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Harvest Meat Market Business Up Front
By Melissa Nichols
Ed and Anita Kirkland had a vision that they could provide quality meat to their community at a fraction of the cost of the major chain stores, and that is exactly what they have been doing for three years now. With the feeling of the neighborhood market, when you walk through the doors of one of Harvest Meat Markets three locations, you may be a stranger, but when you leave, you will be a member of the Harvest family. Ed, a former state FFA officer, has been involved in agriculture his entire life. He knows the benefit in having quality fresh meat available and that is exactly what he offers. Harvest Meat Market has a location in Auburndale at 1095 Berkley Rd, Kathleen, 4441 Old Kathleen Rd and 1105 Waynesville Ave in Lakeland. All the locations are open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm. With fresh meat cut daily, Harvest offers a full line of pork, heavy western beef, chicken, lunchmeats, local varieties of sausage, breakfast meat, fresh produce and frozen vegetables. They also have a full line of seasonings, canned goods, breads and your general grocery needs. Harvest Meat is a one stop shop. They offer monthly freezer pack specials as WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
well as in store specials. You are guaranteed to be happy with your purchase or your money back. That is right, if you are unhappy with the quality of the meat you purchase you can return it within 14 days with receipt and get your money back. In order to offer such a guarantee Harvest Meat Market has to offer the very best quality available. Harvest Meat Markets prices are amazing. You will be able to see the savings immediately upon shopping at Harvest Meat. Many of the items are buy one get one free. I save hundreds of dollars a month by purchasing my meat from Harvest Meat Market. My family has quickly become a fan of not only the meat but also the amazing fresh and frozen vegetables. I not only save money but I save time by buying in bulk and not waiting in long lines. My trips are usually a cart full of meat for under a hundred dollars and that will last us almost a month. Save money and save time while supporting a business that believes in the future of agriculture and supports the local FFA programs. Check Harvest Meat Market out online at www.harvestbeef.com and on Facebook. Stop by today you will be happy you did! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2014
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POLK COU NTY
®
Contents
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
V O L . 7 • IS S U E 7
Contents
VOL. 7 • ISSUE 10
F eature S tory
Lew Hall Rob Krieger Investing in P a gthee Future 34 Page
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cover photo by Melissa Nichols
Business Up Front
Page 3
Master Gardner
Farm Credit of Central Florida Names Michelle G. Hurst to Board
Page 35
Page 10
Meet The Minks
Page 36
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 14
Recipe
Page 40
Kathleen FFA named Reserve National Land Judging Champions
Florida Long Beans
Page 18
Page 41
Rocking Chair Chatter
Naturally Amazing: Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation
Page 22
Page 42
Sheriff Grady Judd’s Crime Report
Page 28
Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation Chairman Jim Strickland
Page 32
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A Closer Look: No-see-ums
Page 43
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 President – J. B. Wynn OFFICERSDave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 (863) 581-3255 & B OARD OF DIRECTORS cattlemenslivestock@ jbwynn29@gmail.com P resident - C harlesearthlink.net C lark ( 863) 528-8537 Vice President – David Mike Facente McCullerscclark@ expoco.com 697-9419 (863) 635-2821crookedlaV ice P resident - Dave(863) Tomkow keranch@verizon.net ( 863) 6 6 5-50 88 cattlemanslivetock@ earthlink.net Standing Committee Chairs: Secretary/Treasurer - Justin S ecretary/ Treasurer - J ustin B unch Membership- J.B. Wynn Bunch ( 863) 4 25-1121 jbunch@ agriumretail.com (863) 425-1121 A l B ellotto - ( 863) 581-5515Events- Kevin Fussell jbunch@agriumretail.com R ay C lark - ( 863) 6 83-819 6 (863) 412-5876 rclark@ tampabay.rr.com State Director – Ray Clark L .B .(863) F landers, DV M - ( 863) 6 4 Trade 4 -5974 Show640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Dewey F ussell - ( 863) 9 84 -3782 Rodeo- Fred Waters Mike F ussell - ( 863) 69 8-8314 Al Bellotto fussell.flafarm@ verizon.net (863) 559-7808 (863) 581-5515 David McC ullers - ( 863) 528-1195 Website – Chris Nelson MobyCharles Persing (863) 533-1020 Clark- ( 863) 528-4 379 Ned W aters - ( 863) 69 8-1597 RChrisnelson@gmail.com watersn@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 528-8537 J .B . W ynn - ( 863) 581-3255 cclarkc4@yahoo.com Cattlewomen – Vice Presijbwynn29 @ gmail.com dent, Laura Slocumb L.B. Flanders, DVMFacente - ( 863) (863)697-9419 660-7000 A lternate - Mike (863) 644-5974 laura@higgenbotham.com S tanding C ommittee C hairs:
Membership - J .B . W ynnExtension – Bridget Carlisle Dewey Fussell
(863)- 984-3782 PO Box4 12-5876 9005, Drawer HS03 E vents K evin F ussell ( 863) Bartow, FL 33831
R odeo - F red W aters ( 863) 559 -780 8 Mike Fussell (863) 519-1048 watersf@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 698-8314 bccarlis@ufl.edu Website - Chris Nelson
fussell.flafarm@verizon.net C attlewomen - P resident Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Marjorie W ood ( 863) 6 6 0 -4 137 Moby Persing Tommy Dixon onnie397@ aol.com (863) 528-4379 (863) 534-7205 E xtension - B ridget C arlisle ( 863) 519 -8677 tdixon@polksheriff.org bccarlis@ ufl.edu
S heriff’s Dept. - S gt. Tommy Dixon
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Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt June 21 is the official beginning of the summer season. So it’s time to review food safety tips. As you know, spoiled food that causes illness can put a real damper on family gatherings. Thanks to our temps, food borne bacteria can rapidly replicate. It pays to be diligent with food safety. The good news is, these food related illnesses can be easily avoided by following a few tips found on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s web site.
Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs should never be eaten raw. These foods should be maintained in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked thoroughly before eating. A cooking temperature of 160 degrees is advised. When cooking, use a meat thermometer or follow these tips: -- Poultry: Cook it until the meat is white, and don’t eat it if you see blood or pink meat. -- Hamburger: Cook it until there are no traces of pink in the center, or blood in the juices. -- Steaks: Can be safely cooked medium; that’s because harmful bacteria in beef are found on the surface of the steak, not in the interior like in ground meats. -- Fish: Cook until it flakes easily and is no longer translucent in the center. -- Eggs: Cook eggs and egg dishes thoroughly. Don’t even sample anything containing raw eggs such as uncooked dough and cake batter. -- Keep foods cold, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or hot, above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods left out between those temperatures for more than two hours should be discarded. -- Keep cooked foods separate from raw foods. Cross-contamination of foods could occur if bacteria-harboring raw food comes in contact with cooked foods. Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops after preparing or handling raw meats. -- Avoid interrupted cooking. If you are partially cooking foods indoors to finish cooking on the grill, make sure the food goes directly from the oven to the hot grill. Don’t let the food stand partially cooked for any period of time. -- Store leftovers in separate containers and refrigerate. There you have it! Be diligent, be safe, and have enjoyable family gatherings, so that the only thing you take home are the memories – and possibly some delicious leftovers. Oh, and be sure you remember to buy food that is Fresh From Florida every day!
Sarah
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. _ Numbers 6:25
Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Pasty Berry 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
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Affordable Garage Door.................9 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers..............................16 Alan’s Air Conditioning....................5 Bankers South.................................45 Broke & Poor...................................12 Cattlemen’s Feed & Ranch Supplies................................16 Cattleman’s Livestock Auction.....21 Cecil Breeding Farm.......................13 Country Village...............................34 Ellison RBM Inc...............................39 Everglades Farm Equipment........48 Exo Creative...................................23 Farm Bureau Ins Bill Williams......31 Farm Credit.....................................35 Fla Cattlemen’s Foundation.........29 Florida Fence & Post......................15 Fran Haasch.......................................2 Fred’s Market Restaurant...............9 Grove Equipment Service.............17 Grove Equipment Service............29 Grove Equipment Service............30 Gulf Coast Tractor.........................38 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply...........31 Harvest Meat Market.....................27 Helena Chemical-Tampa...............21 International Market World.........20 Jason Grimes Contracting.............7 Key Plex............................................47 Lightsey Cattle Co.........................39 Mosaic.................................................7 MST Sod..........................................34 Napa.................................................20 Pathway Biologic............................37 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association...................4 Prevatte Enterprises......................12 Seedway...........................................23 Southwestern Produce..................33 Stephanie Humphrey.....................42 Smolker, Bartlett, Schlosser, Loeb & Hind ................23 The Bug Man..................................39
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We help hardworking farmers nourish our growing world.
That’s our promise. As the world’s population increases, the demand for affordable food increases with it. The Mosaic Company helps the world grow the food it needs by providing farmers with essential crop nutrients. Today, more than half the phosphate fertilizer used by U.S. farmers is produced right here in Florida. Mosaic’s more than 3,000 Florida employees are honored to help farmers put food on the table for millions of families – including yours. Join in Mosaic’s promise at www.mosaicco.com/promise.
Tom Pospichal, Manager Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida
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Well, it looks like we made it through another Florida “Winter.” We welcome Spring on March 20 withand green grasses I admit, I am athe procrastinator. I am writing emailing in and high as cattle As board I’m writing I am this letter I’m prices. waiting to a plane this fromletter, Denver to Chicago. Noontime likegood the present! reflecting how it is to be in the cattle business and how thankful I am to get to work with such a good I was lucky enough to be chosen to attend the 35th National group of people. Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference representing Florida. the This Polk trip started WednesSpeaking of good people, Countylast Cattlemen’s day, May 28 in Denver and includes around 55 young cattleRanch & Trade bigThe success once men andRodeo cattlewomen fromShow aroundwas the aU.S. objective of again. Held on February 15 at the Agricultural Center this program is to expose producers to virtually all segments in Bartow, approximately 1,500 attendees came out us to of the industry. By participating in this tour, NCBA wants watch cowboys and girls compete in various events to gain a better understanding of the entire beef industry, including Wild androlethewithin Wildit.Horse Race. from gate to plateCow and Milking the NCBA’s They want participants to bring what we to our hometo states T welve teams competed andlearn triedback their hardest win share. event This isbuckle the beginning of that the process. aand coveted or especially first place prize
of a trophy saddle. First place title and saddles went Arriving in Denver, wasn’t sureCongrats what to to expect. a to Lightsey Cattle ICompany. ClintMeeting and Cliff big group of complete strangers can be a nerve-wrecking Lightsey, Dusty and Charity Crosby and Michael Grimalchallenge. But man was I surprised. I should have known I di. This team will inrepresent PolkallCounty in the would have so much common with of them,well our love of 2014 Ranch Rodeo State Finals in Kissimmee this Fall. cattle, just to name one. For instance I’ve had the privilege of rooming with a rancher from North Carolina while in Denver.
The committee neverthe be way ablethe to feed pull their off this roI’ve learned quitewould a bit about cattle, deo event without theand help volunteers provide the challenges they face theofissues we havewho in common. their time, trucks, trailers, stock and equipment. A big While at theas NCBA Denver, we learnedThese about compathe imthank you welloffice to allin of the sponsors! portance marketing our product consumers as an easy nies and ofindividuals donate theirtomoney, so make sure to prepare meal.these We had media training anditwere taught how to remember companies when comes time to to combat negativeThe attention to our industry. It’s important doing business. CattleWomen provide the food to at
the stand and the theytrip never disappoint! Fred Theconcession next day our group- took on the road. We travWaters chaired every year -Beef so thank eled to has Greeley, CO this and committee toured the JBS Greeley Plant. The when coolestyou partsee so him. far onWithout this tripthese was the JBS Five him people, this River’s event Kuner Feedyard in Kersey, CO. This is a 100,000 head feedlot would never happen. that really impressed the whole group with how simple they
made itisseem. We couldn’t endPolk a visit to Greeley without visMarch the month for the County Agri-Fest which iting Greeley Works. fewAgricultural of us may have evenRunning bought takes place inHat Bartow at Athe Center. a new cowboy hat. from March 10-14 and 17-21, this program teaches Polk County 4thwant graders the importance of agriculture in our I wouldn’t to finish this letter without bringing up the state and it’s Masters huge impact our economy. MBA program, of Beefon Advocacy. This wasVolunteers the online are always Also, Legislaprogram theneeded. NCBA had us the takeFlorida prior toCattlemen’s leaving for this trip. tive Quarterly takes place tool in Tallahassee onothers Marchshould 11-13. It really is a great learning and I believe take gives it. For the more information getting an your “MBA” please This cattlemen andonwomen opportunity to contact Leigh Rauen at lrauen@beef.org. meet with state legislators regarding issues facing our industry. If you have a chance to attend the FFA’s 11th Well, we’re boarding plane, on on March to Chicago then DC.a Annual Beast Feast &the Auction 22 - and it’s always I’ll write more after the trip is complete in a week. Missing great time (especially to try new wild food). Florida already.
Hope to see you at any of these well-organized events!
JB Wynn JB Wynn JB Wynn Polk County Catlemen’s Association President Polk County Catlemen’s Association President
have an answer prepared before you are asked these questions at any event.
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25% AIR!
Apples float in water because they are 25% air. Orangutans love mangoes. Tomatoes are a fruit not a vegetable. Tomatoes are the most popular fruit in the world. Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Dark green vegetables include more vitamin C than light green color vegetables. Because bananas are easy to digest and are very nutritious they are the first fruit offered to babies. An apple tree can produce up to 400 apples a year. According to the Dead Sea scrolls cherry seeds have satanic power. Kiwi contains twice as much Vitamin C as an orange. Oranges contain antioxidants that help fight the free radicals that damage and age our skin. Eating more fruits and vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of many. chronic diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and some cancers. In the 19th century British sailors ate limes to prevent Scurvy. Unlike bananas grapes can no longer ripen once picked. You can speed up the ripening of a pineapple by standing it upside down (on the leafy end). The cabbage encloses nearly as much water as watermelon. Watermelon contains 92% water where cabbage is 90% and carrots are 87%.
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MA ST ER G A R D EN ER
Annual Aspirations By Debra Howell Technically, annual plants are those that last one growing season. Depending on your Florida locale, these plants may endure longer, like a perennial, but the nature of annuals dictates that they germinate, flower and die back. Some, such as the Gaillardia will readily reseed and come up again next season. Success with annuals is determined by properly timed cultivation. Annuals that are deemed as tender are those which may be damaged during freezes or frosts and should be planted once all chances of frost are passed. So, usually by the Ides of March (March 15) you are safe in north Florida. Research indicates you may plant by February 15 in central Florida. But, as I tell people each year, this year being no exception, I personally would wait until the second week of March to plant annuals. When it was my turn to select a residence for Fort Meade Garden Club’s “Yard of the Month” recognition, I was given a printed form with suggested criteria to use as a guideline for our choice. Some of the issues listed were properly trimmed trees, care of turfgrass, general neat condition of surroundings and . . . FLOWERING ANNUALS. Offering a wide variety of plant types and colors, annuals are the prominently visible eye candy in your planting beds, along walkways and in your well-chosen containers. They tend to be more colorful than many perennials and are low-growing for perfectly adorned plantings. Consider the concept of vertical layering. Your backdrop is your small tree, such as a Chaste tree, you will then plant large shrubs in front of the tree – perhaps a firebush. In front of the 10 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE June 2014
firebush, you will place shorter shrubs like the Jacobinia and then you will plant your colorful annuals in the foreground. This landscape theme is only a suggestion, but possibly a good one for your particular surroundings. You may visit the Florida-Friendly website at http//fyn.ifas.ufl.edu for a gander at the invaluable reference publication “The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design.” Here is an interesting fact: north Florida is designated as north of State Road 40 from Jacksonville to Pensacola, central Florida is between State Road 40 to State Road 70 from Crystal River, Ocala and Daytona down to Bradenton, Lake Placid and Fort Pierce, and south Florida lies south of State Road 70 to the Florida Keys. Always refer to the tag located on your plant selections to determine whether they are appropriate for our hardiness zone 9. Remember how hot it gets in Florida during our summers and part of the fall seasons. The summer sun in Florida is just about straight overhead, so you need to figure out how much sun your annuals will receive and make purchases accordingly. Since my front yard faces west, I must select annuals that are tolerant of the unrelenting western afternoon sun. If you live on or near the coast, you will need to select annuals with high wind and salt tolerance, bearing in mind that even your irrigation water may contain high salt levels. Your reference for salt tolerant annual plants is University of Florida IFAS Bulletin Circular 1134, table 3 (Gardening with Annuals in Florida). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
You will find a wide variety of annuals in different sizes ranging from cell packs to gallon sized pots. I will remind you yet again, that Master Gardeners recommend that you purchase the largest plants within your budget, and inspect them for pests and diseases while still in the garden shop. You may also want to check the root system to avoid buying a pot-bound plant. You are entitled to inspect the root system to determine which plants are the best buy for your money. One great benefit of planting annuals is their tendency toward a long blooming season. Some annuals, like zinnias, offer possibilities for use as cut flowers for your home. You may also use annuals to fill in vacant spots in the perennial bed or to create borders. Or, you may choose to utilize annuals to accent your deck or entryway, or to highlight your beautiful paver path. To successfully select the proper color scheme to complement your house and garden palette, you may refer to University of Florida Circular 536, figure 1 (Basic Principles of Landscape Design), to learn how to use the color wheel for matching and contrasting colors. The three basic color schemes are monochromatic, analogous and complementary. Remember that some annuals such as asters, salvias, pentas and zinnias are not only standout color plants, but double as nectar sources for butterflies as well. Annuals suggested for mostly sunny locations include aster, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dusty miller, geranium, larkspur, marigold, periwinkle, phlox, dianthus, snapdragon, gazania, daylily, Agastache, verbena and zinnia. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
For mostly shady spots select impatiens, pansy, wishbone flower, foxglove, Chrysogonum, plumbago and viola. Now here is a viable approach to creating a “wing garden” or a small planting area using something called the pot-in-pot method. Take your trusty post-hole diggers (I know you have a set.) and dig holes to correspond in number to the annuals you intend to plant. Sink empty pots into the holes in the same size as the pots containing your annuals. Then just sink the annuals inside their pots into the empty pots already in the ground. This idea will work in spots where the soil is poor or difficult to cultivate due to tree roots, etc. Follow up with a Florida-friendly mulch. Then water well and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer according to package directions, being sure it is appropriate for the annuals you are planting. This planting method enables you to place water and fertilizer right on the plant without having to treat the entire bed, and makes it easy to lift out cold-tender annuals and transfer them to a protected location during winter months. Simply smashing flower beds may be yours just by using a couple of color combinations to provide curb appeal in your landscape. Color may be used to direct one’s attention, or many plant forms may compose my favorite garden type, the “cottage garden” look. Although the term over-cultivation may spring to mind when you view my landscape, I have no doubt that your annual choices will be in the right place and totally perfect for your beautiful yard.
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Charlie with a healthy snook he pulled off the flats while fishing upper Tampa Bay with Captain Woody Gore.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report JUNE 2014 June is a great month to catch fish, but you might want to plan a night trip or you can figure on paying the price that comes with summertime fishing. This price is a simple thing called HEAT and SUNBURN. Everything will be eating this month, so plan your trips now and take advantage of some great summertime fishing.
Since nighttime is normally the soundless part of the day, you must be “Quiet.” Fish holding around docks tend to accustom themselves to the noiselessness, but any unusual, loud or sudden sound can send them darting away. Veteran anglers drift, pole or use a trolling motor (on low) to approach casting distance, making certain they never crowd their target.
Develop a Night Fishing Plan: To escape the sweltering summertime heat, as well as recreational boaters and jet skiers, anglers often prowl the coolness of night looking for some great fishing spots. Night fishing is attractive to many anglers because it can be loads of fun. If you think this is something you’re interested in, then hook up the boat and hit the water for something a little different.
As you approach the target, study the water, the layout, and lighted areas looking for shadows. Look carefully and you’ll often see the fish darting in and out feeding on passing baits. Here’s where patience pays off, wait and watch for a few minutes as it gives you time to identify their feeding pattern. This can make or break a spot, as proper bait and lure presentation is vital.
Night fishing often presents an opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime while enjoying some peaceful, comfortable time on the water. Like most wildlife, fish become increasingly nocturnal, especially during the summer. This means those trophy size beauties that lay dormant on deep structure during the day, can be found prowling the shallows after the sun goes down.
When using artificial’s present them from the same direction as the current. Active currents bring food to waiting fish, so it only makes sense that your lure should come from the same direction. Cast your lure up current into the shadows, twitching it through the light line into the light and hold onto your rod and reel.
Our bay, canals, rivers and creeks are saturated with docks, and many with lights. So, why not take advantage of this “fish in a barrel” scenario and use it to your advantage. If you’re planning on fishing at night, hopefully you don’t go unprepared. Plan your attack, and learn the area you intend to fish. Put together a fishing plan by identifying the important things you should know before it gets dark, like shallow areas and unlighted obstructions. 14 14
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SNOOK (Season Closed May 1, 2014) Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially during weekends, it is a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook, provided there is bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders, Snook love lying in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand bars are also good places to investigate. Early morning flats produce well using topwater lures, but remember live greenbacks and cut bait also produces. WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM WWW. ININ THE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM
Mike with a 34” Tampa Bay bruiser redfish caught while he fished the upper bay area with Captain Woody Gore. One of several fish caught on cut bait.
you’ll find the fish.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
– 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years, he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. REDFISH June produces some good redfish days around the grass flats and mangroves. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding moving or feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering plenty of water, but once located they do not venture far if food is present. Keep in mind as long as there is food there are fish. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish work and are good choices. Do not forget the old standby… live shrimp and cut bait. SPOTTED SEA TROUT Trout fishing remains strong through the summer. Search out deep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of clean moving water and broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing areas using live shrimp and greenbacks free lined or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes are producing larger fish and an occasional flounder.
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
We’re also catching plenty of silver trout, some topping the scale at a pound and a half to two pounds. These are great eating and awesome fun for the kids to catch. COBIA Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They frequent markers, especially those holding bait, and cruise the flats, usually following large rays. TARPON Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry, from the beach to the Bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs, found abundantly in the bay, are excellent choices for bait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. MACKEREL, BLUEFISH, JACKS, AND LADYFISH offer diversity during the summer and continue to be strong on moving tides. Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good starting places. Or just look for schooling threadfins and WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
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Kathleen FFA named Reserve National Land Judging Champions
Photo (left to right): Brevyn Foreman, Shelby Carlton, Cody Clark, Taeler Dupre, Keitha Hall (Advisor/Coach) and Kim Farber (Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts President) By Morgan Carlton
FFA members from across the county gathered in a field on Tuesday, March 4 to demonstrate their knowledge of soils in the annual Polk FFA Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation contest. The Land Judging event requires students to understand the makeup of soils and how they affect land usage. This event requires students to get a little dirty while thinking analytically. The Polk contest was sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The contest requires students to evaluate three soil profiles and one homesite location. On the soil component, students must identify factors such as seasonal high water table, rooting zone, soil permeability, organic content and slope. Using these factors combined students had 18
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to classify land into a capability class and a soil order. Once the soil factors have been identified, students are required make recommendations for vegetative practices, mechanical practices and fertilizer recommendations to improve the site. The homesite portion of the event requires students to evaluate land conditions to determine its potential to develop. Students must identify factors in the soil that would affect lawns and shrubs, septic systems and foundations to name a few. This requires students to analyze multiple components based on identified conditions. After much preparation and long practice hours the day of the county contest finally arrived. Kathleen FFA took WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
two teams to compete.The A Team members were Taeler Dupre, Brevyn Foreman, Breanna Langley, and Cody Clark. The Kathleen B Team members were Shelby Carlton, Dominick Stephenson, Alex Yelvington, and Charity Bowe. The county contest is extremely important to all the teams participating in the event because the winners of the county event moves on to compete at the state contest. The Kathleen A Team took first place in the District contest and the Kathleen B Team placed second. Brevyn Foreman was the high individual in the contest. Practice time wasn’t over for the Kathleen land judging team! The state contest was only three short weeks away after the district contest. Kathleen members continued to learn and improve their land judging skills to prepare themselves for the state contest. The state contest was held on March 28, 2014 in Sebring at Rafter T Ranch. Brevyn Foreman, Shelby Carlton, Taeler Dupre, Cody Clark and alternate, Alex Yelvington loaded up and traveled south for the event on March 27 to prepare for the state contest. On the day of the contest the team was ready to compete and put the skills they learned to the test. Dr. Rex Ellis of the University of Florida and staff did a great job setting up a challenging contest for the students. After the members were done competing, all of the teams waited anxiously for the results. After three hours of waiting and a delicious lunch provided by the Rafter T Ranch, the results were ready to be announced. The contest coordinator kept the groups attention by announcing the high school division last. The announcer started with the fifth place team. When he announced the second place team, Kathleen FFA had yet to be called. The Kathleen FFA members sat eagerly waiting for the first place team to be announced. Finally, Kathleen FFA was announced as the 2014 State Champion Land Judging Team. Team member Taeler Dupre was the high individual in the state and Brevyn Foreman was the third high individual. The team and coaches were beyond thrilled of the wonderful achievement. Kathleen FFA was very excited about their State Championship title, however, their excitement didn’t last long when they realized the National Land Judging contest was only one month away. Kathleen had the opportunity to represent Florida in the national contest in Oklahoma City on May 1st. The team, which consisted of Taeler Dupre, Brevyn Foreman, Shelby Carlton and Cody Clark, who are all enrolled in Kathleen’s Academy of Natural Resources, had to learn many new factors in the short month between the state contest and the national event. The national event, unlike the state contest, is divided into a separate Land Judging contest and Homesite Contest, so Florida participants were forced to compete in two separate contests under the time constraints of one event. The numbers assigned to various slopes were different, students were forced to learn three new WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
textural classes, surface runoff had to be evaluated and students had to learn new mechanical and vegetative practices for various land classes. In order to prepare, students met five and sometimes six days a week to get ready. On April 28, students loaded up and left Lakeland at 4:00 am and headed to the Tampa International Airport to catch an early fight out. Once on the ground in Oklahoma, students and coaches checked in and headed straight to the practice fields where they could meet with specialists from the Oklahoma Soil Conservation to help answer any questions they may have. The team members quickly learned that Florida soils and those from the Midwest are quite different from each other, so they practiced as long as they could each day. On the morning of the contest the team met in the hotel lobby to follow the pack to the undisclosed contest site, along with 92 other land teams and 53 homesite teams from across the nation, including Hawaii. After a short car ride to Mustang, Oklahoma, the team members spent three hours competing in the National Land and Homesite contests. After showers and a nap, the team headed off to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for the awards banquet. When the results were announced we learned that Florida was 4th in the nation in the Homesite Judging event out of 54 teams. Taeler Dupre was the 9th highest individual in contest, beating out over 200 competitors from across the nation. The team was awarded with medallions and a trophy. Soon after, the Land Judging results were announced and Kathleen was ecstatic to learn that they finished in 2nd place out of 93 teams and were named the Reserved National Land Judging Champions. The following day the team visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, followed by a stop at the state capital. Students also toured the Oklahoma Stockyards, where they learned a little about the beef industry in the state. After a late flight back to Florida, the students and coaches were ready for some much deserved rest. This learning experience was made possible by the following partners: The School Board of Polk County, Lane Construction, Kathleen Lions Club, Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc., The Florida FFA Foundation, Universal Engineering, Moody Engineering, Mr. Jay Clark and the Kathleen community. On behalf of the team, coaches and Kathleen Administration, thank you for your continued support of our students. The community has really come together to back this team and have helped tremendously with the expenses related to this once in a lifetime learning opportunity. Congratulations to the Kathleen FFA members and coaches. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Dumb Questions Recently I have had some rather dumb questions asked of me when ordering food at the local fast-food restaurants. Sometimes I think the clerk is on auto mode, and really doesn’t hear what I am saying.
not to each other. So sad! You wait, one of these days a popular food chain will get tons of publicity when they announce cell phones are illegal when dining.
For instance, I went into a local fast food restaurant on Jim Redman Parkway to treat myself to an afternoon ice cream cone. I said, “I would like a small cone of chocolate ice cream.” She replied, “Do you want to eat here or do you want it to go?” “Well,” I said, “I’ll take a bite or two of it as I walk out the door and finish it in my car!”
A group of 40-year-old buddies discuss where they should go for dinner. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at a popular restaurant because the waitresses there have low cut blouses and nice figures. Ten years later, at 50 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant because the food there is very good and the wine selection is excellent. Ten years later at 60 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at their same popular restaurant because they can eat there in peace and quiet and the restaurant is smoke free. Ten years later, at 70 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant because the restaurant is wheel chair accessible and they even have an elevator. Ten years later, at 80 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant again because they have never been there before.
There’s an Amish store/gas station in Blairsville with a sign out front that reads, “Eat here, and get gas.” While traveling on I-75 Patsy said she was getting hungry, so we pulled into a drive-through. “Is that for here or to go?” She asked. “Well, since I’m in at the drive-thorough I think I’ll have the order to go.” The one time that I still shake my head about is the when I ordered some chicken nuggets. I saw on the menu I could order 6, 9 or 12, so I asked the teenage clerk for a half dozen nuggets. “We don’t have half dozen nuggets,” She answered. “You don’t?” I replied. She said, “We only have six, nine, or twelve.” “So I can’t order a half dozen nuggets, but I can order six?” “That’s right.” “O.K., In that case I’ll order six!” One, time while on the road, I went through a drive-thru and ordered two cups of coffee, one with cream and sugar and the other one black. “Which one do you want the cream and sugar in?”, she asked. I thought for a moment, and said, “put the cream and sugar in the one on your right.” Over the years I have remembered numerous restaurant signs. “Hot drinks to take out or sit in.” “Open seven days a week. Closed Sundays.” “Three out of four people make up 75% of our population.” “Things I don’t have: Muffins, 16 ounce cups and a girlfriend.” “Boneless Bananas.” At a Dry cleaners in Tampa, “Drop your trousers here for best results.” Tailor shop in Orlando, “Ladies may have a fit upstairs.” On a loan company window, “Now you can borrow enough money to get completely out of debt.” I have noticed a lot of talking going on at restaurants these days. The next time you go out to eat just look around at all the people talking. Yes, talking on their cell phones and 22
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Speaking of old timers, three of them were chatting at a restaurant. They sat down at a table while waiting to be served. One of them said; “Hey Jake! Isn’t this your 50th anniversary?” Jake replies, “Yep.” “Well,” the old timer asked, “what are you planning on doing?” Jake replies, “Well, I remember taking my wife to Arizona on our 25th anniversary?” The other old timer asked, “Oh ya, so what are your plans for your 50th anniversary?” Jake replies, “I’m going back to pick her up!” One of my favorite places to eat in Plant City is Johnson’s Bar-B-Que at the Farmers Market. I asked, Owen, son of Fred Johnson, who runs the restaurant, if he remembers anything funny that has happened during his noon rush hour! Owen laughed, and said, “Recently a member of a local business was leaving, and management decided to throw him a farewell luncheon. They made reservations for 30 people. On the day of the event the place was crowded, but we seated them immediately. People who had been lining up for a table seemed unhappy, and we thought we heard some disgruntled comments. Our suspicions were soon confirmed. In a couple of minutes a waitress announced over the speaker: ‘Starving --party of four.’” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Melissa Nichols
The name Lew Hall is well known around Polk County for many reasons. Many recognize it because he is the owner of Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, which has multiple locations in Polk County. Others know Lew Hall for his loyal contributions to the exhibitors of the Polk County Youth Fair. Some know Lew from his membership at Victory Church Lakeland. And there are some who know him due to his amazing cutting horses. Lew is a man of many “hats” all of which are very important to him and very much a part of his everyday life. First and foremost, Lew is a husband, father, grandfather and son. He and his wife Anita have been married 33 years. He has a son, Lew III (Trey) a daughter-in-law Lauren, a granddaughter Shelby and grandson Lane. His family is by far the most important thing in the world to him. When you walk into his office and see the pictures hanging on the walls, it is obvious. I have known Lew for many years now as he bought my son’s first ever market hog. That purchase set the tone for my son and his accomplishments. He invested in my son Taeler, not actually knowing him but having faith in his future. We developed a friendship and in this time, I have been blessed to know Lew and call him my friend. I was aware that Lew had deep roots in the agriculture com24
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munity here in Polk County but I wasn’t sure exactly where those roots came from. When interviewing him I was surprised to learn that he grew up on a farm in Kentucky. Lew’s dad, Lew Sr. and his mom Vera, raised cattle, horses, and pigs and grew alfalfa, corn and soybeans. His dad was also his best friend and mentor. Lew saw his dad run an insurance business by day and a gentlemen farm by night and on the weekend. Lew recalls his childhood and said it was a family affair, having a successful farm. He witnessed the dedication his dad had to not only raising his family but also maintaining his farm. These traits his dad instilled in him are still very much a part of Lew today. Lew grew up participating in 4H and FFA, he developed an admiration for showing cattle and market projects. He continued to grow his expertise in the industry and when old enough, he would drive his tractor around town buying cattle that he could export to make a profit. Even as a young man, Lew had a keen business sense that helped him to become the businessman he is today. After graduating high school and college Lew and his family moved to Florida. His dad was a licensed funeral director in Kentucky. He moved to Florida with the intentions of buying a funeral home in Winter Haven. This plan did not pan out, so Lew and his dad opened an insurance agency. In 1999 at WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the age of 61, Lew’s dad, Lew Sr., passed away. Lew set out on a mission to have his dad’s dream of owning a funeral home become a reality. In April of 2001, after spending 20 years serving Lakeland’s insurance needs, Lew Hall was able to purchase three Gentry Morrison locations, five years later he purchased Dukes Steen Funeral Home and Serenity Garden cemetery. Lew comes from a family with five ministers (grandfather, brother in law and three uncles) but Lew Sr. and Lew Jr. never felt the call to ministry. However, Lew remembers his dad always saying that being a funeral director was his calling, and Lew feels the same way. There is no time in life that is more emotional than the time of laying a loved one to rest. Lew enjoys personally helping families in their time of loss, he will do everything he can to ease the pain of the process. As farming was a family affair in Kentucky, the funeral homes are a family affair here in Polk County. Lew’s mom Vera, cousin Steve and son Trey all work at the funeral home with him. Lew has continued to expand to serve the community with opening a cremation center and a brand new funeral home in front of the Serenity Gardens on Mall Hill Road in Lakeland. Every January the letters start coming into Gentry Morrison addressed to Lew Hall. These letters are from Polk County Youth Fair exhibitors from all over Polk County. By the hundreds, Lew sorts through the letters, reading them all, admiring pictures and deciding who he is going to support that year. Lew does this because he remembers what it was like raising market animals. He invests in the youth of Polk County. He has bought countless Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Steers and Hogs, as well as many who may have not placed at the top, yet he wants to support these exhibitors. His heart is heavily involved when it comes to the youth. He believes that supporting these kids, he is planting a seed in them. When he bought my son’s first market project, he asked him, “What are you going to do with your earnings young man?” Taeler responded, “Spend them wisely.” After his premium check came in he thought spending it wisely meant buying the newest video game. I reminded him that Mr. Hall invested in him. He instead decided to save his money to buy a heifer to show. The next year when Lew asked him what he spent his money WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
on, he was very proud of Taeler’s investment. That investment later became a huge investment, as Taeler won Grand Champion with a steer that came from that heifer. Lew is very proud to have been a part of this accomplishment. He reflects that investing in the youth of Polk County is very rewarding. His support and contributions to these exhibitors is very appreciated by the board of directors, participants of the youth fair, and the parents of the participants. Lew wishes that more business owners would come to the youth fair and support the kids who are raising these market animals. He hears stories about kids who at the end of the project make such a little amount of money after they have paid for the feed and buying the animal, he sees a real need for more businesses to come support these young men and women.
Lew on Cutting horse
Lew got involved in the wonderful world of cutting horses about 20 years ago. A friend of his introduced him to cutting horses, telling him it was a hobby, he failed to tell him how addicting it was. Lew’s son Trey has held two national titles with horses that Lew owned. For those who don’t know what cutting horses are, in simple terms, they are horses used to “cut” calves out of a herd and sort them. Lew and his friend C.J. Marcello, Jr, have some of the very best cutting horses in Florida, right here in Polk County. Lew says, “The cutting INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Mathe w Spivey, Lew, Trey and Shelby (granddaughter)
horses are something that really brings joy, riding them is an amazing experience, once you have been on one, you never want to ride another type of horse.” Lew looks forward to the day when his grandson Lane carries on the family tradition and gets involved in the cutting horse world. When not working or taking care of his ranch, or working with his horses, Lew is an avid antique car lover. He recently restored two old Corvettes, a hearse, and a military Jeep that he utilizes for special occasions for the funeral home. He also spends a lot of time supporting the needs of the community in various ways. Every year he takes a number of the market animals he purchases at the PCYF and donates them to various causes within the Lakeland Area. He always keeps a steer and hog for his staff, he donates one to Viste, an organization that feeds elderly, and he donates one to the Dream Center in Lakeland, a program that helps those who are economically unstable. Lew is also an avid supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes here in Polk County. He realized that he was helping people in many ways, but questioned what he was doing for them spiritually. He plans to continue to help the FCA program grow and spread throughout the county to have more and more members. Lew believes in giving back and he does that with his blessings God has bestowed upon him. He does that through the donations of supplies, food, and monetary contributions. The Hall family has touched the lives of many exhibitors at the youth fair, including many previous Grand and Reserve Champion Steer and Hog Exhibitors. One of those exhibitors is Shelby Freeman, who was involved in the youth fair for many years. Shelby was asked about Lew Hall and she gave us the following statement regarding Lew, “On a rare occasion in life, some are fortunate to encounter a generous person who pays it forward. I am one of those lucky ones, I found that person in Mr. Lew Hall. My first encounter with Mr. Hall was while he was supporting the many youth of Polk County with their large animal projects at the Polk County Youth Fair when I was in middle school. He and I have a similar sense of humor and we hit it off from the start. He is a gracious man with a big heart, loves a good laugh, and his smile is contagious. Mr. 26
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Lew and Emilyn Meeks
Hall will often be quoted as saying “I am sure glad that Shelby Freeman graduated…that young lady cost me a lot of money.” It always makes me smile when someone tells me he said that because I am so thankful to him for all his support and generosity over the years. Mr. Hall supported me by purchasing six of my eight steers during my show career at the Polk County Youth Fair, including one Grand Champion and two Reserve Grand Champion steers. Mr. and Mrs. Hall’s love of agriculture and the promotion of Agriculture Education is evident by the many years they have continued to support the youth at the Polk County Youth Fair. I have had some wonderful memories, shared some great laughs, cried my eyes out over my final steer, and been greatly blessed by this friendship. Mr. Lew Hall thank you for all your support and dedication over the years, you truly made a difference in my life and I will forever be grateful for your kind hearted generosity.” Lew Hall is an all-around great person, those who are his friend feel very blessed to have him in their lives, the youth he has supported never forget the generosity that he has shown. In closing Lew was very hesitant about us doing a spotlight article on him, mostly because he never wanted public spotlight for his contributions, he has done and given from his heart not for publicity, however Lew did say that he really wishes other businesses would see this article as an opportunity for them to get involved and reach out to help the youth involved in agriculture. Lew feels that these contributions plant seeds in children, which can help them grow into beautiful and successful adults if you just believe in them and support them. Lew has one simple philosophy, the youth are our future, invest in them. Trey on National Winning Cutting Horse
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Lane
Lew and Hunter Dupré
Brett Carrier and Lew Hall Grand Champion Hog 2003
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Lew, Lane and Taeler Dupré
Lew and Shelby Freeman
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Fuel Theft by Sheriff Grady Judd
Pump one- unsecured no lock or anti-theft device.
Pump three- the tank is outside with the fuel filling location locked on top of the tank.
Between March and May 2014, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture deputies have worked nine cases of fuel theft or attempted theft – over 1,670 gallons of diesel fuel has been stolen from farms all across the county. And while fuel theft isn’t a new crime, it is one that has increasing impact on our agriculture community as well as our residents. In a recent multi-jurisdiction investigation, five suspects were charged with racketeering after investigators uncovered an organized criminal enterprise in which thieves stole fuel from farms, ranches and local businesses and resold the fuel to commercial truck drivers or private citizens. But this crime isn’t isolated to central Florida. Reports of stolen fuel come from all around the globe. Fuel isn’t cheap. Diesel averages $4 a gallon. Stolen fuel costs victims even more – millions of dollars can be lost. In Polk County cases, Ag deputies report thieves have siphoned fuel from unsecured farm pumps, and broken into pump sheds which have been locked. So what’s the answer? 1) Inventory the fuel supply – having a complete inventory of your farm and its resources aids in detecting a crime. Measure the fuel in the pump and ensure vehicle usage records align with fuel supply. And isolate power from fuel dispensing equipment when it’s not being used. 28
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Pump two- tank is secured inside the locked pump shed and the tank is locked as well.
2) Defensive Parking – park so that fuel tanks can be seen in plain view or utilize surveillance cameras. 3) Keep it Clean – don’t give thieves a place to hide, keep empty fruit crates, feeding trays, or other farm equipment put away. And keep landscaping trimmed to ensure you have a clear view of all your property. 4) Locking Fuel Caps and Anti-Siphoning Deterrents – while deterrents may not stop a determined thief, it may push them to a “softer target” or slow them down. It will send a clear message that you are working to make it difficult for them to victimize you. 5) Good Security Lighting – lighting should be directed toward the property you want to defend so that anyone passing by can see if someone in on your property. 6) Strong Fences – while fencing may not stop a determined thief, it may cause them to seek out an easier target or it will slow them down and cause them to have to work at making you a victim. And be sure to add additional locks. 7) Post Appropriate Security Signage – PCSO Ag deputies can assist property owner with the PCSO Ag Watch program and provide a NO TRESSPASSING signs to be posted on your property. And most importantly, report all suspicious activity immediately to the PCSO. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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A Conversation with Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation Chairman - Jim Strickland
Photo ID: Left to Right: Grace Larson, Bo Hobby, Melissa Montes De Oca, Dr. Ashby Green, Wes Williamson, Ned Waters, Millie Bolin, Wade Grigsby, Jim Strickland, Don Plagge, Kay Richardson, Matt Taverides, Alex Johns, Jim Hines Introduction: The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation is a non-profit organization with a threefold mission: to support beef cattle research; support education related to beef cattle and the development of young leadership in order to ensure a bright future for the industry; and document, present and preserve our unique cattle ranching history and culture. Hundreds of volunteers are the backbone and lifeblood of the Foundation. My job as chairman is to guide and direct the tremendous efforts of these great folks in order to make the most of their hard work, talents and resources. This is a great privilege and a responsibility I take very seriously. The Foundation’s board of directors is composed of nearly two dozen men and women highly skilled in ranch management, environmental stewardship, publishing, business, finance and law. The board members not only give freely of their time and talents, but also generously support foundation projects with their own funds. Fund Raising: Our largest fund-raising event is the annual Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival held each fall at Osceola Heritage Park/Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Now in its seventh year, this multi-faceted event continues to grow each year in terms of total attendance and net revenue. In addition to generating revenue for the Foundation, it is a valued and effective means of informing the general public of the rich history and culture of Florida cattle ranching and the significance of Florida’s beef cattle industry. More than 350 volunteers work tirelessly at the two-day event, many of whom serve on committees that meet several times during the year. Dozens of craft demonstrators, re-enactors, musical performers, poets, emcees, and others volunteer their time and talents to make the Cowboy Heritage Festival a huge success. Several of the county Cattlemen’s Associations participate in competition for a beef brisket cook-off, and proceeds from their food sales contribute substan32
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tially to event revenue. Last year we added a steak dinner, which was a huge success, so the number of meals will be increased this year. In addition to all the volunteers, sponsors have contributed immensely to the success of this event. Youth participate in and enjoy the Cowboy Heritage Festival and Ranch Rodeo Finals. FFA and 4-H members and their leaders do an admirable job in helping operate the food and beverage concessions, a substantial revenue source. The Whip Popping Contest is a major Festival highlight that celebrates our Cracker heritage and increases awareness and pride in that heritage among the young participants and the public. The Ranch Rodeo Finals demonstrate and celebrate the occupational skills of the hearty men and women who work on Florida ranches. The finals, and the sixteen qualifying rodeos that feed into, it are the result of the hard work of dozens of volunteer judges, arena men, stock suppliers, clowns, announcers, and other hard-working folks. Several sponsors, large and small, contribute generously to make these events and the associated awards possible. Major Donors and Fund-Raising Programs: While there is not enough space in this publication to acknowledge those individuals and organizations that have contributed to the Foundation, I want to mention a few who are especially outstanding. Don Plagge made a gift of $100,000 through his estate planning, half of which is earmarked for the University of Florida’s Range Cattle Research and Education Center at Ona, the other half for developing youth leadership skills. The Doyle Carlton III family has given large annual contributions, Alan Hitchcock donated $50,000, and the Wes and Darin Williamson family has made a sizeable donation to fund a classroom at Warner College. Hardee County Farm Bureau insurance agent George Wadsworth has contributed substantial sums for the past two years as an expression of gratitude to the ranching community. Dean Saunders of Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate (CBCSRE) established a “Saunders WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Gives Back” program that gives FCA members the opportunity to contribute to the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation through listing real estate with CBCSRE. In April 2014 the Foundation received a check for $38,000 from the sale of a listed property, the second such check from Saunders. The annual Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention, held on Marco Island every June, provides opportunities to the Foundation for fundraising and service to cattlemen. The Silent Auction conducted at the convention under the capable and tireless leadership of Emily Hobby, typically generates $20-30,000 in donations. At the 2013 convention, FCA past-president Bert Tucker recommended a Foundation Herd program be initiated. Participating cattlemen would designate one calf annually for which the sale proceeds would be donated to the Foundation. Fifteen ranchers donated at the convention and more have followed since. Also, at the 2013 convention a “Hall of Advisors,” consisting of legal and financial experts, was established to provide advice and guidance to convention attendees. Accomplishments: In early 2013 we accomplished two related projects that have done much to inform the general public about Florida cattle ranching history and celebrate our rich ranching traditions: The installation of the 2,400 square foot museum exhibit Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition for long-term display at the Florida State Fairgrounds and the publication of a 120-page exhibition catalog book (with an enclosed DVD) of the same name. To date we have distributed 3,500 books, and are working with 4-H and FFA groups to sell additional books for the mutual financial benefit of those groups and the Foundation. Our exhibit coordinator is working with public libraries, historical societies, and the Florida Humanities Council to give PowerPoint presentations about the exhibit, and has bookings extending into 2015. He also writes monthly articles about selected cattle ranching community members for the Florida Cattleman magazine. Communications is an important and rapidly growing field. Erin Freel Mann has been especially valuable in using her skills to enhance our Website and Internet presence and developing the “News You Can Use” electronic newsletter and otherwise ushering us into 21st century communications and networking. Recently we have engaged the services of Kilroy Communications to further our media presence and enhance our public relations. One of Kilroy’s initial projects is working with renowned nature videographer Jeff Palmer and producer Leslie Gaines to create brief television spots that focus on the positive interaction of cattle ranching and natural habitats. The videos will be broadcast on WUSF-TV, and should be picked up by other public television stations. Be sure to look for them in the coming months. The Foundation has made a sizeable donation to conduct research on the reproductive disease trichomeniasis, a collaboration of pharmaceutical company Boehinger Ingelheim and the MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center at Buck Island Ranch. The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation provides a vital role in helping to ensure a prosperous and secure future for the beef cattle industry and our cherished way of life. Serving as Foundation chairman and working with these talented, dedicated, hard working and generous folks has been a great pleasure and personally rewarding on many levels—more so than I ever imagined at the outset of my tenure. Through our group efforts we have given the Foundation a tremendous start that will serve to give us the impetus and resources to continue growing into the future. Because of the dedication and generosity of the Florida cattle ranching community, we have an exciting future ahead of us. I give my heartfelt thanks to all for your hard work, talents and gifts. To support the Foundation and help preserve the history, heritage and ideals of the Florida cattle ranching industry for future generations, please contact info@floridacattlemen.org/407-8466221or go to http://www.floridacattlemen.org/foundation/givingoptions/.
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deed restrictions dealing with landscape issues; pruning practices; problem plants of such asO’Connor invasive, non-native plants; pesticide and ferPhoto courtesy Ron – Farm Credit tilization practices; plant nutritional deficiencies; mulch application; Farm Credit of Central Florida Member, Kyle Story (L), Vice Presiand system issues including frequency and timing ofPresapplidentirrigation of the Story Companies, & Gene Mooney, Executive Vice • Agriculture • Operating cations. frequent interest cited greening by communities particiident ofOther Ben • Hill Inc.ofdiscuss citrus with Florida YouthGriffin, Steerareas Projects Expenses Residential • Livestock pating in the • FFL Community Association Outreach Congressman Dennis Ross (Center). Congressman RossProgram was one have of Property • Equipment the key legislators who obtained federal funding for research to find included stormwater pond best management practices, dealing with • Hunting & • Crop Insurance a cure for the disease that threatens to wipe outquestions Florida’s citrus inerosion caused by stormwater runoff and involving Recreational dustry. water.Properties reclaimed Evaluations and recommendations are based on science-based research from UF/IFAS. In addition to site evaluations, the Community Association Outreach Program offers onsite presentations about the FFL principles. OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The FFL Community Association Outreach Program is a free resource 1-866-245-3637 www.farmcreditcfl.com for HOAs and other community associations to provide for guidance in instituting sustainable landscape practices, reviewing landscapeFarmcovenants Credit of Florida Names Michelle G. related andCentral working with landscape maintenance contracHurst to Board tors. FFL has had several success stories with communities that adopted FFLCredit practices which they Chairman were able to Farm of from Central Florida of see thereduced Board, water DavidconJ. sumption water utility and maintenance costs. Contact Stanford,and announced the appointment of Michelle G. Hurstme toat thethe cooperative’s County board asExtension an outsideService, director. “We are elated to have if Hillsborough 813-744-5519 x 54142, Michelle’s expertise in accounting, trust, andorestate planning associas a these services would benefit your homeowner condominium resource to our association,” Stanford said. Michelle is a CPA and ation. a partner at Bunting, Tripp & Ingley LLP in Lake Wales. “I look forward to being a part of the Farm Credit Board, a team of sophisFor warm more information on environmental horticulture topics, ticated, and highly intelligent businessmen who really undercontact your local County Extension Service. stand the complexities and challenges their customers face today information Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Additional want to help make theironAssociation The Lender of Choice,” can be accessed Michelle said. at http:/ /floridayards.org, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu and WaterMatters.org. Raised Bavaria Germany, Michelle, isCommunity bilingual, and earned her The in Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Association BS in accounting from the Universityby of the South Carolina. and her Outreach Program is sponsored University ofShe Florida’s husband years, Stewart W. Hurst, live in the Babson Park and have Instituteofof27 Food and Agricultural Sciences, Hillsborough and two children, Charlie and Jacqueline. Michelle and Stewart Polkgrown Boards of County Commissioners and the Southwest Florida enjoy exercising, spending time together,District. and volunteering in their Water Management church and community as much as possible. Michelle has an extensive background in accounting and has been with her current firm since 1992, after working with firms in Vero Beach, Florida and Greenville, South Carolina. She has been an active member of her community, serving in numerous positions of authority including, Past President of Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary Club, Florida Institute of CPA’s, Lake Wales YMCA Service Club, and the Heartland Estate Planning Council to name a few. “Michelle is well respected throughout the area and her skills will greatly enhance the strength of our board of directors,” said Reggie Holt, President & CEO of Farm Credit of Central Florida. Farm Credit of Central Florida is a Member-Owned agricultural lending cooperative serving farmers, ranchers, growers and rural homeowners in 13 central Florida counties including, Polk, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sumter, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Volusia and Brevard. The association also sells crop insurance. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Horsing Around
By Ginny Mink
We hope you have been enjoying the Mink family adventures as we attempt to expose our city-fied children to the wide-world of agriculture and all the awesomeness that can be found therein. This month we thought Hazel might get a kick out of (and not from) meeting horses up close. Of course, seeking out a “horse farm” isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do and so we landed upon Faith Equine Rescue and we’re glad we did. Dawn Bazemore, the owner, and her children were most gracious and we certainly had a good time. Well, most of us, but I’ll have to get into that in a moment. We arrived on scene as Dawn was cleaning stalls. She’s a nurse with the school system and so that’s the first order of business when she gets home from work. I’m not going to lie, I was a little shocked by the vast array of animals on the property. I was simply expecting some horses, maybe a pony. However, we were greeted by Gobbie, one of Dawn’s turkeys. Hazel was not impressed, eventually though she got up the nerve to pet him and then it was no big deal. “He’s soft,” she told me, eyes wide as if that was the last thing she’d expected. Here’s where I come to the family member who was really not thrilled by the experience. Zeke, yes, wee-man hated almost everything! Let me explain… We entered the barn and met turkeys, rabbits, baby chicks and a goat. The goat was cute and quite playful. When it decided to check Zeke out in his stroller, you’d have thought it’d gored him. He let out a blood curdling scream and shoved it with all his feeble little might. He maintained that position towards all the animals throughout the adventure. Bunnies, they’re cute, right? Not to Zeke, they had bite potential I guess because he strong armed any attempt at getting him to touch them. Gobbie was not greeted with enthusiasm either. At some points his hysteria was difficult to discern, it vacillated between psychotic laughter and all out bawling. Elizabeth carried him around for a little while thinking that might assuage his displeasure but he’s a stubborn one (he’s a Mink, what can I say?).
Jaidyn had a learning experience, though it could have been much more amusing. He walked behind Eeyore and rather than getting the deserved boot, he just got warned by Dawn and myself about never walking behind a horse. I think I would have a gotten a good chuckle out of a swift kick in his rear. Ah well. He liked getting to pet the horses, I don’t think he’s ever had such up close exposure. Hazel wasn’t too keen on sharing the carrot bucket with him and since Dawn doesn’t allow kids to feed the horses by hand (due to bite potential) he didn’t get much of an opportunity therein. Hazel’s a bucket hog and the horses were bickering over who got her attention most frequently. Princess, a retired show pony, won my little princess’ heart (and her carrots). For those of you looking for the poop part of the story, here it is… Prior to heading to the farm I recommended that Hazel wear her boots (her sparkly Ropers) because, as I told her, “Boots are meant for poop.” She agreed. As we were coming out of the barn, only moments after we’d arrived, she stepped in a nice pile. I braced myself for the torrent of screaming that was sure to ensue. Instead, she picked her heel up, assessed the situation and then told me, “Boots are meant for poop.” She’s learning, friends! We are very grateful to Dawn and her family for sharing their space with us. Elizabeth came out of the house eating a Florida peach and of course then the Mink menagerie wanted some, too. Thankfully there were some to go around. Given the kindness found in them it’s only fair that we thank those who generously support their efforts: Lays Feed and Western Wear, Hay Depot, J & J Tack, Jan Nemeth (farrier services), Central Florida Home Shows, Cyclone Veterinarian Services, Painted Pony Images, Lakeland Cash Feed and Dixie Signs. If you’d like to add your name to their supporters you can reach Dawn at (863) 608 – 0827 or through their website: www.faithequinerescue.com.
Let me tell you, there are some absolutely beautiful horses on their property. Most of the horses are old and a good number of them were found wandering the streets. People apparently just drop horses off like they do unwanted kittens. Of course, there were other horses that had been victims of violence. Eeyore, a miniature horse, was one such case. Hazel agreed that he reminded her of Zou (a zebra on the Sprout channel) because he was black and white and had a Mohawk. He was probably the most people-friendly, which is odd given his background. Hazel was able to brush him and feed him carrots from a bucket. At one point she was eating a carrot and brushing his side, it did a non-Ag mom proud. Dawn commented that Hazel was her kind of girl. That was Hazel’s cue to quit brushing. “I’m done,” she announced.
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Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting
1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 We Support Agriculture.
Now Hiring Experienced Painters
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RecipeS Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Tomato and Orange Marmalade
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large stock pot, add all ingredients. Place the pot
over medium-high heat and let cook until the ingredients come to a slight boil. Stir ingredients frequently.
2. Reduce heat and simmer on low until thickened, about 1 hour. When desired thickness is reached, remove from heat and let cool at room temperature.
3. Once the marmalade is cooled, place marmalade in smaller containers and store in the refrigerator.
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, reserving any juices 3 cups natural sugar 2 oranges, quartered, seeded, and chopped fine 1 lemon, quartered, seeded, and chopped fine 1/8 teaspoon salt
Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Orange Teriyaki
2 tablespoons butter 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 cup orange marmalade 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated 1 teaspoon curry powder
1 habanero pepper, seeded and diced 4 8-ounce yellowfin tuna steaks cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil orange slices for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small sauce pan, melt butter and sautĂŠ the onion over medium heat until soft. Add
marmalade, teriyaki sauce, orange juice, ginger, curry powder and diced habaneros; heat through. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Coat tuna steaks with cracked pepper. Heat olive oil in sautĂŠ pan over medium high heat;
sear tuna to desired doneness, turning once. Cook for 2 minutes on each side for rare center; 3 to 5 minutes each side for medium center; 5 to 8 minutes each side for well-done center.
3. Spoon the orange teriyaki sauce over steaks in the pan to glaze or spoon sauce onto plate and place tuna on top. Garnish with orange slices.
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Florida
LONG Beans
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Florida yard long beans thrive in the hot summer weather. Also called Chinese long beans, asparagus beans, or snake beans, these vegetables resemble very long green beans. Though called yard long beans, they are typically only about 1.5 to 2 feet long, or about half a yard long. The vines can grow up to 8-10 feet high. Easy to grow, yard long beans taste like regular green beans, with edible peas and pod that are crisp, tender, and sweet in flavor. Yard long beans taste best when harvested young, about the thickness of a pencil. If the beans are left to dry, the dried beans can be planted for the next season or they may be boiled, then eaten. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Yard long beans have a similar nutrition profile as regular green beans. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 3.5 ounce serving of steamed yard long beans (100 g) contains 47 calories, 2.8 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 8.4 g carbohydrate, and 2.8 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 23% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 16% for folate, 12% for magnesium, 11% for pantothenic acid, 10% for manganese, 9% for riboflavin and thiamin and and plentiful amounts of other valuable nutrients, such as phosphorus and vitamin A. Folate: Essential vitamin at any age Florida yard long beans are a good source of the B vitamin folate, a vitamin that can reduce the risk of anemia, cancer, and birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) in the fetus. All people, and in particular, pregnant women, should consume a diet high in folate, and eating yard long beans can help meet your body’s nutritional requirement. Dietary Fiber: Many Benefits Long beans are high in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The soluble type binds to cholesterol-containing bile and helps move it out of the body. This results in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a steady stream of energy, which is especially important if you have diabetes or insulin resistance. Insoluble fiber is well known for its ability to assist with digestion and prevents constipation. According to the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. Magnesium: Keeps your body functioning well Florida yard long beans are a great source of magnesium, an important nutrient that can help lower high blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming a diet high in magnesium may also help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density. Magnesium is an important player in many reactions related to energy metabolism, protein synthesis, RNA and DNA synthesis, and maintenance of the electrical potential of nervous tissues and cell membranes. As a result, magnesium is needed for the production of protein and energy, as well as contraction and relaxation of muscles. How to Select and Store Choose beans that are 10-16 inches long and about the diameter of a pencil. Look for beans that are firm, without spots or discoloration. Avoid any that appear dried, stringy or woody. Long beans can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wash immediately before using. How to Enjoy Fresh Florida long beans are delicious eaten raw or cooked. A great feature of long beans is that there is less preparation (fewer ends to snap) and more bean than regular green beans. Snap or cut off ends, then cut beans into one to two inch lengths (or longer if preferred) and boil or steam. Long beans can also be cooked in the microwave with a small amount of water, or stir-fried with other vegetables. The leaves and young stems are also edible and delicious in an Asian stir fry. They can also be sautĂŠed with butter and garlic or steamed and added to salads or pasta or rice dishes. If long beans are plentiful, they may also be frozen after a quick blanch in boiling water. Enjoy delicious Florida long beans in their peak season today. Whether raw or cooked, yard long beans add nutritional value to any meal. SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv029 http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2014
41
Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green
Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation is a method of irrigation that conserves water and fertilizer by dispensing directly to where it is needed, the plants roots. When water is applied to the surface of soil, it must soak down through the soil before the roots can benefit from the nutrients. In Florida, soil temperature can build up quickly and hamper plant growth. Watering plants in the heat of the day can shock the plant with equally devastating results. This is especially true for potted plants that typically have shallow root systems. Ideally, plants should be provided the opportunity to grow their roots to deeper, more stable soil temperatures. Soil that is kept moist and cool will produce the healthiest plants in most cases. Drip irrigation systems are known to be the most efficient and effective means of maintaining healthy soil moisture and temperature and implementing a drip irrigation system does not need to be elaborate or expensive. This month, we will feature an inexpensive drip irrigation system using plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in the garbage or recycle bin. These drip irrigation systems will not only conserve water, but are a really cool way to water plants. I mean literally, cool. The soil will remain cooler and more stable through the hot summer months and there is little danger of overwatering.
Plastic Bottle Drill bit (1/16 - 3/32) Flower Pot Potting Soil
Material:
Directions:
1
2) Dig a hole in the soil deep enough to bury all but the top of the bottle.. If you are adding the bottle to established plants, try to get the bottle as close to the roots as possible without damaging the roots. If your starting your plants from seeds, no problem, just scatter the seeds around the buried bottle, the roots will grow around the bottle.
2
3) Bury the bottle with the cap side up. (the holes drilled in step 1 should be at the bottom of the hole) * If you are using a wick cloth, be sure to spread the cloth evenly before burying the bottle.
3
4 1) Drill several holes near the bottom and middle of the water bottle, more holes for more water. 1/16 will provide a nice slow drip but may clog, 3/32 will not likely clog, but will be too much water flow. If the water flows out in a stream rather than a drip, try stuffing an old cotton shoelace or cloth in the hole to create a drip cloth that will wick the water into the surrounding soil while preventing clogging.
4) Fill the water bottle with water, place the cap on the bottle. The water flow can be decreased by tightening the cap and increased by loosening the cap.
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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A Closer Look
By Sean Green
No-see-ums (Culicoides)
Photo Credit: Ed T. Schmidtmann, USDA/ARS
Florida is home to many biting insects. In the wet days of summer, the mosquitoes, yellow flies, and horse flies can be seen in droves and can ruin a good camping or hiking trip. I have piled such beasties up after swatting them just to see how many I could collect and can assure you, the pile grows quickly. The worst offenders are the ones you can’t see, or hear for that matter. This month, we will take a closer look at an insect so tiny, it is commonly known as the “no-see-um” and among biting insects, is perhaps the most difficult to avoid. If you have ever been bitten by something and looked down only to see a series of bright red dots but no insect, chances are, it was the work of a small biting midge commonly known as a “no-see-um.” Biting midges belong to the Ceratopogonidae family and there are over 4,000 known species, 47 of which are known to occur in Florida, the genus Culicoides and Leptoconops being the most prominent. Adult males typically emerge first. Like it’s relative, the mosquito, female Culicoides require a blood meal for their eggs, adult males will feed on the honeydew secreted by aphids and other scale insects if they feed at all. Mating behavior varies with the species, for some, mating occurs when the female emerges and flies into a swarm of males. In other species, the male seeks a likely blood host and waits for the female to feed. Mating occurs after the female has had her blood meal. Although for the most part these insects are little more than an annoyance, there are some species that are of economic and medical significance. Species belonging the genus Leptoconops such as (L. torrens) are common in salt marshes and coastal areas of Florida and are fortunately, not known to transmit any disease to humans, pets, or livestock. Certain members of the genus Culicoides are of more concern. Two species; (C. grahami) and ( Culicoides furens) are recognized intermediate vectors of human disease caused by filarial worms (Filarioidea). Some species of Culicoides are known vectors of the Bluetongue virus (BTV) that can infect ruminant livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, as well as our native population of deer. The most prominent species (C.sonorensis) occurs throughout Florida and is typically found in very damp, highly organic soil such as the manure loads of farming operations. The South American species (C. insignis) populates the southWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Photo Credit: Roxanne Connelly
ern half of Florida and is typically found in the muddy areas along vegetated ponds. Because these species are prominent in Florida, it is assumed that Florida livestock are exposed to BTV and consequently, Florida cattle are restricted in international trade to Old World countries that are BTV free. Granted, there are various BTV vaccines available, but relying on them can cause more problems than the insect itself. The vaccine has to be specifically formulated for the serotype (variation) of the species, virus or bacteria being transmitted in the field. Vaccines produce viremia, the condition of the virus being circulated through the bloodstream rather than being isolated to a specific organ or cell type. When the vaccinated animal has the virus flowing through its bloodstream, that virus can potentially infect any subsequent Culicoides that take a blood meal from the animal with the modified virus (vaccine). It is reasonable to consider this practice potential to result in virulence (resistance) as vaccination does with any other virus. Managing this insects has always been problematic. We know that the larvae need water to survive, and in the past, management methods included diking and draining the natural marshlands in attempts to eliminate their habitat. However, larvae can develop anywhere there is moisture, including bromeliads, water logged tree stumps, mud, wet bark, or even rotting fruit. The application of insecticides is similarly inefficient. Insecticides targeting adults would be effective for the night of the application, but new adults will continue to emerge and disperse into other areas requiring reapplications that are neither efficient nor environmentally responsible. Researchers from the IFAS tested a large scale trapping system that uses CO2 as an attractant to lure midge populations into an insecticide laden kill box. This method is ideal for large scale management. Avoiding midges altogether can be difficult, because most species are small enough to fit through a standard 16-mesh screen enclosure. Smaller screening can be installed but it will certainly limit air flow. A less expensive and more effective alternative is to install ceiling fans in areas you want to keep free of midges; they are weak fliers and cannot withstand the winds created by a high speed fan. As for me? I’m hiking regardless! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
June 2014
43
Teamwork By Melissa Nichols
When you think of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, you most likely think of the ministry that has been around for many years, dedicated to helping youth succeed. Most likely you envision football, basketball and baseball players, you may even think of those involved in track and golf. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is in its 60th year of ministry in 2014. In these many years FCA has sought to serve athletes and coaches through the 4 C’s of ministry. One of FCA’s 4 C’s of ministry is Community. In the last few years, Scooter Byars, area representative for FCA West Central Florida, had been searching for a way FCA could impact our community. He had a vision of serving those who display the characteristics of an athlete by their mental, physical, and spiritual toughness in every way – the Future Farmers of America. Many may and will ask how FFA members represent an athlete. By definition they don’t, yet based on their character make up they are more similar than not. FFA members are very dedicated, hardworking, and loyal. They understand the value of teamwork and giving back. After searching for a way to reach out to the FFA members, Scooter has initiated a plan and put it into action. Going back to his childhood days, Scooter thought about his extra-curricular activities, most commonly baseball. He did not always have the money to pay registration fees to play baseball, but somehow, someone always came and sponsored him. This sponsorship gave Scooter so much more than just a chance to play baseball. It taught him to always be searching for ways to help others. Scooter recently reflected on his childhood friends who were involved in showing animals, steers in particular. He saw these children grow and learn so much through their agri44
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June 2014
culture project, not just to keep them busy but to teach them life skills. As he reflected on growing up, Scooter knew it was God leading him to help the youth of Polk County involved in agriculture and that is what he plans to do. Thanks to a generous donation from longtime friend Lew Hall, Scooter is starting a program to help FFA members throughout Polk County who may not be able to buy a market steer or market pig, yet they want to do a market animal project. This program will not only help the FFA member buy the project, but also mentor them through the project and help with feeding and transporting the animals to the tagging and show. Scooter does not want these children left out just because they can’t afford to get involved. In the last three years the pieces have started to come together for this program and with great excitement, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is proud to announce they are able to help FFA members who qualify for this stewardship program at the 2015 Polk County Youth Fair. Contact Scooter for more details at 863.687.4994 or email sbyars@fca.org. Scooter is also looking for additional businesses who would be interested in sponsoring this program with donations and supplies and cattle ranchers who may be interested in getting involved with supporting FCA through Steering, Inc. Get involved and make a change in the future of youth in Polk County. FCA focuses on serving local communities by engaging, equipping, enabling, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909
ANIMALS & NEEDS
MASSEY FERGUSON 210 2wd., diesel tractor. $3,750 Call Alvie. 813-759-8722
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REAL ES TATE FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 FOR LEASE or SALE Approx. 30 acres, overhead 4 drift irrigation, mobil home included. Plant City, Fl. 334-355-1945 JANE BAER REALTY Looking for that mountain getaway home? We have what you are looking for. Check out our website at www.janebaerrealty.com or call us toll free 800-820-7829. We are located in Blairsville GA, North Georgia Mountains!
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com
LAW N EQUIP MENT/ S UP P LIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower. 52" cut, 23 hp. Kawasaki engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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MORE BANG FOR THE
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE!
BUCK
Serving our customers with 12 locations New Port Richey
Leesburg
727-842-8618
352-315-1016
6918 US Hwy. 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567
1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748
813-737-1660
Package a fleet of tractors, gators and other equipment together with a 2 or 3 year lease and always have new, worry free equipment with service available from Everglades Farm Equipment fleet of road service technicians.
Okeechobee
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
JDL - Largo
863-763-1921
6782 118th Ave. North Largo, Fl. 33773
727-259-7748
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
Comming soon 2014 Naples , FL
Since 1963
Some restrictions apply, see dealer for complete details . Some pictured items may have been used for display purposes only. Leases must go through John Deere Financial. With great deals on new tractors and gators all year long, check with your local dealer for additional savings.
www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com 48
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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