painted later. Finish the mask off by punching holes in the side and fastening a ribbon to the mask. Glue Felt WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia) The 1991 American thriller “Silence of the Lambs” brought attention to a unique moth when it was used in promotional poster for the movie. A representation of the Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia) rests on the lips of Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster), top student at the FBI’s training academy in the promotional poster. The moth represents hidden meanings that relate to the sub plot of the movie and the deeper intricacies of the character Buffalo Bill (played by Ted Levine). Much of the moth’s ominous fame is attributed to a unique, skull like pattern on its thorax, a characteristic that even led entomologists to erroneously charge this moth with unearthly origin and supernatural powers, extinguishing the light as it enters buildings bringing omens of death, war, pestilence with it. Although this moth is not found in the United States, it is member of the hawk moth family (Sphingidae) which are abundant in tropical regions. This month, we will welcome the Halloween season with a closer look at the Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia), a fascinating moth with a macabre reputation. The moth illustrated for the “Silence of the Lambs” poster is actually a fictitious creation that includes the 1951 photographic composition In Voluptas Mors (Voluptuous Death), by the surrealistic Spanish artist Salvador Dalí and Latvianborn American portrait photographer Philippe Halsman. The moth represented is a real species commonly known as the Death Head Hawkmoth. Acherontiini is a tribe of moths of the family Sphingidae. Within the tribe Acherontiini is the genus Acherontia. There are three moth species in the genus Acherontia, all of which have a sinister reputation. The taxonomic name of all three species; are associated with the concept of death in ancient Greek mythology. The genus part of the taxonomic name (Acherontia) is named for the river Acheron (the river of woe), one of the five rivers of the underworld in Greek mythology. The species portion of the taxonomic names for these moths is equally ominous. The “Moirai,” are the Greek equivalent of the Roman “Parcae.” In both Greek and Roman mythology, these are the female personifications of destiny and direct not only the lives of humans, but also the Greek and Roman gods themselves. Acherontia styx, the Asian species, is named after the deity and river (Styx) that define the boundary between Earth and the Underworld (Hades). Acherontia Lachesis, found primarily in India, is named after (Lachesis) the “appointer” that measures the length of the thread of life allowed for each person or being. Acherontia Atropos, is the most abundant, ranging from Great Britain to South Africa, its name is derived from the Greek (Atropos), the fate that cuts the thread of life.
Most moths drink nectar from flowers, but the Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia) has a taste for honey and is considered a bee pest. Acherontia Atropos invades the nests of the Western honey bee, (Apis mellifera). The moth must make its way into the nest alive to plunder the honey and entomologists are at odds over the secret to the moth’s success. The skull pattern on the thorax of the moth is thought to mimic the head of a worker bee, but more importantly, the moth smells like a bee. The moth produces four fatty acids that are common to honeybees. These fatty acids provide a “chemical camouflage” for the moth allowing it to roam freely within the nest undetected. The moth has a specialized proboscis that serves two functions. When the moth exhales air through the proboscis, a chirping sound is produced from a structure within the proboscis that acts like the reed of a woodwind instrument. Many entomologists believe the chirping sound mimics a queen bee. The proboscis is also short and thick, enabling the moth to puncture the wax cells within in the hive to have their fill of honey. Ironically, once the moth has its fill of honey, it loses its ability to produce the chirping sound from its proboscis for about five hours. The Death Head Hawkmoth is the world’s fastest moth, flying at speeds of nearly 30 miles per hour and can hover like a hummingbird. Although we are not likely to see the Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia) in Florida, it is not outside the realm of possibilities. With imported agriculture and produce come the risk of invasive species, and this moth would do well in our tropical environment. If you can work with bees, take a closer look, you may one day find a Death Head Hawkmoth staring you in the face. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
71
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia) hatches from an egg in the form of a caterpillar and begins feeding on a host plant. Historically, the potato plant was the preferred host, however, mechanical harvesting and the increased used of pesticides forced the species to feed on a larger variety of plants that include deadly nightshade, and many plants in the verbena family. The caterpillars grow through five instars and can reach lengths of over five inches before pupating. These caterpillars have a large tail horn but are not venomous. When threatened, the caterpillar will thrash its head and horned tail from side to side and make a clicking noise with its sizable mandibles. When the caterpillar is ready to pupate, it coats itself with a slimy salivary secretion, digs 5 to 15 inches into the ground, molts for the last time and pupates for about 20 days. The adult moth that emerges is large, typically with body length of about two inches and a wingspan that can approach five inches.
PAGE
72
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
73
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Ag Literacy Day Moving to November Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC) is moving Agriculture Literacy Day from the spring to the fall starting this school year. It will be held statewide November 13.
Purchase and Distribution Program of the Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service which is targeting certain commodities, including blueberries, and strawberries. More information on these Trade Mitigation Programs is available at www.usda.gov . Once on the site, search “Trade Mitigation Programs”.
New Climate Prediction Tools for Florida Farmers
This is an annual opportunity for volunteers to bring the story of agriculture to elementary school classrooms. More information, including how to volunteer, is available at https://faitc.org.
USDA Providing Help for Rural Residents Recovering from Opioid Misuse The USDA has formalized an agreement to aid rural Americans in fighting the opioid epidemic. A non-profit organization – Isaiah House – will purchase homes from the Department and convert them to transitional housing for rural residents recovering from opioid misuse. More information is available at https://www.usda.gov/topics/opioids.
United Food Bank of Plant City Seeking Assistance
The long term forecast for the balance of this year calls for above average rainfall and warmer temperatures, but freezes are still possible.
The United Food Bank of Plant City is reminding the community of its year-round need for assistance to effectively address and reduce the existing meal gap. For more information on the different ways you can help, visit: www.ufbpc.org.
NRCS Programs Offer Help Managing Natural Resources Sustainability
GCREC Researcher Studying Tomato Disease; Hoping to Aid Grower Production Dr. Sam Hutton, an associate professor of Horticultural Sciences at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is leading a team of researchers battling Fusarium Wilt, a major tomato disease worldwide. The $490,000 study is funded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Florida is the #1 producer of tomatoes in the U.S. and it is hoped that this study will find ways to develop improved tomato varieties that contain genes able to thwart Fusarium Wilt.
PAGE
The Southeast Climate Consortium is offering farmers a selection of web-based tools enabling them to develop strategies for producing food in advance of volatile weather patterns. The site is located at: www.agroclimate.org.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering programs to farmers and ranchers wanting to improve to land owned or leased. Eligible owners and producers can receive financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources sustainably. More information on the programs – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – is available at: https//www.nrcs.usda.gov.
UF Receives Water for Food Production Systems Grant
USDA Assisting Producers with Trade Mitigation Programs
The University of Florida has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant totaling $4,867,723 for the development of a new smart irrigations and innovative software and hardware solutions for on-farm water management tools for small farmers to emphasize water quality and reduce water usage.
The USDA has launched a series of programs aimed at helping farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Of particular interest is the Food
The grant was made through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Water for Food Production Systems Challenge Area.
74
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
75
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Conservation District and Mosaic Kick Off 2019 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge at October Luncheon By Jim Frankowiak
Youth competitions for 2018 – 2019 have been announced by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District. The initial event will be the 2018 Hillsborough County Land Judging Contest, scheduled for December 6 at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. This competition is open to 4-H and FFA students in Hillsborough County Schools. Students will participate as individuals and teams to assess the properties and limitations of the soil and identify improved land management practices. The winning team will move forward to the state competition. The HSWCD Speech Contest will be held in March 2019, with speeches due by February 22, 2019. The speech contest theme “Life in the Soil, Dig Deeper,” provides 6th through 12th grade students the opportunity to convey their thoughts about conserving conservation in general and the theme in particular. Contestants will be judged in two categories: 6th – 9th grade and 10th – 12th grade.
Students may also enter the Poster Contest with the same theme as the speech contest. Posters will be due on March 1, 2019 and will be judged as follows: K – 1st grade; 2nd – 3rd grade; 4th – 6th grade; 7th – 9th grade and 10th – 12th grade. Posters should be ½ poster board size and may be produced in any medium. Winning posters will receive cash awards and certificates and all posters will be displayed at the Hillsborough County Fair. The 2019 Tampa Bay Regional Envirothon will be held in March 2019. The Envirothon competition allows high school students from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to apply in-class environmental education as they compete as a team to resolve environmental issues in the field relating to five environmental disciplines: aquatics, wildlife, soils and land use, forestry and current issue. The 2019 current issue will be : “Agriculture and the Environment: Knowledge and Technology to Feed the World.
PAGE
For further information on these contests, contact the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, 813.752.1474 Extension 3 or 813.477.8332.
76
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District Announces 2018 – 2019 Youth Competitions
Countywide agricultural, business, civic, educational and governmental leaders will officially kickoff the 2019 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge at noon, Wednesday, October 24th at The Regent on Watson Road in Brandon. This 3rd annual event will feature a “Hillsborough Harvested” lunch with lots of local food, including strawberry shortcakes, blueberry cobblers and peach crisp. Featured at the Luncheon will be a Proclamation from the Hillsborough County Commission, presented by Commissioner Stacy White, as well as remarks by Nikki Foster of Mosaic, Luncheon Sponsor. Awards will be presented to youth and adult winners from the 2018 Challenge. In addition, youth winners in the HSWCD poster and speech contests, as well as Land Judging and Envirothon events, will also be recognized. All youth programs conducted by HSWCD are offered at no cost to Hillsborough County students in public, private, parochial, home and virtual school programs. In addition, because Pinellas lacks a Conservation District, HSWCD opens its programs to participants from the nearby county. According to Board Chairman Mark Proctor, “We’re excited that the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge has continued to grow since its inception in 2017. Through this program individuals and groups representing inner-city, urban, suburban and rural communities have joined together to promote Conservation through numerous programs”.
In addition to Chairman Proctor, Vice-Chairman Suisan Dumke, Treasurer Mike Hepburn and Supervisor David Maynard will also be participating in the Kickoff. Dumke, owner of Blues Berry Farms, will be providing cobblers for the event. The 2019 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge will run from April 20, 2019 through May 5, 2019, covering Earth Day, Arbor Day and Soil Stewardship Week. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Challenge, and in the October 24th Luncheon at no charge. “We’re inviting 2018 participants and new groups and individuals for 2019 to join us for the Kickoff” reports Betty Jo Tompkins, HSWCD Executive Director. “We’ll have a great time, terrific food and gift bags for all attendees. Everyone interested should call the District office at 813.752.1474 Extension 3 or 813.477.8332 to register.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
77
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Projects in the Challenge include road and waterway cleanups, recycling events, tree and flower plantings, and more. Returning for the 2019 Challenge will be the Lipman Family Farms Garden Challenge in county middle and high schools, the NAUI Green Diver Initiative “Gasp, Our Beads of Tampa Bay”, as well as projects by 4-H, FFA, Scouts, Churches, civic clubs, schools, and even senior centers. Community gardens from throughout the County, as well as governmental agencies, including the Property Appraiser’s office, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Extension Service will also again be participating.
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
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
Tel: 813.759.6909
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
FOR SALE OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE
Bread warmer, chrome trim. CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378 energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378 DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. FARM EQUIPMENT Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 2012 MAHINDRA 4025-4 Low hours with 6ft rotary cutter. KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Ready to get to work! Call Alvie for Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the additional information. $12,500 BIG Box STORES! Call Today! 813-759-8722 Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
BASHKIR CURLIES
Two beautiful horses for sale. Registered American Bashkir Curlies. 7 years old & trained for riding. Hypoallergenic. Call 863-285-6170
JOHN DEERE
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
MASSEY FERFUSON 40
Late 60’s model industrial diesel grading tractor. $3,750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FMC 352
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
BUILDING SUPPLIES METAL ROOFING
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
4X4, 65 hp with loader. 1,000 hours. $15,900 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders 813-754-1766
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
MAHINDRA 8560
83 hp, 4X4. $12,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
HUSTLER RAPTOR 54
MAHINDRA 4530
New! Has a flip deck. New price $5,499 SALE for $4,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
7X15 LAWN TRAILER
FRESH PRODUCE
Tractor with loader. 4X4, 44hp. $13,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE
ALUMINUM
Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,000 Call 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Alvie 813-759-8722 Come out and see us!
WINDOW SCREENS
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 have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378 We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CABINETS
All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Blake 813-752-3378
FOR RENT
MISC. 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
VINYL SIDDING
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
PAGE
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!
78
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Cover More Ground with CKP The USDA Risk Management Agency helps protect your
SIGN UP BEFORE THE NOV. 15TH DEADLINE!
Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage
(PRF) from the elements.
Let CKP Help You Protect Your PRF Our trusted risk advisors are trained to help you analyze complicated insurance data so you: • Protect your land and livelihood against potential losses during times of drought. • Make the most informed decision for your business. • Never purchase unnecessary coverage and pay more than you need.
Why now? • Very affordable – Government subsidized • Premiums are not due until October 1 • No adjusters needed • No record-keeping • Protects your cash flow
“Anyone can sell you a policy. But CKP invests the time to understand your individual needs and develop a strategy that will produce the best coverage results.”
Contact your CKP Trusted Risk Advisor today.
877-CKP-INS1 (877-257-4671) ckpinsurance.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
79
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
80
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2018
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM