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CONTENTS
September 2018 VOL. 12 • ISSUE 1 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
24 Mike Crawford A Man of Inspiration
P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com Vice President – Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Secretary/Treasurer Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com
PAGE 10 Master Gardener
PAGE 31 News Briefs
PAGE 12 Jack Payne
PAGE 32 Hurricanes/Fire Losses
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 34 Citrus Greening
PAGE 16 Business Up Front
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 18 Sugar Belle
PAGE 34 Recipes
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 40 Activity
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 28 Endangered Species
PAGE 42 PCSO
PAGE 30 Cacao Beans
PAGE 45 PCCW
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch57@ gmail.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Mike Fussell 4520 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@gmail.com Moby Persing 3380 Sam Keen Rd Lake Wales, FL 33898 (863) 528-4567 Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail. com
3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 J. B. Wynn PO Box 197 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership- J.B. Wynn Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Cattlewomen – President, Megan Atkinson 3970 Gerber Dairy Rd Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 559-1228 Megamess007@yahoo. com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Warner University – Cameron Cato 13895 Hwy 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (352) 561-6459 James.cato@warner.edu
Dave Tomkow WWW. ININTHE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt
Sales Tina Richmond Melissa Nichols
Letter from the Editor In The Field magazine has a brand new look. After nearly 14 full years of covering what is growing, we decided it was time for a fresh new design on our cover. Our goal remains the same. We strive to bring you information on agriculture in our community, from the smallest to the largest, taking you behind the scenes to meet the people who put their blood, sweat and tears into feeding not only our county, but our country. Many times, our youth have no idea of the definition of agriculture. If they aren’t raised on or near a farm, agriculture may very well be a foreign word to them. And it isn’t just our youth; a large portion of the population may know the definition, but don’t truly understand it. For all intents and purposes, agriculture is everything involved with growing plants and animals to be used for something else. There are so many branches of agriculture it would boggle the mind of most people.
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
Farmers and Ranchers care about the environment. They take care of the land that takes care of them, hopefully leaving it in better condition for future generations. These are the lessons we hope our readers learn as we take you on a monthly tour of the agriculture industry in our area. Let us know how you like the new look. If you have an idea for a story please let us know. Covering what’s growing is important to us.
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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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Dear PCCA Members, Well, we have gone from one extreme to another and I hear many comments from people wishing it would stop raining, but as the tropics heat up, I pray everyone is prepared if another hurricane comes our way this season. Let’s keep praying these storms will miss us and get the rain to our fellow ranchers through the United States that are in need of wetter conditions. Polk County hosted a great Florida Cattlemen’s Quarterly Meeting in Bartow, September 6th – 7th. We appreciate everyone that came out to the meetings and helped cook for our fellow cattlemen from around the state. There are several issues affecting the cattle industry that the FCA Executive Committee and our county association are monitoring. The Electronic Logging Device/Hours of Service (ELD/HOS) rules have a major impact on
the cattle industry. The United States Senate has passed to extend the wavier to September 30, 2019, but as of today, Congress has not passed the measure, but they are making efforts to extend the current ELD regulation exemption for another year. As cattlemen, we need to continue to monitor this issue and talk to our representatives about the need for a full livestock exemption. As you flip through the Florida Cattlemen’s Magazine you will see many advertisements for a lot of Bull and Replacement Heifer Sales. Now is a good time to access your herd needs and take advantage of these fall sales. Until next time, EAT MORE BEEF!
Carlton Taylor
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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Master Gardener
Resplendent Roses
By Debra Howell, Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Throughout the ages the rose has been a staple garden plant in America and around the globe. From the heirloom roses, such as the Louis Phillipe, to the durable knockout types, to the large showy grandiflora hybrids, roses remain a favorite plant with which to grace your central Florida landscape. As you search your favorite nursery or landscape center for prospective roses, it is good to be armed with ideas for your preference of “florist type” grandiflora, floribunda, hybrid tea or polyantha roses. Or perhaps you prefer the more informal blooms of “old garden” and Knockout® roses which offer beauty with less maintenance. Your selections will also depend on shape, flower color and fragrance. You may also opt for roses adaptable to smaller spaces, like a patio, such as miniature or mini-flora roses. Cultural practices for growing roses successfully in our Zone 9 area demand that at last six hours of direct sunlight be available daily. Therefore, selecting an appropriate site is essential for your roses to flourish. Since a large part of your maintenance schedule will revolve around fungal control, your optimum site will be one that receives morning sunlight to help dry up the accumulation of dew from the previous evening, thus decreasing the occurrence of the fungal disease blackspot. While planning the location of your rose, it is recommended that you first determine the pH of the soil at your selected site. The preferred pH for optimum uptake of nutrients by roses falls between pH 5.5 to 6.5, which is moderate to slightly acidic soil. You may determine the soil’s pH by bringing samples of garden soil to your local County Extension office where a soil pH test may be performed for a small fee.
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Since most central Florida soils are referred to as “Myakka fine sand,” and are rapidly draining soils, it is important that
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you amend the entire bed with a good quality potting soil, as well as, with composted manure or peat. This practice will increase the soil’s capacity to not only conserve moisture, but to allow it to drain, as well. It may be noted that according to UF/IFAS publication CIR 344, “Growing Roses in Florida,” “soil amendments should be added to the entire bed not just to the planting hole because roots quickly grow beyond the amended hole. Add two to four inches of organic material and mix evenly to a depth of 12 inches.” If your property is notorious for flooding during weather events, you will probably find it necessary to create raised beds. When planning your trip to the garden center, be aware that the container-grown roses are usually available all year. However, if you are looking for bare-root plants, they are only available from October through March. One caveat concerning bare-root roses is that they are not grafted on the preferred “double white Cherokee” (Rosa fortuniana) rootstock. This rootstock produces long-lived, more vigorous roses with larger flowers than other rootstocks. You may plant your roses year round in central Florida. Sydney ParkBrown, retired associate professor emeritus, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, states that, “More flowers are produced during summer than cooler seasons, but flowers are larger, more intense in color, and have more petals during cooler periods of the year.” Roses grown in Florida tend to exceed the growth in other states so you will need to allow for more space. Dig a round hole of a larger diameter than the pot of the purchased plant. Make the hole as deep as the rootball of the plant. Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots that may have begun to circle the bottom of the pot. Place the plant in the hole as deep as its depth in the pot. Backfill the hole and tamp down using your hands. If you stomp it with your feet you may WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
injure the roots of the plant. Create a water basin around the plant with the rest of the soil. It is recommended to use a two to three inch deep layer of mulch to preserve moisture. Mulch suggestions are pine needles, compost or a Florida-Friendly product such as melaleuca mulch. Melaleuca trees, which are problematic in the Everglades, are milled into mulch that has been heat-treated to prevent germination. Newly planted roses require frequent watering, preferably with drip tubing or micro-irrigation, for about six to eight weeks for your new rose garden to become established. All roses need regular irrigation, being mindful that dry foliage makes roses less prone to diseases. The more recent roses, such as grandiflora, will require diseases management, dead-heading removal of dead blooms and wood, as well as, regular watering and fertilization with a slow release rose fertilizer in order to flourish. Roses that are tagged “low maintenance,” such as tea and shrub roses, require less care. Once your rose begins to prosper, increasing size may dictate the need for staking. The larger the plant, the larger and sturdier the support should be. Trellis and stakes are available at your garden center. After roses are established, a major pruning is recommended from mid-February to early March, then a lighter pruning in August. The old garden roses are pruned only as needed. The necessity of weekly applications of insecticides and fungicides is a big reason some gardeners opt out of the cultivation of roses. Because the weather in Florida is often wet and humid, roses are prone to two fungal diseases: Cercospora leafspot and blackspot. Another fungal problem is powdery mildew. In addition to spraying and fertilizing, general hygiene of your rose is important. Rake the area under the rose and remove diseased leaves from the plant. You then need to immediately place fresh mulch beneath the bush to create a barrier between the fungal spores on the ground and the plant. Pests that may occur on roses are spider mites, chili thrips,
But, if you prefer your maintenance to be less rather than more, then remember there are types of roses which require less maintenance and offer resistance to fungal diseases. These include “old garden” roses, David Austin® and Knockout® roses. Old roses are defined by the American Rose Society as any type introduced before 1867. Antique roses, such as the lovely Louis Phillipe, are tolerant of pests and diseases, require less fertilizer and water and grow well on their own roots. Roses are known and loved world-wide for their beautiful blooms, and for their special aromas in certain cultivars. They are used as specimen landscape plants, and may be containergrown, as well. Roses may be used to welcome a new baby, celebrate a wedding and for all other special occasions. Always remember to read the tag that accompanies your new rose purchase in order to determine if your rose selection will fit your requirements. If you have questions regarding your landscape or becoming a Florida Master Gardener, you may call your local UF/IFAS Extension Service for help to find the answer. You can reach the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-5191041 or online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. 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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aphids and caterpillars, so be sure to scrutinize your roses frequently.
By Jack Payne
Just by participating in one of our research projects, Farm Bureau members and other growers recently gave the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences the highest compliment I can think of. You trust us. That’s the takeaway from a recent survey done by the UF/ IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources, or PIE Center. We’ve often described ourselves as trustworthy, but to my knowledge we’d never actually measured it. So in a way, the PIE Center’s work was our way of acting on the old Ronald Reagan dictum, “Trust but verify.” We apply it to our science, and we apply it ourselves. The PIE Center’s Ricky Telg asked you to rate the trustworthiness of about 20 sources of information, and UF/IFAS came out on top. Not only that, but our strongest competition for trustworthiness is ourselves. The local UF/IFAS Extension office, UF/IFAS, and the PIE Center are the three highest rated sources. After UF/IFAS comes federal and state agriculture and natural resource organizations and agencies. On the least trustworthy end of the spectrum were various sources of news media and social media. Trust is the gold standard when your mission is to provide information. It’s also key to a strong relationship that helps UF/ IFAS to help Florida’s production agriculture thrive.
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We didn’t do this to produce a feel-good report. We did it be-
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cause trust is an essential element of good science. We need to repeatedly prove we’re trustworthy to get the access we need to do trials on your farms. We need it so you will be candid with our Extension agents and researchers. We need it so you’ll support the research agenda we devise to support you. Our soaring university rankings aren’t in themselves what make us an authority on solutions to your challenges. Trust is. The ratings and rankings are the result of your trust in us, not the cause of it. Of course, the job of earning your trust is never done. Instead of just accepting it as a given that you hold us in high esteem, we used scientific surveying methods to quantify and challenge it. We’ll never stop working to be worthy of the trust you place in us. When you turn to UF/IFAS, what you’ll hear from us is going to be based on data, observation, experimentation, and science – the best tools we have to establish the truth as we know it. It’s been that way since UF/IFAS was established 54 years ago, and it’s not going to change. Trust me. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report- October 2018 Capt. Woody Gore
Hopefully, the shallow inshore flats will begin clearing up after the rains of August and September. If so, the bite should improve; that’s not to say the bites been all that bad. We’ve still been catching fish it’s just a little difficult to see them in the tannin colored waters. They’re eating almost everything offered and we’re certainly doing more catching than fishing. So as late summer and early fall temperatures approach, it’s a great time to fish. Cooler temperatures always make fishing more tolerable. If you want to catch a snook, redfish, trout, mackerel or perhaps a mess of snapper, now is the time.
Redfish are showing up around the grass flats and mangrove shorelines. It’s also the time of the year when some of the big reds show up. You never know whether you’re going to catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches. As they look for food from area to area you can often find them by simply watching the water. As they move the school humps the shallow water. It can very subtle or very aggressive depending on their speed. One of the biggest mistakes made by anglers is chasing a school of spooked redfish. Instead of chasing, just wait, let them calm down, and return to feeding. However, if you immediately jump on the trolling motor and start chasing that’s all you’re going to be doing for the next hour or so is chasing a school of redfish. We’ve been catching sea trout on deeper hard bottom grass flats. Frequently when you catch one there are others in the same area. We’re having success using greenbacks and small pinfish; but live shrimp always catch trout. I nose hook pinfish and greenback’s; shrimp I hook in the carapace just under the horn. Depending on the water depth a popping cork will sometimes draw attention to the bait.
Snook Most of the snook being caught are averaging in the 22 to the 25-inch range. But if you work at it, you could boat one in the slot, especially as fall approaches. We have caught one or two in the 29 to the 35-inch range using live greenbacks but released all slot sized fish. For me they are such a great species to catch and release. I personally don’t see a reason to kill them for the table. They taste no better than other fish and are such fun to catch. If you want fish for the table stop by the market and grab a nice piece of grouper or snapper. As for the others, we’ve been catching good sized grey snapper at the bridges, rock piles and on the grass flats with some topping out around three pounds. Remember they are a reef fish and according to the rules you must use circle hooks.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Cobias are showing up on the flats and fish reefs and for us, it usu-
ally only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as others often follow the action. Mackerel, bluefish, sharks, jacks, and ladyfish are feeding on bait schools everywhere.
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.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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www.johnsonbarbeque.com
Business Up Front
Grove Equipment’s deep roots Grove Equipment welcomes its customers to the family. By Breanne Williams For three generations Grove Equipment Service Inc. has been providing impeccable equipment and knowledgeable service to customers across the world. The business began in 1972 in Alturas when Robert McKeeman created a company to work hand in hand with the flourishing citrus industry. Thanks to greening and other debilitating conditions, citrus has struggled to remain the state’s dominant export. Grove adapted with the switch and now provides services ranging from sprayers to tractors, lawn mowers and utility vehicles.
“The mission of Grove Equipment Services is to make a fair profit by providing high quality products and service in an ethical, friendly, honest and helpful manner,” David McKeeman, president of Grove Equipment, said. “I think that’s what sets us apart. We try really hard to be all of those things, ethical, friendly, honest and helpful. We want to make a fair profit, we’re not trying to get rich quick or pull a fast one on anybody.” Customers have learned over the years that they can trust the advice and suggestions offered by Grove Equipment staff. Robby McKeeman, vice president of Grove Equipment, said while some customers know exactly what they’re looking for, many come with a general idea and its up to their staff to point them in the right direction. You can’t expect to retain a customer if you don’t treat them fairly and give them honest and valid advice, he said. And Grove isn’t here to simply make one sale. He said when you buy machinery from Grove Equipment the goal is to make you a part of the family, to keep your business for generations to come. The company is an authorized service dealer for more than 20 big name brands and the quality of maintenance work is on par with the exemplary customer service both locations work hard to convey.
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“Some people think they know what they want, but then they get here and get their eyes on it and that can change,” Robby McKeeman said. “We get their story and we find out what their
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exact needs and expectations are. I do a lot of listening. And hopefully, once we get to know more about them, we can point them toward the perfect piece of equipment. Toward something that is good for their needs and their problems.” His father reflected on the major spike of new customers that came in the early 2000s with the housing boom. He said there was a constant stream of clients that had never owned a tractor before and had no idea how to even start prepping for taking one home. Many became life-long customers of Grove because they won their trust, according to David McKeeman. Experience mixed with up-to-date knowledge of the industry helped his team steer many toward the machine of their dreams. His one goal was to make sure no one had buyer’s remorse. He’d work with them for as long as it took to ensure they weren’t stuck with something they didn’t absolutely love. “Years ago I would say we were different because we simply had so much experience, but things are chancing so quickly now with the advanced technology that what you knew 10 years ago isn’t necessarily relevant to today’s tractor,” David McKeeman said. “Now we take our deeply rooted experience and we combine that knowledge with constant studying and taking courses and reading. The manufacturers are really good at training and I think there’s a bunch of us at the dealership that are very diligent about doing the training and staying on top of stuff.” That customer-focused work ethic began all those decades ago in Alturas. Because of its glowing reputation Grove Equipment soon had clients calling from across the Caribbean, including citrus havens like Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Belize. The job let David McKeeman experience the joys of traveling, while also introducing his family’s reputable knowledge and morals to clients all over the globe. He said getting the opportunity to travel and take part in the industry in other countries as well as in his own has been one of the biggest joys to reap from the business. In the late 90s the company expanded from Alturas to its secWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ond location, this time setting up shop in Plant City. In 2003 the business shifted down the road from its original Alturas location, earning it a new Bartow address. Though Grove Equipment sells a variety of customer favorites like Kawasaki, Honda, Bush Hog and Iseki, its impressive collection of Massey Ferguson and Mahindra tractors continues to be one of its strongest assets.
tion, he said. When they say they are going to do something, they go above and beyond and they get the job done. “We’re here to stay,” Robby McKeeman said. “If someone buys something from us we’re going to be here and we’re going to service it with the highest quality work. This is a longterm relationship we provide, not just some quick sale. We are a family and we want you to be a part of the family too.”
Between the two locations Grove Equipment has approximately 25 employees, many of whom have been a part of the Grove family for years. While many companies often have trouble retaining workers long-term, David McKeeman said the respect and amiable atmosphere they strive to create has helped let incoming staff know they have a home at Grove. “Here, we try to treat our team fairly and that’s the main thing,” he said. “We may not have all of the benefits of a large corporation, but we do have flexibility that won’t be found in a tightstructured environment. Our employees know we care about them and that has caused many to stay for a long, long time.” His son echoes the sentiment and said he stresses to his team that it’s not about simply selling a tractor, it’s about making sure the customer continues to be happy after the sale. Building a trusting relationship begins with the very first conversaBartow: 5905 State Road 60 East Bartow, Florida 33830 Phone: (863)537-1345
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Plant City 908 East Baker Street Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone: (813)759-8722
UF/IFAS Research Shows Rootstock Influences Metabolism in Sugar Belle® Citrus; Findings Suggest Rootstock Choice May Be One Key to Optimizing Yields and Tree Health By Tom Nordlie
the journal “Plant Signaling & Behavior,” showed that metabolic activity in three groups of healthy Sugar Belle® trees differed, depending on the rootstock used. As with most commercial citrus in Florida, trees used in the study consisted of two sections grafted together – a hardy root system, or rootstock, topped with a highly productive aboveground section known as a “scion” of a different variety – in this case, Sugar Belle®. “We deliberately focused the study on Sugar Belle® trees that used three of the most popular rootstocks – Swingle citrumelo, Carrizo citrange and UF-15,” Killiny said.
Florida citrus growers recognize the Sugar Belle® mandarin hybrid for its tolerance of citrus greening disease, and new findings from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences suggest that rootstock selection may play a role in keeping Sugar Belle® trees productive even if they become infected with the bacterial malady. “We now have proof of concept that, in Sugar Belle®, rootstock selection has an effect on the tree’s metabolism,” said plant pathologist Nabil Killiny, a UF/IFAS associate professor and lead researcher in the study. “It is likely that growers can optimize the productivity of Sugar Belle® trees with the right rootstock selection, and we have studies planned that will investigate this question.” The research thus far has not involved trees already stricken with greening disease, also known by the Chinese term Huanglongbing or the acronym HLB. Studies on infected trees will be a future step in evaluating rootstock options for Sugar Belle®, Killiny said. Developed by UF/IFAS citrus breeders and released in 2009, Sugar Belle® has proved to be more tolerant of HLB than most citrus varieties grown commercially in Florida, said Killiny, based at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The disease is caused by an invasive bacterium that is transmitted by an invasive insect, the Asian citrus psyllid. HLB was first reported in Florida in late 2005 and subsequently spread statewide, drastically reducing yields.
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The current study, published earlier this year in
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In the study, researchers purchased one-yearold Sugar Belle® trees from nurseries, acquiring 12 trees with each of the three rootstocks investigated. After acclimating the trees to greenhouse conditions for one month, the team took leaf samples from each tree, analyzing them with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instruments to detect organic chemicals associated with plant growth and defense. Results from the analyses showed that the overall chemical profiles obtained from the samples varied significantly depending on the rootstock used. Although trees used in the study were not infected with HLB, Killiny notes that Sugar Belle® trees with Swingle citrumelo rootstock produced the greatest amounts of two compounds known to have antimicrobial effects, quinic acid and ferulic acid. Consequently, it appears likely that Sugar Belle® will tolerate HLB best when grown on Swingle citrumelo, because the two acids would probably limit the bacterial population, or titer, in an infected tree. These results led the team to conclude that, among the three rootstocks tested, Swingle citrumelo is probably the best choice for optimizing greening tolerance in Sugar Belle®. “Our next step is to analyze Sugar Belle® on 12 different rootstocks,” he said. “From there, we hope to develop recommendations for growers that will ensure the best possible performance from Sugar Belle® trees.” Funding for this study was provided by a $75,000 grant from the federal Citrus Disease Research and Extension program, which was authorized by the 2014 federal Farm Bill and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Specialty Crop Research Initiative. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
MILK V. NON-MILK OPTIONS– The Importance of the Facts By Jim Frankowiak
You have undoubtedly noticed the expansion of what used to be the dairy products section at your local supermarket. What was once devoted solely to products from cows is now home to those same products and a lot more. Coupled with those new varieties of beverages is some heavy marketing that’s done more to confuse shoppers interested in buying what’s right for their family than anything else. That bevy of products and related confusion made it attractive to the Lakeland Rotary Club to accept a suggestion from one of its members for a presentation to clarify exactly what’s going on at supermarkets and the milk versus non-milk option. Dale McClellan, owner of M&B Products and M&B Dairy, where water, milk items, fruit juices and American Yogurt are processed and packaged was keynote speaker. M&B supplies many of the beverages consumed at schools and institutions throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. A lifelong dairyman, McClellan’s M&B Dairy is home to about 700 cows in Lecanto. In anticipation of the Rotary Club meeting and presentation, Andrea McClellan, Dale’s daughter-in-law general manager of the plant, visited her local Publix supermarket and purchased half-gallon containers of four milk products and three aptly named “nut juices.” The milk products included whole milk, 1 % milk, organic milk and lactose-free milk, while Silk Soy, Silk Almond and Elmhurst Almonds were the other items studied. The initial element in her study was pricing with half gallon and per serving costs as follows: Whole Milk - $2.65/.33; 1 % Milk $2.65/33; 1% Lactose Free Milk - $4.29/.54; 2% Organic Milk - $4.49 / .56; Silk Soy $3.28/.41; Silk Almond - $3.28/.41 and Elmhurst Almonds - $1.00 per serving and it is only available in quarts at $3.99 each. Whole and 1% milk are the most affordable options. The savings on real traditional milk is much greater if purchased in gallons but ½ gallons were chosen since the others aren’t available in gallons. Visually, there’s a difference in the appearance of non-milk products when placed alongside servings of milk. That’s a personal thing, so that judgment has to be made by individuals. That’s also true with regard to taste. Even when you compare the taste of real milk that’s organic vs traditional locally produced and packaged milk, people mention they notice a flavor difference. It’s NOT because it’s organic, it’s because it’s pasteurized differently in order to have a longer shelf life in an ESL (extended shelf life) container. It is heated to 285° instead of 175° or 180° like traditionally packaged milk. Lactose-free milk has certain enzyme added during processing that pre-digests the lactose. Another point of information from Dale and Andrea had to do with labeling. Plant codes
Silk Almond’s ingredients included filtered water, almonds, cane sugar, 2% or less of vitamin and mineral blend (Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2), Sea Salt, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Lecithin, Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum, Ascorbic Acid (To protect freshness, in other words, as a preservative). The Elmhurst Almond beverage contained filtered water and almonds. “These non-milk beverages have been fortified to try to match milk’s nutritional profile,” said Andrea. That’s particularly challenging since milk is the most naturally wholesome, nutritious drink that’s available. It also offers the best pure and simple nutrient value. Milk contributes more calcium Vitamin D and potassium than any other food, she noted. Health experts note that those three nutrients are considered lacking in American diets. Overall “Milk provides a package of nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin and niacin as niacin equivalents that are not easily replaced with other foods,” said Andrea. The message from Dale and Andrea about milk versus nonmilk products show milk from cows is natural, affordable, nutritious and offers the best shelf life after being opened that any non-milk products. While no one can argue the importance of marketing a product or service, in this particular instance the marketing of nonmilk products has done more to confuse consumers interested buying what’s best for their families. The McClellan’s encouraged Rotarians and others to read and compare the ingredients listed on the labels of the products being considered. They also suggested visiting: FloridaMilk.com for more information. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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on the carton of any of these products other than “12” mean it came from out of state. “And you have to think about the fuel and emissions associated with transporting products,” said Andrea. She noted some of those non-milk products came from farms and/or plants from as far away as Colorado, California and Canada. The next part of Andrea’s study focused on ingredients and labeling. The four milk products contained cow’s milk, Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3, in that order which means the number one and most substantial ingredient is cow’s milk, and the other are required additives. A review of the non-milk products in the comparison study all show a deceptive (and if it were dairy, illegal) use of a nonexistent word such as soymilk or almondmilk then followed by filtered water, as the initial and therefore greatest ingredient. Silk Soy’s ingredients included filtered water, soy beans, cane sugar, and 2 % or less of vitamin and mineral blend (Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12, Sea Salt, and Natural Flavor Gellan Gum.
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• Willard Scott was the first Ronald McDonald, in 1963. • Lt. Thomas Selfridge, 26, was the first person killed in a plane crash (1908). Orville Wright was the pilot. • President Rutherford B. Hayes had the first telephone put in the White House in 1877. It was installed by Alexander Graham Bell. •A trip around the bases on a baseball diamond is the exact same distance as running the length of a football field, including the end zones - 360 feet. • In 1881, the United States had three different presidents: Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. • The “real” name of The Riddler in “Batman” is Edward Nigma (E. Nigma, get it?).
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Mo Brangus/Hines Bull Sale ZWT Angus Bull Sale Meadows Creek Black & White Bull Sale Jorgensen Angus/Weink Charolais Sale
Age 65
There are signs that appear once you reach age 65. It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired. Your night out is sitting on the patio. Your back goes out more than you do. I love the story of three elderly sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, who shared a house together. One evening, the 96year old sister went upstairs to take a bath. As she put her foot into the tub, she paused. Then she yelled down to the other two sisters and asked, “Was I getting in the tub or out?” “You dern fool,” said the 94 year old. “I’ll come up and see.” When she got half way up the stairs she paused. “Was I going up the stairs or down?” The 92-year old sister was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea and thought, “I hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood.” She shook her head and called out, “I’ll be up to help you both as soon as I see who’s at the door.”
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Some 15-year old girls decided to meet for dinner. They discussed where to eat and finally agreed on McDonald’s next to the Sea Side Restaurant because they only had $6.50 between them and Bobby Bruce, the cute boy in science class, lived on that street.Ten years later, the same girls, now 25-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because it had free snacks, there was no cover charge, the beer was cheap, the band was good and there were lots of cute guys.
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Ten years later, the same girls, now 35, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the combos were good, it was near the gym and if they went late enough, there wouldn’t be many whiny little kids. Ten years later, the same girls, now 45, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters wore tight pants and had nice buns. Ten years later, the same girls, now 55-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the prices were reasonable, it had windows which opened (in case of hot flashes), the wine list was good and fish was good for their cholesterol. Ten years later, the same girls, now 65-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because they had an Early Bird Special and the lighting was good. Ten years later, the same girls, now 75-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the food wasn’t too spicy and it was handicapped accessible. Ten years later, the same girlfriends, now 85, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because they’d never been there before. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
At this age we lose words of our youth. How long has it been since you have heard or used the phrase; “Heavens to Murgatroyd?” Words are gone as fast as the buggy ship. It’s really sad! The other day an elderly lady said something to her son about driving a Jalopy, and he looked at her and said, “What the heck is a Jalopy?” Well, I trust that you will be “Hunky Dory” after you read this article. Here are some expressions that have become obsolete because of the fast march of technology. These phrases include: “Don’t touch that dial” “Carbon copy” “You sound like a broken record” “Hung out to dry” Back in the olden days we had a lot of moxie. We’d put on our best bib and tucker to straighten up and fly right. Heavens to Betsy! Gee whillikers! Jumping Jehoshaphat! Holy moly! We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley, and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China! Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when’s the last time anything was swell? Swell has gone the way of pageboys, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes and pedal pushers. Oh, my aching back. Kilroy was here, but he isn’t anymore. We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! or, this is a fine kettle of fish! We discover that the words we grew up with have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards. Poof go the words of our youth, the words we’ve forgotten all left be behind. We blink, and they’re gone. Where have all those phrases gone? Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it. Hey! It’s your nickel. Don’t forget to pull the chain. Knee high to a grasshopper. Well, Fiddlesticks! I’ll see you in the funny papers, and don’t take any wooden nickels. It turns out there are more of these lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills. To me this can be disturbing stuff! We of a certain age have been blessed to live in changing times. For a child each new word is like a shiny toy, a toy that has no age. We are at the other end of the page and have the advantage of remembering words that once did not exist and there were words that once were part of our vocabulary, and now are heard no more except in our memory. It’s one of the greatest advantages of aging. See ya’ later, alligator! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Mike Crawford A Man of Inspiration By Melissa Nichols
“I fixed a pile of whips in my day, probably more than I even made because it was hard to find someone who could take them a part and put them back together,” Not many people these days remember Lakeland before it was the town of big buildings and lots of houses. Few can tell you stories about the days when there was a train depot and trains picked up the produce to carry it to other states. During the early days of what is now modern day Lakeland, orange trees were a common sight and farms were seen almost everywhere. “This was an agricultural town.” Mike Crawford said. As a young boy Charles “Mike” Crawford remembers sitting on the curb at what is now Town & Country Publix, watching the trains go by to go load at the cold storage facility. He recalls the first diesel engine that CXS bought to pull the train through downtown Lakeland. He said they had to stop the train hook it up to the cars and then go. “You don’t realize how many hills we have now with all the buildings but before all that was built you could see the hills,” Mike said. He would often go to work with his dad who owned a service station in downtown Lakeland at Florida Ave and Pine St. Even though he wasn’t old enough to work on cars, Mike enjoyed going with his dad so that he could go to Mr. Jensen’s feed store located across the street. During the summer and when he wasn’t in school Mike would spend most days with Mr. Jensen. “Although I grew up in a family that had ties to agriculture, Mr. Jensen is really the one who got me in to cattle and working cows. My love for the industry started with him,” Mike said. He remembers the frequent visits to the cattle market in Kissimmee where he spent “many nights asleep in the stands because they would sell “brammer” cattle all night long.”
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Mike is the grandson of Frank (O.F.) and Katherine Bean, who
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owned Bean Brothers Sausage, and Earl and Emma Crawford, who had a Strawberry farm. Mike remembers his grandmother and how she grew gladiolas. “My grandmother grew gladiolas and shipped them north to sell them, she would place them on top of the flats of strawberries,” he said. Mike was in his early years when his real involvement in agriculture began. His father passed away when he was 12 and Mike went to work. He began with working cows. Mike knew how to ride a horse and Mr. Jensen had taught him all the aspects of the cattle industry, including the need to be able to crack a whip. So Mike would go to school and then leave to go work. He explaind in those days that wasn’t called skipping, it was called being a man and working to help support your family. Mike was driving a tractor from a very young age. He would disc groves and do whatever he could outside. Mike has never been a fan of sitting inside all day, he says “I just can’t do it.” In his stories of Lakeland he recalls when Novell Costine would use his patrol car to shut down Highway 98 so they could drive cattle from one pasture to another, things like that just don’t happen anymore. He said he spent many days working with C.P. Costine, J.L. Costine, Ed Sanders and Elwin Costine. He worked for every ranch owner in North Lakeland and spent a ton of time at Cummer & Co. But it wasn’t until one day when someone told him “there wasn’t no retirement out there in them woods” that Mike decided to get a job with benefits. At the time he was already married to Ruby and his sons were young. Mike worked for Polk County as an equipment operator for many years, working four 10-hour days and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
on his days off he would farm. He farmed land on Kathleen Road and Wheeler Road where he grew u-pick peas.
working on making a whip. Then he made a few more and ordered more hides.
One day Mike passed by the house of Richard Lewis on Sherrouse Road in north Lakeland and saw him sitting on his porch, he stopped to talk to him finally and discovered he would sit on his porch and make handmade whips. He said you didn’t talk, you just watched because Mr. Lewis said, “If you were talking you were not learning.” Mike learned how to make whips and it soon became a passion of his. “I fixed a pile of whips in my day, probably more than I even made because it was hard to find someone who could take them a part and put them back together,” he said. Mike’s whips are made from buckskin he cuts into strips and makes them completely by hand. There is no weight in the center, the whips are nothing but buckskin. The weight comes from carefully constructing the whips. In his younger years Mike would often go kill the deer (usually for people who had them getting in their garden) harvest the meat, tan the hides and make the whips. Nothing went to waste except the stuff you couldn’t use,” he said. “The deer fed us and I used the rest to make whips.” Ruby, his wife, recalls the day she came home from work to find deer hides in her dryer. “He was anxious to get the hides tanned so he could make a whip so he dried them in my clothes dryer,” she said.
Whip making is fascinating. Mike takes the hide and hangs it on a shelf and across his lap. He has a knife that is “older than dirt” and he has already “wore one out” that he uses to cut the hide in even strips about a half a centimeter wide the length of the hide. His son makes the handles out of wood for him. Mike says he can’t promise the whip will be exactly 8 foot or 10 foot, but he tries to make them as long as people request them. The strips are woven together in almost a braid type fashion until he reaches the end. Mike only uses synthetic material for the cracker on the end of the whip, the rest of the whip is made entirely of buckskin. When he reaches a point he takes the whip to his back porch where he rolls a piece of old railroad iron from Cummer & Co. over the whip until he gets it just perfect. Mike said it takes him “a good while” to make one because nothing leaves until he is satisfied with the finished product. “Mike’s buckskin cow whips are works of art and heirlooms for a lot ranching families around Central Florida,” said Neil Combee of Lakeland.
For many years Mike made whips anytime he wasn’t working or farming. His kids all grew up knowing how to crack a whip and how to use one it was just a way of life for them he said. After having a heart attack, Mike retired from the county and a few years later they moved to Webster. Mike said he finally had his own land to farm, cows and plenty of time to make whips. After 10 years of living in Webster Mike’s health had gotten worse and his heart condition had him in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Mike had all but given up on whip making until last Christmas when his son and daughter-in-law bought him a deer hide. Mike immediately went to the garage and began
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Mike Crawford is an amazingly talented man. He and his wife Ruby have been married for 64 years. They have three children, Ann Wilt, Michael Crawford and Ricky Crawford. They have five granddaughters, one grandson, seven great grandsons and three great granddaughters. Mike said it brings him much pride that all of his grandkids have a whip and he hopes they always keep it. He reminded me that “most people don’t make them like this anymore, but they last longer and get better with use.” Any given day you can find Mike in the garage building a whip, fixing a whip, cutting hides or just watching cars pass. To this day he can’t stand to sit in the house. “There is just something about being outside, the walls will close in on you in that house, and out here you got fresh air,” he said. His message to the next generation is simple, “Them video games ain’t gonna get you anywhere.”
Part 48 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida September marks four years taking a monthly voyage on the Literary Time Machine as we travel back to 1926 when Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson published his informative book: Ornamental Gardening in Florida. When last we met, our focus was on exotic shrubs. Interestingly enough, he has decided to include bamboo in this category. Let’s see what he has to say on this topic. “It is rather difficult to place the bamboos in any class as they are not trees nor herbaceous plants and they are hardly shrubs. However they send up numerous shoots from the root which are more or less woody and on that account I place them here.”¹ Though he admits that they are not properly placed, he seems at a loss as to where they actually belong. He continues his explanation, “Several genera are recognized but because the species rarely bloom it is impossible to assign many of the forms. Bailey has, very wisely I think, placed them all under the name Bamboo and designated the genera Arundinaria, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Phyllostachys, and Thamnocalamus by prefixing the letter with which they begin.”¹ Given this description, you would think we would have a greater understanding of the bamboo of which he speaks. Yet, it leaves us a little confused. So, we read on. He writes, “I am not positive as to the identity of some of the following. B. violescens is a species that sends up a great number of stems but does not form a close clump. It is not an attractive plant with me and spreads until it is a nuisance.”¹ Since we are aware of the fact that some bamboo is currently considered an invasive species we had to wonder if this one falls into that category. According to IFAS there are only three types of native bamboo in the US. Those that fall under the bambusa species are considered non-native and probably invasive. Their website states that “Bamboo can spread quickly by underground rhizomes and may suddenly appear many yards away from the main stand.”² We can, therefore, only assume that what Mr. Simpson describes as a nuisance here insinuates that he understood this bamboo’s propensity to spread and take over in areas he didn’t want it.
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He continues discussing bamboo of different varieties and then makes this interesting observation, “I do not believe that South Florida will ever become a first class bamboo country. Even in wet, rich soil these grasses do not flourish as they do in Japan or along the south slopes of the Himalayas but there are, no doubt, many that will do well here and help to adorn with their wonderful grace and airiness our favored state.”¹ Oh, if he had only known the problem that bamboo would one day become. We wonder if he would be so quick to pronounce them wonderfully graceful now?
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Having summed up his experience and opinion about the bamboo he moved onto other exotic shrubs. One of which, the bouvardia, caught our attention because he writes that it belongs to the coffee family. We love coffee. He describes it as, “A genus of small shrubs…with brilliant heads of flowers and in every way worthy of cultivation but now out of fashion with northern florists.”¹ Wondering what coffee-related plant we might have access to, we did a little research. To our surprise, the shrub he referenced was quite familiar to us. Many people know it as the hummingbird flower. To our surprise, Southern Living has a bit of additional information for those wishing to plant some bouvardia in their yards. According to them, this is a shrub that requires partial shade and each species differs as to the amount of water required. The magazine writes, “These plants are valued for their showy clusters of tubular flowers…One type has fragrant blossoms… The unscented, red-flowered species are hardier and easier to grow.”³ They suggest light pruning after they bloom and state that they are all very heat tolerant. Which means they are great for our Florida gardens! Bring on the hummingbirds. We’ve chosen to close with his description of the Caesalpinia pulcherrina. Apparently this is also known as the Barbados flower fence, which struck us as an odd concept. But he writes that it’s a “…shrub with bipinnate leaves, a few prickles and gorgeous red, variegated flowers at the ends of the growths.”¹ We had to look it up, just to see what the “few prickles” might be. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any prickles in the pictures we located. However, we did find that many people call this a peacock flower. Maybe that will be of use to you? Well, we have exhausted our time this adventure. Sadly, we have still failed to discover something that will grow well in the swamp where we live. But, we are glad to find that even in 1926 Mr. Simpson realized that the bamboo some people were trying to cultivate was a nuisance. Too bad everyone else didn’t have the same revelation and stop while they were ahead! Until next time, happy gardening! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 166-168). ²UF|IFAS. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Bambusa species. https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/bambusa-species/ ³Southern Living. Bouvardia. https://www.southernliving. com/plants/bouvardia Photo Resources: Tsuji, V. (2009). Bamboo. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/7uGDUf). Forest and Kim Starr. (2008). Bouvardia ternifolia. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/D22uDx). Bennilover. (2018). Proud as a Peacock Flower. Flickr (https:// flic.kr/p/LnKWLg). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Gentle Giants in Danger: Green Sea Turtles
By Ginny Mink
If you have been following the news at all, or at the very least your Facebook Feed, then you are aware of the hype surrounding the influx of Red Tide we have been experiencing in our great state. Of course, that and a host of other factors are leading to an increased number of dead sea life being found on our shores. Most bothersome is the amount of sea turtle carcasses that litter the coastlines. This brings to mind the plight of the Green Sea Turtle. Ordinarily, our focus in these articles is on those creatures who have found themselves on the Federally Endangered List. Thankfully, we bring you better news about the Green Sea Turtle than we had initially thought we would be providing. Apparently, in 2016, this gentle giant was moved from the endangered list in Florida to the threatened designation. This is certainly cause for rejoicing, though we do not know what the current status is given the previously mentioned factors occurring at this time. The Green Sea Turtle’s scientific name is the Chelonia mydas. It can weigh up to 700 pounds while reaching up to 60 inches in length. That’s longer than many middle school students!¹ In 2015, Animal Planet revealed that there were only 30005500 Green Sea Turtles remaining.² As we continue in this research we are hopeful that improved numbers will be revealed!
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Though you might be inclined to believe that the Green Sea Turtle is so named for the color of its shell, you would be mistaken. The turtle actually gets its name from the color of its skin, according to National Geographic. Their shells range in color from brown to an olive green. There is some debate about whether there are actually two spe-
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cies, one found off of North America and Europe while the other is located in the coastal waters from Chile to Alaska.¹ While most sea turtles will eat small fish and other creatures, the Green Sea Turtle is strictly an herbivore. This could be a good thing since that means it is avoiding eating the poisoned fish swimming around the seas. However, erosion and other negative factors that affect the algae and seagrasses it feeds on could be contributing to its demise.² Recall that we were hoping to get some more updated numbers about the Green Sea Turtle as we proceeded with our research. Well, the numbers we just discovered make us a little confused about Animal Planet’s information. According to the Smithsonian, who announced the downgraded status for the Green Sea Turtle in 2016, there are “600,000 nesting female green sea turtles around the world.”³ That’s considerably more than the numbers supplied by Animal Planet. Strange? Regardless of the accuracy of the numbers, the fact remains that Green Sea Turtles are still in a threatened status. You probably didn’t know this, but people were still eating canned turtle soup here in Florida in the early 70s. It wasn’t until 1978 that the Green Sea Turtle was included on the endangered species list here. So, in the late 70s there was only about a handful of nesting females on our coasts. But, according to the last census, we now are breeding grounds for 2250 females!³ Our Florida nesting Green Sea Turtles visit us between the months of June and September. The females deposit their eggs on shore at night. It can take them as long as two hours to finish digging and laying their eggs. Amazingly, they will lay beWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tween 110 and 115 eggs and are capable of nesting up to seven times a season. Eggs take two months to hatch and then the wee babies will do all they can to reach the sea from their nesting location. Though there may be a lot of them entering the water, they don’t reach sexual maturity until they are between 20 and 50 years old!⁴ This is why you see so many signs on the beaches during this time of year telling you not to disturb the turtle nests. If you have never had the awesome experience of watching a sea turtle dig her nest and lay her eggs, you have missed out on something quite majestic. Though they lumber slowly up the dunes, there is much grace to be seen as they finish their chore and reenter the water. Unfortunately, the water is often unsafe for them thanks to fishing lines and nets that entangle them. Plus, there are some countries that still harvest their meat illegally.⁴
Resources: ¹National Geographic. Green Sea Turtle. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/g/green-seaturtle/ ²Animal Planet. (2015). Green Turtle. http://www.animalplanet.com/wild-animals/endangered-species/greenturtle/ ³Daley, J. (2016). Green Sea Turtles are no Longer Endangered in Florida and Mexico. Smithsonian. https://www. smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/green-sea-turtlescome-endangered-list-florida-mexico-180958677/ ⁴Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Green Sea Turtle. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/reptiles/green-sea-turtle/ Watch the Turtles: https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-best-beaches/ sea-turtle-walks-in-florida/ Photo Credits: Gustafson, A. Green Sea Turtle. Flickr (https://flic.kr/ p/3b16jc) Kieffer, M. Green Sea Turtle feeding in Marsa Abu Dabbab. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/6xS63E) More, J. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)_2. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/AZEQkM)
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If you would like to learn more about Green Sea Turtles, we have provided a link to observe them nesting in the resources section of this piece. Of course, there are a host of organizations specifically designed to help protect sea turtles and we would love to know that you are participating in one of them. As we tell you every month, these inspiring creatures were put here by God for a purpose and our job is to ensure they remain!
Florida
Cacao Beans By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science One of the best nutrition pieces to hit the news in the last decade is that chocolate is good for your health! Chocolate, as we know it, is comprised of sugar, vanilla, cocoa butter, and beans from the Theobroma cacao plant that have been dried, fermented, roasted, and ground. Chocolate is part of many popular candies and desserts, including brownies, cookies, pudding, cakes, and candy bars. It is also used in beverages like hot chocolate and chocolate milk. Does chocolate grow on trees? Raw cacao beans grow on Theobroma cacao trees, which are native to the American tropical rainforest. Most of the world’s chocolate is grown in the Western African countries and regions close to the equator. The trees thrive on rainforest conditions with plenty of tropical rains and partial shade. In the United States, cacao is grown in Hawaii and in the southern part of Florida. Cacao seeds grow in pods from the tree. The pods are beautiful and can be striped or solid, white, yellow, green, red or purple in color. Inside the pod is a sweet, slightly tart white fruit pulp that clings tightly to the individual dark brown cacao beans. The fruit pulp is a favorite food among monkeys and can be enjoyed by humans as well. Once the pods are ripe, cacao beans are scooped out of the shells and allowed to ferment for several days. The seeds are then dried in the sun for a week and then roasted in the oven, and ready to be ground for use.
Nutritional Profile Cacao has many health benefits, particularly in its least processed form. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one ounce (28 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder contains 65 calories, 6 g of protein, 4 g of fat, 16 g of carbohydrate, and 10 g of fiber. It provides 21% of the Daily Reference Intake for iron, 27% for manganese, 16% for magnesium, 18% for dietary fiber, and 10% for potassium, as well as notable amounts of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and a little bit of caffeine. In recent studies, dark chocolate has also been associated with improved mood, lower blood pressure, better blood vessel function, and improved alertness.
Potassium PAGE
Cacao is high in potassium, an important electrolyte for heart and bone health. High potassium coupled with low sodium in
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cacao is beneficial for maintaining normal blood pressure and optimal heart function. Several research studies have established the beneficial effects of potassium foods in effectively lowering blood pressure. Additionally, people who ate foods high in fiber and magnesium, as well as foods high in potassium, had a lower risk of stroke. The potassium in cacao can also enhance bone health. Some studies suggest that potassium can counteract some of the effects of high sodium diets and slow the rate of calcium loss from bone.
Fiber Eating cacao and other foods high in fiber can help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent atherosclerosis. Cacao contains insoluble fiber that adds bulk and decreases constipation, as well as soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels.
How to Select and Store Choose the least processed cacao nibs or cacao powder you can find. Less processing means more antioxidants have been preserved. Cacao that has been made into chocolate candy usually contains added sugar and fat, in the form of cocoa butter or vegetable oil. When buying chocolate, choose a dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao as a healthier choice than milk or white chocolate. High percentages of cacao mean more antioxidants and less added sugar and fat from other sources.
How to Enjoy Cacao can be eaten out-of-hand. The white fruity pulp has a sweet, tart flavor, while the unprocessed beans have a strong, sharp flavor. After fermenting, drying, and roasting, cacao nibs can be used in many delicious ways: • Mix with sugar and milk for a hot or cold beverage • Sprinkle over oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, or ice cream for flavor and crunch • Toss a handful into your favorite trail mix or granola • Bake into cookies or cakes for an intense chocolate flavor • Use a small amount in savory dishes for a unique flavor Enjoy the health benefits and delicious flavor of fresh Florida cacao today.
Selected References https://www.fairchildgarden.org http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Jim Frankowiak true of a person transporting for sale, selling or offering for sale saw palmetto berries harvested from that person’s property. Non-compliance may result in a misdemeanor charge. Also, the illegally harvested berries will be confiscated and returned to the owner. If the owner cannot be found, the berries will be destroyed.
Tampa Bay Beekeepers Offers Information and Resources The Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association (TBBA), which exists to promote beekeeping, has issued its first newsletter and is encouraging membership for hobbyists, commercial & migratory beekeepers, sideliners and enthusiasts who share a common interest in bees and beekeeping. Visit: http://tampabaybeekeepers.com for more information, including resources and other useful links.
USDA Enhances ‘farmers.gov’ Website
The USDA’s new website, farmers.gov, has updated tools and information to help agricultural producers prepare for and recover from impacts of natural disasters. New additions to the site include a farmers.gov portal for secure business transactions and a disaster assistance discovery tool that walks producers through five questions to help them identify personalized results of what USDA disaster assistance programs meet their needs.
Saw Palmetto Now Part of FDACS’ Commercially Exploited Plant List The saw palmetto has been added to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) commercially exploited plant list. This means if a landowner is harvesting saw palmetto berries for sale, a Native Plant Harvesting Permit must be obtained from FDACS Division of Plant Industry. A contract harvester of palmetto berries on public or private land must have written permission of the landowner and a Native Plant Harvesting Permit for which the application must be submitted 14 days prior to the date of harvest. This is also
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending its deadlines and inspection time frames as to when certain-size facilities must come into compliance with the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA). Small-size animal food facilities, firms with less than 500 employees, must comply with hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls by September 17 with the FDA delaying inspections until the fall of 2019. Compliance for firms with sales totaling less than $2.5 million will not be required until the fall of 2020. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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FDA Extends FSMA Compliance
USDA OFFERING AG PRODUCERS PAYMENTS FOR HURRICANE/FIRE LOSSES IN 2017 By Jim Frankowiak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently completed a series of informational meetings throughout Florida regarding the 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) which provides payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes and wildfires during 2017. Funds – up to $2.36 billion – are available through this program.
ply for WHIP. However, producers receiving 2017 WHIP payments will be required to purchase risk management coverage, either crop insurance at the 60 percent coverage level or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, if crop insurance is not available. The program requires producers to have coverage for the next two crop years.
2017 was a historic year for natural disasters and Congress appropriated more than $3 billion in disaster relief through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which includes WHIP.
Additionally, producers are required to file acreage reports and report production for the applicable crop years.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) determines eligibility for wildfire losses on an individual basis, factoring in the level of insurance coverage purchased by the producer. Wildfire recovery also includes mudslides and heavy smoke. 2017 WHIP for hurricane losses and related conditions, such as excessive rain and flooding, is available for eligible farms in counties that received a qualifying Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration or Secretarial Disaster designation. Both Hillsborough and Polk counties, as well as 63 other counties in Florida, have been so designated. Citrus growers in Florida are being directly reimbursed for crop production losses in 2018. In addition, USDA is providing a grant to Florida, which is reimbursing citrus producers for the cost of buying and planting replacement trees, including resetting and grove rehabilitation and for repair of damage to irrigation systems. This grant is also providing assistance for losses of citrus production expected during the 2019 and 2020 crop years. WHIP covers both the loss of the crop and of trees, bushes and vines. However, citrus producers will apply under the block grant for losses to trees. The USDA is determining compensation by a producer’s individual losses rather than an average of losses in a given area. Producers are subject to a $125,000 payment limitation. However, a producer can receive a higher payment if three-fourths or more of their income is derived from farming or another agricultural-based business. Producers who derived 75 percent of their income in tax years 2013-2015 are subject to a $900,000 payment ceiling.
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Both insured and uninsured producers are eligible to ap-
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The USDA is calculating WHIP payments based on the expected value of the lost crop, the value of the crop harvested, insurance coverage and insurance payments received. Producers who have not participated in a USDA program are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center to make an appointment to establish farm records. The establishment of a farm tract number requires: • Proof of identity such as a driver’s license, or Social Security care • Copy of a recorded deed, survey plat, rental or lease agreement of the land (Note: You do NOT have to own property to participate in FSA programs) • Entities must provide corporate, estate or trust documents Once the signup process begins, producers must provide verifiable and reliable production records by crop, type, practice, intended use and acres. If this information is already on file, it does not need to be provided again. Certification of production records for the last five years is requested. If such production records are not available, the USDA will calculate yield based on the county expected yield. WHIP is one of many programs available through the USDA for recovery assistance. To learn more, producers are encouraged to contact their local service center office. In Hillsborough County the USDA Service Center is located at 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201, Plant City, FL 33563. Telephone: 813-752-1474 The Polk County Service Center is located at 1700 Highway 17 South, Bartow, FL 33830. Telephone 863-533-2051. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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UF/IFAS Researchers Give Nutrient Recommendationas for Citrus Greening By Brad Buck
As Florida citrus growers look to recover from the damages of Hurricane Irma and continue to cope with citrus greening, University of Florida scientists suggest using a complete and balanced nutrient program in their groves. “Mineral nutrition plays a vital physiological role in the growth and development of a plant and as well as in plant-defense response,” said Tripti Vashisth, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences and a citrus Extension specialist with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “UF/IFAS recommendations are developed after intensive scrutiny of each nutrient, its rate and its effect on citrus.” The recommendations come after many researchers have worked together, amassing years of data, Vashisth said. “Therefore, growers can be confident in using these recommendations,” she said. Many micronutrients act as the catalyst in physiological reactions such as plant-hormone biosynthesis and regulation as well as in plant-defense mechanism, said Vashisth, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred, Florida. Preliminary studies by UF/IFAS researchers suggest that increasing the supply of micronutrients can be beneficial. Through funding from the state legislature-funded Citrus Initiative, Vashisth has found that leaves from greening-affected trees often show deficiencies in certain nutrients such as manganese, zinc, iron and more. This suggests that, because of greening, more of these are required and are critical for diseased plants’ survival. Vashisth gives these recommendations:
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• A constant supply of nutrients is important, and controlled release fertilizer (CRF) and fertigation are two methods to ensure that supply.
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• Use CRF, also called “slow-release fertilizer.” In this, nutrients are coated with either clay or a polymer that causes the nutrients to be released in the soil and the roots over time, rather than all at once. The thickness of the coating determines the length of the release. Some growers combine CRF with traditional soluble dry fertilizer, and they are achieving good results. • Some growers are applying liquid nutrients through their irrigation system or via drip-lines. The latter is known as fertigation. Fertigation allows to apply nutrients in small dose with irrigation and the nutrients become readily available to plant. “Several growers are having very good success using this approach,” Vashisth said. These recommendations are based on findings of an ongoing fertilizer field trial funded by Citrus Research and Development Foundation, she said. That trial has shown that by applying 20 percent to 50 percent more micronutrients through the soil, and by using controlled-release fertilizer, scientists can improve tree yield significantly. Applying the nutrients in the nitrate form seems to be working very well, although some growers are applying nutrients in the oxide form, she said. Nitrates are most easily taken up and utilized by the trees. Growers do not need to change the amounts of primary nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – that they are using, said Jude Grosser, a UF/IFAS professor of horticultural sciences, who’s also a CREC faculty member. For nitrogen, this means from 150 to 200 pounds per acre per year. “However, in my opinion, the levels of secondary and micronutrients need to be increased,” Grosser said. “Then, the new formulations of nutrients must be spoon-fed to the trees, using one or more of the methods described.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018
A Good Season For Turtles, Despite The Red Tide! by John Dicks
Floridians have just endured a punishing few months. Mind you, it’s been coming not just from politics and elections, but more particularly in this matter, I’m referring to the notorious red tide that has been souring our waters. The good news, though, is that despite the dreadful effects suffered this summer by Florida’s gulf coast sea life (including humans), it appears that sea turtle hatchings fared just fine. Observing the opening of an overdue loggerhead turtle nest, after it’s been incubating its inhabitants for some 70 days, was a rare invitation that I could hardly resist. So it was that I was recently there, watching and counting the Ping-Pong sized and shaped eggs as they were unearthed along a beach on Anna Maria Island. Mostly all of the more than 100 eggs were already hatched as they were hauled from the nest by the designated and trained volunteers of the Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization. But the official “digger” also felt a tingling bit of movement under the sand and gently plucked a two-inch miniature loggerhead from the hole that had been burrowed. It was wriggling and ready to roam the foam and waves of the water. It just needed a slight nudge in right direction and off it went, quickly crawling away and then swimming as if it had been mastering its strokes for years. Fascinating, I thought, while recording with my iPhone the first seconds of life for this little one, that someway, somehow, she was imprinting the exact location of her beach birth and provided that she survived the dangers of life ahead, would some day be returning there to continue her circle of life with a new generation of little loggerheads. The loggerhead turtle is by far the most common sea turtle found in Florida. It’s easily identified with its reddish-brown shell and is aptly named for its large block shaped head. Loggerheads have powerful jaws, which they use to feast on a diet of crabs, mollusks, shrimp and jellyfish It takes nearly 30 years for the turtles to reach adulthood. By that time, the mature ones can weigh upwards to 400 pounds and grow from barely a couple of inches at birth to reach a length of about three feet. The loggerhead turtle is classified as a threatened species, rather than endangered. Florida accounts for about 90 percent of all nesting activity for the world’s largest population of the loggerheads. Lately, their numbers have been climbing. From nearly 29,000 nests observed and logged into the record books in 2007 to some nearly 66,000 nests in 2016.
Of course while more turtles lead to more nests and thus to even more turtles, much of the success is also attributed to increased public awareness and the dedicated efforts of thousands of volunteers who daily walk Florida’s beaches monitoring the nesting and hatching activities. As you would imagine, most of the southwest Florida nesting is done on the beaches directly along the gulf. Hence, last year in 2017, Hillsborough County saw only 112 loggerhead nests. Pinellas logged in with 667, while Manatee marked some 1,053. By far, though, with its long stretch of beaches, the leader along Florida’s southwest gulf coast was Sarasota County with 7,589 loggerhead nests! Early indications thus far are that this year’s results are even greater. Considered one of those miracles of nature, mature females (about 30 years old) return to the beach where they were born every two or three years to lay their eggs. For years scientists have formulated all types of theories on how it’s possible for a turtle to imprint its birth location and travel the sea for thousands of miles only to return several years later to the same beach where it all began. But somehow, it just happens. It’s a busy time, too, when she gets there. Perhaps to increase the chance of survival for her offspring, turtle moms make not just one trip to the beach, but actually venture ashore, digging into the sand, and average laying four clutches of eggs, one about every 14 days. Each nest typically has more than 100 eggs! In Florida, the primary governmental agency tracking all the goings-on of sea turtles is the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Within that organization is the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), which specifically handles the task of coordinating a Statewide Nesting Beach Survey program (SNBS) to document “the total distribution, seasonality and abundance of nesting by sea turtles in Florida.” Southwest Florida sea turtle nesting season is nearing its end for 2018. Each year, from May 1 through October 31, special rules are in place to promote successful nesting and hatching of turtles all along our beaches. All in all, it’s been a good season for the turtles. Let’s hope for another one next year. Only this time, with no Red Tide!
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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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UF/IFAS Recognizes Outstanding Agriculturalists The UF/IFAS Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents had the honor of recognizing four Outstanding Agriculturalists at their annual meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach in late August. Award winners are selected for their outstanding accomplishments in the agriculture industry and their support of the UF/IFAS Extension Service. Extension programming would not be possible without the support of the amazing clientele we serve. It is always an honor to recognize the amazing contributions of these valuable members of our community. This year’s award winners included, Bill Barthle of Pasco County, Phillip Hisey of Marion County, Alex Johns of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and George Richardson of Duval County.
Bill Barthle is
a beef cattle producer and avid Extension supporter in Pasco County. Bill started his relationship with Extension at an early age as a 4-H member. As a beef producer, Bill hosts field days and programs on his family ranch on a regular basis. Bill has been a great cooperator for demonstrating new technologies in beef production and has given freely of his time, land, cattle and equipment to help UF IFAS Extension advance the industry. Bill has served as Pasco County Cattlemen’s Association President, Florida Cattlemen’s State Director, Served on UF-IFAS Search Committees for Extension Faculty positions, chaired the Pasco and Hernando USDA FSA Board, and currently serves as Chairman of the Pasco County Fair Youth Beef Show. Every time Pasco County Extension is having difficulty with funding for the Extension program, Bill steps up to advocate for the program.
Phillip Hisey,
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Landscape Superintendent for On Top of the World Communities, employs FloridaFriendly Landscaping principles in landscape design and maintenance for a commercial/residential development of over 10,000 homes. With his oversight, the community meets Florida Water Star specifications featuring Florida-Friendly plants, reduced turf and advanced technology for irrigation. Phillip is serving a second term on the Marion County Extension Advisory Committee. He holds certifications as a Pest Control Operator, Arborist, Irrigation Auditor, Landscape Contractor, GI-BMP and Florida Water Star. A graduate of Florida A&M with a B.S. in Landscape Design and Management, Phillip values IFAS research and paves the way for faculty in Entomology, Horticulture, Extension and other disciplines to expe-
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rience real-life landscape issues in Florida. He is instrumental in facilitating on-site research on pollinator attraction, soil compaction mitigation, and landscape pests. This research would not happen without Phillip, a true friend of Extension.
Alex Johns
serves in numerous leadership roles in the Agriculture industry and is a firm supporter of UF/IFAS Extension. Mr. Johns is a founding member and serves on the Board of Directors for Florida Cattle Ranchers, serves on the Florida Beef Council, is the current President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and serves on the Florida State Fair Board of Directors, among many other leadership roles in the community and industry. Alex has supported extension by funding various field trials and donating land/cattle for research. Seminole Ranches are participating in studies including calf loss and mycotoxins research. He has contributed $350,000 of in-kind donations of cattle and land for: UF’s Weed Field Day, field trials of competitive rotational grazing, chemical mowing of smut grass, nutritional value of smut grass, effects of fertilizer on nutrition, and weed management. He supports extension by encouraging and funding his employees’ attendance at UF classes and seminars.
George Richardson
has been an active supporter of UF/IFAS Extension in Duval County for decades. As the Technical Director at Peninsular Pest Control he loves to teach, learn, and is always willing to help IFAS. George is a founding member of the Jacksonville Formosan Termite Task Force led by Duval County Commercial Horticulture program since 2016. He was integral in rallying fellow pest control companies to successfully fund the city-wide termite monitoring project in 2017. He is a certified Green Industry Best Management Practices trainer and co-teaches on a moment’s notice. George and Peninsular Pest Control also support the future of the industry. They regularly donate to the Duval County 4-H Foundation, provide scholarships for the Duval County 4-H summer bug camp and fund a UF scholarship for undergraduates in entomology. George is a true supporter of Extension.
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green | Photos by April Green
Bamboo Frog Gig
This month we are featuring a project that can be made very quickly and if used correctly can mean the difference between a miserable night of camping and a great night. Were talking about frog gigging, an activity that dates to the earliest use of tools. A frog gig is a tool used to hunt frogs as a food source. Let’s face it, despite our best effort, there will be days that the fishing is a bust. If you are camping and your family is relying on your skills for a warm and healthy meal, the trusty ole frog gig rarely fails. Frogs are indeed usually easier to catch than fish where populations are abundant, like in Florida. Now you could go out to the local hardware store and for under 20 bucks purchase a set of metal frog gig spikes and a sturdy rod and be ready to go in as long as it takes to hammer the spikes to the top of the rod, but that kind of takes the romance out of the art. The gig we are making this month can be made with stuff you would either already have with you or materials that can be found in the wild. Bamboo is a good choice of wood because it is light weight and naturally more resistant to water than other woods, after all it grows in or very near water. We wrapped ours in leather because, well, I had some laying around and the cats have plenty more to play with. Besides, leather is sturdy and a bit more weather resistant than cloth or twine. I did not have the time to coat the leather, but it can be have been coated in wax or pine resin, by heating the substance up and coating it to provide a water resistant coating that will last years.
Materials:
Natural methods italicized
Staff Cane or Bamboo at least 1” diameter Spacers Cane or Bamboo at about 1/8” diameter Wrap Leather, Twine, plant fibres. Knife Commercial (or chipped from rock if you’re going all out) Coating (Pine Pitch Glue, Hide Glue, Starch Glue, Wax) * natural recipes not included in this tutorial
Directions: Split the bamboo into four equal quadrants with a knife Tap small diameter piece of bamboo in between the tines to spread them apart Weave leather lace through the tines of the bamboo staff and around the spacers to secure them. Wrap an outer layer of leather lace neatly from bottom to top and back for two layers of leather wrap. Tie the wrap off Coat with wax or pitch is desired (waterproofing) Sharpen each twine to a point. (short angles are sturdier)
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This is not a tool that can be used for capturing frogs for observation or pets. One of the values that my family instilled in me from a very young age is “You kill it, You eat it,” maybe that’s why us Cajuns have a reputation of eating anything that does not eat them first, it is a culture and a lifestyle, and one that I hope our readers share. All frogs, (except for Pine Barrens tree-frogs, gopher frogs and Florida bog frogs), may be taken throughout the year by gigs without a bag limit. Take your fill but nothing more.Mold Enjoy! Soak Leather Leather
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Trim Leather
Glue Felt WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look
by Sean Green | Photos by April Green
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Frogs and children have a long and endearing history together. Games in which our children mimic frogs have endured thousands of years. Classic literature is filled with fantastic stories of stately and magical frogs. For many children, the frog was one of our first pets, welcomed or not. Catching frogs was a natural transition from lizards that preceded snakes. If you were anything like me, you already knew a few of them by name before they offered them up in school biology classes. Now as many of us have gotten older, the fascination with frogs may have turned to their value for fishing, or perhaps an appreciation for the distinct biological characteristics of both native and exotic species. For many of us here in the south, the nighttime song of frogs has a romantic appeal. You may think it sounds funny, but it’s no secret that frog legs make a delicious meal, and if you are lucky enough to find a mate that will go trudging through the swamps at night with you to gather enough frogs for a home cooked meal, well, rest assured, you found the right one. But enough of the details, the point is, frogs are important to all of us in so many ways, it’s time we took a closer look. This month we will feature the classic American Bullfrog, a frog that truly brings “Joy to the World” …. Despite an occasional Three Dog Night. The Latin name Rana catesbeiana has been around for a long time and is what scientist call the American bullfrog. In 2006 it was determined that the genus Rana was a collection of several genera and it was proposed that the American bullfrog be moved into the genus Lithobates, a subgenus of Ranidae, the true frogs. The name proposed is derived from litho(stone) and the Greek bates (to tread), means one who treads on stone. The subdivisions of the Ranidae are still a matter of dispute but gaining acceptance and will remain volatile until the results of more investigation can refine taxonomic description. For most of us, we can get by just calling it a bullfrog and most people understand what we are talking about. The bullfrog is North America’s largest frog and can reach lengths of eight inches and close to two pounds. A frog of this size folks can and HAS been known to eat young snakes, crawfish, other frogs, and even small birds. Although the native range is the eastern United States, there are now thousands of natural occurrences of the bullfrog
If you are adventurous, bullfrogs are abundant, and easy to catch. You will find these beauties in permanent ponds lakes, rivers, ditches, and swamps. They can be found in small quantities during the day, but the bullfrog is a nocturnal species and that is where the fun begins. There are few hiking trips you will ever take that equal the excitement of sloshing through knee high swamp at night with little more than a frog gig and a headlamp. You tolerate the mosquitoes for the adventure and the reward is delicious. Even if you do not eat frog legs, there are ways to capture the frogs without injuring it for an equally satisfying educational experience and release to the wild. Through September will be when metamorphosis can be witnessed in the wild. Those that are in their final stages of metamorphosis are going on two years old and have survived tremendous odds. Regardless of where your interest may lie in your frog adventure, one thing you can honestly say if you do go out looking for frogs is that you spent the night chasing an army through the swamp. A group of frogs is called an “army” of frogs, just some silly trivia fun. Go ahead, take a closer look, and enjoy yourself out there.
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worldwide that continue to spread. Exportation of live frogs began early in the 20th century for their commercial value to biological supply houses, fish bait suppliers, the pet trade, and pond landscapers and even as a human food source. Unfortunately, when introduced to environments outside their natural range, the bullfrog can quickly become invasive, even in North America. In fact, bullfrogs are listed on the IUCN’s list of 100 worst invasive species (Lowe et al. 2000). Consequently, there are no initiatives required to conserve this species; eradication is in now the greater conservation concern. The good news is, these frogs are very good to eat. It may sound cliché, but the texture and flavor of well done frog legs is much like tiny chicken wings of white meat. Considered fine dining in many parts of the world, frog legs are typically associated with French cuisine, but quickly became a southern tradition in North America. If you have never experienced eating frog legs, look for local restaurants that typically serve up southern cuisine and seafood and treat yourself to a meal you will never forget.
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Beware of Trailer Thieves
This month we’d like to focus on a local crime trend we’ve seen right here in and around Polk County: the theft of trailers. We posted about the trend on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page (if you haven’t checked out our Facebook page, you really should right now) in late August. The thefts haven’t really focused on just one type of trailer; we’ve seen thefts of flatbeds, enclosed, goosenecks, and the Polk-County-engineered trailers (AKA homemade). When we respond to trailer thefts, there are several things the stolen trailers generally have in common – they are left out in the open and unsecured. Thieves drive up, hook up, and drive off with your stuff. It doesn’t matter if the trailer is way off the road…if it’s unsecured, and someone can find it, a bad guy is going to find it and take it. While it may be true that if someone desperately wants your stuff, they will find a way to take it. But why make it simple for them? If they steal your trailer, it’s probably going to put you in a bind. You could park your trailer and leave it sit for 299 straight days and nobody ever messes with it. Then one day you decide you’re going to use it the next day, and when tomorrow comes, it’s no longer there. That just seems to be the way it goes. And now all of your plans are fouled-up. Don’t let yourself and your plans get fouled-up.
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Make your trailer difficult to steal. Lock it in a structure, or lock the trailer with chains. Bad guys are often lazy, so they may not want to work for your trailer. If they do decide to put some effort into it, maybe it will take them long enough that they’ll get caught. Or at the very least, maybe the way you secure it
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will cause the bad guys to scrape-up their knuckles. You could fasten a wheel boot to your trailer. Sure this is Florida, but they don’t make wheel flip-flops. Park your trailer in a well-lit area, preferably with your tongue pointed toward a structure. The tongue of the trailer, not the tongue in your mouth. In case there was any question. You’re also going to want to register your trailer. Of course, if you plan on taking that trailer on the road it has to be registered. This of course, helps law enforcement identify stolen trailers. If your trailer doesn’t already have any unique or specific identifiable features, add some. Etchings, paint, stickers, aftermarket additions. Take pictures of your trailer and keep them handy in the event it is stolen. If you have an enclosed trailer, please make sure to keep it locked with SECURE locks at all times! We recently recovered a stolen enclosed trailer from a Plant City business that had over $40,000 worth of equipment inside it - the empty trailer was found abandoned on the side of the road (we actually recovered the stolen goods thanks to a tip from a citizen – otherwise all that stuff would have been gone for good). Finally, watch out for your neighbors and their property. If you hear or see something, say something to us immediately. 9-11 operators are standing by. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Prepare Now. Sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review.
Are you FSMA compliant? The first Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (PSR) compliance dates have arrived. Very large farms with average annual sales exceeding $500,000 in the last three years were required to be compliant with the PSR as of Jan. 26, 2018, with the exception of the water requirements. Sign up now to request a Free On-Farm Readiness Review, offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an opportunity to receive on-farm education and technical assistance to help farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements.
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For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.
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Polk County Cattle Women
The Florida Cattlewomen hosted the Beef Short Course and the first ever “MasterBEEF” Cooking Competition among each county on September 22 at Southern Grace in Fort Lonesome. Masterchef Whitney Miller was the featured judge. Polk County was well represented by our team “Aprons on Boots” with chef Jessica Lightsey and her assistant Marcia Lightsey. The ladies had the difficult challenge of creating a gourmet dish with the basket of ingredients they were given. While these ladies put their skills to the test the rest of our members in attendance had a great time fellowshipping with ladies from around the state and learning more about our beloved beef industry. FCW did a great job putting this wonderful event together for all of the county memberships to attend. The Ranch Rodeo Finals will be held September 28 and 29 at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. This event features the best of the best from each county’s ranch rodeo. The Cowboy Heritage Festival is free to attend. Tickets for the rodeo are just $10. On Friday the 28th the Working Florida Cowdog Competition runs from 8 am until noon, with the rodeo finals starting at 7 pm. The Ranch Horse Competition will be
Florida Cattlewomen are still looking for volunteers to help in the concession stands for the rodeo both days. If you are able to help, please contact Sarah Childs at sarahchilds47@gmail for more information. If you are interested in joining us, our next meeting is Tuesday October 2. We will meet in the Clover Room 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 Cattlewomen President
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held on the 29th from 8 am to 1 pm, followed by Silver Sorting at 2 pm and the rodeo finals again at 7 pm.
In The Field Classifieds
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Tel: 813.759.6909
ANIMALS & NEEDS
JOBS
ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
MECHANIC NEEDED
Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813)752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com July 15, 2018, Nov. 25, 2018
2010 MASSEY FERGUSON 1660C
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders
Massey Ferguson Tractor only 736 hours & 813-754-1766 a/c cab. Barn Kept. $24,000. Call 863-393-4473
METAL ROOFING
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
ALUMINUM
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
PUL BLAST SPRAYER
200 Gallons. Only $3,500 Call 863-393-4473
WINDOW SCREENS
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
We make window screens of all sizes available 4X4, 65 hp with loader. in different frame colors. 1,000 hours. $15,900 Call Ted(813) 752-3378 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
CABINETS
MAHINDRA 4530 All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Tractor with loader. 4X4, 44hp. $13,500 Call Alvie Call Blake 813-752-3378 813-759-8722
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
MAHINDRA 8560
83 hp, 4X4. $12,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
HUSTLER RAPTOR 54
New! Has a flip deck. New price $5,499 SALE for $4,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool Come out and see us! box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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7X15 LAWN TRAILER
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FOR RENT
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378 Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
REAL ESTATE
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
Double wide mobil home, never occupied. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, screened lanai, car port, utility room, upgraded stainless appliances, washer & dryer. Price reduced $69,000. Call 813-659-1122
NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS
FARM EQUIPMENT TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR SALE
JOHN DEERE
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER
MASSEY FERFUSON 40
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
Late 60’s model industrial diesel grading tractor. $3,750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
NEW 2017 PALM HARBOR
No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
FMC 352
Have you ever considered moving to beautiful Blairsville, Georgia or just need a getaway home? Blairsville is a desirable community & great location. Call Jane Baer Realty and ask for Jane. 706-745-2261 www.janebaerrealty.com
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
24 HOUR SERVICE
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
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TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
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