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The Strickland Ranch CARES
photos by: Carlton Ward
When you talk to Jim Strickland, it’s easy to see that he is committed to agriculture. The owner of Strickland Ranch, located just south of Myakka City, has spent his life involved with various committees, serving on distinguished boards, and handling presidential duties for associations and foundations that advocate and advance policy and management practices for agriculture.
ing rates. They have also installed wells on the property that provide a reliable, clean source of drinking water for the cattle, and they take regular soil and forage samples to ensure the precise amount of fertilizer is being applied to each pasture. The Strickland’s have also fenced off natural wetlands, installed lagoons and implemented several other BMP’s to protect precious natural resources.
Strickland’s dedication comes from a long family history in agriculture. His family has been in Florida since before the Civil War, and since then, most of the Strickland family has been involved in cattle. In 1938, Hiram Strickland, Jim Strickland’s father, started Strickland Ranch in Manatee County and he passed down his love of agriculture to his son.
“What we’re trying to do on the ranch is protect our water quality and protect our land, which is better for us and everybody downstream,” said Strickland.
“In the mid- 1800’s the first Strickland man came to Florida, and although we’ve never made great money in cattle, I think its been a love of the land and a love for the cattle that has kept five generations in business,” said Strickland. As a generational rancher, Strickland understands the importance of protecting and preserving the natural resources on and around his property. To ensure their family property stays productive and viable today and for future generations, they have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help manage water and nutrients on the property. “This land has fed us, clothed us and inspired us,” said Strickland. “It’s the only environment we have and that’s why we care for it.” Through the implementation of Florida Department of Agricultural Consumer Services’ (FDACS) BMP program, producers like Strickland have seen verifiable results that are increasing efficiency, cutting cost, and reducing inputs on their land. These BMPs are science and research-based, field-tested practices that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means for improving water quality and conservation, and the producers who implement BMPs highlight agriculture’s commitment to fostering water conservation and land protection through their continued efforts.
As a result of Strickland’s dedication to the preservation of Florida’s natural resources, Strickland Ranch was recognized by the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program in 2014.The CARES program was founded in 2001 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and a coalition of farmers, commodity groups, agricultural associations and state and federal agencies to provide public recognition for farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented outstanding nutrient stewardship practices on their operations. “The CARES program identifies some of those individuals, some of those corporations, or some of those families that have done a great job of taking care of the land and then highlights them for their efforts,” said Strickland. Farmers and ranchers, like Strickland, who meet BMP standards, are publicly recognized by Florida Farm Bureau Federation with a “This Farm CARES” sign to display on their property as a badge of stewardship. The CARES signs that are posted on more than 900 farms across the state, serve as a tool to demonstrate that Florida’s farm-families are actively involved in protecting our environment and sustaining the beauty and natural habitats of the state. Find out more on the farmers and ranchers who are doing their part to conserve natural resources at: www.thisfarmcares.org.
“BMPs help us determine what we should do in our daily work with our cattle to help the environment and the cattle, whether it’s moving a feeding station or fencing off wetlands, we’re committed to making a difference,” said Strickland. Some of the BMPs that have been implemented at Strickland Ranch include a rotational grazing system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases their stockWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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VOL. 10 • ISSUE 3
Daniel Butler
page 24
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005
President – Ray Clark (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com
Vice President Carlton Taylor 863-781-1146 Carlton.Taylor@boehringer-ingelheim.com cover photo by Melissa Nichols
Contents NOVEMBER 2016 UF Extensions Protecting Forrest
Master Gardener
Page 10
Page 34
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 14
UF Extensions GMO Are Safe
Page 35
Allyson Polston
Page 16
John Dicks
Page 36
Cattle Enhancemnet Board
Page 18
Recipes
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Literary Time Machine
Page 26
Endangered Species
Page 28
Florida Adzuki Beans
Page 31 4
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Page 38 Meet the Minks
Page 40
Polk County Sheriff
Page 42 Activity
Page 44
Secretary/Treasurer Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121
jbunch@agriumretail.com
Standing Committee Chairs: Membership- J.B. Wynn Events & Director Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Trade Show-
Rodeo- Fred Waters (863) 559-7808
State Director – David Website – Adam Norman 863-944-9293 McCullers (863) 635-2821crook- Adam.norman@gmfind. com edlakeranch@verizon.net Director – J. B. Wynn (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com
Cattlewomen – Vice President, Laura Slocumb (863) 660-7000
Charles Clark
laura@higgenbotham.com
(863) 528-8537 cclarkc4@yahoo.com
Extension – Bridget Carlisle PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu
L.B. Flanders, DVM (863) 644-5974 Mike Fussell (863) 698-8314
fussell.flafarm@verizon.net
Moby Persing 863-528-4567
Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Tommy Dixon (863) 534-7205 tdixon@polksheriff.org
Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@ earthlink.net Mike Facente (863) 697-9419
A Closer Look
Page 45 November 2016
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry
It’s the season of Thanksgiving! I say every year at this time that we should be thankful every day for our blessings. This holiday was first celebrated in 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast. And while individual colonies and states celebrated Thanksgiving, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to be held each November. The Thanksgiving of today centers on cooking and sharing a meal with family and friends. The turkey, roasted, baked or deep fried, is the staple of the meal, with traditional accompaniments including stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce (who eats that?) and pumpkin pie. While the food brings us together, it is the people around that table that give the most meaning to Thanksgiving. So when you gather together to give thanks, expressing gratitude for blessings and each other, don’t forget to thank the people who toiled in the fields and on ranches, to grow the food that makes your Thanksgiving meal. Last month I traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon and while there I took a couple of extra days to walk around and see the sights. If you need an extra dose of patriotism, visit DC. I promise you will not regret the trip. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Memorial to the Vietnam Wall, there is so much to see that will remind you of the actual price of freedom. Engraved at the World War II Memorial is the following: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” President Harry S. Truman. Although short on time I managed to see some of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. There were butter churns and tractors, tools and machinery used in agriculture, photographs, jars, and many other things to help trace the story of the American’s who work the land. It was not my first trip to our Nation’s Capital , and it won’t be the last. I look forward to going again and spending more time being a tourist.
Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols Leslie Buchanon Contributing Writers Woody Gore
Until Next Month
Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Hey Readers!
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In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Finally we have cooler and dryer weather. After a long and hot and in some places a wet summer, we are getting close to our fall season. Grass growth is slowing down and we are seeing many rolls of hay in some of our local hay fields that have been to wet to cut. It’s a busy time of the year for farmers and ranchers, trying to prepare for our winter weather and our first frost. In the past few weeks we have had many bull sales and bred cow and heifer sales. I have attended several and got to spend time with many of you. Some of the main topics we talked about were the elections and the continued drop in cattle prices. All I can say is, we need to pray our elections turn out the way we want them to and that cattle prices will start going back up to where we can make a profit and stay in the cattle business. Sometimes we can talk and make recommendations and give our point of view, but when it’s all said and done, it will all end up as part of Gods plan. On a better note, by the time you read this we will have had our Fall member dinner and meeting. Hopefully one of you will be the owner of our Black Hereford Bull Crooked Lake Ranch is donating to our County Association, that Kenny will have auctioned off. Also many of you will leave the dinner with a wonderful door prize that our Directors have pulled together for giveaways. Again I want to thank you for attending our dinners and hope, you had great food, fun and fellowship. As we move into our Holiday season, with Thanksgiving coming up in a few days, we all need to give thanks to all our mili-
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tary, law enforcement and anyone who is involved with our safety and freedom in this great country. And be sure to thank God for our everyday lifestyle that we live as farmers and ranchers and to keep our family and friends safe. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving, with a chance to spend time with your families and friends. In closing let me remind you of our state quarterly meeting to be held at the Stuart Center, December 1st and 2nd. All our State officers and directors will be there, so if you can make it to some of the meetings, it would be great and they may be able to answer some of the questions concerning your cow business. Again, I want to thank all of you for your hard work in our cattle business. Almost forgot, we have had some issues with the screw worm in south Florida. Be sure to keep a close eye on your livestock and your wildlife being harvested during hunting season. We don’t need this problem. Also, be safe when hunting and working your cattle. Hope our Trails cross soon. God Bless us all,
Ray Clark
Ray Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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• There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing, food, attractive people and danger. • Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side • Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odor. • According to Albert Einstein, if honey bees were to disappear from earth, humans would be dead within 4 years. • There are so many kinds of apples, that if you ate a new one every day, it would take over 20 years to try them all. • People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t. • If a part of your body “falls asleep,” you can almost always “wake it up” by shaking your head.
Cultivating the land is
Tom Pospichal Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida
As the global population increases, so does the demand for affordable food. Essential crop nutrients, like phosphate produced in Florida, help farmers put more food on the table using less land. Our connection to agriculture is rooted here, too. Our team manages thousands of acres of post-mined land for sod and tree farms, citrus, cattle grazing and row crops. We are honored to be stewards of our agricultural lands in Florida and proud that our fellow employees produce crop nutrients for farmers all over the world.
®
We help the world grow the food it needs.
mosaicco.com/florida
© 2016 The Mosaic Company
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Seasonal Colors for Central Florida
Florida Master Gardener By Debra Howell Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County During the long, hot seemingly endless Florida summer of 2016, on many an occasion I entertained thoughts of cool mountain roads lined with trees clothed in leaves of bronze, russet and gold. But, what if an escape to Franklin or Pigeon Forge is not an option?
different plant parts for numerous medical purposes. They are still popular for making jams and jellies. And, this is huge...the USDA Agricultural Research Service has determined that beautyberry contains the compounds intermedeol and callicarpenal, both of which are useful in repelling biting insects and pesky mosquitoes.
Here is a short list of easy plants which thrive in Central Florida and occur in those colors of maroon, purple, red and gold that are so reminiscent of fall.
Beautyberry is also called French mulberry or bunchberry, and occurs in a cultivar with white berries.
During this time of year, the plant in my yard which I receive the most compliments and questions about it the American beautyberry. In Greek, the genus name of the beautyberry is Callicarpa, literally meaning beautiful fruit.
Another impressive shrub is the megaskepasma erythrochlamys, also known as the Brazilian red cloak, Brazilian plume or the Amazon torch. When you see your first one, you will surely proclaim it to be the most stupendous blooming plant you have ever seen.
The cultivar of my beautyberry is Callicarpa americana and is a native of Florida. In their natural setting, they are found in woods and thickets; and along fence lines, as birds just love to spread them. This plant is right at home in a wide variety of soils and likes our average pH of 5.5-6.5. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this shrub is considered a pioneer species. That means it is a hardy species that is premier in the colonization of disrupted ecosystems. It in turn sets up more biodiversity in an ecosystem.
This plant hails from Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua. A very standout specimen requiring enough space to achieve a size of fifteen feet tall by ten feet wide. The red tubular blossoms occur in clusters sometimes over a foot in length. The spectacular flower inflorescences is best in the fall and winter. It is particularly handsome in contrast to its very large, shiny corrugated leaves.
Beautyberry is a rounded weeping shrub which may achieve a height of eight feet. This plant has beautiful fuzzy green foliage which turns yellow prior to dropping due to its deciduous nature. While the leaves are yet upon the plant, pinkish-lavender blooms will appear in the leaf axils. After the blooms fall, spectacular purple fruits appear en masse circling the stems. Wildlife adore the fruits, and birds such as mockers, robins, towhees and thrashers find them irresistible. Native Americans utilized 10
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This large shrub likes partially sunny sites, but may wilt and appear pale in too much sun. It needs well-drained, moist soils. One of my favorite plants for gorgeous foliage and delightful bright pink flowers is the cranberry hibiscus, also called false roselle or rose mallow. An additional perk of cultivating this outstanding plant is that it is edible. Cranberry hibiscus may be used in salads, where it’s young leaves provide colorful interest to the dish. It may also be used in vegetables or rice dishes and brewed in herbal teas. In South WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
America, the leaves are used in stir-fry dishes. The flowers are used in Central America to make a purple lemonade containing sugar, lemon juice, water and ice. The roots, though edible, are considered bland and distasteful. In Africa, where it has been used to the point of extinction, it is used for anemia and is considered to contain an anti-inflammatory compound called polyphenol. You may easily cultivate this plant using cuttings which will root in soil or water. They thrive in sandy soils and are resistant to pests and nematodes. Ixora is one of the most popular residential and commercial landscape plants in its hardiness zones. It is usually readily available locally making it a favorite of professional landscape planners. While it may not always be available in all of its bloom colors, which are orange, red, yellow, white or pink, you can normally locate them in red or yellow colors. The flowers consist of four to six inch globular clusters of tubeshaped flowers. While the research information said the fruit was inconspicuous and not showy, I photographed a fruit cluster which was plump and shiny black, nearly as large as a blueberry.
an acidifying fertilizer according to package directions. If foliage begins to get chlorosis (yellow), you might wish to apply chelates with iron or manganese. Ixoras are unfortunately subject to such problems as scale, nematodes, aphids and bagworms. It may also be affected by mushroom root rot. Any pruning it needs may be accomplished in early spring so you will not be cutting off flower buds. Ixora may be used as a screen hedge, container or border. They can grow to be a flowering hedge ten to fifteen feet tall. Since these plants are acid-lovers, they may be grown in conjunction with gardenias and azaleas. In fact, ixora is a relative of the gardenia and the Florida wild coffee. So even though most Central Florida gardeners remain here in the Sunshine State, and the fall color of mountain vistas eludes us, we still have colorful plant options in warm and rustic hues to impart a small taste of the fall feeling we all love. If you have questions regarding your landscape, you may call your local Extension Service office for help finding the answer. You can reach the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-5191041 or online at http://polkextension.com. The Plant Clinic is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Although ixora can tolerate some shade, it prefers a well-drained, acidic soil. You may provide for your acid-loving ixoras by using WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Braided Fishing Line Love It or Hate It Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
So, where did these super manmade materials originate? Invented by the DuPont Corporation in the early 1960’s and trademarked Aramid®, or more commonly known by DuPont’s trade name Kevlar®, it was a heat resistant fiber five times stronger than steel. Then finally, we get the bright idea to use this new material to create the most technologically advanced fishing line since monofilament and now we have braid, more commonly referred to as Super line. While it is not for everyone, much longtime, monofilament users are switching over. It takes a little getting used to, but for most applications, it is difficult to beat its superior qualities. Qualities like high strength, superior sensitivity, abrasion resistance, visibility, and absolutely zero stretch. Nevertheless, probably the most outstanding quality is the ability to make a long cast without loss of any mentioned qualities. The long cast is possible because of the strength to line diameter used in the manufacturing process. Let’s take Seaguar’s new Kanzen or Smackdown braid for example. Both 15 lb. class lines are basically equivalent in diameter to 2-4 lb. monofilament. With this example, it is easy to see why your casting distance increases drastically. Because of its small diameter in relation to hardness and abrasion resistance make sure your tackle will handle this extra tough line. However, since it’s manufactured to the highest specifications today’s new Super lines will work with practically all rods and reels. In addition, here’s a simple word of caution about handling braided line. Anytime you handle braid exercise caution to avoid cuts or abrasions to your hands and fingers. Pulling on braid with your hands or fingers often causes severe cuts, especially the joints. By its inherent nature and manufacturing process braid is extremely hard line and difficult to cut. Most clippers used for monofilament will not work, so you will need a good pair of sharp scissors or knife to get the job done. We’ve all heard or experienced that dreaded braid knot, (often referred to as a wind knot), that magically appears when least expected. First you hear it, and then you see it just after a perfect cast. Yep, there it is just dangling in the air about halfway to your bait. So, what do you do now?
Double-Uni or Yucatan knot. Now you are back to fishing. Here’s a tip on avoiding this time consuming braided line tangle. Because it’s manufactured using the smallest line diameter tolerances, braided line is extremely lightweight. For this reason, you should remember it must be reeled with some kind of resistance as it goes onto the spool or it will not fill the spool correctly. As with any line, you want it to spool tightly not loosely, so keeping resistance applied during the retrieve allows this to happen and the line wraps and seats correctly onto your reel spool. Here is a good rule of thumb to avoid those braided line loops and coils, especially when using an open-face spinning reel. After each cast, always close the bail manually, make sure the line is in the line roller, then lift the rod taking up any slack line before starting to reel. Doing this on every cast assures the line will position itself properly and begin tightly wrapping on the spool. Each year manufacturers throughout the world generate millions of miles of fishing line in hundreds of styles, materials, colors and sizes. Therefore, it is no wonder anglers get confused about which line to buy. So, with all the lines available, how do you make the right selection? The factors in choosing the right line are matching it to its intended use. Decide on the material best suited for your use, monofilament, fluorocarbon or braid. Then give extra consideration to its strength, size, stretch, abrasion resistance, and color by matching them to the application. Lastly consider the fish you will target, the water and environment you will be fishing. The best rod and reel, sharpest hooks, top of the line boat, motor and trailer are all great advantages to catching fish. However, the fact remains the only thing standing between you and success is your fishing line. Never turn the reel handle to close the bail. Always manually close the bail, make sure the line is in the line roller, lift on the rod to take up slack any line and then start to reel.
Here’s what I do and it’s important to remember what you’re seeing in your line is normally just a series of loops and coils. For the most part these are manageable until you unsystematically start pulling on the main or tag ends. Instead start slowly trying to unravel the loops by pulling them lightly until you will find the ones that begin untwisting then continue with the others. Now, continue lightly pulling on each individual loop until they begin to separate and untwist. It takes a little patience, but with some practice, you will soon master it. The key to this whole process is “PATIENCE.” And since braided line is not cheap the last thing you want to do is rip off 75 to 100 yards of braid because you did not have enough patience to work out a few tangles. If you’re unable to remove the tangle or your patience gets the best of you, just cut the line before and after the knot and re-tie using a 14 14
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report November WWW. ININ THE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM
2016 “Let’s Go Fishing”
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
While fishing in Florida can be done comfortably year round, fall offers some excellent opportunities on a variety of species. During this time Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding of year some species you’re likely to catch include snook, redfish, trout, and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers snapper and the occasional cobia. And if you can take a little rock and world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. roll, the kingfish and mackerel often move in close to the beaches. But for those of us that prefer a calmer approach to fall fishing, like the Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience cooler water temperatures of shallow water fishing, the bite definitely and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody improves. The fish start feeding and become more active as they search can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him for food in anticipation of the upcoming winter bait slow down. And what you need and it’s done. since they will have large appetites, they’ll take an assortment of baits ranging from live to dead and even artificial’s.
Snook:
Snook are usually tops on the list as the fall transition starts and we are catching plenty on just about every shoreline. The best bite has been at the beginning and end of incoming and outgoing tides. Snook respond exceptionally to live baits as well as top water lures and soft plastic jerk baits. However, we’ve also been having good success with larger fish using dead baits on the bottom.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM
send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
Spotted Sea Trout: We’re finding plenty of sea trout inshore and near shore in and around sea grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, deep holes and channels. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish near the bottom to entice trout out of the grass-beds. Depending on the depth and to attract more attention to the bait, I sometimes attach a float, which allows the baits to drift over the grass beds. Casting with soft-bodied jigs and top-water poppers can also be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Redfish: The reds are still schooled up and biting when you get them to settle down from all the fishing pressure. They should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures are catching their share along with sardines, and pinfish (alive and dead). The key to finding redfish is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flooding tides usually brings them out to investigate. Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bluefish:
Fall cold fronts are starting and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach and sometimes inside Tamps Bay. We’ve been having great success on huge Spanish mackerel and the occasional King inside Tampa Bay.
Mangrove Snapper – These great eating fish are all over the bay and not bashful about eating small greenbacks or shrimp. You must be quick or they’ll clean your hook before you know it. If you feel the bump and do not hook up, reel in because your baits gone.
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The Best Is Yet to Come by Allyson Polston “You never know unless you try.” These are words my parents have instilled in me and my sisters from a very young age. I tried many new things growing up, whether I was dancing, playing softball, or currently showing my registered Brangus cattle, these dedications of my life helped build me to where I am today. Getting out of the shell of my comfort zone was very difficult for me but I know determination can lead to success for my goals. Hi, my name is Allyson Polston. To introduce myself, I am twenty years old, from the beautiful city of Lakeland, Florida, and I attend Hillsborough Community College. I am in my last semester of finishing my Associates of Arts degree. I have applied to the University of Florida and will hopefully be furthering my education in the spring, starting a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education/Communication and Leadership Development. Agriculture, Brangus cattle, and Jesus are the three things that are my passion in my life. My family and I have been a part of the agriculture/cattle industry for thirteen years; and oh we have learned so much! The industry gave me a responsibility to agriculture, the urge to be outgoing, and a set of problem solving skills, a dedication to hard work, and the confidence to be myself. I personally have been involved with Brangus cattle for nine years. At first, I started out with a market steer for the Polk County Fair and ended up falling in love with showing cattle. Additionally, in 2008 I bought my first Brangus heifer. As of right now, my family and I own twenty head of cattle with quite of few bred and owned babies on the way. As a team, Rocking 3P, our goal is to have all bred and owned calves as our show string. This past year was the closest we have come to meeting that goal. My family and I have traveled all over the state of Florida, to College Station, Texas, to Duncan, Oklahoma, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi to show our Brangus cattle. In the year 2013-2014, I won the Florida Premier Award for Brangus Female along with having the National Grand Champion Female. That year was one of the best years for my family and for our ranch. This past year her full brother won the Florida Premier Award for Brangus Bull along with having the National Reserve Grand Champion Bull. My sister and I are beyond blessed to have these experiences and we welcome the challenge of more accomplishments. As we continue to grow, we will strive to learn more about our cattle and how to make the breed more successful. We strive for quality not quantity. We have discovered the quality of our Brangus cattle are better than having a large quantity of cattle. I dream of one day having a large commercial operation along with a dedicated regis16
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tered operation. For the past four years I have been lucky enough to represent the state of Florida as a junior board director. This year I am representing as the International Brangus Queen, as well as a Junior Board member. As a board member, not only do I represent my state but the breed I love as well. By being on the board I have been lucky enough to travel all over the United States with some of my closest friends. As a board, we help run shows like the Oklahoma State Fair, the Show of Merit in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We also have a fall and spring meeting to plan for our National Junior Brangus Show, along with planning our Legacy Leadership conference we have every odd year. In 2017, we will be having our Legacy Leadership Conference in Haines City, Florida. At this conference we have a lot of fun and have many informational opportunities in store for the group who comes. I get to serve on the board with some amazing people that are learning, just like myself, and get to meet so many breeders with a great knowledge base of the Brangus breed industry. I plan to continue promoting and breeding Brangus after I graduate with my bachelor’s degree and get married. Additionally, I hope to own my own land, this will allow me to breed Brangus cattle for not only myself but for others and younger generations that are interested in showing. I love being able to look at a heifer or bull and think about the possibilities of what it will become in the future, despite whether or not I would want that cow in my herd. The passion I have for the industry and the hope I have for the future of the breed makes me want to help inform others as other people have helped inform me and my family. To add on to this, I recently got engaged to the love of my life and my best friend. In our spare time, which is very rare, we love going to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disney World, we love to hang out with our friends, and we both love working with the teenagers in our youth group. I am beyond blessed to have such a supportive fiancé’ that loves to travel and help with my cattle. It takes a team to do what we do and I am very happy to say I have the best team I could ever ask for! As long as you do what you love, with the people you love, winning doesn’t matter, winning is just icing on the cake. I am so enthusiastic about what is yet to come for my future! I want to thank In The Field for giving me this great opportunity to introduce myself. I can’t wait for the future possibilities and I’m so thrilled to start this journey! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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NEW CATTLE ENHANCEMENT BOARD UNDERWAY By Jim Frankowiak
Ranching and beef production have been an important part of Florida’s heritage for more than 500 years. The state’s cow-calf production ranks among the top ten in the U.S. with about a million head of brood cows for both beef and dairy raised on more than six-million acres in the state, according to Florida Cattlemen’s Association Director of Field Services Dusty Holley. “Our industry accounts for 12,779 fulltime jobs and another 19,743 jobs according to 2014 figures,” added Holley. To foster industry growth, the Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott’s office appropriated $1 million in 2015 for funding research and educational needs of the industry. Shortly thereafter proposals for project support in excess of $3 million were submitted, clearly suggesting the need for ongoing and expanded support. And while expanded support was possible, it was important to identify a vehicle that offered a timetable for use of the funding that was more in keeping with research requirements. “Legislative appropriations such as the one our industry received in 2015 must be expended and results reported within the fiscal year,” said Holley. “Our research programs often carry over several seasons and simply cannot be completed within a single fiscal year.” To address this challenge, a Direct Service Organization (DSO) – the Cattle Enhancement Board, Inc. – was created. It is similar to the DSO cre18
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Photos by Dusty Holley
ated to support and enhance the Florida citrus industry, the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Holley noted. “In fact, this new DSO mirrors the citrus board in the way it reflects the needs and interests of our industry.” The state legislature has increased its support to $2 million this year. Both DSO’s were created and are governed by the President of the University of Florida (UF) with all actions subject to review and approval by that office. Operations of the Cattle Enhancement Board are overseen by a board that consists of one representative each of the Florida Association of Livestock Markets, an allied industry member, a practicing order buyer, a Florida Dairy Farm, a Florida Farm Bureau representative, a member of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association, an appointee of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services with industry experience, a University of Florida appointee typically the Senior Vice President of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (which is currently Dr. Jack Payne) and six additional appointees of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA). “All board members are subject to approval by the UF president and each serves a three year term,” said Holley, noting that initial terms will be staggered so that one-third of the board will be replaced each year and not all at once. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Current Cattle Enhancement Board officers are: Chairman Erik Jacobson, vice president and general manager of Deseret Cattle & Citrus and a past FCA president; Vice Chairman Dr. Roger West, a cattleman, past FCA president and retired chair of the UF Department of Animal Science; Secretary/ Treasurer Dr. Liz Steele, a large animal veterinarian and chair of the FCA Animal Health Committee; and Chief Operating Office Jim Handley, Executive Director of the FCA. “We wish to express our thanks to the leadership of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, the appropriators and the office of Governor Rick Scott for recognizing the continuing and growing need for cattle research and promotion,” concluded Holley. For more information about Florida’s cattle industry, visit: www.floridacattlemen.org.
From our family to yours, wishing you a
Happy Thanksgiving
Fancy Farms would like to give thanks for all our friends and family who love and support us throughout the year!
NEW LOCATION: Southeast corner of Drane Field and County Line Rd.
Produce Stand: 5212 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Amanda Lawson
Hello Polk County! My name is Amanda Lawson and I am so blessed to be serving as your 2016-2017 Polk County Federation Student Advisor! I am also the Student Advisor at Kathleen High School where I am a Junior. Along with serving as a chapter and Federation officer I show market hogs, and do many Career Development Events, contests, such as Job Interview and Land Judging. I did not grow up in Agriculture but FFA has taught me so much about it. Participating in Career Development Events and showing animals has helped me decide what I want to do in life, which is teach agriculture to high school students. After I graduate from high school I plan to attend Warner University or the University of Florida. Polk County FFA has been very busy these past few months, from the Florida FFA State Convention this past June, Forestry camp in July, and Florida Leadership Adventures in August. In September the first contest of the year took place, County Opening and Closing ceremony contest were held at Auburndale High School where Frostproof Senior took first place in the High School division and Lake Gibson Middle took first in the Middle School division. Along with the first contest of the year, 20
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the Federation officers started chapter programs to teach students in Ag classes about FFA and leadership. So far these programs have been held at six schools and have been a great success. This October we had the County Creed contest at Lake Region High School, where Madyson Keim from the Kathleen Senior FFA chapter won first place in the High School division, and Savannah Rosales from the Westwood Middle School FFA chapter won first place in the Middle School division, and also the District Forestry contest at Kissimmee State Park where Kathleen High School A team took first place, as well as Bartow Middle School A team. The two teams will be moving to the state Forestry Contest this November. Along with these two contests, over 50 Polk County students traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 2016 National FFA Convention to either compete in events or to share the excitement with over 50,000 students from all over the nation. I look forward to seeing y'all at future events!
Amanda Lawson
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
By Brad Buck
UF/IFAS imaging system can detect citrus greening before symptoms show A time-lapse polarized imaging system may help citrus growers detect greening before the plant’s leaves show symptoms, which should help growers as they try to fend off the deadly disease, a new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences study shows. For the new study, Won Suk “Daniel” Lee and Alireza Pourreza wanted to know how early citrus leaves with greening can be detected while they are pre-symptomatic. So they inoculated plants with the greening disease and put those leaves through a time-lapse imaging system. There, they found starch in the leaves, an early sign of greening, said Pourreza, a former post-doctoral researcher in the UF/IFAS agricultural and biological engineering department. In their study, UF/IFAS researchers detected greening about one month after they infected the trees, he said. Timely detection and removal of greening-infected trees are necessary to manage the disease, said Lee, a UF/IFAS agricultural and biological engineering professor and an author on the study. “Citrus growers in California, Florida and Texas are very interested in employing this detection method to protect their groves,” said Pourreza, who now works for the University of California Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center. “This methodology was basically designed to show the greening hot spots in the grove.” That way, growers can diagnose the disease promptly. The most accurate lab test for detecting citrus greening remains the polymerase chain reaction, a DNA-amplifying technique. UF/IFAS researchers presented findings from the new study at the International Federation of Automatic Control Conference on Sensing, Control and Automation for Agriculture in August.
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Rock’n White House All I have been seeing on the news is what’s going on at the White House. If we ran our household the way the Government runs our nation, we would be bankrupt in no time. They have a printing press to print money and we don’t. I heard the other day to help save the economy the Government will soon announce that the immigration Department will start deporting seniors (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs. Older folks are easier to catch and will not remember how to get back home. There are a number of stories over the years about the White House being haunted. Our newest occupant of the presidential palace in Washington, First Lady Michelle Obama, recently confirmed the mystery of the White House haunting theory. A few months back a group of children visiting the Royal Mansion, on “Take your child to work day,” were told by Mrs. Obama a strange story. She said, during this mystery hour, that in the past two weeks or so, she and her husband President Barack Obama, have been awakened during the night. She told the kids they both heard strange sounds in hall. They got up to investigate, but could not find anything. Who knows, it could be some of the leftovers from prior Presidents. When Ronald Reagan was in office my wife and I were guests of Mike and Evelyn Bilirakis. We were invited to the White House lawn honoring the President of Sri Lanka. He presented President Reagan with a small live elephant. Other Presidents had animals in the White House. John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator living in the East Room. Thomas Jefferson had two pet grizzly bears that lived in a cage on the South Lawn. William Howard Taft loved fresh milk so much that he kept a pet dairy cow in the garage with all of his fancy cars. If you ever visit the White House don’t look for his ghost, as George Washington never lived in the White House. George passed away in the later months of 1799, about one year before John Adams became the first president to live in the building. 22
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There is very little left of the original White House. The British burned it in 1814 after U.S. forces set fire to Canada’s parliament. Dolly Madison became somewhat of hero when she saved the famous Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington. A second fire occurred in 1929 when a flue was blocked in the Oval office. It was in 1792 that a group of freemasons met at a Georgetown tavern and paraded down the street to the site of the new White House that was to be built. History records that they placed an inscribed cornerstone to mark the start of the House’s construction. From there, they marched to an inn and made a toast to the event. In fact they made a total of 16 toasts. It was said they got so liquored up that no one documented where the stone was. President Truman, during his stay in the White House attempted to find the cornerstone during a renovation period, but to no avail. It hasn’t been seen since 1792. Some believe the cornerstone is imbedded between two stone walls near the Rose Garden. Here are some strange facts I am sure you can’t live without. In the past year your hair most likely has grown almost five inches, and your nails close to two inches. From one birthday to the next there will be more than 50,000 earthquakes, and you will have had approximately 1,460 dreams. If you ever had a birthday party for your kids at Chuck E. Cheese, you no doubt have fond memories of singing Happy Birthday to your kids. However, your parents could get a subpoena to appear in court for being part of a public performance of “Happy Birthday to You,” which as it turns out is totally illegal. The song is copyrighted. Well, you paid to get in, and Chuck E. Cheese is making a profit. And that’s where it’s illegal to sing the song. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) requested that the Girl Scouts pay royalties for singing the birthday song during their campfire gatherings. Yep, somebody always has his or her hand out. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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A legacy continued By Melissa Nichols
Daniel ButLer
A legacy continued, is one of the greatest gifts one can give a parent. In the case of Robert Butler, hall of fame artist and Florida Highwayman, his legacy was formed with the vision that came to life every single time a paintbrush appeared in his hands. Robert Butler left his legacy behind in all nine of his children, who all have an artistic talent in one form or another. Possibly the one closest to having the same style of painting is Daniel Butler, Robert’s second son. As he looks back on his childhood Daniel says that Robert was always a father first; his love for his children was second to nothing. Daniel said, “We would often go fishing, hunting or on camping trips together, and during those trips we would learn to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. It was not uncommon for our father to have us look at the detail of a fallen tree just to remember exactly what that tree looked like. He taught us to admire the beauty that is in front of us every single day.” Robert Butler was best known for his portrayal of the woods and backwaters, paying special attention to the forgotten Florida, the land he admired the most. Each of his children have picked an area to focus their work, for Daniel it is hunting, it is wild turkey, wood ducks, and cattle, but Daniel can paint anything that you can imagine. 24
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Just as Robert created much of his work in an unlikely location in downtown Lakeland, Daniel is doing the same. To interview Daniel I went to Levy’s Imperial tire store on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, the same location where his late father spent many of his days painting and teaching painting classes to those who had a desire to learn. On a busy street just outside of the Dixieland district of Lakeland, sits a tire shop with much more to offer. Hanging on the walls are originals of Robert Butler and his son’s Daniel and Samuel, it is known as Levy’s art gallery. Art lovers from all around travel to Levy’s Imperial Tire Store to admire these amazing pieces which are all available for purchase. Levy Harrison (owner of Levy’s Imperial Tire Store) and Robert developed their relationship after Levy took one of Robert’s painting classes in the 90’s. It is a relationship that has lasted for over 20 years. I asked Daniel why he chose to use Levy’s as his location to paint. He said, “These chairs right here, this window, these walls, this is where my father took an image and turned it into his own, where he made landscapes and wildlife come to life.” Daniel has always been talented, but he has had much more of a quiet career. He has not been real public about his talent until the last few years. He said, “I wanted to make my father proud, I wanted to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
practice and perfect my work before I told anyone I could paint. Of course my father and siblings knew because he was the great teacher who taught us all to paint.” Daniel said in every painting he does, he asks himself what would my dad do? Daniel has a style all of his own, and although he enjoys painting landscape, wildlife and the Real Florida scenes, his style is much more impressionistic. He is very detailed in his paintings. He cannot leave a leaf untouched, each feather on every duck has to have at least 15 different colors on it. I spent several hours admiring Daniel work on a painting that he was finishing up live at the Ducks Unlimited banquet in Bartow. I was fascinated how he knew the exact amount of each color to blend together to turn flat acrylic colors into a vivid painting. Daniel said his visions literally talk to him, as he stares at a canvas he looks for what he would have seen or has seen while out walking, driving or hiking with his dad and siblings as a child. He recalls being a young boy and being in the woods with his father and siblings, finding a random leaf, a pine cone, a turkey feather, deer antler marks, wild hog tracks and anything of interest. Robert would tell them to feel it, touch it, to look at the beauty in every item that surrounds them.” “My focus is on the river and streams of Florida. I wanted to do documentary painting in the style of Norman Rockwell to bring attention to Florida,” Robert Butler. Daniel’s talent is easy to see and impossible to not admire, but one of the most amazing things about him is his WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
humbleness. Daniel tries to get better every single day. His plans for the next day is to be better than he was the day before. He has the sharp eye of a hunter, the heart of an artist and the genetics of a Butler, which together make him unique. Although Daniel doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps and wants to create a name for him, he does want to honor his father’s legacy and the name he was given by birth. He is a Butler and this is what the Butlers do, they paint, and they paint well. Daniel knows he has it right when no words are needed to describe what the painting is saying, and yes a good painting talks. Daniel said successful paintings capture a feeling, a memory, an emotion; they warm your heart or make you feel at home, they take you back in time or help you look ahead. His mission is to capture the beauty of the natural resources that are quickly vanishing here in Florida. Daniel wants to bring fond memories to the person looking at his artwork, memories that take you back in time and that last. Daniel said, “There are some of us that still get the best feeling of all whenever we can step out of the cool shadows of an ancient oak and into the warmth of the sun, this is what I want people to feel when they are looking at my work.” He describes in vivid detail a perspective of the hunter. “He/She gets high blood pressure when hunting wild turkey and the sun hits the turkey just right and you see the way the colors change on the feathers of a wild turkey or you find the scrape made by a big buck, and then there is that smile when a they know that covey of quail are still on their land or the smile on a duck Continued on Pg. 32 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink We are particularly thrilled about this voyage on the Literary Time Machine because we get to read about Orchids. Perhaps you have never experienced their beauty, both aesthetically and olfactory. If that’s the case, then maybe this piece will inspire you to enter the incredible orchid world that consists of some of the most gorgeous flowers on the planet. Since Mr. Simpson dives right in, we will too. He describes the blephariglottis, or fringed orchids. He writes that they are, “A genus of beautiful terrestrial plants of which five species grow wild in Florida.”¹ He continues, “Most of them live in bogs or lowland and a number have wonderfully fringed lips. Two of the finest species are B. chapmani and B. ciliaris, the latter having brilliant orange flowers and considered by some the handsomest terrestrial orchid in temperate North America.”¹ Bletia verecunda is the next one on his list and he says it has, “an elegant pink or purple flower of large size.”¹ We’re particularly fond of purple, so that orchid sounds grand. But then he suggests a companion to the Bletia, the Calopogon pulchellus. He elaborates, “It grows in our swamps to a height of eighteen inches, bearing a loose spike of large elegant purple flowers. The name Calopogon comes from the Greek and means beautiful beard, the lip having a handsome fringe or beard but of course the modern botanists must change it and now they call it Limnodorum. However, Bailey with good sense retains the old name as he does in many other cases. There are several fine Calopogons in Florida such as C. multiflorum, C. pallidum, C. simpsonii and C. graminifolium all of which are well worthy of cultivation. All grown in lowland.”¹ We kind of like the idea of plant conspiracies that Mr. Simpson seems to be all riled up about. So, we decided to see who “Bailey” is and what the story behind changing the orchid’s name might be. What we discovered, is that Mr. Simpson is probably referencing the work of Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey. An obituary for this gentleman in the New York Times states that he was an, “internationally renowned botanist, horticulturalist and agricultural educator.”² His accolades are included in the obit stating, “Dr. Bailey’s activities, some of which continued after he was 90, included writing more than 50 books…traveling more than 250,000 miles to collect more than 26
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275,000 plants…”² It is easy to see why Mr. Simpson held the man in high esteem. But what of the Calopogon? From what we can tell, it would appear that Baily might have won out with keeping that “good sense.” In fact, it would also appear that Mr. Simpson misspelled the new name. Perhaps that was on purpose to make a mockery of the change. Unfortunately, we will never know. However, our research on the topic led us to another interesting piece of botanical history. This sentiment, discovered in a very lengthy paper penned by Joseph Arditti (1979) on orchids, is exactly how we feel about them: “In 1678 Jacob Breynius wrote in his compendium “Exoticarum Aliarumque Minus Cognitum Plantarum,” on the extraordinary diversity of orchids: If nature ever showed her playfulness in the formation of plants this is visible in the most striking way among the orchids. The manifold shape of these flowers arouses our highest admiration. They take the form of little birds, of lizards, of insects. They look like a man, like a woman, sometimes like an austere sinister fighter, sometimes like a clown who excites our laughter. They represent the image of a lazy tortoise, a melancholy toad, an agile, ever-chattering monkey. Nature has formed orchid flowers in such a way that, unless they make us laugh, they surely excite our greatest admiration. The causes of their marvelous variety are (at least in my opinion) hidden by nature under a sacred veil (translated by Ames, 1948).”³ Maybe that description will help you better appreciate these intricately designed and wholly delicate flowers. Mr. Simpson certainly did. He continues, “The Epidendrums which are classified as weeds among orchids contain a number of really attractive and worthy species and Florida is rich in them, there being some eight or nine within our borders. E. conopseum is a delicate plant found growing on trees in lowlands…Its dainty flowers, which are produced in abundance, are greenish yellow sometimes tinted with purple. E. nocturnum has long, white, spidery-like blossoms and in E. tampense they are variegated white, brown and purple, beautifully spotted. E. cochleatum has a concave lip that is painted purple and has a greenish striped base reminding one of an old-fashioned pansy or “Johnny-jump-up” as our mothers called it.”¹ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Did your mom call anything a Johnny-jump-up? A quick search and you’ll first find those bouncy seats you hang in the door frame for your wee ones. Then you might find the Wikipedia description of varying pansies that have acquired the name. Interesting how terms change over time. In concluding the section, Mr. Simpson introduces us to, the H. repens, “the only orchid I know that is wholly aquatic. I have found this growing as a long branch full of bloom and almost entirely immersed in water, its attenuated, white roots wholly unattached.” But, he saves the one he’s obviously most impressed with, for last, “O. luridum is a rank grower with thick leaves sometimes three feet long and slender, arching panicles of marvelously variegated greenish yellow and red brown flowers, the whole sometimes ten feet long! There is an incredible lightness and airiness about this immense, wand-like panicle; it reminds one of a delicately tinted cloud.” Orchids are incredible plants, but learning how to take care of them could be a daunting task. If you want to learn more about them, and how to best grow them, read this: The Orchid Whisperer: Expert Secrets for Growing Beautiful Orchids. 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. 117-119). ²Obituary in New York Times (1954). Liberty H. Bailey, Botanist, is Dead. http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/ bday/0315.html ³Arditti, J. (1979). Aspects of the Physiology of Orchids. Advances in Botanical Research, Vol. 7. Academic Press, London. Photo Credits: Orchid images provided by David Stewart. Orchids grown and cared for by Virginia Stewart. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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They Don’t Want to Suck Your Blood: The Florida Bonneted Bat By Ginny Mink As we close out the spooky season to enter into a time of gratitude, perhaps we should be thankful for the plants and animals that don’t appear on the endangered or threatened species lists. Unfortunately, the Florida bonneted bat doesn’t have that luxury, although it is a relatively new addition. The Florida bonneted bat joined the federal listing of endangered species in 2013. Bats are fascinating creatures. Really, they are! And, they are wholly beneficial to the management of the bug population. That’s something Florida knows a lot about. Florida’s bugs are unlike anything else in the continental United States. So when there’s an animal that will help us eliminate those pesky insects, we should probably do what we can to help. Did you know that Florida bonneted bats don’t migrate? They are completely confined to their South Florida habitats. In fact, that restrictive range is more intense than any other bat in existence. In 2014 one active, natural, roost was discovered inside a hollow tree near Avon Park. Prior to that they had only been documented in bat houses.¹ These bats are Florida’s largest bat species. They have a “free tail” which means it extends beyond the typically short membrane found on many other bat species. It kind of looks like a mouse tail if you ask us. The incredibly broad ears that stick out over their eyes earned them the name, bonneted bats. Their wingspans can reach almost two feet and their bodies are roughly six inches long. However, they are still very small in size due to the fact that they weigh less than two ounces.¹ Although the bats have mouse like tails, and could certainly remind people of various other rodent like mammals, they don’t have similar reproductive abilities. In fact, the females generally only give birth to one pup at a time. They can have more than one reproductive cycle a year, but the limited population is certainly suffering from their slow reproduction rates.¹ Most research suggest they have two breeding seasons annually.² Bat hair is called pelage and the bonneted bats’ pelage ranges from cinnamon brown to gray to black. They survive on a diet that consists, primarily, of flying insects.² The insects that seem to be particularly appreciated by the Florida bonneted bats include: beetles, true bugs, and flies.¹ True bugs, in case you were wondering, are bugs that have piercing or sucking mouth parts.³ The site that provided that information has pictures of 32 different types of true bugs in case you want to learn a little more about them. The link is in the resources section. The roosting habits of these bats appears to be slightly odd compared to other bats in Florida. Apparently, one male will roost with several females. Very few bonneted bat nursery roosts have been documented. However, they seem to enjoy foraging in semi-tropical habitats. Golf courses and neighborhoods are also of interest to them. But they prefer pinelands, mangroves, and tropical hardwood.² No doubt you are wondering how you can help their plight. First, you need to understand what is causing the decline in these rare bats. 28
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Due to their small colony numbers, isolation, low fertility, and highly restricted range, they are tremendously vulnerable. Habitat loss and degradation are certain contributors to the decrease in Florida bonneted bat populations. However, there are other issues to consider as well.¹ Sea level rise, climate change, and coastal squeeze are causing some very serious threats. Unfortunately, these bats have often been removed from their preferred roosting sites in buildings and artificial structures. Development has played a key role in destroying the trees and the cavities in them that the bonneted bats call home. Hurricanes, pesticides, and other contaminants have also negatively impacted the livelihood of these wee insect destroyers. ¹ Current methods of protection and restoration include using ecodogs and acoustic equipment to detect the existence of the Florida bonneted bat. A 2013 Tampa Bay Times article discusses that methodology pretty well. Dogs search for snail mucus, bat guano and pythons in Florida, by Craig Pittman, reveals the results of the search party led by Bart Rogers. Apparently one pill sized pile of guano that could have been from a Florida bonneted bat was discovered. That was in the Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area down south near Punta Gorda.⁴ This might sound promising, but that wee pile was all they found after searching for 21 days and up to 10 hours each day. The article said that Rogers and his dogs covered nearly 200 miles of territory over that time. He used two, three year old Labs named Baxter and Felix. The dogs get rewarded with time to play ball instead of food. It’s an interesting method utilized by Auburn EcoDogs, the company where Rogers is a trainer.⁴ Who knows where those search and record efforts will take Auburn EcoDogs. We can only hope that they can help identify more Florida bonneted bat populations. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to add bat boxes to your property. The insects might not like it, but your plants, animals, and family will. Resources: ¹National Park Services- Florida Bonneted Bat- https://www.nps.gov/ever/ learn/nature/flbonnetedbat.htm ²Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission- Florida Bonneted Bat: Eumops floridanus- http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/ mammals/florida-bonneted-bat/ ³Insect Identification- True Bugs of North America- http://www.insectidentification.org/true-bugs.asp ⁴Pittman, C. (2013). Tampa Bay Times. Dogs search for snail mucus, bat guano and pythons in Florida. http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/dogs-search-for-snail-mucus-bat-guano-and-pythons-in-florida/2141942 Photo Credits: Group of bats- Florida Fish and Wildlife. Bonneted Bat 2: https://flic.kr/p/ bYA8XG Bat being cut out of wire- Florida Fish and Wildlife- Kathleen Smith (photo from 1980): https://flic.kr/p/bUvmRb Bat in hand- Florida Fish and Wildlife- Kathleen Smith (photo from 1980): https://flic.kr/p/bUvmYQ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jack Payne UF/IFAS Extension may be more ag than ever. The numbers tell us it has more agricultural specialists than a decade ago. In 2005, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences employed 136 agricultural Extension agents. That was about a third of all agents statewide. We have 198 by a recent count – almost half of our total number of agents. When we started this new wave of ag agent hires, James McWhorter was a U.S. Army communications specialist in Afghanistan. That put him behind the wheel of a truck driving Green Berets through the countryside and handling their radio communications on the missions. After six years in the military, he left to get degrees in agriculture, and we hired him two years ago. James brings modern expertise and an old-school respect for his elders to his job as Highlands County livestock and forage agent. He’s quick to seek introductions to the locals from his boss Laurie Hurner, who is the county Extension director just like her dad was. James received a phone call from rancher and Farm Bureau member Del Murphy one morning earlier this year inquiring about Bermudagrass. By early afternoon, James and Del were walking the pasture in Avon Park. And he met the matriarch of the Murphy family farm, an octogenarian who still mounts a horse to move her cattle and still puts staples into fences. When James is asked what the woman’s first name is, he’ll tell you, “Mrs.”
When he arrived in Highlands County two years ago, he had the idea that growers would come to the Extension center for monthly workshops on forages. But when he failed to draw an audience, he adopted his predecessors’ approach with more emphasis on visits to ranches like the Murphys’. It’s a testament to the trust he’s earned that James doesn’t even have to see the land owners to inspect a weed control trial or take a soil sample. When he asks for permission to set foot on a rancher’s property, he’ll get responses like the one rancher and Farm Bureau member Charlie Cullens gives him: “Lock the gate behind you.” McWhorter is doing everything he can to help the Elrods with their vision for Sandy Gully Dairy. That is, a vision of handing it over to their grandkids instead of selling and watching it become 4,000 more acres of subdivisions in Sebring. That support often involves fielding a simple phone call on whether to install insulators on the wood posts that support an electric fence. But he’s also out there often enough -- offering suggestions on how to improve their yields of hay, for example – that he knows what stores are nearby and where suburbia ends and farmland begins. It all sounds like the Extension agent of a bygone era. It’s also the agent of today. By adding scores of agricultural agents to the team in the past decade, modern Extension has kept a close eye on agriculture and its tradition of directly serving producers.
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 30
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Florida
Adzuki Beans
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Adzuki beans share the same great nutrition as other beans, but are uniquely enjoyed in desserts as well. Naturally sweet in flavor, they are popular in some Asian desserts such as Chinese moon cakes or red bean cakes, red bean ice, or sweet bean soup. Eaten widely in the Asian countries, adzuki beans are pureed with sugar and made into red bean paste, which is used as the filling in red bean cakes. Adzuki beans are also used in savory dishes, like stew and chili, much like you would use other types of beans and legumes. They are a major crop in Japan and China, and produced in many of the other Asian countries. In the United States, adzuki beans are mainly grown in Florida, California, and Minnesota. Originally from Japan, adzuki beans are expensive to purchase but quite easy to grow in Florida. The young, tender pods can be eaten raw or lightly cooked as you would snap beans. Adzuki bean sprouts are nutty in flavor and high in nutrients. Dried beans require about one hour of soaking before cooking. Adzuki beans are very nutritious and especially high in protein. Peak season for fresh Florida adzuki beans runs from November to March.
NUTRITION PROFILE
Rich in fiber, nutrients, and protein, adzuki beans are bursting with nutrition. Naturally free of cholesterol and saturated fat, and low in calories and fat, these legumes are a fantastic vegetarian source of lean protein. Adzuki beans are very high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, most of the B vitamins, and folate, iron, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of boiled adzuki beans (230 g) contains 294 calories, 17 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 57 g carbohydrate, and 17 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 70% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for folate, 66% for manganese, 39% for phosphorus, 35% for potassium, 67% for dietary fiber, 35% for protein, 34% for copper, 7% for zinc, and plentiful amounts of other nutrients including iron, thiamin, and calcium.
FOLATE: ESSENTIAL VITAMIN AT ANY AGE
Florida adzuki beans are a great source of the B vitamin folate, a vitamin that can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) in the fetus. Pregnant women should consume a diet high in folate, and eating adzuki beans and other legumes, vegetables, and fruits every day can help. Folate is also essential for growth and development, and plays a key role in DNA formation. Its heart-healthy benefits come from its ability to lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that is correlated with heart disease. Additionally, low levels of folate have been linked with low energy levels, depression and even memory impairments. So it’s an essential vitamin for everyone, in addition to its significant importance for the developing fetus. A one cup serving of adzuki beans provides 70% of your daily folate requirements.
THIAMIN: FOR GOOD MEMORY
Adzuki beans are a good source of thiamin, also known as vitamin B1. One cup provides 18% of your daily requirement for this B vitaWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
min. This nutrient is involved in enzymatic reactions relating to energy production and is also essential for cognitive function. Thiamin is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory.
PROTEIN: FOR MANY CELLULAR FUNCTIONS
Protein is the second most abundant substance in the body, after water, and plays an important role on many levels. Adequate protein intake is not typically a concern in the Western diet, but an emphasis on plant-based rather than meat-based proteins is associated with better health and decreased incidence of certain cancers. Fresh Florida adzuki beans are an excellent source of protein. A one cup serving provides over one third of your daily needs. Many important components of the body are comprised of protein, including antibodies that fight infection, hormones that control a variety of physiologic functions, and enzymes that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body. Protein is also a major source of energy and required for the maintenance and repair of tissues.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Choose adzuki beans with fresh, firm, green pods. The smaller beans are younger, more tender, and can be eaten like snap beans. They are best eaten right away, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in a tightly sealed plastic bag. You can also let the beans dry in the pods. Once dried the pods break open easily to reveal seven to 10 dried beans each. Store shelled beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry location for up to a year until ready to use. Adzuki beans are also available canned.
HOW TO ENJOY
When ready to use fresh adzuki beans, rinse under running water and then soak a cup of beans in water for at least one hour or overnight. Discard the soaking water. Rinse the beans add to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until tender, about 45 minutes to an hour. Once cooked, adzuki beans can be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator or up to six months in the freezer. Some delicious ways to enjoy adzuki beans: • Throw a handful into any vegetable soup, stew, or chili Make a bean salad with diced veggies and oil and vinegar or salad dressing. • Heat them up and spoon over hot cornbread • Stir them up with chopped, cooked winter squash such as butternut • Make bean tacos with corn tortillas, adzuki beans, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa and cheese • Stir fry them with steamed brown rice, tamari, ginger, garlic and a drop or two of toasted sesame oil. • Mash them up and make bean dip • Substitute adzuki beans for other beans in your favorite recipes • Use in place of chickpeas in hummus • Mix into a pasta dish with olive oil and vegetables Enjoy fresh, delicious Florida adzuki beans in their peak season today. They add a lot of nutrients, protein, and fiber to any dish.
SELECTED REFERENCES
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.florida-agriculture.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Continued from Pg. 25
hunters face when he spots the first teal of the season making a pass over the decoys.” All of these feeling and experiences are real life for Daniel. He was raised in the rural area of Okeechobee, Florida, a place that his father called home since he was only 4 years old. Robert and his mother moved to Florida from Georgia when Robert was a young boy, just after his parents were divorced. It is said that Robert didn’t immediately love Okeechobee, but in time he grew to see the beauty that surrounded him and had the desire to capture that beauty. Robert taught them how to hold the brush, he taught them paint strokes and how to accomplish things on the canvas, but he let them each develop their own style, their own ideas and their own visions. Art has a true beauty that is in the eyes of the beholder. Daniel has big plans and things he hopes to one day capture on canvas. He reflects back on the fact that he has been painting for 34 years now and still feels humbled enough to say that he only hopes to keep his father’s legacy going and make him proud. “My knowledge of art is minute compared to my father’s vast knowledge of this industry, but each and every day I hope to get better and learn more, to make him proud.” Daniel can been seen daily at Levy’s Imperial tire store. Some clients bring in photos and ideas and ask him to paint them, others come and just admire him in his natural state, but all sit in awe as they watch him take a paint 32
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brush and know exactly the right amount of colors to blend together to turn a plain white canvas into an orange grove, marsh, hunters paradise, cabin in the woods, cowboys working at a cattle ranch, or anything else you can imagine. Daniel and his brother Samuel are on a mission to be the second generation of Florida Highwayman. The Florida Highwayman were a group of 26 African American men that were self-taught painters of the natural landscapes of their time. They were known to travel the backroads of undeveloped Florida and capture images most people have never seen. They mostly worked from their vehicles, garages and backyards painting the images captured in their minds, all of which were landscape, nature, wildlife, and agriculture. Their paintings were often sold to Doctor’s offices, businesses and individuals who would frame them and use them as pieces for clients, friends and family to admire. Daniel hopes to be able to do much of the same. He spends most of his free time traveling, soaking up the sights that are around him, and turning a picture into a beautiful, breathtaking piece of art and a piece of history that time will change. Daniel loves the natural Florida, the untouched, the cattle, the wildlife and the same things his father loved. Daniel can be contacted at danielbutlerart@gmail.com or by viewing his gallery at 1-daniel-butler.pixels.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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UF/IFAS helps landowners protect forests for future generations
By Beverly James
Bob Reid, part of the UF/IFAS Land Stewardship Program, walking through the forest on his property. Photo taken 04/06/16.
When veterinarian Bill Bennett first bought his 1,200 acres of land in Levy County, he wasn’t sure what he would do with it. “I didn’t know anything about working the land, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he said. Bennett heard about the Florida Forest Stewardship program—a collaboration of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and various state agencies—and decided to give organizers a call. Chris Demers, a UF/IFAS Extension program manager who oversees the university’s participation in the program, suggested that Bennett attend workshops to gain knowledge. “I knew I loved pine trees, but I had absolutely no knowledge of how to go about building a pine tree plantation,” Bennett said. “Everything I know, I learned through the stewardship program or through other participants. It has been invaluable to my success as a landowner.” The Florida Forest Stewardship program was created in 1990 by the U.S. Forest Service to encourage private landowners to manage their forest resources for multiple benefits, said Demers, who is with the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation. “UF/IFAS’ role is to coordinate educational programming and outreach,” he said. 34
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The first step for participants is to develop a land management plan with the Florida Forest Service, Demers said. Participants need a plan to meet their short- and long-term goals and objectives for their property, he said. The cost of the program and five-year plan are free for landowners with 160 or fewer acres. Once a participant completes the program, he or she is certified as a Florida Land Steward. “Besides getting a plaque and a sign for their property, they also are eligible for other programs,” Demers said. The benefits of the program are long term, Demers said. “They get a management plan, which is a roadmap to get where they want to be as far as goals for their property,” he said. “And, they are connected to a vast network of local and statewide forestry and natural resources professionals who can give them technical and cost-share assistance. Plus, they get educational resources from UF/ IFAS, at no cost.” According to Bennett, all landowners should attend the stewardship program. “The program did exactly what it was supposed to do: educate me,” he said. “I recommend the workshops to anybody and everybody who owns land because there is no better resource.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
UF/IFAS study: People who know about genetically modified food agree with science: They’re safe Brandon McFadden
People who know a lot about genetically modified foods are inclined to agree with the scientific consensus that such foods are safe to eat. But, those who know plenty about global warming are cautious about the science that says humans cause the phenomenon, a new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences study shows. Furthermore, the study showed some people still make what researchers call “illusionary correlations,” such as “genetically modified foods cause autism.” Perhaps science communication should address people’s perceptions about illusionary correlations versus their knowledge of global warming and genetically modified foods, said Brandon McFadden, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of food and resource economics and author of the study. Merely providing people with information is insufficient to change behavior, McFadden said. Genetically modified (GM) foods are defined by the World Health Organization as foods derived from organisms whose genetic material has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, for example, through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Most genetically modified crops have been modified to be resistant to plant diseases or to increase tolerance of herbicides, according to the WHO website, http://bit. ly/1iZKcbQ. McFadden cited in his paper a recent Pew Research Center survey of scientists and the U.S. general public. Most of the scientists (88 percent) agreed that GM foods are safe to eat, compared to 37 percent of U.S. adults. The survey also found that most scientists (87 percent) agree WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
that human activities cause global warming, compared to 50 percent of American adults. McFadden wanted to know more about the reasons for the gap between public opinion and scientific consensus. In a study published Nov. 9 in the online journal PLOS ONE, McFadden surveyed 955 people online to measure their actual and perceived knowledge about genetically modified food and human-caused global warming. McFadden asked any array of questions. Among those questions trying to find out participants’ knowledge about genetically modified food, he asked “true/false” questions such as: “Ordinary tomatoes do not contain genes while genetically modified tomatoes do.” Only 31.9 percent said that was true. He also asked questions to measure illusory correlations such as, “To what extent do you agree with the following statement: ‘Genetically modified crops have caused an increase in food allergies.’” To that, 36 percent either agreed or strongly agreed. And there were several questions about global warming, including: “True or false: The greenhouse effect is the same thing as global warming.” Some 45 percent said this was true. “Intuitively, it would seem that greater knowledge would be associated with being more agreeable with science,” McFadden said. “Indeed, individuals with greater knowledge are more agreeable with science in general; however, people with greater knowledge become less agreeable when the issues are contentious.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Tampa Bay Ferry … The Future or Folly?
by John Dicks November marks the start of the much touted Tampa Bay Ferry pilot project. Of course much of the touting has been by paid political lobbyists, but governments on both side of the bay have allocated taxpayer dollars to the test of using our waterways as a mode of transportation. It’s being pitched as a way to solve part of our infamous transportation gridlock. No one can dispute that boating on Tampa Bay is a wonderful experience, but is the ferry really a workable commuter alternative as it is being sold to the public or is it instead a solution looking for a problem to solve? Ferries are, of course, used all over the world. It’s worth noting, though, that they are successful when used on trips to reduce travel times or make a journey that is otherwise impossible because no bridges connect the destinations. A good case in point is to realize that the boat we are using on our six month test comes from New England where it is used to run trips between Boston and Provincetown. The ferry runs it in a straight shot that takes about 45 minutes, whereas to get there by car, Google Maps suggests that the hook shaped journey takes nearly 2 1/2 hours to drive. Well that makes sense. You can spend $10 and enjoy a 45 minute boat ride or you can fight traffic for 2 1/2 hours and spend $15 driving the 115 miles. But how about this Tampa to St. Petersburg run? On the ferry, it takes 50 minutes. Yet by car, the same Google Maps shows that the drive from the ferry’s two docks, the Tampa Convention Center and St. Petersburg Vinoy Basin, takes 32 minutes. Realistically, the time difference is even worse than that. Let’s say you live in Brandon and work in downtown St. Petersburg. To get to the ferry, you’ve got to drive to the convention center. Google says that will take you at least 20 minutes. Plus you’ve got to park and walk to the ferry and get there a few minutes early so you don’t miss the boat. That will add another 30 minutes to your trip. Once you arrive in St. Pete, you’ll have to walk or take an Uber to your work, but let’s presume it is only a short few 15 minutes away. If all goes like clockwork, your trip from home in Brandon to downtown St. Petersburg will take you 2 hours. Your alternative is to drive. Google Maps tells us it takes about 45 minutes. There goes the time savings that ferries are designed to provide, but what about the costs? Well first there is that cost of the ferry ride. Enjoying it roundtrip will cost you $20. Parking all day at the convention center, according to the tampagov.net website, will cost you $9.50. Then there’s that Uber ride to get you to your St. Pete office, which we hope won’t set you back for more than another $10 each way.
All in all, that’s nearly $50 gone for your daily commute and we haven’t even figured in the cost of your driving from home to get to the ferry parking. Yes, boating can be expensive, but that’s not how it’s supposed to work with ferries. Nonetheless, suppose you don’t mind spending the extra $50 every day, nor stretching your normal one-way 45 minute commute into a two hour journey, how about the convenience of it all? As of this writing, the ferry’s website, found at CrossBayFerry.com, lists two workday trips from Tampa. The first one leaves at 9:30. The ONLY returning trip that afternoon leaves from St. Pete at 3 pm. Yes. You read that correctly. The ferry being billed as a solution to at least part of our transportation woes has precisely one workable workday trip! It all sounds simply dandy, provided your job in St. Pete requires your presence in the office daily from about 11 am in the morning (the time you arrive after your ferry & Uber ride) until about 2 pm in the afternoon (the time you need to leave to catch the ONLY return ferry)! Finally, let’s just presume that there really are plenty of people willing to spend $50 every day to turn their 11/2 hour roundtrip commute into a 4 hour roundtrip journey. And further, that those spendthrift souls really do have jobs in St. Pete requiring them to be there from only 11 am until 2 pm. Whoever these people are, they are well advised to buy their tickets in advance, because the ferry holds only 149 people. Yep, 149. That’s tourists and commuters. And bicycles (they’re allowed, but you have to pay another $2 for the roundtrip). The trial of the Tampa Bay Ferry runs through April 30. The boat then sails back to Provincetown to run the more logical cruise back and forth to Boston. Presumably, during our trial here the ferry was not needed up north because people don’t enjoy riding the boat during the winter months. Who knows whether Tampa Bay commuters will ride during the chilly, gray, rainy days of January and February. The cost to taxpayers for this test folly (sorry, I mean ferry) is $1.4 million, split four ways between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Is it worth it? Frankly, if the ferry was billed as a tourist attraction and paid for with tourist tax revenues it would make to sense to give it a test. But spending money earmarked for transit and transportation projects on something that will be expensive to use, prolong commuting times and divert few cars from the highways, makes the ferry seem much less like a bright new future than it does more of a failed folly.
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. 36
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Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Flatbread with Tomatoes and Sweet Peppers Ingredients 2 medium or 1 large baked flatbread or pizza crust 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (or your favorite) ¼ cup fresh basil, hand torn ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 large Florida bell pepper (red, yellow, green or 1/3 of all 3 colors),
seeded and sliced thin 2 medium Florida tomatoes, sliced thin 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread olive oil and garlic evenly over the flatbread. Evenly distribute three-fourths of the two cheeses over the flatbread. Evenly distribute the bell pepper and tomato over the cheese. Add remaining cheese to the top of the flatbread. Season the flatbread lightly with salt and pepper. Bake flatbread on a cookie sheet for 7 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove flatbread from oven and garnish with the hand-torn basil. Cut flatbread into several servings and serve warm.
Creamy Bacon-Mushroom Shrimp and Grits INGREDIENTS 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined grits for 4 servings 3 slices bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, finely minced 1 large clove garlic, minced 1/3 cup celery, chopped fine 1/3 cup green pepper, chopped fine
1 sprig fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper Dash hot pepper sauce 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice parsley, chopped
DIRECTIONS Prepare grits according to package directions; set aside and keep warm. Fry bacon until crisp then remove from pan and set aside. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan and add olive oil to bacon fat; heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, green pepper, thyme, bay leaf and mushrooms; sauté until soft. 38
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Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through. Stir in cream, bacon, cayenne pepper, hot sauce and lemon juice; simmer until heated through. In individual bowls or plates, spoon shrimp over grits; sprinkle with parsley and serve. WWW. ININTTHE FFIELD M WWW. HE IELD MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
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Fire Pit Fiascos with Friends
By Ginny Mink I started laying out the resources that we have for the purpose of creating that chicken coop we keep talking about, but we are still in need of additional wood and roofing materials. So, in an effort to do something productive on the property, and make my way-too-citykids get out there and enjoy the green grass, sweet air, and mosquitoes, we decided on a different project this month. Amazingly, I made the decision to build a fire pit prior to the temperature drop. However, it was great to see that we will eventually be able to enjoy a nice fire out in the crisp fall air. I’m more excited about that than these words can convey. Hazel on the other hand, was significantly less than thrilled. That changed though when the neighbor’s eldest daughter came over to help. We love having the ability to add people to our adventures, so please find great honor in meeting Solara Rose (she’s 3). We had gathered all the materials to design our fire pit and were busy carrying them to the back yard, when from the back porch I heard Hazel squeal in her queen-of-the-whine voice, “I don’t wanna do work! I hate work and this is work!” I suspect she probably stomped too. Thankfully, right about that time my most appreciated neighbor, Shannon, came around the back side of the house with her girls. Zeke, who had steadily been carrying one brick at a time suddenly became Mr. Stud in front of the girls. He began stacking the bricks up like Jaidyn. “I’m strong.” He proclaimed, beaming. And, in reality, I was kind of impressed by his three year old muscle and machismo. He’s not supposed to be trying to get the attention of girls yet though! Guess that’s what I get for birthing a blonde hair, blue eyed boy. Huh? Solara took note of the camera, and me eagerly snapping away, and she was soon involved in the brick hauling and design layout. Hazel was the director. Now that shouldn’t surprise anyone; she thinks she’s queen after all. Yes, forget being a princess, she gave herself a promotion. “Put that one here, Solara,” she instructed and Solara would pause in front of my lens before doing what she was told. Zeke, ever the master of his own drumline, began putting the bricks wherever he thought was a good position. That messed up the design and before long he was being severely chided by Madame Queen. “That’s not where that goes Zekiel!” Hazel screamed, kind of getting his full name right in the midst of it. Solara just kept working and smiling at the camera. It was really quite amusing. 40
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Initially we thought we ran out of bricks, but then we recalled the ones we had stacked on the back porch where Hazel had thrown her hissy fit. The kids were quickly back to delivery duty. Well, actually it was just Zeke and Solara doing the work as Hazel was still overseeing the process. I have failed to mention J much in this piece because he was caught up in putting the actual fire pit together. Per typical maleness, he was not interested in looking at the instructions and was frequently misguided. Well, not really, I think there were only like 5 pieces, but I was giving him a hard time nonetheless. I am good at that. I mean really, what else are moms for? Of course, J’s favorite part about creating a back yard fire pit is the fact that I let him light the fires. My brother, the Burned Guy, happens to be quite gifted in the realm of fire starting and has taught J well. Unfortunately, J had no luck starting the blaze that first night. And the other two did not quit bothering about it until they were finally able to get it going Tuesday. They were less thrilled by the burning fire than the ability to roast marshmallows. Sadly, Solara has yet to join us in that endeavor. Zeke says he likes the fire pit and that building it was “good” but then he reminds me, “You din’t even get to roast a arshmellow.” Once again, that’s no typo, I’m just trying to convey Zeke to you as best as I can. He’s all about the roasted marshmallows, but when he bit into his first one from the fire pit he was less than enthusiastic having gotten a mouthful of ash. He promptly spit it out and made very unattractive faces. It was a good thing the neighbor’s girls weren’t there to see that. He might have lost points in their eyes. Hazel tells me, when recalling the building of the fire pit, “I liked playing with Solara, nothing else.” When I gave her a cockeyed look she added, “I like roasting marshmallows.” She then rolled her eyes at me and refused to discuss the matter any further. Dear Lord, help me with this child! For the grand conclusion, I asked J about his experience. He replied, “I don’t know. What do you want from me?” Sounds like a pretty typical teenage response I guess. I can tell you all, I’ve got my hands full, and since it’s just me and them these days, we will definitely welcome your prayers! And, if all goes well, maybe, just maybe, there will be a chicken coop on the horizon. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now
Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.floridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Rabies Awareness Rabies is a viral infection which affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is not a blood borne pathogen, and is almost always fatal to both people and animals. Rabies is spread though a bite, scratch, or when the saliva, or tears of an infected carrier exposes another mammal. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section is alerted to all animal bite/wild animal exposures for our area. Animal Control Officers respond, document the incident and follow established criteria for quarantine periods of involved animals in accordance with the Rabies Prevention and Control Guidelines established by the Florida Department of Health.
be carrying the disease. The most commonly exposed wildlife are raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, and bats. But larger wild animals should not be ignored. In May, Sarasota County reported a case of a rabid deer. All of these animals are likely to roam into a pasture or onto a farm where food and water are prevalent. It’s important to stay away from all wild animals, never try to feed or handle wild animals. Do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. Avoid contact with stray dogs and cats, even if you believe it’s your neighbor’s pet.
If it is a high risk exposure, meaning the animal is among “rabies vector species” (RVS), or high risk, and the animal can be captured, it is sent to the Florida Department of Health laboratory for testing. Confirmed rabies results are immediately shared with the community.
Safeguard your home from wild animals by using screens over any openings in porches and any access to an attic or structure on your property. Ensure trash bins are secured and store pet food inside your home.
In 2015, Polk County had four total cases confirmed. Thus far in 2016, there have been three confirmed cases of rabies. And while the majority of rabies exposure incidents involve pets or people, livestock can be subject to the same exposures.
And most importantly, ensure you have a valid rabies vaccination for your pets and livestock.
In March 2016, Madison County reported a case in which a horse tested positive for rabies - the first case involving a horse this year. Then in August 2016, the Equine Disease Communication Center confirmed that a horse from Brevard County had tested positive for rabies. But how can cattle farmers and others owning livestock protect their animals against the threat? Vaccinations. Those who raise horses and have hobby farms are more likely to invest in vaccination of livestock – we know those who own large head of cattle may elect not to vaccinate their herds, but owners must realize that livestock grazing in fields are left open to possible exposure to wild animals who may 42
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(Florida State Law 828.30 requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets fourmonths of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United Stated Department of Agriculture for use in those species and the interval between vaccinations shall conform to the vaccine manufacturer’s direction.) If you think you or your pet or any of your livestock has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762. For more information on Rabies, please visit: http://www.polksheriff. org/InsidePCSO/LE/SOD/BOSO/AC/Pages/RabiesandYou.aspx WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities
Petroglyphs
by Sean Green
Rocks have been an important natural resource for our earliest ancestors, not only for tool making and crop technology, but also for art and communication. Petroglyphs (rock engravings) were likely the earliest form of artistic and intellectual expression. Stone carving and engraving is an ancient activity in which rough stone or rocks are shaped by chipping, grinding, and sanding to control the shape or image in a stone. Petroglyphs are found world-wide, the permanence of stone provide us with evidence that literally every society in from our earliest civilizations were engaged in some form of stone work. The word Petroglyph comes from the Greek word petro-, theme of the word “petra” meaning “stone”, and glyphein meaning “to carve.” This month we will created a small Petroglyph, or engraved stone that can be made from any good skipping stone you find out in the wild. There are a number of things that can be done with the Petroglyph once it’s complete. It can be made into a necklace pendant, part of a stone trivet, or a simple decoration for the mantle. Petroglyphs usually have a tribal appeal but can be quite elegant depending on the design. If you do not have a Dremel tool to engrave with, an impressive image can still be made on the stone with acrylic paints or drawn on the stone with a permanent marker.
Materials:
Smooth Stones (skipping stones) Permanent marker Dremel Tool Dremel Grinding bits (Disk and Conical)
Dremel Diamond Point Bits Acrylic Paint (optional) Dremel sanding bit (optional) Dremel Buffing pad (optional) Bees Wax (optional)
• Draw a rough pattern on your stone as a guide for engraving • Lightly outline the pattern on the stone with a grinding bit (you do not have to stay in the lines) • Once you have the basic image on the stone, use the edge a disk shaped grinding bit to deepen the outline • Refine the image by using conical bits for wide smooth marks, disk bits for deep ridges, diamond bits for fine detail.
Optional
If you want a natural look, do nothing more to the stone than wash it off with water and let it dry. The stone can be sanded and buffed with the appropriate bits. For a shiny look an application of bees wax will bring out natural color in the stone and give it a polished appearance. If you have done relief work on the stone such as an image of an animal painting the stone with acrylic paints will add a touch of realism that can be pretty impressive.
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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P ortrait Ph o tograp h er Spe c ializ ing in H igh Sc hool Se niors
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
False Burnet Moths (Urodidae) Urodidae is a family of moths commonly known as false burnet moths. Both the caterpillar and the adult form are pretty drab. Adults are considered micromoths with wingspans less than 20mm. The small wingspan makes them harder to identify by external markings, consequently, these moths are still largely misunderstood. These moths have been reclassified in at least three different families of Lepidoptera just in the past 28 years. DNA sequencing efforts are providing more accuracy in the identification and classification of insects but for the time being, Urodidae is considered a superfamily of moths that consist of three genera and 65 species worldwide, most of which occur in the neotropic ecozone characterized by an abundance of tropical rainforests. South Florida falls within the neotropic ecozone. The tropical hammocks that are scattered throughout our state can be regarded as miniature tropical rainforests; a habitat rich in biodiversity and a critical need to adapt effective strategies to survive.
Our natural world is filled with wonders that go unnoticed in our daily grind. Enchantment is concealed not in the extraordinary, but rather in the ordinary. Believe it or not, some of our most fascinating natural treasures can be found right at our feet when we take the time to take a closer look. This month we are featuring a rather homely neotropic moth. It’s not particularly colorful or impressively large. This moth is not distinguished as a rare or endangered species that warrants any special conservation status. It is not a remarkably destructive pest to any of its host plants and it’s modest adult form will seldom draw a second look. If however, you are lucky enough to find one of these moths at just the right time in its metamorphosis, you may find this humble moth hard to ignore. For many of us, one of earliest fascinations of the natural world was finding a butterfly or moth cocoon. A strange papery sleeping bag that a majestic winged insect would emerge from. The process of metamorphosis is taught in school at an early age and you may have even had a chrysalis or cocoon to watch in the classroom. The fascination that began in childhood never fades for some of us; in fact, it becomes more astonishing as we continue to discover the treasures our lifelong adventure can offer. There is a particular moth that for the most part is pretty dull but, when it comes to its transformation, it is hands down the champion of awesome. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Like other moths, Urodid moths pass through four distinct stages of development in a complete metamorphosis. The pupa stage is the final stage of the metamorphosis and the pupa is enclosed in an impressive net like cocoon rather than a solid sleeping bag like cocoon that is common for nearly every other species of Lepidoptera. The unique construction of the cocoon is thought to accommodate the heavy rainfall that is common in tropical and subtropical eco regions. A net like cocoon enables rainfall to travel through the cocoon without flooding and drowning the pupa. Pupae breath throughout their metamorphosis and as you could imagine, would drown if a solid cocoon were to fill up with water. In addition to the unique construction of the cocoon, the Urodid moth suspends it’s cocoon from a single thread on the underside of a leaf rather than attaching itself to a twig or rolling itself up in a leaf. This strategy is thought to protect the pupa from aggressive ant species that are common in tropical regions. The bottom of the cocoon has an escape chute from which the adult moth emerges when metamorphosis is complete. These fascinating characteristics are unique only to moths within the Urodidae family. Central and North Florida are the southernmost reaches of the nearctic ecozone that extends north through the rest of the continental United States. Because there is a transition from the neotropic ecozone, we enjoy a unique variety of tropical, and subtropical ecosystems that provide a reasonable environment for Urodid moths outside the neotropic ecozone. The species we are most likely to see in central Florida is the Bumelia Webworm Moth (Urodus parvula). They can be found in dry open forest glades, and sometimes along streams or swamp. Larvae feed on a variety of native Florida shrubs and trees such as Gum Bumelia (Bumelia lanuginosa), Gum Bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum), various Hibiscus, Beeches, Oak, Laurel, Citrus, and Milkweed and are active most of the year but particularly abundant in the winter and spring months. The weather is cooling and hiking in Florida will become more comfortable. The cooler weather will slow the activity of mosquitoes, biting flies, and snakes giving you more opportunity to enjoy the hike and take the time to take a closer look. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com ROUND BALES
Pangola Hay Call Dale 863-229-9876 or John 407-448-5608
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 17, 2016, Nov. 27, 2016
CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available IMMEDIATELY! Call Tim Ford (863) 439-3232
FMC 352
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
7X15 LAWN TRAILER
BRAND NEW HUSTLER X1
Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool 60” cut price was $10,356 buy now box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call for $8,800. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Alvie 813-759-8722
2015 MAHINDRA EMAX TRACTOR
CATTLE FOR SALE
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
BUILDING SUPPLIES
4wd with 60” mid mount mower. 39 hours, warranty. $9,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
HUSTLER RAPTOR
42” cut, 21 hp Kohler engine. 3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722
FOR RENT
METAL ROOFING
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mullcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
PRODUCE
FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
REAL ESTATE METAL WAREHOUSE
3200 sq. ft. Metal warehouse for lease. Located in E. Bartow off of highway 60. For more information call 863-221-0986
ALUMINUM
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
FOR SALE
WINDOW SCREENS
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CABINETS
All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Blake 813-752-3378
HESSTON 3710 TEDDER
Priced to sale. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 ROSSI CADDY 8 HAY RAKE Call Alvie 813-759-8722
T-111
FOR SALE
4X8 sheets 4” on center. $26.95 Call Blake 813-752-3378
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
MOBILE HOME TUBS
Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $199.00
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a Simonton/MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
FARM EQUIPMENT TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
TYM T723PS TRACTOR
74hp 4X4 Cab with loader & grapple rake. $22,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
NEW HOLLAND TC40D
2004 4X4 40hp. HST Transmission. $8,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS
17 acre blueberry farm, turn-key operation. Located near hwy 98 & 54. Polk & Pasco line. Over 24,000 plants, 12” well. equipment, everything you need. $285,000 Call 863-604-2526 or 863-689-5458
SERVICES CALLER ON HOLD
A low cost service that enables you to communicate important information about your business to customers while they are on hold. No monthly payments or annual payments. Call today and ask for Al (813) 763-2220
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! GROVE EQUIPMENT SERVICE is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378 at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. Having own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and ex- HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Call us today! 813-759-6909 perience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Plant City at 813-759-8722 Let us help you get rid of it!
Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders” 813-754-1766 DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED
For tractors and agriculture equipment. CDL class “A” license required. Pay based on skill and experience. Call Alvie @ Grove Equipment. 813-759-8722
November 2016
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