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July 2015

Ona White Angus herd up for public auction to be held at Range Cattle REC By Brad Buck The Ona White Angus herd will be sold through a public auction at the University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, this fall or early winter. The Ona White Angus was developed over two decades of cross-breeding various phenotypes at the Range Cattle REC, said Center Director John Arthington. “These cattle have established themselves as a distinct new breed,” Arthington said. They are genetically a “black angus” but have a white hair coat color and dark skin, he said. This is somewhat similar to the origins of the Red Angus breed, but with a white phenotype. The Ona White Angus may be able to provide reproduction and meat quality advantages of the Angus, while retaining the environmental adaptation and longevity of the Zebu, Arthington said. Zebu breeds, such as Brahman, adapt well to tropical and subtropical environ2

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July 2015

ments, which make them ideal for Florida. “As a breed, we feel that these cattle can provide significant value to beef production enterprises in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in crossbreeding programs involving white phenotype cows,” Arthington said. These breeds are often crossed with English breeds, such as Angus to introduce hybrid vigor. An offspring exhibits hybrid vigor if its traits are enhanced as a result of mixing the genetic contributions of its parents. Angus cattle are known for their low maintenance, adaptability, superior milking capabilities and high fertility rates. For more information about the public auction at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, please call 863-735-1314 or email Arthington at jarth@ufl.edu. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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POLK COU NTY

Contents

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

V O L . 7 • IS S U E 7

Contents

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 11

F eature S tory

RobPURCHASING Krieger

P a g e 3GROWN 4 LOCALLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Page

Ona White Angus herd

Attractive Aquaponcis Systems

Page 2

Page 28

Master Gardener

Page 10

Fishing Hot Spots

Page 14

Endangered Species

Page 30

Be The Revolution, FFA

Page 34

Literary Time Machine

Page 16

Florida Soursop

Page 39

New Laws and State Budget

Naturally Amazing

Page 18

Page 42

Josie Tomkow

A Closer Look

Rocking Chair Chatter

Born & Bread Bakehouse

Page 43

Page 20

Page 22

P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 President – J. B. Wynn OFFICERS 581-3255 OF DIRECTORS Dave Tomkow &(863) B OARD jbwynn29@gmail.com (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@ P resident - C harles C lark ( 863) 528-8537earthlink.net Vice President – David McCullerscclark@ expoco.com (863) 635-2821crookedlaMike Facente V ice P resident - Dave Tomkow keranch@verizon.net (863) 697-9419 ( 863) 6 6 5-50 88 cattlemanslivetock@ earthlink.net

Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Standing Committee Chairs: S ecretary/ Treasurer - J ustin B unch Bunch ( 863) 4 25-1121 (863) 425-1121jbunch@ agriumretail.com Membership- J.B. Wynn A l B ellotto - ( 863) 581-5515 jbunch@agriumretail.com R ay C lark - ( 863) 6 83-819 6Events- Kevin Fussell State Director – Ray Clark (863) 412-5876 rclark@ tampabay.rr.com 640-0719 L .B .(863) F landers, DV M - ( 863) 6 4 4 -5974 Trade Showrclark@tampabay.rr.com Dewey F ussell - ( 863) 9 84 -3782

MikeCarlton F ussell - ( 863) 69 8-8314 Rodeo- Fred Waters Taylor fussell.flafarm@ verizon.net

(863) 559-7808 863-781-1146 David McC ullers - ( 863) 528-1195 Carlton.Taylor@boehringeringelheim.com Website Moby Persing - ( 863) 528-4 379 – Adam Norman Ned W aters - ( 863) 69 8-1597863-944-9293 Adam.norman@gmfind. Charlesdoacs.state.fl.us Clark watersn@ com J .B . W ynn - ( 863) 581-3255 (863) 528-8537 jbwynn29 @ gmail.com cclarkc4@yahoo.com Cattlewomen – Vice PresiA lternate - Mike Facente - ( 863) 697-9419 dent, Laura Slocumb 660-7000 L.B. Flanders, DVM C ommittee(863) S tanding C hairs: laura@higgenbotham.com (863) 644-5974 Membership - J .B . W ynn E vents - KFussell evin F ussell ( 863) 4 12-5876 Extension – Bridget Carlisle Dewey R odeo F red W aters ( 863) 559 -780Drawer 8 PO Box 9005, HS03 (863)- 984-3782 watersf@ doacs.state.fl.us Bartow, FL 33831 Website (863) 519-1048 Mike- Chris FussellNelson C attlewomen - P resident bccarlis@ufl.edu (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net Marjorie W ood ( 863) 6 6 0 -4 137 Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. onnie397@ aol.com Tommy519 Dixon Moby Persing E xtension - B ridget C arlisle ( 863) -8677 863-528-4567 (863) 534-7205 bccarlis@ ufl.edu tdixon@polksheriff.org S heriff’s Dept. - S gt. Tommy Dixon

Page 44

Recipes

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July 2015

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JJuly uly 2015 2015

Letter from the Editor

STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry

The freshest, safest, best tasting food is just around the corner. Yes, that’s right! Buying local is easy. Find a farmers market near you and encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more products from local farmers. This small step will help boost your local economy and get you exceptional flavor from fruits and vegetables that are recently harvested and packed with nutrients. Check out what is in season in Florida and plan your meals around it. We are lucky to have something fresh and nutritious available in Florida 365 days a year. Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture’s website at www.freshfromflorida.com for a chart of what’s in season. I am reminded daily of the wonderful, humble few who make their living by feeding the rest of us. I never take for granted the hard work that went in to getting my meal from the field to the point of purchase and to my home. It is our duty to ensure that we continue to keep our food as close to our homes as possible. I certainly don’t want to depend on another country for my sustenance. This is not a new subject for me, but I can’t stress enough the importance of supporting your local farmer and rancher. They are the lifeblood of this county, state, and our great nation. As always, thank you to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.

Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols Contributing Writers Woody Gore

Until Next Month

Sarah 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 Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 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. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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July 2015

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Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now

Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.ﬂoridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org

Safeguarding water resources is

Devin Lawrence, Environmental Associate South Pasture Mine, Hardee County

Being good stewards of local water sources is an important part of what we do at Mosaic. As a fifth-generation Floridian and an environmental associate for our phosphate operations, I’m part of a team that monitors water to ensure it meets Florida’s water quality standards. In fact, we monitor and report on more than 30 water outfalls on our property as well as nearby creeks and streams. We take these responsibilities seriously — for our families as well as yours.

We help the world grow the food it needs.

mosaicco.com/florida

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July 2015

Dear Readers: By now I hope everyone has adjusted to the muggy Florida summer heat. If you attended the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention (it’s really hard not calling it “Marco”) in Orlando, I’m sure you felt a lot of it out by the lazy river. Sounds like everyone enjoyed the new venue and it gave the Marriott in Marco Island a run for its money. I was proud of our friend Bill Brown of Lakeland, as he was awarded with an Honorary State Director award during the convention. They played a great video that takes a look back at the contributions of this legendary cattleman. When you see Mr. Brown or his son Jeff, please pass along congratulations. Along with the July heat comes our annual summer Cattlemen’s Dinner on Thursday, July 23. If you are off on vacation during that time, just make plans to come back early because this is going to be a dinner you will not want to miss. You have the opportunity to win a Corriente saddle – one of the best made saddles around! As I mentioned before, Polk County has the largest membership in the state and we don’t want to lose that designation. To help keep our membership up, we are kicking off a membership drive at the summer dinner. The member

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who recruits the most new members between July and the November dinner will win a customized Corriente ranch saddle. We will have plenty of applications available at the dinner, so pick up lots of them and let’s see how many new members you can recruit! If you are not a member and want to join, you can at the July dinner. Please join us in the state’s biggest and best county association, as there are several benefits to being a cattlemen’s association member. We will also be drawing for the commercial heifer, so if you are the child of a member you can register at the dinner to win a heifer to show at the Youth Fair in January. I hope everyone is having a great summer and I look forward to seeing you on the 23rd in Bartow at 6:30pm. Sincerely,

JB Wynn

JB Wynn Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

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One ear of corn contains about 800 kernels. Over half of the U.S. corn production is used to feed livestock. Corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica. Corn is the third most important food crop in the world. Corn always has an even number of rows on each ear. The record for eating corn on the cob is 33 Â˝ ears in 12 minutes. Corn on the cob is often a favorite summer treat. Corn can be bought and cooked fresh, frozen, or canned. Corn can be added to salads or casseroles. Corn is used in thousands of different grocery products including cereals, peanut butter, and even soft drinks!

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M ASTER G A R D EN ER

Patios and Porches By Debra Howell Here in the Sunshine State we take pride in our lovely weather, which, for the greater part of the year, affords many opportunities to utilize patios, decks and porches. These outdoor areas may easily be turned into an extra “room” for entertaining or for just having a summer barbecue or tea. By using your imagination and the proper plants, you can create a showplace to elicit “oohs” and “ahs” from family and friends. Your success may be as easy as constructing a shady arbor, using trellises to delineate an area or using shrubs and vines to surround benches and chairs. Plants grown in containers make quick specimen pieces for inclusion in your open air room design, and may be readily repositioned to suit your whims or to fit the season. If you start by selecting flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year, you may achieve a “succession” of blooms throughout the year. Hanging baskets will add splashes of color that cascade in an eye-catching tumble. This may allow you to use some of these recommended and illustrated plants which may not be hardy to your area, but will provide a pleasant and attractive outdoor venue that may be enjoyed all year here in Central Florida. Stones and pavers are also great additions to add interest to porches and patios. A water feature, with perhaps some colorful Koi fish, is a nice idea as well. Plants like hydrangea, ground orchid, peace lily and agapanthus, or Nile lily, perform as well in containers on the porch or patio, as they do in the surrounding landscape. The spathiphyllum, or peace lily, is a striking and stately plant that you probably already have on hand. A member of the Aroid family, peace lily is related to the calla lily. This plant, with its dark green foliage and interesting “spathe” and spadix flowers, is one of the Florida plant industries top selling foliage plants. Peace lilies do not like direct sunlight, but like well-drained soil amended with organic matter. 10

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July 2015

Agapanthus, or Nile lily, are very popular for container gardening and as a versatile landscape plant. They occur with large funnelshaped blue or white flowers that attract hummingbirds. They readily reproduce. Propagation is done by division or seed. These plants are outstanding as a mass planting, edging or in an above ground planter. They achieve a height of about two to four feet tall and one to two feet wide. Nile lilies appreciate moisture and well-drained soil. The strappy long green leaves are attractive even when blooms are not present. Consistent moisture is key to the success of hydrangeas. Hydrangeas will perform well as a border plant to ring your deck or patio, or as a specimen for your entryway, front porch or other partly shady locations. Bloom color of these plants is contingent on soil pH. If you prefer pink blooms, amend with lime to cause pH to reach six or higher. For a beautiful blue hue, maintain an acidic soil pH of five or lower. The instruction to “maintain” implies that tweaking the soil pH is only a temporary fix. The bloom of a hydrangea is called a panicle and is a compound bloom consisting of small petals which, when viewed from a distance, looks like one large pom-pom flower. A delightful plant to fill in a blank spot in the landscape is the ground orchid. Spathoglottis Plicata, or ground orchids, can provide year round color. They may be cultivated as borders or beds, or they may be grown in containers as well. Ground orchids are easy to cultivate and propagation can be done by division from a large clump of preudo bulbs. The ground orchid pictured is the Epidendrum radicans, and is often called reed-stem orchid, which blooms off and on all year with bright orange flowers. These orchids require partial sun and a well-drained locale. They should be fertilized in the spring and late summer with a slow release fertilizer, which may be supplemented with liquid fertilizer according to the package directions. Geraniums are one of my favorite understory plantings and are a WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

real eye-catcher, either potted or planted in the landscape. There are many shades of flowering geraniums available in pink, orange, white and red. The red hue is a hummingbird and butterfly attractor, with a protracted bloom season. Geraniums do well in Florida when grown in full to partial sun. They seem to do better when protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Planting geraniums to deeply will no doubt cause root rot. They do best planted in well-drained loamy soils that have been amended with composted material. These plants perform well when fertilized regularly. Geraniums root easily from cuttings if you set them in vermiculite. Overcrowding of these plants may promote bacterial leaf spot, so do not plant to close together in pots or in the ground. Whiteflies can be another problem with geraniums, as with many other landscape plants. They seem to be a real problem lately. Another hummingbird attractor that is essential to include in your patio landscape is the firespike. This herbaceous perennial has an upright growth habit and will achieve a height of four feet tall. In one yard, hummingbirds were visiting the firespikes while I was taking photos. Tubular red flowers make this plant attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies. Although full sun is suggested for firespike, mine seem to get slightly crisp from the afternoon sun. I have found that it still provides bright red color in a partially shady spot. Creeping fig is another good plant to grow. It is shown growing on a large terra cotta pot. As the name implies, this beauty with its tiny leaves has a creeping and vining habit, and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s award of Garden Merit. It may be used to cover your patio walls or grown on your arbor structure. The fruit of the creeping fig is used worldwide in cuisine preparation and is known in Singapore as “ice jelly.” Another option for patio and deck shade is the summer grape. This grape has a wide range of cultivation from Ontario to Texas to Florida. A variety of summer grape was cultivated by the Cherokees for certain ritual use. The fruit is a small dark purple grape, which is the official state grape of Missouri. This plant will provide not only shade, but will provide fruit as well. You may choose to intersperse some lovely little surprises around your open air “room” by adding succulents to adorn a wrought iron stand, or placing the Peperomia, also called baby rubber plant, in containers or hanging baskets to accent your porch or patio. They WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

also work well to cascade down a wall enclosure. Peperomias are readily available year round, enjoy partial to deep shade, and will thrive in a wide range of soils. Another accent plant that provides interest and a linear look is the Dracaena. It comes in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes ranging from two feet to fifteen feet in height. These plants like shady conditions and will tolerate drought. Now, what shall we use to border or screen our patio environment? One plant, which is also readily available and will do well with little care, is the oleander. These plants are recommended in the University of Florida bulletin ENH-572 as being useful for deck or patio use as an appropriate screen plant. Single or double flowers are available in pink, red and yellow or white. Oleanders do well with one annual pruning and fertilization. The main pest issue with them is the oleander caterpillar, which can defoliate a plant in a couple of weeks. They are used in municipal applications in spite of this pest, which is the larvae of a moth. Remember, all parts of this plant are toxic, so handle accordingly! A cold-hardy palm which you can use to add to your screen is the slow-growing Chinese fan palm which is hardy to 20° F. The gracefully drooping fronds have earned it the nickname of fountain palm. These palms are drought tolerant and are grown in a wide range of soils. The Chinese fan palm exhibits few nutritional deficiencies, with potassium deficiency being the most common. Fertilize with a controlled release 8-2-12 palm fertilizer to eliminate deficiencies. As with all palms, remove leaves that are completely dead. It is hard to ignore dying fronds, but they do provide a supplementary source of potassium to your palm. One great asset of having a patio or porch area is the ability to illuminate your beautiful plants to provide a “night garden” with loads of ambience. By adding container plants, and surrounding your patio areas with appropriate foliage and flowering plants, you can create a garden setting that is not only restful, but full of fragrance and color as well. Thanks to the following gardeners for allowing photo opportunities: Pat Farris and Ralph Leutz, Beverly Barnett-Crocket, Virginia Cagle, Janice and Billy Thompson, Ray and Joyce Acuff and Jim and Annette Marsh. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2015

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July 2015

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July 2015

July Fishing Report Tampa Bay 2015 Spotted Sea Trout - Trout fishing is always fun espe-

cially when you find larger fish that are willing to eat. Usually in July we get into some decent action in deeper water and around fish attractors free-lining greenbacks or shrimp. Also check out deeper broken bottom grass flats (3-4 ft.) using a popping cork with greenbacks, small pinfish (the flats are full of them) or shrimp. Also don’t be afraid to tie on an artificial lure with a jig head and bounce it off the bottom using a jerky retrieve. This works well for summertime trout in deeper water.

Redfish - July should see some redfish action around the Tampa Bay grass flats especially on incoming tides. This past month we could find a few fish, but getting them to bite was sometimes difficult. Those we did catch were taken on dead baits like cut ladyfish, sardines, threadfins or a chunk of pinfish on the bottom. High water temperatures and plenty of bait around its likely the fish are not that hungry, but at least they’re out there. The Tampa area notoriously produces good catches of redfish, you just need to find the ones ready to eat. On incoming high water tides they tend to push into the Mangrove lined shores and around oyster bars. But keep in mind that hot summertime low tides and low water means oxygen deprived water, which basically equates to No Oxygen… No Fish. Early morning incoming tides and top-water lures on fished over broken bottom grass flats offers some worthy visual excitement and possibly a nice redfish, trout or snook. Work your lures over the pot holes in a walk-the-dog action.

Snook – Snook fishing will continue this month, but with

the water continuing to warm the bite might slow down. They often appear to have lockjaw, but patience seems to pay off when looking for larger fish. Of course live baits work and sardines can be netted on the many grass flats around the bay. Having said that, many reports indicate folks are catching fish using dead bait left on the bottom. Artificial lures also produce some action, but patience is the key and if you’ve passed the learning curve on artificial’s you can have a great time toss-

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July uly 2015

action around the Tampa July should see some redfish incoming tides. Bay grass flats especially on

ing plastics to waiting fish. The key is slow down your presentation.

Mangrove Snapper – Snapper seem to be showing up everywhere. Try using pieces of shrimp or small sardines alive or cut, on a ¼ oz. or heaver (depending on current) knocker rig. Remember, it’s usually the second bite that hooks the fish… not the first; unless you feel the fish pulling on the first. Just find a bridge, rock pile, dock or just about any structure and its fish-on. Don’t forget to chum pretty heavy or keep a chum block over the side. You might want to bring more than one chum block because the water temperatures are very warm and they don’t last too long. Pick your chum blocks up at your local tackle shop on the way to the boat ramp. Cobia – Markers, sandy grass flats and large rays, manatees

and the occasional shark usually equal Cobia. These fish frequent markers especially those holding bait. They also travel and cruise open water and the grass flats following larger species like rays and manatees. When marker or mackerel fishing, keep a chum bag out, you never know what might show up.

Mackerel & Bluefish - Tampa Bay is loaded with big Spanish mackerel and bluefish; sometimes they eat everything that hits the water. Then other times they seem to have lockjaw. However, when they’re feeding, and you can get them started by chumming, it can be gangbusters. Often during this month the mackerel and bluefish fishing should be great. Just look for schools of threadfins, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. I’m seeing mackerel catches up to 3 and 4 pounds and some of the biggest blues ever. This is real excitement on light tackle, but you need to use small wire leaders or the heavy 60# stuff and inexpensive 2/0 long shank hooks. Sharks - Don’t be surprised if you catch a smaller shark or

two while mackerel fishing. They seem to follow the mackerel and love grabbing free lined live bait. WWW. ININTHE MMAGAZINE.COM WWW. THEFFIELD IELD AGAZINE.COM

Don’t be surprised if you catch a smaller shark or two while mackerel fishing.

If you want a larger one use a larger rod and reel and half piece of mackerel free lined in the current. If you’re on anchor have your anchor ball tied to your rope, because you’ll probably have to chase it down. Remember, to use a de-hooking tool for a shark or cut the line. Sharks do not have a skeletal system, only cartilage and are capable of turning their heads completely around to their tail. So, if you’re holding one by the tail and think you’re safe; you can expect to be badly bitten. They are very much like a snake you must control the head from behind. Actually, the best advice is to cut the line, never try to handle one and never bring one onboard.

Tarpon

- Tarpon fishing at the bridge has its good and bad days. Same thing for the beach, recently some nice pods are showing along the beach. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. I’m hooking a few in upper Tampa bay while Mackerel fishing especially if I’m cutting chunks of bait and feeding it over the side into the current. They should start show around the upper bay bridges. Fish the bridge light lines at night

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July July 2015 2015

By Ginny Mink

Part 9 Ornamental Gardening in Florida (skyblue clustervine), Asclepias (milkweed), Ruellia (wild petunias or purple showers) and Lantanas. However he advises, “No doubt my readers have seen similar effects in various parts of Florida produced by an entirely different set of forms.”¹ He’s referring to the in depth description of each of these plants, their blooms and growth style, he provides with the list, believing that his readers are as Interestingly enough, Mr. Simpson is a attached to the flora and fauna here as he is. staunch supporter of adherence to native species. In fact, he tells readers, “In the lists of Having moved on, he addresses the low pinenative plants in this book…I have laid some lands and flatwoods saying they are, “perhaps stress on bringing them in from the woods, richer in ornamental plants than any other the swamps and prairies to save and care for part of our territory though the wet prairies them. There are literally hundreds of our wild are close competitors.”¹ We had to stop there things that should be carefully tended for and wonder if wet prairies even exist in Floritheir beauty and oddity.”¹ We are forced to da anymore? Well, according to Florida Gulf wonder which plants made him choose odd- Coast University, “Wet prairies are shallow ity as a descriptive term? And, are they indig- basins that have good tolerance to both flooding and drying out. Wet prairies have short enous only to Florida? hydroperiods, having less than six months of As we read on, rather than getting an answer inundation (standing water) resulting in the to our questions, we see that Mr. Simpson has most species-rich of all Florida marshes.”² a more pressing concern. “The state is being So, the answer then is, yes. However, they rerapidly settled and large areas of our terri- veal information obtained from USF, “46% of tory are being devastated as a consequence. Florida’s 20 million wetland acres have been Already a few things found nowhere else in destroyed, and an additional 26,000 acres per the United States have been wiped out and year are still being destroyed.”² Worth considothers are on the verge of extinction.”¹ In- ering. credible, really, that such damage had already been done! His concern is great enough that Marching right along, he dives into the wahe suggests leaving any high pine forest land terways of Florida. Claiming that there are, that one might have, just as it was, as a sort of “30,000 freshwater lakes in Florida besides a wildwood garden. How distraught he would fine assortment of ponds, swamps, streams be by the amount of territory that has now and river borders. Such places may be used in raising a great variety of handsome and interbeen devastated by Florida’s settlers. esting lowland plants and strict aquatics. Of He goes on to describe some of the great the latter the waters of Florida are filled to plants he’s found in his own section of earth. repletion.” A 2006 article in the Orlando SenHe lists: Commelina hamipila (whitemouth tinel seems to agree with his math. It states, dayflower), Crocanthemum (frostweed), Al- “Florida contains more than 30,000 lakes denella, Chamaecrista (partridge pea), Gerar- that cover a little more than 3 million acres dia (false foxglove), Verbena, Jacquemontia of land.”³ Welcome aboard the Literary Time Machine as we voyage back to 1926. When last we left dear Mr. Simpson, he was explaining the best methods of dealing with lowlands. He taught us the best plants to install in those areas and the methods in which to keep them looking the way God intended. Here we join him in his 12th chapter entitled: Wild Gardens.

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Herein he reveals a unique trouble he’s had with his own piece of heaven. He explains, “Throughout the tract I have, for the most part, planted only such things as grow wild in the vicinity of my home and it has been my endeavor to so arrange the whole that it would look exactly as if it was a bit of nature. Unfortunately, the great West Indian land crab inhabits this region and has done a considerable amount of damage to my wild garden, even climbing low trees in order to slit up and tear down what I have planted.”¹ He concludes that since this crustacean only lives in a small portion of the state, other people shouldn’t have a problem doing as he’s advised. He concludes the chapter saying, “One can imitate nature so closely that even an expert botanist would never suspect that he had before him a work of art. There should be nothing visible about such a garden to indicate that in any way the brain of man had studied it out or his hand had wrought within it. It should be a gathering together within a small space of just what nature has often done but in a more general way; it should contain nothing that nature does not sometimes do.” If you can do that with your space, you are indeed a true gardener adhering to Mr. Simpsons’ standards! 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. 50-54). ² http://www.fgcu.edu/CAS/CEM/prairie. html ³ http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2006-0129/news/SWNEWCOMER29_1_lake-county-florida-lakes-north-lake

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New Laws and State Budget Affect Florida Farmers by John Dicks Every year, both at the start and in the middle, January and July, Floridians are treated with or encumbered by new laws enacted by our state government. Our legislature this year seemed especially special; not so much for the number of bills it passed and sent to the Governor but more so because of the general cranky mood so many of its members spent this spring in Tallahassee. Normally, Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives meet each spring in a 60 days regular session to primarily pass an annual budget as well as to consider other pressing needs of Floridians. This year there was so much bickering between the two chambers (primarily over health care spending) that not even an agreement on adjournment could be reached, resulting in the House unilaterally calling it quits after 57 days, leaving the Senate still in session and alone in the capitol. Never before in Florida’s history had the two chambers adjourned on different days. It’s no wonder that the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in its AgWatch publication, called it “one of the least productive regular legislative sessions in two decades.” Without an agreement even on Florida’s budget, the legislature was forced to meet again in special session. This time, with the pressure on of facing a statewide government shutdown, common ground was found and in the total combined 79 days of regular and special sessions, the legislature sent to the Governor a nearly $79 billion budget. At least one astute observer noted that it amounted to our Legislators finding a way to spend $1 billion of our taxpayers dollars for each day they met, leaving us thankful that they quit when they did! As it was, Florida’s new budget is the largest in our State’s history, which is an ironic bit of work product coming from so many who profess fiscal conservatism. But the economy in Florida is strong this year, thanks to growth, and even with such spending, there still was room for some healthy tax cuts.

Outside of budgetary items, there were, of course, other new laws and legislation that have an affect on the Ag Industry. One which could provide relief for farmers (at least from anxiety, if not lability) concerns the gleaning of crops. In a rare unanimous vote of both the Senate and the House, a measure was passed to protect farmers who would like to give away excess or unused crops to food banks and other charities wanting to help feed the hungry. Currently, Florida law only protects farmers who allow gleaners on their property from liability before the harvest has ended. The new legislation extends liability protection for farmers who allow gleaners on their property throughout the year, thus providing greater flexibility. Other new laws which you may have already heard about but still are worth noting include: • A new statute which prohibits the use of aerial drones to capture images that could infringe on the privacy of property owners or occupants. • Terminally ill patients will be allowed access to certain experimental drugs. This was called the “Right to Try Act,” and it focuses on drugs that have been through what is known as “phase 1” of a clinical trial but have not been approved for general use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. • Beginning January 1, 2016, all U.S. and Florida flags purchased by local governments in Florida will have to be made from materials grown, produced and manufactured in the United States. Next year the Legislature will meet earlier in the year than was done this year since 2016 will be, after all, an election year!

One such area of cuts, of which much comment has been made in the news, is in regard to the communications services tax on cellphone and cable TV bills. It is projected to save us consumers $20 a year (based on an average bill for people paying $100 a month). There is also the popular sales tax holiday, which this year will run 10 days, starting August 7. It is not unlimited in scope, however, and will apply on clothing less than $100, school supplies that cost $15 or less and the first $750 of personal computers purchased for nonbusiness use. Our Ag Industry saw some special relief. While already there is a sales tax exemption for farmers and ranchers on the purchase of “power farm equipment,” its definition was amended to include irrigation equipment and replacement parts and accessories for power farm equipment and irrigation equipment. Also getting exemptions from the sales tax are for those purchases made on equipment used in the storage of raw agricultural products on the farm. Another exemption was made for purchases of most trailers used in agricultural production or the transportation of farm products. And still another sales tax exemption was made for the purchase of stakes used in agricultural production. 18

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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own 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 years as Mayor. WWW. THEFFIELD IELD AGAZINE.COM WWW. ININTHE MMAGAZINE.COM

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A New Interest By Melissa Nichols

This summer the daughter of Mike and Cathlee Tomkow, Josie, was asked to do an internship. When many of us think of an internship we think of sitting in an office learning how to conduct business, file papers and make calls, however Josie, the daughter of Mike and niece of Dave, both lifelong cattle ranchers, has an internship that is a little bit different, and as you guessed,it involved cattle. Mike has been a representative for Superior Livestock for the past 13 years. Superior Livestock is a unique company that sells livestock online and on TV by calling in bids or bidding online. Josie and her family have gone to the Fort Worth Stock Yards twice for auctions and have stayed in close contact with people who work within the company. One person in particular is Ms. Nancy Gill, the Director of Sales and Marketing, who expressed to the Tomkow family last year what a great opportunity it 20

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would be for Josie to intern with Superior Livestock. Her family was aware that Superior has always been a reputable business within the industry and one that they have come to personally love. Her parents and Josie knew it was the opportunity of a lifetime, so she went for it. Upon receiving the offer of the internship Josie flew to Fort Worth, Texas, from Gainesville, where she is currently registered at the University of Florida. Josie stayed with close family friends and drove to the stock yards daily. She had the opportunity on be on “Superior Sunrise” along with assisting the production team at the Bellamy Brothers video shoot and interviewing people for The American Rancher. “I got to watch Pam Minick work on The American Rancher, I learned about office work, editing cattle videos, working multiple cattle and horse auctions and even making deliveries with some of the top reps in the area. I got to meet many influenWWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

tial people in the industry as well as having made lifelong friends. I had an amazing opportunity to meet the largest cattle buyer in the United States and overall it was such a great experience I am so grateful for the opportunity Superior gave me,â€? said Josie. In the future Josie looks forward to staying in contact with the people at Superior and hopes to maybe one day have the opportunity to work for the company. Josie learned a different aspect of the industry that made her appreciate it even more, and from a girl who has been raised around cattle her entire life, she didnâ€™t know that was possible. The marketing side and advertising side of the industry is something that has peaked a new interest in Josie Tomkow.

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Remember When

If peanut butter cookies are made from peanut butter, then what are Girl Scout cookies made out of? Why do we sing “Take me out to the ball game,” when we are already there? If tin whistles are made out of tin, what do they make foghorns out of? Why is it that when you’re driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio? Why do women call lipstick “Lipstick” if you can still move your lips?

I remember when having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot, taking drugs meant orange flavored chewable aspirin and decisions were made by saying “eeny-meeny-miney-mo.” Mistakes were corrected by simply saying, “do over!” Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle. I remember when you could buy cigarettes from a machine. I can remember when dimes stores like Woolworth’s were popular. I still remember when my mother would hang clothes on a clothesline to dry and laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box. Do you recall when all the homes had only one bathroom? Or When Cone’s dairy in Plant City had the best ice cream and dairy products in town? If you had a telephone in the home, there was only one it was probably located in the living room, a rotary dial and on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some person you didn’t know wasn’t already using the phone line. Cars without turn signals resulted in using hand signals to make a turn. Paraffin soda bottles with sugar water inside were a popular treat. Bubble gum came with comics inside the wrapper like Bazooka Joe. Remember when coffee shops, restaurants, and malt shops had booth jukeboxes? I lived near the railroad tracks on Calhoun Street in Plant City, and the trains would make a racket in the middle of the night as they came roaring down the tracks. In the 50s and very early 60s they had the steam locomotives instead of the diesel locomotives. I used to put a penny on the tracks so when they ran over it would flatten out to be as large as a quarter. Do you remember S&H Green Stamps? The catalog to order merchandise with your stamps was popular in most households. Even A&P Supermarkets got in on this stamp craze introducing the Plaid Stamps. I remember trying to sell flower and garden seeds to win a prize. I don’t remember winning anything except a chewing out for ordering those seeds which mom and dad ended up buying. I remem22

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ber when my sisters would roll their hair before a date or before bed. I often wondered how they could sleep with those curlers. The story goes, there was this female business executive who was late for a meeting. She is going 65 on a street where the speed limit is 40. A cop pulls her over and say’s, “Ma’am, may I please see your license?” She say’s “I’m sorry, officer, but I got it revoked two years ago for drunk driving.” His brow furrows and he straightens up. “Well, can I please see the registration of your car?” She says “I stole the car and I killed the driver; he’s in the trunk.” “Ma’am, DON’T MOVE! I’m calling for backup.” He mutters furiously into his walkie-talkie. Five minutes later, half the squad pulls up, the Chief of Police walks over to the woman’s window. “Ma’am, can I see your license?” he asks sternly. “Of course, officer,” she smiles demurely and pulls out a license from her purse. He squints warily at it. “This looks legitimate,” he mumbles. “Can I see the registration to this car?” She pulls it out of the glove compartment and hands it to him. “Ma’am, stand back!” He bangs open the trunk of the car and flinches: but it was completely empty. The woman brandishes a finger at the first cop and says accusingly, “And I’ll bet that liar told you I was speeding too!!” While you’re pondering the story above, let me tell you a story that is up lifting and inspirational. I call it the story of the Burning Hut. The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived back at his hut to find it in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me?” he cried out. Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary shipwrecked man to his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied. Keep in mind the next time your little hut is burning to the ground— it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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PURCHASING LOCALLY GROWN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Polk County Options By Jim Frankowiak

It’s no secret, there’s growing interest among consumers in buying locally grown fruits and vegetables. That trend has prompted considerable response from growers and those interested in helping foster the availability of locally grown commodities. But first, brief overview of Farmers Markets in Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) assists in the marketing of farm products by providing information, leadership and modern marketing facilities necessary to move farm products from the farm to the consumer. By providing a convenient, dependable place through which producers and buyers may carry on the process of marketing, this helps ensure the consumer receives a better quality product at a reasonable price and the producer receives a fair return. FDACS operates a system of 12 State Farmers Markets, the closest located in either Plant City or Wauchula. These markets offer attendant services such as produce refrigeration, truck weigh scales, packing houses, coolers, offices, farm supply, restaurants and produce brokerage sales, as well as produce and freight shipping companies. Through volume production and marketing, effective competition is ensured for both small and large growers and buyers. It must be noted that “small” here does not mean individual consumers or families interested in purchasing commodity items. These 12 markets serve high volume buyers. State Farmers Markets generally are active on a seasonal basis, operating up to 24-hours daily. Self-supporting, other than the capital investments, these markets are maintained through income derived from a combination of package fees, packing house, cooler and offices rentals and truck scale fees. More than 25 million units of fresh fruits and vegetables valued at more than $225 million are annually sold through the markets. Near24

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ly a billion units of fresh fruits and vegetables valued at more than $5.5 billion have been sold through the State Farmers Markets since the first one opened in 1935. Individuals and families in Polk County interested in buying locally produced fruits and vegetables have six Community Farmers Markets available at Lakeland, Haines City, Winter Haven, Bartow, Lake Wales and Mulberry. Markets like this are a distinct part of American culture and a unique feature of many Florida towns and cities. Each farmers market reflects the area’s charm with locally produced fruits, vegetables, nursery stock and other products for sale directly to the public. Most community farmers markets are open on a seasonal basis. Each such market in Florida is independent and establishes its own vendor rules and regulations. Vendors at some community farmers markets participate in the Farmers: Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides WIC participants with coupons that can be used to purchase locally grown, fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. This produce can be purchased at authorized farmers markets from April 1 to July 31. Here’s some helpful information about the markets in Polk County:

Lakeland: Downtown Farmers Curb Market When: Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. September – July

Where: Downtown Lakeland in the 200 block of North Kentucky Avenue and in the 200 block of East Bay Street Open since 2005, this market has a mix of growers and produce retail/resellers. For sale items include produce, plants, preserves and pickles, artisans, entertainers and prepared food vendors. Historically has had as many as 45 vendors. Now accepting SNAP benefits WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

and has doubling program for Florida products. Website: www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org

Haines City

When: Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Haines City, Railroad Park 100 North Sixth Street Open for more than 15 years. Open year-round, open market, not covered. Mix of growers and produce retail/resellers. Historically has had as many as 10-15 vendors. Website: hainescity.com/th_event/farmers-market.

Winter Haven

When: Thursdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Downtown Winter Haven, Joyce B. Davis Park, intersection of Avenue D and Fourth Street N.W., across from senior center This market opened in the early 1990’s. A traditional farmers market mix of handmade arts and crafts, growers and produce retail/resellers. Historically has had as many as 20 vendors. Produce, plants, jams and jellies, nuts honey and syrup. Open market, not covered. Website: www.mywinterhave.com/special_events.htm.

Bartow

When: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow, Fort Blount Park, corner of Broadway and Main, adjacent to County Courthouse This is an open, not covered, market adjacent to county buildings. Website: http://mainstreetbartowfl.com.

Where: Magnify Credit Union, 1010 North Church Avenue Mulberry High School FFA and the Mulberry Chamber of Commerce began this market in 2010. For more information, call Ellestein Smith at 863-640-0917 If you are interested in visiting Community Farmers Markets in other parts of Florida, check the FDACS website: http://www.freshfromflorida.com and use the site’s search capability to access to the Community Farmers Markets locator. There is another option available to those interested in purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, and that is Community Support Agriculture (CSA)s. CSAs are a partnership between farmers and consumers. In conventional agriculture, the farmer bears all of the risk of production, but CSAs allow farmers to share farming’s risks and rewards with consumers. CSAs revolve around a community of people who pledge their financial support to a farm. At the beginning of the growing season, members pay a fee to cover the cost of the farm’s operations and the farmer’s salary. In return, each member receives a weekly share of the farm’s bounty, typically a box that might include fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit, honey, eggs and meat. For farmers, CSAs offer a fair, steady source of income and a way to revitalize the small family farm. Consumers get fresh produce grown in a sustainable manner by someone they know and trust who is local. FDACS maintains a list of CSAs throughout Florida, but, because CSAs are not required to register with the department, the list is not complete. It should be noted that being listed does not imply that a SCA is endorsed, approved or otherwise sanctioned by FDACS. The list of CSAs can be accessed via the FDACS’ website: http://freshfromflorida.com and using the site’s search engine to reach Community Supported Agriculture information and locations.

Where: In the Market Square between Stuart & Park Avenues This market has been open since 2012 and usually has 10-15 vendors and special events.

The Extension Service in Polk County is in the midst of exploring the concept of a mobile farmers market. “The idea is to provide another outlet for locally grown products and also improve the accessibility of health food in areas where people have low incomes and/or limited transportation to get to grocery stores,” said Extension Agent Mary Beth Henry. Extension recently held a workshop on the topic during which Jacksonville Extension Agent David Dinkins explained how that county began a mobile market.

Mulberry

More information on this farmers market “with wheels” will be available as this concept is further assessed for Polk County.

Lake Wales

When: Second and fourth Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

When: One Saturday each month WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Stuffed Florida Zucchini and Yellow Squash Parmesan

Chef Justin Timineri

DIRECTIONS Cut off the stem side of the zucchini or yellow squash. Cut zucchini or yellow squash evenly in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds from each half to create room to hold other ingredients. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.

2 medium-sized Florida zucchini or large yellow squash 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite) 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs Olive oil for cooking 2 tablespoons fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Season ingredients to taste with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Evenly distribute the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce on top of the zucchini or yellow squash.

Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the preheated pan.

Top the yellow squash and zucchini with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Season the zucchini or yellow squash with salt and pepper.

Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping mixture on top of the zucchini or yellow squash.

Place the zucchini or yellow squash skin side up in the sauté pan and cook for about 2 minutes on both sides.

INGREDIENTS

panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped basil and Parmesan cheese.

Remove from pan and place on a cookie sheet skin side down. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a small mixing bowl, combine

Bake the stuffed zucchini or yellow squash for 10 minutes or until topping is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm.

Ingredients 2 bell peppers (or 12 small sweet peppers), seeds removed and sliced thin (a variety of colored peppers is recommended) 2 cucumbers 1 red onion 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine

1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, thyme, oregano or mint) 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients except the salt and pepper to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Lightly toss all ingredients to coat. Taste salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep refrigerated and serve cold.

Florida Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad 26 26

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VERY BUSY AIR FORCE VET INTRODUCES ATTRACTIVE AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS By Jim Frankowiak

“Furniture” for Apartment or Home Use 28

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Chris Chambers, a U.S. Air Force veteran, husband, father and budding entrepreneur, is a very busy guy. He’s working on completion of his Plant Science degree with a focus on sustainable food production at the University of Florida, spending his weeks during the school year in Gainesville. On most weekends he is home with his wife Lauren and their nine-year-old adopted daughter, Anija, who is also Lauren’s niece. Once a month, he spends a two-day weekend at Valdosta, Georgia where his Air Force Reserve unit meets. His “free” time is spent further enhancing all aspects of his emerging company, Grow Natural LLC, an endeavor that involves Lauren and Anija. But let’s look back a few years when Chris and Lauren where students at Armwood High School. “We’ve been together since the 10th grade and it was Lauren’s grandmother who introduced us to gardening,” said Chambers. He and Lauren graduated from Armwood in 2003 then it was on to the Air Force. Chris and Lauren were married in 2004. Chris spent six years on active duty with the Air Force, as an A-10 Tactical Aircraft Maintainer and in route he had a number of stations: Tucson, Arizona; Fairbanks, Alaska and Valdosta, Georgia. In addition, he has served three deployments in Afghanistan. He left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserves. His unit is based in Valdosta, Georgia, requiring three weeks a year and monthly trips for two-day weekend reserve unit meetings. Two of his deployments were also while he was a reservist “and that may happen again,” he said. Chambers and Lauren, who operates a home day care in Lakeland, came up with the idea for growing fish and plants a couple of years ago. “We wanted to grow fish and plants in a manner that showcased the system and helped educate people of all ages,” said Chambers. “What we found that was available wasn’t very attractive and certainly not something most people would want to put in their homes.” As a result, Chambers has designed two units – one with a single tower and 14 growing spaces and another with two towers. The basic designs, which can be customized with a name specified by the buyer, are of two attractive pieces of furniture, more at home as a focal point of a yard or patio than an eyesore in a backyard. “We like to consider them pieces of art that is enhanced by the color of the plants and fish that grow in them,” he said, also noting that no two units are alike. The units are individually hand crafted by Chris and several other Air Force veterans. The name, Grow Natural, came from Lauren and he has received a lot of help and guidance from his UF advisor, Erin Nessmith, and friends from the Air Force. “It’s been very special for us to watch Anija grow and learn with our WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

systems,” he said. “She now looks forward to watching the plants and fish grow and even eating some of the plants like basil and mint.” Customers can select the fresh water fish and plants they want in their units. “We encourage complimentary plants so it is possible to double up on production,” said Chambers. The larger system can grow at least 28 plants and the smaller one can grow at least 14. The systems are zero-discharge and recirculating. The fish water is pumped up through the tower, where there are biological media, plant roots, and red worms to break down and neutralize the waste and ammonia before it drains back to the fish. Future plans call for consideration of indoor systems with led grow lights. Additional information about the systems and the purchasing of units is available by visiting: www.grow-natural.com. Current pricing for the small unit is $875, while the larger costs $1,380 and that includes fish, media, pots and everything needed to get growing. Sales are currently limited to customers residing in Florida. Chambers views customer system orientation as an important aspect of his company so he is starting up a trucking company to handle deliveries and the educational process at the time of delivery. “That plus care of our custom-designed and built units while in route is another good reason for our own trucking company.” While buying locally grown food has become an increasingly popular trend, Chris and Lauren Chambers have made that possibility as local as can be with their Grow Natural aquaponic systems. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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The Oval Pigtoe: Endangered Florida Species By Ginny Mink I’m not going to lie, the name of this freshwater mollusk is actually what led me to this month’s endangered species research. I mean seriously, who names anything a pigtoe? Perhaps I am exceptionally juvenile, but that’s just funny! Having said that, the pluerobema pyriforme (the oval pigtoe) has been on the endangered species list since, 1998. It’s known to live in Georgia, Florida and Alabama (though Alabama has seen the greatest decrease in population). As a freshwater mussel it is found in mid-sized creeks and small rivers where it flourishes in the sand and silt, or gravel beds. It is a filter feeder, meaning that it captures its food (plankton, tee tiny zooplankton and dead organic matter called detritus) through filtering water. These wee mollusks only grow to 2.4 inches in length. Additionally, they are yellowish-brown on their flattened oval exteriors while enclosing a salmon or white colored interior. An oval pigtoe’s left and right valves house two large teeth. From a reproductive stance these mussels are quite intriguing. While little is truly known about their life cycles and expectancies (although it is assumed that they can live up to 27 years), a good deal has been documented about their reproductive patterns. Specifically, females of reproductive ability are found in the summer months (March through July) when the water temperatures are between 55.4° and 77.0°F. Here is where it gets interesting. The males release sperm into the water which the females receive through some sort of siphon. From there they are fertilized within the female’s shell and then the larvae is released to catch a ride on the gills of a host fish. These host fish include the mosquitofish and the sailfin shiner. The development time is dependent upon the host fish and the water temperature. But, when the larvae change into their juvenile mussel form, they drop off and start their lives in their primary habitats. As stated previously, these are freshwater mollusks and are found in water with moderate currents. Therefore, in Florida, the oval pigtoe has been seen in the Suwannee, Chipola and Ochlocknee rivers and Ecofina Creek. Obviously, development and human population growth have caused great damage to the oval pigtoe’s primary habitats. Impounded waterways are the major problem. People are utilizing this process to create hydropower and prevent flooding. The impounding procedures slow down the current which allows the sandy bottoms to engulf the wee mollusks. Additionally, the impounding can separate the oval pigtoes from their host fish which limits their reproductive capabilities. As if that wasn’t bad enough for these little fellas, there is an invasive species that is overpowering their populations. This is the Asian clam which out competes them for limited resources. Add to that the problems with pollution, pesticides and the like and it is no wonder the oval pigtoe is struggling. As a target species in a seven species

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federal recovery plan there are some specific recommendations being made to assist in the protection and conservation of the oval pigtoe. These suggestions include: searching for and securing any additional subpopulations and creating programs to propagate the species so that they can be returned to their historic habitats. So, now that we know a little more about these creatures than we did initially, I have to admit to you that I am wondering why they were actually declared endangered in 1998. My research shows that the answer is they were no longer existent in 73% of their original habitats! I’d say that’s a pretty significant decrease. Most of the known populations in existence appear to be quite small. There have been some discoveries of new populations but they don’t make up much river space. Like most other freshwater mussel species, it is assumed that the vast majority of the decline has occurred since the early 1970s. Sadly, the oval pigtoe shows no real hope in reestablishing itself without significant human intervention. Therefore, further focus on recovery strategies and protective measures must be made. Additional efforts should be invested in providing the public with much needed information about the oval pigtoe but also about the rivers and creeks they call home. Water is essential to life and when we pollute it we kill ourselves as well. Remember that we mentioned the Asian clam as an invasive species that is interfering with the oval pigtoe population? Well, apparently, according to Green Deane, at eattheweeds.com these freshwater mussels are the best tasting. Perhaps then learning to identify them from the oval pigtoe (and other endangered mollusks) could provide you with an excellent addition to your family clambakes. Well, it is at least worth looking into if you like mussels. Eat the bad ones and save the good ones! Check out his site (which is listed in the resources at the bottom of this article) for specifics about freshwater mussels. Resources: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/17690/0 http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile. action?spcode=F02S http://myfwc.com/media/2211676/Oval-pigtoe.pdf http://www.eattheweeds.com/musseling-in/

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Be The Revolution By Melissa Nichols

The 2015 Florida FFA State Convention

proved to be as exciting and interesting as it could possibly be, from the beginning on Monday June 29 to the final session on July 3. The 87th annual convention kicked off this year with keynote speaker, Florida Farm Bureau, Director of Ag Policy, Frankie Hall, and had a wide array of speakers from all walks of life during the nine general sessions that were held. Some of the keynote speakers inspired them to think outside the box and some to prepare them for the future. From our beloved Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to wrestler Mark Mero, the speakers were inspirational. One speaker, Mr. Caleb Gustin, National Western Region FFA Vice President inspired the audience to find their place, by telling a story about how he dreamed of being a basketball star. He realized he wasn’t a good basketball player, however, he was a good motivator. So while watching Tuskegee Airman he heard a chant that he thought could help motivate his team. This chant helped his team and helped him find who he really was; a motivator. He never got any playing time but it didn’t detour him for making every game because he found his place. Every session started out the same with the opening of a business meeting by the state officers and their Advisor Amy McAllister. The presiding State Officer of that session would then take over the session. No two sessions were alike. The theme for this years’ convention was “Be the Revolution.” The 34

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officers used this theme to make the next generation really think about the future and what it holds. One officer, Area 5 Vice President Mylie Feaster, told about participating in the Parliamentary Procedures CDE and how it took her many, many years to attain her goal of winning the coveted title of state winning Parliamentarian. One of the best aspects of students attending the state convention is realizing the things they are facing are very similar to situations others have faced. In the retirement addresses, many of the state officers gave examples of when life didn’t go as planned and how they had to rise above. They spoke of seeking love and told stories of things like a divorce or losing a loved one, but in their moments of loss they found a greater love because every state officer was united in a love of Jesus and proud to be a Christian. It was so refreshing to see young leaders who would stand on a public platform and give God the glory. FFA is truly a family, as you see the students from other chapters mingle together, put an arm around each other while singing “God bless America.” This year guests, advisors and members alike will never forget the hilarious antics by State officers Austin and Jacobi who perfected their impersonation of Forrest and Bubba Gump. They even demonstrated their impersonations on stage during sessions, by scrubbing floors or riding on the bus and talking about SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) Projects, they kept the crowd entertained. And of course no one will ever forget the Chiefland Senior Advisor and his festive suit for the Thursday session. Some called him “Uncle Sam” on social media but his real name is Dallas Locke WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

and he proudly wore the stars and stripes suit his senior class bought him as a gift for the Proficiency announcements. The Distinguished Service Citation Award went to Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle for their years of dedication to the Florida FFA, as well Anthony Gordon, of Jarrett Gordon Ford Davenport, Plum Creek Timber and The Andersonâ€™s. As well as outstanding Florida FFA Alumni Member going to Dr. Jim Dyer for his years of dedicated support to the alumni and state association. By the end of the week, Polk County was represented in a huge way, from those who will be going to Kentucky in October to receive their American Degree, Teneroc Sr, Hannah Combee, Haines City Sr, Justin Barthle, Baileigh Williams. Also, there were many State Degree recipients; Auburndale Sr, Callie WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Aldridge, Theresa Yohn, Bartow Sr, Donovan Brady, Rachel Locke, Brett Nettles, Sharon Simpson, Hunter Sullivan, Hunter Westmoreland, Bradley Wooten, Frostproof Sr, Cidney McCall, Moriah McCullers, Cole Newman, Daniel Wells, Jonathan Wells, Ft Meade Sr. Christopher Bagley, Russell Pierce, George Jenkins, Kayla Allen, Brooke Lang, Jennifer Maguire, Haines City Sr, Casey Harper, Laura Hill, Jennifer Mizell, Kaleb Williams, Kathleen Sr, Taeler Dupre, Lake Gibson Sr, Christina Barnelli, Brianna Carter, Jocelyn Martin, Cole Hathcock, Lindsay Hilligoss, Taylor Joseph, Cody Morrison, Shelby Ritchie, Conner Smoak, Alyssa Walden, Bristol Wells, Lakeland Sr, Katlynn Mesmer, Emily Petry, Mulberry Sr, Melissa Chauncey, Teneroc Sr. Josie Chandler. Mary Davis, Lakeland Sr., is the new District President for the 2015-2016 term. In the contests, Lake Continued on pg. 40

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Fresh Florida

Soursop

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

Soursop is a tropical fruit that thrives in warm weather and tastes like a blend of pineapple and mango. Other names for this fruit are guanabana, guanaba, and corossal. Soursop is a popular fruit in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Colombia and northeastern Brazil. In the United States, soursop has been grown in South Florida for possibly 110 years. It does not survive other parts of the country well because of colder temperatures. The fruit is large, usually several pounds, and heart-shaped. The flesh is white with inedible brown seeds and the skin is dark green when mature. Soursop has a creamy, custard-like texture and tastes sweet-tart. It is excellent for use in drinks, milkshakes, and ice cream. The peak season for fresh soursop in Florida is June through September.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Although soursops are creamy, they are virtually fat-free. They are also low in calories and sodium and rich in potassium other nutrients. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one serving (100 g) contains 66 calories, 1 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, 17 g of carbohydrate, and 3.3 g of fiber. It provides 34% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 13% for dietary fiber, 8% for potassium, 5% for thiamin and magnesium, 4% for copper and niacin, and 3% for vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, and iron.

POTASSIUM

Soursop is high in potassium, an important electrolyte for heart and bone health. High potassium coupled with low sodium in soursop 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 soursop 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. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

FIBER

Eating soursop and other foods high in fiber can help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent atherosclerosis. Soursop contains insoluble fiber that adds bulk and decreases constipation, as well as soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol levels.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE

Choose soursop that is dark green and has numerous fleshy spines on the skin. Good ones feel heavy for their size. Soursop can be stored for a few days at room temperature until they soften. They are ripe and ready to eat when they yield to slight pressure. Ripe fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

HOW TO ENJOY

Ripe soursop is delicious eaten out-of-hand, and has a sweet, tart flavor. After discarding the seeds, the flesh can be scooped out with a spoon and eaten. The pulp may also be diced and added to fruit salads. Other ways to enjoy soursop include: Chill and mix with sugar and milk for a refreshing dessert Strain and mix with milk or yogurt and ice for a cold beverage Freeze cubes of soursop and add to your favorite drink Puree the pulp for use as a salad dressing or sauce Freeze pureed pulp with sugar to make a sorbet, or mix with milk or cream for ice cream. Use the pulp for making jelly or syrup. Enjoy fresh Florida soursop today. These locally grown treats are sweet and creamy and a unique tropical treat.

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SELECTED REFERENCES

https://www.hort.purdue.edu http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Photo Credit: Karim, Muhammad Mahdi. “Annona muricata cross section.” 2010. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2015

Continued from pg. 35

Be The Revolution

Gibson Middle’s Maddie Dvorak won the Creed contest and the Prepared Public Speaking contest. Frostproof had state winning Agriscience Fair and Tool Id teams this year and also won the “Harvesting Change” fundraiser. Kathleen Senior won the state Citrus contest, Forestry contest, Land Judging & Homesite Evaluation contest and Nursery and Landscape contest. Kathleen also had several proficiency finalists and winners. Cody Clark won the Fruit and/or Vegetable Proficiency, Dallas Stillings, won the Ag Mechanics Proficiency, Zach Zellman won the Small Animal Production and Care Proficiency, and Missy Shipley won the Specialty Animal Production Proficiency. Kathleen also had a Star of Florida finalist in the Star Greenhand category, Shelby Carlton for her Swine SAE projects. Kathleen FFA Alumni came in first place in the state as the Outstanding Alumni Affiliate. George Jenkins won the Veterinary Assisting contest. And last but not least is a huge congrats to Maegan Meredith for “Reaching New Heights” and becoming the Area 4 State Vice President this year. I know your year will be exciting and you will have a great time traveling the state of Florida and the U.S. representing the Florida FFA Association, and Polk County, you make us proud!

Jim Dorman at Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc | (813) 601-2540

Can I overcome crop nutrition challenges with AgroLiquid?

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Naturally Amazing Activities

By Sean Green

Photo Credit: gildedingypsy

Mason Jar Candle Holder Repurposing household items is a rewarding activity for many folks. If you like the rustic look in your home decor, wood that has been home to insects makes for great material for repurposing. Wood boring insects like the longhorn beetles, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and even termites can create tremendous character in an old piece of wood. While looking for ideas for repurposing old wood, I came across this one online by “gildedingypsy.”

Suggested Material: Distressed Wood Jars Leather Strips Nails Razor or Scissors

(insect eaten, or just weathered) (Mason Jars, or any antique type container) (Used Belts will work just fine) (rusty for a nice touch,.. just not too rusty) (to cut the leather)

Step 1 Soak the leather in water for an hour to expand it (before measuring) The leather will shrink when it dries and will produce a tighter fit. Step 2 Measure the diameter of the jar Step 3 Cut the leather strips 2” longer than the diameter of the jar (to have room for the nails) Step 4 Nail one side of the leather strip to a chunk of wood Step 5 Poke a nail through the other side of the leather Step 6 Stretch the leather tightly around the jar marking the wood with the nail. Step 7 Remove the jar (easier to nail) then nail the leather into the wood at the mark made earlier. Step 8 Replace the jar into the leather strap. Although we are calling this project a candle holder, the jars can be used for anything imaginable such as storage for small items, planters for epiphytic plants (air plants) that require little to no watering, or seasonings when used with a lid.

813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563

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A Closer Look

By Sean Green

Photo Credit April Green

Ivory Marked Beetle (Eburia quadrigeminata)

Florida is home to a large variety of interesting beetles, many of which are record holders for size, speed, appetite, and a number of other characteristics. The longhorn beetle belongs to Cerambycidae, one of the largest families of beetles worldwide. Within this family, are the Round-headed Borers (Cerambycinae), the second most diverse family of beetles in the world, surpassed only by the flatfaced longhorns (Lamiinae). Worldwide there are more than 30,000 species of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), over 900 of which are North American species and more than 200 of which are native to Florida. Longhorn beetle are among the most studied and best documented beetles in North America. Florida has been home to several resident collectors and entomologists that have made significant and passionate contributions to an impressive body of knowledge. The growing volumes of information pertaining to longhorn beetles make it easier for all of us to take a closer look at one of the best understood members of the beetle family, the longhorn beetle. In Florida we have more than a few record breaking beetles. The ivory marked beetle (Eburia quadrigeminata), is one of them. This species has one of the longest life cycles of any documented beetle. With a two year life cycle from egg to adult, it has secured it’s place in the University of Florida’s “Book of Insect Records.” This species of longhorn beetle is classified with Round-headed Borers (Cerambycinae). The common name “borer” is more descriptive of the larvae than the adult. The larvae of these beetles hatch from eggs that are laid in the cracks of dead hardwood species such as ash, maple, oak and hickory. When the larvae emerge from the egg, they bore towards the heartwood of the tree to finish developing into an adult. It sounds like a simple task, but the challenges the larvae must overcome to reach adulthood make it a truly amazing record breaking creature. Unlike many other insects that bore into wood, the ivory marked beetle seems to have a preference for solid,dry wood rather than rotting wood. It’s great for us that this species only feeds on dead wood and presents no danger whatsoever to healthy living trees, but not so favorable for the insect. Dead wood does not offer the nutrient content of live wood, so larvae grow very slowly; furthermore, dead wood that is dry and solid takes more energy to chew through and process than rotting wood. Researchers have documented reports of adult ivory-marked beetles emerging from flooring, cabinets and furniture decades after initial construction and installation. The most impresWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

sive report was that of adult beetles emerging from a 40 year old Birch bookcase. Although many authorities conclude that because heartwood is not as nutritious as a living tree, the larva’s development cycle slows down to proportionately to accommodate the lack of nutrients and as such could result in an emergence decades later. Some researchers, however, are critical of the notion and argue that the furniture is often unnoticeably infested after production and installation and any emergence is only presumed to result from a larvae that originated in the wood before processing. Despite the contentions, this is still a fascinating beetle. Adults are active from April to September and feed on the leaves and twigs of hardwood trees but are often attracted to the lights of bordering urban environments. If you want to attract them to your home for study fermented molasses is probably the most effective attractant. The distinguished long antenna of the longhorn beetle are specifically designed to detect chemicals over a long distance and the beetle should have no trouble finding the molasses. The chemical sensitive antenna are also critical means of finding a mate. The female beetle emits chemicals from her exoskeleton that identify her as a potential mate. The mating process includes physical contact with the males antenna which may have evolved to be more than twice its body length to improve the efficiency of mate selection. In addition to chemical communication, these beetles make noise. When my wife and I found the beetle in the photo, she was surprised and excited to hear what she described as “cute squeaking noises, like a tiny mouse” coming from the beetle. I could not hear the squeaks she could, but the concerts I attended when I was younger may have been a limiting factor. Like crickets, these beetles can make noise by rubbing body parts together, for the ivory longhorn beetle, it rubs it’s head against ridges in the collar of its thorax to make the squeaking sound. These beetles often make their way into urban settings but because they are not known to infest wood finished with varnish, wax, or paint, they are used in forensic entomology when their lifespan can be considered in cases of food storage, hospital or rental facility infestation. The ivory marked beetle is a fascinating and safe insect to study. If you have never been involved with citizen science and would like to join in on the fun, take a closer look at a citizen science organization such as Project Noah (http://www.projectnoah.org/) to help document the beetles, or other wildlife in your INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2015

Market Watch: Born & Bread Bakehouse By Libby Hopkins

I have to be honest, I’m a Tampa girl but my all-time favorite farmers’ market is Lakeland’s Downtown Farmers Curb Market. It is so worth the drive from Tampa. All of the vendors consider each other family and you get that same feeling as a shopper at the market. Another cool thing about this market is the food. I’m a self-professed foodie and the Downtown Farmers Curb Market offers some of the best food in Polk County. Born and Bread Bakehouse is one of the food vendors at the market. Jennifer Smurr, a Polk County native who grew up in Winter Haven, runs it. Smurr has had quite an amazing journey where she worked in the fashion industry for five years and had the opportunity to travel the world. “During that time I was able to travel for work and explore new cultures and food,” Smurr said. “I love food.” She spent a short period of time in Paris where she said her love affair with bread began. “It was crusty, soft, flavorful and I was eating it by itself, no butter necessary,” Smurr said. “That night I ate as much and as fast as the bowl was refilled. I had always loved cooking, but when I returned home, all I could think about was that bread.” Smurr’s bread baking trials at home brought friends over more than usual and with the encouragement from them, she found herself daydreaming of making bread for a living. Smurr was traveling to Miami on a regular basis when she stumbled up a bakery called Zak The Baker. She had finally found bread that was very similar to what she had in Paris. Smurr decided to speak to the owner about his bread. “Any of my friends will tell you that I’m not afraid to ask for anything,” Smurr said. “After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Smurr thought her conversation with Zak would be short and 44

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simple, but the conversation turned into the baker offering her an apprenticeship. “I was forewarned the days would be long and early, working five to six days a week and my apprenticeship would be unpaid,” Smurr said. “I said yes and I knew the romance would fade, but it didn’t.” She learned all she could before returning to Lakeland. When she got back to Lakeland, Smurr knew it was time to put what she learned in Miami to work. “I found a commissary kitchen and on March 14th of this year, Born & Bread Bakehouse had its first day at the market,” Smurr said. “With zero sleep and a nightmare of a time with the bread oven I had been using, I sold out in less than an hour.” Lakeland welcomed Smurr with open arms. “Each week since my first week at the market, I’ve watched my pastries get little bit better,” Smurr said. Smurr uses local ingredients for her pastries and bread. “My ingredients are the best I can find and shopping local is on the top of my list,” Smurr said. “There have been times where I catch myself daydreaming of what it would look like for Lakeland to embrace an old village mindset.” She barters with other vendors at the market for ingredients for baked goods. “I began bartering eggs for baked goods,” Smurr said. “I get my cheese from a local supplier, fruit from local farmers when possible and honey from a Lakeland apiary.” Born & Bread Bakehouse has grown by leaps and bounds since their March debut at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Smurr has found a spot in Lakeland where she is opening a production space very soon. “People often ask if I’ll still be at the farmers market after my shop is ready and I quickly reply ‘Yes’,” Smurr WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

deed restrictions dealing with landscape issues; pruning practices; problem plants such as invasive, non-native plants; pesticide and fertilization practices; plant nutritional deficiencies; mulch application; and irrigation system issues including frequency and timing of applications. Other frequent areas of interest cited by communities participating in theis FFL Community Association Outreach have said. “There a sense of community on Saturdays and IProgram long to keep included stormwater pond best management dealing with that with Born & Bread Bakehouse.” Her menupractices, at the market is a mix erosion by stormwater runoff questions involving of pastriescaused and croissant varieties. She postsand the market menu on her reclaimed page water.the Evaluations andthe recommendations are based on sciFacebook night before market. “The bakehouse is unence-based research UF/IFAS. In addition site evaluations, the der construction andfrom is said to be finished by to August,” Smurr said. “Although will initiallyOutreach be a production space onsite ratherpresentations than retail, Communityit Association Program offers pre-orders will principles. be available throughout the week.” If you would like about the FFL to learn more about the baked goods offered by Born & Bread Bakehouse, you can visit their websiteOutreach at www.bornandbreadbakehouse. The FFL Community Association Program is a free resource com or youand canother checkcommunity out their Facebook page zsz. You also for HOAs associations to at provide for can guidance visit their stand at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market evin instituting sustainable landscape practices, reviewing landscapeery Saturday from September thru July. The market is located in the related covenants and working with landscape maintenance contrac200 block of N. Kentucky Ave. and in the 200 block of East Bay St. in tors. FFL has had several success stories with communities that adoptDowntown Lakeland. ed FFL practices from which they were able to see reduced water consumption and water utility and maintenance costs. Contact me at the Hillsborough County Extension Service, 813-744-5519 x 54142, if these services would benefit your homeowner or condominium association. For more information on environmental horticulture topics, contact your local County Extension Service. Additional information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ can be accessed at http:/ /floridayards.org, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu and WaterMatters.org. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Association Outreach Program is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Hillsborough and Polk Boards of County Commissioners and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

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Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the 10 Plus acres prefer North Lakeland for BIG Box STORES! Call Today! cattle. Will maintain fences and mowing. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Call Reggie 863-698-2967

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Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $185.00 SERVICES No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. FARM EQUIPMENT CALLER ON HOLD Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 A low cost service that enables you to MASSEY FERGUSON 135 communicate important information about FOR SALE Diesel Tractor, good condition. your business to customers while they are 40 Aluminum fruit trailers. $3,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 on hold. No monthly payments or annual Miller, Great Dane, Trailmobile. payments. Call today and ask for 40’ & 42’ long. Call 863-287-3316 7X15 LAWN TRAILER Al (813) 763-2220 Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool Ingram Groves Service box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call LANDSCAPING Alvie 813-759-8722 JOBS All your landscaping needs! Tree trimming, sod, mulch, yard work YANMAR F250 TRACTOR IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE is looking & irrigation. Licensed & Insured. Tractor with loader. $5,550 for independent account managers to join Call 813-704-7698 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 our team. Appointment setting & present-

ing marketing plans to prospective clients. Develop & Maintain relationships with clients. Ensure proper/effective input from client for advertising campaign & evaluation. Extreme focus on client service: client retention & growth. Multi-Tasked.

FORD 600 GAS TRACTOR Good Condition. $2,750 813-759-8722 Ask for Alvie

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Let us help you get rid of it!

email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com

MISC.

WALK IN COOLER

12 ‘ X 20’ walk in cooler. Works Great! $6,000 Call Greg 813-763-1340

www.brokepoor.com 46

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2015

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2015

Work 32 horses for around $7 a day

If you’re ready to save big and get more done... check out the John Deere 3E Genuine Value Package. Get a 32 horsepower 3E Tractor, a loader and a box blade... all for a lot less that you’d ever expect to spend. Hit the ground running and save with the 3E Genuine Value Package. Whether you’re digging, baling, hauling or cutting, you’ll love the versatile, ready to roll 3E Tractor. Devour your todo list, not your paycheck.

Plant City

2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567

Leesburg

1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748

813-737-1660

352-315-1016

Odessa

2240 Success Drive Odessa, FL 33556

Okeechobee

727-842-8618

820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972

Clearwater

863-763-1921

5090 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33760

727-828-8200

Fort Pierce

6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947

Palmetto

772-461-5568

906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221

941-722-3281

Loxahatchee

13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Fort Myers

561-784-4000

9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-332-5045

Belle Glade

Corporate Headquarters

Immokalee

775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142

239-657-4413

2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430

561-996-6531

Naples

1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples , FL 34109

239-260-8800

Since 1963 *Offer valid 5/8/2015 through 8/4/2015. Prices and model availability may vary. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Monthly payment of $212.00 based upon 10% down plus 0.0% for 84 months and $1,750 implement bonus on 3032E Compact Utility Tractor with D160 Loader and BB2060 Box Blade. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Eligibility for the down payment offer is limited to highly qualified customers and scheduled monthly payments will be required. Implement bonus is in addition to Low Rate financing and requires the purchase of 2 or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see Everglades Farm Equipment for details and other financing WWW. N HE IELD AGAZINE.COM options. Valid only at Everglades Equipment. N HE Farm IELD AGAZINE uly

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2015

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