Heartland In The Field

OCT 2013

FLORIDA APICULTURE

The Buzz on Beekeeping

For quick crop establishment & better stands.



Before plastic

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Integrate microbes with fertilizer at or before planting

After plastic

Available From: What Pathway IS

• A pure culture microbial science that is a dominating catalyst for nutrient cycling in soil and plants

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• NOT a composted microbial product with inconsistent ingredients & performance

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• NOT a fungicide or nematicide, but a performing input to build plant immunity

• A performing microbial solution with specific roles in increasing the ROI of your crop fertility program

• NOT another under-performing ingredient

www.PathwayBioLogic.com

813. 719. 7284

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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Redefining Redefining Mineral Mineral Nutrition Nutrition SE 6% Breeder SE 6% Breeder ® with RainBLOC® with RainBLOC Foundation Foundation Nature holds the key to optimizing trace

Benefits Benefits • Immune function: importance of Nature holds the key to optimizing trace mineral nutrition. Plants convert inorganic • Immune function: importance of mineral nutrition.

Plants mineral convert forms inorganic metal salts into organic that mineral reserves metal salts organic mineral forms that animals caninto digest. mineral reserves animals can digest.

• Optimizes animal performance • Optimizes animal performance Performance • Aids in hoof health Performance Providing organic trace minerals in Sel-Plex • Aids in hoof health Providing organic minerals in Sel-Plex and Bioplex formstrace establishes adequate tissue • Supports rumen digestion and Bioplex forms establishes adequate reserves to support disease defense andtissue • Supports rumen digestion • Contributes to reproductive reserves to support defense and reproductive functiondisease in today’s optimal beef • Contributes to reproductive reproductive function in today’s optimal beef cattle operations. performance cattle operations. performance Achieve the best from your cattle and • Lowers stress due to weaning stress due to weaning Achieve the with… best from your cattle and •• Lowers bottom line Enhanced fertility rate bottom line with…

• Enhanced fertility rate Trace minerals superior in sources of zinc, copper and manganese which support development, bone formation, hoofcopper health and immune system.

Trace minerals superior in sources of zinc, manganese which support development, bone formation, hoof health and immune system.

Selenium is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in metabolism, normal growth, stress management, health immunity.

Selenium is an essential nutrient thatreproductive plays a critical role and in metabolism, Typically, most feed components provide inadequate levels selenium, so normal growth, stress management, reproductive health andofimmunity. proper supplementation becomesprovide important for getting the best performance.

Typically, most feed components inadequate levels of selenium, so proper supplementation becomes important for getting the best performance.

Contact Todd Harvey, Central State Enterprises Contact Harvey, Central Statenear Enterprises to locateTodd a Sweetlix mineral dealer you. to locate a Sweetlix mineral dealer near you.

800-275-4429 or todd@cse-lc.com 800-275-4429 or todd@cse-lc.com

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® are registered trademarks of Alltech.

Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® are registered trademarks of Alltech.

October 2013

Tree T Pee The BEST Frost Protection The ONLY Water Containment System Now the FARMER decides how many inches of rain he puts on each tree

SAVES Money, Water, Fuel and Fertilizer while the young trees are not producing income

TreeTPee.com

Polk County Distributor Frostproof Growers Supply 512 N Scenic Highway Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-3620

October 2013

Johnny Georges 863-990-2095 Johnny@TreeTPee.com Made in the USA from recycled plastic

Used by the USDA

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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OCT 2013

Departments 14

16

18

22

40

26

October Features 20

34

36

40

46

50

54

60

62

68

72

6

30

A Family Trip Out West: Wyoming

By Robbi Sumner

32

The Apiary Inspector Buzz

By Levi Lambert

52

Gary Ranker: The Bee Connoisseur

By Tina Yoder

56

Florida Beekeeping 101

By Robbi Sumner Cover photo by Tabitha Shafer

66

From the Heart of the Hive: Cantu Apiaries and Their Peace River Bees

By Kathy Gregg

70

The Sweetest Shop In Town

By Cindy Cutright

76

The Mosaic Company Takes Global Action on a Local Crisis

By Tiffany Dale Ranch Rodeo Shoot-Out: A Big Success!

Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Wes Williamson

By Robbi Sumner Okeechobee County 4H: Get in the Groove

By Robbi Sumner On Target with 4-H Shooting Sports Programs

By Robbi Sumner

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

79

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Capt. Chris O’Neill Heartland’s Fishing Report

By Capt. Mark King October Hunting Spotlight: Mason and Marshall O’Hern Citrus Update: Citrus Around the US

By Justin Smith Florida Farming: The Buzz on Honey

By Ron Lambert Woman In Ag: Tabitha Shafer

By Robbi Sumner Farmer & Rancher: Joshua Clemente

By Ron Lambert Florida Cattlewomen Recipe Popcorn Steak Bites Health Corner: Honey?…Yes Dear!

By Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D.C. FFA Spotlight: Southeast High FFA

By Robbi Sumner FFA Journal

By Megan Stein A Series on Florida Literature: Rex Beach and the Florida Connections

By Brady Vogt

A Heartland Soldier’s Story Abroad: A Warm Welcome Home

By SPC Levi Lambert

81

Ag Calendar

Look out next month for

Farming in the Heartland October 2013

Get Ready for the Holidays and Buy Local!

SHOPPING IN THE HEARTLAND

Harold P. Curtis Honey Co.

Looking for a unique gift? Check out our honey, beeswax candles, candies, jams, cookbooks and more!

355 N. Bridge Street, LaBelle

863.675.2187

Bunker Arms

Bunker Arms specializes in build-to-order custom 1911s. Please visit our website at

www.bunkerarms.com or www.facebook.com/BunkerArms

Chanea Turner

Specializing in Color, Highlights, Cuts, Brazilian Blowout, and Extensions. Mention this add for a free gift with your appointment!

Call to Schedule:

863-381-1313

October 2013

Heartland Growers Supply Shop Now and Put on Layaway for Christmas!

Case Knives! Mention this ad for Large Green Egg ONLY $764.99

541 S 6th Ave, Wauchula, FL 33873

(863) 773-5888

Tobacco Place

Offering a variety of loose tobacco, cigars and unique smoking accessories.

Located just off South Park Street.

101 SW 2nd Avenue, Okeechobee

863.357.6653

Laye’s Tire Service Every man needs a Yeti Cooler!

Get yours at Laye’s Tire Service.

1092 Locke St • Avon Park

863-453-3333 layestire.com

Everglades Seasoning

Get your Everglades Fishing Shirts Today!

Long-Sleeve 40+ SPF Shirt, 100% Moisture Wicking

Made in the USA!

EvergladesSeasoning.com or at Glisson’s Animal Supply

Dakin Dairy Farm

Have plans this fall? Come visit Dakin Dairy Farm for a Farm Tour and enjoy the cooler air while having an Old Fashioned Country Picnic!

DakinDairyFarms.com

941-322-2802

Glisson’s Animal Supply

Have a fisherman on your shopping list this year? Get him something you know he won’t return. Columbia fishing shirts from Glisson’s Animal Supply

4525 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring

863-471-FEED

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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OCT 2013

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Executive Editor Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@heartlanditf.com Business Manager Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Brian Norris Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Contributing Writers Capt. Mark King, Spc. Levi Lambert Rusty Hartline Brady Vogt Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Kathy Gregg Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D.C. Casey Wohl Capt. Chris O’Neill Tina Yoder Tiffany Dale

Editor’s Note Apiculture may not be a familiar word to most, but I’m sure the minute I say honey, you can imagine the taste of the sweet nectar on your lips. Apiculture is essentially beekeeping and even God commanded us to partake in the deliciousness in Proverbs 24:13, “Eat honey, my child, for it is good.” There is nothing better than the taste of fresh Florida Orange Blossom honey, but there is so much that goes into creating the perfect taste I never knew.

Our cover story this month is titled Beekeeping 101 and we share the basics of the industry and even a few tips on how to become a hobbyist beekeeper-Bee College, anyone? We also dive deeper into the industry and share stories from local apiaries. You will find everything you want to know about bees from breeding queens with our Farmer and Rancher Joshua Clemente to the health benefits of honey in the Health Corner to different types of honey and from what region they originate in Florida Farming.

Although, as consumers, we may have an appreciation for the honeybees that add the perfect amount of sweet to tea, farmers are indebted to these hard-working insects. Without bees pollinating fruit and vegetable crops across the country, there would be no harvest.

Before this issue, my thoughts of honey went straight to the bear I would pour the thick deliciousness from, but now I will picture the ‘waggle dance’ as Woman In Ag Tabitha Shafer describes the bee scouts doing as a form of communication when they have found food for the hive. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did putting it together!

I know it is only October, but the holidays will be here before we know it! We have our annual Shopping in the Heartland section starting this month sharing some great local places to get your Christmas shopping done early. Check them out on page 7 and shop local, keep your money in the Heartland!

We love to hear from our readers and if you have a story idea or an event you think we should be covering, please let us know! E-mail me at morgan@heartlanditf.com or give me a call 863-381-8014.

Social Media Director Brian Norris Photography Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Nell McAuley Brian Norris Lauren Taylor Holly Taylor Regina Blackman Sydney Yoder

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661.

Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five.

All contents Copyright 2013. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email morgan@heartlanditf.com. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2008.

October 2013

The “Fresh From Florida” brand is a symbol of quality and the logo is recognized around the globe.

Behind the logo is our dedicated team of marketing professionals with a proven track record of increasing sales of Florida agricultural products.

We achieve this by establishing strong retail and distribution partnerships and through consumer marketing on television, in print and online. We also provide export assistance, trade leads, signage, point-of-purchase materials and more.

Join today for a $50 membership fee and put the “Fresh From Florida” logo behind your business.

Visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call us at (850) 617-7399.

FAPC Pase1_Final.indd 1

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8/5/13 10:24 AM

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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OCT 2013

Index of Advertisers 25 85 48 63 84 82 75 69 7 57 86 4 86 7 3 82 7 87

86 67 29 53 7 15 35 71

A&K Development Adams Ranch Agro Culture Arcadia Stockyard Banker’s South Benchrest Shooters Supply Big T Tire Black and White Bull Sale Bunker Arms Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Center State Bank Central States Enterprises CF Industries Chanea Turner Creel Tractor Cross Ties Farm & Garden Dakin Dairy Desoto Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep Desoto Ag Fest Desoto Machine Shop Duke Citrus Dunkin Donuts Everglades Seasoning Everything Outdoors Expo Farm Credit Florida FFA Run-A-Muck

35 9 39 83

28 67 71

45 69 19 7 23 7 79 13 29 11 82 15 49 49 25 82 24 63

Fields Equipment Florida Dept of Ag Florida Fence Post George Wadsworth Insurance, LLC Glade and Grove Supply Glarner Farms Glisson’s Animal Supply Small Animal Swap Glisson’s Animal Supply Griffin’s Carpet Mart Gunsmoke Harold P. Curtis Honey Helena Chemical Heartland Growers Hicks Oil Company Highlands County Farm Bureau Howard Fertilizer KeyPlex Labelle Feed Laye’s Tire Lee and Associates Marmer Construction Matt Gose Landscaping Michael G. Kirsch Mike Knox, CPA Mosaic

65 59 2 P 22 57 19 39 17 82 18 82 23 17 24 7 5 82 65 53 59 15 88 48 67 82 17

Newton Crouch Okeechobee Livestock Market athway Agriculture Peace River Citrus Quality Liquid Feed Quail Creek Plantation River Pasture Metal Art Seedway Spring Lake Hardware Spurlow’s Outdoor Superior Muffler Swamp Diggers Hog Round Up Taylor Oil Company The Andersons Tobacco Place Tree T Pee Triangle Hardware Trinkle Redman Coton Tutto Fresco Walpole Feed & Supply Waste Management Watering Hole Wauchula State Bank Wicks, Brown, Williams CPA Winfield Solutions Yetti Outfitters

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Tina Yoder

morgan@heartlanditf.com

tina@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Ron Brown

ron@inthefieldmagazine.com

10 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Lee and Hendry

Cindy Cutright

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

October 2013

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 11

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US Highway 31 • Arcadia, FL 34266

1017 US Highway 17 N • Wauchula, FL. 33873

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Matt Harrison

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell

Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner

Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison

FARM BUREAU

President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal

Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson

Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer

Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis

Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

MANATEE COUNTY

6419 US Highway 27 S. • Sebring, FL 33876

5620 Tara Blvd, Ste 101 • Bradenton, FL 34203

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Dawn A. Hines, Clint Brown

FARM BUREAU

President………Scott Kirouac Vice President…Doug Miller Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Frank Youngman

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Sam Bronson Steve Farr Charles Guerndt

Charles Lanfier Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds

Trey Whitehurst Jeff Williams Marty Wohl

Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

FARM BUREAU

President……Gary Reeder Vice President…Jim Parks Secretary……..Ben King Treasurer……..Robert Zeliff

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents

Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington

12 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Mike Shannon

October 2013

ANDY NEUHOFER FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Thank You...

To Highlands County Farm Bureu’s Heritage Sponsors

Active members of Farm Bureau are invited to subscribe to the FloridAgriculture e-News. You may go to www.floridafarmbureau.org to subscribe.

The target audience is the producer members of Farm Bureau. It is a monthly electronic newsletter reviewing issues, educational events and highlighting an individual or a county Farm Bureau each month.

The model flood ordinance issue handed down from FEMA and the Florida Dept. of Emergency Management is working its way through the various local governments in the state. Florida Farm Bureau and members in the counties have been working with local government officials to mitigate, as much as possible, damage to agricultural producers. The best solution thus far, is to have the county commissions pass a resolution which spells out normal agricultural practices as not being restrictive to water flows in the event of a flood. The Hardee County Commission has passed the ordinance with the resolution. With the resolution in place, flood managers will be obligated to take into account common agricultural practices.

The EPA is making label changes for certain crop protection materials to help protect honey bees. Go to www.epa.gov/pesticides/ecosystem/pollinator/beelabel-info-graphic.pdf to learn more about the issue.

They are currently working with manufacturers to make the label changes.

Rep. Dave Camp (R-Michigan) and Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana) are working on a project to collect information and comments regarding a simpler and a more fair tax code. I can send you the article from the AFBF’s FB News. You may go to www.taxreform. gov for more information as well. Rep. Camp is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Committee on Taxation. Senator Baucus is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation.

The Florida Agricultural Financial Management Conference is October 21 – 22. It will be held at the Omni Orlando Resort @ Champions Gate. For more information, you may go to www.fafmc.org.

Information from the USDA Economic Research Service shows the farmer’s share of the food dollar in 1955 was $0.41. In 1993 it was $0.24. In 2011 it was $0.155.

For information on genetically modified foods, go to www.gmoanswers.com. The website was sent in an e-mail by Gene McAvoy, Hendry County Extension Director.

October 2013

Please support these businesses!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 13

SW Florida Gulf Coast

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

A

mazing angling opportunities await you along the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico and inland bays of Charlotte Harbor and surrounding estuaries. Without question, October is my favorite month to explore the area and enjoy the season’s best weather and fishing. Also, expect far less boat traffic and fishing pressure due to the seasonal swing of kids being back in school and our wintertime friends from the north have yet to arrive.

Inland fishing is paramount with snook, redfish and trout along the barrier islands and backcountry flats. It’s tough to beat heading far into the backcountry and finding schooling redfish or cruising snook. You’ll find much clearer water this month, so bring your best polarized sunglasses to adequately locate and pursue these amazing gamefish in shallow water. My best advice is going slow and quietly and you’ll be amazed at what you will find. I always approach an area that looks “fishy” by turning off my big motor well in advance, and use the wind and trolling motor to make my final approach. Elevating your position on the boat by using a platform, casting deck or tower is also an advantage for sightfishing. It is estimated that for every foot elevated above your deck, you will see an additional 10 feet beyond the deck. Another tip is pay attention to the surrounding water and area while running from spot to spot in the backcountry. Many times I’ve found random fish that caused a wake or witnessed birds diving on baitfish pods that was littered with hungry feeding fish below.

Nearshore fishing will be my first stop during daily charters this month. It is not unusual to encounter football field sized schools of bonita and spanish mackerel migrating and feeding along the beaches. This is by far the easiest and sometimes the most fun to be found. Mother Nature’s fish finders, otherwise known as “birds” will lead you to the fish in this situation. Position your boat ahead of the moving schools and use artificials like Bomber

14 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Saltwater Grades Badonkadonk topwater plugs or their new slow sinking 2 ½” version. Using a faster than normal twitch-twitch, pause retrieve will get you bit every time in this situation. When targeting mackerel, it may be necessary to add a small 6” piece of wire to be used as a leader to prevent toothy breakoffs and losing tackle, but it can slow the bite.

Offshore fishing has been excellent this fall.

Grouper are in full swing with gag, red and blacks being caught on our offshore boats. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are also a great species to target, providing excellent table fare and bountiful harvest limits. Bring plenty of frozen chum when targeting reef fish like snapper.

Anchor your vessel up current/upwind of the reef and chum “lightly” to bring in the fish. Many anglers use way too much chum which feeds the fish and attracts larger fish like shark and barracuda, which will spook the desired species.

Use smaller line and leader when soaking baits in your chum slick and don’t forget the use of non-offset circle hooks are required by law when fishing in the Gulf.

Booking a charter this time of year is a great opportunity to spend the day “catching”. My company offers inshore and offshore charters with a team of world-class guides to satisfy your private or corporate fishing needs. All of my guests receive complementary Tail Chaser t-shirts as well as the best service in the business.

Captain Chris O’Neill

is a full time fishing guide and host of The Reel Saltwater Outdoors radio show. Captain Chris is regularly seen on TV shows like Big Water Adventures, Florida Sportsman, Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal and others. As a retired U.S. Army hovercraft pilot, he has accrued over 25 years of saltwater experience and has targeted gamefish around the globe.

His Reel Saltwater Outdoors Seminar Series has become the largest in the state and he speaks to thousands of anglers annually. His passion for fishing is contagious and you can always expect to have a great adventure when fishing onboard the Tail Chaser.

To book a charter visit www.tailchasercharters. com or www.bocagrandetarpon.com for more information. You can listen to his FISH ON FRIDAY radio show via www.wengradio. com or the WENG app from 4-6pm weekly.

Capt. Chris operates out of the world-class Gasparilla Marina in Placida, FL, just minutes from Boca Grande Pass (the tarpon capital of the world) and Charlotte Harbor.

October 2013

Everything Outdoors Expo Presented By

Waste Management supports the 2013 Okeechobee Labor Day Parade and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association

October 19 & 20, 2013 Hunting, Fishing, Boating, Camping and MORE! Grand Prize Drawings, Hourly Door Prizes Seminars & Hands-On Activities for Everyone throughout the show Booths starting at $150 Reserve Your Space Today!

Highlands County Fair Convention Center, Sebring, FL Ask About Sponsorship Opportunities Contact George White info@hcfair.net 863-214-5584 or 863-382-2255

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 15

HEARTLAND’S

FISHING REPORT L

Captian Mark King

ooking forward to October on Okeechobee as the water starts to cool off and the bass will be heading toward the grass. It is also the time of year that the bass will start to feed heavy in anticipation of winter coming. We had a great October last year and this year should be even better with a lot of water in the lake and even more great areas for the bass to be.

I have been fishing the south end of the lake most of the summer and it seems to be improving almost daily. With the amount of water in the lake, we should be able to fish in all the great places that Lake Okeechobee is famous for. Since the water level has been so high this whole summer, most of the areas that were so choked off with vegetation last year has thinned out and will be fishable this year. I am still catching most of my bass on the outside grass line as of now, but as we head into the middle to end of October, the bass will be moving back in the grass and it should be a great time catching them in the thick stuff. Areas from Cochran’s Pass to Ritta Island have been good and other areas should start to get good soon.

I have been using a variety of lures from Gambler Lures including the Big EZ, Ace’s, and the Southern Swim jig with a Little EZ for a trailer. I do know that a spinnerbait like the new Strike Back spinnerbait from Mega Strike Fishing that I use will start catching bass as they will be feeding up for winter on shad soon; this is a great jointed spinnerbait that will help you stay hooked up to more fish, I promise. I have just been fishing the outside grass line to back in the grass about a good cast or so, the will just be starting to move back in the grass in October.

The live bait fishing has been pretty good all

Captain Mark King

summer long and will only get better with fall approaching. Again, the outside grass line is where you will want to throw wild shiners and the wind is the only deciding factor as where to fish.

Think about getting that trip to Okeechobee booked soon as dates are starting to fill up fast for the late 2013 and 2014 season. We are looking at a great season here and I believe it will be even better than last year. I also think that since the water is up that the crappie bite this winter should really be good at the south end of the lake. Good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.

is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Gambler Lures, Mojo Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, Moon Shine Attitude Attire, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing. com and www.tarponinthekeys.com

I just want to tell you a little about some new rods that I have been using by 13Fishing. They are extremely sensitive and as lightweight as any rod out there and yes they are tough enough to get big bass out of the grass on Okeechobee and that makes them number one in my book. Top quality components are used on all of 13Fishing’s products and with the Omen series I am using starting at $100.00, they are affordable for everyone to use. 13Fishing’s philosophy is pretty simple. Enjoy life outside and in, respect your fellow man and woman, always honor our precious fishing environment and its resources. Make your own luck. If you share our fishing philosophy, you’re ready for 13Fishing equipment. Check them out at www.13fishing.com and I think that you will like what you see.

Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.

16 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

Reliable Squash Production for Florida!

LAZOR straightneck Smooth, ďŹ rm fruit and sturdy neck promotes easy handling. Attractive, glossy appearance. 42 days.

IR: ZYMV.

SPINELESS KING green zucchini Cylindrical, glossy fruit is a standout for color & an attractive fresh look. Plant is open & spineless. 45 days.

IR: Sf, WMV, ZYMV. Seedway Vegetable Seeds ~ 3810 Drane Field Road, Unit 30 Lakeland, FL 33811 ~ www.seedway.com ~ 863-648-4242

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 17

October’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters 1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com

Mason and Marshall O’Hern Mason and Marshall O’Hern, sons of Robert and Amy of Sebring enjoy duck hunting with their dad. Mason is thirteen and in the 8th grade at Sebring Middle School. Marshall is eight and in the 3rd grade at Cracker Trail Elementary. The boys are looking forward to another successful season hunting on Arbuckle Creek.

Mason with a Blue Winged Teal

Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com

AN UPLAND BIRD HUNTER’S PARADISE in an Old Florida

setting at its finest!

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October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 19

A Family Trip Out West:

Wyoming 2013

By Robbi Sumner

The past three summers our family has headed west on summer vacation for a temporary change of scenery and to escape the Florida heat and humidity.

Sometimes referred to as “fly-over states,� places like Wyoming, Texas, and New Mexico are among our favorite destinations. In July, our family was able to visit western Wyoming and enjoy a week of breath-taking landscapes and average temperatures that ranged from the low-40s to mid-80s.

From 39,000 feet in the in the air, we began to take in the vast, open spaces surrounding Salt Lake City, where we changed from an approximately 250-passenger plane to the 50-passenger version that would carry us on to Cody’s Yellowstone Regional Airport. The small, one-terminal building in Cody was a pleasant experience in contrast to the hustle-and-bustle crowds of Orlando International that we had left that morning.

If you and your family enjoy nature and the outdoors, activities abound in the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area. From hiking, biking, and fishing to white water rafting or horseback riding, there is plenty for everyone to do. For the less adventurous, there are also guided tours of the parks and historical sites as well as numerous shops and restaurants.

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October 2013

Our first full day in Wyoming, we ventured north through Beartooth Mountain Pass on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway northwest towards Red Lodge, Montana. The Shoshone National Forest provided a peaceful backdrop of scenic mountain views and river crossings. We also took a short drive south to experience the Meeteetse Chocolatier.

Who could resist tasting the handmade treats crafted by saddle bronc rider and ranch day worker Tim Kellogg? His brownies and truffles were well worth the trip to the town that boasts a population of just 351.

During our visit to Yellowstone National Park, with blind luck we reached Old Faithful about 15 minutes prior to her next every-90-minute eruption. As expected, the gush of America’s most well-known geyser elicited “oohs” and “aahs” worthy of July 4th fireworks from kids and adults alike.

While we didn’t get to see as much wildlife as we’d hoped – bear, moose, and wolves remained hidden from our sight – we did enjoy spotting pronghorn antelope, elk, bison, bald eagles and mule deer.

In fact, in Cody, mule deer come into town and are frequently spotted grazing or napping in neighborhood yards. As we walked home from dinner one night, we came upon a doe ushering her two babies across a quiet residential street. While some human residents consider the urban deer a nuisance, this was something special for us to see.

Travelling south to Jackson Hole for a few days,

we found the mid-day crowds to be more than we could bear and took opportunities to get out of town white water rafting on the Snake River and hiking in Grand Teton National Park during the days. We did, however, enjoy the quaint shops and art galleries along Jackson’s town square during the early mornings and evenings and even caught a Robert Earl Keen concert at a small local venue one night.

Returning to Cody, we wrapped up our trip with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Cody Nite Rodeo. If you’re considering a summer trip out west, plan early – we made our flight and lodging reservations seven months ahead. While that may not be necessary, it does offer the greatest flexibility and travel options. No Vacancy signs were a common sight in both Cody and Jackson Hole.

October 2013

Logging 961 miles on our rental car in eight days, we covered a lot of ground taking in the beauty and grandeur of two National Parks and a small portion of their surrounding areas. More importantly, we made family memories that will last our lifetimes.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 21

CITRUS UPDATE

BY JUSTIN SMITH

by Justin Smith

Citrus Around the U.S. Floridians loves their prized golden crop. The state is worldrenowned for its second-to-none orange juice quality and its shear production ability. There is no doubt; at a whopping 9 billion dollars of annual revenue, the Florida Citrus Industry does have the right to be a little proud. However, at times everyone forgets Florida is not the sole provider of the world’s citrus.

Yes, it’s shocking, but we Floridians are not the lone wolves in the yearly struggle to provide Vitamin C and healthy natural goodness to the population of the human race. We are not even the only producers of, what throughout history, has been deemed the fruit of the gods. Talk about a blow to the ego, right? Well, the truth is the truth, and from time to time it is

good to take a look around at the other citrus industries of the world and get a perspective on what they are doing or dealing with. For domestic citrus production, the first thought always turns to California. The main reason, they are closest to Florida in size of annual harvest and value. California boasts a very nice 2 billion dollar citrus crop each year. The primary differences, other than size, in the two states are what the citrus is grown for. California’s fruit is grown almost exclusively for fresh consumption. Pretty, “center piece” arrangements and ready to peel and eat is their primary market. A very small percentage of California citrus is processed, or squeezed for juice, and many times it will actually cost a grower instead of return a profit to have their fruit juiced.

California is facing their own set of difficulties in growing citrus just like Florida. Water quality has been a major issue and a very costly one too. Many growers have implemented water treatment procedures for their irrigation systems. Then, in 2012 the first greening positive tree was identified. The disease that has permanently changed the face of Florida citrus is now beginning the same march across California, the heart of the U.S. fresh fruit industry.

Californians much life Floridians have proven to be resilient in their citrus industry. But it is known all too well how devastating greening can be. Being roughly a quarter of the size, value wise, California potentially has a lot more to lose from the disease than their Florida counterparts, if they don’t get ahead of greening very quickly.

Florida and California produce approximately 97% of the United States citrus. The other 3% falls on the shoulders of Texas and Arizona. Although a few other states have citrus acreage, they are not tracked and calculated as a statistically significant percentage of overall domestic production.

22 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Texas produces both oranges and grapefruit while Arizona produces a much higher amount of lemons and tangerines.

Both states’ citrus have a good overall economic impact to their perspective areas. Both also produce fresh and processed fruit.

For those who grow citrus in these states, their livelihood is October 2013

just as important as anyone from Florida or California, and that is what we should remember. If citrus ceased to exist there, it would be just as devastating to the growers as it would be to any Florida citrus family.

Texas battles drought conditions, high salinity and hurricanes much like Florida. The dryer climate does make for a few significant differences in growing styles but Texans use many of the same methodologies we use in Florida. And yes, Texas now has to deal with greening as well.

Arizona on the other hand has been given a slight reprieve.

So far, there have not been any positive greening trees found there. The Asian Citrus Psyllid has made itself a home in the other sunshine state, and the growers are waging a war much like all the other citrus growers are doing, in an attempt to keep the pests population at a minimum. Even though there have not been any positive greening trees found, due to the latency period of greening, chances are highly probably the disease is already present in the state.

One main theme can be seen all across the U.S. citrus producing areas. That is the looming threat of greening. As we all work together and keep each other informed, there is a better possibility of finding a solution. Florida may be the big brother in orange production, but there are many families, communities and states that have a vested interest in citrus as well.

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 23

Citrus Grower Forum in Highlands County By Levi Lambert If you are in the citrus industry, lunchtime table talk has most likely been about the problems growers have continued to face each year. Talking amongst other owners and partners is essential in order to combat the issues found in the 21st century. A new approach in cultural practices is necessary to manage the citrus problems.

Thanks to Laurie Hurner with the Highlands County Extension Office who organized a forum on these problems in response to her father, Mr. Tim Hurner’s vision. Mr. Hurner worked in the Highlands County Extension Office for over 30 years. During his career with the extension office, he recognized how important a meeting of this type would be for the industry.

The latest challenges are centered on citrus psyllids, greening disease and nutritional issues. Control of these threats will require a much more intense management program. By working closer with others in the surrounding area to treat

K. Michael Knox

all of the citrus in a reasonable window will further delay reoccurring problems.

The first quarterly meeting was held on Tuesday September 10, 2013. Due to the open table discussion, there was not a keynote speaker. However, the University of Florida provided a number of research guides and references that outline progress as it develops. The materials offered information on symptom recognition as well as treatment application methods.

Active cooperation from everyone in the industry is the only way to whittle the problems down to a manageable level.

To join the upcoming meeting on December 10, 2013, you can contact the Highlands County Extension office for more information at 863-402-6540. The forum will be held at the Bert J. Harris Convention Center in Sebring, Fl. There will be a mailing list available for new participants. I look forward to seeing you there.

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24 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 25

FLORIDA FARMING

By Ron Lambert

The Buzz on Honey

By Ron Lambert

T

his October’s subject theme is the apiary industry in Florida. In common terms, we are speaking of the business of beekeeping. In the late winter and early spring, a common sight in the Heartland is that of bee yards set up near citrus groves to take advantage of the spring bloom. Orange blossom honey is a very well known and a popular flavor of honey. Other well known types include Tupelo, Clover, Sourwood and Palmetto.

Each of these honeys are very distinct and are easily identified by aroma and flavor. There are many other flowers throughout the United States that are used to produce a specific type of honey that is unique to that particular flower.

26 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

As a bit of background information on the four types of honey that I have mentioned, I will briefly explain about each of them and where they are produced. Orange blossom honey is produced in any area with enough trees to provide a honey flow. To produce a citrus fruit, each flower must be visited by at least one bee. When you look at a tree in full flower and think of the millions of blossoms that must be pollinated to fill the trees with oranges, you can have nothing less than awe for the industrious honeybee.

Tupelo honey comes from the flowers of a tree known as black gum here in Florida; its botanical name is Nyssa sylvatica. Black gum is a tree that is common to the Heartland, but not in sufficient quantity to support a honey crop. In the Florida panhandle, near the Apalachicola River, there are enough of these to provide enough flowers to justify a harvest of tupelo honey. Due to October 2013

the fact that these trees are located in swampy areas with limited access, some beekeepers bring hives in on small barges. I would also mention that this helps keep these hives out of reach of the Florida black bear, whose love of honey is very well known.

Clover honey is a very clear, mild flavored honey that comes primarily from areas with large acreage in hayfields. Many beekeepers try to make orange blossom honey locally, then transport their beehives north to another region to make another crop of honey. This is, of course, a very expensive process that involves a narrow window to fully maximize the benefits of a honey flow of a particular flower in a specific region.

Sourwood honey is a type that is common to the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina. The tree from which it comes is known as Oxydendrum Arboreum, or Sourwood tree. It is a very popular honey with a distinctive and appealing flavor. Due to the remote regions where it is produced, it is often marketed as an organic honey.

Palmetto honey is another well-known flavor that also represents another important honey crop for Florida beekeepers. The palmetto, Seranoa Repens, is found throughout most of Florida and South Georgia’s coastal region. It blooms right at the end of orange blossom and requires precise timing on the part of the beekeeper to make a crop of both of these honey flows.

Honey is sold by grades and top quantity honey from any distinctive flower will bring a higher price than that which is a mix of unknown flowers. It requires careful attention, planning and hard work at difficult hours to maintain healthy and productive hives.

Bee colonies are affected adversely by many factors such as mites and other predators, weather and the harmful effects of chemicals applied to crops that have to be pollinized by honeybees to produce. The production of fruits and vegetables that make up what we depend upon for essential nourishment is so wide spread that the entire population of the world would starve if bees were to become extinct. This sobering thought is supported by scientific data and reinforces the ideas of how dependent we are on everything in nature remaining in proper balance.

October 2013

Capturing a Swarm of Bees in the Wild

By Ron Lambert

I am sure that most of you have at some time in your life, seen a large flight of bees that had settled on an area such as a bush, tree, fence or maybe even the side of a house. This flight of bees is known as a swarm and occurs whenever a new queen develops in a hive. At that point, either the old queen will leave the hive or the new one will. The size of the swarm will vary depending upon the strength of the hive. Most of these swarms will not survive to establish a hive without human intervention. Bees in the wild are becoming very rare.

However, when a swarm settles in an area where a beekeeper can access them, it can be a simple matter to put them into a bee box, which is known as a super.

If you have good access to a swarm, you can place a box underneath the clump of bees and shake them so that they fall down in the box. If you get the queen inside the box, the rest will begin to settle down inside their new home fairly quickly. The queen gives off a scent or pheromone, which acts as an attractant as well as providing a calming effect on the colony.

It is not often that a swarm will settle in a convenient location for easy capture. Often they will land way up in a tree too high to reach. I have helped my son go after them 20 or so feet above the ground. We have gotten them out of the side of houses inside the walls. We have scraped them off of a fence post and shaken them out of a bush. Sometimes getting a glimpse of the queen bee is very easy, other times you look and look to no avail.

In any case, a successful capture of a bee swarm is one way to gain a producing hive. The initial value of a swarm is from $75-$100 dollars. A healthy hive will yield several gallons of honey per year. Anyone with a small number of hives can gain several new hives each year by offering a service of bee removal. Oddly enough, bees are not aggressive when they are looking for a place to settle into for a new home. Many people do not realize this and are very afraid of honeybees. I have helped my son Corey work around his hives enough that I see that most bees are very easy to work around.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 27

Nominations Sought For The Florida Citrus Hall Of Fame Nominations are now being sought for potential inductees to The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, with induction ceremonies scheduled to take place on Friday, March 7, 2014 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The luncheon is co-sponsored by Florida Citrus Mutual and the Florida Department of Citrus.

Eligible nominees for the Hall of Fame are those distinguished leaders who have made significant contributions to the Florida citrus industry in any of the following fields: pioneers, harvesting, packing, processing, marketing, scientific and/or educational areas. Last year’s inductees were Homer E. Hooks, of Lakeland, and J. Brantley Schirard, of Ft. Pierce, along with three others who were inducted posthumously: Col. Francis L. Dancy, Dr. Paul L. Harding and Dr. Mathew K. Veldhuis.

The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2013 and all nominations should include a summary of the nominee’s accomplishments, letters of support from industry members and a photo. Any nominations received after this date will

28 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

be considered for the following year. Nomination forms are available by contacting Brenda Eubanks Burnette at (561) 351-4314 or by visiting the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame web site at www.FloridaCitrusHallofFame.com .

Completed applications must include a photo and should be e-mailed to BBurne1003@aol.com. Hard copies should be sent to Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, 411 East Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801.

For more information, please contact either John Jackson at jackson71344@yahoo.com or Brenda Eubanks Burnette at (561) 351-4314 or BBurne1003@aol.com.

October 2013

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October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 29

WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE

Tabitha Shafer

By Robbi Sumner

Tabitha Shafer and her husband Yanni Kokkinidis began their adventures in beekeeping with two backyard hives in February 2011. The Port St. Lucie couple now manages about 25 hives and has moved several of them to a friend’s property in Okeechobee.

Beekeeping runs in Yanni’s family, as his grandfather had bees, and his brother is a beekeeper in their native country of Greece. “Bees are big business in Greece – you see hives everywhere over there,” shares Tabitha. “Honey is cherished for its nutritional value and is used in many Greek dishes, like baklava. However, beekeeping techniques utilized in Greece often don’t apply here due to different climate and invasive species, like hive beetles that are present in Florida.”

In the short two-and-a-half years that they have had their bees, Tabitha has become quite knowledgeable about the industry and the bees themselves. She explains that beekeeping in Florida is different than in other parts of the country. The bee’s lifespan is shorter here - only lasting 30 to 45 days - because they work harder and longer through the year due to

30 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

and season, including palms, wildflowers, and even Brazilian peppers, which then impacts the taste, smell, and color of the honey they produce.

Tabitha documents their adventures on her blog “Beelievable” which you can follow at http://beelievable.wordpress.com/. In the blog, she shares stories of their challenges and successes, and demonstrates everything from building and painting new hive boxes to keeping ants out of the hives using a natural solution. “We try not to use chemicals if at all possible,” she says, in order to maintain the health of the hives and to preserve the organic properties of the honey. our warmer climate. Up north where bees “take a break” in the winter, they typically live longer.

“Bees are very self-sufficient, and know to get out and look for pollen and nectar,” she says. “They normally stay within two miles of their hives, but they also have scouts who will travel up to five miles if necessary to find food. They return to the hive and report their findings through a ‘waggle dance’ form of communication.” In her backyard, I witnessed what she explained to be young bees taking orientation flights in order to acclimate themselves to their hive and its surroundings before beginning to forage for pollen and nectar.

When I met Tabitha, a State Apiary Inspector had just visited earlier in the week. In Florida, all hives are required to be registered with the State, allowing for annual inspection to ensure they are disease and pest-free, and that the beekeepers are re-queening from good European stock in order to prevent the accidental introduction of the Africanized honey bee.

Tabitha was happy to report a successful inspection, having again earned their state certification.

When not working at her job as a Marketing Specialist or tending to the bees, Tabitha’s hobbies include motorcycling with Yanni, and taking nature and wildlife photos – in fact, several of the photos used in this issue were taken by Tabitha.

She has also served as Secretary of the Treasure Coast Beekeepers Association since August 2011, and is a member of the Florida State Beekeepers Association. She and Yanni have three lovable cats: Oliver, Abbott, and Costello.

As for their future goals, Tabitha confides that they hope to someday have upwards of 100 hives and be able to become full-time beekeepers. For now, they market their honey at the local Tradition Green Market and through their website www. aegeanapiary.com. As Tabitha puts it, “The bees are good for us and good for the environment.”

Tabitha and Yanni typically dedicate their Saturdays to their bees, checking each hive to ensure their health, and gathering honey when it is ready. I learned that bees both produce and eat honey, and Tabitha explained the importance of leaving some honey or supplying a sugar-water supplement for the bees to feed on, especially during the spring when they multiply faster and have larvae to provide for. The bees normally gather pollen and nectar from a variety of plants, depending on location

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 31

FARMER & RANCHER Joshua Clemente

By Ron Lambert

Joshua Clemente of JC’s Bees and Pollination, Inc.

was born in Arcadia and raised in Hardee County most of his life. Beekeeping started early in life for Clemente, purchasing his first hive when he was just seventeen. He said, “I bought several more hives during the next year and started splitting the colonies to make more hives, until I had about thirty hives.

I maintained that number of hives for about 7 years before deciding that I wanted to become a commercial beekeeper.”

In 2005, he was living in Tennessee and wanted to relocate back to Florida. At that same time, he made his decision to become a commercial beekeeper and purchased 300 colonies of bees from a good friend and Manatee County commercial beekeeper, Jackie Corley. Clemente found work at a local distribution center that allowed him to work weekends and gave him four days a week to work with his bees. To help get him started in his business, Clemente lived with his great uncle James Norris of Arcadia who loaned him money to purchase some equipment. Clemente mentioned his grandparents helped him purchase some equipment as well.

32 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Along came an offer that couldn’t be refused when the late John Barrows, Jr. said Joshua could live in a camper trailer behind his house for free if he would help him work Barrows’ beehives. Clemente said, “I knew that I could save a lot of money by not having to pay rent somewhere else and I also knew that John was the best beekeeper in this part of Florida, so I eagerly accepted the offer.”

During the next few years, Clemente expanded to 1,100 hives and learned a lot about beekeeping from John; he says the most fascinating lesson was when John taught him how to raise queen bees. “He would even artificially inseminate queens from time to time, if he wanted to be sure which drones, (male bees) the queen had mated with,” said Clemente.

In 2009, he purchased a small farm in eastern Hardee County, where he now has his queen operation. Clemente was only raising queens for himself and a few of the local beekeepers for several years. He would only have to raise about one hundred queen cells a week to keep up with orders. As more and more people find out that he raises queens, he has had to October 2013

A queen can lay 1,500 eggs or more per day. The time of year, incoming nectar and pollen, and the genetic qualities of the queen determine this. Young queens will also lay more eggs than older queens.

continually increase production. “I now have to raise at least 1,500 queen cells per week just to keep up with orders,” said Clemente. “This spring I made a decision to start specializing in raising queens and lower the number of hives that I have for honey production.” He now has around 700 hives on honey production and 400 mating boxes for queen rearing. Next spring he is planning on expanding to 1200 mating boxes for queens and lowering his honey production colonies even more.

He sells queen cells, which are queens that have not emerged from their cell yet for $2.50 each and mated queens that are already laying for $15.00. In order to have mated queens for sale, he places queen cells in small hives called mating boxes.

Several weeks later, they are mated and have started laying.

The process of queen rearing starts with selecting great breeding stock. Queens that have great brood patterns, and whose colonies produce larger amounts of honey are selected as breeder queens. Other qualities that are also considered are gentleness, (less likely to sting), disease resistance, low tendency to swarm, and how a hive reacts to winter. You must also select great queens who will supply you with male bees called drones. These drones will mate with the daughters of your breeder queens.

A virgin queen will go on a mating flight around one week to ten days after she emerges from her cell. She will mate with ten to fifteen drones and then return to the hive. Her body keeps the sperm alive in a special compartment called the spermatheca for the rest of her life. She can choose to fertilize an egg, which would make a female worker bee, or she can choose not to fertilize an egg, which makes a drone, or male bee.

October 2013

The grafting process is the next process in queen rearing. All of Clemente’s grafting is done in a small building he calls his grafting house. Special queen cell cups are inserted into cell bars designed to hold fifteen at a time. He primes each cup with a drop of royal jelly. Once this is done, he selects a frame of day old larvae to graft from the breeder hive. Clemente uses a special stainless steel grafting tool to take the larvae from its cell and place it in one of the primed queen cell cups. After all the larvae are grafted into the cell cups, he then takes the cell bars and inserts them into a frame that will go into the starter colony.

A starter colony is a queenless or queenright hive that is used for starting queen cells. Frames of brood are added to the cell starters every few days to maintain them. Since the starter hives are queenless, they readily accept the frames of queen cell cups that are placed in them, and begin drawing them out. Clemente says he usually puts 90 cells in a starter at a time. The frames of queen cell cups are left in the starters for no more than two days and then they are transferred to two-story queenright finisher hives, so that other cells can be started in the starter hives.

After four or five days in the finisher hives, the cells are removed from the frames, placed into a plastic cell protector and then placed in an incubator in the grafting house until customers pick them up. The incubator is kept at 93 degrees and queens will usually emerge from their cells on the 11th or 12th day after grafting.

“Anyone with a steady hand and good eyesight can learn to graft queens,” said Clemente. He said that if your eyesight is not that good, or your hand is shaky then you can have a family member help you with the grafting without them having to actually work around the beehives. His wife does not like to be around the beehives, but she helps with grafting sometimes and handles the shipping and billing.

“I would like to thank everyone who allows me to put beehives on their property. I have over sixty locations for beehives in four counties. Without your kindness, it would be impossible for me to be as successful as I have been.”

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 33

The Apiary Inspector

Buzz

By Levi Lambert

Success of a farming operation is dependent on many factors.

One untimely cold snap can be detrimental to crops. There are many events, both natural and those influenced by man, that can turn a good production year into a terrible one. One thing that is of vital importance is insuring that an adequate number of bee colonies are available to pollinate the crop at the right time. All across the United States, honeybees are placed to coincide with the peak bloom of fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Assuming that many people are unfamiliar with the vast benefits of apiaries, the October issue of Heartland Magazine should prove to be very informative.

I spoke with Lisa Reynes who is with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services as the Apairy Inspector for District 11. She was very helpful in sharing details about the relationship between the state and local beekeepers. The mission of the state is to prevent the spread of diseases and introduction of unwanted honeybee pest. Educating the public as well as the beekeepers is essential in order for this mission

34 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

to succeed. There has been a large increase in interest of hobby beekeepers and untrained apiary enthusiasts can cause several issues that can effect bee populations in a region. The spread of disease and undesirable breeds are two of the main concerns. Providing information to help the novice as well as observation and inspection of existing and imported hives is crucial to insure the health of this valuable asset to Florida agriculture.

Currently, the state of Florida has 3,200 registered beekeepers as of the 2011-2012 census, which indicates an increase of 2,200 registered beekeepers from the census 3 years earlier.

Broken down into actual hives shows an increase from 127,463 colonies to 343,703. Through the wealth of information that can be found on the Internet, anyone can start a path towards becoming a beekeeper hobbyist. More importantly, there are Bee Colleges that offer classes in North and South Florida as well as the bee friendly state bee clubs.

October 2013

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 35

Gary Ranker: The Bee Connoisseur

By Tina Yoder, Photos by Sydney Yoder

W

hen Gary Ranker of Palmetto was in fifth grade in Maryland, his teacher was educating the class on insects; she appointed Gary to study the honeybee. From that moment on, Ranker spent most of his free time focused on becoming an Apiary Farmer (a beekeeper).

Even before Ranker was old enough to drive, he would hitch rides south to Florida with a beekeeper for the chance to learn about bees and drop off a couple of his own hives. This was the start of what is now one of the Heartland’s biggest singleman commercial beekeeping operations. His business is twofold: he farms out his bees and sells the resulting honey and beeswax.

Ranker calls his workday “doing a round.” He loads the truck, prepares the bees, checks the hives, repairs the broken parts, replaces the dead hives and checks the hives again- that’s a

36 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

round. Four times a year he collects the honey, removes the wax caps, spins the frames, fills the barrels and sends off the honey to be bottled- that’s another round. This quarterly round takes a few extra hands.

“Most commercial beekeepers my size have several employees to help with the day-to-day operation. It’s just me here and there’s always something to do,” says Ranker. Ranker just October 2013

finished a production of sixty 55-gallon barrels weighing in at 650 pounds each of pure honey. He sends his honey to Sue Bee Honey in Sioux, Iowa.

Sue Bee is the largest bottler of honey in the world, where its 300 co-op members (14 of which are

When handling the hives, Ranker is quick to remember that the honeybees become agitated the closer you get to their Queen. “Most people get stung from the bees flying into them and they don’t like hair so most people get stung around the face,” says Ranker. According to www.beeright.com, bees can fly 15 miles an hour and up to 20 miles an hour in the wind. When asked how many times he has been stung, he says “millions.” His body has built up immunity to the venom, but he gets stung every day and it still hurts.

“But when bees are flying they’re happy and I’m happy,” smiles Ranker.

Ranker’s 10-acre farm houses 1000 beehives and millions of honeybees. His modest home is accented with bee memorabilia, bee magazines and a collection of honey jars holding samples from across the world. from Florida) are responsible for producing about 40 million pounds of honey a year.

In central Florida, the bloom cycle begins with Orange Blossoms in the spring, Mangroves in the summer then Brazilian Peppers in the early Fall.

“You have to move as soon as the blooms appear.

If you wait too long, it’s too late,” says Ranker. He transports the hives at night when the bees are home and the traffic is lighter. A hive full of bees can be the best employees. “They are self-sufficient and don’t need to be told when to go to work and come home at night,” says Ranker.

October 2013

The honey comes in all shades of gold. “The lighter colored honey is from the basswood flower and the darker colors come from a mixture of wildflowers,” says Ranker. This is where his expertise comes in.

“It’s the flavor and color that determines which nectar the honey is made from,” says Ranker as he shows off each sample. “I’m a honey connoisseur.

Just like wine experts, we can determine the type by taste and smell.”

Ranker has been beekeeping for over 50 years.

He is a graduate from the University of Maryland, but he said that his bee wisdom was accumulated through mentoring, reading, meetings, and staying on top of bee issues through the media. He is eager to pass on his knowledge to anyone willing to listen.

Ranker was the president of the Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) for 2 years. His most recognized achievement while in office was in 2012 with the signing of the Florida Beekeepers Protection Bill by Governor Rick Scott. Governor Scott invited Ranker, along with other FSBA representatives, to witness the signing of the bill for their involvement in the passing of these laws.

“This bill is what allows people to have hives in their yards,” says Ranker. “Before the bill, there were no laws allowing bee hives on residential property.” Ranker is still active in any legislation that involves the promotion and protection of the beekeeping business. He now holds the position of President of the Suncoast Beekeepers Association.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 37

USDA reports show that many crops depend heavily on bee pollination such as almonds (100%), apples (90%) and cucumbers (80%). One third of our diet relies to some extent on the nectar of the bees.

The American Beekeeping Federation said, “Each year American farmers and growers continue to feed more people with less land. They produce an abundance of food that is nutritious and safe. Honeybees are very much a part of this modern agriculture success story.”

There are many new fields being studied in the bee world.

Scientists are researching the use of bee stings to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and multiple sclerosis known as Bee Venom Therapy. Pharmacies are trying to manufacture bee honey for injections and engineers are working with the development of RoboBee, an artificial bee. The future of apiary farms is receiving a lot of attention and backyard beekeepers are popping up in neighborhoods across the country.

Ranker says when he was younger, he was afraid to tell people he was a beekeeper because of the flippancy toward the occupation, but now, they announce him when he enters a room.

As Ranker talks about releasing some bees that have found their way into his shop so they can fly home, or how he made a float in a bucket of water so they could cool off and carry water back to the hive, you can see the respect and love he has for each incredible little bee.

In the last decade, the bee disappearance phenomenon, known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), has affected the beekeeping industry both negatively and positively. After the winter that Ranker lost 90% of his business to CCD, he was left with only 100 hives. Many bee farmers have lost devastating amounts of bees since CCD’s discovery. The problem is worldwide and scientists have narrowed the cause down to two areaspesticides and the mite Varroas, “but no one knows for sure,” says Ranker. It was a long, expensive, grueling process to build back his honey houses and Ranker doesn’t think he would have the energy to replace that percentage again. “I’d just keep a couple of hives for myself and enjoy the honey,” says Ranker.

It’s common for him to lose 30%-40% a year to dead hives.

The other side of the CDD affect on the bees is a much brighter one. “There are more backyard beekeepers than a year ago because of all the press,” says Ranker. “Advocates want bee gardens to help replace the missing bees but don’t have the knowledge about what it takes.” He receives calls from locals wanting his advice. Ranker says, “Most people living along the coast already have what they need, such as sea grapes and Brazilian pepper trees.”

38 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

You can check out www.floridabeekeepers.org, www.usda. gov, and www.beeright.com for more information on the Beekeeping industry.

October 2013

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October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 39

Florida

Beekeeping 101

By Robbi Sumner

The Beekeeper There was a man who loved the bees, He always was their friend, He sat around upon their hives, But they stung him in the end. ~ Author Unknown History Honey bees are believed to have first arrived in the American colonies as early as 1622. While it is not known when exactly they were introduced to Florida, historical records indicate that honey bee colonies, both privately and commercially managed, had become fairly common by the late 1800s.

Apiary Inspection in Florida (the term “apiary� refers to a place in which a colony or colonies of bees are kept, like a stand or shed for beehives or a bee house containing a number of beehives) was created by Legislative Act on June 9, 1919, in response to concern over the discovery of disease in a large apiary the

40 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

prior year. The new inspection program was intended to prevent the movement of any other diseased colonies into our state, and continues to require all honey bee colonies in Florida to be registered and subject to inspection.

In October of 1920, the Florida State Beekeepers Association was organized by beekeepers from around the state. According to its website, the mission of the association is “to provide resources for the improvement of beekeeping using proven techniques and procedures in the management of Honeybees and to share this knowledge with everyone interested in the art of beekeeping.” Considered to be the major lobbying force for the state’s beekeeping industry and dedicated to keeping Florida apiculture strong, the association works closely with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Florida Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. There are over two dozen local clubs and associations affiliated with the state association, including four in our area: the Ridge Beekeepers Association, the Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida, the Suncoast Beekeepers Association, and the Treasure Coast Beekeepers Association.

October 2013

Like any industry, beekeeping has faced numerous challenges throughout the years. In the 1980s, both tracheal mites and the Varroa mite caused extensive damage for Florida beekeepers; significantly reducing the states honey production.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 41

42 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

During the 1950s, Africanized honey bees (AHB) were bred and tested in Brazil in an effort to create a honey bee better suited for tropical climates. Before their defensive nature and ability to reproduce in great numbers was well understood, some were accidentally released and spread throughout South and Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. They became well documented in Florida in 2005, and are thought to have entered through our ports. While their individual stings are no more dangerous or toxic, their more aggressive nature has earned them the reputation of “killer bees,” as they are more prone to swarming, are known to chase victims as far as one-quarter mile, and their attacks more frequently result in death of the victim.

The Importance of Bees While most people recognize the sweet deliciousness of honey, many are not aware of its health benefits and medicinal properties. Packed with healthy enzymes and proteins, honey sticks are being consumed not only by kids and coffee drinkers, but athletes as well. Honey also contains anti-bacterial properties and can help heal cuts and burns.

FDACS refers to honey bees as the “Angels of Agriculture”, responsible for the pollination of over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables in the state of Florida. Seventeen million pounds of honey production contribute to the industry’s $13 million annual worth, consistently ranking Florida in the top five nationwide. And that figure does not include the value of the pollination services!

To further highlight the importance of the bee industry, the State Preemption/Apiculture Bill 1197 (a.k.a. “Beekeeper Protection Bill”) gives FDACS exclusive authority to regulate beekeeping, apiaries and their locations, and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof, in an effort to promote and make beekeeping easier for hobbyists. Honey was also included in Florida’s 2011 Cottage Food Legislation which allows individuals to manufacture, sell and store certain types of food products in a unlicensed home kitchen, providing that sales are made directly to consumers and do not exceed $15,000 annually.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry, the presence of standard European honey bees is the first and best deterrent against an area becoming home to Africanized bees. FDACS is taking additional measures to prevent the spread of AHBs by maintaining bait traps throughout the state, conducting research on AHB genetics, and working with other agencies to educate the public about AHBs.

Yet another concern of beekeepers worldwide is that of Colony Collapse Disorder, also known as Fall-Dwindle Disease. This disease became prevalent in the eastern United States during the fall of 2006, with beekeepers reporting the sudden loss of adult bees. Queen and baby bees remain in the hives, but the adults are not returning to provide food, so those remaining collapse or die. It is as if the adults get lost while out foraging and simply never return. Several possible causes continue to be researched including viruses, bacteria, fungi, changing weather conditions and chemical use, but for now CCD remains a mystery.

October 2013

Getting Started The exciting news is that beekeeping is a scalable enterprise, making it accessible for one-to-two hive backyard hobbyists and commercial operations alike. Starter kits that include such

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 43

basic items as an 8-frame box with a smoker, fuel, veil, gloves, hive tool and instruction book can be found at local suppliers or purchased online for just over $200. A strong, well managed hive can produce 30-40 pounds of honey in a good season, according to beekeeper Tabitha Shafer, so plan to share your honey with friends and family!

Those interested in learning more about beekeeping should contact their local Extension Service and consider attending Bee College, the next to be held March 7th and 8th in St. Augustine. Bee College is open to anyone interested in honey bees and includes live hive demonstrations, hands-on workshops, vendors, and expert guest speakers. Topics range from Beginner to Advanced, and there are also craft classes like candle making and wax painting.

Bee College offers specialty training courses for Emergency First Responders, beekeepers, teachers, agricultural professionals, Pest Control Operators and similar professions. There’s even a Junior Bee College for kids ages 6 to 16 that Saturday.

For those who are more advanced in beekeeping, the University of Florida offers a Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) which is a five year beekeeper training and certification process. The program offers four levels of training and advancement: Apprentice Beekeeper, Advanced Beekeeper, Master Beekeeper and Master Craftsman Beekeeper. All ranks take a minimum of one full year to complete with the exception of Master Level, which takes two years. All students enter the program at the Apprentice level and no one is permitted to skip levels. Events are held bi-annually, with the next training and examination scheduled for October 31st in Chipley and the spring training scheduled for March 6th in St. Augustine.

So whether you’re interested in starting your own hive, increasing your existing bee operation, or you simply appreciate the honey bee for its contribution to the agriculture, culinary, and health industries, I leave you with this:

“Eat honey, my child, for it is good.”

~ Proverbs 24:13

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October 2013

Gardening Symposium

for Charlotte County A one-day gardening symposium will be held on Saturday, October 26th from 9:00 to 2:30. This program is sponsored

by UF/IFAS Charlotte County Extension’s Master Gardeners.

Six workshops are being offered during three sessions. Each will be taught by a Master Gardener or a local expert. Classes include; Social Media for Gardeners, Amaryllis - An oldie but goodie, Enduring Container Gardening, Shades of Green – Lawns, Thrifty Gardeners Propagation, Palm Reader -insight on the unanswered palm question. Each session will last for an hour and fifteen minutes allowing time for questions.

The focus is on practical information that can be put to use immediately in the homeowners back yard.

Florida Master Gardeners are University of Florida-trained volunteer teachers. Master Gardeners educate and provide research-based information to Floridians about gardening -- America’s most popular pastime. Their information about planning and maintaining urban, suburban, and rural landscapes always emphasizes environmental stewardship.

The program costs $20.00 and includes lunch. It will be held at the Environmental Campus at 25550 Harbor View Road in Port Charlotte. Pre-registration by October 16th is required.

For more information visit the website at charlotte.ifas.ufl. edu or contact them by phone at (941) 764-4340.

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 45

“From the Heart of the Hive” Cantu Apiaries and Their Peace River Bees

By Kathy Gregg

C

antu Apiaries is a commercial beekeeping operation located in the heart of the Peace River Valley in Hardee County. This family-owned and operated business was started in 1979 by Steve and Leslie Cantu. Also involved in the daily operations is their son Luke, and even grandsons Dawson and Cameron occasionally don their bee suits to lend a helping hand.

Several hours on the farm was an educational experience way beyond anything that could have been expected. This unbelievable little creature, the Apis Mellifera (or honey bee), survives in it’s own societal structure. There is the queen bee, the drones (the males of the species, whose only job is to fertilize the queen bees), and the worker bees (the smaller females). When viewing a group of honey bees on a tray, the Queen Bee is noticeably larger in size.

A bee travels often more than 3 miles in search of flowers from which to extract pollen. They came back to the hives carrying orange, white and yellow pollen wrapped around their legs, which they promptly rushed into the hive to deposit in the honeycombs. This nectar contains approximately 90% water, which must be reduced to around 18% and this is accomplished by the worker bees vibrating their wings for endless hours

46 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

until it turns into the consistency of honey. So much work is involved that a worker bee, in her entire life of 5 weeks, can hardly make more than a teaspoon of honey. The combined flights of thousands of bees add up to 7 million miles, or 300 times around the Earth, to produce just one pound of honey.

When the honey is ripened, the honeycomb trays are removed from the hive, where an uncapper removes the outer layers of wax. The next step is the extractor, where through centrifugal action, the honey is slung off the comb, and pumped into a big tank. It is then stored in 55-gallon drums.

October 2013

2,000 eggs in a single day (a total of more than twice her own weight).

Many people do not realize that honey bees are nature’s pollinators, for crops such as squash, cucumbers, watermelons, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkins, apples, cherries, and cantaloupes, to name a few. The Cantus have transported their bees, hives and all, to Michigan, Maine and California to pollinate crops. California is where they take their bees to pollinate almonds, kind of like a working vacation! Even the quality of hay is affected by honey bees, as clover and other grasses need to be pollinated to replenish the crop year after year.

In the beginning stage, all of the eggs are identical. The worker bees feed them Royal Jelly for the first three days after hatching. From the fourth day on, only the special larvae selected to become the Queen continues to be fed with Royal Jelly throughout her entire life, while the worker bees’ diet thereafter consists of regular honey and pollen. Considering that Queen Bees can live for five years, one can say that Royal Jelly truly is a miracle food!

The Cantus even “grow” their own Queens, thereby being able to choose the traits that they desire. While demonstrating the process, Steve explained that they use a special tool to remove an egg and place it into a plastic cup which emulates the queen cell. Several such cells are placed on a wooden bar, and then put into the hive, where the worker bees produce wax to build the queen cells, called “pulling”. Eleven days later the Queen emerges by chewing her way out, and she continues to be fed Royal Jelly.

Early on in her life, the Queen will go on several mating flights, in which she will mate with 15-16 different drones, keeping the genetics of the hive healthy. During her lifetime, she will be the mother of a quarter of a million bees, and can lay over

October 2013

While the Cantus have sold their products online for years (on their website at www.peaceriverbees.com), they have recently opened a shop on the premises located at 784 Steve Roberts Special in the town of Zolfo Springs. Here one can browse through the honeys, sampling the varieties (including the world-famous Tupelo honey, made from the white gum trees growing in the Appalachicola River basin in the Florida Panhandle and South Georgia), the botanical skin-care products, Apitherapy products (such as pollen, Royal Jelly, apitoxin and propolis), and everything bee-related. They will even make up a basket for any occasion, or for that special person on your gift list. And they have recently added an “observation hive” – a real working hive between panes of glass, with the bees coming and going through a hole in the outside wall.

So come on down to Zolfo Springs and see what the Peace River Bees have to offer. And as the Cantus say – “Our mission is to provide you with the purest, all natural products for a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. Pure and Simple. So BEE BLESSED.” Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 47

Better Yields, Better Quality, Safer for the Environment Available through Jim Dorman of Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc. (813) 601-2540

www.agroliquid.com FL-Ad.indd 1

48 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM

October 2013

AG LAND FOR SALE

ORANGE GROVE 128± Acres COLLIER COUNTY Immokalee

ORANGE GROVE 143± Acres HENDRY COUNTY Felda

114 Acres HENDRY COUNTY 465 Country Road 830A, Felda

Zoned AG, 113+ Acres Hamlin Orange grove, 19,699 trees, 2 submersible pumps & other pumps included. Call For Pricing

Zoned AG, 100+ acres of Valencia Orange grove, 12,384 trees, 3 submersible pumpsother pumps included. Call For Pricing

ORANGE GROVE 168± Acres HENDRY COUNTY Immokalee

31.78 Acres HENDRY COUNTY 388 County Road 830A, Felda

117 Acres COLLIER COUNTY 5980 SR 29, Immokalee

377 Acres COLLIER COUNTY 6130 Pringle Lane, Immokalee

781 Acres LEE COUNTY 12500 Green Meadow Road, Fort Myers

Zoning General AG, located 1 mile north of the Collier/Hendry Co. line, in the northeast quandrant of SR 29 & CR 830A. ASKING: $9,000/Acre

The information contained herein was obtained from sources believed reliable, however, Lee & Associates makes no guarantees, warranties or representations as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The presentation of this property is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price or conditions prior to sale or lease or withdrawal without notice.

Previous crops included:Cantelope, watermellons, peppers, 6” well - electric motor, throw out pump - diesel motor.

ASKING: $877,500

For More Information Please Contact:

Zoned A-2, 118+ acres Valencia Orange trees, 14,722 trees, well, pole barn, trailers & 1 electric throw pump. Call For Pricing

4 Individual parcels, buy all or individual parcels. All lots are sloped laser leveled and are currently farmed.

ASKING: $3,398,940

October 2013

Located 8.4 miles east of I-75, large farm operation.

CALL FOR PRICING

Chuck Smith, CCIM

Carlos Acosta

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President

T: 239.826.3337 csmith@ccim.net

SOLD!

Located just south of LaBelle. Property includes 2 bed/1 bath home plus mobile home. Currently farmed.

Se Habla Español

T: 239.823.0115

cacosta@lee-associates.com

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 49

A glimpse inside the store.

Sweetest Shop

The In Town

By Cindy Cutright

I’m positive I am not the only resident of LaBelle that refers to the Harold P. Curtis Honey Company located on North Bridge Street as simply ‘the Honey Store’. Established in 1954, the company not only sells honey, but harvests and bottles it as well. In fact, the only honey sold in the store is that which is harvested from hives the company owns and maintains.

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the store, one can find an observation hive. The protective glass allows visitors to safely enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of an active beehive, something few people other than beekeepers are able to experience.

While the observation hive is a point of interest in the store, it is the working hives themselves that produce the honey.

A working hive consists of several levels. The top layers are called the Honey Supers and this is where the honey that is harvested can be found. The second layer is the Feed Super and is left intact as a food source for the working bees. The Brood Chamber occupies the bottom.

Just behind the front room, which serves as the store front, is where worker bees of a different specie come into play. It is

50 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

here that the honeycomb is extricated from the honey super on a machine called an uncapper. It is then placed into a melter where the honey and the wax separate. The honey (which is heavier) goes to the bottom and the wax goes to the top. The next machine used in the process employs centrifugal force to further separate the honey which is then pumped into a storage vat. The finished product is moved into tanks from which the honey is finally bottled.

Rene’ Pratt, shopkeeper as well as beekeeper extraordinaire, oversees the operation with her brother, Cale, from hive placement in fields and groves through product placement in the store. She is quick to remind visitors that the honey itself, considered nature’s most perfect food, is a by-product of the vital work provided by bees as they pollinate a host of trees and plants. The wax, another by-product of this October 2013

The company, a true family business in every sense of the word, has some 300 hives strategically positioned throughout the area at different times of the year providing five distinct varieties of honey. The unique flavor of each is directly linked to the area from which the nectar is gathered.

1.

Wildflower Honey is harvested in the fall from September to November. The hives are collected from Port LaBelle, Immokalee and Naples. During those four months, bees are busy pollenating a variety of trees: willow, oak, Brazilian Pepper and Spanish Needle.

3.

Saw Palmetto Honey is harvested from April through the end of May as the bees pollinate the palmetto berries. Hives during this time period are moved north of the Caloosahatchee River to Muse and up Route 78.

2.

Rene’ Pratt demonstrates how the uncapper works.

essential process, is used in the creation of beeswax candles that can also be purchased in the store.

As docile as most honeybees are, an occasional bee sting is an occupational hazard. “They don’t sting you on purpose,” Rene’ remarked. “Honey bees are not aggressive bees. We requeen ours and keep them gentle. But now that we have some that have been Africanized we wear a veil more than we used to.” On the introduction of the African Bee DNA into the mix, Rene’ said, “It is a good thing in my opinion. They are working well for the industry. Our European stock got sickly while the Africanized (bees) hardly get anything and they make so much more honey.”

Nancy Curtis fills honey containers.

October 2013

Orange Blossom Honey is derived from hives as bees pollinate the citrus groves located in LaBelle, Clewiston, Fort Myers and Immokalee from February through the first of April.

4. Sea Grape Honey is also harvested through April and May

from hives located on Sanibel Island. While there, the

bees pollinate sea grapes, which are protected.

5. Black Mangrove Honey is also harvested from hives

placed on Sanibel Island during the months of July and

August.

People from all over the world have visited the quaint store in LaBelle. How many countries has the honey been shipped to?

No one really knows. But most recently a minister stopped in to purchase honey that would ultimately be sent back to his home in Africa. Nothing unusual about that, just another day at the Harold P. Curtis Honey Company (aka the Honey Store).

Visit www.curtishoney.com for more information.

The Observation Hive

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 51

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Popcorn Steak Bites Total Recipe Time: 35 to 45 minutes Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 1 pound beef Cubed Steaks, cut 1/2 inch thick 6 cups ridged potato chips (any flavor) 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon pepper 2 large eggs, slightly beaten

Dipping Sauces: Ranch or Thousand Island dressing Mustard Ketchup Barbecue Sauce

Instructions: Cut beef steaks into 1X1-inch pieces; set aside.

Place chips in bowl of food processor. Cover; pulse on and off to form fine crumbs.Combine pepper and flour in a shallow bowl.

Upcoming Dates:

Place crushed chips and eggs into two additional shallow bowls. Dip steak pieces in flour, then into egg, then into crushed chips, turning to coat all sides and pressing chips onto steak pieces.

October 10-13

Southern Women’s Show, Orlando

December 5-6

Spray rack of broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place beef bites on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 6 inches from heat. Broil 8 to 10 minutes or until 160°F. Serve immediately with dipping sauces, as desired.

Test Kitchen Tips

To crush chips with rolling pin, place chips in large food-safe resealable plastic bag. Close bag securely, leaving one inch opening. Finely crush chips in bag with rolling pin. Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed beef. Cubed steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of cubed steak doneness.

January 11

Can You Out Shoot a CattleWoman Fun Shoot, Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee For more information, contact Wendy Petteway 863-781-3986

December Quarterly, Indian River State College Williamson Conference Center Lodging is at the Hampton Inn in Okeechobee.

For more information, visit www.floridacattlemen.org

52 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

BUY 6, GET 6 Buy any 6 regular donuts and get 6 for

FREE Good through October 31, 2013.

3504 US Hwy 27 S Sebring, FL 33870

October 2013

Open 24/7 • Gasoline and Diesel Trucks Welcome

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 53

By Tiffany Dale

The Mosaic Company Takes Global Action on a Local Crisis As emcee Keith Cate, WFLA News Channel 8 Anchor, took the stage at Mosaic’s Hunger Relief Forum, over 100 attendees enjoyed a light brunch. Cate began informing the audience that one in six people in Florida do not have enough food to eat. Furthermore, each day over 870 million people worldwide do not know where they will get their next meal. The Mosaic Company recognizes this crisis and held a Hunger Relief Forum to bring the issue to the attention of many.

Hosted by The Mosaic Company in late July, the Hunger Relief forum united community leaders and organizations such as National Geographic, Feeding America Tampa Bay, Florida Association of Food Banks and the University of Florida as well as many of Mosaic’s own team to discuss the chronic issue of world hunger.

Bo Davis, Senior Vice President of Phosphate Operations introduced the hunger forum indicating that population growth is increasing at a rapid rate of 75 million people per year; therefore, food production must also increase to meet the

54 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

growing population. “Every night a child goes to bed hungry,” said Davis. He continued, emphasizing that the numbers say it all. Approximately 700,000 people in west central Florida do not have a secure source of food, and 200,000 of the 700,000 are children. According to Davis, 50 million people worldwide experience food insecurity and 45 percent of deaths worldwide can be attributed to hunger. Mosaic is working diligently locally and globally to uncover solutions.

According to Davis, with a population growth at such a rapid pace, existing agricultural land is necessary for food production. Last year, 200 million acres across the globe were lost to development, yet there has been a 160 percent increase in crop yields since 1960. Higher yields on less land are a result of science and technology used by Mosaic to fulfill its mission to help to world grow the food it needs.

There are many contributing factors to this issue according to keynote speaker John Stanmeyer, renowned National Geographic photojournalist. Stanmeyer provided attendees global insight through his photos explaining famine, hunger and agricultural production. A once fashion photographer in Italy was sparked with curiosity as he learned of food deserts and the hunger crisis here in America. After visiting seven different countries and numerous villages stricken with death, he states, “there needs to be balance. It hit me like a ton of bricks, my goodness, there is a global phenomenon of rising food prices.”

October 2013

Meanwhile in Ethiopia, “it is transforming into a unique and powerful part of Africa,” said Stanmeyer. Commodity prices are rising and businesspeople cannot afford to operate their stores. He described images of bones scattered everywhere.

Weather is a major contributor to the famine in Ethiopia due to lack of sufficient rainfall in decades. “You know it’s bad when the camels are dying. You know it’s hard on the people,” said Stanmeyer. A once nomadic population, no longer has the strength to travel to find food and shelter, he explained.

“We are at 7 billion fellow human beings and will be at 9 billion in less than 40 years. How are we going to do this,” Stanmeyer said. He stressed that in order to address the hunger crisis, it will take global and intense research.

After traveling to over seven countries including the United States, Stanmeyer noticed several underlying issues and factors. In the Philippines where over 2 billion people survive on two dollars a day, Stanmeyer witnessed a movement of people returning to farming to be able to afford their food.

In India, he learned pesticides have contaminated the entire water table due to lack of education of application methods.

During his travels to Brazil, a country who strives to be the breadbasket according to Stanmeyer, he witnessed illegal burning of the Amazon to create agricultural farmland.

“Pristine rainforest at the base of the Amazon and is nothing but ablaze,” said Stanmeyer, “we need progress, I get it. We need trees, the Amazon, but we need food.”

During his visit to China, Stanmeyer describes the country as an economic explosion. According to Stanmeyer, it is reflected in economics that when income rises, so does meat consumption. Stanmeyer witnessed an almost complete meat consuming society in China with an 80 percent market growth due to economic growth. He explained that years ago China was primarily a fish, vegetable and grain market. Toy factory workers are now pig farmers, and there are numerous warehouses in the cities for the sole purpose of storing imported soybeans used for animal feed. Meat production occurs 24 hours a day at China processing plants, Stanmeyer explained.

As China continues to thrive economically, Stanmeyer also saw poverty, death and famine in countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stanmeyer explained the crises through descriptions of women begging to collect every last grain of rice off of the ground and bread kiosks at the base of the pyramids in Egypt where local people would fight for bread at three cents a loaf.

October 2013

Additionally, Stanmeyer explored agricultural production in the United States. After visiting a third generation family farm with 10,000 acres of soybeans the economics were clear. Stanmeyer explained that the family was plowing and harvesting well into the night because there is such demand for their product. The soybeans were being used for fuel from this operation. “We need alternative fuels, but when food diverts from our stomach, food prices rise,” stated Stanmeyer as he explained the economic trickle-down effect.

Overall, Stanmeyer reminded the audience at the forum that many factors such as weather, fertilizer, economics, and government all play critical roles in the hunger phenomenon.

“These events happen all over the planet, not just in our backyard,” said Stanmeyer. While many are reverting to farming for various reasons globally, we would not be where we are today without fertilizer, research and science. He concluded by saying, “whatever you do, there must be balance.”

Following Stanmeyer’s presentation, a panel discussion provided attendees with an opportunity to ask questions of hunger-relief professionals.

The event concluded with the Mosaic Company’s presentation of $10,000 individual donations to 12 local food banks, totaling approximately $120,000 in donations. According to Mark Kaplan, Vice President of Public Affairs, The Mosaic Company knows the value of relationships locally and globally to defeat the hunger crisis. These donations combined with the Mosaic Company efforts through continued production of fertilizer and providing solutions to produce the food the world needs, serves as a foundation for a balance in the future of a population projected to be at 9 billion by 2050.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 55

Honey?...Yes dear!

By Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D. C. Contribution by Beckie Halaska Dr. D, Keatley Waldron, D.C. of Waldron Chiropractic Health Center-Sebring is board certified and committed to providing his patients with only the highest quality care. He has a heart and passion for this community that has been his home for most of his life. Dr. Waldron has been in practice for over 22 years and applies an educational approach to his natural healing techniques. His philosophy is, an ounce of prevention is worth...everything!

Honey is sweet and delicious, a gracious gift of nature on the backs of our hard working honeybees.

Florida is one of the top two honey producers in the nation, about 30 to 40 million pounds per year.

Our forefathers knew of the health benefits from consuming honey. Apiculture, the practice of beekeeping to produce honey, dates back to at least 700 BC., but I will venture to say, the depth and breadth of honey’s health value will surprise you.

Honey is such an excellent sugar substitute. Honey sweetens our tea, goes great with peanut butter on bread. What you may not know is that honey in its raw state is a diverse and effective antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal.

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine conducted a study of children with coughs, asking parents to give honey, honey flavored (DM) or no treatment at night. Researchers found significant improvements were seen in the honey supplemented children compared with the other groups. (The study did not test children under two and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a total avoidance of honey by children 1 year and younger for lowering of infantile botulism from the presence of Clostridium botulism bacteria in the honey). I often recommend (and take myself) honey plus lemon with a dash of sea salt; this also works great for nighttime coughs.

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There is a theory for allergy sufferers that comes with stern warnings as well. Consuming raw honey, not pasteurized, exposes the consumer to traces of the pollen that would otherwise cause allergy issues, desensitizing them. The North Dallas Honey Company says “a daily tablespoon of honey can actually act like an allergy shot”.

Honey has been found to be helpful in lowering blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides and increase HDL (good cholesterol) compared to sugar or dextrose.

Burns or infections? Try applying raw honey to reduce redness and swelling as well as reducing healing time from bacterial infection.

Honey acts as a sort of barrier, allowing the wound to heal by not allowing bacteria to get to the wound itself. Honey has also been proven effective in treating infective pink eye (conjunctivitis), decreasing healing time, swelling and pus discharge.

Athletes have used honey dating back to the beginning of Olympics. Honey helps with energy, keeps blood sugar at optimal levels and allows injuries to heal quicker.

Though honey comes in a huge variety, orange blossom honey, of course, is our favorite! It has a light citrus aroma and taste and the color is white to pale amber. Try some today for better health.

The addition of honey for supplemental purposes should be taken with care. If you have any questions, please call us to discuss the nutritional value and intended purposes.

October 2013

Cattlemen’s Livestock Market 3305 Hwy 92 E • Lakeland, FL 33801

Weekly Beef Sale:

Tuesday 12:00 Noon Pairs and all Vet checked cattle will be sold at 3pm

Cattle Receiving Schedule:

Mondays: 8am-9pm April thru October 8am-8pm November thru March Tuesdays: 7am- End of Sale For Competitive Prices, Let Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market handle your Livestock Merchandising

Special Sales:

Replacement Heifer Sales, Direct Sales, Video Sales, All Breed Bull Sales, On Site Dispersal Sales (Includes Dairy, Beef and Equipment)

Watch our sales online at LMAAuctions.com Superior Livestock Representative

Dave or Mike Tomkow

Dave Cell (863) 559-3266 or Mike Cell (863) 559-5091 Office (863) 665-5088 or Home (352) 523-2081

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 57

Sebring’s

Rafter T Ranch Recognized By Darden Restaurants

Charles Lee of Audubon Florida presents the Sustainable Rancher of the Year Award to Rafter T Ranch.

Pictured (L to R): Brandon Tidwell, Darden Restaurants; Eric Draper, Audubon Florida; Bob Mayworth, Rafter T Ranch; Casey Wohl, Rafter T Ranch; and Charles Lee, Audubon Florida.

On Aug. 20, Darden Restaurants hosted a luncheon program with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Florida Audubon to discuss the environmental sustainability of the Florida cattle industry. During the event, representatives Bob Mayworth and Casey Wohl of Sebring’s Rafter T Ranch were recognized as the ranch received Audubon Florida’s 2013 “Sustainable Rancher Award.”

Audubon and Darden Restaurants are recognizing ranchers who take noteworthy actions to help restore the Northern Everglades. Rafter T Ranch has been a leader in the efforts to store and clean water on ranchlands in the Northern Everglades. Audubon produced a short video promoting water storage and water quality projects undertaken by ranchers, which features Rafter T Ranch. This video can be seen at: https://vimeo.com/61143683. The video, as well as Audubon’s efforts in the Northern Everglades, is supported in part by a grant from Darden Restaurants Foundation.

“Jimmy Wohl and Rafter T Ranch are setting the standard for ranchland stewardship in the Northern Everglades. We at Audubon believe that innovative water management projects undertaken by ranchers and ranchland preservation are the key to restoration of ecosystems north of Lake Okeechobee,” said Eric Draper, executive director of Florida Audubon.

Wohl has exemplified stewardship on lands in the Northern Everglades. Through the Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project (FRESP) and the Northern Everglades Payment for Environmental Services (NE-PES) Program, Wohl has installed improvements on Rafter T Ranch to store and clean water before it runs into the watershed to

58 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Arbuckle Creek. His work shows how ranchers can make simple adjustments on working landscapes to maximize benefits for the environment.

The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House. Through subsidiaries, Darden owns and operates more than 2,100 restaurants, employs more than 200,000 people and serves more than 425 million meals a year. For more information about Darden Restaurants, visit www.

Darden.com.

Owned by the Wohl Family, the 5,200-acre Rafter T Ranch is located in Sebring, FL and has received numerous awards including Environmental Stewardship Awards from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) and the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS). During the award year, members of the Wohl family represented the U.S. cattle industry in meetings with the New York Time, Time, Life, Newsweek, United Press International and the National Audubon Society to discuss environmental stewardship practices and land management in Florida. The ranch has been featured on FOX News, PBS, Daytime TV Show and in the Palm Beach Post for its environmental stewardship practices.

For information about Rafter T Ranch, visit www.

RafterTRanch.com. For information about Audubon Florida, visit www.AudubonOfFlorida.org.

October 2013

OKEECHOBEE LIVESTOCK MARKET Weekly Sales: Monday 12:00pm Tuesday 11:00am

Upcoming Special Sales: Oct 4th: OLM Bred Heifer Sale Oct 11th: OLM - “44 FARMS” Angus Bull Sale Oct 18th: OLM - “Little Creek Farms” Brangus Bull Sale Dec 23rd: OLM Slaughter Cow & Bull Sale Dec 30th - NFLM - Slaughter Cow & Bull Sale (North Florida Livestock Market - Lake City, FL )

www.OkeechobeeLivestockMarket.com

1055 Hwy 98 North - Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 763-3127 - Email: LivestockMarket@centurylink.net

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 59

Ranch Rodeo Shoot-Out:

A Big Success!

Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

This year, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association teamed up for a twoweekend ranch rodeo shoot-out, and it was a huge success!

There were a total of 22 teams competing at both the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena at Brighton, and the Cattlemen’s Arena in Okeechobee (which saw their return to this classic outdoor arena so rich in rodeo history). With a payout of $10,000 for first place, as well as $500 for each event each weekend and for Labor Day’s top 10 teams, that is why they call it Moolah Monday!

On the muggy evenings of August 23 and 24, 11 different teams each night showed up at Brighton to compete in the events of bronc riding, branding, double muggin’/team tying, team sorting, and wild cow decorating.

The opening event was bronc riding. Zach Adams’ ride on Friday night (of the Adams Ranch team) was just plain awesome, resulting in the ultimate high score (of both weekends) of 78. Congratulations, Zach, that is a ride to be remembered!

The other four events all involved cattle, and they were tough to compete against! There were only 6 teams receiving scores in the roping and branding, with Trinity Ranch (made up of

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Clint and Dalton Boney, Heath Crum, Frankie Chesler and Dana Jo McFarland) taking home the $500 for their time of 40 seconds flat.

The next event was the double muggin’/team tying. As usual, this one did not disappoint the spectators, with teammates being dragged, stepped on, and even crushed underneath the steer, as the teams had to rope, mug, and then tie these large bovines. The Grace Ag team of Matt Davis, Bobby Lines, Clint Davis (who had trouble staying upright on his horse!), Brad Moss, and Sage Adams took home that prize money with a time of 40.6 seconds. Thankfully, these cowboys have Sage to rely on for both roping and mugging!

The team sorting was up next, with the ladies shining right along with the cowboys, as it is the equine athletes that take the stage. And they are a thing of beauty to watch, as they cut the proper calf from the herd, and head it across the line. And what a fitting team to win at Brighton – the First American team of Alex Johns, Kyle Murphy, Joe Chobey, GW, and Katie Thomas, with a time of 40.4 seconds.

October 2013

The final event was the wild cow decorating, ranking right up there with the double muggin’ for it’s wild and crazy action! Watching them get the rope off the cow was often as entertaining as the mugging and ribbon tying part! And when the dust had settled, it was the Lazy JB Ranch team of Buck Lee, Allen Lanier, Shane Perkins, and husband and wife Dusty “Sowbelly” and Whitney Savoie, who took home their first (of several) event wins with a time of 24.1 seconds.

The following weekend was Labor Day Weekend, and saw the action move to the Cattlemen’s Arena in Okeechobee.

This was three days of daytime action, with Mother Nature being kind, only raining on part of Monday’s events. Todd Clemons, President of the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association, spoke each day, and on Labor Day Monday, a special presentation was made to long-time cattleman (and former rodeo star) Pete Clemons for his induction into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame (the first cowboy to receive such recognition).

Now, Okeechobee is big when it comes to it’s rodeos, so they have an entire cadre of rodeo queens, including Kelly Steinruck (a former Miss Teen Rodeo Florida) as the current Miss Rodeo Okeechobee, Jessica Burkhalter as Miss Teen Rodeo Okeechobee, and Courtney McCreary as Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Princess. Also assisting with sponsor flags were Jenna Wolf, the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, and Sierra Coward, Miss Teen Rodeo Florida.

The action started right up with the bronc riding. The Adams Ranch did it again, this time with rider Tommy Rogers bringing in the top score of 76.

Next up was the team branding event. Saturday saw only one qualified time, and Sunday was another three, so it was the Lazy J Cattle team (made up of CJ Carter, Ty and David Bennett, Jarrett Griffin, and Kenzie Green) that took home the $500 event prize with a time of 35.1 seconds.

October 2013

The double muggin’/team tying event was won by a wellknown Okeechobee name – Fulford Cattle, with teammates Bobby Joe and Cole Fulford, Sam Clemons, Preston Stokes, and Roxanne Murphy with a time of 33.4 seconds.

The team sorting event was the second win for Lazy JB Ranch.

They zipped the teammates in and out so quickly, that they sorted their three calves out in 40 seconds flat. Last up was the wild cow decorating and the Lazy JB Ranch team continued their winning streak, completing this event in an awesome time of 29.7 seconds.

The top 10 teams returned on Labor Day Monday for the big prize money, and they were Lazy JB Ranch, Fulford Cattle, Trinity Ranch, M&N Cattle, Stevens Land & Cattle, Stuart Cattle, Adams Ranch, Grace Ag, Harvey Ranch and M&H Cattle.

That day’s winners were Tommy Rogers of the Adams Ranch and CJ Carter (stepping in for injured bronc rider Heath Crum) of Trinity Ranch with a score of 75 in the bronc riding (but let’s give credit to Matt Davis of Grace Ag for a full 8-second ride!), M&N Cattle with a time of 30-some seconds in the team branding (consisting of husband and wife Clay and Christy Newsome, Brandon Dieter, Chance Wright and Matt Smith), Stevens Land & Cattle with a time of 43.4 seconds in the double muggin’/team tying, Harvey Ranch with a time of 45.3 seconds in the team sorting, and (once again!) Lazy JB Ranch with a time of 28 seconds flat in the wild cow decorating event.

Which left the big money winners to be Lazy JB Ranch in first place, Fulford Cattle in second (winning $7,500), Grace Ag in third (winning $5,000), and M&N Cattle in fourth place (winning $2,500). Andrew Bowers of the Seminole Tribe presented the Lazy JB teammates with handmade Seminole jackets, as a special reward for a special win!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 61

By Robbi Sumner

Florida Cattlemen’s Association President

Wes Williamson

I’ve always loved cattle. It’s been my passion ever since I can remember, riding the ranch with my father and grandfather, shares Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Wes Williamson.

It’s this deep passion for agriculture that has allowed the Williamson family to grow their Okeechobee cattle operation into a diversified interest that now reaches to Alabama and Texas, and includes raising high-quality commercial Brangus cattle, growing oranges and grapefruit, farming catfish, and running a deer and quail hunting operation.

On a daily basis, Wes works side-by-side with his father Sonny, son John and daughter Heather, to stay abreast of the many responsibilities involved in production agriculture.

I recently caught up with him, in between trips from shipping cattle at their Texas ranch and his attendance at the Cattlemen’s Fall Quarterly meeting held in Temple Terrace September 12th and 13th.

In discussing various issues that impact the beef industry, Wes pointed out that a new State Beef Check-Off program is being developed, with the bill expected to be introduced to the Legislature soon, and then be voted on during the spring session. Since the 1980s, cattle producers have paid a $1 per head assessment on each cow sold, to fund the Federal Beef Check-Off program. Those funds are split 50/50 between Federal and State programs in order to fund research and promotion that benefits the beef industry. If the bill is approved, this new program will provide an additional producer-paid $1 per head to fund efforts solely within the state of Florida. According to Wes, he has heard very little opposition to the proposal, as cattlemen recognize the value of the Check-Off program.

Animal identification and traceability is another hot topic among ranchers. Several Animal Identification Rule Development workshops have been held throughout the state, including one that was held at the FCA Convention in June. The goal is for all cattle aged 18 months and older to have a tattoo, ear tag, or electronic chip that uniquely identifies the animal, its owner, and its origin. While the

62 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

concept may seem simple, implementation requires a great deal of planning due to its potential impact on the overall cattle industry.

In addition to the knowledge he has gained as a life-long cattleman, Wes spent the past seven years as a member of the FCA Executive Committee serving in a number of capacities including Chairman of the Environmental, Private Lands Management Committee, as well as Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President of the organization. “This process is something that makes FCA unique, in that you have a lot of preparation for your year as President,” says Wes. He worked with and continues to collaborate closely with Woody Larson, last year’s FCA President, as well as Henry Kempfer, the current President-Elect. “All Past Presidents are lifetime voting members of the Board and provide a source of invaluable knowledge to the organization. And of course, Jim Handley (FCA Executive Vice President) is also a tremendous resource,” he adds. “The Florida Cattlemen’s Association is a grass roots organization, and I look forward to staying in touch with the members by attending County meetings and listening to any issues that members might have.”

Wes encourages cattlemen to “tell their story” so that those who are not involved personally, but who certainly benefit from the end product, can have a better understanding of the history and importance of the beef cattle industry in Florida. That includes many traditions and values based on the importance of family and stewardship of the land. Wes and his wife Darin have six grandchildren who are a large part of his driving force. “I hope to not just maintain, but also continue to grow what we have. Hopefully one day my great-grandkids will sit here and enjoy the land as I have.

God has blessed us in so many ways. As stewards of the land, I just hope he’s pleased with how we’ve taken care of it,” he states modestly.

October 2013

SAFE FOOD STARTS WITH SAFE FEED Mosaic Feed Ingredients With Mosaic Feed Ingredients, you know what your animals are getting and where it comes from. You get a consistent, reliable supply. Safe, traceable, high quality product. And the backing of a sustainable, innovative U.S.-based company. Let’s make safety start at the beginning of the food chain.

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Feed Ingredients

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 63

MOS215 - Feed Division Ad_In The Field Magazine

Meet Alex Fells of Newton Crouch, Inc.

Sebring native Alex Fells joined the Newton Crouch, Inc. team August 1st. Since then, he has been busy immersing himself in his new responsibilities as their South Florida Sales Representative. “I am looking forward to working with farmers and ranchers in a growing industry, with a growing company,” he says enthusiastically.

“I’m a 4th generation member of our family that is involved in both citrus and our cow-calf operation. Agriculture is in my blood,” Alex shared. At Sebring High School, he was active in FFA and showed beef cattle at the county fair. He went on to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. When not working, he enjoys spending time hunting, fishing, and playing golf. “All the normal stuff!” he laughs.

Prior to joining Newton Crouch, Inc. (NCI), Alex worked as Production Manager for Natural Ag Solutions, a liquid fertilizer supplier. At NCI, Alex’s territory will cover the area south of, and including, Gainesville, Florida.

64 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

NCI manufactures a wide range of equipment for a large number of specialty crops such as sugar cane, cotton, citrus groves, forestry, tomatoes, wheat and even food plots. They have manufactured over 15,000 units and are the second largest supplier of truck mounted spreaders in the United States. The NCI product line includes a broad range of liquid sprayers and applicators as well as dry fertilizer/lime spreaders. Their equipment can be mounted on a chassis, pull-type, or 3-point hitch.

As technology and agriculture have come together to utilize global positioning and variable rate technology, NCI has been proudly involved in Precision Farming techniques, and strives to remain on the cutting edge of technology in order to help farmers improve their efficiency and bottom line.

In addition to equipment, NCI has a Parts Department which carries over six thousand items specifically for agricultural equipment.

To learn more about Newton Crouch, Inc., contact Alex at the office 863.471.0105 or on his cell phone 863.993.5328.

October 2013

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 65

FFA SPOTLIGHT

FFA Spotlight:

Southeast High FFA

By Robbi Sumner

State Champion Vegetable Judging team

Members of the Southeast High FFA Chapter in Bradenton are enthusiastically carrying on an over 50-year “tradition of success.”

While much of that enthusiasm begins with Agri-Science teacher Mike Buckley, he would argue that his students are the ones who keep him energized.

Now in his “19th ‘first’ year” of teaching, Buckley grew up in Bradenton and earned his Ag Education degree from the University of Florida. “I just knew that I wanted to be an Ag teacher,” he says. His passion for agricultural education has rubbed off on some of his current students, as at least two of them plan on following in his footsteps to become Ag teachers themselves.

When we spoke, Buckley and his officer team were preparing for their first Chapter meeting of the 2013-14 school year. “We’re fortunate to get hold meetings during the school day, and are expecting between 80 and 90 students to attend the meeting,” he shared.

This year’s Southeast High FFA officer team includes President Zach Butler, Vice President Kaylee Betts, Secretary Hunter Horne, Treasurer Brie-Ann Jaworowski, Reporter Alyssa Doss, and Sentinel Casey Harman.

Members stay busy participating in a number of Career Development Events (CDEs) as well as fielding Ag mechanics, aquaculture, food science, forestry, land and vegetable judging teams. In fact, their Land Judging team placed fourth at the state competition and the Vegetable Judging team placed first, with Zach Butler and Kaylee Betts placing first and second individually in Vegetables. Kaylee also enjoys competing in Prepared Public Speaking, something that her parents encouraged her to do as a young 4-H member. She placed second at the Sub-district contest last year and is hoping for a win this year!

Ag students and FFA members utilize property across the street from the school campus where their tractor, mowers, and livestock barn are located. The chapter is currently raising a steer and three heifers to be shown at the County Fair in January. They also have chickens whose fresh eggs are sold to the school’s culinary program. In addition to the educational value of the livestock, caring for the animals also teaches responsibility, as many of the members live in urban areas that don’t allow them to have livestock at home. “We were at the Fair every morning and every night taking care of the Chapter animals last year, but I loved it!” shared Brie-Ann, adding that she will be showing one of the Chapter heifers this year.

Community service also plays a big role in chapter activities. Members enjoy visiting the Oneco Kiwanis Club as guest speakers and helped give the Kiwanis’ building a fresh coat of paint. They also volunteer for the Manatee County Cattlemen, cleaning up the fairgrounds after ranch rodeos. Working with Ballard Elementary’s Adopt-a-Child program gives the high school students the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts and other items for younger children who are less fortunate.

And of course, the students couldn’t do everything on their own.

“We are thankful for the support we receive from the school and the community,” said Mr. Buckley. “Our Principal, Mr. Pauley, is a huge supporter of FFA and Vocational programs, and the Manatee County Farm Bureau led by Gary Reeder offers tremendous support to all FFA and 4-H programs in our area.”

Principal Pauley sharing his support of FFA

Southeast High FFA has earned three Gold Stars, the highest rating given, on their National Chapter Award the past two years. Only Chapters that receive a gold rating by their state FFA associations are eligible to compete for the National Chapter Award, a program that recognizes chapters that successfully complete an annual Program of Activities designed to encourage its members to grow as individuals, to work as part of a team, and to serve others. Casey has been responsible for developing the Chapter’s portfolio and hopes to be able to attend the National convention this year, if funds are available for her travel.

Zach is planning a run for FFA State office in 2014. “I signed up for Ag class as a freshman and have been hooked ever since!” After that, he plans to earn his Ag Education degree and become a teacher himself.

He summed up what Mr. Buckley has known for years: “It’s cool sharing your knowledge and seeing kids learn.”

Standing room only at the first Chapter meeting

Okeechobee County 4-H:

“Get in the Groove!”

T

hat was the theme for the 2012-2013 Okeechobee County 4-H Banquet held Saturday, August 24th at the high school cafeteria.

County Extension Director Debbie Clements served as emcee for the annual event, with help from 4-Hers Shiloh Anuez, Jake Menendez, and Shayla Pendrey.

4-H members were honored for their accomplishments with their projects, as well as recognizing those who excelled in the areas of Achievement, Agriculture, Citizenship, and Leadership. In the past year, 111 new members completed their first project. Over 325 4-Hers in all were recognized for project completion, including two who finished their 11th year. Cole Verano, Jake Menendez, Joseph Fanizzi, Janelle Markham, Ross Laskey, and Makalyn Jones each achieved perfect 100% scores on their record books.

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Jake Menendez and Kevin Hawthorne were selected for the Rudy Suchel Spirit of Volunteerism Award, in memory of the man who dedicated over 18 years as an Okeechobee 4-H volunteer.

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed a delicious barbeque dinner and the opportunity to win a multitude of items in the Chinese auction.

In closing, Mrs. Clements announced that the Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee County had been named as recipient of the Okeechobee County Friend of 4-H Award, the highest award bestowed by the program. Since being approved as an independent taxing authority by voters in November 1990, the Children’s Services Council has been able to fund over 450 programs and serve over 100,000 children. In addition to the multitude of other special events, scholarships, and tutoring, sports, and mentoring programs, the CSC has also supported H2O Encounter (4-H Environmental Education Day Camp), Blast to the Past (History Day Camp), Culinary Capers (Cooking Day Camp), and Just Horsin’ Around (Horse Day Camp) since their inception (which is over 20 years for H2O Camp) in addition to many other special 4-H programs. According to Clements, “They have provided access to opportunities that would have otherwise been unreachable. We realize there is no way we could provide these programs without their generous support.”

Recognition of the support provided by the CSC and how it benefits the entire community is particularly important at this time, as the referendum will again be on the ballots in 2014.

For information on any of the two dozen 4-H clubs offered in Okeechobee County, contact the Extension Office at 863.763.6469.

October 2013

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 69

FFA JOURNAL

The saying is true, “Time flies when you are having fun!” As I venture into my fourth month of service to the Florida FFA Association, I am truly taken back by the immensity of Florida agriculture.

At the end of August, my teammates and I had the opportunity to head to North Florida for a weeklong internship with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Being a resident of the Heartland, I have never had the pleasure to venture into the panhandle to experience that region of Florida’s commodities.

I was quickly submerged in peanut fields and surrounded by rows upon rows of cotton. It was such an experience being able to learn not only about cotton and peanuts but dairy, agricultural policy, beef, aquaculture, food safety, and so much more!

Once we completed our internship, we began preparing for the first state-wide conference of our leadership continuum, Chapter President’s Conference in Daytona Beach. At this two day event, we taught students the true meaning of service and how to properly be an asset to their chapter regardless of the title they have been given. Chapter President’s Conference was attended by almost five hundred members, advisors, and chaperones. I am very proud of how engaged all of the students were throughout the event and I know that all of the chapters are in such good hands this year.

Highlands County Ag-Venture

One of the very exciting moments of every state officer team is determining the state’s theme for the year. The theme is a slogan that is adopted by the state association and the state officer team to advocate the message and brand of the year.

The 2013-2014 Florida FFA Association’s theme is “Living to Serve.” All seven of us on the state officer team have been blessed with servant’s hearts. We all see the importance and necessity to look past yourself and your own selfish needs to improve others around you. To embody this, we figured it would be best to go back to the basics of the FFA and adopt a slogan that is at the end of the FFA motto, “Living to Serve.” Community development is a pillar of the FFA and our state officer team felt it was crucial to remind students of the importance to serve others rather than yourself. Throughout the year, we will be encouraging students to adopt their own service projects to improve their communities and enrich their lives. We are very excited to demonstrate what exactly it means to ‘live to serve.’

Thank you for your interest in the FFA and I hope that you understand supporters from around this state are what have helped make our program nearly 17,000 members strong.

Until Next Time,

Megan Stein

Florida FFA State President

October 29th-31st This year’s Highlands County Ag-Venture will be held October 29th-31st at the Highlands County Fairgrounds. The annual three-day program provides an opportunity for third graders to gain experience, understanding, and appreciation of our local agriculture.

Ag-Venture isn’t just for third graders! The Night Time AgVenture is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, October 29th with a dine-in or take-out steak dinner prepared by the Highlands County Cattlemen. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children and dinner includes steak, fresh corn on the cob, green beans, baked potato, roll, iced tea, and homemade ice cream. Guided tours of the fourteen Ag–Venture stations will be given at 5:00 and 6:00pm, so come on out for an evening of free family entertainment.

For additional information please contact Danielle Daum or Darlene Phypers at (863) 465-2313 or Judy Bronson at (863) 655-0123.

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Hardee County Farm Bureau Hosts Annual Ag Fest The Hardee County Farm Bureau Ag Fest will be on Thursday November 7th held at the Cattleman’s Arena in Wauchula. The Ag Fest hosts the fourth graders for the day, as they go through over 20 hands-on stations to learn about agriculture in the county.

The Hardee County Farm Bureau appreciates all the volunteers that take their time to come and educate these students. The event begins a little after 8am and ends after 1:00 with lunch provided for the students.

If you would like to help, contact the Hardee County Farm Bureau office at 863-773-3117.

October 2013

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 71

On Target

with 4-H Shooting Sports Programs

S

In the Heartland region, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, and Okeechobee Counties all offer 4-H Shooting Sports Programs. Below are the specifics for each county.

• Provide youth proper training in the use of firearms, archery equipment and other areas of the shooting sports.

• Provide thorough instruction in shooting sports safety.

• Develop life skills such as self-confidence, personal discipline, responsibility and sportsmanship.

• Create an appreciation and understanding of natural resources and their wise use.

• Provide volunteer instructors safe and proper instructional techniques.

The Glades County 4-H Shooting Sports Program offers youth a chance to participate in both the Rifle and Archery disciplines. This is the 4th year that Glades County 4-H has offered the Archery program. The club currently practices at least once a month in Moore Haven. The Bullseye Brawlers Rifle Club is enjoying its second year in full swing. The club is led by Jacob Whidden and meets once a month at the Glades County Sheriff’s Range. Both clubs teach safety and

imilar to other 4-H programs, the 4-H Shooting Sports Program should be viewed as a vehicle for achieving youth development. The program teaches young people the safe and responsible use of firearms, principles of archery and hunting basics. Lifelong skill development is one of the main benefits of involvement in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, and it applies to both youth and adults who are involved. Specifically, the 4-H Shooting Sports Program is designed to….

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Charlotte County has Archery as part of the Outdoor Adventure 4-H Club. The club members also do Forestry and Wildlife projects. The club has offered archery for over 15 years and meets monthly. For more information please contact the Charlotte County 4-H office at 941.764.4345 or visit their Facebook site at University of Florida IFAS/ Charlotte County Extension.

October 2013

proper use of equipment. Youth involved in this program are given a chance to show off their skills in local and statewide competitions. For more information please contact the Glades County 4-H Office at 863.946.0244.

The Hendry County 4-H Shooting Sports Program is comprised of air rifle, archery, and shotgun. The club is open to boys and girls ages 8 - 18 as of September 1, 2013. The club meets at the LaBelle Extension office and the Clewiston 4-H office at 3:30pm the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. From there the club travels to the Hendry County Sheriffs Range in Pioneer. For more information please contact 863.674.4092 or 863.983.1598.

The Highlands County 4-H Shooting Sports club is starting its second year. They offer instruction in archery and rifle.

The club meets once a month and holds practices twice month. For more information please contact Chanea Turner at HCSS4H@embarqmail.com or 863. 381.1313.

Lee County 4-H has offered Shooting Sports for three years now. Participants gain experience with air rifles and shotguns, meeting once a month at Camp Miles. To learn more about their program contact Cyndi Widener at 239.694.8901.

The Okeechobee County 4-H Sharpshooters club has been teaching fire arm safety, sportsmanship and ethics since 1995.

The club is open to girls and boys ages 8 to 18. They shoot all disciplines and have found that kids involved in the program continue on to become involved, civic-minded shooting sports enthusiasts and conservation-minded sportsmen.

The increased knowledge, personal safety skills, leadership abilities and self-confidence gained in these beneficial programs have a very positive impact on club members lives as they grow in to adulthood. For more information please call the Okeechobee Extension Office at 863.763.6469.

Glades County 4-H Archery Match Submitted by Tycee Prevatt, Photos by Robbi Sumner

On Saturday, August 24th, Glades County 4-H held their 3rd annual 3D Archery Match. This year over sixty-five 4-Her’s and their families were in attendance, including those from as far away as Liberty County. Results from the Youth event are as follows: Junior (ages 8-10) Unsighted Recurve: • 1st – Joey Gwyn, Martin County • 2nd – Elizabeth Hendrickson, Volusia County Junior (ages 8-10) Unsighted Compound: • 1st - Dylan Cioffi, Martin County • 2nd – Hunter Roberts, Polk County • 3rd – Rieonna Eley, Glades County

October 2013

• 4th - Dalton James, Martin County • 5th – Dustin Sloap, Martin County • 6th - Cassidy Sharp, Polk County • 7th – Alexis Eley, Glades County • 8th – Kimberly Mitchell, Glades County • 9th - Dustin Mixon, Polk County Junior (ages 8-10) Sighted Compound • 1st – Evan Polk, Martin County • 2nd – Shelby Ann Sumner, Okeechobee County • 3rd – Lucas Albritton, Polk County • 4th – Ashile Parham, Orange County • 5th – Garrett Prevatt, Seminole County • 6th – Clay Turner, Seminole County • 7th - Bradley Dray, Martin County • 8th – Collin Ahern, Glades County • 9th - Nicolas Lamb, Martin County • 10th – Weston Smith, Polk County Intermediate (ages 11-13) Unsighted Compound • 1st – Cody Sharp, Polk County • 2nd – Caroline Kleine, Martin County • 3rd – Abby Brown, Polk County • 4th – Jessica Wells, Polk County • 5th - Madison Roberts, Polk County Intermediate (ages 11-13) Sighted Compound • 1st – Raif Prevatt, Glades County • 2nd – Shelby Dray, Martin County • 3rd – Haylee Boorman, Martin County • 4th – Hannah Boorman, Martin County • 5th - Jack Lockett, Martin County • 6th – Riley Albritton, Polk County • 6th – Matt Smith, Glades County • 7th – Megan Hendrickson, Volusia County • 8th – Conner Thomas, Glades County • 9th – Keri Hines, Glades County • 10th – Shane Merian – Okeechobee Senior (ages 14-18) Unsighted Recurve • 1st – Rebekah Lopez, Glades County Senior (ages 14-18) Sighted Compound • 1st – Issac Swinehart, Marion County • 2nd – Flint Walker, Liberty County • 3rd – Allen Abe, Highlands County • 4th - Tanner Boyett, Martin County • 5th - Tanner Mathis, Glades County • 6th – Alex Lincoln, Martin County • 7th - Jason Hall, Martin County • 8th – Jon Price, Martin County • 9th – Seth Patterson, Okeechobee County • 10th – Brandon Prevatt, Seminole County

Glades County 4-H would like to thank all the youth, parents, volunteers, leaders, agents and state supporters that help to make this event possible. A huge thank you goes out to Patty and Allen Register and the ENTIRE Fisheating Creek Outpost Family!!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 73

SMOKEY BEAR PUMPKIN STENCIL

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 74 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

October 2013

Halloween

Wildfire Prevention While you are shopping for that perfect jack-o-lantern, the Florida Forest Service wants to remind you to practice wildfire safety. Candle filled pumpkins can easily ignite the dry brush and turn this family fun tradition into a devastating wildfire nightmare. Jack-o-lanterns can be made safer by using battery-operated candles, instead of wax candles whose flames cannot be controlled. Some types of batteryoperated candles even flicker to simulate the flame’s movement.

If you use a real candle inside the jack-o-lantern, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. Place the lit pumpkin away from dry leaf litter and anything flammable.

As your family carves the Halloween pumpkin, you can relay the heroic wildfire prevention story of Smokey Bear. Smokey Bear’s living history began early in 1950, when a burned cub survived a fire in the Lincoln National Forest near Capitan, New Mexico. This bear survived a terrible forest fire and won the love and imagination of the American public. After being nursed back to health, Smokey came to live at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., as a living counterpart to the national fire prevention symbol. His story is a great reminder that 9 out 10 wildfires are started by people and children of all ages can be reminded to not to play with fire.

“Only you can prevention wildfires,” says Smokey Bear. To learn more about Smokey Bear, visit www.smokeybear.com. His interactive website will show his journey on his National Fire prevention campaign.

Contact your local fire department & law enforcement for Kids Safety Tips for Trick or Treating.

For additional fire prevention tips please contact your local Florida Forest Service office (Desoto 863-993-4647, Manatee 941-751-7627, Charlotte 941-575-5737, Hardee 863-735-1968, Lee 239-690-3500; Okeechobee 863-4625160; Sebring 863-655-6407; Palmdale 863-674-4000).

Please visit our website at www.floridaforestservice.com October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 75

A Series on Florida Literature:

Rex Beach and the Florida Connections

R

By Brady Vogt

ex Beach was an extraordinary fellow and he was an extraordinary Floridian. His life as a young man was chocked full of adventure and travel, and his life as an older man was equally full of accomplishments and good works. He was born in Michigan in 1877 and came to Tampa with his mother and father in 1884. His father was a farmer, a small farmer, not much more elevated in status than a sharecropper, but from his humble beginnings, Rex Beach made himself into a terrifically popular writer, a business man, and a gentleman farmer who owned vast acreage in Highlands and later in the southwest, between Glades and the Gulf. He was also responsible for sending the gladiolus industry to Lee County in the late 1930’s, and thus initiated its becoming named for many years, “The Gladiolus Capital of the World”.

In 1894, Rex Beach enrolled at Rollins College in Winter Park.

He was an athlete and a contributor to the school newspaper, aptly named “The Sandspur”. While he did not graduate, he maintained a long association with that fine college, later was given an honorary doctorate degree, and for thirteen years, served as the head of the Rollins College Alumni Association. He left Rollins in about 1897 to study for law

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at Kent College in Chicago and worked as an administrator in a brick and mortar factory. In 1899, he was struck with “Gold Fever” and set out for Alaska to join the historic gold rush that changed Seattle and further points of the great northwest. Rex Beach panned for about five years before returning to the states. While he did not strike it rich so far as gold particles go, his imagination had been fired, and the will to write about the experiences of the prospectors, gold diggers, salmon fishermen and lumbermen came upon him.

He began to write short stories for magazines. At that time, many writers and their tales of travel and adventure were serialized in the popular magazines of the day, including “McClures” and “Century”. His first novel to become successful was “The Spoilers”. The story was set in the Alaskan gold fields and was about the conflicts between simple prospectors and powerful mining interests. It was a bestseller and brought Rex Beach fame and fortune. “The Spoilers” was made into one of the first silent films, preceding “The Birth of a Nation” by nine months. Beach was perhaps the first of American writers who chose not to sell the rights to his books, rather he insisted that he retain ownership of the stories, and contracted for large percentages of the October 2013

gross receipts from theater ticket sales. “The Spoilers”, over a period of about forty years, was presented to the American public five times as a feature film. Its various versions starred Gary Cooper, Randolph Scott, Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne, Jeff Chandler, and Rory Calhoun. In all, he had seven of his thirty some novels made into films, contracting in some instances, for fifty percent of the take before other expenses.

Florida was the setting for two of his later novels, written in the 1930’s. “The Mating Game” was placed in St. Petersburg following the conclusion of World War I. It tells in the narrative and dialogue style of the period (lengthy) of a veteran returned home to find his bride to be married to the town philanderer. It is more gravy than grave. “Wild Pastures” opens up in Punta Rassa, at the cow pens, and traces the adventures and romantic interests of a couple of cracker cowboys who round up stray cattle scattered in the scrubs, pine and saw palmetto prairies. The partners range and camp from Arcadia to Devil’s Garden. The put-together herds are driven through the pioneer town of Fort Myers, and on to Punta Rassa where they are loaded onto barges bound for Cuba and Key West. The cowpokes are paid off with Spanish gold and set straight for the saloons and hotels and eating-houses, back in the town beside the wide river.

Rex Beach was married for many years to the same woman, although he was said to have worked on a new novel while honeymooning. Rex and Greta did not have children. In the late 1920’s they moved to Sebring. The writer continued to write while investing in new interests. He became a gentleman farmer, that is, he had enough money to insure the contentment of his laborers and the success of his crops.

It is doubtful that Rex Beach drove a tractor. His company harvested the most efficient and money making crops of celery in the state. He farmed Easter lilies and gladiolus.

Some acres of bulbs were planted in a fallen lake. He became involved in the preservation of the Highlands ridge, at what had been the northern edge of The Everglades. He had hunted and fished in the hammock, and caused the organization of Tropical Florida Parks, created to acquire the paths and the woods where American Indians had walked and hunted only one hundred years before. Probably without compensation as well. He wrote the introduction to “The Plant Life of Highlands Hammock Florida”.

Rex Beach became reacquainted with Rollins College. He was a generous benefactor and supporter of the college.

Indeed one of the halls is named for him. He was also said to have been generous to his neighbors and to needy people in Sebring and Avon Park. He gave often, without being identified, and was responsible at one time to have paid the electric bills of twenty-five families. Because perhaps of his affiliation with farmers, and with educators, he became interested in soil science, recognizing that if the soil or sand

October 2013

was depleted, so too would be food crops. The United States Senate Document #264, in June of 1936, is an essay by Rex Beach. The paper addresses the lack of minerals and vitamins in vegetables grown in empty soils. Mister Beach’s papers, manuscripts, letters, First Editions of his many books, and magazine drafts, along with those of Henry Nehrling, the noted Florida botanist, are safely held in the archives in the basement of the library at Rollins.

Farmers have run from freezes since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. They have since been driven south. In 1935, after yet another freeze in central Florida, Rex Beach bought land in the most frost free area of the continent, the Iona – McGregor corridor that begins about five miles up the Caloosahatchee and ends coincidentally in Punta Rassa. He sent his superintendant of Rex Beach Farms, John O. Zipperer, to Fort Myers to select the acreage, clear the woods, dig the wells, build the packing house and barns, take delivery of a couple of hundred thousand bulbs, and have them set in the soft, gray sand. The “Miami News” of August 1st, 1938, printed an article that the famous American novelist was beginning an experimental farm in south Florida to improve the strains and qualities of gladiolus marketed as cut flowers.

Within a decade, and for twenty years after, Lee County was advertised as “The Gladiolus Capital of the World”. Rex Beach and John O. Zipperer were joined by Donald Alvord and Fred Wesemeyer in Iona as gladiolus growers. A & W Bulb Road, an old- time, cut-through trail from McGregor to Gladiolus Drive, was recently enlarged and paved wide enough for four lanes of traffic. Chrysanthemum, stattice, gyp and snapdragon farmers joined with gladiolus growers throughout the state to form the Florida Flower Association, from which the FNGA splintered in 1951. Boxes of fresh cut gladiolus stems showing color where the bloom would take place were shipped by railroad to the north and Midwest, and at the holidays, by Florida’s home fleet of jet airplanes, National Airlines. Zipperer Farms began as a result of Rex Beach’s move south, and was the last of the Lee County gladiolus growers to give up. Likewise the FFA no longer exists, principally running into trouble as a result of Ronald Reagan’s administration’s lifting of import taxes on cut flowers brought from Central America….called the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

Because of the locations of the gladiolus fields in Iona, which were some miles from Fort Myers in the days when transportation to and from work was slow and unreliable, a community sprang up from the woods along Gladiolus Drive.

Harlem Heights began as a camp of sorts, where migrant workers and field laborers could eat and rest and sleep in between hot hours spent stooping and bending. Today, it is a diverse neighborhood on the way to the beaches of San Carlos and Sanibel.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 77

Rex Beach recreated in largely the same way, as did other notably successful men of the age; he hunted and fished, wherever he wanted. He was not as associated with books about fishing as was his counterpart, Zane Gray, nor was he the playboy that Gray is reported to be. Zane Gray’s “Tales of Southern Rivers” is as Florida as one can get, and lays out for the enthusiasts the assortment of salt water and brackish water fish to be found in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and in the Atlantic, along the edge of the Gulf Stream. The book is very collectable. A First Edition by Harper & Brothers, with all first edition points, clean and bright throughout, with no marks or blemishes, and accompanied by a dust jacket in very, very good condition, will readily snag a thousand to fifteen hundred bucks.

Rex Beach’s books are not so valuable as Zane Gray’s.

Probably fiction for fiction, tale for tale, they are comparable, but Gray’s attraction and attention to fishing the tropical world wide, gave him an additional reading audience, and featured black and white pictures of the sailfish and marlin, tuna and tarpon he caught that went right into the record books. There is a down side to all that great fishing. In many instances, particularly as regards to tarpon, the trophy fish were brought dockside, photographed beside the proud angler, and then towed back out to deep water as a carcass.

P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563

This one wanders between the lines and wonders at the man.

Those were tough times along the trail, whether in Alaska or Mexico. Rex Beach used his time creatively, making notes, writing studies of the wild rivers and rock ranges. His travels into the wildernesses gave him time to think. Compose, and be composed.

PH. (813)708.3661 OR (863)381.8014

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“Oh Shoot! Confessions of an Aggitated Sportsman” was published by Harpers’ in 1931. A nice copy in a dust wrapper could fetch a hundred dollars. The narrative covers a lot of geography. Rex Beach was a clever, likeable man, and known in prose and in person for a sense of humor. His book about hunting and fishing and just plain adventure contains dozens of black and whites of people and places. Included in the chapters is a story about the San Blas people of Panama. Beach and his friends were there to hunt tapir. The topography is very much like our own, especially our barrier islands and swamps. The fishing was likewise similar, and benefited the people who ate giant red snapper and Goliath grouper supplied by the happy sportsmen.

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October 2013

A Heartland Soldier’s Story Abroad

A Warm Welcome Home

BY SPC LEVI LAMBERT

Americans are constantly exposed to all that is bad or wrong in our country each time we tune into the evening news or pick up a newspaper. One positive impression that our young country continues to portray is strength. Our country was built on a solid foundation: the American people. Soldiers are the ones who get the credit after a mission is completed, but it is the people that are on that soldier’s mind that give him or her the motivation to press on when others would quit. Thank you all for the support and prayers throughout this past year.

A little experience I would like to share came from someone other than friends or family. During my travels to my Florida home, a stranger left me flabbergasted with his selfless gesture. The last leg to Florida held me over at Chicago O’Hare airport. When seats are available, the airlines are very generous by upgrading a coach seat to first class for a uniform service member. Although this flight was booked full since Florida tends to be a popular little getaway, this was of no concern to me since home was just a few hours away. As I walked onto the plane to begin my hunt for my coach seat, a stranger in first class stood next to me and asked, “Where is your seat son?” “I believe it is somewhere in the middle of the plane sir,” I replied as I held my ticket in my left hand.

The stranger responded, “Here, I will go look for your seat because you are going to sit in mine.” Quicker than I could say Jack Robinson this stranger was gone with his new ticket leaving me in front of the first seat in first class. This stranger didn’t have any desire to hang around for a thank you or any

October 2013

response whatsoever. This was just one thing that happened to me personally. My entire unit also received a warm welcome at the airport in Bangor, Maine. Lined up on both sides of the walkway stood many veterans and their families. Thanks to a passerby in Tampa International who offered to take a picture of my Dad and I my first morning back in Florida.

Once again I would like to thank all Americans who continue to support all of our men and woman in uniforms. Any gesture big or small can turn a good day better or a bad day around.

Give it a try; thank the next public service member you see.

Let the Teachers, Officers, Firemen, Dispatchers, and others know how much we appreciate the job they do.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 79

Heartland Holiday Festival Comes to Historic Downtown Sebring

What began as a vision to bring people from Florida’s Heartland region to Downtown Sebring to enjoy the beauty and history of our community, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year! Imagine strolling along Sebring’s historic streets brimming with a sea of smiling faces, holiday lights glowing in the dark, festive music pulsing from various downtown locales, and children dancing, jumping, and squealing in delight as Santa and the holiday season fill the cool winter air. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

The Heartland Holiday Festival will take place in Historic Downtown Sebring November 29 - December 23, 2013.

Push Event Productions, in conjunction with the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the City of Sebring and the Highlands County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), is proud to bring the Heartland Holiday Festival to the streets of historic Downtown Sebring. We invite you to be a part of the festivities as an attendee, sponsor and/or volunteer.

This inaugural year of the festival will feature the popular Carousel of Lights in Circle Park; Cookiefest - where kids can decorate their very own holiday cookies; Saturdays With Santa; an outdoor holiday movie; evening visits by Santa Claus; activities and games for the kids; live entertainment; the annual Christmas Parade; Black Friday Kick Off Shopping Event and more!

80 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Sponsors will have exclusive on-site presence during the four-week festival that will be supported by event promotional materials, multi-day event exposure, media coverage, publicity and promotions to various targeted audiences. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500$10,000.

With the support of the entire Heartland area, the Heartland Holiday Festival will invigorate the area, attracting the interest of people and families from various demographics, generations and backgrounds. We hope you will participate and help us make the Heartland Holiday Festival the most fun-filled month in South Central Florida yet!

While preserving history and tradition, the Heartland Holiday Festival strives to stimulate the local economy, entertain residents and visitors, and involve the community in a fun-filled atmosphere. We invite you to become a part of this inaugural Downtown Sebring event. As a sponsor or volunteer, your contribution will resonate and be remembered in the community for years to come. For more information and a Schedule of Events, visit www.

HeartlandHolidayFest.com.

For marketing, promotions & media, contact Casey Wohl, Casey.Wohl@Yahoo.com For logistics, vendor space & accounting, contact Lora Todd, LoraTodd@Hotmail.com

October 2013

AG CALENDAR October 2nd World Farm Animal Day

October 14th Columbus Day

October 4th – 5th SW FL Rockin & Reelin Inshore/Offshore Fishing Tournament Fishery Rd, Placida 941-625-0804 admin@cdbia.com

October 16th World Food Dayglobal movement to end hunger

October 5th Sebring Bird Expo 5948 St. Rd. 66 Brenda 863-385-1966 October 5th Florida Poultry Show Turner Ag Center, Arcadia Cindy Kinard 863-990-2324 October 5th Dakin Dairy Farms Farm Festival, Myakka Mac & Cheese Cook Off 5K Ranch & Kids Run, Games, Food, Artist, Prizes www.dakindairyfarms.com October 11th Hospice of Okeechobee’s 8th Annual Boots & Pearls Gala, KOA

October 12th -13th Hunsader’s Pumpkin Festival food, scarecrows, live music, chainsaw sculptor, juggler For full event schedule visit www. hunsaderfarms.com October 12th -13th Florida Sportsman Expo Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa FloridaSportsman.com/Expo

October 18th Manatee County Parks & Recreation 11th Annual Goblin Gathering G.T. Bray Park, Bradenton costume contest, face painting, hayrides & more www.mymanatee.org/parks October 19 Sebring Senrior FFA Car Wash, Glisson’s Animal Supply, Sebring October 19th Brown’s Grove Fall Festival Parrish, FL 9am-5pm pumpkins, music, bake goods clogging, train ride, crafts, & Family Fun 941-7762710 October 19th -20th Hunsader’s Pumpkin Festival For full event schedule visit www. hunsaderfarms.com October 21st-22nd Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, www.fafmc.org October 23rd – 25th 2013 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Ponte Vedra Beach-contact Michael Rogalsky 352-384-2668 or www.Floridafarmbureau.org

October 29-31 Highlands County Ag-Venture Highlands County Fairgrounds, Sebring3 day program for all 3rd graders to gain experience, understanding & appreciation of our local agriculture www.highlandscountyag-venture.com October 30th National Candy Corn Day October 30 – November 2nd 86th National FFA Convention and Expo, Louisville, KY www.FFA.org October 30th – Nov 2nd 93rd Annual FSBA Convention, Florida Beekeepers Assoc.

“Headin’ Back to the Country” Washington County Ag Center Chipley, FL 850-535-4151 or www.Floridabeekeepers.org October 31st Turner Ag-Center Trick or Treat 6pm-8pm Arcadia 863-993-4807 November 7th Hardee County Farm Ag Fest Cattlemen’s Arena November 9th Craft Fail in the Woods Freedom Ranch, Okeechobee County For more info contact Pam halesjp@yahoo.com

October 26th Fall Kids Festival 4-8pm Sugar Festival Park, Clewiston 863-983-1492

November 23rd Register Now Florida FFA Run-A-Muck, 5K & Mud Run Florida FFA Leadership Training Center 5000 Firetower Rd, Haines City, FL www.floridacattlemen.org

October 26th – 27th Hunsader’s Pumpkin Festival For full event schedule visit www.hunsaderfarms.com

December 7th Arts & Crafts Show Wauchula, 9am-3pm Call Lynn Hubert 863-735-0208

Submit your events for the ag calendar to morgan@heartlanditf.com

In the Field Magazine Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008

October 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 81

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

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82 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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October 2013

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 83

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October 2013

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