INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
January 2018
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By Autumn Jackson
Polk County FFA Federation
My name is Autumn Jackson and I am currently a senior at Kathleen High School, as well as a part time student at Polk State College. I have been in the FFA since the eighth grade and I am currently serving as the KHS FFA chapter President and the Sentinel of the Polk County FFA Federation. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to agriculture like many of my peers were. My exposure was limited to a yard full of chickens and a pasture full of horses. Through my time in the FFA, I have shown various animals ranging from pigs and cows to rabbits and chickens. As I approach the end of my high school career, I have already begun taking the steps necessary to pursue my future career. When I graduate from Kathleen High School, I hope to attend the University of Florida to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education and Communication. As a five year member of the FFA, I have had the opportunity to be taught and guided by several amazing advisors. My experience within this organization has aided me in establishing my future career; an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
Through serving as an officer at the chapter level as well as the county level, I hope to encourage those around me to join the FFA and take part in the opportunities that this organization has to offer. This past month, both high school and middle school FFA members prepared and participated in their sub-district contests. Sub-district one’s contests were held at Kathleen High School and Boone Middle School. Sub-district two’s contests were held at Mulberry High School and Bartow Middle School. In the high school sub-districts, members competed in prepared public speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, tractor driving, creed speaking, and parliamentary procedure. Middle school members competed in prepared and
Along with sub-district contests, we have also had a few state contests. With the top three teams coming straight out of Polk County, we were represented quite well at the State Citrus contest. Kathleen Sr. won the high school portion with team members Amber Hanna, Jimailyn Rivera, Kaydee Clark, and Megan Cross. Coming in second place, we had George Jenkins, and in third place we had Frostproof. Congratulations and thank you for representing Polk County so well at your state contest! In the upcoming month, members will be preparing for even more state contests. In the month of January, we have the Environmental and Natural Resources competition, as well as the Food Science competition. We have several teams from Polk County that took the qualification exams in November and will be representing us in January. We wish you the best of luck in your competitions. The month of January also holds the Polk County Youth Fair. Members across our county have been raising their projects and working with them tirelessly throughout the year in preparation for our fair. From whip popping to the hog show, the Polk County Youth Fair has a lot to offer FFA members. The fair is a weeklong event lasting from January 19 to 26, 2018. Good luck to all of our members who will be participating in this year’s fair. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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extemporaneous public speaking, parliamentary procedure, creed speaking (for seventh and eighth graders), and opening and closing ceremonies. The winners of their sub-district contests will advance to the district contest at Warner University in January. We are very proud of all of our members! We wish you the best of luck in your contest area!
CONTENTS
January 2018 VOL. 11 • ISSUE 5
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
24 Rhonda Waters: Leading By Example
PAGE 10 Master Gardener
PAGE 34 Thielen Environmental
PAGE 12 Jack Payne
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 38 Dr. Jason Cash
PAGE 18 CARES
PAGE 40 Activity
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 42 PCSO
PAGE 28 Endangered Species
PAGE 45 PCCW
PAGE 30 Loquat PAGE 32 New Citrus Varieties
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
January 2018
President – Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com
J. B. Wynn PO Box 197 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com
Vice President – Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com
Alternate – Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail. com
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Standing Committee Bunch Chairs: PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 Membership- J.B. Wynn (863) 425-1121 Events- Kevin Fussell jbunch@agriumretail.com Trade Show- Bridget Stice
Cover Photo by: Rhonda Ned Waters
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P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005
State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch@verizon. net
Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 559-7808
Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Donald Conroy Lakeland, FL 33811 3882 Lake Buffum Rd East (863) 944-9293 Fort Meade, FL 33841 Adamnorman1977@gmail. (863) 412-0790 com risingc@verizon.net Cattlewomen – President, Mike Facente Megan Atkinson 4465 Poyner Oaks Rd N. 3970 Gerber Dairy Rd Polk City, FL 33868 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 697-9419 (863) 559-1228 Megamess007@yahoo. L.B. Flanders, DVM com 944 Wedgewood Lane Lakeland, FL 33813 Extension – Bridget Stice (863) 644-5974 PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Kevin Fussell Bartow, FL 33831 4523 Fussell Rd (863) 519-1048 Polk City, FL 33868 bccarlis@ufl.edu (863) 412-5876 Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Paul Mike Fussell Wright 4520 Barush Rd 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Bartow, FL 33830 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 698-8314 (863) 557-1741 fussell.flafarm@gmail.com pw5281@polksheriff.org Moby Persing 3380 Sam Keen Rd Lake Wales, FL 33853 (863) 528-4567 Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@ earthlink.net
Warner University – Dalton Bush 17 Skidmore Rd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 585-9530 Dalton.bush@warner.edu
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton
Letter from the Editor We are well in to the first month of the New Year, how many of you have already broken a new year’s resolution? I can honestly say that I have not broken a resolution made for the year 2018, mainly because I didn’t make any. Why should we wait until a certain time each year to make changes to our lives? If something needs to be changed, just do it. With the coming of the New Year we have the beginning of multiple fairs in our area. In January we have the Polk County Youth Fair, January 20 – 26 in Bartow. The Florida State Fair kicks off on February 8 and runs through February 19 and March 1 – 11 is the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Go, support our FFA and 4-H members as they show off the work they have put in to various projects throughout the year. This isn’t just a “show up and compete” event for them. It takes hard work and dedication to get to these fairs and vie for top honors in a wide range of events. For those of you who know Ray Clark, there is a Roast and Appreciation Celebration to be held February 18, from 12:30 PM to 4: PM at the Charlie Grimes Agricultural Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. There will be a live roast and video roast. It’s sure to be a great time. Former students, friends, colleagues, everyone is invited to attend. We will see you there! Until Next Month
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Taeler Dupre Chandler Workman
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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Winter is definitely here. The first week of 2018, we have seen record low temperatures, which have cattlemen starting their winter feeding period with hay, molasses and supplements. A lot of cattlemen in the area are winding up their calving season and gearing up for breeding season. So busy days are definitely here for a while. Many members of the PCCA are busy preparing for our Annual Trade Show and Ranch Rodeo. This event will be held on Saturday, February 17 at the Ag Center in Bartow. Our area 4-H, FFA and Jr. Cattlemen members are gearing up to showcase their projects at shows such as the Polk County Youth Fair January 20-26 in Bartow and the Florida State Fair in Tampa in early February.
The Polk County Youth Fair commercial heifer show is on Tuesday evening, January 23 and the Purebred cattle show is Thursday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market steer show is Thursday evening, January 25 at 6 p.m. and the commercial heifer/market steer sale is Friday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. I would encourage you and your family to come out and show your support for our future cattlemen. We appreciate your support of the cattle industry and we encourage you to eat more BEEF.
Carlton Taylor
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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Well here we are in the middle of January. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. It’s always great to be with all our family and friends for these special holidays that God has blessed us with. We are still having a very dry winter with cool to cold nights, meaning there is not much grass growing, but a lot of hay and protein supplements being fed to our cattle. The way the weather people are talking it may be another long winter and a dry spring. But we all know who controls the weather and He can start the rain at anytime and warm things up over night. We just have to keep praying for weather that we need for our cattle and their pastures.
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There are always questions about our cattle markets and prices that cows and calves are bringing. The way it’s looking, calves should hold steady the first part of the new year, but butcher and old cows are probably going to continue to fall a little. Here again there are always factors that could change all of this overnight, like the weather, stock market and even North Korea. We will just have to stay on track and continue to do the best job we can do. As you know, I will no longer be your President after this article. Carlton Taylor will be taking charge and I know he will do a great job. I have really en-
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joyed the last two years as your President. I have traveled the state and met many new cattlemen and friends, some of Florida’s best. I also have enjoyed writing for In The Field Magazine. I want to thank Sarah Holt for helping me with these articles. Karen Berry thanks for the memories. In closing, I want to thank all my directors for their help these last two years and my Angel, Bridget Stice, thank you, you have always been at my side and if I needed advice, you were right there for me. To all the Polk County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen, thank you and may God continue to bless you and your farms and ranches. Some dates to remember are the Florida Cattlemen’s 35th Institute and Allied Trade Show to be held Thursday ,January 25 at 8:00 AM at the Turner Agri Civic Center in Arcadia and the Polk County Youth Fair is the last week in January. Come out and support our youth and leaders of tomorrow. May God Bless All of you,
Ray Clark
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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In The Field’s FFA/4H Award
It's a Major Award! Win a Free Pair of Justin Boots!
Presented by:
*boots pictured are not actual boots
Russell’s Western Wear is sponsoring a new award to honor agriculture students in Hillsborough and Polk County. In the Field’s FFA and 4-H Award will present a free pair of Justin boots, either work or western, to a monthly winner in each county for a span of five months. FFA and 4-H instructors must submit a 400-600 word recommendation letter and a picture of one of their students to Sarah Holt at sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com by the 22nd of each month. The letter should include examples of the student’s passion for agriculture as well as a personal reflection of the student’s commitment to his or her organization. Russell’s is creating this award to recognize and reward students who demonstrate exemplary effort, dedication and commitment to FFA and 4-H. Each recipient will be highlighted in the monthly copy of In the Field. We are excited to meet some of our budding agriculture enthusiasts and highlighting some of the accomplishments of our local youth. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Master Gardeners
Tantalizing Tomatoes By Debra Howell, Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida places first in the race to produce more tomatoes annually than any other state in America, resulting in nearly one billion pounds of fruit. Tomatoes in Florida are grown predominately in the counties of Hillsborough, Manatee, Hendry, Collier, Gadsden, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade. In addition to the very popular round-type tomatoes, Florida also boasts production of cherry, Roma, plum and grape types, as well as limited production of heirloom types. Most of the tomatoes are cultivated in open fields and harvested by hand. Some, particularly cluster-type tomatoes, are grown in greenhouses instead of the open fields. Tomatoes are a fruit which may successfully be harvested while green. They may be ripened in dedicated rooms using ethylene to begin the process. This practice is employed for the purposes of extending the marketing period. In order to ensure that the consumer receives a safe product, the mandatory practices of T-GAP, which is Tomato Good Agriculture Practices, are required by the state of Florida. These practices impact field management, cultivation, harvest, packing, transportation and handling processes. While wild species are natives from South Ecuador to north Chile, as well as the Galapagos Islands, the sites of earliest domestication may have been from Mexico and Peru. The first tomatoes on record in Europe were in Italy in 1544.
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As related in University of Florida IFAS publication HS1231, Compact Growth Habit Tomatoes, “tomatoes were first cultivated as ornamental plants due to people’s beliefs that the fruit was poisonous.” My great-grandmother, Levie Eliza Ellison, was one of those believers. She never consumed tomatoes due to this mindset. But, during the late 16th Century, the tomato gained the status of an edible vegetable. Determinate tomato vines are those with an up-right growth habit and are the plant of choice with growers. Indeterminate, or sprawling vines, which remain low to the mound are more popular with home garden cultivators. Determinate types
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cease growing once they achieve a specific size and require staking. Indeterminate ones continue to produce fruit until killed by frost. Green tomatoes, which are harvested at stages M3 and M4, will ripen to the most favorable eating quality. The initial appearance of red color is known as the breaker stage. The Tomato Color Chart proscribes that a green-harvested tomato is stage 1, the breaker is stage 2, turning is stage 3, pink is stage 4, light red is stage 5 and red is stage 6. If growers elect to harvest their tomatoes at the breaker stage, this will negate the necessity of resorting to the exposure of fruit to the natural ripening hormone ethylene. The draw-back to harvesting at the breaker stage is that this practice requires more frequent harvesting, which is sometimes problematic depending on the availability of labor. From the breaker stage on, tomatoes are referred to as “vine ripe.” The labor force, upon whom growers depend, are closely supervised to learn the technique of the gentle harvest when handling these fragile fruits. Extra care must be ensured when making the transfers from buckets into bins and gondolas. Tomatoes are one of the most fragile fruits, and as such, must receive special care. Field bins must not be over-filled, and implements such as the gondolas, buckets and bins must be kept clean to reduce contamination. All harvesting containers are plastic for hygiene and ease of cleaning. Once harvested, tomatoes should be placed in the shade, as in the short span of an hour, un-shaded tomatoes can be 25° F hotter than those kept in a shady area. Cuts, bruises and punctures must be avoided. In the state of Florida, hand-harvesting is the norm and is size, color, shape and defect specific. Heirloom tomatoes, according to University of Florida IFAS publication HS921, Growing Heirloom Tomato Varieties in Southwest Florida, are a “trend food or part of a package sought by consumers who frequent farmer’s markets, enjoy vegetable gardening, adhere to organic production and explore specialty foods.” They are gaining popularity due to demand for fully- ripe tomatoes. Heirlooms vary in size, and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
come in not only red, but purple, yellow and orange, making them an interesting addition to the dinner table or lunchbox. It may be added that heirlooms have a lower tolerance to heat, a shorter shelf life and bruise easily. Also, they may get fruit defects such as cracking, grey wall, cat facing, blossom end scars and odd shapes. These factors make them commercially unattractive. If you are a newcomer to growing heirlooms, you may obtain your seeds from a commercial supplier. Varieties are available with fun names like Mr. Stripey, pink ping pong, green zebra and Arkansas traveler. Tomatoes may be susceptible to health issues such as Alternaria, stem canker, bacterial spot, Fusarium wilt, Fusarium crown rot, gray leaf spot, Verticillium wilt and tobacco mosaic. Insect problems may include hornworm, leafminer, silverleaf whitefly, armyworm, loopers, thrips, plant bugs, stinkbugs, mole crickets and aphids. These pests may be managed early on by using insecticidal soap and Bacillus thuringensis (Bt). Tomatoes may also suffer from calcium deficiencies resulting in blossom end rot. If you must use chemicals, use according to package directions. For more information on tomato pest management, refer to the University of Florida IFAS publication circular 1238, Florida Crop/Pest Management profiles: Tomatoes. Tomatoes may be grown in the soil of your backyard or even in a well-drained five gallon bucket. They may be grown mulched or unmulched, in solution, in a greenhouse, in a basket or a raised bed. Tomatoes may be started by planting seeds or by transplanting seedlings. Since they are easily killed by frost, wait to the danger of frost has passed in the spring, or plant early enough in the fall for them to produce a
These aromatic plants with the brightly-colored fruits are one of our most popular garden vegetables. They are related to eggplant, pepper and potatoes, and are a commercially important Florida vegetable. Therefore, University of Florida breeders continually strive to improve and create a tasty commercial tomato. Whether you love round, Roma, heirloom, cherry, grape or plum tomatoes, look for your favorite varieties, or even try a new variety, at your local farm stand or grocery store. Or better yet, you might want to give a try at growing your own. As it has been said before, anything you grow yourself always seems to taste better because you lovingly grew it. If you have questions regarding your landscape or becoming a Florida Master Gardener, you may call your local Extension Service for help to find the answer. You can reach the UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041 or online at http://polkextension.com. The Plant Clinic is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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crop before the danger of frost.
By Jack Payne
Sometimes your gut feeling’s not enough.
It’s not enough for science, which tests gut feelings that get expressed as hypotheses. There may be good reason to believe an effect (calves dying) is connected to a particular cause (panthers). But how do you know if it’s the only cause, the main one, or barely a factor? When you ask policy makers to address your calf loss challenge, they will ask you for something back – documented evidence of what’s going on. Data. That’s part of why Raoul Boughton of the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona is on the research agenda of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board. And it’s why FCA President-elect Alex Johns is willing to have a herd of field biologists, academics, and government officials rushing onto the Big Cypress Seminole Ranch to turn a dead calf into a forensic investigation scene. Cliff Coddington of Longino Ranch and Gene Lollis of Buck Island Ranch are also cooperating with Raoul’s research. Here’s what we think we know: If a herd gives birth to 100 calves, you end up weaning about 88. Raoul and Alex want to know what happens to the ones who don’t make it. So do their partners in this research, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, National Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The limitations of gut feelings come from limitations on what you see and what you remember. If you’ve ever seen a coyote take down an animal, that could really drive your perception of why more calves don’t make it to weaning. But there may be as many causes of death as there are calves. To untangle that, you need birthing sensors, transmitter tags, binoculars, lights, vehicles, and a whole bunch of people who are ready to drop what they’re doing when they get a text message that a calf is dead.
Finding the truth can be tricky. FWC looks at panther predation of calves a lot differently than ranchers do, for example. By getting everyone to the table to seek consensus on what the data is and what it tells us, Raoul’s project gives us the best shot at what we consider truth. Without it, the cattle business gets a lot harder. For example, if there’s no agreement on a cause of death, there’s no compensation for those deaths. Science also often produces unexpected results that can inform how to manage a herd. Sometimes science ends up proving what your gut tells you. That’s still useful. As Ronald Reagan famously said, “Trust, but verify.” Because if your gut is wrong, ranchers and government officials are wasting resources on solutions that don’t solve. Even the largest operations don’t have the luxury of that kind of waste. There’s another reason Raoul’s the guy for this project. His Extension assignment provides for him sharing what he learns with the people who can make most use of it -- you. Raoul is part of a success story in the expansion of the UF/ IFAS agricultural and livestock agent corps in the past decade. Our data – personnel assignments – show that we dedicate more faculty time on cattle-related Extension in Ona and at our other cattle research station in Marianna than we did a decade ago. Agents don’t do this job from the office. They’re out on ranches. That’s crucial to good science, because academics need to see beyond their computer screen. They need to see what you see.
Alex Johns, whose title is director of natural resources for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., is no stranger to science. He’s done previous research on calf loss at the ranch. He can account for much of the loss and thinks he can explain the rest.
Raoul prides himself on getting out into the field and developing strong relationships with you. He understands that he can’t just drop off a couple of his graduate students at your ranch gate unless he’s earned your trust.
He wants proof – to go beyond that gut feeling. Alex figures the third-party validation Raoul can provide could not only help him but the entire industry if the research leads to even a single percentage point reduction in calf loss in a statewide herd of 1 million. Raoul’s the guy to do it, Alex explained, because he’s willing to put the time in to get good science. He’s also impressed with Raoul’s background in predation research and his expertise in tracking animals.
It’s hard earned, and so is true knowledge. Gut feelings are a shortcut to a conclusion. Science can tell you if those feelings tell the whole story.
Raoul leads this research as a rangeland wildlife scientist for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural PAGE
Sciences. He knows the scientific territory, which can be as wild as the Australian outback from which he hails.
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Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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ANGLER OR PSYCHOLOGIST by Capt. Woody Gore
MEMORY NO MEMORY
A popular observation that fish are simply instinct driven has given way to new theories. Some scientists now believe fish possess a mental and reasoning capacity supporting the ability to remember. Therefore, an aptitude to remember something would seemingly indicate a mental capacity for memory.
So, apparently it’s not just fishing anymore, now we’re going to have to psychoanalyze the fish and how they think before we can catch them. Well, maybe if we understand more about this memory thing it might help. In worldwide aquaculture studies concerning fish behavior, scientist are finding them capable of pursuing strategies of manipulation, punishment, and understanding while exhibiting stable collective traditions. Good examples are the many varieties of species that cooperate in catching food and recognizing predators. To learn requires retention of an experience, object, event or information. However, to retain something necessitates the use of short-term and long term memory. Basically, short term memory stores limited amounts of information for restricted periods, roughly 15-30 seconds. This contrasted to long-term memory, where an unlimited amount of information is stored indefinitely and recalled from 30 seconds to decades later. Thinking about the time it took the scientist to come up with their theories, I can’t help but trust had they consulted with any veteran angler, they might have shortened their study time. Most seasoned anglers would gladly explain fish must have memories, otherwise how could they identify the difference between food and predator? Also, how would they distinguish between sights, sounds, colors, or navigate territorial waters. Oh well, I guess it takes a scientist to explain it. Seasoned anglers understand psychological reasoning leads to understanding. In other words, the behavioral characteristics of fish, how they behave at certain times of the year, to certain colors, noise, flash, and water depth involves a learning process. Additionally, the studies done in aquaculture that now seem to offer substantiated proof that fish do react repeatedly to colors, noise and stimuli and possibly indicates the presence of memory, is something veteran anglers have known for years, Which brings us to artificial lures or baits. Those who fish with regularity appreciate this question is not easy to answer. Various reasons indicate fish interpret baits or lures as either food or predator, food if previously eaten and predator if hooked. They may also get used to seeing it, which decreases its effectiveness. Psychologists refer, to this as acclimatization (requiring memory) or getting used to something. Understandably, we know fish repeatedly eat and are hooked on the same lures and baits. However, this does not indicate a loss of memory. It can, however, indicate a stronger urge to protect its territory or the basic instinct associating hunger with food. Territoriality case in point would be that of a huge snook hooked many times, but always heading for the mangroves or dock pilings, remembering this survival technique means freedom.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Consistently, successful anglers and hunters understand members of the animal world use their senses beginning on or after birth to gather information relating to their environments. However, without memory all would be useless. The fact they do have memories relates to the principal goals of species survival and becomes an important tool in the evoWWW. WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
lutionary process. When given some thought and usually taken for granted, we soon realize these marvelous creatures are actually fairly intelligent often beyond our comprehension. So, treat them with a little respect and remember that lifetime-trophy you just shot or landed did not get there by “Being Stupid,” perhaps it just got hungry or a little careless and made a mistake.
TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT JANUARY 2018 Overall fishing has been good in the bay area with plenty of Redfish, Sea Trout, and Sheepshead being caught. A few cobias reported around the power plants and plenty of smaller black tip, bull, bonnet, and hammerheads willing to give you a tug. Without the colder water temps needed to send them looking for warm water, they are not as bunched up as usual. But, when they are, you can bet you’ll have plenty of company fishing the warm water runoffs. Shrimp always work and using a small jig head makes it easier to sight cast.
Snook (Still Closed): The cold water has the snook bite
pretty much on hold. Of course you can always dredge up a couple if you look and fish hard enough. Give them a break until the water warms up and they get a chance to recover from the winter temperatures. The greenbacks, if you’re looking for them, are on the markers and usually deep early in the morning. You’ll need a heavy 3/8 net to get them, but there’s not much use since not a lot of the fish are fairly lethargic with water temps in the 60s. As for me I’ll wait, there are other things to catch using live and frozen shrimp.
Redfish: Reds continue being active, but not as big as usu-
al and I’m getting plenty of reports that rat reds are running with the occasional group of larger fish on the grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines and canals. Live shrimp seem to be the bait of choice, but artificial’s like the 3” gulp shrimp and gold spoons still work.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
Spotted Sea Trout: Trout action should continue on the up-
swing with cooler water temperatures. The larger fish should start pushing onto the flats from deep water. Fish the stronger tides around deep water flats and rocky islands. They’ll be eating shrimp, small pinfish, soft plastic lures, either freelined or under a popping cork. Remember, the bite always comes as the bait begins to fall, so don’t be surprised to have a fish on just after the lure hits the water. The MirrOdine from MirrOlure is one of the best trout lures you can fish. Fish it using a slow methodic retrieve and hang on.
Cobia: Don’t be surprised to see one on the back of large Rays and Manatees. As the waters cool you should see them around the hot water discharges of power plants. Large shrimp on a ¼ oz. jig-head normally does the trick. But small or chunk crab also works. Keep a larger gulp eel rigged for a quick cast should you come across one while running the open water. Sharks: also frequent the warm water discharges this time of year so don’t be surprise when you catch one while targeting Cobia. Sheepshead, Snapper will show up everywhere during the winter months. Try fishing these great fighters around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, fish attractors, rock piles, oyster bars or practically any type structure. Shrimp and fiddler crabs always produce, but green mussels and oysters also work. ININTTHE FFIELD HE IELDM MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT AGRICULTURE IN FLORIDA By Jim Frankowiak
Let me begin by stating that I am neither a farmer nor rancher. However, I have broad and clear insights into agriculture, particularly agriculture in Florida. Most of that comes from over a decade of contributing articles to this publication, along with some other work I have done over the years on behalf of associations and companies actively involved in agriculture in the Sunshine State, as well as elsewhere. For the record, I am a city boy. I grew up in a town where most folks today are “Cheese Heads,” a reference to their loyalty to the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. That moniker did not exist way back then when I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a teenager my friends and I would go to the Wisconsin State Fair, which was held annually in the adjacent town of West Allis. It was there that I was exposed to agriculture and to the teenage boys and girls my friends and I thought were really strange in their dark blue jackets. Some of them even slept with their animals that they brought to the fair to show. More on that later. My work for this publication has put me into regular contact with many individuals involved in Florida agriculture on a daily basis. These are farmers and ranchers, Extension agents, researchers at the University of Florida and association staffers who support the industry. It also led to a seat on the board of directors of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. All of that has given me a perspective on agriculture that I would like to share with you. The holidays have just passed. Whether you realize it or not, agriculture plays an important part in our diverse holiday activities, as well as our daily lives. Without farmers and ranchers and their products, our holiday gatherings would be less celebratory. I don’t want to toot agriculture’s horn too loudly, but I do want to express the industry’s gratitude to all of you who are their customers, consuming what they produce several times each day. Conversely, the often-seen phrase “No Farmers, No Food” is one to keep in mind, too.
Farmers and ranchers do not knowingly do things that have a negative impact on their livelihoods. There may be an employee who does, but sooner or later that person will be caught and treated appropriately. Most producers don’t like it when I refer to them as gamblers, but let’s face it, every crop and each head of cattle is a gamble. There simply are no guarantees. None of them has a way to control Mother Nature either. But they do what they do because they love what they are doing. They understandably resist change, because what they are doing has been developed over years, even decades, so they are slow to change. But when they have the facts and see the results achieved over a season or two, they make those changes. I heartily agree with the statement: “Farmers were green when it was just a color.” And they are not sitting still. They all support research activities that will result in changes to the industry that will enable it to feed the world going forward. That is participatory or by financial support. Sure they still wear jeans and boots, but they also have smart phones and desktop computers they use to get the job done and avail themselves and their operations of the latest technological advances. I’ve been on farms where acres have been devoted to field trials of new products or methods. There’s typically no compensation to the farmer, just the potential for improved productivity, cost-savings or enhanced sustainability. To me, that’s pretty generous. If a farmer or rancher is accused of doing something that hurts his livelihood, I’d be willing to bet the accusation is without basis or the situation was not fully reported. That’s especially true if those actions or non-actions will have a negative impact on the relationship they have with their customers, as well as the consumers of their products.
Whether you like or dislike President Donald Trump, you’ve got to give him credit for addressing some of these issues.
These are some of the finest young people on this planet. They are respectful, hard-working and committed to agriculture and leadership roles in our communities.
My suggestion to you with all of these issues is to take the time to get the facts before you make a decision or take PAGE PAGE
Here in America, we all have the right to our own opinion on just about anything. I only suggest that the basis of your opinion, especially with regard to any aspect of agriculture, be founded upon the facts, not emotion or a hidden agenda your information source may have.
Agriculture is facing some stiff challenges over the near and far term. Global population growth is making some stiff demands of our producers. Discussions regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement, commonly known as NAFTA, are difficult. Some segments of agriculture in this country benefit mightily from NAFTA while others – particularly specialty crop growers here in the Sunshine State – are taking it hard on the chin from that agreement and really need considerations if they are to continue. That is fact, not fiction or folly. When you look closely at the impact of NAFTA, growing Mexican subsidies to agriculture in that county along with the “iffy” labor situation facing our growers, the future is not necessarily sunny and bright for our producers.
There are some other considerations facing agriculture, as well. You’ve got GMO v. non-GMO; organizations taking issue with worker pay and treatment, allegations regarding the treatment of animals, and more.
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sides. That’s not the easiest things to do these days with so many “informational resources” available on the web. Make sure your resource for the facts passes the “smell test” before you embrace whatever it is that source has to say.
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Earlier on I mentioned the teenagers my friends and I saw at the Wisconsin State Fair in those dark blue jackets, some even sleeping next to their show animals. Well let me tell you something, these were FFA members, and boy was I wrong about them. I have met many of them through my work for this publication and activities related to my Farm Bureau post.
I’ll get off my soapbox now. But, please get the facts before you take sides whether its agriculture or some other issue that surfaces. I think you will all agree that “No farmers, No food” is not a pleasant thought. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Kelly Fulford:
Florida Rancher Who Answers the Call for Conservation and Education One of the major blessings to farming and ranching is the abundance of wildlife that creates a home in the natural, serene areas throughout the property. It is no surprise to rancher, Kelly Fulford, that when she calls her Brangus cattle up to the truck each morning, local whitetail deer and Osceola turkeys will also wander up. Fulford is the owner of Southwest Cattle Company in Odessa, Florida and considers herself blessed to have an active role in protecting it on a daily basis and shares how remarkable of an experience it is to witness daily an environment where animals living in their natural habitat safely interact with a full- time beef operation.
“To me, environmental stewardship and being a rancher is not a job if you go to work and love what you do every day.” The daily operations of Fulford’s cattle ranch may seem typical but there is one exception, it is also a nature preserve. In partnership with Hillsborough County, Fulford leases the 2,000-acre property through the Environmental Lands Acquisition & Protection Program (ELAPP). In short, the general public is permitted to ride horses throughout the gorgeous nature preserve. As visitors trail ride, they are able to interact with the friendly cattle and can even enter parts of the land to which Fulford’s cattle are not permitted to impact. According to Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, since 1987, the Jan K. Platt ELAPP has saved more than 61,000 acres of wildlife habitat. And allowing visitors to see these preserved landmasses in person is key to effective conservation education.
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“In addition to being a good steward to my cattle, I am also a teacher to each of the visitors who ride through
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the property to inform them how ranching is a means to preserving the land and all it has to offer,” Fulford said. Through the utilization of Best Management Practices (BMPs) Fulford has been able to contribute to improving the water quality and soil’s health throughout the ranch. BMPs are practical, cost- effective actions that agricultural producers take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering water resources. They are designed to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production. “It’s important to me to take care of water quality so that future generations, such as my grandchildren, and their children, can ranch on our land for decades to come,” Fulford said. Through the use of rotational grazing with seven crossfenced pastures, Fulford is able to offer fresh, tender grass to her Brangus cattle while allowing the vacant pastures time to regrow. Applying fertilizers using GPSguided systems based on soil test results ensures Fulford only puts out supplemental nutrients exactly where and to what amount they are needed. In addition, supplemental feeding areas and mineral boxes are placed away from any nearby water sources.
Fulford received the This Farm CARES designation by Florida Farm Bureau Federation in 2016. CARES is an acronym which stands for County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship and is a program that started in 2001 to publicly recognize farmers and ranchers who voluntarily implement BMPs on their farms. The CARES Program also promotes those practices that prove to be economically viable and environmentally sound. Through the successful implementation of BMPs, Florida’s farmers and ranchers show a sincere commitment to the protection and preservation of our natural resources for generations to come. Fulford is an outstanding representative of the CARES Program and be sure to check out the highlight video made about her operation as featured on www.thisfarmcares.org and also on the This Farm CARES Facebook page.
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“Water quality is a huge concern to Kelly. I have seen her work to maintain ditches and cypress ponds to protect native grasses, the overall health of each field and the water bodies which run throughout,” Lint Jerrels, co- manager of Southwest Cattle Company, said.
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• Every U.S. pear is picked by hand. • A fresh egg will sink, but a stale one will float. • Cows can detect smells up to six miles away. • Mature turkeys have more than 3,500 feathers. • Every day 20 banks are robbed. The average take is $2,500. • When glass breaks, the cracks move faster than 3,000 miles per hour. • A car uses 1.6 ounces of gas idling for one minute. Half an ounce is used to start the average automobile.
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Have you ever thought about the things in this world that you can’t do? For instances, you can’t wash your eyes with soap. You can’t say the letter “P” without separating your lips. There you go, you tried to do it, and now you are laughing at yourself. Most people cannot raise one eyebrow at a time, or wiggle their ear. I’ll bet you can’t lick your elbow, sneeze with your eyes open, or touch your nose or chin with your tongue. We all have a ticklish spot or two, which are never a secret from the ones we love. Gentle tickling is fun - so one can be tempted to “auto-tickle” to amuse themselves. However, you can’t tickle yourself. Think you can multitask? Try this: While sitting on a chair, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Then, while doing that, draw the number six with your right hand. You can’t help it: your foot will change direction. Similarly: move your right leg in anticlockwise circles and simultaneously draw the number eight with your right hand. Another tricky thing to do: simultaneously rotate the index fingers of both hands clockwise. Do it slowly at first, but then pick up speed. Try to go faster and faster, and pretty soon your two fingers will be going in opposite directions! If you’re bored try not to think about ANYTHING, not even about not thinking, or, come up with something pointless, and submit it to Guinness Book of World Records.
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Submit something to a website or contest that isn’t at all what they asked for, like if they have a photo contest, send in a poem. Become an expert on some-
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thing that doesn’t exist. Call Pizza Hut and ask them for Domino’s phone number. Order a pizza five minutes before New Year’s, and when it arrives tell them you ordered it a year ago. Go to a pet shop and ask for a cow. Put up a “Lost Dog” poster with a picture of a cat on it. Super glue a quarter to the floor and see how many people try to pick it up. Go to Wal-Mart and walk around with a Hershey Bar next to your ear. When you pass someone start talking into it. I enjoy eating at Zaxby’s in Plant City. Most of the young ladies that wait on me know me by name, and we converse on just about thing, but any deviation from the normal throws them off. A couple of weeks back I told the clerk that I wanted only half of sandwich. She replied: “What am I going to do with the other half?” A week later, when I told the same clerk the same thing, she responded, “Do you want the top or the bottom?” Guess it serves me right! A lot of people don’t know that a two dollar bill is legal tender. I went to Hardee’s and gave the girl at the cash register a two dollar bill. She called over her manager, who quickly assured her it was real. I read the story below about a fellow that tried to pass a two dollar bill at a Taco Bell: On my way home from work, I stopped at Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. In my billfold are a fifty dollar bill and a two dollar bill. I figure that with a two dollar bill, I can get something to eat and not have to worry about anyone getting irritated at me for trying to break a fifty. Me: “Hi, I’d like one seven-layer burrito please, to go.” Server: “That’ll be $1.04. Eat in?”
Me: “No, it’s to go.” At this point, I open my billfold and hand him the two dollar bill. He looks at it kind of funny. Server: “Uh, hang on a sec, I’ll be right back.” He goes to talk to his manager, who is still within my earshot. The following conversation occurs between the two of them: Server: “Hey, you ever see a two dollar bill?” Manager: “No. A what?” Server: “A two dollar bill. This guy just gave it to me.” Manager: “Ask for something else. There’s no such thing as a two dollar bill.” Server: “Yeah, thought so.” He comes back to me and says, “We don’t take these. Do you have anything else?” Me: “Just this fifty. You don’t take two dollar bills? Why?” Server: “I don’t know.” Me: “See here where it says legal tender?” Server: “Yeah.” Me: “So, why won’t you take it?” Server: “Well, hang on a sec.” He goes back to his manager, who has been watching me like I’m a shoplifter, and says to him, “He says I have to take it.” Manager: “Doesn’t he have anything else?” Server: “Yeah, a fifty. I’ll get it and you can open the safe and get change.” Manager: “I’m not opening the safe with him in here.” “Server: “What should I do?” Manager: “Tell him to come back later when he has real money.” Server: “I can’t tell him that! You tell him.” Manager: “Just tell him.” Server: “No way! This is weird. I’m going in back.” The manager approaches me and says, “I’m sorry, but we don’t take big bills this time of night.” Me: “It’s only seven o’clock! Well then, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
here’s a two dollar bill.” Manager: “We don’t take those, either.” Me: “Why not?” Manager: “I think you know why.” Me: “No really... tell me why.” Manager: “Please leave before I call mall security.” Me: “Excuse me?” Manager: “Please leave before I call mall security.” Me: “What on earth for?” Manager: “Please, sir.” Me: “Uh, go ahead, call them.” Manager: “Would you please just leave?” Me: “No.” Manager: “Fine -- have it your way then.” Me: “Hey, that’s Burger King, isn’t it?” At this point, he backs away from me and calls mall security on the phone around the corner. I have two people staring at me from the dining area, and I begin laughing out loud, just for effect. A few minutes later this 45-year-oldish guy comes in. Guard: “Yeah, Mike, what’s up?” Manager (whispering): “This guy is trying to give me some (pause) funny money.” Guard: “No kidding! What?” Manager: “Get this... a two dollar bill.” Guard (incredulous): “Why would a guy fake a two dollar bill?” Manager: “I don’t know. He’s kinda weird. He says the only other thing he has is a fifty.” Guard: “Oh, so the fifty’s fake!” Manager: “No, the two dollar bill is.” Guard: “Why would he fake a two dollar bill?” Manager: “I don’t know! Can you talk to him, and get him out of here?” Guard: “Yeah.” Security Guard walks over to me and... Guard: “Mike here tells me you have some fake bills you’re trying to use.” Me: “Uh, no.” Guard: “Lemme see ‘em.” Me: “Why?”
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The security guard and I both look at him like he’s an idiot, and it dawns on the guy that he has no clue. So, it turns out that my burrito was free, and he threw in a small drink and some of those cinnamon thingies, too. This all made me want to get a whole stack of two dollar bills just to see what happens when I try to buy stuff. If I got the right group of people, I could probably end up in jail. You get free food there, too!
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Guard: “Do you want me to get the cops in here?” At this point I am ready to say, “Sure, please!” but I want to eat, so I say, “I’m just trying to buy a burrito and pay for it with this two dollar bill.” I put the bill up near his face, and he flinches like I’m taking a swing at him. He takes the bill, turns it over a few times in his hands, and says, “Hey, Mike, what’s wrong with this bill?” Manager: “It’s fake.” Guard: “It doesn’t look fake to me.” Manager: “But it’s a two dollar bill.” Guard: “Yeah... ?” Manager: “Well, there’s no such thing, is there?”
Rhonda Waters: Leading By Example
By: Leslie Buchanon
From classrooms, hospitals, boardrooms, and farms, women in the agriculture industry are making their voices and presence known. There are hundreds of women who are entrepreneurs, stewards of the land, business owners, researchers, farmers, and innovators who are the backbone of the world’s food supply. As women become more hands-on, their desire to advocate for agriculture often times takes them away from the farm itself. One of the main ways women advocate for agriculture is by joining and participating in organizations that represent their respective commodities. The common thread throughout these organizations is educating the public about the beneficial aspects of the commodities and to advocate for the legislative initiatives that affect their livelihood. The Florida CattleWomen’s organization is one such organization whose purpose is to, “foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion.” This month we introduce you to the Polk County woman who is leading the Florida CattleWomen’s Association (FCW) and advocating for Florida’s cattle industry.
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Rhonda Sutton Waters is no stranger to the beef cattle industry. She was born and raised in the small valley settlement of Oswayo, Pennsylvania. According to Rhonda, the small Potter County valley town has a population of approximately 50 people, with a county population of approximately 3,500. Rhonda’s parents, Charlie and Charlotte Sutton, ran a small Hereford farm in the valley. In addition to running the farm, her father built power plants and worked as a welder. Rhonda’s mother worked in the cafeteria at school until Rhonda graduated from high school. Upon Rhonda’s graduation from Oswayo Valley High School in 1983, her mother quit her job so she could travel with Rhonda’s father when he was work-
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ing out of town. Rhonda also has two older brothers, one of whom remains in Oswayo, while the other one resides in Polk County. After graduating from high school, Rhonda attended Olean Business Institute and received a degree in 1984 to become a medical secretary. She worked at a local hospital for two years, and then the 21 year old decided to follow one of her brothers and moved to Polk County, Florida in 1986. Once she arrived in Florida and secured a place to live, Rhonda began working for the Division of Forestry as a dispatcher where she would soon meet her future husband, Ned Waters. The two began dating and were married in 1987 and settled in Bartow. They are the proud parents of three daughters, Kayla Waters Dean, Lacey Waters, and Jenna Waters, in addition to being the elated grandparents of Adam and Kayla’s children, McKenna and Jeb. Ned, being a sixth generation Floridian, has been part of the cattle industry his entire life, so it was natural that he and Rhonda would continue to expand the operation Ned had begun as a child. Rhonda’s responsibilities in the cattle operation include feeding day workers and keeping up with the records for Waters Cattle Company. Each of Ned and Rhonda’s daughters has a commercial cow/ calf operation that was started for them after they were born. While their daughters were growing up, Rhonda was actively involved in their extracurricular activities, including serving as a co-leader for the Jr. Cattlemen’s Association and a 4-H leader for eight years. When asked about her involvement with the CattleWomen’s associations, Rhonda explains, “I initially became involved because I went with Ned to the Cattlemen’s meetings. They had WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the CattleWomen’s meetings at the same time, so I just went in there.” She has been involved in the organization at both the local and state level. As happens with most moms, Rhonda’s involvement slowed down when she became a mother and her focus transitioned to helping her daughters with their livestock projects. In 2004 Rhonda decided to become more involved with the state organization, as Ned’s involvement with the state Cattlemen’s association increased. At the state level Rhonda has served in multiple officer positions, including Parliamentarian, Secretary, Treasurer, President-Elect, and now President. Founded in 1961, the FCW was originally known as the Florida CowBelles, Inc. The FCW is committed to supporting the agricultural experiences of young people in Florida by offering college scholarships to eligible students and sponsoring Florida Junior Cattlemen Association (FJCA) events. From passing out beef samples at grocery stores, the Southern Women’s Show, and the Florida State Fair, to lobbying at Boots on the Hill in Tallahassee, and providing educational materials to county affiliates, members of the FCW volunteer countless hours of their time advocating for Florida’s cattle industry and representing the interests of Florida’s beef producers with local and state legislators. In 2010 Ned and Rhonda realized there was a need to give back to our wounded military men and women after they return home from war. They started the Wounded Warriors Sportsman Fund, a non-profit organization that provides outdoor activities for these deserving men and women at no cost. As the organization grew, Ned and Rhonda created a Board of Directors and filed for 501©3 status for the Wounded Warriors Sportsman Fund in 2012. To support the Sportsman Fund, a fundraising banquet is held each year to secure donations to fund activities for the upcoming year. The money raised pays for the logistics needed to make each of the outdoor events possible, such as lodging and meals. In order to be eligible to participate in the outdoor activities funded through the Wounded Warriors Sportsman Fund, wounded veterans must have a service related disability of 30 percent or more. Some of the outdoor activities available through the Wounded Warriors Sportsman Fund include gator hunts, dove huts, deep sea fishing trips, turkey hunts, deer hunts,
Recently, Rhonda, Kayla, Lacey, and Jenna began an agritourism venue on their property. For several years, Ned and Rhonda hosted weddings for friends and families on the property surrounding their home. Since necessity is the mother of invention, Whippoorwills at Waters Cattle was born. Whippoorwills at Waters Cattle is an agritourism venue that hosts weddings, corporate events, or private parties in a native Florida atmosphere with a mix of plantation charm. Whippoorwills at Waters Cattle is located at the headquarters of Waters Cattle Company in Bartow. Waters Cattle Company is a ranching operation that covers multiple counties, dates back almost 200 years and is located a half mile off Highway 60, nestled between Bartow, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven. The agriculture industry has changed over the last several years. People are more interested in the food they eat than ever been before. As agricultural advocates it’s in our best interest to make sure the information they receive comes from associations and resources that are straightforward and honest, and from people who are experienced and knowledgeable. Joining and being actively involved in agriculture associations, such as the Florida and Polk County Cattlewomen’s Associations, is much more than lobbying with legislators. It begins by understanding and sharing your story within the agriculture industry, furthering the mission and vision of the industry and association you represent, and fostering positive changes in the minds and attitudes of Florida’s consumers. With more than one million head of cattle in the state of Florida, strong leadership at both local and state level within the associations that represent the cattle industry is vital to the sustainability and protection of this way of life. Rhonda Waters has the experience, knowledge, passion, and determination to lead the cattlewomen of Florida in a direction that will continue to promote the beef cattle industry, educate consumers, and protect the interests of our cattlemen and cattlewomen for generations to come. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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hog huts, and canoe trips, just to name a few. The activities are held on either private lands donated by local land owners or on state owned lands. The Wounded Warriors Sportsman Fund is extremely proud to have had the opportunity to provide outdoor activities this year for nine out of the 73 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients that are still living today.
By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida We have nearly finished this wonderful trip on the Literary Time Machine where we’ve visited 1926 and the recommendations for ornamental gardening as they applied to Florida in that time period. No doubt we have learned a great deal from our tour guide, Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson. Thankfully, there’s still much to discover on our voyage and it will not come to its end just quite yet. When last we left him, he was dealing with some sort of “smutty scale.” Let us now seek out his latest circumstances. He brings us round to a discussion about Bombax ceiba, or the silk cotton tree. He writes that it’s, “A very large tree with wide spreading arms and immense curved root buttresses whose brownish bark is more or less covered with strong prickles…it bears great numbers of large (six to seven inches across) flowers of thick, waxy texture, the petals strongly recurved and of a soft rich red.”¹ To us, this tree sounds stunning. Both with beauty and barbs. Of course, he has some personal experience with the tree. He expounds, “For weeks last winter a young tree in my grounds was a magnificent sight being constantly covered with this wonderful bloom.” However, there appears to be some sort of debate on this species as he continues, “This description exactly fits that given by Don in the Gardener’s Dictionary. In Bailey’s Encyclopedia a description agreeing very well with it is given for B. malabaricum which is said to be the same as B. ceiba of Burma… The two trees are very different but the botanists have juggled them hopelessly together and use names as I have given and Ceiba pentandra and Bombax pentandra…There are certainly two very different West Indian silk cotton trees which might well belong to two genera.”¹
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That leaves a bit of a mystery for us, as we found the description of the tree intriguing. So, it seemed well advised to see what we might dig up about these potentially mislabeled trees. What we discovered was that there was no lon-
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ger a space for the Bombax pentandra name and although both the other two, Ceiba pentandra and Bombax ceiba, were also known as Kapok trees, their descriptions and places of origin were quite different. When seeking out information on the B. malabaricum it yielded results that were linked to B. ceiba. So, it would appear that Mr. Torrey Simpson had it right all along. Not that we are surprised. We skip on to cassia, of which he reveals there are nearly 400 different species including herbs, trees, and shrubs. He elaborates, “Here in Lower Florida we have C. fistula, Pudding-pipe tree, Golden shower, a loose-growing tree with large, pinnate leaves and in May and June a profusion of long, drooping panicles of brilliant, pale yellow flowers. As I write this a tree in my grounds is just putting on its fresh young leaves and gloriously covering itself with bloom.”¹ We wondered if this might be visually similar to the trumpet trees we see all around Plant City at this time of year. Of course, it actually looks more like a yellow version of a Crape Myrtle from what we could tell. At least from far away, that is. He goes on to mention an unfortunate circumstance with a Cedrela adorate. He writes that it’s, “A rapid growing, very tall tree from the West Indies with handsome pinnate leaves that does well in the more tropical part of Florida if it doesn’t get frozen. I had a specimen with a trunk as large as my body which was utterly destroyed during the freeze of February third, 1917.”¹ We’ve researched that freeze on previous voyages so won’t go back there again. However, as we write, we know that Florida, especially our area, is in for some very cold weather. Our thoughts are with the farmers. Something we have noted in Mr. Torrey Simpson’s writing is his ability to throw names in as if every reader will know exactly whom he’s referring to. For instance, he writes about the cannon-ball tree of South America. Also known as
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the Couroupita guianensis. “This fine tree is being successfully cultivated at Fort Myers where it bears cannon balls and good seeds. The flowers are quite showy, occurring in racemes, often coming out of the trunk. Here I have repeatedly tried it but it has failed in every case, probably because it doesn’t like the soil. Mrs. Sarah Jones of Coconut Grove has a young tree that is doing fairly well.” We have to wonder who Mrs. Sarah Jones of Coconut Grove might have been. Sadly, it would appear we’ll never know. Perhaps readers of that time knew exactly who she was, though. To conclude our voyage, we’ll take one last detour to Mr. Torrey Simpson’s description of the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia). He states, “This is the tree for the million wherever there is a tropical climate or even a close approach to it…I am filled with patriotism when I think that I am a citizen of a state where this magnificent tree flourishes. By some it is said to be a native of Madagascar and others claim that its nativity is unknown but anyhow it belongs to all the warmer parts of the earth, it is a cosmopolitan and one of the vegetable kings of this planet.” Oh that we’d have so much appreciation for the flora and fauna we’ve been gifted with. Until next time, happy planting! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 146-151). Photo Credits: Lallthamba. 2012. Delonix Regia. (Royal Poinciana). Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/ hFaCiB) Dinesh Valke. 2007. Bombax ceiba. (Silk Cotton Tree). Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/ DB7mM) Forest and Kim Starr. 2006. starr-0608148564-Cassia_fistula-flowers-Baldwin_ Ave_Makawao-Maui. (Golden Shower Tree). Flickr. (https://flic.kr/p/DJUUgT)
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Not Your Grandmother’s Purse: Shinyrayed Pocketbook By: Ginny Mink
As we enter this new year, it seems appropriate to take note of those species that may or may not finish this year out with us. Those that fall on the federally endangered lists are at the greatest risk of suffering extinction prior to our ability to proclaim another happy new year. One such species worthy of this consideration is the shinyrayed pocketbook.
While it may sound like your grandmother’s purse, this is actually a mussel that lives, possibly, in the northern most part of our state affectionately known as the panhandle. The shinyrayed pocketbook, also known as Lampsilis subangulata, is globally imperiled as well. Though it doesn’t grow to more than about three inches in length, that doesn’t make this freshwater mussel any less valuable on the planet. Its exterior shell, an elliptical shape, shows green and yellowish-brown rays that house a white interior. Interestingly enough, this mussel has three teeth, two on the left valve and one on the right valve. The two are large while the singular one is more flattened. No doubt this makes for an interesting looking mussel should you run across it.¹ This endangered species is found in the Apalachicola, Ochlockonee, Chattahoochee, Flint, and Chipola Rivers which are located within Florida and Georgia. They are able to use their muscular “feet” to move through silt, gravel, and sand. While their shells appear to be loose fitting, they serve to prevent them from becoming dried out whenever they end up on shore, and they also keep them safe from predators. The mid to large freshwater river systems they call home allow them access to successful reproduction.² While enjoying their time on these rivers they will eat zooplankton, phytoplankton and bits of dead organic matter (detritus). This process is known as filter feeding. Essentially, they attach themselves to the bottoms of the rivers and allow water to filter through their gills. The bits of food get trapped and are eventually digested. There are specialized parts within their shells that allow them to do this.² Which makes them a more complicated organism than perhaps we would usually give them credit for being.
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Appropriate amounts of food are essential to successful reproduction as well. Healthy males of these mussels release their sperm to float down river in low to moderate currents where the females utilize a siphon for reception. When the eggs are fertilized in the females’ shell, and have had time to
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mature, she releases the glochidia (larvae) into the water. This generally happens between late May and mid-July while the water temperature is below 75˚ but above 67˚.¹ One doesn’t instantly think, “That’s smart!” when considering the ways a mussel lives and creates life. However, the female shinyrayed pocketbook creates a sort of rope of larvae (which is called a superconglutinate). To the host fish, it appears to be another fish which is worthy of dinner. When the host fish swallows the “rope” the larvae attach to its gills. Spotted bass and largemouth bass are the shinyrayed pocketbooks’ preference for hosting the development of their young. Once the larvae go through the necessary metamorphosis into juvenile mussels, they let go of the fish’s gills and settle into their sandy/silty habitat.¹ It’s almost like they go fishing for their host fish. That’s smart! Though we have seen that these wee mussels are both complex and smart, they are facing a slew of threats to their continued existence on this planet. Impounded waterways appear to be the most problematic of these threats. People impound waterways to control floods, utilize hydropower, and have access to fresh water supplies. While that helps people, it causes the currents in the rivers to decrease which adds a buildup of sediment that covers up the shinyrayed pocketbooks living at the bottoms of the rivers. These impoundments can also separate the populations of mussels from one another as well as their host fish and the tiny food particles they need to survive.¹ Of course, impounded waterways aren’t solely responsible for the decline in shinyrayed pocketbooks. There’s also the issue of dredging which can destroy whole populations at a time. And then there’s the lovely Asian clam, which is an invasive species that appears to be out-competing the shinyrayed pocketbooks for habitat and food. Certainly, we can’t negate the issue of chemical and pesticide pollution which poisons the mussels as they filter it in while feeding.¹ According to Earth’s Endangered Creatures, there’s also the zebra mussel to contend with, another non-native and invasive mussel species. And, let us not forget the fact that the bass populations in those areas are declining as well.² The best thing that can be done for these creatures is a concerted effort towards conservation and protection of their natural habitats. That will require monitoring and studying what populations remain.² We can also keep searching for subpopulations we might not be aware of at this time. And, with proper research, we might be able to determine a means in which to reintroduce or reestablish the species into areas of historic habitation. Regardless, public outreach and education is the key to their survival.¹ Recalling, of course, that we are stewards on this planet and everything placed on it has a purpose under the Divine design, there’s no reason we shouldn’t get involved in their protection. Resources:
¹Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Shinyrayed pocketbook. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/invertebrates/shinyrayed-pocketbook/ ²Earth’s Endangered Creatures. Shinyrayed Pocketbook. http://www. earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=CL&sp=766 Photo Credits: Jason Wisniewski. Mussels and Snails of Georgia. Hamiota Subangulata. Shinyrayed Pocketbook. (2007). Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/CRfD3A). Andrew Hoffman. Corbicula fluminea (Asian Clam). (2013). Flickr. (https://flic.kr/p/dYk17M) WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida
Loquat
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Fresh Florida loquats taste like a juicy, delicious mixture of peach, mango and citrus. A member of the Rosaceae family, the loquat is a relative of the apple, pear, plum, cherry, and apricot. Other names for this fruit are Japanese plum, Chinese plum, and pipa. The loquat is indigenous to China and was later introduced to Japan and India. It prefers a subtropical climate and grows in Hawaii, California, and Florida in the United States. Fresh loquats are available in winter and spring in Florida. Ripe fruit look like an oval-shaped apricot with thin, downy skin. The interior ranges in color from yellow to orange and there are several brown seeds in the center. When ripe, the fruit is soft and juicy and sweet. Loquats are delicious eaten out-of-hand or baked into pies or made into jams and jellies.
Nutritional Profile This sweet, fragrant fruit is a great nutritional source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and is naturally fat and cholesterol free. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh, chopped loquat (150 g) contains 70 calories, 0.6 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat, 18 g of carbohydrate, and 2.5 g of fiber. It also provides 45% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin A, 5% for vitamin B6, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Vitamin A
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Vitamin A is essential for optimal eye health and can help prevent night-blindness. It also plays a role in immunity by supporting the white blood cells in fighting infections. This vitamin is also involved in hearing, taste, and normal fetal development.
to muscle cramps. Fortunately, vegetables and fruits, such as fresh loquats, are rich sources of potassium.
Magnesium Magnesium is an important mineral and electrolyte involved in helping your heart maintain a normal healthy rhythm. This mineral is also involved in supporting immune function and in keeping bones strong. Magnesium also plays a role in healthy nerve function, regulation of blood glucose, and in the production of energy.
How to select and store For optimal taste, choose a ripe loquat that yields slightly to the touch and has a fragrant smell. Look for smooth, taut skin that is free of cuts and blemishes. Loquats do not continue to ripen after picking, so choose fruit that look and smell ready to eat. Ripe fruit is fairly delicate but can be refrigerated for one to three days. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing.
How to enjoy Sweet, ripe Florida loquats are delicious eaten just the way they are! Other ways to enjoy them include: • Dice it and mix with other fruits into a salad • Blend with other fruits into a smoothie • Mash and freeze to make a refreshing sorbet • Crush loquats and add to water, tea, or juice • Slice and bake with cinnamon and honey for a healthy dessert • Mix diced fruit into yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal Enjoy this beautiful, fragrant fruit during Florida’s peak season today. Eat it out of hand and enjoy every drop of sweetness and great nutrition.
Potassium
Selected References
Loquats are high in potassium, an electrolyte that promotes healthy heart functioning and protects against high blood pressure. Potassium helps regulate fluids and mineral balance, aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses. People with low potassium levels are more prone
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/loquat.html
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UF/IFAS, Tropicana test promising new citrus varieties for greening tolerance By Brad Buck Grafted orange trees showcased at the 100th anniversary of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center may give the state’s citrus growers new reason to hope the industry can cope with the citrus greening crisis, UF/IFAS researchers say. University of Florida scientists and Tropicana are teaming up to test promising new UF/IFAS-bred citrus varieties for greening tolerance and better-tasting juice. Tolerance means trees are infected and remain infected, but they still perform adequately to make a profit, UF/IFAS researchers say. Resistance means the trees fight off the infection – either reducing the infection to a very low level or getting rid of it completely. “I’ve been out to the site twice in the past year and some of the rootstock-scion combinations just jump out at you with the lush green foliage and, more importantly, a large number of nice-sized fruit,” said UF/IFAS CREC Director Michael Rogers. “What’s more, there are multiple large plots for each rootstock combination that allow us to really get a good idea of how these trees are holding up under greening,” Rogers said. Greening, also known as huanglongbing, or HLB, has impacted more than 80 percent of Florida’s citrus trees, according to UF/IFAS research. Rogers added: “From what I’ve seen, we’ve got some reasonably tolerant scion/rootstock combinations that growers should be taking a look at as short-term solutions to living with greening until true HLB-resistant trees are developed.” Tropicana leases 14.5 acres for testing new selections including UF/IFAS-developed citrus cultivars and rootstocks in a commercial grove about 4 miles from the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, said Jude Grosser, a UF/IFAS professor of horticultural sciences and a faculty member at CREC. UF/IFAS researchers have a long history of working with Tropicana, Grosser said.
“This trial is providing strong evidence that the combination of improved scion genetics, improved rootstock genetics and optimized nutrition programs is the ticket for the immediate future,” Grosser said.
Cheryl Nagle of Tropicana worked with Simonetta at the beginning, and she passionately followed up on building the relationship after Rocco’s retirement, Grosser said. She now is in charge of the trials. “This is all truly a team effort,” he said. Tropicana and UF/IFAS started their collaboration on the current project in June 2013, said Allison Drown, who manages the grove near Lake Alfred for Tropicana. “We monitor tree health, fruit yield and juice quality,” Drown said. Grosser commended Tropicana’s interest in testing many new IFAS selections in their citrus trial. “Tropicana has taken no shortcuts – they are employing stateof-the-art management of the trial,” said Grosser, who led a tour of the private groves at the Nov. 29 centennial celebration of the UF/IFAS CREC. Tropicana and UF/IFAS breeders started with about 30 scion selections — or descendants of other varieties, Grosser said, but because of citrus greening, Tropicana decided to look at new and improved rootstocks as well, he said.
For example, the combination of UF sweet orange OLL-8 cultivar on UFR-4 rootstock looks exceptional for both yield and tree health, Grosser said.
Citrus scientists use traditional plant grafting to put together combinations of new scions and rootstocks created in the breeding program.
“These clones are a good immediate-term solution to help us until resistant clones are available,” he said. “We are continuing to screen rootstock hybrids for HLB tolerance that can be transmitted to a grafted scion. So far, we have screened more than 10,000 hybrids, and we have identified a few truly promising selections. Citrus breeding is a continuum – we are constantly building on previous progress.”
In plant grafting, scientists call the upper part of the plant the scion, while the lower part is the rootstock. Grosser said he sees promise in about half a dozen scion-rootstock combinations in this trial, most of which are releases from UF/IFAS CREC.
The relationship between Tropicana and UF/IFAS goes back many years. “They became interested in our sweet orange improvement work through research interactions and presentations made at trade shows and seminars,” Grosser said. “We began sending them fruit samples from promising selections for sensory analysis.” Rocco Simonetta, who’s now retired from Tropicana, spearPAGE
headed the UF/IFAS-Tropicana Project Field trials – with the first two trials focusing primarily on sweet orange selections in our pipeline that might be good additions to their Not-FromConcentrate (NFC) portfolio, Grosser said. The current trial focuses more on the addition of new rootstocks as necessary to deal with HLB.
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Based on UF/IFAS data, UF/IFAS citrus breeders suggest new oranges, orange-like hybrids and rootstocks from the CREC citrus improvement program that they think Tropicana might be interested in for future use in its business, Grosser said. “With our advice, Tropicana makes the final decisions on which scions and rootstocks are in the trial, and also the decisions on how to manage the trees,” he said. “We are currently working with Tropicana to develop a plan where we can work together to get good yield data this year.”
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Environmental Firm Weathers The Storm
Though only a few months old, Thielen Environmental burst onto the scene following the disastrous wake of Hurricane Irma.
By Breanne Williams David and Caleb Thielen spent years doing line clearance projects in the national forests of California. The brothers were operation managers for Arbor-tech environmental group but desperately missed Florida and began to plan their return. Soon, Thielen Environmental was born. “We moved back home, saved our money, bought some equipment and just happened to go in right before a major hurricane,” Caleb Thielen said. Hurricane Irma ripped through Florida, severing power to nearly four million homes and business and leaving massive amounts of debris scattered throughout the peninsula. Though Theilen Environmental had only been in existence for a few months, the group prepared for what would surely be one of the largest clean-up operations of their lives. “It was a blessing, but it was chaos,” Caleb Thielen said. “Sitting in a parking lot in the middle of a hurricane waiting for it to be over. There’s no power, no food, no fuel. We just waited for the winds to pass and then set out to start working.”
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The group ended up covering the entire Miami-Dade county for restoration as well as tackling Lake City, Miami and Maple. Though they’re currently based out of Polk County they said their goal is to become the largest environmental company in Florida that specializes in tree work. After working on Irma, the brothers said they are confident they will soon be participating in disaster recovery nation wide.
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Growing up in central Florida, the Thielen brothers have successfully been able to grow their company in the area using connections they’ve made over the years. David Thielen said while there are many other environmental groups in the area, few competitors have the experience he and his brother obtained while working in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. “We’re used to cutting down 200-foot tall trees in mountainous terrain,” David Thielen said. “Here nobody has the experience we have. We’re used to doing trim work and working around the power lines. We’re also a lot more customer oriented. We’re two brothers that are partners and we both are interested in building a small residential market and we know that starts with customers.” David and Caleb Thielen are only a year apart and the duo said they have spent their lives doing everything together. Growing up in Eagle Lake, their parents instilled the values of hard work in their sons at an early age. Over the years, they watched their parents own several small businesses and said they learned from watching the various business models what works and what didn’t. The mistakes made by their family members served as lessons to the brothers who said they learned at a young age what it takes to run a business. Through it all, one overriding principle lies simply in treating people well. They said if you work hard and give everything you have to a project you can prove to customers you are someone to depend on. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The brothers said they refuse to settle for less than perfect work, even if it ends up costing them in the end. Recently, the group had been hired by an older man to do work on his property. Soon after starting they realized there was far more to the job than either they or their customer realized. Rather than start backpedaling, they simply finished the work and “took care of him.” They took the pay cut without saying a word because they said their company stands behind their promises. “For me I remember waking up and being like ‘man if this job doesn’t work out, what do I do next?” David Thielen said. “I was working for the railroad and one point and they were having these big layoffs. I decided to jump out in front of that and not get caught and not be an employee to a job. I’d rather build something that I can be in control of.” His brother held a similar dissatisfaction with life. Working as a lineman he said he always knew that there was more to life than that for him. Tapping into their entrepreneur-minded upbringing the duo soon began to consider building a company for themselves. After all, David Thielen said the American Dream has always revolved around owning your own business. After realizing their passion for environmental work the brothers decide to take a leap of faith and pursue their dream. Thielen Environmental specializes in tree removal, disaster relief, debris clearing and hauling. The brothers said they are also willing to tailor their services to fit any commercial needs. “We just want to grow ourselves, do good work and be a household name in Florida and just thank God for all of our achievements,” David Thielen said. “Anyone that’s interested can call us at 863-651-8316.”
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New Year Brings New Laws by John Dicks Sometimes we get so caught up with festivities during the holidays that we barely have time for even a passing glance at some significant things that seem to sneak up on us. Already headlong into a new year, it’s worth noting that when the magic New Year’s Eve ball dropped at the point of midnight there were some new laws simultaneously taking effect as well. It’s true not just for us Floridians, though. The startup time for new legislation takes place all throughout the land. Fortunately, our legislators didn’t seem quite as aggressive as the ones in Illinois. Coming out of their statehouse, and starting up this month, were some 215 new laws! They covered a gamut of things ranging from establishing tax credits for private school scholarships to prohibiting the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling exhibits. Meanwhile, Tennessee starting receiving its share of attention by enacting legislation effective this year entitled “Campus Free Speech Protection Act.” You may recall that last year some colleges moved to cancel speeches by individuals and organizations that school officials worried might cause campus disruption or even violence. This new law, perhaps surprisingly, seems to bar institutions from rescinding invitations when invited by students or faculty. That bill likely caused much discussion and debate by the legislators. One that I suspect was less controversial was a change made which now allows barbers to make house calls. Really! Then there were the changes made in California, which, like its earthquakes, seem to rattle and send ripples throughout the rest of the country. Perhaps the biggest change was clouded through all the smoke, which this time was not coming from the state’s numerous forest fires. California joined the growing list of states legalizing the use of marijuana. Mind you, not just for medicinal purposes, which Florida is experimenting with, but for Californians, it’s now “recreational” use that is permitted. Turns out the new law was rather popular with many of the locals. Papers across the state were reporting that
people were lining up before daylight, anxious to pay upwards to $15 per cigarette for the now legal cannabis. California also saw a slew of other new laws starting up this year. They included an increase in the minimum wage to $11 per hour, banning guns at all public schools (even for those with concealed carry permits), and another which provides free tuition to the first year of community college for full time students. Also beginning this year, Oregon now bans the sale of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) to anyone under age 21. It became only the fourth state to do so, following the lead of California, Hawaii and New Jersey, which already have similar prohibitions. Compared to many of the other states, Floridians saw relatively few significant changes going into effect January 1st. One law affecting family law situations is aimed at divorced and separated couples with children. It seeks to shift the focus of matters towards the best interest of the children by implementing a “standard parenting time plan” in the event that parents can’t otherwise agree to one. The plan covers specific time frames for visitation between parents and children, including every other weekend, one evening per week, and alternating visits over holidays and school breaks. Written into the law is that it is the state’s stated public policy to “encourage frequent contact between a child and each parent to optimize the development of a close and continuing relationship between each parent and the child.” Another change starting with the new year was that Florida workers working at minimum wage jobs now enjoy a bit of a boost in their paychecks. The minimum wage was hiked by 15 cents to $8.25 per hour. That’s an increase of about 2%, but it had nothing to do with action from the legislature. Instead, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2004 requiring an automatic annual calculation and adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. Incidentally, it’s essentially the same percentage increase as was received by those receiving Social Security benefits. For them, at least, it all made for a Happy New Year!
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his law degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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Dr. Jason Wade Cash, DVM 1969-2017
By Leslie Buchanon A beloved Polk County veterinarian, friend to all, son, brother, husband, and father, passed from this earth and entered his heavenly home on December 31, 2017. Dr. Jason Wade Cash passed away roughly two and a half years after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke that left him partially paralyzed. Jason was born on April 17, 1969 in Lakeland to Leon and Judie Cash. For the next 48 years Jason lived a life full of laughter, love, peace, contentment, happiness, and blessings. His warm, approachable, humble, and sometimes even sarcastic personality, partnered with his incredible work ethic, allowed him to build a veterinary practice following that provided for his family and fueled his passion. He graduated from Lake Gibson High School in 1987 and was very involved in extracurricular activities, including performing reenactments of Osceola and Renegade from Florida State Seminoles Football at Lake Gibson High School football games. After graduating high school Jason attended Polk Community College, now known as Polk State College, while also working at Kathleen Animal Hospital. During his time at Kathleen Animal Hospital Jason discovered his passion and decided to earn a degree in veterinary medicine. Jason then attended the University of Florida, Louisiana State University, and Ross University on the Leeward Island of St. Kitts. Dr. Jason W. Cash received his license and began practicing veterinary medicine in 1996. Throughout his veterinary career he cared for small and large animals throughout the state of Florida. Being raised in the agriculture industry, Dr. Cash, an easy-going country boy, felt a personal responsibility to serve as a mentor and supporter for young people completing livestock projects by treating their animals for little to no compensation. He left a significant mark on everyone he met with his blend of optimism, humility, integrity, and willingness to help anyone in need. During a chance encounter in 2005, Dr. Cash met Dana Osborne when she brought her dogs to the veterinarian office where Jason worked. A friendship quickly developed that soon blossomed into true love. Jason and Dana married on November 3, 2007 surrounded by their family and friends. They built a life full of love, family, adventure, and laughter, but Jason had one more dream in life….to become a father. Brody Spencer Cash entered the world on April 17, 2011. Brody’s birth was the perfect birthday present for a man whose lifelong dream was to be a daddy.
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On July 31, 2015 Jason suffered a debilitating stroke that would forever change his life and the life of this family. While preparing to go to work that morning Jason complained of a headache and would soon lose consciousness. He was air-
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lifted to Tampa General Hospital and would spend the next year in and out of various rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Weary from the daily trips around the state and variances in the care he received, Dana decided to follow Jason’s wishes and bring him home where she could care for him herself. The North Lakeland community, along with many friends throughout the state, came together and remodeled the Cash’s home inside and out to accommodate Jason and his needs. Dana was able to care for Jason’s every need while being home with him and Brody for a year and a half. Jason lived out the remainder of his life his surrounded by his family in the home full of laughter and love he and Dana had built together. Close family friend, Dee Meador reflects, “Jason didn’t have friends, he had family. If you were his friend, you were his family.” In addition to leaving behind a loving wife/soulmate and son/ best friend, Jason leaves behind his older brother, Clay Cash. On a personal note, during Jason’s time at Ross University, which he affectionately referred to as Gilligan’s Island, he communicated with his friends and family through hand written letters or phone calls. In one of Jason’s hand written letters to a lifelong friend he expressed himself in words that, for those that knew him best, summed up his outlook on life. Jason wrote, “Going down here to vet school is something I felt that I had to do in order for me to be content with myself for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t have wanted to have regrets for not going for the rest of my life if I hadn’t even tried it. I’m excited because I only have 3 more years of school and I can finally start my life. I don’t know if it will be a good life or a bad one, and only God knows that, but I feel that I have overcome a gigantic hurdle and I know that this is what mom and dad would’ve wanted me to do, which is mainly be happy. So for the last words of wisdom it’s that, life is what you make out of it and all you can do is give it your all and be happy and content with yourself, never regretting any of the steps you made along the way.” Funeral services for Dr. Jason Wade Cash were held on January 7, 2018 at Bethel Baptist Church in Lakeland. Over 300 friends and family members attended the visitation and funeral to pay their respects. Should family and friends desire, contributions may be sent to, P.O. Box 92, Kathleen, FL 33849, to help offset funeral expenses. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WISHING YOU A WISHING YOU A
Berry
Berry HAPPY NEW YEAR
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
January 2018
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green Photo Credit: April Green
The Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans)
I love this time of year! The weather is getting cooler and I always have more time for hiking and photography than the rest of the year. The leaves are beginning to fall from many plants and the insects that so easily escape our attention in the warmer months are a little more noticeable in the cooler months surrounding Christmas and the turn of the New Year. It almost seems that some insects that are out and about in the cooler months are celebrating the holidays with us, sporting the red and green colors of Christmas. I know that there are many insects that display these colors throughout the year, but this month our feature creature is a spider that not only sports the colors of Christmas, but also protects her little bundle from any “perch pirates” that may try to pillage her brood. The green lynx spider (Peucetia viridans) is considered a beneficial insect by not only gardeners but farmers as well and will be easy to find this month if you are so inclined to do so. You will find these spiders on various tall grasses, burred plants, and shrubs. Their red and green coloring is the perfect camouflage for the winter season flora that is changing from green to shades of red and brown. The green lynx spider can grow large and has an equally large personality. She is among the most effective predators of all insects and a true joy to watch if you have the patience to wait for her to ambush her prey. I will encourage you to take a closer look if you get the opportunity but warn you to do so with caution because this spider will respond aggressively to any threat to her egg sack and has a special way of dealing with large threats like mammals and human beings. The green lynx spider (Peucetia viridans) is so named for its greenish color and its likeness to the lynx genus of spotted wild cats that characteristically pounce on their prey with lightning speed. The Peucetia is a spider genus found worldwide, however, we only have two species in North America, the Green Lynx (Peucetia viridans) and the Lesser Green Lynx (Peucetia longipalpis). Of the two, the Green Lynx (Peucetia viridans) is the most common in Florida. Although the common name infers the spider is always green, the Fall and Winter adults are known to change their color to camouflage against the changing vegetation of our cooler months. Like many hunting spiders such as the wolf spider, the harvestman and the beloved jumping spider, the green lynx does not create a web for capturing its prey, it’s an ambush predator
The green lynx spider is not only aggressive toward its prey, but happens to be one of the most protective mothers found in the insect world. The web she spins is primarily for her offspring and consists of curling the leaves and flowers of a host plant around her egg sack, then binding the brood package with a protective silk before assuming a protective position on top of her egg sack. Unlike many other spiders, her young are born slightly underdeveloped as postembryos and lack tarsal (foot) claws and functioning eyes and mouth. The female spider must often assist the postembryos in their emergence by tearing open the egg sack for them. Within two weeks of hatching the postembryos shed their first molt and are fully formed and functioning spiderlings, complete with mouth, eyes, and tarsa (feet). The mother will remain with the egg sack until all of the spiderlings have dispersed, which generally only takes a few days, but she will nevertheless remain in guard mode for up to a week after the spiderlings have dispersed. When in guard mode the female lynx spider will readily attack any perch invader and if the threat is too large for her to ward off with her fangs, she resorts to spitting venom several inches, an attack that is apparently an eye irritant for vertebrates, humans or mammals for example. Harassing the spider while she’s guarding an egg sac is not encouraged and may likely result in the spider striking. Although the bite of this spider is not typically a medical concern, word has it that it is painful. If you can manage to attract a few spiderlings to your garden you will have a very effective beneficial predator to help control pest insects, and have a built-in entertainment system because these spiders are truly fascinating to watch. Their lifespan is about one year and within that year females will typically only lay one egg sack, having up to 600 eggs. In Florida, it is not uncommon to have three generations of green lynx per year, which could mean nearly year-round residency in your garden or crop. This spider is certainly worth a closer look. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
January 2018
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and sits atop a cluster of flowers waiting to ambush any insect that lands close. Unfortunately, this means valued pollinators such as bees wasps, and butterflies are all on the menu. Studies have confirmed that the lynx spider is an extremely effective predator and they would be a top choice for biologic pest control were it not for its indiscriminate appetite.
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Agriculture and the Sheriff’s Office—A great partnership Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office cover a lot of land each day. Our county is very large—it’s the fourth largest in terms of land in Florida. Much of this land is used for agriculture, to include a lot of livestock. According to the USDA’s ag-census report for 2012, there are huge numbers of cattle, bees, horses, hogs, and goats. And many times, those animals escape their confines and get out onto roadways, causing potential hazards. Well, except for the bees. When a cow gets out on the road, people usually call the Sheriff’s Office, and our deputies are quick to respond. The last thing we want is for someone driving down the road to get into a crash with an escaped animal. As livestock owners know, this can cause a lot of damage. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office maintains what we refer to as, “The Ag-Files.” The name makes it sound like some topsecret dossier we have on farmers, but in reality, it’s a list we keep of agricultural land use owners and their contact information, in case an emergency occurs. Sometimes, the fences that contain livestock on a property get damaged, or falls apart. It may be accidental, such as a vehicle running off the road, and crashing through the fence, or something as simple as the fence just coming apart due to age.
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Once a loose animal is reported, and the deputy arrives on scene, we are going to do what we can to get that animal back home safely. The deputy will attempt to determine how the animal got out—and usually it is a break in the fencing. If the deputy is able to, the animal will be shepherded back
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through the fence and we will try to repair the fence, so the animal can’t escape again. Other times, the deputy can access the Ag-Files, locate the owner of the animal and make contact. The best-case scenario is that the owner or his designee will arrive quickly, capture the animal, and repair the fence. Obviously, the quicker we can return an animal to its home, the better. We don’t want animals to get hurt, and we certainly don’t want people getting hurt either. This is why it is important for livestock owners to communicate with the Sheriff’s Office, and get listed in our agency’s Ag-Files. With the information at the fingertips of our deputies, the process can move along quickly, and the safety of all involved is much more likely. Deputies are also able to utilize the Ag-Files in the event of other unfortunate events, such as a crime occurring on a land-owner’s property, a fire, or a crash. Our Ag-Files are always in need of being updated. If you have one of the orange and white No Trespassing signs from the Sheriff’s Office, and you haven’t had contact with us in a while, call us, make sure all of the contact information we have for you is up-to-date. If you don’t have one of the orange and white signs, and you’d like one, call us. You don’t have to have a farm or grove to have one. Anyone who owns property can get one. Not only are they good to let people know that they need to stay out, but it makes it a lot easier for our deputies to contact you in the event of an emergency. If you want to update your information, request a sign, or get more information, please call our Ag Unit at 863-298-7205. The Sheriff’s Office members take pride in their service to the people, and animals of Polk County, and our Ag-Files is just another way we can provide that service better. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Polk County Cattle Women January kicked off with a bang. The Cattlewomen have been busy helping with preparations for the Youth Fair next week and the Ranch Rodeo in February. During the fair, the Cattlewomen help out in a variety of ways from exhibit check-ins to judging events. In addition to sponsoring awards, Polk County Cattlewomen have awards for record books and a premium award for an exhibitor who goes above and beyond to maintain their space in the barn and help other exhibitors. As a reminder, The Polk County Youth Fair will run from Saturday January 21st through Friday January 27th, featuring exhibits from home décor to a variety of livestock. The Commercial Heifer Show will be Tuesday January 24th at 6p.m. The Purebred Beef Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday January 26th. The Market Steer Show will also be Thursday the 26th starting at 6p.m. Please come out and support our local youth! February will be just as busy as the Florida State Fair kicks off February 8th and runs through February 19th. The Cattlewomen will be out at the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Showcase serving up tasty beef samples to fair goers. On Saturday February 17th the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association will be hosting their annual Ranch Rodeo
The Cattlewomen will be there serving up delicious concessions including beef tips and rice, hamburgers and hotdogs, French fries and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year with all of the proceeds going directly towards our scholarship programs. Please come out for a great event and show your support. If you are interested in joining us, our next meeting is Tuesday February 6th. We will meet in the Valencia Room in the main building at the Polk County Agriculture Complex 1702 US Hwy 17 S, Bartow. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. I hope to see you there! Be good and do good deeds,
Megan Atkinson
Polk County Cattle Women President
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and Trade Show at the Polk County Agriculture Complex Arena in Bartow. There will be a variety of vendors on hand for the trade show and the rodeo is sure to provide entertainment and excitement.
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