In The Field magazine Polk edition

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JIM JEFFRIES INDUCTED INTO FLORIDA FFA HALL OF FAME

By Al Berry

On Monday, September 29, Plant City’s Jim Jeffries was inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame at the 8th Annual Recognition Dinner in Haines City.

Jim was recognized for his many years in agriculture and work with the FFA. As an agriculture teacher, Jim was instrumental in building agriculture programs that became nationally recognized, and guiding middle school and high school programs to prominence. Jim’s contributions to agricultural education began as a vocational agriculture teacher at Pinecrest High School in 1969. He later moved to East Bay High School from 1970-79, serving as the department chair for his last four years there. Jim moved to Plant City to be closer to home. After nine years at Plant City High School, Jim was asked to serve as the supervisor of agribusiness and natural resources education for the Hillsborough County School District, where he served for twenty years.

Jim served as a member and officer of the Florida FFA Board of Directors, as a member of the Florida Department of Education’s Career and Technical education Advisory Committee, and as a supporter of the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center. He is a life member of the Florida FFA Alumni Association.

Jim’s accomplishments include time spent as an officer or member of various professional or civic organizations. He has served as the president of the Hillsborough County FFA Federation, the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, and the Florida Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. He currently is serving as president of the Florida Strawberry Festival. Before retiring in 2008, Jim accumulated an abundance of awards, including the prestigious Plant City Chamber of Commerce Ag educator of the Year Award, Hillsborough County’s Outstanding Administrator Award, honorary state and American FFA Degrees, and the Hillsborough County Extension Service Volunteer Award.

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POLK COU NTY

®

Contents

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

V O L . 7 • IS S U E 7

Contents

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 2

F eature S tory

Rob Krieger Kenny Raney P aThe g eAuctioneer 34 Page

24

cover photo by Melissa Nichols

Master Gardner

Literary Time Machine

Fishing Hot Spots

Ranch Rodeo Finals

Roadmap to Living Healthy

Tamarind

Page 41

Rocking Chair Chatter

Naturally Amazing: Climbing Bear

Page 10 Page 14

Page 18 Page 22

Page 33 Page 36

Page 44

P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 President – J. B. Wynn OFFICERSDave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 (863) 581-3255 & B OARD OF DIRECTORS cattlemenslivestock@ jbwynn29@gmail.com P resident - C harlesearthlink.net C lark ( 863) 528-8537 Vice President – David Mike Facente McCullerscclark@ expoco.com 697-9419 (863) 635-2821crookedlaV ice P resident - Dave(863) Tomkow keranch@verizon.net ( 863) 6 6 5-50 88 cattlemanslivetock@ earthlink.net Standing Committee Chairs: Secretary/Treasurer - Justin S ecretary/ Treasurer - J ustin B unch Membership- J.B. Wynn Bunch ( 863) 4 25-1121 jbunch@ agriumretail.com (863) 425-1121 A l B ellotto - ( 863) 581-5515Events- Kevin Fussell jbunch@agriumretail.com R ay C lark - ( 863) 6 83-819 6 (863) 412-5876 rclark@ tampabay.rr.com State Director – Ray Clark L .B .(863) F landers, DV M - ( 863) 6 4 Trade 4 -5974 Show640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Dewey F ussell - ( 863) 9 84 -3782 Rodeo- Fred Waters Mike F ussell - ( 863) 69 8-8314 Al Bellotto fussell.flafarm@ verizon.net (863) 559-7808 (863) 581-5515 David McC ullers - ( 863) 528-1195 Website – Chris Nelson MobyCharles Persing (863) 533-1020 Clark- ( 863) 528-4 379 Ned W aters - ( 863) 69 8-1597 RChrisnelson@gmail.com watersn@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 528-8537 J .B . W ynn - ( 863) 581-3255 cclarkc4@yahoo.com Cattlewomen – Vice Presijbwynn29 @ gmail.com dent, Laura Slocumb L.B. Flanders, DVMFacente - ( 863) (863)697-9419 660-7000 A lternate - Mike (863) 644-5974 laura@higgenbotham.com S tanding C ommittee C hairs:

Citrus Greening

Page 26

Up Close: Cracker Country

Page 45

New Technology Helps Nab Bad Guys

Membership - J .B . W ynnExtension – Bridget Carlisle Dewey Fussell

(863)- 984-3782 PO Box4 12-5876 9005, Drawer HS03 E vents K evin F ussell ( 863) Bartow, FL 33831

R odeo - F red W aters ( 863) 559 -780 8 Mike Fussell (863) 519-1048 watersf@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 698-8314 bccarlis@ufl.edu Website - Chris Nelson

fussell.flafarm@verizon.net C attlewomen - P resident Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Marjorie W ood ( 863) 6 6 0 -4 137 Moby Persing Tommy Dixon onnie397@ aol.com 863-528-4567 (863) 534-7205 E xtension - B ridget C arlisle ( 863) 519 -8677 tdixon@polksheriff.org

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Candidates Address Farm Credit/ AG institute forum

bccarlis@ ufl.edu

S heriff’s Dept. - S gt. Tommy Dixon

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Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt We have all heard that there are certain things friends shouldn’t discuss, especially if they want to remain friends. One of those things is politics.

Sometimes it is essential to discuss politics, but in doing so, please remember to state the facts and don’t get into a heated debate with someone who has a differing opinion. Chances are good you aren’t going to change their mind anyway and you may just loose a friend over it.

No one should tell you how to vote. You should be an informed citizen and do your homework to see who YOU believe is the best candidate for the job.

Select the candidate you believe will do the best they can for you, your county, your state and our great nation.

Once you are educated on the candidates and amendments that may be up for a vote, do the right thing and place your ballot! This seems like common sense but there are many who think their one vote won’t make a difference. What if everyone felt that way? Your vote is your voice. When we vote, we are actually telling elected officials and lawmakers how we feel about education, public safety, social security, health care, and other important issues.

There is power in numbers, and when we vote we can truly make a difference. Don’t leave it up to others who may not vote for what you believe in. Men and women have fought and died so that we can live in the land of the free. We have opportunities that many countries don’t have. Exercise one of these and get off the couch and vote. Your livelihood could, and probably does, depend on it.

Sarah

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. _ Numbers 6:25

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols Contributing Writers Woody Gore

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Acadian Seaplants Limited...........16 Alan’s Air Conditioning....................2 Ball Clover/Fairlie Seed Co............9 Bankers South...................................3 Broke & Poor..................................43 Cattleman’s Livestock Auction....29 Cecil Breeding Farm.......................17 CornFusion......................................50 Country Village...............................21 Ellison RBM Inc...............................39 Everglades Farm Equipment........56 Exo Creative...................................39 Farm Credit.....................................35 Fl Agriculture in the calssroom...43 Fl Dpt of Ag & Consumer.............46 Florida Farm & Ranch...................51 Florida Fence Post..........................15 Fl Mineral, Salt & AG.....................47 Fl Strawberry Growers Asso........51 Fountain Farm Services................29 Fran Haasch.......................................5 Fred’s Market Restaurant..............23 Grove Equipment Service.............19 Grove Equipment Service............38 Grove Equipment Service............49 Gulf Coast Tractor..........................34 Harvest Holler Corn Maze..............9 Harvest Meat Market....................20 Helena Chemical-Tampa..............21 International Market World.........20 Jason Grimes Contracting............16 Key Plex............................................42 Lightsey Cattle Co.........................39 Long Cattle Company....................47 Mosaic...............................................23 Organic Matter, Inc.........................13 Pathway Biologic.............................31 Pig Jam.............................................12 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association...................4 Prevatte Enterprises.....................27 S Bar S...............................................7 Seedway............................................7 Southwestern Produce..................35 Southeastern Septic......................27 Stephanie Humphrey.....................44 Stoller................................................55 The Bug Man..................................39 The Southern Barn........................53

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Well, it looks like we made it through another Florida “Winter.”

We welcome the Spring on March 20 with green grasses I’m all of you have experienced a wetter andsure highthat cattle prices.

As I’m writing this letter, than I am normal early Fall, just like me.

Even though rain reflecting on how good it is to be in the cattle the business has been somewhat of an inconvenience at times, I am and how thankful I am to get to work with such a good thankful for it.

There are many others out west that group of people. would love to see it. At least we’ll go into winter with Speaking of goodpossibly people, making the Polkit County more moisture, a greatCattlemen’s year for Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show was a big success once planting rye grass. again. Held on February 15 at the Agricultural Center in Bartow, approximately attendees came Rodeo out to This is also the time of year1,500 for the annual Ranch watch cowboys and girls compete in various events State Finals and Heritage Festival in Kissimmee. It was including Cow ItMilking and the Horse Race. very well Wild attended. is a great timeWild to see some of Twelve teams competed and tried their hardest to win Florida’s rich heritage in the cattle industry, as well as a coveted event buckle or especially the first place prize aofchance to catch some of place our states top cowboys and a trophy saddle.

First title and saddles went cowgirls in action.

I always enjoy this event, including to Lightsey Cattle Company. Congrats to Clint and Cliff the whip Dusty popping contest, and various Lightsey, and Charitybrisket Crosbycook andoff Michael Grimalhorse competitions. is a goodPolk family atmosphere di. This team will It represent County well inand the 2014asRanch Rodeofor State in Kissimmee thisstate.

Fall. acts a reunion mostFinals cattlemen across the The in committee would never betoable pull of off our thisfelroAlso September, I was asked jointosome deo cattlemen event without the help volunteersforum who provide low in Orlando at aofcandidates hosted their time, trucks, stock andInstitute equipment.

A big by Farm Credit andtrailers, the Agriculture of Florida thank you as well to all of the sponsors! These companies and individuals donate their money, so make sure to remember these companies when it comes time to doing business. The CattleWomen provide the food at

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the concession stand - and they never disappoint! Fred on the has 25th.

At this engaging event had the Waters chaired thisvery committee every yearwe - so thank chance to hear from Gov. Rick Scott, Commissioner Puthim when you see him. Without these people, this event nam, as well happen. as Attorney General Pam Bondi. A few of would never their democratic opponents were there to speak, includingis CFO Jeff Atwater’s William Rankin and March the month for the opponent Polk County Agri-Fest which takes placecompetition in Bartow atforthethe Agricultural Center.

Putnam’s Commissioner of Running Agriculfrom 10-14 and I 17-21, thisbeing program Polk ture, March Thad Hamilton. enjoyed thereteaches to listen to County 4th graders theboth importance of agriculture the candidates, hear sides and participatein inoura state huge impact ourthe economy. strawand poll.it’sI would like to on thank Florida Volunteers Cattlemen are always needed.

Also, the Florida Cattlemen’s Legislafor inviting me to attend this event. tive Quarterly takes place in Tallahassee on March 11-13.

This gives the cattlemen and women an opportunity to Don’t with forgetstate that legislators we have our annual Polk meet regarding issuesCounty facing Catour tlemen’s Association dinner this November 20 in Barindustry. If you have a chance to attend the FFA’s 11th tow. Make family22 down some Annual Beastplans Feastto& bring Auctionyour on March - it’s for always a great time food,(especially fellowship toand few door great tryeven newa wild food). prizes!

Hope to see you at any of these well-organized events!

JB Wynn JB Wynn JB Wynn Polk County Catlemen’s Association President Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

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Ninety-four percent of US households consume strawberries.

Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus another 1.8 pounds frozen per capita.

Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, potassium.

In medieval times, strawberries were served at important functions to bring peace & prosperity.

Eating strawberries, which are rich in nitrate, can increase the flow of blood & oxygen to the muscles by 7%. This prevents muscle fatigue, making exercise easier.

In a test, subjects who ate nitrate rich foods like strawberries before exercising burned 100 more calories than those who did not.

The ancient Romans believed that strawberries alleviated symptoms of melancholy, fainting, all inflammations, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, bad breath, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.

Native Americans ate strawberries long before European settlers arrived. As spring’s first fruit, they were a treat, eaten freshly picked or baked into cornbread.

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MA ST ER G A R D EN ER

The Durable Cactus

By Debra Howell

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The cactus family is a tough, durable group, well adapted to hostile and unforgiving environmental conditions. This diverse family of water-storing plants include tiny two inch pincushion cacti all the way to the fifty foot tall tital Saguaro.

Some of the most visible and impressive forms of vegetation present in the American southwest are members of the cactus family. Early Native Americans were familiar with cacti as a food source, and people in modern-day Mexico value cactus fruit and cook it in a dish with potatoes and onions.

Early Portuguese and Spanish explorers struggled mightily to obtain a foot in the Americas, and made sure to transport the cactus back and spread them throughout the Azores, canaries, Madeira, Portugal, Spain and the Mediterranean. One early explorer, Coronado, wrote of cacti in his 1540 New World accounts. The dissemination of these plants has caused cacti to become a food source in some areas and a relentless pest plant in other locations.

It was a man named Karl Schumann, an early botanist, who in 1898, published a classification of the cactus family called the Monograph on the Cactaceae, dividing the cactus family into three “tribes.”

Many more cacti were identified during the explorations of Mexico, South America and the American southwest following the turn of the century.

One of the most common and recognizable of cacti (especially in scrub areas) is the Opuntia (oh pun’ shi ah). This includes the prickly pears and chollas (cho’ yah). The staple food for early southwestern indigenous peoples was maize, but prickly pears were a welcome addition in their arid environment. The aptly named prickly pear can grow from the size of a groundcover to about eight feet tall. Most species have imposing spines, but a few are spineless. Many Opuntia species occur in zones 3-11 on well drained sandy soils.

The flowers are predominately yellow, but occasionally white, red or purple. The fruit is fig-like and red, and may be smooth or spiny. In greenway areas, the fruits are a favorite with wild animals such as deer and bear.

Along with prickly pears and chollas, there are myriad types and forms of cactus. Among them are organ pipe, torch, old man, snake, orchid, star, living rocks, hedgehog and rat tail, just to name a few.

Additionally, there are night-bloomers, like the cereus and Queen of the Night. These plants bear large creamy white flowers that are visited at night by pollinators such as the hummingbird moth.

To propagate, pads are separated and dried several days. Plant the pad one quarter the length of the pad. According to the University of Florida IFAS EDIS bulletin #FPS 447, this native is in danger of extinction in Florida. Prickly pear is drought, heat, wind and salt tolerant.

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The spines of prickly pear can be both formidable and painful.

Should you decide to try prickly pears, wear gloves and harvest safely.

You may either peel off the spines or “flame” them. When you slice the pads into pieces you may then roast them over an open fire, deepfry or stir-fry the pieces. Ripe fruit may be processed into jelly.

They can also be a problem in cow pastures and may be treated with a product containing fluroxypyr on the cactus pads. This product takes a while to work, so be patient – it doesn’t mean that it is not working.

So, while a cactus specimen provides a water-thrifty, unique plant reminiscent of both seashore and desert, there is also a downside.

My first meeting with Dr. David Shibles, Urban Horticulturist at the Polk County Extension Service, was about ten years ago when a Cactoblastis outbreak threatened my spiny and spineless cacti. Dr. Shibles identified the pest as the larval stage of the Cactoblastis moth.

The indication of Cactoblastis cactorum infestation was the occurrence of a very green pulpy substance sliding down the pads and clumping in a ponderous heap at the base of the plant. This yucky mess was frass being excreted by the larval stage of this little nondescript moth. These larvae had taken up habitation and were feeding voraciously in the cactus pads. Once they pupate, the adult females lay something called an “egg stick” which is a small brown stick on the outside of the pad about the diameter of a mechanical pencil lead. You would never know from looking at this moth the damage it is capable of inflicting.

Once the larvae have eaten their fill, they will exit the damaged plant pads and make white cocoons in crevices and leaf litter of trees in the immediate vicinity.

Two other cactus-loving pests are the cactus bug and cactus weevil.

Insects that specifically target the prickly pear have been studied and investigated for one hundred years. The United States Department of Agriculture had a paramount role in this endeavor.

Some folks might deem the little Cactoblastis moth as a pest, but ironically in 1965, a town in Queensland, Australia erected a monument to the insignificant creature for “saving the people of Queensland” from the scourge of invasive prickly pear cactus. The resulting 16 million acres of cleared land were reclaimed for agricultural pursuits.

But what’s one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and some forms of cactus are employed as a needed food source in certain cultures.

The definition of plants that have the capability to store water in stems and leaves is “succulent.” Cactus is a term imbued upon a large family of plants which fall under the term succulent. There are spiny cacti and spineless cacti which, when used in conjunction with ornamental rocks, mulch and ceramic pottery, will give a finished look to that difficult to maintain corner of your beautiful Florida landscape.

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Theresa Sampson, Snook

October Fishing Report 2014 Tampa Bay Area Promote Catch & Release Typically the weather begins to dry out this

month because our fall season began on September 21 Eastern Daylight Time and will continue until December 21 as winter begins. With this we should get some dryer air this month with less humidity making it somewhat more comfortable to fish. I also enjoy this time of the year and can tell the cooler weather is on the way because I have to put a jacket back in the boat for the early morning ride to get bait, especially if there is a light or strong wind blowing.

As the water starts cooling, it means the fish should start getting a little more excited about being fish. The bite has been exceptional during the last weeks of September and I expect it to continue. Throughout the Tampa Bay area you can expect good catches using live bait or artificial lures.

Speaking of artificial lures, if you’re interested in some exciting early morning action, tie on a new 16MR MirrOMullet Surface Walker or Top Dog Jr. from MirrOLure and use the walk-the-dog technique across a calm morning grass flat. The expectancy is unbelievable

as you’re waiting for what happens next, the explosive strike of a large snook blasting on the lure or the water pushing swirl of a stalking Redfish. The anticipation of a topwater lure strike is so exhilarating… it’ll almost stop you heart.

From other articles, you’ve probably surmised that when it comes to fishing, artificial lures are close to my heart.

There is something magical about duping a fish into striking something that’s alien looking at best. I often think the stranger looking the lure the better chance of getting a strike. Over the years I’ve used everything imaginable to catch fish. Live baits, artificial lures, and even McDonalds plastic straws. I’ve even seen my uncle use a strip of old white tee shirt to catch spotted sea trout, which brings me to this conclusion… if it has action and looks wounded something’s going to try and eat it.

Try your hand at something man-made on your next fishing trip. You’ll be surprised at how many fish you’ll catch and how much fun you’ll have doing it.

There are plenty of redfish and snook (which are in season until December 1st) are all over the area hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move back into the bay it’s fairly easy to find them schooled up on the grass flats covering the bay.

It’s also the time of the year when we see some of the big redfish start showing up. You never know whether you’re going to a catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches, so be prepared. These big reds often top the scales at 12 to 14 pounds. The upper bay area is holding good numbers of fish, but you must pick your tide days carefully when fishing north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, especially by boat. The area gets extremely shallow on low tide days.

Many of the snook being caught average in the 22 to 28 inch range. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. They’re hanging under residential docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or

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Theresa Sampson, Redfish

free-line a jumbo shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb. so you don’t get cut off on the pilings.

As for the others, expect some good sized mangrove snapper at the bridges with some topping out around three pounds. Cobia are showing up and for us it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as others might show up following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks, sharks and ladyfish will be feeding on bait schools.

Craig Trautman, Big Mangrove

Never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks, especially when kids are involved. They can certainly make or break a trip. Most children are not interested in fishing, however they are interested in catching and they don’t care what it is. When you take kids fishing make sure it’s all about them catching fish. You’ll get your turn when you and your fishing buddies get out.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

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

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By Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam

Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy

We think we know what the face of hunger looks like when we see starving children featured on television from countries around the globe. But we need to expand our thinking of what hunger is – what the face of hunger looks like – because it is in our backyard, our elementary schools and our communities right here in Florida.

One out of six Floridians is defined as food insecure. That means 3 million people across our state don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. And the rate is even higher among children, with one in four children being food insecure, according to Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity.

Food insecurity in Florida is not because of inadequate quantities of food, however. Here in Florida, farmers and ranchers produce an abundance of food during our year-round growing season. We produce nearly 300 different commodities on 47,000 farms statewide.

The challenge of hunger in Florida is not one of supply, but of logistics, access and distribution.

Many organizations, including nonprofits, faith-based organizations and local governments, are working to address these challenges. Here at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, we have been working with them, evaluating the possibility of expanding farmers markets to meet demands in rural areas, partnering with others to improve affordability of healthy produce, and connecting food banks to farmers who can share their surplus.

Collectively, we’ve made great progress in improving the health and wellness of Florida’s communities, but there’s much more work to do, and resources are limited.

We must maximize the use of our resources by targeting the communities that need it most. We developed a new tool to help us do just that. We call it “Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy.”

This interactive, online map overlays data available on health and wellness by census tract, including food deserts, food stamp-eligible households, and death rates attributable to diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The map also 18

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displays the assets that are available to assist communities in need, including food banks, food pantries, farmers markets, child nutrition programs, health centers and free clinics. With this information, we can identify the communities with the greatest health risks associated with poor nutrition and determine gaps in resources available to assist them.

Our map uses Geographic Information Systems, or GIS technology.

It’s so sophisticated that you can view the data from the statewide view all the way down to the street level. This is the first time that any state has employed GIS technology to address the hunger crisis on a statewide level.

None of this data is new. The mapping tool is just a new way of looking at the data we have available to better target communities in need, evaluate strategies and measure progress. The possibilities of this map are endless.

Our collaborative use of this tool can help us not only improve the health and wellness of Florida communities, but have a lasting impact on the lives of Florida residents. Ultimately, by improving access to nutritious foods in communities with the most needs, we can bend the health care cost curve and improve academic performance and workforce productivity.

We live in a state where we grow an abundance of healthy foods, any of which your doctor would be happy for you to eat. Yet, one in six Floridians do not have reliable access to this bounty. So let’s put our bright minds together, take advantage of the information we have available with this new tool, and stretch our resources to serve the communities that need help the most. Hunger, in Florida, can be solved.

To explore “Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy,” go to www.FreshFromFlorida.com/RoadmaptoHealth.

Adam H. Putnam is Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and oversees school lunch and other nutrition programs at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2013 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE October 2014

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Collection of Stories From time to time I come a cross interesting stories, and save them back for use in this column if they fit in with what I am writing about. This month I decided to use a number of retirement stories I thought you might enjoy.

There’s the story of a priest that was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading local politician, who was also a member of the congregation, was chosen to make the presentation and give a little leaving speech at the dinner. He was delayed so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited.

“I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person that entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when stopped by the police, had almost murdered the officer. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his place of business, had an affair with his boss’s wife and taken illegal drugs. I was appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like that, and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.”

Just as the priest finished his talk the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He Immediately began to make the presentation and give his speech. “I’ll never forget,” he began, “The first day our parish priest arrived, I, in fact, had the honor of being the first one to go to him in confession.”

Two elderly gentlemen who had just retired met for a game of chess at the retirement center recreation hall. “Jimmy, you know I am 87 years old now and I’m just full of aches and pains. I know you’re about my age, how do you feel?”

Jimmy replied with glint in his eye, “I feel just like a newborn baby.”

“Really?” George replied. “At 87 you feel like a newborn baby?”

“Yeah,” laughs Jimmy. “No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.”

Melody worked many years past 62, and decided to take a much deserved retirement cruise. One evening she was standing at the rail of the cruise ship holding her hat so that it wouldn’t blow away in the wind. Fredrick, a gentleman approached her and says, “Pardon me, madam, I do not intend to be forward but did you know your dress is blowing up in this wind?”

“Yes, I know,” she replied firmly. “But I need my hands to hold onto my hat.”

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“But madam,” remarks the gentleman, “You must know your derriere is exposed.”

She looked directly at him and said, “Sir, anything you see down there is 85 years old, but I just bought this hat yesterday.”

A retiring German public employee thought it’d be a good idea to email his 500 coworkers and let them all know he had been paid to do nothing for the last 14 years. “Since 1998, I was only present but not really there. So I’m well prepared to retire,” the former public employee wrote in his farewell letter. He also made sure to mention that during all those years he did nothing, the city of Mendon (in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia) paid him about $975,000. The retiree says that because of constant reshuffling at his job, he managed to get away with never having to work. Of course he never mentioned any of this to his supervisors while he was being paid. Naturally, many people, most especially the mayor of Mendon, are furious (or in a “considerable pinch of rage,” as the mayor puts it) over the letter. “This kind of behavior is not good,” the mayor said. The retiree wasn’t expecting the farewell letter to get the type of attention it has received from the German press. So instead of it being a satisfying moment, he has managed to tick off an entire county. The 65-year-old thought he had had the last word before heading out of the office door for the last time -- except his email was leaked to the regional media and he is now the focus of some attention.

“I do not wish to say anything else,” he told his local paper.

“That email was not intended for public view. Now I am officially retired.”

If you’re thinking about retirement you might want to check out the largest gated community for over-55 in the world. It’s the Villages, right here in Florida. It holds more that 100,00 residents, and is larger in size that Manhattan. Everybody gets around in a golf cart. Some of the golf carts cost over $25,000 and are jazzed up to look like Mercedes sedans, hot rods and Hummers. The Villages made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s longest golf-cart parade by lining up 3,321 carts.

They hold a couple of other records too! They have the highest consumption of draft beer in the state of Florida. The community has its own microbrewery that pipes beer beneath the streets to its town square restaurants.

A local police officer said, “You see two 70-year-olds with canes fighting over a woman and you think, and this place calls itself “America’s Friendliest Hometown.”

Remember, the trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2014

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Kenny Raney

The Auctioneer

By Melissa Nichols

The feature story this month is a well-known, familiar face to just about everyone involved in agriculture in Florida. He is many things, a father, a livestock auctioneer, he owns a cow calf operation, is an active Polk County Cattlemen’s Association member, and much more. This story is several years in the making. We approached Kenny about featuring him on the cover of the magazine about two years ago and he said as soon as he got a chance he would let us know. This was no joke, Kenny has got to be the busiest person I have ever done an article on. Following him around to write this article was quite exhausting. When asked how he keeps up the regimen that he has, Kenny responded “Ya got to do what ya gotta do.” And this is a motto many people know him by. His days are long but he never complains and he loves what he does. We are very excited to feature our hometown Polk County livestock auctioneer on the cover this month, and I am personally proud to call him my friend.

Kenny Raney Jr is a 2nd generation Polk County resident, born and raised. In middle school Kenny took an Agriculture Education class and joined FFA. He went on to attend and graduate from Lake Gibson High School.

In joining FFA Kenny learned a lot about livestock and 24

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began raising market steers. He knew cattle were his future. Kenny got his first job as a teenager working at the Cow Palace in North Lakeland and later went on to be the barn manager there from 1980 to their closing in 1988. The first time he worked as an auctioneer was at the age of 14, and although he knew he needed more practice, he also knew auctioneering was in his future.

He would spend hours at the Cow Palace, even when he wasn’t on the clock, learning everything he could about cattle. After high school Kenny went on to attend Polk State College and later went to work as a meat inspector for the State of Florida Department of Agriculture.

While working for the state, Kenny started Lakeland Livestock Market, it was located behind Cattlemen’s Livestock Market. At Lakeland Livestock Market Kenny auctioned off goats, sheep, cattle and horses, and was held on Saturdays, making it much different from the other auctions around Polk County.

Kenny spent about 10 years working for the state as he continued to grow his herd of cattle and had two children, Kateland and Kenny (little Kenny even though he is now taller than his dad) who were literally born into the livestock market business. Kenny was the relief auctioneer for Sumter Co Cattlemen’s and Ocala livestock WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

market from 1992-1996. In 1996, he knew a change in careers was needed so he went to work as a buyer/broker for Murray Edwards Cattle (Old Cow Palace). After many years of auctioneering under his belt, Kenny finally attended auctioneering school in 2001 and became a licensed auctioneer. He began working in the car auction industry and spent about five years auctioning cars, but things just didn’t work out as planned and he knew cattle were always his calling. And in true fashion of a good Christian, Kenny knew if one door closed, another would open. The door that opened was the one that helped make his dreams come true. At this point in life, Kenny had established a decent herd of cattle, mostly brahma influenced. Raney Cattle Company had become a well-known name around Polk County for producing quality replacement heifers, steers and bulls.

In 2002, Kenny went to work as a full time auctioneer.

From 2001 until 2007 Kenny did three horse sales, on top of cattle sales and since 2012 does horse sales at Parker’s Old Time Sale Barn.

About this time his children were both getting very involved with agriculture and FFA by showing Brahmas in the beef breed shows at the youth fair, and also in raising market hogs and steers. Kenny takes much pride in WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

the accomplishments of both of his children. His oldest, Kateland, can tell you as much about the beef industry as her younger brother, Kenny, who works as a “Cowboy.” The Raney trio can saddle up a horse and work cows the old fashioned way, popping whips, roping, and driving them to the pens. Kenny has the utmost pride in his children, they are his life. Kateland has moved to Fort Stewart, Georgia with her husband Jose Arroyo, who is stationed there and serves as active duty in the United States Army. Kateland has a herd of cattle that her dad and brother manage for her. She hopes to continue to grow her herd and remain involved in the cattle industry.

His son Kenny (little) lives next door to Kenny with his girlfriend Leigh Ann Barthle. Kenny (little) works as a ranch hand all over Polk County and Central Florida.

He is one of the best “Cowboys” I have ever watched work cows, he is tough, strong and fearless. He actively participates in the Florida Ranch Rodeo circuit, winning his fair share of saddles and titles. This past year his girlfriend, Leigh Ann, also participated in the Ranch Rodeo circuit with him. Leigh Ann is equally as tough and able to work cows, rope and ride with the best of them. Leigh Ann has been involved with the cattle industry herself for many years, raising some of the best Brangus cattle around. Kenny will quickly tell continued on pg. 30 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Citrus Greening

By Jack Payne

Science is the solution, hope is the bridge The Disease: Huanglongbing (HLB)

Leaves of a citrus tree with Huanglongbing citrus greening disease HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, is fatal for citrus trees. Once a tree becomes infected, there is no cure and it will die. The disease is spread by an insect called the Asian citrus psyllid. The disease: • Destroys production, appearance and value of citrus trees.

• Makes trees produce bitter, inedible, misshapen fruit, and will eventually kill the tree.

If citrus canker is a common cold, HLB is full-blown AIDS. That was the message directly from a grower on the podium at the Citrus Expo this summer in North Fort Myers.

The analogy is apt. The same analogy applies to the solution. Just as there’s no cure for AIDS yet, there’s none for HLB. But 30 years after the emergence of the human disease, we’ve found that through a combination of therapies individuals can manage the disease and enjoy a high quality of life. And about a decade into the HLB epidemic, we’re finding that a combination of grove management tactics can keep trees producing good fruit while IFAS continues the search for a long-term solution.

Since Polk and Highlands counties are the state’s leading citrus producers, I expect many of you were at the Expo. IFAS dispatched what might as well be called its citrus strike force team to North Fort Myers, but our Extension agents are available year-round. A few highlights from the Expo: Research: From thermotherapy to aerial monitoring to root biology, we sent a parade of experts to the seminar podium with updates on what we’re learning about strategies to combat citrus greening.

We know that what we find in one grove may not apply universally, so we hope we can count on your continued cooperation in hosting our field research on some of your acreage. Not only does it help confirm (or disprove) that a particular approach will work on your land, but we know that seeing is believing, and it’s a powerful way for you to draw your own conclusions about IFAS research.

Extension: IFAS staffed an Extension showroom in the very heart of the exhibit hall in the Lee Civic Center. Even among the giant machinery and colorful banners of the vendors, you couldn’t miss us.

Our area featured wall exhibits and brochures on weeds, canker, citrus black spot, heat therapy, and, of course, HLB. We also distributed field identification pocket guides to HLB and citrus canker.

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Funding: Harold Browning of Citrus Research and Development Foundation, a UF/IFAS-created organization to support the industry, gave you the rundown on the $21 million USDA MAC funding dedicated to delivering shovel-ready solutions to citrus greening in California, Texas and Florida. This funding is the companion to the USDA, NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiation funding dedicated to citrus disease research. Harold will be among the Florida agriculture leaders who will be working to assure a fair share of that money funds research most relevant to Florida. Californians are most interested in early detection, for example, while Florida needs investigation into how to respond to widespread infection. The emphasis for funding will be on potential solutions that are ready for field trials.

The money is a huge help to the citrus industry and a credit to Florida agriculture leaders who successfully communicated the urgency to our lawmakers. But we can’t rest on our laurels. The money is released in $25 million annual increments, and Congress has to act every year to appropriate the funding to continue the program. We need you to heed the calls from your association leaders to make your voice heard in Washington.

The return of Calvin Arnold: Calvin is back as director of the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. He had led the center for 10 years until we lost him to USDA for a time.

We are thrilled to have welcomed him back into the fold at IFAS in March. He’s a terrific scientist and a skilled manager that knows how to get the most out of his people. And a key factor in our strong desire to bring him back to IFAS was that we knew he’s someone growers know and trust. His return is a symbol of our commitment to serving the citrus industry.

Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

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October 2014

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New Technology Helps Nab Bad Guys

by Sheriff Grady Judd

Do you remember the television show Candid Camera? The phrase from that show is known by many: “Smile – you’re on candid camera!” Thanks to a new innovation, we hope to be using that phrase on those who think it’s okay to steal from the hard-working citizens of Polk County.

Our Agricultural Crimes Unit was recently made aware of a new product on the market, sold by Star Security Solutions, that helps fight property crime by catching thieves red-handed, on-camera. The wireless video system is called Videofied, and it was originally designed for outdoor environments, such as ranches, irrigation pump sites, cemeteries, storage facilities, parks, and playgrounds.

The Videofied wireless cameras, powered by Lithium ION batteries, can be installed anywhere that’s vulnerable to criminals. The cameras are motion-activated, and they take the place of manned security. If you have a Videofied camera protecting your property, you have the peace of mind that as soon as someone trespasses or makes any motion to trigger the camera to record, the image is also sent real-time to a monitoring center. The monitoring center personnel watch the remote video feed and then contact the camera’s owner to alert them to the activity – as the camera’s owner, you also will have remote access to view the images real-time. The system mimics a home security company that calls the homeowner when an alarm is triggered.

The Videofied cameras succeed where other surveillance camera systems fail – these cameras don’t need light, as they illuminate up to 30 feet; their motion-activation also has a 30-foot range; one system can have up to 24 cameras; the system is completely wireless; the system includes “instant eyewitness” which helps stop crimes in action, instead of just providing law enforcement with images (and often not very clear images) after the fact.

We have been the lucky recipient of a couple of Videofied cameras to try for free, and we’ve made several arrests in two separate cases so far. One of the success stories occurred in Lake Wales. On August 27, 2014, Waverly Growers in Lake Wales was the victim of $500 worth of diesel fuel theft from their pump shed. On August 28th, Agricultural Crimes Deputies placed a Videofied system in the shed. Sure enough, around 2:40 a.m. the next day, the same suspects came back and attempted to steal more fuel. Our Agricultural Crimes deputies were alerted by the Videofied monitoring center, and immediately responded to the scene. The suspects were intercepted by the deputies while they were attempting to flee. The deputies located Meth and cocaine in the suspects’ vehicle, and one was on felony probation for Grand Theft.

It is our hope that we are able to find the resources, whether through grants or partnerships, to purchase several cameras and place them strategically in and around our agricultural areas that are difficult to monitor with personnel. Meanwhile, these cameras are also available to the public. Just visit their website at www.starsecuritysolutions.com.

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continued from pg. 25

you that Leigh Ann knows more about cattle than most people. Together Kenny (little) and Leigh Ann make a great team. Kenny’s parents Ken Sr. and Judy Raney also live on the ranch and have always been supportive of their son’s love for cattle and his involvement in the industry and continue to be actively involved in the operation of Raney Cattle.

Kenny now currently works for himself and is the auctioneer at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market on Highway 92 in Lakeland, and at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia. On his days off from the markets, Kenny spends a lot of time checking pastures and working cows at one of his various pastures and feedlot. He has a feedlot, where the whole concept is to take calves and put weight on them before taking them to the market, and he has cow calf operations where his bulls and cows are kept and calves are sold. The Raney Cattle Company Brahmas have given me a new appreciation of Brahma cattle, even though my husband and myself raise cattle, we have European influenced cattle. Kenny’s Brahmas are very resilient and are able to live off the land much more than our Angus cattle.

I also quickly found out the only day that you can actually catch up with Kenny is on Sunday, because he reserves Sunday for two things, church and family. His Sunday’s usually consist of going to church, having lunch and then going home to cook for the whole family, who joins him at his home for a big Sunday supper. This is the time they take to reflect on the week behind them and the week ahead and visit with each other.

A hot topic in the cattle industry right now is the increased market price of beef cattle, which is great for the beef producer, but not for the consumer. I asked Kenny for his input on this subject, because although I understand why the price has gone up, I wonder if it will plateau or continue to rise. Kenny said the low supply and high demand for US Choice Beef is on the rise globally, making the prices rise and the demand rise. Cattle

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ranchers and feed lots are unable to keep up with the demand, partially because of the lack of land available to ranchers, due to development and the government buying land. Kenny said, “The current Florida Cattlemen’s Association President, Henry Kempfer, is working earnestly to make available government owned land for cattle ranchers to lease.” When this happens it will help the ranchers run more head of cattle efficiently and increase the supply. Ranches and feedlots out west love and rely on Florida cattle, our cattle are able to sustain the heat of Florida and with grass such as Bahia that is of lower quality and protein. When they are shipped out west our Florida Beef cattle are much more efficient and their performance and conversion of grass to weight ratios are much higher than beef cattle born out west. It is a cycle that is essential to maintain the demand of US Beef.

Kenny is very knowledgeable about the beef industry as a whole. He understands the consumer side of the industry from going to the grocery store himself, he understands the quality side of the industry from his years as a meat inspector, and he understand the producer side of the industry with Raney Cattle Company. “People are quick to complain about the price at the grocery store,” Kenny says, “but they don’t take into account the rising demand, the reduced supply, the rise of fuel costs, all which play roles in the consumer price of meat in general.” On top of his position as an auctioneer and owner of a cow calf operation, Kenny also does consulting and marketing of cattle. If you are in the market to sell off a large herd of cattle or calves, contact Kenny and he will advise you how to and when to sell your cattle. Kenny also helps buyers who are looking to buy large quantities of cattle to start or expand their operation. To see Kenny locally auction off cattle you can attend the Tuesday sales of Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, at 3305 US 92 E. Lakeland, FL. The sale starts at 12pm. You can also contact Kenny at 863-559-2769 or email him at kennyraney@gmail.com.

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GUBERNTORIAL AND CABINET CANDIDATES ADDRESS FARM CREDIT/AG INSTITUTE FORUM Incumbents Take Straw Poll in Landslide

By Jim Frankowiak | Photo Courtesy Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit

The majority of candidates for election to Florida’s Cabinet and the post of governor presented their agricultural platforms and took questions from more than 250 attendees at the Candidates Forum held in conjunction with the recent Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association’s Landscape Show at the Orange County Convention Center. The tenth quadrennial Candidates Forum included a straw poll of attendees, which included many of Florida’s agricultural leaders. More than 250 attended the gathering, which was moderated by Florida’s Agriculturist of the Year, Dennis Carlton, and co-sponsored by Farm Credit and the Agriculture Institute of Florida.

Participation invitations were extended to the top two candidates for governor and each cabinet post as determined by primary election results or major polling organizations. Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam were present, while Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater was not, but did address attendees via a videotaped presentation. All are members of the Republication Party.

Democratic candidates for chief financial officer William Rankin, and Thad Hamilton, who is seeking the post of Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, participated in the forum. Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist did not attend nor did George Sheldon, who is seeking the attorney general’s post.

Attorney General Bondi stressed her recognition of the importance of agriculture to the people and economy of Florida and said, “We won’t be bullied by the federal government,” referring to recent initiatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) considered to be overstepping its regulatory bounds to the detriment of agriculture and local and state government. “They can’t manage Florida better than we can,” she said.

CFO Candidate Rankin, a relative newcomer to politics, discussed his diverse business background, serving both domestic and international clientele, and said if elected he “would want to hear from agriculture and build relationships with you as an accessible officeholder.” Rankin said he would also strive to strike a balance between the needs of the industry and the environment.

Governor Scott was highly praiseworthy of his cabinet and the members’ ability to work closely together to address and resolve the challenges facing the state, including reduction of the substantial debt he and his colleagues inherited when first taking office. “More importantly is the fact that this election is about each of you and your families and how we can help with more jobs, education and our support of business,” he said.

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Though not present, sitting CFO Atwater thanked attendees “for your contribution to Florida’s economy” and he pledged his continued support of the agricultural industry in the state via a video presentation.

Commissioner Putnam described his term in office and the achievements attained as “boxing above our weight class” in dealings with varied issues such as water, nutrition and the significant challenge of citrus greening. He extended his gratitude to his fellow cabinet members for their unity is helping to meet current and future challenges the industry and state face from within, outside the state and internationally.

Ag Commissioner Candidate Hamilton, a retired U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service official, termed agriculture “the backbone of industry in Florida that must unite with government to protect the environment,” he said. He also noted the need for urban, agricultural and environmental interests to work together to help effectively protect their respective positions and those of the environment, suggesting a stronger partnership with the USDA. Attendees were given the opportunity to pose questions to candidates in attendance and the forum concluded with a straw poll. Poll results were as follows:

Governor: Crist – 6.1 %; Scott – 90.2 % Attorney General: Bondi – 93.3%; Sheldon – 4.3% Chief Financial Officer: Atwater – 90.1%; Rankin – 6.7% Commissioner of Agriculture: Hamilton – 1.8%; Putnam – 96.3% Farm Credit is a customer-owned business serving approximately 3,000 ranchers, farmers, growers and rural homeowners with $2 billion in outstanding loan volume. The Agriculture Institute of Florida is dedicated to promoting the value of Florida agriculture and empowering producers to work effectively with the media and the public. Ag Institute is a volunteer organization of communications professionals from private companies, agriculture associations and individual farms from throughout Florida. More information is available at: www.aginstitute.org.

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The Literary Time Machine: Ornamental Gardening in Florida

By Ginny Mink We’ve been so inundated with this idea that newer is better, that we’ve forgotten the value of old-school things. We’ve allowed tried and true methodologies to become extinct and in so doing we are seeing a great decline in moral values, economic growth and ecological sustainability. In considering these things, we wondered if it might not be a good time to revisit some of the old ways, to investigate previous practices. Then, we discovered a book published in 1926 that thrilled our souls.

We are an agricultural magazine, in case you hadn’t noticed, and that’s why a book entitled: Ornamental Gardening in Florida (by: Charles Torrey Simpson) was so exciting. It’s well over 200 pages, but we thought you might be willing to take a trip down memory lane with us. Perhaps our forefathers (those who came before us) knew a thing or two about plants that grow well here. Maybe, they saw native plants that are now extinct? Who knows? Obviously the only way to find out is to hop in our literary time machine and learn from those long gone. Will you join us?

In his introduction, Mr. Simpson informs us that there was a, “disastrous freeze,” (v) at the beginning of February 1917. This he says was so bad that he saw, “many large trees of tropical origin,” (v) killed or cut off almost to the ground. Of this, he made special note so that he could study the, “tenderness and hardiness,” (v) of the plants he was trying to cultivate at the time. He also takes great pains to inform the readers that there are vast differences between the plants that grow in the Northern part of the state versus those that grow in the South (of which he is most familiar). Perhaps the best statement in his introduction is, “I have given special prominence to our native plants, urging that they should be saved from destruction and extermination, also that those who have places should bring them in and cultivate them.”

Indeed, we are not the only generation concerned with natural habitats and ecological well being! One more bit of noteworthy commentary within the intro is his inclusion of the population count at that time. He says, “There are probably near 110,000,000 people in the United States to-day and this number may be doubled within the lifetime of some who read this treatise. The wealth of the country is increasing at a rapid rate and a constantly augmenting number are coming to Florida each year to spend their winters or make permanent residences. It is become a rich man’s playground, a land of homes for those of moderate means and a refuge for thousands who are suffering from various ills of the flesh.” (vi).

It’s amazing to glance back at history and see that in 1926 there were only 110 million people in the US and today we are looking at 318,892,103. So our population has more than tripled in less than 100 years. No doubt the population of Florida has certainly increased to include a multitude of those Northerners Simpson was referencing.

It would appear that things have continued in the same manner in which they always have. Florida’s warm summers draw the elderly, and the ill, just as they did 88 years ago. However, we are forced to wonder if Simpson’s ending prediction will ever come true? He closes his introduction with the following words:

because he begins the chapter with a defense of its position. He says: “Any one reading the title of this chapter might think I had put the cart before the horse, but I feel satisfied that the two headings have been placed in their proper sequence. Many persons in Florida when making ready to build a home clear out all or nearly all of the vegetation on the land and then plan for roads, paths and general planting. I believe it to be the part of wisdom to carefully study one’s ground and come to some kind of definite conclusions as to what is to be done before beginning the labor of clearing. One should know his place as a pilot knows his river and have a chart or map drawn out before beginning operations.” (1).

We suspect this insight is useful even today. When we consider buying property, it is natural for new owners to clear out the land, to almost entirely excavate it so that they can start fresh with their own ideologies and designs. However, this does great damage to the natural habitat and local ecology. Perhaps we would do well to consider his instruction here.

We are interested in hearing reader perspectives on this. Which would you prefer, to clear out the land and start anew, or to survey and document what you have so that you can ascertain a method of plant preservation as Simpson suggests? Also, what are your thoughts on Simpson’s hopes for our great state? We welcome your interaction in the literary time machine. Send us your comments, please! *Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, Florida. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. v-1)

2014 Horse Short Course & Trade Show Presented by: The South Florida Beef Forage Program

Tentative Agenda:

4:30pm - 8:00pm



Equine Nutrition * Dr. Carissa Wickens— University of Florida



Ulcers (Live Gastroscopic Exam) * Dr. Megan Green—Merial Technical Services Vet.



Parasite Control (Bring your horse manure for testing) * Dr. Carissa Wickens—Univeristy of Florida * Lindsey Wiggins—UF/IFAS Regional Livestock Agent

November 18th

South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach Early Registration Fee: (Posted by Nov. 3) $20 and $15 for 4-H/FFA members Late Registration Fee or @ Gate: (Posted after Nov. 3) $40 and $30 for 4-H/FFA member **Registration includes dinner AND Trade Show admission

CONTACT: Lindsey Wiggins (863) 674-4092 horse1@ufl.edu Courtney Davis (863) 763-6469 cbdavis@ufl.edu

To register go to: http://2014horseshortcourse.eventbrite.com

“I can look forward with full confidence to a time in the near future when this land will be filled with happy homes shaded and embowered with the glorious vegetation of the equatorial regions, a land of peace and contentment, of hope and rest for the weary, of perennial bloom and verdure and fadeless beauty.” (vi) Having been forced to consider what one might hope Florida would become, it is necessary then that we continue onward to the table of contents which informs us that we’ll first be studying the laying out of grounds and clearing land. This must have been a point of contention WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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practices; and ferplication; of applis particiam have ing with nvolving d on sciions, the entations

resource guidance ndscapecontracat adoptater conme at the 54142, if m associ-

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ation ida’s gh and Florida

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2014 FCA State Finals Ranch Rodeo

By Melissa Nichols The 6th Annual Florida Cattlemen’s Association State Finals Ranch Rodeo was held on September 26 and 27 at Osceola Heritage Park - Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. The event showcased sixteen teams from around Florida that come from local qualifiers and received the right to compete at the finals. These teams were Switch Ranch, J-3 Cattle, LaBelle Ranch, Trinity Ranch, Newsome Cattle, Chapman Ranch, Etheridge Cattle, Stevens Land & Cattle, Raulerson Ranch, Fulford Cattle, Lightsey Cattle Co, CJ Cattle, Holmstead Farms, Adena Springs, Rollins Ranch and Lott Ranch.

The two nights were action packed, eight events each night with all sixteen of the teams competing in four events each night. The events were Bronc Riding, Calf Branding, Stampede Race, Team Doctoring, Double Mugging, Colt Riding, Women’s Team Sorting and the main event, Wild Cow Milking. Each session was action packed and exciting for everyone present with the crowd often coming to their feet.

The event is designed to allow the best of the Florida ranch cowboys to compete with each other in events that are real and could happen while working on the ranch. The heritage of the Florida Cowboy and history is what the event is all about. In many of the events they used authentic Florida Cracker Cattle. These cattle are the descendants of the first cattle brought to Florida by the Spanish explorers. The Florida Cracker Cattle are the oldest recognized breed of cattle in the US dating back to the sixteenth century and they have proven their ability to live off the land.

The ranch rodeo finals are a fundraiser for the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation and were filled with entertainment for all ages.

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During the intermission kids ages 10 and under were invited down to the arena where they removed their boots, scrambled them up, went to the starting line and raced to find their boots. There was also a whip popping demonstration by some of the youth members of the Jr Cattlemen’s Association. During the day Saturday the Cattlemen hosted the Cowboy Heritage Festival which was free to attend. With deep heritage the cowboys demonstrated their beef cook off skills, the history of the whip cracking, saddle, spur and whip making, leather crafts, cowboy art, storytelling and of course swamp cabbage cooking.

The money from this fundraiser goes to support programs such as the Cattlemen’s scholarships, continued education, research and leadership development. It takes a huge amount of dedication and work by volunteers from the Cattlemen’s Association, Cattlewomen’s Association and the Junior Cattlemen to put on this event. The event was sponsored by many local and statewide businesses and organizations that it a success, a few of those are the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Fresh From Florida, Winn- Dixie, Florida Mineral, Salt & Agriculture products, Zoetis, Merck, Bayer, Mosiac and Cattlemen’s Livestock Market.

At the end of the two night rodeo, lots of cowboys and cowgirls were beat up and bruised but everyone was grateful to have competed. The results are as follows: Photos Courtesy of the Florida Cattlemen’s Magazine WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals Results Ranch Rodeo Champions - Fulford Cattle Co. 2nd Place - Stevens Land and Cattle 3rd Place - Trinity Ranch

Cook-Off Best Contestant Area And Showmanship Divisions 1st Place - Buckaroo BBQ People’s Choice Brisket Cook Off 1st Place - Buckaroo BBQ

Brisket Cook-Off Champions 1st Place - Buckaroo BBQ

Steak Cook-Off Champions 1st Place - Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association

Whip Popping Contest Winners 1st Place - Ryan Waldman of Haines City

Oldest Contestant - Woody Tilton Youngest Contestant - Isaac Waldman

FCA Ranch Horse Competition 1st Place, Open Division - Jimbo Albritton

FCA Working Cow Dog Competition Champion - Brandon Barthle

FCA Ranch Rodeo State Finals Event Winners Bronc Riding - Etheridge Cattle Calf Branding - Fulford Cattle Stampede Race - CJ’s Cow Crew Team Doctoring - Rollins Ranch Double Mugging, Colt Riding, Women’s Team Sorting - Trinity Ranch Wild Cow Milking - Lightsey Cattle Co. Congratulations to them for a year of hard work and thank you for keeping the Cowboy Heritage alive here in Florida.

Join your local and state Cattlemen’s Association and Cattlewomen’s Association follow the Florida Cattlemen’s Association on Facebook for upcoming ranch rodeos for the 20142015 circuit.

FCA Ranch Horse Competition Colt Division 1st Place - Billy Adams

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Recipes These recipesipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM

Simply Sweet Florida Strawberry Pie INGREDIENTS Chilled pie dough for one 9-inch pie 5 cups of quartered and hulled strawberries, divided 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt Whipped cream Pie crust

Filling DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet on a middle oven rack.

Roll out pie dough to fit pie dish. Press dough down into dish so that it lines the bottom and sides. Trim dough so that about ½ inch hangs over edge of dish. Crimp edges of dough around dish.

Pierce bottom of the crust with a fork (this prevent air pockets or bubbles from forming while baking). Place pie crust onto preheated baking sheet and reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden. Remove from oven and cool.

Add 2 cups of strawberries to a small saucepan. Mash strawberries until chunky. Add sugar, corn starch, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon juice and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and glaze has thickened; 3 to 5 minutes. Cool completely.

Combine remaining 3 cups of strawberries with cooled strawberry glaze. Stir until strawberries are well coated. Spoon strawberry filling into cooled pie crust.

Refrigerate pie at least 2 hours before cutting to allow filling to set.

Top with whipped cream.

Pecan Sandies Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies DIRECTIONS In a large bowl or stand mixer, vigorously whisk together butter, oil and sugars until they are creamy.

Whisk in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup softened butter 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 eggs room temperature 2 tsp vanilla extract 4 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp salt 2 cups chopped pecans 1 jar of Florida strawberry jam 40 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Using a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Stir into butter mixture.

Add in pecans and mix until evenly distributed.

Place cookie dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the dough. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough and roll into 1-inch balls placing them 2″ apart on the parchment paper. Use your thumb and press a well in the center of each cookie and fill each with Florida strawberry jam.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.

October 2014

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Florida

Tamarind

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

Walking through Florida is a great way to see different fruiting trees in season. For the past few months, you may have noticed plentiful brown pods hanging down from large trees or scattered on the nearby ground. The tamarind, also called tamarindo, is indigenous to Africa and it flourishes in Florida, where it can withstand heavy winds and poor soil. Tamarind trees can live, and continue to produce fruit, for hundreds of years, are resistant to drought and thrive in sandy or rocky soil. Mature trees can produce over 300 pounds of fruit each year. The tamarind pods are 3-8 inches long and contain a brown, sticky pulp and shiny brown seeds. The pulp is the edible part, and is high in both acid and sugar and has a sweet-tart taste. Its complex flavor tastes like a mix of apricots, dates, and lemons. Interestingly, tamarinds are an important ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. In Florida, fresh tamarinds are available from late May to early October, but tamarind paste and frozen concentrate are available year-round in some Asian markets.

NUTRITION PROFILE This sweet-tart fruit is an excellent nutritional source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and is naturally fat and cholesterol free.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a one half cup serving of fresh tamarind pulp contains 135 calories, 1.5 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat, 37 g of carbohydrate, and 3.0 g of fiber. It also provides 18% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for thiamin, 14% for magnesium, 9% for iron, 7% for phosphorus, 6% for niacin and riboflavin, and significant amounts of potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and copper.

PHOSPHORUS: FOR STRONG BONES AND TEETH Phosphorus is an important mineral for muscle function and bone health. This mineral is present in every cell in the body and plays an important role in muscle contraction, including the cardiac muscle.

Phosphorus is also needed for nerve transmission, kidney function, and growth and repair of body tissues. Eighty-five percent of the body’s phosphorus is found in bones and teeth, where it lends structure and strength along with calcium. Tamarind is a great source of phosphorus and calcium.

THIAMIN: FOR ENERGY One serving of tamarind provides almost one fifth of your daily requirements for thiamin, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin, along with the other B vitamins, helps the body convert the nutrients we eat WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

from food into glucose, the form of energy used by the body. The B vitamins also play a role in healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and helps the nervous system function properly. Thiamin, as well as phosphorus, is required by the body to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which the body’s cells uses for energy. Tamarind is a great source of both thiamin and phosphorus for energy production.

VITAMIN C: FOR A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, supporting the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple. The vitamin C in tamarind also enhances iron absorption from other foods, which reduces the risk of anemia.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose fresh tamarind pods that look dry and brittle, a sign of ripeness. The pod should feel soft when squeezed and the shell should crack open easily. Fresh pods can be stored at room temperature for several weeks if kept dry. The pulp can be squeezed out of the pod and stored in the refrigerator for up to six months or frozen for up to a year.

HOW TO ENJOY Young, immature tamarind can be too tart to eat out of hand, but is sometimes used to season dishes. Tamarind becomes sweeter as it ripens. Asian markets often offer tamarind made into candy, snacks, or beverages. Other ways to enjoy fresh tamarind include: • Mix the pulp with water and sugar for a refreshing drink • Mix with hot peppers, salt, and other vegetables for a salad • Use pulp to season meat or make into chutney • Make homemade Worcestershire sauce from tamarind paste • Use tamarind concentrate in dishes with chicken or beef • Make tamarind rice pudding or tamarind jam • Blend into other juices or beverages for a unique twist • Add to curries for flavoring Enjoy this unique, delicious fruit before Florida tamarind season is over!

SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he630 http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-tamarind-630i INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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PRINT Ag Tag ad In the Field Mag Glades School.pdf

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Naturally Amazing Activities

By Sean Green

Climbing Bear Pioneer Toy In the Pioneer days, toys were handmade. One of the all time favorites of Pioneer children was the climbing bear. Typically it was made with items found around the homestead that were no longer needed and would have included decorative items such as acorns, acorn caps, shells, rocks, scraps of metal and wood. To make your own climbing bear, you need not have a wood shop or blacksmith shop. A working climbing bear can easily be made from stuff that may be laying around the house, such as cardboard. The action required to make the bear climb mimics that of milking a cow and this pioneer toy was used to teach children the proper milking technique.

The Bear (or any climber you see fit) 1 Suggested Material:

• Climbing Bear (Wood, Cardboard, Fabric Doll) • Drinking Straw (if you’re not drilling wood) • Climbing rope (Yarn, Twine, Shoestrings) • Medium to large beads (For decoration and to secure the ends of the twine) • Strong glue or Tape • Decoration (paint, marbles, random objects) • Toggle bar a little wider than the climber. (small piece of wood, twig, popsicle stick)

Directions: Draw an outline of your climber on a sturdy piece of cardboard.

Cut the climber out and decorate it. Cut and fasten a piece of drinking straw to the climbers wrists.

2

Fasten a loop of twine to the center of the top toggle bar. (this loop will hang on doorknob) Cut two equal lengths of twine and fasten them to each end of the top toggle bar. Thread the end pieces of twine through the straws on the climbers wrists.

Finish the end of each end of the twine with a knot or a bead

3

Hang the finished climbing bear on a doorknob or wall hook.

To make the bear climb, alternate pulling the twine up and down. (like milking a cow)

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

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P o rtrait P h o tograp h er Spe c ializ ing in H igh Sc hool Se niors

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October 2014

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Cracker Country: The Real Florida

photos by April Green Florida living has a certain charm that is sometimes hard to describe in words. The smell of orange blossoms on a warm spring morning and the lullaby of the cicada swelling through a steamy summer night for example can only be appreciated through experience. Likewise, the distinctive rural history that shaped Florida’s cultural and industrial spirit is best appreciated through experience. If your fortunate enough to know someone that grew up in untamed Florida, you may have heard fantastic stories of the daily struggles and innovative solutions that were necessary to survive it.

Some of Florida’s past is preserved by dedicated and passionate museum curators and docents that provide the public with a living history experience designed to immerse patrons in authentic activities of Florida’s days of old. A closer look at Florida’s living history is certain to give you an exciting new perspective.

A portion of the Florida State Fairgrounds is home to Cracker Country, Hillsborough County’s only living history museum. Established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr., Cracker Country is the manifestation of an ambition to preserve Florida’s rural heritage. The property includes the house Doyle E. Carlton grew up in, built in 1885 by Albert and Martha (McEwen) Carlton, as well as 12 more original buildings dating from 1870 to 1912. The buildings are historically furnished and costumed docents portray the daily life of Florida pioneers.

vegetables that were in season. During the 19th century, seeds could be ordered from a nursery catalogue in much larger variety than that which is commercially available today. Greater biodiversity promotes greater resistance to plant pests and diseases which, in turn, produced vegetables that had a longer harvesting season, better flavor, and better nutritional value than most commercially grown vegetables available today. Seeds were kept from each harvest and stored for future planting seasons. These “Heirloom” or “Heritage” seeds were typically kept separate from the seeds used for commercial production and used only to feed the family. The kitchen garden at Cracker Country is used to demonstrate agriculture technologies and pest control methods of the late 19th century. The garden includes heritage plants, herbs and vegetables of varieties that are similar to those of Florida’s past, including: Greasy Collard Greens, Pole Cat Peas, Whippoorwill Peas, and Tobacco Worm Pole Beans. Visitors can help prepare and plant the winter garden that should be ready to harvest by the State Fair opening.

Nothing could be taken for granted in the pioneer days. Common items, Lye soap, for example, had to be made before weekly laundry could be done. The process of making butter from fresh cow milk would take an afternoon at best. A pioneer family fortunate enough to have room in the garden for a patch of sugar cane would harvest in October and November and spend days or weeks processing it. Sugar cane was an important staple for the pioneers. It was used as a sweetener, preservative, fermenting agent, and animal feed. Even the dried pulp that remained after milling (Bagasse) became fuel for steam powered engines.

Docents passionately deliver an accurate interpretation of the late 19th century in rural Florida.

Interpreting history, especially our Florida pioneer Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. days, is peppered with local variety and there is plenty of variety in the expertise of the docents themselves.

The pioneer days in Florida were not limited to the The docents at Cracker Country include experienced educators, and rural culture. Henry B. Plant brought the railroad to Tampa in 1884 historic interpreters that offer tremendous insight of rural life in and opened the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891 with his rail line bringing Florida through the lens of related historic events such as the dawn esteemed guests up to the front entrance of the hotel. Plants railroad of the industrial age. Some docents are living kin to early Florida system heavily influenced the growing industrial revolution as well. settlers and can share personal experience. All docents, however, When Plant’s Jacksonville to Tampa railroad line was built, a station share the common goal of immersing students and other patrons in was located at Okahumpka, the central shipping point for the areas an authentic pioneer life experience. large watermelon crops and the last stop for steamboats traveling up the Oklawaha River. The original station has been permanently Many of the historic buildings are originals that have been relocated relocated to Cracker Country. There is more to experience at Cracker to the fairground location. It’s not just the buildings that are Country that can be described in words, to really experience it, I authentic. Settlers typically made small home gardens to feed the encourage you to take a closer look. family with. The “Kitchen Garden” as it was called, included fresh WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Fresh From Florida: Nurturing Success.

Growing the Future.

B&W Quality Growers Richard and Steven Burgoon Fresh From Florida Members since 2001.

“For five generations and over 140 years our family has specialized in growing premium quality fresh and flavorful watercress and baby leaf specialties.”

“We are proud members of Fresh From Florida and salute their ongoing efforts to help Florida’s farmers bring fresh and healthy foods to the Americas and beyond.”

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For more information on member benefits visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call (850) 617-7399.

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October 2014

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Florida Mineral Salt & Agricultural Products, LLC. Fall is just around the corner.

Make sure you are prepared with our Specialty Blocks made for this coming season.

Call our office for informaaon on a dealer near you.

(813) 623-5449 or Toll Free (800) 741-5450 Fresh from Florida Mineral for your Fall Supplement Needs: Super-Mol 25% Molasses Block or Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 20% All Natural Molasses Block or Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 30-5 30% High Density Cattle Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 16% Molasses Block for Horses Super-Pro 40% Hard Block for Cattle Super-Pro 39% Protein Block for Cattle Super-Pro 30% All Natural Protein Block for Cattle Super-Pro 20% All Natural Sheep and Goat Block Horn-Max 20% Deer Block Horn-Max Deer Block with Corn

Florida Mineral Salt and Agricultural Products SUPER-MIN™ SUPER-MOL™ SUPER-PRO™ LIVESTOCK SUPPLEMENTS www. floridamineralonline.net

FMS is proud to be Florida's only manufacturer of poured molasses blocks, and pressed protein and mineral blocks.

Back by popular demand. . .

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October 2014

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Bailey Buchanon

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Happy Fall Polk County!

My name is Bailey Buchanon and I am a senior at Lake Gibson Sr. High School where I currently serve as Vice President for my FFA chapter. This year I am also proud to serve as Secretary for the Polk County FFA Federation.

Fall brings with it the return to school, shorter days, cooler weather, and the beginning of a busy FFA season! The first District competition of October will be the Forestry Career Development Event on October 9 at Kissimmee State Park. The Forestry CDE requires participants to demonstrate their skills in dendrology, identification of forest disorders, tool identification, timber volume estimation, map interpretation, compass and pacing, and take a general knowledge test. On October 21, Lake Gibson Sr. will host the County Creed Speaking CDE. This CDE is open to FFA members in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade and participants are required to recite the five paragraph FFA Creed. Finally, October will end with the commencement of the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, which I am excited to attend. Polk County FFA will be represented at this year’s National FFA Convention by many teams! In addition to the competitions, there are 102 Florida FFA members who will be receiving their American Degree at this year’s National Convention. The American Degree is the final degree and highest level of membership an FFA member can achieve. We wish all of our teams the best of luck as they compete at the county, state, and national levels.

Go All Out!!

Bailey Buchanon

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SEPTEMBER 26TH - NOVEMBER 2ND

Hours: Fridays 3-6, Saturdays 9-6 and Sundays 12-6.

Admission: Adults $11, 5-10 yrs. old $9, 4 and under Free

ZombHayieFRidearm

*Extra Charge

INCLUDES: • Live Zombies to shoot at!

• Use of Paintball Gun • 200 rounds of Ammo • Narrated hayride through the pasture in the dark.

After Dark Zombies come out for

"ZOMBIE FARM PAINTBALL HAYRIDE” Hunt and Exterminate the Living Dead!

SEPTEMBER 26TH - NOVEMBER 2ND Friday & Saturday Only! • 7:30pm to 10:00pm *Only $30 per person

“ROCK THE RANCH II” Sat., Oct 18th

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www.cornfusionmaze.com

“CornFusion Crop Maze and Family Fall Festival is Polk County’s First and Original Maze with the most to do.”

Christian Rock Concert included with admission

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Al & Betty Bellotto Honored Photos Courtesy of Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit

Al & Betty Bellotto were honored by a new plaque to be displayed at the Circle B Bar Ranch Reserve in Lakeland in their honor. The plaque was sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida, The Polk County Cattlemen, Polk County Farm Bureau, The Polk County Historical Commission, and Jean and David Bunch.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Polk County Commissioners Todd Dantzler and Ed Smith, as well as Florida Representative Neal Combee.

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Yield Enhancer

IMPROVE Fruit Set and Tree Vigor

GET MORE from your citrus trees by enhancing tree development and stimulating cell differentiation, enlargement and division.

Stimulate™ is an EPA-registered product to help manage proper hormone balance for improved citrus yield. Add Stimulate to the spray or foliar fertilizer tank and apply at first bloom and at each flush of new growth to: n

Improve flower retention and fruit load

n

Enhance fruit size and quality

n

Maximize root growth

n

Boost marketable yield

n

Increase tree vigor and resistance to stress

Visit StollerUSA.com or contact John Fisher at 814-323-0163 for more information.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MUnleashing AGAZINE

the Power of Plants55 October 2014

MORE BANG FOR THE

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE!

BUCK

Serving our customers with 12 locations New Port Richey

Leesburg

727-842-8618

352-315-1016

6918 US Hwy. 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652

Plant City

2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567

1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748

813-737-1660

Package a fleet of tractors, gators and other equipment together with a 2 or 3 year lease and always have new, worry free equipment with service available from Everglades Farm Equipment fleet of road service technicians.

Okeechobee

820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972

JDL - Largo

863-763-1921

6782 118th Ave. North Largo, Fl. 33773

727-259-7748

Fort Pierce

6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947

Palmetto

772-461-5568

906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221

941-722-3281

Loxahatchee

13295 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Fort Myers

561-784-4000

9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-332-5045

Belle Glade

Corporate Headquarters

Immokalee

775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142

239-657-4413

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

Naples

561-996-6531

Comming soon 2014 Naples , FL

Since 1963

Some restrictions apply, see dealer for complete details . Some pictured items may have been used for display purposes only. Leases must go through John Deere Financial. With great deals on new tractors and gators all year long, check with your local dealer for additional savings.

www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com 56

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2014

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