INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2017
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USDA OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO HELP PRODUCERS COPE WITH NATURAL DISASTERS By Jim Frankowiak The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a wide range of programs designed to assist agricultural producers in the United States. Among them are two programs administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). One is the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and the other is the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for 2015 and subsequent years. Both are part of the 2014 Farm Bill. TAP is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines lost by natural disasters. Those must be annual crops produced for commercial purposes. Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees produced for commercial sale. Trees used for pulp or timber are ineligible for TAP assistance. To be considered an eligible loss: • Eligible trees, bushes or vines must have suffered more than a 15 percent mortality loss in a stand (after normal mortality) due to a natural disaster; • Mortality loss on a stand of eligible trees, bushes or vines is based on each eligible disaster event, except for losses due to plant disease; For plant disease, the time period as determined by the FSA for which the stand is infected; • The loss must not have been preventable through reasonable and available measures; • The loss must be visible and obvious to the FSA representative; If the loss is no longer visible, FSA may accept other loss evidence and determine whether that other evidence substantiates that an eligible loss due to natural disaster occurred; • FSA may require information from a qualified expert to determine extent of loss in the case of plant disease or insect infestation. Additionally, eligible producers must: • Have owned the eligible trees, bushes and vines when the natural disaster occurred, but eligible growers are not required to own the land on which eligible trees, bushes and vines are planted; • Replace eligible trees, bushes and vines within 12-months from the date the TAP application is approved. TAP limits applicable acreage to no more than 500-acres annually. There is a $125,000 limit to TAP payments in a given year and the Adjust Gross Income (AGI) of the individual or legal entity seeking assistance through TAP may not exceed $900,000. Additional information is available from the FSA office in Plant City. NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses or prevents crop planting. The
Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available and be any of the following: • Crops grown for food; • Crops Planted and grown for livestock consumption, such as grain and forage crops, including native forage; • Crops grown for fiber, such as cotton and flax (except trees); • Crops grown in a controlled environment, such as mushrooms and floriculture; • Specialty crops, such as honey and maple sap; • Sea oats and sea grass; • Sweet sorghum and biomass sorghum; • Industrial crops, including crops used in manufacturing or grown as feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity or biobased products; • Value loss crops, such as aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery and turf-grass sod; and • Seed crops where the propagation stock is produced for sale as seed stock for other eligible NAP production. Producers are advised to contact a crop insurance agent for questions regarding insurability of a crop in their county. For further information on whether a crop is eligible for NAP coverage, producers should contact their FSA county office where their farm records are maintained. Eligible causes of loss include: • Damaging weather, such as drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, excessive winds or hurricanes; • Adverse natural occurrences, such as earthquake or flood; and • Conditions related to damaging weather or adverse natural occurrences, such as excessive heat, plant disease, volcanic smog or insect infestation. The natural disaster must occur during the coverage period, before or during harvest and must directly affect the eligible crop. Additional information regarding coverage levels, applying for coverage, service fees, premiums, coverage periods and other aspects of NAP may be accessed at www.fsa. usda.gov/nap. The local contact person is County Executive Director Marcinda Kester and she can be reached at 863533—2051, Extension 2, for Polk County residents; 813-7521474, Extension 2, for Hillsborough and Pinellas county residents. Her email is marcinda.kester@fl.usda.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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USDA defines an eligible producer as a landowner, tenant or sharecropper who shares in the risk of producing an eligible crop and is entitled to an ownership share of that crop. The AGI limit for either the individual or entity is $900,000 and the NAP payments are limited to $125,000 per crop year, per individual or entity.
CONTENTS
MARCH 2017 VOL. 12 • ISSUE 5
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
24 THE CLARK SISTERS:
Back to Back Champions
PAGE 3 USDA Assistance
PAGE 31 Florida Pineapple
PAGE 10 Master Gardener
PAGE 35 CARES
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 Budget Battle
PAGE 16 Thank a Rancher
PAGE 40 AG Literacy Day
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 42 PCSO
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 43 Kelley Buick
PAGE 28 Endangered Species
PAGE 44 Polk County Cattle Women
PAGE 30 Jack Payne
PAGE 45 PCYF Commercial Steer
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com
J. B. Wynn PO Box 197 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com
Vice President – Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com
Alternate – Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail. com
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Standing Committee Bunch Chairs: PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 Membership- J.B. Wynn (863) 425-1121 Events- Kevin Fussell jbunch@agriumretail.com Trade Show- Bridget Stice State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch@verizon. net
Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820 (863) 559-7808
Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Donald Conroy Lakeland, FL 33811 3882 Lake Buffum Rd East (863) 944-9293 Fort Meade, FL 33841 Adamnorman1977@gmail. (863) 412-0790 com risingc@verizon.net Cattlewomen – President, Mike Facente Megan Atkinson 4465 Poyner Oaks Rd N. 3970 Gerber Dairy Rd Polk City, FL 33868 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 697-9419 (863) 559-1228 Megamess007@yahoo. L.B. Flanders, DVM com 944 Wedgewood Lane Lakeland, FL 33813 Extension – Bridget Stice (863) 644-5974 PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Kevin Fussell Bartow, FL 33831 4523 Fussell Rd (863) 519-1048 Polk City, FL 33868 bccarlis@ufl.edu (863) 412-5876 Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Paul Mike Fussell Wright 4520 Barush Rd 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Bartow, FL 33830 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 698-8314 (863) 557-1741 fussell.flafarm@gmail.com pw5281@polksheriff.org Moby Persing 3380 Sam Keen Rd Lake Wales, FL 33853 (863) 528-4567 Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@ earthlink.net
Warner University – Dalton Bush 17 Skidmore Rd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 585-9530 Dalton.bush@warner.edu
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Since 1963 Everglades Farm Equipment has been serving the agriculture and commercial equipment business. We invite you to put us to the test and look forward to doing business together. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Lisa Donini Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
Letter from the Editor Spring is here! Although we are blessed with good weather for much of the year, I still enjoy the spring season. The lengthening days allow more time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer. So get outside and hike, bike, kayak, or whatever you like to do. Visit one of the many parks, ornamental gardens or find an event that celebrates spring flowers. What a great fair season we had in2017. The Florida State Fair was held in February, you can find the Champion of Champions in this issue of In The Field, and the Florida Strawberry Festival was held in early March. Look for the results of the agriculture events in the April issue. Congratulations to all those who competed. You set your goals to help you with your project. By setting goals you know where to concentrate your efforts and what you have to do to reach the goals you set. These events are the culmination of a lot of hard work for these students. They are to be commended for their determination. Thanks so much to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to Cover What Is Growing. We couldn’t do it without you. Until next month
Sarah Holt PAGE
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Well here we are. When you read this article we will be just a few days from spring season. Although it seems like we never had a winter this past year. Weather has been very mild and just enough rain to get the weeds and grass to growing. I think our old gobblers think its spring, I’ve seen many birds already with hens and they have been gobbling for weeks already, yet we are still a few days from our spring season. Good luck to you turkey hunters out there. Back to our weather, we are going in to spring with enough moisture that, with a little warmer weather, we should have plenty of grass in a few days ,unless you are over populated with cows and calves. Moving ahead, we have had a lot going on since my last article. I want to thank all of you for coming out and making our trade show and ranch rodeo a big success .It was a beautiful day with great food from our cattlewomen and a real rodeo from our different ranch teams. Our winning team this year comes from the JMC Ranch with Hunter Higginbotham, Mara Holton, Travis Manley, Kenny Raney and Keith Walter. They will now move on to the State Competition in September in Kissimmee. I want to thank all the sponsors of the trade show and the ranch rodeo. The saddle award sponsors were Cattlemen’s Market, Everglades Farm Equipment, H&H Cattle Ranch, M&D Overstreet Ranch and The Mosaic Company. And I want to thank Fred Waters and all our Directors and volunteers who helped set up and make this one of our most successful activities we’ve ever had. Plans are already going in for our 2018 Ranch Rodeo.
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Changing gears, don’t forget the 66th Florida Beef Cattle Short Course coming up May 3rd - May 5th to be held in Gainesville at the University of Florida campus. If you need additional information, check with Bridget at the Ag Extension office. If
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you’ve never been, it is a very educational event concerning our beef industry in Florida and they have a wonderful steak cookout one night for all participants. Also, don’t forget our State Cattlemen’s Convention has been moved from Marco to Orlando. If you need information on Hotel and registration, contact our State Cattlemen’s Office in Kissimmee. In State Fair news, I want to thank the Lightsey Cattle Ranch for producing the 2017 State Fair Grand Champion Steer. If you would like to participate in the State Fair Producer program, contact Kerrie Lefler at the Livestock Division, Florida State Fair. In closing, I hope all of you are doing well and checking those cows and calves every day. The market seems to be going up a little, so keep your fingers crossed. Also, there are still rumors floating around about the old Central Plant opening back up. We need to pray about this. We really need this facility to reopen. And to all you young cattlemen and cattlewomen, I hope you had a successful time at the Strawberry Festival Livestock Show and success to any prospect shows coming up. Again, you turkey hunters be careful and be safe. Make sure you see the bird before you pull the trigger. There will be a lot of hunters in the woods with their yelpers trying to fool those old smart birds. Good Luck Hunting. May Our Trails Cross Soon
Ray Clark
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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• A 2012 study suggested that eating at least one serving of blueberries a week slowed cognitive decline by several years. • Legend has it that early American colonists boiled them with milk to make gray paint, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s Fruits & Veggies More Matters campaign. • Eating blueberries may benefit heart and brain health, as well as help regulate blood sugar levels. • One cup of blueberries (148 grams) contains 84 calories. • Blueberries are rich in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which may account for many of their health benefits. • Consuming blueberries may help prevent oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the aging process. • Test tube studies suggest that the anthocyanins in blueberries can have beneficial effects on blood sugar control
ONE DAY ONLY | U-PICK March 25th | 8:30am – 4pm All proceeds support the Hillsborough County 4H programs.
Stop by our produce stand and pick up some delicious strawberries. We’re sure they’ll make any occasion. berry special!
NEW STAND LOCATION: Southeast corner of 5212 Drane Field Rd. and County Line Rd. 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2017
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Decline of a Florida Icon
Florida Master Gardener By Debra Howell, Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Almost every resident of Florida is aware that the Sabal palm is recognized as our state tree. But, are you aware of the very clear and present threat to the well-being, indeed the very existence, of not only our state icon, but other types of palms as well? In addition to the Sabal or cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), other palm types at risk are Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and Phoenix palms like Sylvestris, roebelenii, Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) and edible date palms (Phoenix sp.). The most profound diseases impacting these plants are Fusarium wilt, lethal yellowing, Texas Phoenix palm decline and Ganoderma butt rot. Throughout the years, the main focus of concern in Florida has been lethal yellowing phytoplasma and Fusarium wilt. While these two provided plenty of concern in their own right, a new menace has reared its ugly and fatal head. Texas Phoenix palm decline is here! Those five words should strike fear in the hearts of Florida gardeners with the above listed palms in their landscapes. The pressing need to write this article arose from the abundance of callers inquiring at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Plant Clinic about palm issues, especially from my hometown of Fort Meade, where these problems are very apparent. You would have to be pretty unobservant to miss the large number of dead or dying palms in Polk County.
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Lethal yellowing is a bacterial phytoplasma found in the phloem tissue of palms. Phloem tissue is the vascular tissue that transports phytosynthates of palms. It is described in the University of Florida/IFAS publication, PP-222, Lethal Yellowing (LY) of Palm. Previously problematic in the southern third of the state, lethal yellowing made an appearance in Manatee and Sarasota Counties in 2007, on our west coast. It popped up in Indian River County on the east coast in
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2012. This malady has contributed to decline in the number of coconut palms not only in Florida, but in the Caribbean as well. The problematic phytoplasma, which is a cell wall-less bacterium, appears to be spread by an insect called a planthopper. This is an insect with piercing and sucking mouth parts, indicating that it feeds on contents of the plant vascular system, of which the phloem is a part. As the planthopper moves from palm to palm to feed, it is capable of transmitting the phytoplasma. It is believed that lethal yellowing and Texas Phoenix palm decline share the same planthopper insect. The insect is called Hapalaxius (Myndus) crudus (common planthopper), and at present 36 palm species are known to be susceptible to lethal yellowing. It is thought that our recent mild winters have allowed these diseases to prosper and proliferate. As with Texas Phoenix palm decline, it is the appearance and chronological progression of symptoms that provide clues as to the proper diagnosis. Both lethal yellowing and Texas Phoenix palm decline symptoms vary according to palm species. Here are some things to look for with lethal yellowing. First obvious symptom on mature palms is premature fruit drop, sometimes of all fruits. After that, the inflorescences (flowers) will die. Emerging flower spikelets will be black rather than creamy white. The next symptom will be yellowing of foliage of the oldest, or lowest, leaves, and then progressing upward to the crown. The leaves will remain stiff and form a skirt prior to falling from the palm. For the taller coconut palm species, leaves will become golden yellow before dying. As the symptoms advance to the crown, the spear leaf will hang down or fall off. Once this occurs, the apical meristem, or bud, is dead and hence the palm has died. With the dreaded Texas Phoenix palm decline, the progression WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
is different. The fruit drop symptom is followed by discoloration of foliage of the oldest leaves. It begins at the leaf tips. While the leaves turn yellow only briefly, they quickly turn reddishbrown to gray or dark brown. Also, there will be a greater amount of dead leaves than during normal senescence. Then the spear leaf dies, often early in the disease. When the spear leaf dies, no new leaves will be forthcoming since the apical meristem is where cell division takes place. When it dies, the plant dies. Root decay has also been observed with Texas Phoenix palm decline. Since palm roots are soft and easily broken, the root decay may cause palms to be rocked back and forth, due to the decaying root system. These diseases may be to blame for the death of cabbage palms, queen palms and Phoenix varieties in your home landscape. Only a molecular test can assist in determining the exact cause of palm death from these phytoplasm issues. This involves a core sample. These diseases have no cure, but may be treated quarterly with injections of oxytetracycline HCI for the life of the plant. Fusarium wilt is a palm pathogen observed in state nurseries and landscapes. To date, losses are minor compared with lethal yellowing and Texas Phoenix palm decline. Symptoms are that it begins with the lowest leaves, moving through the canopy. Brown stripes on the stems will extend into the shaft of the leaf. Leaflets on one side of the frond will die, while the other side remains green. It is recommended that the affected palm be removed, as there is no cure. Red palm mites are recognized by scattered yellow spots on both leaflet surfaces, yellowing of the entire frond, especially the lower leaves and premature drop of fruits and flowers. Ganoderma butt rot causes drooping of older fronds and new growth is yellow or pale green. The palm will develop a fungus, which will protrude from the lower trunk and look like a hard, shelf-like structure. This fungus will degrade the lower 4-5 feet of the trunk. It is recommended to remove the
Trunk rot has new fronds, which are scorched and black. The trunk will weep a gummy black substance and will have soft, sunken black spots. Usually this disease is also fatal. Other palm issues, which are less detrimental, are manganese deficiency, which will cause a frizzled look. There are also deficiencies of magnesium and potassium. As a hedge of protection from diseases caused by deficiencies, the University of Florida/IFAS recommends proper application of a palm fertilizer formulated to provide major and minor nutrients. The threat to our state tree, the cabbage or Sabal palm, is very real. So real is this threat that within a decade we may need a new state symbol. At any rate, these diseases will certainly alter the composition of our forests, hammocks and wetland areas. If you have questions regarding your landscape, you may call your local Extension Service office for help find the answer. You can reach the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041 or online at http://polkextension.com. The Plant Clinic is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remember to mark your calendar! The Polk County Master Gardeners will be holding their 11th Annual GardenFest and Plant Sale on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Polk County Extension Service office located at 1702 Highway 17 South (Hwy. 17 is also known as Spessard Holland Parkway on Google Maps), Bartow, Florida. There will be “Know and Grow” gardening information, along with Florida-Friendly plants. For more information call 863-519-1041 or go online at http://polkmastergardener.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2017
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palm, as there is no cure. The fungus will remain in the soil, therefore, DO NOT plant a new palm in that spot as the fungus is still there.
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TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT MARCH 2017 LED LIGHTS Better, Brighter and Longer Lasting What is an LED? As lighting technology improves almost everyone has seen, or will see, this small bright light. Actually they are an electronic light source created from a light-emitting-diode, and so the name LED. Invented in the early 20th century and introduced as a practical electronic component in 1962, these early devices emitted a low-intensity red light, but modern LED’s are now available across the color spectrum and are capable of producing a very high and bright light. Applications of LED’s are widely diverse, often used as new equipment or as low-energy replacements for traditional lighting. Without getting into how they’re actually manufactured, let’s say it’s simple but complex. Although small they produce a bright light source with advantages over traditional lighting. Some include longer life, improved brightness, smaller size, lower amperage draw, and instant-on capability. To work properly in the marine environment LED’s are hermetically sealed for protection against the environment and other corrosive elements. To ensure long life, the most reliable sealing method is encapsulating the circuit board and LED diodes in a material that is impervious to outside industrial, road and marine environments. The most common application for LED’s in the boating industry is trailer lighting. However, boat manufacturers around the world are quickly jumping on the LED bandwagon. Primarily because of improved intensity, color combinations and low operating amperage draws. Boat and utility trailers for example, take a tremendous amount of abuse. They are continually exposed to elements including fresh and salt water, rough roads and rougher boat ramps. Therefore, to produce a long-life light source like LED’s means that greater care must be taken during their design and manufacture. While this translates to a higher principal cost, it also means lower replacement costs over the life of the trailer. With some research you can find an excellent LED trailer lighting kit priced somewhere between $50 and $75 dollars. On a personal note and because I trailer my rig over 200 days each year at night and in heavy stop and go traffic, I switched to LED lighting a couple of years ago. I like the added brightness and feel that when towing, especially in stop and go traffic, the vehicles behind me can see the brighter lights. Okay, Now That You’re Totally in the Know about LED Lights
“Let’s Go Fishing” We have four seasons in Florida – Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Christmas. But thank goodness all these up and down temperatures are almost over and summertime’s just around the corner. Because as the water temperatures begin to stabilize, the fish get comfortable and the outlook for April is great. We really didn’t have much of a winter this year and we’ve steadily been catching fish using greenbacks, shrimp and artificial lures. Usually I get to put the net away and it’s nice not having to throw it, but this year we’re still throwing the darn thing because the baits still hanging around. We had some good snook, trout and smaller redfish days, and once in a while we’ll get a sheepshead, snapper, grunt or pompano off a rock pile using shrimp.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
In March be sure to check out docks, bridges, mangrove islands, oyster bars or any other ambush spot for snook and reds. You often hear me talk about topwater action, well this is a great month to get a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. punched out of the water by a big snook. It’s also a great time to fish docks and bridge fenders at night. Any good lipped lure tossed at or around lighted structures, then ripped through the light line, usually produce everything from snook, redfish, and trout to the occasional grouper, if you’re fishing down near the south end docks and canals.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
On any decent grass flat, through the rest of the summer, you can expect the trout fishing to be strong. Jigs with plastic tails, or greenbacks and shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork will do the trick. And don’t be surprised if you pull up a nice pompano off some the sandy edges of the grass flats especially if using shrimp. Redfish are a staple of the area and you can expect to catch plenty from now right through the summer. Live baits or artificial, it’s all fun tussling with these fighting dynamos. Targeting areas along the flats, edges of breaks and oyster bars should produce some nice fish. Reds also like cut baits lying on the bottom. Cut a pinfish in half, toss it out, put the rod in the rod holder, and let it lay on the bottom. Of course there’s always a chance of a stingray, but many times it’s a fighting redfish. Snapper, sharks, mackerel, and bluefish should begin showing during the month, especially when the large schools of threadfins appear. In February’s report I indicated that red grouper was closed from Feb 1 – May 31. That was my mistake and I need to correct it. According to the FWC rules red grouper in State Waters are: Open year-round; in Federal Waters are: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms see FWC; “The Edges” closed Jan 1 Apr 30 To figure out where the 20 fathom line is and The Edges are you need to look at the map. Seems like a lot of work and gas for a couple of fish to me, but that’s the rules. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2017
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Thank a Rancher…
Ever wonder where steak or hamburger meat comes from? People often don’t think about where the beef on their plate comes from and no one will know unless they understand the beef industry. In this article I have decided to write and educate the importance of Florida’s beef industry’s history, how the industry feeds our nation and also how it provides an income for the ranchers and farmers. Once realizing the importance of the beef industry you might thank a rancher or farmer.
Out of all the states Florida is America’s oldest cattle-raising state. The history of beef cattle in Florida dates all the way back to the 1500’s. It was Spanish explorers like Ponce de Leon that helped populate Florida’s cattle industry. By the 1800’s the herds of cattle grew extensively and people raised cattle for beef. When the railroads reached the state of Florida it made it possible to ship cattle, therefore the cattle industry grew. From the use of cattle more jobs became available for the new settlers. Through care and dedication, the quality of Florida cattle had improved greatly in the 1920’s. To this day raising cattle is still one of the biggest businesses in Florida. Florida’s ranchers raise the third largest number of cattle of any state east of the Mississippi (Polk County Cattlemen 2007).
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Everyone likes a good steak! But some people don’t realize where their beef for dinner comes from. In the United States Florida’s cattle industry ranks in the top 15 and is mostly a cow/calf production. The biggest step to providing beef is having a good cow/calf operation. Cattle serves a unique purpose, providing high quality protein that can be consumed. Beef cattle production is dispersed throughout the United States but a significant amount comes from the
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state of Florida. Of the cattle, the dominate are calves, the calves are eventually shipped to other states to be finished out and processed for beef. To this day Florida is still a cow/ calf crop providing state and is continuing to provide the nation with healthy and safe beef. There are many opportunities that provide income for ranchers and farmers in the state of Florida. The beef industry is also creating income opportunities for feed companies, equipment dealers, and fertilizer manufactures. The beef industry keeps the livestock markets in business as well. Each market takes a commission from each heifer, cow, or bull that is sold on their property and for using their facility. These are some good examples of how the beef industry provides income and jobs for residents in Florida. To add to this, cattlemen in Florida today are committed to the preservation of Florida’s rich farm land and significantly support Florida’s economy, providing people with jobs and food on the table. Often over looked because of the thrilling theme parks and the white sandy beaches, the beef industry in Florida is very important to the public. To understand the importance of Florida’s beef industry the public must understand the history, how the industry feeds our nation, and also how it provides an income for the ranchers and farmers. Florida has come a long way from the first herd of cattle brought over in the 1500’s, and since then, the beef industry has brought many great benefits to Florida’s residents and provides many opportunities for the public. Once you realize the importance of the beef industry, you will want to thank a rancher or farmer. Always remember “Beef! It’s what’s for dinner.”
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Left to right:Doyle Carlton, III, Chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority, Ainsley Peterson, Cady McGehee, Sydni Sinka, Michael Fioretto, Abigail Clapp, Nikki Foster from Mosaic
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best” “The Best of the Best” THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 1ST Place - $1500 Cash Award AINSLEY PETERSON FROM MAYO 2nd Place Champion of Champions Cady McGehee from Okeechobee 3rd Place Champion of Champions Sydni Sinka from Dade City 4th Place Champion of Champions Michael Fioretto from Bradenton 5th Place Champion of Champions Abigail Clapp from Punta Gorda 6th Place Champion of Champions Tierani Johnson from Land O’Lakes Mosaic Scholarship Winners The winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is: Kayleigh Heather from Dade City Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship Winners The winners of the $1,000 Scholarship are: Casey Wingate from Myakka Nicole Falk from Edgewater Michael Fioretto from Bradenton Genaveve Henson from Myakka Cady McGehee from Okeechobee Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship Winner The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is: Joshua Case Birge from Graceville
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CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS Youth Dog Junior Champion – Jada Sawhney from Punta Gorda Intermediate Champion – Jadyn Knox from Winter Haven 4th place Senior Champion – Stephanie Shimer from Lutz 3rd place Senior Champion – Kathleen Wann from Lakeland 2nd place Senior Champion – Shannon Piquet from Pinellas Park Champion Youth for Dog Show – Hannah Reeder from Lakeland Youth Llama Junior Champion – Kylie Morgan from Tampa Intermediate Champion – Ryan Swartz from Sarasota 4th place Senior Champion – Autumn Tinney from Zephyrhills 3rd place Senior Champion – Leila Davis from Wesley Chapel 2nd place Senior Champion – Tyler Davis from Thonotosassa
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Youth Goat Junior Champion – Noah Perdomo from San Antonio Intermediate Champion – Melina Perdomo Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Layla Grace Henson from from San Antonio 4th place Senior Champion – Brooke Miller Winter Haven Intermediate Champion – Kally Henson from from New Smyrna Beach 3rd place Senior Champion – Edward Maddox Winter Haven from DeLand 4th place Senior Champion – Daniel Rojas 2nd place Senior Champion – Breanna Edfrom Tampa 3rd place Senior Champion – Maegan Rodden wards from DeLand Champion Youth for Goat Show – Isabel Perfrom Lake Wales domo from San Antonio 2nd place Senior Champion – Tiffany Gerst from Holiday Youth Swine Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Michael Junior Champion – Macie Waller from InFioretto from Bradenton verness Youth Steer Intermediate Champion – Madison Lefler from Intermediate Champion – Taylor Waller from Inverness Lakeland 4th place Senior Champion – Taylynn William- 4th place Senior Champion – Taylor Gebo from Fort White son from Dade City 3rd place Senior Champion – Ainsley Peterson 3rd place Senior Champion – Emily Jennings from Mayo from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Shannon Green- 2nd place Senior Champion – Taylor Miller from Fort White wald from Port Orange Champion Youth for Swine Show – Christian Champion Youth for Steer Show – Tierani Rodriguez from Live Oak Johnson from Land O’Lakes Champion Youth for Llama Show – Miranda Tyler from Wesley Chapel
Youth Dairy Junior Champion – Johanna Heijkoop from Webster Intermediate Champion – Shelby Ane Sumner from Okeechobee 4th place Senior Champion – Aleah Burrill from Sarasota 3rd place Senior Champion – Jozef Heijkoop from Webster 2nd place Senior Champion – Sydni Sinka from Dade City Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Cady McGehee from Okeechobee Youth Poultry Junior Champion – Jada Sawhney from Punta Gorda Intermediate Champion – Faith Montalvo from Arcadia 4th place Senior Champion – Megan Handley from Mulberry 3rd place Senior Champion – Kaylee Cummings from Dade City 2nd place Senior Champion – Oceanna Deaton from Eustis Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Emily Jennings from Dade City
Youth Beef Junior Champion – Chloe Davis from Ocala Intermediate Champion – Payton Davis from Ocala 4th place Senior Champion – Diana Courson from Bradenton 3rd place Senior Champion – Abigail Clapp from Punta Gorda 2nd place Senior Champion – Kendall Gill from Punta Gorda Champion Youth for Beef Show – Ryan Beany from Fort Pierce Youth Sheep Junior Champion – Rilee Smith from Edgewater Intermediate Champion – Megan Christopher from DeLand 4th place Senior Champion – Emily Rohde from Deland 3rd place Senior Champion – Edward Maddox from DeLand 2nd place Senior Champion – Michael Austin from DeLand Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Brooke Miller from New Smyrna Beach
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Grave Robber I have discovered a number of famous people lived in the city of Zephyrhills. Stock car drivers, Buzzie and David Reutimann, Ramiele Malubay, American Idol finalist and Carl Tanzler (aka Carl von Cosel), best know for stealing and preserving the corpse of Elena Milagro Hoyos. I suggest if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read this story. Most people never heard of Elena. She never did anything note-worthy, but died of tuberculosis. The story goes that Carl Tanzler, who lived for three years in Zephyhills, had a morbid obsession for a young Cuban-American TB patient, Elena Milagro, that carried on well after she died of the disease. The story goes, in 1933, almost two years after she died, Tanzler removed Hoyos’ body from its tomb, and lived with the corpse at his home for seven years. One evening in April 1933, Tanzler crept through the cemetery where Hoyos was buried and removed her body from the mausoleum, carting it through the cemetery after dark on a toy wagon, and transporting it to his home. He reportedly said that Elena’s spirit would come to him when he would sit by her grave and serenade her corpse with a favorite Spanish song. He also said that she would often tell him to take her from the grave. Tanzler attached the corpse’s bones together with wire and coat hangers, and fitted the face with glass eyes. As the skin of the corpse decomposed, Tanzler replaced it with silk cloth soaked in wax and plaster of paris. As the hair fell out of the decomposing scalp, Tanzler fashioned a wig from Hoyos’s hair that had been collected by her mother and given to Tanzler not long after her burial in 1931. Tanzler filled the corpse’s abdominal and chest cavity with rags to keep the original form, dressed Hoyos’s remains in stockings, jewelry, and gloves, and kept the body in his bed. Tanzler also used copious amounts of perfume, disinfectants, and preserving agents, to mask the odor and forestall the effects of the corpse’s decomposition.
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In October, 1940, Elena’s sister Florinda heard rumors of Tanzler sleeping with the disinterred body of her sister, and confronted Tanzler at his home, where Hoyos’s body was eventually discovered. Florinda notified the authorities, and Tanzler was arrested and detained. Tanzler was psychiatrically examined, and found mentally competent to stand trial on the charge of “wantonly and maliciously destroying a grave and removing a body without authorization.” After a preliminary hearing on October 9, 1940 at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, Tanzler was held to answer on the charge, but the case was eventually dropped and he was released, as the statue of limitations for the crime had expired.
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Shortly after the corpse’s discovery by authorities, Hoyos’s body was examined by physicians and pathologists, and put on public display at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, where it was viewed by as many as 6,800 people. Hoyos’s body was eventually returned to the Key West Cemetery where the remains were buried in an unmarked grave, in a secret location, to prevent further tampering. Then there’s the story of Jean Stevens and her twin sister, June. They were so inseparable they married brothers. When June was diagnosed with cancer, Jean shared a bed with her and rubbed her back. And when June died in October 2009, she was buried in her sister’s backyard—but only for a few days. Lonely and claustrophobic at the thought of her sister trapped underground, Jean had June dug up and brought inside to live with her, just like she had done 10 years earlier with James, her husband of 60 years, who had been buried at a nearby cemetery. There they lived—well, she lived—with her husband’s body on a couch in the extended garage and her sister propped up in a spare room off her bedroom for almost a year before the cops were tipped off that the 91-year-old was not alone. In an interview shortly thereafter, Stevens was aware that her behavior appeared disturbing, but explained unapologetically that she “felt differently about death.” I’ve always loved reading the head stones in old cemeteries. Some folks have a great sense of humor for their loved one. Enjoy a few of the better ones I have collected: “Here lies Johnny Yeast, Pardon me for not Rising.” Memory of an accident in a Uniontown, Pennsylvania cemetery: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake. In a Silver City, Nevada, Cemetery: Here lays Butch, We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger, But slow on the draw. In a Georgia cemetery: “I told you I was sick!” In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England: On the 22nd of June – Jonathan Fiddle –Went out of tune. The grave of Ellen Shannon in Girard, Pennsylvania: Born 1903 – Died 1942 Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was. In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery: The children of Israel wanted bread, And the Lord sent them manna, Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, And the Devil sent him Anna.
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our reclamation team and ecologists use the latest technology and scientific methods to reclaim formerly mined lands, creating natural corridors for native wildlife and even reviving streams that haven’t existed for over a century. As a global leader in reclamation ecology, Mosaic is pioneering new environmental approaches to create vital habitats and land uses for future generations — both ours and nature’s. The reclaimed perennial stream at Maron Run provides habitat and
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food supplies for a diverse group of water-dependent species. To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit MosaicCo.com/Florida.
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The Clark Sisters:
Back to Back Champions
Sisters…one of the most important, unique, and complex relationships in life; the person who has known you your entire life and loves you anyway. Author Linda Sunshine explains, “If you don’t understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, you were probably an only child.” While some sisters develop their own sense of style and interests, others share common passions and dreams. This month we introduce you to two sisters, Maggie and Kaydee Clark, future leaders within the cattle industry who, as fate would have it, achieved back-toback Grand Champion Market Steer status at the Polk County Youth Fair. They are the daughters of Jeremy and Angie Clark of Lakeland, sisters to their brother Cody Clark, and the granddaughters to Ray and Phyllis Clark of Lakeland and Dennis and Brenda Hamm of Plant City. Maggie and Kaydee Clark are sisters who are as alike as they are different. Both girls are involved in organizations that advocate and promote the agriculture industry and they share a love of riding four-wheelers, checking the pastures for calves, Dr. Pepper, and Kane Brown. On the flip side, Kaydee prefers raising Charolais cattle and baking, while Maggie prefers raising Herefords and eating what Kaydee bakes. Maggie is a sophomore at Kathleen High School and is a member of the Kathleen Sr. FFA chapter. Kaydee is in 8th grade at McKeel Academy and is a member of the Hoof ‘N’ Horn 4-H Club. Maggie and Kaydee have been cattle exhibitors at the Polk County Youth Fair since they became old enough to show. The girls have exhibited commercial heifers, beef breeding heifers, and market steers. Throughout their years of exhibiting cattle they have felt the sting of last place and the pride of first place. Maggie and Kaydee exhibit a maturity well beyond their years and understand that, win or lose, at the end of the day, exhibiting cattle is much more than a placement in a class. In life, as in the show cattle industry, there is one constant….change. Maggie and Kaydee were steer exhibitors in the Polk County Youth Fair market steer program when it was altered to accommodate a multitude of exhibitors. They embraced the change and have experienced successes most only dream of.
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The 2013 Polk County Youth Fair introduced some changes into the market steer show. The show was divided into two different divisions, the Open Steer Show and the Commercial Steer Show. The Open Steer Show would consist of steers that could be purchased at the discretion of the exhibitor, while the Commercial Steer Show would consist of steers that were chosen from a lottery. Mr. Cary Lightsey, a Polk County cattleman who contributes steers each year to
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the Commercial Steer Show, explains, “For many years our ranch and many other Polk County ranchers were receiving calls from local FFA and 4-H students wanting to purchase our steers for the Polk County Youth Fair market steer show. They wanted a homegrown steer that they could afford and be able to make a profit at the end of the project, which is the learning goal to any market animal. The only fair way to have a Polk County Commercial Steer Show was to separate these steers from the Open, or out of county and/or state steers. The Polk County Youth Fair Steer Committee, five years ago, asked ten Polk County cattlemen if they could each produce ten quality steers to put into a lottery selection process. This selection process was adapted from the Florida State Fair Youth Steer Futurity Show and it works very well. So, ten Polk County cattlemen supplied their steers at a selection day for the youth exhibitors to come and choose their market steer projects. Since that time a separate Polk County Commercial Steer Show has been conducted annually at the Polk County Youth Fair. These exhibitors receive extra funds and add-ons raised by local businesses specifically for them, for choosing to raise a county bred steer. The program is a win-win for all involved.” Through this process a Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion are chosen by the same judge in each division, with the order of the shows alternating each year. To remain unbiased, the order the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion steers are auctioned alternates each year, as well. The process for the Commercial Steer Show begins in the spring, soon after the conclusion of the Polk County Youth Fair each year. Interested students submit an entry form to have their name added to the roster. Selection day is held each June at Lightsey Cattle Company facilities in Lake Wales. Numbers are written on a paper, corresponding with the number of students attending, and placed in a container. Students draw numbers from the container in alphabetical order, by last name. These numbers determine the order in which the students select their project animal from a pen of steers that have been provided by cattlemen that raise cattle in Polk County. Steers are weighed before selection day and the prices of the steers have been calculated before students arrive. The price of the steers fluctuates each year, as students are charged the average current market value of each steer plus 10%. After the steers are chosen they are run through the chute where they are tagged with two PCYF specific ear tags. Once the ear tags have been placed and the committee members record the required data, the project begins and the student is able to leave with his/her project animal. All steers, both Open and Commercial, must weigh at least WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
1,000 lbs. at the final weigh-in in January. After the steers are weighed carcass data is obtained through ultrasound. When the carcass data is combined with the live weight and the estimated hot carcass weight of each steer, the data is then tabulated and a Grand Champion Carcass contest winner is chosen from a combination of both steer shows. In 2015 Maggie Clark was thrilled to draw the number two from the container, indicating she was the second exhibitor to choose her steer. Maggie had already previewed the steers and had a list of her top five favorites. Ultimately, she chose a Charolais cross steer from the Grape Hammock pen. Maggie reflects, “Having a quality steer is not the only thing that ensures a successful market steer project. Through my steer projects I have learned feed management is a crucial part of raising a steer to be finished. I learn new things with every steer and I apply new techniques to get the results I want. It’s definitely been a learning process and I’m happy with the feed management program I use now.” She checked him into the 2016 PCYF at 1238 lbs. Throughout the show Maggie won her class and was able to come back in and compete in the Champion Drive, where she received the coveted Grand Champion handshake. As the night of the sale began Maggie received another surprise. She was also the Grand Champion Carcass contest winner. Maggie has been a PCYF Commercial Steer Show exhibitor since the show’s inception in 2013. In addition to her Grand Champion Commercial Steer at the 2016 PCYF, Maggie also had another winning project to exhibit. She was the proud winner of a drawing for a commercial Brangus heifer that was donated by Oak Knoll Ranch to the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. She exhibited this heifer at the 2016 PCYF and proudly shares the heifer recently had her first calf. Maggie also experienced a personal phenomenon within her cattle herd; a cow within her herd gave birth to twin bull calves. To say Maggie had much to celebrate about this show season would be an understatement. In 2016, following the same procedures as the year before, Maggie and Kaydee entered the Commercial Steer Show and arrived at selection day ready to choose their next project animals. As Kaydee drew her number from the container she was excited to see she had chosen number 10. It wasn’t until committee members inspected the numbers further that they discovered Kaydee had actually chosen number 01. Kaydee had her list of her top five steers and eventually chose an Angus cross steer from the Grape Hammock pen.
The separation of the steer show at the Polk County Youth Fair has not come without controversy, with many people on each side strongly supporting one show or the other. Angie Clark, mother of Maggie and Kaydee, points out, “It was an easy decision to let our children participate in the Commercial Steer Show because our focus for them has always been to build their herds, not a trophy collection. Our kids invest the profits from their steer projects into building their herds and funding their current steer projects. The Commercial Steer projects have provided them with experiences commercial cattlemen face on a daily basis and the producers check up on the kids and their projects throughout the year. The Commercial Steer Show allows our kids to raise a high quality profitable project each year with a lot of community and producer support.” When asked about the Clark sister’s experiences raising his calves, Barrett Chandley, owner of Grape Hammock, explained, “We are very proud of the Clark girls. They have always done a good job with our calves and we look forward to seeing their finished products at the fair. It is obvious that they are hardworking kids that love showing cattle!” As Maggie and Kaydee look to the future they plan to continue to participate in the Commercial Steer Show, however they hope to add a new aspect to their experience….producer. Cody, Maggie and Kaydee currently have steers set aside that they plan to have available for Commercial Steer exhibitors to select from on selection day. They may also have steers available as private treaty sales for exhibitors wanting to participate in the Open Steer Show. Polk County Youth Fair market steer entry forms will be available on the PCYF website soon for students interested in exhibiting a market steer at the 2018 Polk County Youth Fair. Check the website often for updated rules and entry forms, www.pcyf.net.
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Kaydee explains, “I get very attached to my cattle, so when I get my steer each year I don’t give him a name. This helps me remember my steers are not pets. They are project animals. Some of my steers have had more personality than others, though. My Grand Champion steer would stand up in the feed trough every day looking for me to come feed him. Even though I’m sad to see them go at the end of the project, I understand that his purpose is to feed people.” Kaydee checked her steer into the 2017 PCYF at 1288 lbs. Kaydee won her class during the show and, like her sister before, competed in the Champion Drive where she too received the Grand Champion handshake.
Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Last month we finished up the section on ferns. And now we enter the wide world of exotic ornamental plants. This will surely prove a grand adventure on the Literary Time Machine as we voyage back to the great gardening advice that surfaced in the 1920s here in Florida. We will join Mr. TorreySimpson and expect to learn much from his wealth of plant knowledge. He starts this chapter off providing fair warning to the readers, “I have endeavored in these lists to give data as to hardiness and tenderness of plants as far as I am familiar with them. Usually the vegetation of temperate and warm temperate regions does not succeed in tropical or near tropical areas, such things seeming to need cold as much as the tender ones require warmth. In general the word plant applies to everything I have listed.”¹ Having done his best to introduce us to this chapter, he dives right in with a listing of pinnate-leaved palms. That seems hardly exotic to us, given the fact that Florida is rife with palm trees. But, his concept of exotic is far more like the dictionary definition, meaning non-native. So, he starts with the Acrocomia, “A genus of very spiny palms from tropical America and Paraguay. The trunks have rings of terrible thorns and even the petioles of the leaves but they are sturdy, rapid growers and flourish in pineland with little care or fertilizer.”¹ He then reveals his own personal experience with these exotic palms. He writes, “Five seeds were received some twelve or more years ago of what was claimed to be A. media, round nuts an inch in diameter with a very hard, thick shell. I cracked two of them—one just a little too much so that I broke the skin of the kernel, and planted the four. One of the cracked ones came up quickly and is now a tree thirty feet high with a trunk a foot in diameter while the other three have not reported.”¹ We suspect that might mean it is necessary to crack the seeds of this kind of palm if you want it to grow.
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He did add, “On account of the spiny nature of these plants they should be put in unfrequented places and not along
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walks or roads.” We are thinking that means they might make great protective accoutrements to lawns that discourage visitors. In fact, maybe we should look into planting some along our property line. At the very least, it has made us wonder about the length of the thorns. Take a look at the picture for yourself. Those are impressive spines! Sticking with palms, he moves on to Archontophoenix alexandrae. Which he says is, “…a tall, rather rapid growing palm of great beauty and elegance from Queensland. The pinnae are more delicate than those of the next species and are silvery underneath.”¹ The species with which he refers is apparently one of controversy as he writes, “Lately the U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a palm under the latter name that it is claimed is the genuine species.”¹ He’s debating the A. cunninghami and the Seaforthia elegans. Our research revealed differences in spelling and very little information about the first of those two. Apparently, the USDA stuck with the Seaforthia elegans. Then we arrive at a particularly interesting revelation, the Arenga saccharifera. He pens, “…the Sugar palm of India from whose sap taken at the time the tree is flowering sugar and wine or toddy are made. It is a majestic tree and as I write a fine specimen twenty-five feet high is blooming in my grounds. The trunk is about fifteen inches in diameter and the massive leaves are as large as those of a coconut but more erect. From inside their bases there spring a great number of very strong, blackish fibers and large dull spines, the latter reaching a length of three feet and both enclose the trunk and support the young leaves. The fiber is the Gomuti and is used for cordage and a variety of purposes by the natives of the East Indies.” His description continues from there but we were particularly intrigued by this palm’s usefulness. The Sugar palm has also undergone a name change. It is better known, these days, as the Arenga pinnata. Research suggests that it can reach heights of nearly 60 ft. But, the saddest revelation is that after these trees finish blooming, they die. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
They are said to grow in Naples, Loxahatchee, and Saint Petersburg.² So, we suspect it would be possible to see some growing in Plant City. But you would have to do a lot more research on how to harvest the sugar (called jaggery) from these trees. We have provided a link in case you are interested in learning more.³ It is a really great read and can definitely provide you with a larger glimpse of the value of these types of palms. We’ll be learning a good deal about exotic palms over the next few months. So, sit back and enjoy the future voyages on the Literary Time Machine. Who knows, maybe we’ll find some other palms for food and fuel provision. Until next time, enjoy your yards, it’s still cool enough to be outside gardening. Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 125-127). ²Dave’s Garden. Solitary Sugar Palm. http://davesgarden.com/ guides/pf/go/62892/. ³Lavelle, M. (2011). A Rain Forest Advocate Taps the Energy of the Sugar Palm. National Geographic. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/06/110623-tapergie-sugarpalm-biofuel/ Photo Credits: Spines on the palm we first mention - Acromia aculeate- by Daniel Rengel. https://flic.kr/p/DXwUsq Double photo of Arenga palm- Arenga pinnata, the Sugar Palmby Dick Culbert. https://flic.kr/p/nFrEqp Nuggets of jaggery that look like mushrooms- Palm Sugar- by @ ccfoodtravel. https://flic.kr/p/degGPi Blocks of palm sugar- Palm Sugar- by Stu_Spivack. https://flic. kr/p/tH8wZ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Knowledge is the Greatest Tool: Black Creek Crayfish By Ginny Mink When I was 14, or thereabouts, I spent a summer in Louisiana. My aunt and uncle were having their second child and they needed help. While there, my uncle suggested that I sample some of the local delicacies. I will admit that I am a rather picky eater. So, when he told me to try crawfish, I was slightly putoff. However, when he told me to pinch off the heads and suck out the insides, I gagged. There was no way I was doing something that disgusting, especially since I had seen these same entities crawling around in the ditches along the sides of the road. If you had told me all those years ago, that I would one day be coming to the rescue of such a creature, I would have thought you nuts. Yet, here I am telling you that we need to protect the Black Creek Crayfish, Procambarus pictus.¹ I guess since I would never consider eating one of these, it makes a little sense that I would tell you to leave them be. My distaste for crayfish, crawfish, crawdads, whatever you want to call them, doesn’t predicate their value though. These wee-lobster looking crustaceans are here for a reason and that means they need someone to bring their plight to the public eye. The Black Creek crayfish is a species of special concern and has been considered threatened. As crayfish go, they are midsized. The biggest ones get to be about three inches long. If you go looking for some, you’ll need to keep an eye out for those that have yellow and white marks against a black back. That black back, which seems a lot like a lobster’s, is called a carapace. The belly will be banded in black against a dark red base. And if you need one additional identifier, they have ten bumps on their claws while other crayfish have hair-like attributes on theirs.² Be aware that while this creature is considered threatened, it very nearly meets the criteria to be labeled endangered. It is steadily declining in presence, but there seem to be some genetic issues that require further investigation before that label can be adhered. Because these crayfish are endemic to the Black Creek, their habitat options are relatively small and that certainly contributes to the potential endangerment. And, when you add the human factor to the quality of their environment, it is easy to see why they are in trouble.¹
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Many times, when I write these, I wonder what value the threatened or endangered species I’m attempting to support holds in the grand scheme of things. It helps, sometimes, to add that kind of an answer for motivational purposes. So, when I read about the Black Creek crayfish’s diet, I realized it exists here for a reason beyond, “God made it and that’s good enough.” Crayfish exist off decomposed organic matter and dead plants and animals. Essentially, they are a type of underwater cleanup crew. They are the trash-men of the
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Black Creek and that makes them super important for that ecosystem.² While they are participative in the cleanup of the streams they inhabit, they don’t seem to be fond of those slower moving sections. They have been collected from over 30 sites, but most of them have been located within the Black Creek system. In truth, there are three stream systems that seem to house the largest populations, the Black Creek, Etoniah Creek, and a very small stream found close to Fort Caroline. Tannic-stained water appears to be their preference.¹ And, they particularly like hiding under tree roots and various other vegetation.² When it comes to trying to figure out why these wee-creatures are in harm’s way, it is easy to see that people are the problem. We are all about mining and urbanization. We choose to dam up head waters, and pollute them with our pesticides and insecticides, and various other contaminants. The roads we so desperately require to get us from point A to B, have a tendency to erode and that causes problems for the waters that flow nearby. Of course, there are also issues with silviculture (tree cultivation), and fluctuations in water temperatures.² Currently, the populations of Black Creek crayfish that are located on public land may be offered some level of protection. However, when they are found on private land, the threats we mentioned previously become more serious and there is little that can be done to defend them. Additionally, some of these crayfish have been diagnosed with a fungal disease, but no one is sure what impact that may have on their mortality.³ Perhaps the best chance they stand, is letting people who live on the private lands they occupy, know that they exist and are in danger. Aside from that, I have no other answer for the assurance of their survival. Knowledge, here, is the greatest tool. Resources: ¹The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Procambarus pictus (Black Creek Crayfish, Spotted Royal Crayfish). http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18213/0 ²Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Black creek crayfish: Procambarus pictus. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/invertebrates/black-creekcrayfish/ ³ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Black Creek Crayfish Biological Status Review Report. (2011). http:// myfwc.com/media/2273262/Black-Creek-Crayfish-BSR.pdf Photo Credits: Freeimages.com/Stacy Brumley- File # 1367643- Crayfish looking at you Freeimages.com/Richard McMillan- File # 1374745- Not a Black Creek Crayfish WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jack Payne
Nathan Carson As soon as the kid from Plant City and Hillsborough Community College showed up at the University of Florida, he went to the office of the senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. That’s me. And as much as I love serving the 5,800 students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, it’s rare that one seeks me out. Just by showing up in my doorway, Nathan Carson was following the first piece of advice I’d given him. The year before, he had come to visit with Chip Hinton, who at the time was the executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and a friend of Nathan’s family. I invited Nathan to visit again once he had transferred to UF. He did. I don’t teach classes, but I gave Nathan recommended reading. He did it, and he came back to discuss it with me. I told him about the Challenge 2050 program. He enrolled. It’s a course sequence that has students think deeply for years – instead of just in preparation for a single exam – about how to feed a growing population in the face of the loss of farmland, tighter environmental regulation, water scarcity, climate change, and other challenges. He starred in the program, delivering a TED-style talk in 2015 on his idea to bring microloans to India as a way to combat hunger in what is projected to be the world’s most populous nation by the time Nathan is in his mid-30s. I encouraged Nathan to pursue Challenge 2050’s internship opportunities. He did, and he ended up in California as a supply chain and sales intern at one of the world’s largest seed companies. Nathan graduated from UF’s main campus in Gainesville, where he majored in food and resource economics. It’s audacious for a then 21-year-old to take on what is arguably the world’s greatest challenge. It’s audacious for a new student to walk into my office. But there’s plenty of audacity
among the young people of Hillsborough County, and that’s part of why the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has a Plant City campus. We’re in the human potential business at UF/IFAS. We help unlock it with the right classes but also with innovative teaching, whether it’s Challenge 2050 or our Plant City campus. Our online programs are constantly expanding. This year, for example, we’ve launched a completely online agroecology certificate. You supply the audacity. We supply the opportunity and expertise. That’s the equation for producing a new generation of agricultural leaders. Boy, do we need them. Chip Hinton has since retired and been inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Nathan is finishing his master’s degree at Purdue University. I recently wrote him a letter of recommendation for a master’s program in international relations, building on his master’s in agricultural economics and eventually apply it to combatting food insecurity. In it, I mentioned his TED-style talk and how he was introduced that night by the emcee: “International development is who he is and what he does.” I believe he’s on his way to a career in addressing the challenges the students were talking about that night. I got to see Nathan in February at One World 2017, the forum where he delivered his microloan talk two years earlier. It prompted me to reflect anew on how Nathan has been great about heeding advice. It also reaffirmed my conviction that in a few years this seventh-generation Floridian will be the one dispensing it to make a better world.
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Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS
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Pineapples Florida
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Traditionally, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. Fresh pineapples are a sweet tropical fruit that flourish in Florida’s warm climate. Also known as anana, piña, or nana, the pineapple gets its name from its resemblance to a pinecone. The pineapple is native to South America. Florida was once the top producer of pineapples in the United States, but now Hawaii is the nation’s biggest producer. Pineapples grow easily in Florida soil, simply by cutting off the crown of the fruit and placing it in soil where it flowers in five to ten months and then fruits in the next six months. Florida’s peak season for pineapples runs from March through July. Pineapples are delicious when eaten fresh out of hand. They can also be cooked, juiced, canned, or preserved. The two main types of pineapples grown in the United States are the Cayenne and the Red Spanish. The Cayenne type is tall, cylindrical, golden yellow in color, and grown widely in Hawaii. The Red Spanish type, grown in Florida and Puerto Rico, is shorter, plumper with reddish gold skin. When ripe, pineapples have a fragrant aroma and the peel becomes yellow. The taste is a combination of sweet and tart.
Nutrition This sweet, flavorful fruit is high in many vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration database, one cup of raw, chopped pineapple (165 grams) contains 82.5 calories, 2.3 grams of fiber, 0.9 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, and 21.7 grams of carbohydrate. A one cup serving also contains 105% of your daily requirements for vitamin C, 77% for manganese, 20% for copper, 11% for vitamin B6, 9% for dietary fiber, and 7% for folate and pantothenic acid.
Bromelain Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and is sometimes used in tenderizer products. Bromelain is found in both the stem and fruit of the pineapple and helps with digestion of protein.
Vitamin C A single cup of this tropical fruit provides more than a full day’s requirements of vitamin C, an important water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C protects the body from free radicals that attack and damage normal cells, promote atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, and contributes to the inflammation found in arthritis. Additionally, vitamin C is required for good immune function, which helps the body prevent and fight off ear infections, colds, and the flu.
Pineapple is an excellent source the trace mineral manganese. This mineral is required for numerous enzymatic reactions important in energy production. A one cup serving of pineapple provides 77% of your daily manganese requirements.
How to Select and Store Choose large, plump pineapples that feel heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft or dark areas on the skin or yellow or brown leaves. Choose one that has a fragrant aroma and is partly yellow at the base with crisp, dark green leaves. One medium pineapple will yield about three cups of chunks. Cut pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Enjoy To cut a whole pineapple, first cut off the base and leaves, then stand the pineapple up on one of the cut ends and carefully slice the skin away from the flesh. To core the fruit, cut into quarters, then cut out the firm middle core from each of the quarters. Some stores also sell pineapple corers that make the job even easier. Fresh Florida pineapple is delicious eaten straight out-of-hand, or added to fresh fruit or vegetables salads. It can also be cooked by grilling, baking, or broiling. Other ways to enjoy this delicious fruit include: • Cut into quarters, freeze, and serve the spears on a stick for a natural popsicle • Use cored slices with a cherry in the middle as a garnish on ham • Chop the fruit and add as a pizza topping • Grill or broil spears of pineapple and brown sugar for an easy dessert. • Sauté and add to a savory pork or chicken stir-fry • Crush pineapple and add to yogurt, muffins, or ice cream • Juice the pineapple for use in all kinds of beverages and cocktails. • Core and slice for use in the iconic desert, pineapple upside down cake Enjoy fresh Florida pineapple today in its peak season. This delicious, nutritious tropical treat is sure to brighten any meal. Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg055 http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/ pineapples.html http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Manganese
RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM CELEBRATED AT POLK COUNTY EVENT
By Jim Frankowiak It began in 2001 as a way to protect and nourish the Suwanee River Basin. The “it” here is a program that has grown from a handful of counties in north central Florida to 46 counties across the state, as a way to encourage and recognize farmers and ranchers who practice environmental stewardship activities. It was created by Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), which partnered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to promote Best Management Practices (BMPS).
Officially termed the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship, CARES has recognized more than 900 participants statewide since it started 16-years ago. The program was celebrated at Angela and Marty Higgenbotham’s Rocking H Ranch, recognizing the nearly 100 local farmers and ranchers for their participation in CARES and their commitment to environmental stewardship “CARES is a voluntary program for our farmers and ranchers in Florida,” said FFB President John Hoblick during his welcoming remarks. “Additionally, it sends a message to nonagricultural audiences how we protect our natural resources in Florida.” Participants in CARES utilize BMPs relying on the most up-to-date technologies and research to maximize efficiency while protecting and preserving natural resources in the state. BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions producers can take to reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering Florida water resources and to conserve water supply. They are designed to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production. “Florida Farm Bureau established CARES to recognize how participating farmers and ranchers are promoting environmentally sound and economically viable practices by implementing BMPs on their farms,” he said.
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Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) Executive Director Brian Armstrong praised CARES as a program that shares the district‘s vision by protecting waters within the 18,000 square miles and 16 counties of the district through the efficiencies of the science-driven program. “This is not only
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helpful and important to farmers and ranchers, but it helps to protect everyone who lives within the district as we all need water.” Armstrong also noted how the CARES program participants, working collaboratively with FDACS representatives and through cost-sharing programs, are “saving more than 27-million gallons of water every day.” Florida State Representative Jake Raburn expressed his thanks to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for its important involvement in CARES through the provision of science-based approaches that “helps ease the tension between environmental and agricultural interests across the state.” Recognized as a lawmaker committed to helping agriculture, he went on to note how the CARES program and participating farmers and ranchers help “make my fight easier,” referencing his legislative activities in Tallahassee each session through the science-based components of the program that help protect both the quality and quantity of Florida’s water resources. CARES participant and sixth generation Florida cattle rancher Cary Lightsey described how the program helps his family function as “landlords of God’s land The improvements we achieve are good for our cattle and the environment. It’s a win-win for our family,” he said. “I would urge all farmers and ranchers to participate in the CARES program as it will help their operations and the health of the land,” said Lightsey. FFBF CARES Program Coordinator Jason Mathis recognized the Mosaic Company for its continued support as a major CARES’ sponsor in seven counties of west central Florida, helping 76-participating producers and enabling 13 area program workshops to take place. Additional sponsors of the recognition event included Farm Credit of Central Florida, Everglades Farm Equipment, Highland Precision Ag and Crosby & Associates. For more information on the CARES program, visit: http://www. thisfarmcares.org. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WRITERS BIO
Sean Green
Sean Green is a monthly columnist at In the Field Magazine, a photographer, and educator. He has authored over 100 articles about insects over the past decade and collaborated with state entomologists, park rangers, and our local agriculture community to collect, photograph, and identify a variety of insects. Sean’s devotion to entomology began with a passion for reptiles and the necessity to rear his own insects to feed his reptile collection. Fascinated with the diversity, behavior, and ease of rearing insects, Sean’s affections soon shifted from herpetology to entomology. His participation in the entomology community began with volunteer activities, citizen science, and networking and progressed to being the local “go to” guy for anything involving insects and increasing requests for speaking engagements. As an educational speaker and workshop facilitator, Sean inspires countless school age children to explore and embrace the mysterious world of insects. When Sean is not teaching natural history for the parks system, special interest group or scouting event, he is teaching rural Florida history at Cracker Country, a living history
“never kill what you don’t intend to eat yourself and waste no part of the animal.”
museum in Tampa. One of Sean’s defining characteristics is his enthusiasm for exploring the world around him and much of his time is spent hiking, camping and canoeing. He attributes much of his love of life and the natural world to his Cajun heritage and family culture. Sean’s parents encouraged he and his two brothers to explore nature freely but always with respect; from the earliest years reiterating “never kill what you don’t intend to eat yourself and waste no part of the animal.” This creed comes easy for Sean, he finds opportunity for adventure as often as he can and when he hunts, it is done with a camera. Sean’s macro photography of insects illustrates his undying appreciation and fascina-
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tion with a world so many overlook.
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Budget Battles Brewing In The Florida Legislature by John Dicks
The first Monday in March marked the start of this year’s session of the Florida Legislature. Even before it began there was a contentious public battle brewing between Governor Rick Scott and the House Speaker, Tampa Bay’s Richard Corcoran. The feud centered mostly around the issue of the Governor’s much loved economic development agency, Enterprise Florida, and the marketer of our Sunshine State known as Visit Florida. Between the two, the Governor wanted to spend, this year, some $160 million, insisting that the expenditure both brings visitors who share their wealth throughout the state and also leads to the creation of jobs, which is the Governor’s long standing signature issue. The House Speaker, however, contends that the expenditure is excessive at least, if not wasteful at most. Most observers note that politics is certainly at play since it is likely that both the Governor and the Speaker will be seeking new elective positions next year and plan to use their hoped for success to propel them into the U. S. Senate in the case of the Governor, and for the Speaker, a move into the Governor’s mansion. Regardless of who wins and who loses over this $160 million spat, it’s important to recognize that it’s still the taxpayers who will foot the bill. In this case, it’s over a matter which most folks express little concern either way. Yet it’s the one that seemingly, at least in Tallahassee, all of the focus is made. The reality is that in the eyes of some who are watching the governing in our State’s capitol, budgets have been ballooning so quickly that such numbers get overlooked in the tidal surge of spending. Consider that in 2011 the Governor’s first budget came in at $69.7 billion. This year he has proposed one of $83.5 billion! That’s $13.8 billion more than six years ago, which amounts to an increase of nearly 20 percent. By comparison, our population has grown over the same time frame by only 8 percent (from just over 19 million Floridians in 2011, according to the U. S. Census Bureau, to some 20.6 million counted last year).
Provided the Legislature concurs with the Governor, the new budget will represent the fifth year of record spending. So much for holding the line on government spending! While the House Speaker has strong opinions on matters as mentioned above, so, too, does the Senate President, Joe Negron. He’s advocating hard on a proposal to buy 60,000 acres of farmland in the Everglades Agricultural Area to build a giant reservoir to reduce water discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Negron speaks passionately about the matter and contends that those discharges carry harmful algae and are sent from the lake through canals to the east and west coasts where it affects estuaries as well as people. The President frequently reminds folks that the pollution was, at times last summer, so significant that some beaches had to be closed. The reservoir proposal has been projected to cost upwards to $2.4 billion, but it has already seen substantial opposition from Ag community representatives showing up in Tallahassee. Opponents are skeptical of the project’s success and concerned about removing from production 60,000 acres of what has been described as the “most productive farmland in the world.” There are, of course, several other issues that will demand attention from the Legislature. Health care will be front and center as it has been for the last several years. Simply staying in step with whatever changes take place with the Federal Government will cause ripple affects if not tidal waves throughout our state’s health care industry. Certainly, too, will be the “elephant in the room” matter to deal with of medical marijuana. Having been approved by the voters last fall of the constitutional amendment allowing its use, already there are bills being debated which will regulate its growth, harvest, processing and dispensing. Regardless of the merits of whether medical marijuana is for good or bad, bets are on that it will balloon our state’s budget even more.
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor.
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Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting
1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 We Support Agriculture.
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Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Blueberry Lemon Corn Muffins
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
paper muffin cup liners 1/2 stick (Ÿ cup) unsalted butter 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest 1/2 cup whole milk 2 large egg yolks 1/2 cup blueberries
q
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line six 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. 2. Melt butter and cool. Into a large bowl, sift together flour and baking powder and whisk in cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and a generous pinch salt. 3. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk and yolks and add to flour mixture with half of blueberries, gently stirring until just combined. 4. Divide batter evenly among cups (batter will fill cups) and press remaining blueberries into tops of muffins. 5. Sprinkle tops of muffins evenly with remaining tablespoon sugar. 6. Bake muffins in middle of oven about 15 minutes, or until tops are golden and a tester comes out clean. 7. Remove muffins from cups and cool on a rack. 8. Muffins keep in an airtight container at room temperature 2 days.
Blueberry Biscuit Cookies
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Ingredients 2 cups biscuit mix 1 cup blueberries 1 cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons low-fat milk 1/2 cup honey, divided
DIRECTIONS
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix, blueberries, pecans and milk. Mix well and add enough of the honey to make the mixture stiff like cookie dough. Place dough by tablespoonful onto a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle remaining honey on each cookie. Bake an additional 5 minutes and serve immediately.
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FLORIDA AGRICULTURE LITERACY DAY MAY 2 New Executive Director Announced By Jim Frankowiak
The 14th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day has been set for Tuesday, May 2, during which the third in a series of new, non-fiction children’s books – highlighting aquaculture and seafood industries -- will be introduced to elementary students across the Sunshine State. The book, “Drive through Florida: Aquaculture and Seafood,” features the animated red truck named “Ole Red” and his new friend “Bobby Boat” that takes students on a tour in and around Florida to learn about the state’s aquaculture and seafood industries. The book is geared to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC) are inviting farmers, growers, ranchers, Farm Bureau members, FFA teachers and students and agriculture industry representatives to read in elementary classrooms around the state as part of the event. FAITC is asking readers to schedule their classroom visits and then to order materials on the FAITC website: www.agtag.org. Readers will be mailed one book, teacher and volunteer flyers and one set of stickers and bookmarks per classroom, which they will deliver to the classroom the day of the reading. FAITC is asking volunteer readers to allow two weeks for delivery. Readers must register for materials no later than Tuesday, April 18, for those reading on Florida Agriculture Literacy Day two weeks later. While readers are encouraged to read on that day, they can read until the end of the current school year. They are encouraged to read the book ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the content before their classroom readings. Funding for the books and related materials comes from the sale of agriculture specialty “Ag Tag” license plates and a donation from the Florida Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee. FAITC has also announced the appointment of a new executive director, Rebecca Sponholtz, who had served the organization since June 2013 as Education Program Manager. She is assuming the duties of Lisa Gaskalla who has been named executive director of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO). She had been FAITC’s executive director for 13 years.
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“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to educate youth and adults about the importance of Florida agriculture and help this important industry share their message,” said Sponholtz, a former agriscience teacher.
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“We are thrilled that Becky is our next executive director,” said FAITC Chairwoman Carol Roe. “Her past experiences and devotion to our program make her a perfect fit. We look forward to continue working with Becky in all aspects of our program.” Gaskalla served as interim executive director of NAITCO while the organization conducted a national search to fill the position in 2016. She served as president of the organization in 2014-2015, and hosted a National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Florida in 2011.
Lisa Gaskalla “National Agriculture in the Classroom has grown to a point where it needed a full-time executive director to oversee the business of our growing organization,” said current NAITCO President Chris Fleming and the Tennessee state contact for that state’s Agriculture in the Classroom contact. “Lisa’s experience managing a successful program in Florida will serve NAITCO well.” “I’m excited to serve such a talented group of agricultural literacy educators from around the country,” Gaskalla said. “I will strive to make NAITCO a premier K-12 agricultural literacy program for formal and informal educators interested in educating youth about the importance of agriculture at the state and national levels.”
FAITC is a non-profit organization that educates Florida teachers and students about the source of their food, fiber and fuel using lessons, materials, grants and other programs like Florida Agriculture Literacy Day. It is governed by a board of Florida agriculture industry directors from around the state. NAITCO helps K-12 teachers use agricultural concepts to each reading, writing, math, science, social studies and more by providing web-based lessons and companion resources, a national conference, a national teacher awards program and professional development opportunities for state Agriculture in the Classroom contacts. It is a non-profit organization with a network of state contacts in nearly all 50 states and six territories of the United States. Additional FAITC information is available by contacting Becky Sponholtz by phone: 352-8461391 or email: sponholtz@ufl. edu. You may also contact Hillsborough County Farm Bureau: http://hcfarmbureau.org or by phone: 813/685-9121. NAITCO information is available via email: info@naitco.org or by calling Gaskalla at 352745-0246. Rebecca Sponholtz WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Crimes Unit Receives National Recognition at the Keep America Beautiful National Conference. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Crimes Unit received the 2017 national Law Enforcement Leadership Award at the Keep America Beautiful (KAB) National Conference in Washington DC. KAB is the nation’s largest nonprofit that brings people together to focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community greening and beautification. Their mission is to build and sustain vibrant communities. KAB has more than 620 state and community-based KAB affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the support of corporate partners, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. The Sheriff’s Office’s Environmental Crimes Unit, escorted by Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. (KPCB), received the distinctive KAB’s Law Enforcement Leadership Award for their outstanding and innovative approach to enforcement of environmental law designed to keep pollutants out of our waterways and fight illegal dumping on private property. The unit actively investigates and seeks prosecution in hundreds of environmental cases yearly while promoting clean communities, roadways, waterways, natural resource conservation and dumpsite cleanup and abatement. Sergeant Jason Varnadore of the Environmental Crimes Unit and KPCB’s Executive Director Katie Yoxall were guest speakers/presenters at the “End Littering” Session of the KAB National Conference. Additionally, the Unit was also recently honored by Keep Florida Beautiful with the Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award for its exemplary environmental effort and local partnerships.
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Un-incorporated Polk County is patrolled by approximately
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661 sworn deputies, and of these deputies the Environmental Crimes Unit is composed of three led by Sergeant Varnadore. The Environmental Crimes Unit is responsible for the investigation of unlawful dumping cases that include a wide variety of materials including commercial and household garbage, tires, and chemical/hazardous materials. In 2016, the Environmental Crimes Unit responded to, investigated, and in many cases sought prosecution on over 233 environmental calls for service. PCSO has been working with KPCB for the past 15+ years to help promote clean communities, roadways, waterways, Florida Litter Laws, natural resource conservation and illegal dumpsite cleanup and abatement. The Environmental Unit participated in 15 Community Clean Up events with Keep Polk County Beautiful with over 120 staffing hours. The Environmental Crimes Unit assists KPCB in all public recycling and cleanup events. This year over 7,500 tires were collected and recycled through the waste-to-energy process and over 950,000 lbs. of garbage was collected through these various cleanup and recycling initiatives. Our success in keeping Polk County a livable and beautiful place is a direct reflection of the time, effort and dedication that our deputies in our Agricultural & Environmental Crime Units invest in Polk County. By teaming up with our agricultural and industrial partners, as well as partnerships with local government and the continued support of agencies and groups like Keep Polk County Beautiful and their dedicated volunteers, we have made a difference in Polk County’s landscape. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Kelley Buick GMC Donation By Melissa Nichols Sometimes a business steps up in a big way to help the community, but rarely do you hear of a business stepping up and helping the surrounding communities also, and that is exactly what Derrick Kelley of Kelley Buick GMC has done. Derrick and his team of dedicated employees embarked on a journey four years ago to somehow make a difference in the lives of those around his Bartow location of Kelley Buick GMC. Derrick contacted the Polk County Youth Fair and said, “How can I help these kids?” He was informed of the youth fair program and how plants that sell, and market animals are entitled to what is called add-ons. These add-ons are paid to the exhibitor to help them offset the expenses of the project. Derrick started a program where all add-ons were matched; so the harder the kid worked to get add-ons the more they received from Kelley. This project was great, Kelley Buick GMC made a generous donation check to these kids. In 2015 Kelley Buick GMC donated a truck to a non-profit organization that raffled the truck off and split the proceeds with the 4h clubs and FFA chapters, who sold tickets, and the exhibitors at the PCYF. However, this year, he asked that all exhibitors get some type of add-on from him; so the more they participated in, the more they earned. At the 2017 PCYF everyone wondered what Kelley Buick GMC was going to do. They not only sponsored the Whip Popping like they have for five years in a row, but they purchased 24 hogs at the market hog sale, including the hog of Bailey Tilley’s to help the Bailey Tilley Memorial Fund. After the sale Kelley got together with Steve O’Steens and came up with a plan. They were going to process and give away 12 of the 24 market hogs to charities that are making a difference in the lives of those in the community. But their involvement didn’t stop there. Derrick felt bad that he couldn’t help every exhibitor. He once again did add-ons for everyone that he didn’t purchase a hog or plant from and the add-on amounts were amazing. Market steer exhibitors got a $250 add on, market hog exhibitors got a $25 add-on and $10,000 was split between all other exhibitors. Over $50,000 was donated to the exhibitors of the Polk County Youth Fair, and 12 charities from Winter Haven to Plant City. Kelley reached out to some of the charities in the most need and gave them a whole processed hog. Watching this involvement grow brought tears to my eyes, but in the days after speaking to him and hearing about his other involvement, it made me even more proud to call Derrick Kelley a friend. For several years in a row Kelley Motors
There is no way possible that Kelley Buick GMC could be involved in anything else, they just donated nearly 100,000 to the communities right? Wrong!! The very same day the Jeep was given away Kelley employees headed 30 minutes south to Hardee County, where the fair and market hog sale was taking place. They did the same exact donation/add-ons for Hardee County Fair participants as they did the Polk County Youth Fair. Why? Because Derrick Kelley believes in giving back. He believes in investing in the lives that he can touch and he believes in the future of agriculture. Derrick has a mission that God has blessed him, from humble beginnings to six stores and growing, Derrick Kelley wants these kids to remember that he didn’t have to know them personally to invest in them, because he already believes in them and their abilities. To date Kelley Buick GMC has touched the lives of countless youth. Derrick hopes that through this donation to the exhibitors in both communities and to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, it will inspire other businesses to see the value in getting involved in something you are passionate about, helping and making a difference, you never know whose life you will touch. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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(Kelley Buick GMC, Kelley Custom Trucks Lakeland, Kelley Auburndale and Kelley Winter Haven) has donated a custom Jeep to Jeepin’ with Judd, a fundraiser put on by the Polk Sheriff Charities Inc. The Polk Sheriff Charities is a non-profit organization that was founded after the tragic murder of D/S Matt Williams and his K-9 partner DiOGi. The community and surrounding communities’ came together to mourn and in a time of need supported the fund, which has since grown tremendously. Funds from the fundraising efforts and donations hit areas that are very important to Sheriff Grady Judd and Derrick Kelley. Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. helps the families of fallen officers, provides Christmas gifts to children in some of the most economically challenged neighborhoods assisting organizations dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, and supporting the agency’s K-9 unit for replacement of their beloved K-9 partners. Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. also supports The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Memorial. The amount raised has more than tripled and Kelley is a big part of that. Donating a customized Jeep raises an average of $40,000 for this charity, which obviously goes a long way in the lives of those it is able to help. On February 23rd the Jeep’s keys were handed over to Lynne Smith by Sheriff Grady Judd at the Kelley Buick GCM location in Bartow. Lynne was excited to be a part of the Jeepin’ with Judd event and has been a supporter of the cause since it was established. The event is always held in February. Watch the website www.jeepinwithjudd.com for upcoming dates of future events.
Polk County Cattle Women Greetings, My name is Megan Atkinson. I was recently elected as President for Polk County Cattle Women. I am honored to serve with such wonderful, hardworking ladies. I look forward to continuing to promote the beef industry this year at a variety of events. The Cattle Women are off to a busy start in 2017. At our January meeting Florida Cattle Women Recording Secretary Casie Holloway was our guest speaker. She spoke about continuing the traditions that are such a large part of our heritage; things like what it means to have true southern hospitality and the importance of having family dinners. Values like this are passed by generation and they are often a common ground among our farming and ranching families. The Polk County Youth Fair kept the Cattle Women occupied during January, too. We had several of our members show their livestock at the Purebred Beef, Market Steer and Goat Shows. The Cattle Women sponsor several awards at the fair. Our record book committee judged numerous entries for the Open and Commercial Steer Record Book contest.
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February was also an active month. The Polk County Cattlemen’s 12th Annual Ranch Rodeo and Trade show was February 11. It was a little warmer than in years past, overall everyone had a great time. The Cattle Women operate the concession
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stand for the event. Everything from hamburgers and hotdogs to beef tips and rice were served along with some of the best homemade desserts you’ll find. The proceeds from this event help to sponsor our scholarship programs. The Florida State Fair kicked off on Thursday February 9. The Cattle Women were involved with the fair in a variety of ways, from exhibiting their purebred stock to assisting with opening day festivities. Our ladies worked the FCW Beef Booth in the Ag Hall of Fame on February 14 and 18. They handed out beef samples, as well as recipes and nutritional information about beef products. We will also be out at the Kathleen Heritage Festival coming up on Saturday March 18. We will have our Ways and Means items for sale as well as beef information and activities for the kids. Stop by and say hi. If you are interested in joining us, our next meeting is Tuesday April 4 at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the Clover Room at the Polk County Agriculture Complex 1702 US Hwy 17 S, Bartow. Be good and do good deeds,
Megan Atkinson
Polk County Cattle Women President
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POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR COMMERCIAL STEER COMPETITION
It’s Not Just About Winning
By Jim Frankowiak
men’s Association and a retired Ag teacher at Plant City High School, with a significant record of achievement for his programs and the efforts of his students. Grape Hammock Ranch is located within a 120-acre parcel of land purchased by Chandley’s grandfather in 1948. It is also home to Grape Hammock Fish Camp, a family-owned business Barrett operates with his brother, Kevin. The camp consists of 14 rental cabins, 70 recreational vehicle spots and 43 mobile home sites, plus a marina, bait shop, launching ramp and they provide airboat rides. Once the Chandley brothers took over the camp from their parents in 2006, they bought their initial herd of SIM Angus Cross cattle and “we now have 80 momma cows,” said Barrett. “Our goal is to be able to ship calves to a feedlot in Quincy, Florida, which successfully grows corn for finishing calves, a step once reserved for feedlots located in the western U.S.
The Commercial Steer Competition at the annual Polk County Youth Fair is a fairly new category that was introduced in 2010 as a way to attract more competitors. “Steers were becoming very costly, causing competitors to lose money and that led to reduced interest,” said Barrett Chandley of Grape Hammock Ranch and one of five Polk County producers who came together in 2010 to address the situation with an eye to increasing youth participation. Each producer agreed to offer 8 – 10 calves to interested exhibitors. The youth would purchase the steers at a selection day. The order that an exhibitor selects is based on a lottery system. “Cost for the calves was tied to market price the day of selection,” said Chandley. The result has been renewed interest in the category for Polk County produced cattle. Additionally, Don Smith of DC Cattle has been successful in attracting sponsors for the competition resulting in the Commercial Steer category contestants receiving significant “addons” with last year’s at $900 per competitor. Coincidentally, Barrett’s son, Gabe, took Grand Champion honors the second year of the new competition and his daughter, Peyton, has been Reserved Grand Champion twice. Grand Champion honors have gone to steers raised on Barrett’s ranch the last four years. And the last two years those honors were won by Clark sisters, Kaydee and Maggie. Their grandfather is Ray Clark, president of the Polk County Cattle-
• To acquire an understanding of the animal industry by preparing for, purchasing, caring for and keeping records on one or more head of animals. • To be able to identify the types and breeds of animals and employ efficient methods of production and marketing. • To understand the business aspects and economics of purchasing animals, feed, facilities and equipment for an animal project. • To develop integrity, sportsmanship and cooperation. • To develop leadership abilities, build character and become responsible citizens. “Competition is fine, but everyone can’t win,” said Chandley. “But they can all learn important lessons that carry over to life and that’s a win for all. The commercial steer show affords every kid the opportunity to show a steer and make money.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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A native of Lake Wales, Barrett was active in 4-H and FFA while growing up. He received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Florida in 1995 and returned to Grape Hammock and the family business. For him, “working cattle is something I would rather do than anything else.” He is married to Lori, who is a member of the Lightsey Family, Florida cattle ranchers for eight generations. Gabe and Peyton are carrying forward the family legacy of love for the land and cattle, “working sun up to dusk either with their grandparents or on our ranch,” said Barrett. Fostering that legacy with his own children and other youth in Polk County is well reflected in the documents competitors complete as part of the Commercial Steer contest under the Purpose statement which states:
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ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com July 16, 2017, Nov. 26, 2017
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Dry and available IMMEDIATELY! SPREADER TRUCK RUNNING AGAIN! Call Tim Ford (863) 439-3232
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26 producing Angus/SimAngus cows / exposed to bulls. 2 Angus bulls / SS Objective sire. 16 ft WW Gooseneck stock trailer. Losing lease / Must Move. Make offer on group. 863-667-4828
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Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
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3200 sq. ft. Metal warehouse for lease. Located in E. Bartow off of highway 60. For more information call 863-221-0986
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We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
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Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the FOR SALE BY OWNER 2 beautiful adjoining farms. 26 acres, all BIG Box STORES! Call Today! muck land. Lovely 4 bedroom home. InAsk for Blake. (813) 752-3378 cludes small beef heard & calves. $777,000 DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER www.floridabeulah.com 813-541-3490 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. SERVICES Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
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