Polk oct nov2016 web (1)

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

1

2

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

3

Ned Waters and Beth Hunt

VOL. 10 • ISSUE 2

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 Lacey Waters

Contents OCTOBER 2016 Master Gardener

David N. Coile

Fishing Hot Spots

John Dicks

Page 34

Page 10

Page 36

Page 14

Recipes

Protecting Resources

Page 18

Page 38

Tory Boyd

Meet the Minks

Rocking Chair Chatter

Polk County Sheriff

Page 20

Page 40

Page 22

Literary Time Machine

Page 42

Page 26

Activity

Endangered Species

A Closer Look

Page 28

Page 44 Page 45

Florida Mulberries

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

Page 31 4

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW. WWW. IN INTTHE HE FFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

INTRODUCING THE BEST-IN-CLASS

6-YEAR

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ON COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS

Introducing the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, available on all Compact Utility Tractors*. You expect the highest quality when you buy a Deere, now expect it longer...

We take pride in working with those who work with the land. With superior customer support through leasing, rentals, in-field service support, technology, the best parts availability, and loyalty programs just to name a few, we’re ready to be your equipment partner for the long haul. And with the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, your partner for the long-er haul…

Give us a call or visit us online today EvergladesFarmEquipment.com

ShopEFE com

John Deere Parts/New/Used Equip.

Plant City

2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567

Leesburg

1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748

813-737-1660

352-315-1016

Odessa

2240 Success Drive Odessa, FL 33556

Okeechobee

727-842-8618

820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972

Clearwater

863-763-1921

5090 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33760

727-828-8200

Fort Pierce

6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947

Palmetto

772-461-5568

906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221

941-722-3281

Loxahatchee

13295 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Fort Myers

561-784-4000

9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-332-5045

Belle Glade

Corporate Headquarters

Immokalee

775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142

239-657-4413

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

Naples

561-996-6531

1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples , FL 34109

239-260-8800

Beginning 1/1/2016 all Sub-Compact and Compact Utility Tractors purchased new from Everglades Farm Equipment come standard with a 6 year/2000 hour (whichever comes first) www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com Powertrain Manufacturer’s Warranty Statement for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment at Everglades Farm Equipment for complete details.

WWW. INTWarranty.

HEFIELDSee Mthe AGAZINE.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE October 2016 5

Letter from the Editor

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

Did you feel that? The temperature actually dropped! It’s nice to wake up to cooler mornings. I hope this trend continues. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says, “Winter will be much milder than normal, but coldest in early to mid-January, from late January into early February, and in mid-February. Rainfall will be above normal in the north and near normal in the south.”

I found some fun facts about October. On October 1, 1896, free rural delivery of mail started in the United States. On October 5, 1947, the first presidential telecast address from the White House was made by Harry S. Truman. On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in America. On October 18, 1867, The U.S. flag was formally raised over Alaska. It is also National Cookie Month, National Chili Month, National Pizza Month and National Dessert Month, just to name a few.

On a more serious note, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, although every month should be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign from The National Breast Cancer Foundation is to increase awareness of the disease with a mission to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed. In 2016, there are more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

Be vigilant. Early detection is when it is likely to be most easily treated.

Until Next Month

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

Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25

Hey Readers!

Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!

6

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

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

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

7

Rain and more rain. As I’m writing this article it is pouring down rain. I’m not complaining though. I know this time of year it can slow down or stop all together when entering Fall of the year. I just wish we could get a few days in a row, so we can get some hay cut and rolled. I know many of you have been getting your hay up and have heard a few of you have gotten rain on it before you rolled it. Cutting hay is a gamble here in Florida with our little afternoon showers. But, thank the good Lord, he normally works with us getting it cut and in the barn.

I need to remind, all of you about several Bull sales coming up in October and November. There is the Southern Elite Bull Sale in Webster on Oct 15 at 1:00pm at the Cattle Market, with approximately 100 bulls. Then there is a Bull and Heifer sale in Ocala on October 25th at 12:00 at the Agri Center in Ocala. We then have another Bull sale at the Lakeland Cattle Market on November 4th at 1:00. So if you are looking for some bulls there are several sales coming up.

Let me remind all our members of our Fall dinner coming up in November to be held at the Stuart Center in Bartow. There will be door prizes and a Black Hereford Bull to be auctioned off. The bull was donated to our county organization from the Crooked Lake Ranch. If you have any questions or want to look at the bulls contact David McCullers at the ranch. Also there will be two mineral boxes given away, built by JB Wynn and Fred Waters. Hope to see you there. Invite new members to come and join our group. We are the largest county organization in the state. There will be great food and fellowship.

88

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

O October ctober 2016 2016

As we enter the Fall of the year I know there will many cows being pregnancy checked and medications being given. Be sure to be safe and make sure your pens and chutes are all in working order. And be sure to be careful on those horses and 4-wheelers. It seems like every year we hear of more injuries from horse and 4-wheeler accidents while working cows. And don’t forget to be safe while you are out looking for that big Buck or old long beard gobbler.

In closing, I know we are also getting close to that Holiday season of the year. It is something we all look forward to with our kids and grand kids and other family members and friends. I hope all of you have the American Spirit and respect our flag and prayer and always remember how we got to where we are. Remember our fore fathers and all the military personal and law enforcement people that have died and many still fight every day for our democratic society and freedoms we have. Don’t forget to get out and vote. And may God Bless us and all America.

Hope our trails cross soon

Ray Clark

Ray Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

• You should always drink upstream from the herd.

• Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.

• A fool and his money are soon parted. The rest of us wait until income tax time.

• The man or woman that invest all your money is called a BROKER. • In 1908 the average wage was 22 cents an hour.

• If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

• You should never test the depth of the water with both feet.

• You can avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

9

Gem of Benevolence

Florida Master Gardener

By Debra Howell Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

Seldom in Florida’s history has any one organization risen to the call of community service and involvement like that of Publix Supermarkets, Inc. Publix stores are the brainchild of the late George Jenkins who, according to Governor Lawton Chiles, was “a true civic leader who had a deep dedication to improving our community.”

As a result of a development boom in the 1940’s in Florida, Mr. George saw fit to re-locate the headquarters of his supermarkets to Lakeland with an eye toward growth potential. His Southgate Shopping Center, which opened on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland on November 19, 1957, became an iconic symbol. The 70-foot parabolic arch was made famous in the 1990’s film, Edward Scissorhands, featuring a rising star name Johnny Depp.

Other landmarks endowed to the City of Lakeland by the Jenkins’ family and their chief officers are the birthday cake water tower, the water dome of architect Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College, Barnett Family Park and Hollis Garden. Hollis Garden was donated in 2000 by the Mark Hollis family as a 1.5 million dollar gift to downtown Lakeland. Mr. Hollis and his father both served as presidents of Publix Supermarkets, Inc. The spirit of benevolence, embodied by the late George Jenkins, was imparted to his family as well. According to his daughter, Carol Jenkins Barnett, her parents “instilled in me the notion that ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’” There is a Latin term for this ethos: Noblesse Oblige – which literally means, “nobility ob10

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

ligates.” This woman, wife of Hoyt “Barney” Barnett, was named to the Forbes List of Billionaires. Barney and Carol Jenkins Barnett, along with their family, have put into effect the very ethos preached by her parents and are widely recognized for their myriad of philanthropic efforts embracing community, the elderly, children and education such as the Reading Pals Program.

Among some of the more visible examples of their “passion for community,” Barnett Family Park and the botanical treasure which is Hollis Garden. Barnett Family Park is a popular children’s park in downtown Lakeland containing an interactive water fountain and insectthemed playground equipment. Located at 121 South Lake Avenue, this park sports glass tiles and sculptures of native animals. Also present are displays of our native wildlife, a beehive ride and an inchworm swing capable of holding as many as four children at once.

The crown jewel of the Lake Mirror area would have to be Hollis Garden, which is located at 702 East Orange Street. This gift was presented to the City of Lakeland through the Hollis Trust in the Community Foundation.

This garden contains over an acre of beautiful specimen plants packed with theme areas called “rooms,” and makes use of plants and flowers in the primary colors as a teachable moment. The formal garden is constructed in the European neo-classical design beginning at the top of the elevation and flowing in a stately manner down toward the lake. The classic beauty of the area makes Hollis Garden an appealing venue for special events and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

weddings, as well as impromptu photo shoots.

Water plays a central role at Hollis Garden with features such as the grotto, lily pond, koi pond, waterfalls and a system of bowls and runnels employed to depict the need of transporting water during the onset of the Agricultural Period. The water is channeled from the Rosette fountain into Lake Mirror. During the early days in Central Florida’s history, the resident Native Americans, and later the settlers, needed water to survive. They developed systems of controlling the flow of flood waters and artesian wells to irrigate the plants of their growing agrarian societies.

Hollis Garden contains sixteen points of interest or “components”: 1. The grotto: The grotto is a very green space carved from limestone to bring to mind the rise of an artesian spring. The verdant foliage of ferns and philodendrons are soothing in the extreme.

2. Gazebo and trellis: The focal point most photographed is the neo-classical gazebo of Tuscan masonry that has seen many couples joined in marriage.

3. Rosette plaza and fountain: This spot carries out the motif of Lakeland’s famous royal swans.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

4. Sustenance orchard: Rare to common fruits are gown here.

5. The tropical room: Exotic plants are found in this room which produce fruits and flowers.

6. The red room: All the plants in this room occur in shades of red.

7. The herb room: This room represents English edible herbs.

8. The herb room: This room represents English medicinal herbs.

9. The yellow room: This room presents flowers in yellow shades.

10. The white room: The flowers and foliage are white in this room.

11. Bowls and runnels: Bowls and runnels create elegant water conduits.

12. The vegetable garden: This is the largest room and contains vegetables and blooms in many textures and colors.

13. Trees of the Americana: These trees consist of an assortment of trees of historical significance.

14. Lily pond: This placid pond plays host to some wellfed koi fish.

15. Patterned flowerbeds: This formal area of flowerbeds incorporates geometric shapes and designs in seasonal INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

11

colors.

16. Butterfly garden: This room is a butterfly garden encircled with little gem magnolias.

It contains plants that attract and host butterflies and skippers.

Magnificent statuary is an impressive aspect of Hollis Garden. They are studded throughout this Gem of Benevolence that is the Hollis Garden/Barnett Family Park area.

In the pavilion, there is a plaque which best embodies the confluence of Barnett Family Park, Lake Mirror Promenade and Hollis Garden: “imagination, creativity and dedication has created a magical place for all to enjoy.”

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 863-519-1041 or online at http://polkextension.com. The Plant Clinic is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

12

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

13

Soft Plastic Artificial Lures

Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

After one of our early cold fronts moved through the area last fall, I was guiding a fishing trip in upper Tampa Bay. The morning was cool but comfortable, however the recent week of cooler weather had taken its toll and the water temperature had dropped considerably.

When temperatures drop this quickly fish often become uncomfortable as they’re adjusting to the new changes. You find this scenario in shallow water places like Tampa Bay, because the waters seem to cool off even quicker, which makes the reds, snook and trout somewhat lethargic.

Sudden drops in water temperatures can also suspend feeding patterns putting them on the move looking for more tolerable temperatures.

We started out using live shrimp on the bottom and caught a few smaller redfish. Then as the tide turned we began catching a few medium size trout, but nothing to brag about. What we did catch was plenty of pinfish, lizard fish and grunts.

It was approaching noon and the water temperatures seemed to be warming somewhat, somewhere around the mid-sixties. I’d had all the pinfish I could stand, so I suggested we switch over to artificial lures. The guy’s seemed somewhat hesitant at first, but I assured them if they fished them correctly, they would catch fish. We still had good moving water and fishing the points, bites and creek mouths located throughout upper Tampa Bay we’d be ok.

Did we catch any fish on live shrimp?

Certainly! But we caught more on Gulp! Unlike live shrimp, where we could only catch one fish per shrimp; we were able to catch several fish per soft plastic before having to change our lures. The soft plastics also enabled us to cover more area and we could keep our bait in the strike zone longer without losing it to pinfish.

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

The simplest way to rig, insuring the most hookups, is simply inserting the hook point into the head of the shrimp, thread it back to the carapace and bring it out the top. Another alternative, especially if you need extra casting distance, is removing the tail, insert hook into the tail, threading back to just before the carapace and out the top.

Some anglers do not believe artificial lures catch fish, especially when the water gets cold. However, it has been my experience they do. I’ve spent many winter days on the water tossing artificial lures, which confirms again that plastic, and especially scented plastic, does work.

It’s not live bait and using artificial lures is not as simple as dropping it over the side of the boat. You must fish it differently, especially in cooler water. Here’s what you need to do.

Cast toward and repeatedly target likely ambush and holding points, which also include depressions or sandy pot holes located on shallow broken bottom grass flats. Keep in mind the flow of current and try to work the lure in the same direction as the current is flowing.

It often takes more than one cast to spark the interest of a fish. Remember the water temperature has them lethargic and the first cast may only wake them up, but the second or third could bring a drag screaming strike.

As a notorious twitch and jerk angler this is probably the most difficult thing for me to do when using an artificial shrimp is to slow it down. But when I do I certainly get more strikes. So, for that reason I’ll give the accolades to Merrill “Canoeman” Chandler for teaching an old dog a new trick. Merrill would always tell anyone that asked how to work an artificial shrimp. “If you think you’re working it slow enough… slow it down.”

I believe that live and natural bait will always be part of fishing; on the other hand I also know that the new generation of artificial lures, both hard and soft plastics being introduced yearly, will catch fish in almost any water temperature.

October 2016 Fishing Report Tampa Bay “Let’s Go Fishing”

Years ago on the Capt. Mel Berman’sv radio show, I heard Exude products advertised and from that time on scented baits have always been a favorite. I’ve caught thousands of fish using them. I’m also a fan of the light weight wide-gap jig head. A few years ago a friend of mine, Capt. Dave Blanchard from Pumpkin Jigs, created a weedless 14 14

jig head, manufactured locally here in the Bay area. I use it exclusively and it works great around the grass flats.

Snook - As the water temperatures start cooling down the snook fishing should brighten up in Tampa Bay. We’ve maintained decent snook action all summer and October should turn out nicely.

Although I’m not seeing as many big fish as I did earlier in the year there are plenty of fish to catch and release. Anglers have been catching and releasing nice fish with most averaging in the 22-27 O October ctober 2016 2016

WWW. ININ THE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide.

Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

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

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 inch range with a few pushing the slot. Artificial lures are a blast for those who enjoy matching wits with a linesider and live bait, freelined or under a cork always seem to do the trick.

Redfish - The redfish were booming in late September compared

to August and this month should also be good with many pushing the upper slot and a few in the 30 to 35 inch range. When redfish hesitate to take live greenbacks or pinfish, which is seldom, try tossing out a piece of cut bait, i.e. mullet, bluefish, or ladyfish. If redfish are in the area they’ll find it. I like to suspend it under a cork to let the scent travel with the current. They also like artificial lures like a gold spoon and scented plastic baits.

Sea Trout – The Trout bite will continue into winter so be pre-

pared for some decent October trout action. Drift any broken bottom grass flat, tossing livebait free lined or under a popping cork, or toss around some hard or soft plastic artificial lures and have a ball catching a mess for dinner.

Mackerel, Sharks, Bluefish, and Cobia - Large schools

of mackerel, bluefish, yellowtail jacks and ladyfish are still around the Bay chasing bait. As you travel the Bay watch for diving birds and you’ve found feeding fish. Set up a drift near the activity and get ready for some fast and furious drag screaming action. I use 60 lb. Seaguar leader and long shank Daiichi 2/0 hooks. Believe me when I tell you to be prepared to re-tie and use plenty of hooks. Be prepared for the occasional cobia or shark to pop up at the worst moment, always have an extra rod and reel rigged and ready to toss a small pinfish to a passing cobia.

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.

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

OO ctober

ctober 2016 2016

15 15

16

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Helping today’s farmers is

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 farming is rooted here, too. Our team manages approximately 6,000 acres of Florida citrus and thousands more acres of post-mined land for cattle grazing, row crops, sod and tree farms.

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 Tom Pospichal Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

© 2016 The Mosaic Company

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

17

Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association Protecting Resources Today for Tomorrow’s Generations

By Nick Chapman It seems outdoor sportsmen and conservation groups are often at odds with one another, but there’s one association in Central Florida that is changing that perception. The Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association (KRVSA) is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts with the simple common goal of keeping public waters navigable today and for future generations. Established in 1988, the KRVSA continues to accomplish this goal by being active in the political process and by creating public awareness through many clean-up projects and events.

They also take time as a group to enjoy Florida’s unique and beautiful waterways and ecology.

“The group originally formed out of necessity because the access to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes was starting to be denied,” said Brad Weihrauch, president of KRVSA. “With that original goal of keeping waters navigable, we set about maintaining and gaining access. We have helped these last few years getting several hundred acres released back to the citizens of the state of Florida for recreation, whether that’s canoeing, hiking, camping, hunting, buggies, four-wheelers or airboats.” He said a common gripe in his association is when public tax dollars are spent to buy large tracts of land, then the government tells the public they can’t have access to that public land. “I don’t understand using public money and denying public access. I understand that some land may not be appropriate for dirt bikes, that’s fine, but is it appropriate for horseback riding clubs or Boy Scout hikes.”

Lobbying is a tool they use to help further their cause, which allows their voice and concerns to be heard by government officials. Many of their members serve on various committees that have influence on public lands, including organizations like Southwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Their public service gives them a voice in shaping public policy concerning Florida’s lands, like ‘How do we open up public lands? And how do we open it up for the right use for a particular property?’

“There are legitimate environmental concerns on some properties,” commented Weihrauch. “Not everything can be horseback ridden, and not everything can have four-wheelers, hunters or airboats. Pri18

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

marily we’re worried about the outdoor recreation sports like hunting and fishing on these lands.” He goes on to say they are not just focused on access; occasionally there are safety concerns that impact outdoor enthusiasts. “I don’t like a lot of rules and regulations, but sometimes we just need to police ourselves to keep everyone safe.

Boating and hunting accidents have been down, and we want to keep that going.”

Weihrauch said the ever expanding population boom in Florida continues to put a strain on our natural resources. “We need to take the expanding growth and intermingle it with the traditional Florida heritage activities of fishing, hunting and boating. But with the advancing population growth, you just can’t decide to hunt wherever you want to anymore. So we try to work with reasonable buffers and reasonable hours to try and moderate a way that everyone can get along.” He emphasized this will continue to be the main problem for outdoor enthusiasts in the years to come.

KRVSA isn’t all about the politics and the law. “The club does a lot of great things, and I give them all the credit,” said Weihrauch.

They currently have over 300 members, from 90 years of age down to families with young children. “We have several places where we do roadside adoptions. We do a lot of lake clean ups. We’re at 28 years in a row doing a cleanup at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and we’ve done cleanups at Lake Hancock. For over 20 years we’ve been involved in the Winter Haven chain lake cleanups. We are primarily an airboat group, but there are noise ordinances around the Winter Haven chain so we don’t run on them. But it is still a Florida body of water and it is still a place where people recreate, so we show up.” He stressed you don’t have to be a member to join in any of the cleanup efforts, they welcome all volunteers.

The club does a lot of airboat rides together. In February they host an annual Freedom Ride on Lake Kissimmee. It serves a dual purpose of acknowledging all that the club has done and reminds everyone that there are great freedoms in this country. “We have a lot of veterans show up, so it’s more a celebration to say we can do what we want, within reason in this country. We had over 600 participants this year WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

with boats also coming from Texas and Nebraska. It’s the single largest gathering of airboats in the world.”

They also sponsor a lot of family and social events, which matches the composition of the club itself. They have teamed with FWC to help with Youth Hunting and various Youth Fishing day programs. KRVSA likes to promote the benefits of enjoying the outdoors to today’s youth by getting the kids away from the virtual reality to gain a love of actual reality. “We’re an outdoor recreation group, period. Yes a lot of our members own and run airboats, but that’s not what we’re all about.”

“Due to relationships that have been built and coming to sit down at the table for a common goal, we can accomplish so much,” said Weihrauch.

With this spirit of cooperation KRVSA was able to build the largest public pavilion by a private club on public land at Miles Point on Lake Kissimmee. The pavilion can be used by anyone on the lake, not just the club members. “It’s a beautiful thing. There is this great pavilion sitting out there with no lock on the door, help yourself.”

KRVSA wants to continue to promote the conservation, sound management and wise use of our valuable public outdoor resources for the enjoyment of our state’s traditional Florida sporting heritage for all generations in the years to come.

If you would like to be a part of KRVSA, you are welcome to come to their monthly meeting held the first Thursday of each month at First Choice Barbeque in Plant City at 6:30p.m. You can also get more information by visiting their website at www.krvsa.com or view their Facebook page.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

19

Celebrating 100 Years of Serving Agriculture

By Libby Hopkins

Tory Boyd Confucius once said, “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of 10 years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” Farm Credit has been helping their customers and communities for 100 years. Started in 1916 with 12 Federal Land Banks, today Farm Credit provides comprehensive financial services to farmers and ranchers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Every loan offered by Farm Credit helps a farmer, rancher or agribusiness operate on their road to success.

Each locally owned and operated Farm Credit organization provides services in the communities where they live and work. Farm Credit organizations are member-owned cooperatives and have a deep understanding of agriculture in their area. This expertise enables them to understand the industry sectors they finance and provide an unparalleled level of knowledge and service to their borrower-owners.

Combined, Farm Credit organizations provide more than $217 billion in loans, leases, and related services, which is more than a third of the credit needed by U.S. agriculture.

This capital helps nearly 500,000 borrower-owners succeed and grow, today and tomorrow.

Farm Credit of Central Florida, located in Lakeland, is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System whose mission is to support agriculture and rural America as they have for the past 100 years. “We cover 13 counties across central Florida and offer various lending products, crop insurance, leasing and financial planning through Money Concepts,” said Farm Credit of Central Florida’s new Marketing Manager, Tory Boyd. “Operating as a cooperative, we partake in patronage refunds and return our profits to eligible borrowers. In 2016, Farm Credit of Central Florida returned $4 million cash patronage.”

Boyd is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communication with minors in Agricultural Law and Leadership. She was the Vice-President of the Agriculture Institute of Florida, Vice-President of Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority Alumni Chapter. “I was not raised around agriculture but joined FFA in high school, fell in love with the industry and knew that I had to stay involved,” Boyd said.

Boyd has been with Farm Credit of Central Florida for two years. “I was fortunate enough to join Farm Credit and it was a perfect fit,” Boyd said. “The people that I have the opportunity to work with are inspiring and motivate me every single day.” She will work on a local and statewide level to communicate the Farm Credit mission and core values, which are to be customer focused, and strive to provide the best customer experience while never forgetting that customers are member owners. To have integrity and do what is right and keep client’s confidences. To be diverse in attracting, motivating, rewarding, and retaining a high-performing workforce in addition to being dedicated and socially responsible corporate citizens who support and promoting rural America and core cooperative principles. “We are the rural and agricultural financial experts and I will drive the communication of that narrative to industry experts, rural communities and agriculturalists,” Boyd said Throughout Farm Credit’s centennial year, they celebrated their historic milestone through several activities that demonstrate their commitment to rural America today and tomorrow. This history has helped them build an extraordinary depth of understanding of rural credit needs, challenges and opportunities, for agriculture overall and for individual crop sectors and livestock breeds.

If you would like to learn more about the services offered at Farm Credit of Central Florida, you can visit their website at www.farmcreditcfl. com or call 863-682-4117.They have branch offices in Apoka, Plant City and Brooksville. Their headquarters/administration office is located at 115 S. Missouri Ave., Suite 400 in Lakeland. If you would like to learn more about the history of Farm Credit and read some inspiring stories, you can visit their Centennial website at www.farmcredit100.com.

20

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

New UF/IFAS document profiles destructive screwworm fly recently detected in Florida Keys By Tom Nordlie To educate Florida agricultural producers, livestock owners, pet owners and concerned residents about the destructive screwworm fly recently detected in the Florida Keys, experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have published a profile on the insect, available online at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/ primary_screwworm.htm.

The free resource provides a scientific overview of Cochliomiya hominivorax, commonly known as the primary screwworm fly or New World screwworm fly, said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. The species was a major challenge for Florida ranchers until the late 1950s, when it was eradicated from the state with controlled releases of sterile male flies.

“Since the announcement earlier this week that this pest had re-emerged, we’ve had people working virtually around the clock to get accurate information to producers, pet owners and the public – this document is yet another example of UF/IFAS at work,” Payne said. “Knowledge is power, and state residents can aid the eradication effort by learning to recognize the symptoms of infection.”

A member of the blow fly family Calliphoridae, the primary screwworm fly is a threat to warm-blooded animals, including people, because its larvae feed on living tissue to develop, said Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman, an associate Extension scientist with the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department and one of the profile’s authors.

Adult female flies deposit eggs on superficial wounds or mucous membranes in host animals, creating infections that may draw other females that lay additional eggs, increasing the parasite burden on the host, she said.

“This insect has a truly fearsome reputation because the larvae will expand existing wound sites and the process may continue until the host animal is treated or it dies,” Gillett-Kaufman said. “Fortunately, this species has a biological Achilles’ heel – the adult females mate only once dur-

All Of Ser ving orida Fl Central

• • • •

New Installations Septic Pumping Drain Field Repairs Lift Stations

863-668-7264 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

ing their lives, and that enables scientists to eradicate local populations by releasing sterile male flies that mate with females who then produce no offspring.”

Gillett-Kaufman noted that state and federal officials are preparing to release sterile male flies in the affected Florida Keys, which are under quarantine.

The profile includes descriptions of the primary screwworm fly’s distribution, physical appearance, life cycle and medical and veterinary importance. It also contains material addressing management of the fly, management of potentially infected livestock or pets, contact information for owners of potentially infected animals, and a list of reference publications spanning eight decades of scholarship.

Although the primary screwworm fly has been absent from Florida for a half-century, the authors were able to gather information quickly because the species has been studied and discussed extensively in entomological lore, Gillett-Kaufman said.

The profile is part of the long-running “Featured Creatures” series published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, and was written by Gillett-Kaufman, veterinary entomologist Phil Kaufman, an associate professor with the department, and deer expert Samantha Wisely, an associate professor with the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

In addition, the profile is available from the UF/IFAS online Extension library, the Electronic Data Information Source, or EDIS, Payne said.

“My hat’s off to our team of authors and, indeed, to everyone involved in this fight,” he said, “from our UF/IFAS Extension faculty to the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and other industry organizations, to our colleagues at state and federal agencies. We are united in purpose and we will prevail.”

Septic

Lic#SR0890218

FREE ESTIMATES

Re s i d e n tia Commer l & cial

• • • •

Grease Traps Fill Dirt Culvert Pipes Septic Inspections

“Your Septic Specialists”

www.southeasternseptic.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

21

Newspaper Since my daughter, Karen, has taken over as publisher of the Plant City Times & Observer, I have gained an appreciation for those that put each edition together. You have to hand it to them. They have a small space to cram their huge attention grabbing headlines, and always being on a deadline, very little time to think about them.

I enjoy the way the Plant City Times & Observer uses headlines in their police report each week. I wonder what heading they would have given this story if it had happen in Plant City?

Some headlines that slip past writers and editors are down right hilarious. For example, “Unopposed Candidates Win.” Well now, can you imagine? What else would be the outcome? I gave the writer a pass, as I am sure he was past deadline for printing.

Let me share some of the headlines I have collected over the years.

“Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax” “Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over” “Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter” “Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder” “Include Your Children When Baking Cookies” From a police report in Georgia, “Crack Found In Man’s Buttocks.”

Some of the stories are beyond belief too; “Super-rats are being genetically modified to sniff out land mines for the Army.”

There’s the story of a guy that saw red and in a road rage attacked victims by squirting them with ketchup. He doused both a driver and cyclist. The judge gave him 220 hours of “high level” community unpaid work.

“There’s definitely someone going to get shot. Please, please,” a man says on the 911 call released by officials. “There’s a man with a gun. I see him looking at me, but I don’t think he sees I am on a cell phone.

I swear I am so scared I might get myself killed!” Police officers were sent to the scene, but the officer who originally pulled the man over stayed put. The 911 dispatchers had, in the meantime, tracked down the name of the caller and announced it over the police radio, which alerted the officer standing next to the man. Now, instead of a $150 speeding ticket he got a year in jail!

There’s a story going around that many world leaders will reveal before the end-of-the year that aliens are visiting us. (I think they are already in Washington) Some activists are stepping up calls now for governments around the world to formally acknowledge that extraterrestrials are contacting the human race. You can expect Washington to hold “World Disclosure Day” to raise the awareness of the so-called Roswell incident more than 70 years ago.

They claim an alien spaceship crashed on a remote ranch in New Mexico in the first week of July 1947. The Roswell Army Air Force issued a press release saying the military had recovered the remains of a “flying disc” which made front page news around the world.

A few days later General Roger Ramey made the announcement at a press conference that the found object was just a weather balloon.

His report started claims of a cover-up.

“World Disclosure Day” will be designated as a day to draw focus on the issue. However, on that day the nations will comes forward to finally and formally acknowledge the alien presence.

Paul Hellyer, a former deputy Prime Minister and ex-defense of Canada, spoke out at the first Canadian National Inquiry into UFOs a few months back, claiming that a bunch of bankers, oil cartels, industrial corporations and military intelligence agencies were behind the cover-up.

Many believe an alien craft did crash at Roswell and the US and Canadian governments signed a deal not to tell the public about the visitation.

22

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

A south Florida man pulled over for speeding called 911 to report a potential murder in hopes of avoiding a ticket. He was stopped by a police officer in Melbourne for driving over the limit. When the officer who cited him turned his back the man dialed 911.

Then there’s the story of the man that goes to see the Rabbi. “Rabbi, something terrible is happening and I have to talk with you about it.”

The Rabbi asked, “What’s wrong?”

The man replied, “My wife is going to poison me.”

The Rabbi being very surprised, asks, “How can that be?”

The man then pleads, “I’m telling you, I am certain she’s going to poison me. What should I do?”

The Rabbi replies, “Let me talk to her, I’ll see what I can find out and I’ll let you know.”

A week later the Rabbi calls the man. He says, “I spoke with your wife on the phone for three hours. You want my advice?”

The man said, “Yes” and the Rabbi replied, “Take the poison.”

I’ll close with this story. An old farmer in Paso County had owned a large farm for many years. He had a huge man-made pond out back with a beautiful picnic area. For years it was the perfect place to unwind or hold a family get together. As the farmer grew older, his oasis was used less and less. It eventually became the local swimming hole and while his neighbors occasionally took advantage of the pond, he rarely made an appearance.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond. He hadn’t been there in a while and felt the urge to pay a visit to check things out. As he neared the pond, he heard loud playful voices giggling and laughing. He came closer and was astonished to see that a bunch of young women had decided to skinny dip in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!” The old man replied, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond naked. I’m here to feed the alligator.”

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Smart Farmers & Country Home Owners Who borrowed from Farm Credit received a personal visit from a United States President!

Farm Credit of Central Florida puts its profits in its Member/Borrowers’ pockets in the form of a patronage refund payment which can significantly lower the cost of funds to the member.

A $100,000 loan

at a 4.5% interest rate receiving a12% patronage would reduce the rate of interest to 3.96%.

Ask your Farm Credit loan officer about the details of a patronage refund and our diverse loan products.

866.245.3637 | FarmCreditCFL.com Loans for land, homes & country living WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

23

Polk Natives Leading Florida’s Cattle Associations:

Ned Waters and Beth Hunt By: Leslie Buchanon

From its humble beginnings in 1521 when Juan Ponce De Leon arrived with a small herd of Andalusian cattle on the shores of what would become known as Florida, Florida’s cattle industry has grown to become one of the 15 largest in the nation.

Cattlemen and cattlewomen look to organizations to promote and help protect their way of life, while also combining their collective voices to advocate for and against issues at the local, state and national levels. For Florida’s cattle industry, the largest of these organizations include the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) and the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW).

The current president of each of these outstanding organizations are Polk County natives and residents Ned Waters and Beth Hunt. It is quite rare for the simultaneous leaders of the FCA and FCW to hail from the same county, even though Polk County Farm Bureau estimates Polk County is the 4th largest producer of cattle in the state. Cattle producers around the state rely on the Polk County residents for leadership and direction. Ned and Beth are combining their knowledge, efforts and experiences to implement initiatives that will continue to promote the best management practices Florida cattle producers employ each day, while also marketing a safe, wholesome, and nutritious product for consumers.

24

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

NED WATERS Ned Waters was born into the beef cattle industry in Polk County. At the age of 10 his parents offered him the opportunity to choose between a heifer or $100, which was market value at that time. Ned chose a heifer to begin his herd, which would eventually lead him to continue his life-long love of the “cow folks way of life.” Ned’s road to the presidency of the FCA began by serving on the Board of Directors for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association (PCCA) at the age of 25. Later, he became State Director and served three terms at president of the PCCA, which has consistently been the largest association in the state for many years. Through his work as State Director, Ned began to become more involved with initiatives at the state level and was eventually nominated and elected to serve as Treasurer for the FCA. Ned explains, “To become Cattlemen’s President you have to work your way through the officer chain: Secretary, Treasurer, 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President, President-Elect, and then President.

Each year board members nominate and vote you into each of the positions.” There is much training that is involved in the road to the Presidency of the FCA. Trainings at the local, state, and national level, in addition to attending legislative WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

ers to lease portions of Florida’s state owned lands that are suitable for the purpose of cattle grazing. This would create a win-win situation by generating additional income for state lands, while also allowing the land to be better managed by folks who implement rotational grazing practices with a small amount of cattle. Lastly, as President, Ned holds a strong desire and passion for what he describes not as an industry, but as “a way of life.” His goal is to promote the positive practices cattle producers offer to, not only consumers, but the environment as well. His emphasis is on promoting the benefits of the effective and economical practices cattlemen and cattlewomen implement to maintain the natural state of the lands they graze by being good stewards of the land.

events in both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. are just a few of the events Ned and other cattlemen have the opportunity to attend. Ned was elected president of the FCA at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention & Allied Member Trade Show this past June.

BETH HUNT

As President, one duty is to set new initiatives for the upcoming year, or continue initiatives set forth by former presidents of the FCA. Ned has chosen to do both. One initiative he feels can have a large impact is additional outreach at the state level with each of the county affiliates. He is very eager for the FCA to work closely with county associations to maintain open lines of communication between FCA and county members, and offer more support and training about issues facing those in the beef community. An initiative that began with Henry Kempfer, 2014-2015 FCA President, continued with Erik Jacobsen, 2015-2016 FCA President, and Ned plans to continue is advocating for the opportunity for cattle producWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Beth Crews Hunt was introduced to the beef cattle industry by her father. She participated and was active in FFA during her junior and senior year of high school at Fort Meade Jr.Sr. High School. After she began dating the man that would eventually become her husband, he encouraged her to join the Florida CattleWomen (FCW) during the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention in Marco Island, Florida in 1991. This led to Beth’s desire to become involved in her local affiliate, the Polk County CattleWomen’s Association (PCCW), to which she continues to be a faithful member. Throughout Beth’s time as a PCCW member she has held many officer positions, including Secretary, Vice-President, and President. She has also held leadership positions at the state level such as Treasurer, Interim Secretary, Vice-President, and now President. Due to her efforts at both the county and state level, Beth was awarded FCW Outstand- Continued on Pg. 32 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

25

Ornamental Gardening in Florida

By Ginny Mink

Time travel is a fascinating thing. When we jump on the literary time machine we are given the opportunity to voyage back to 1926, ninety years in the past, and see what plants and gardening recommendations were advisable at that time. Who would think that a nearly 100 year old book could still hold relevance and give us insight from whence we came? We bet Mr. Charles Torrey-Simpson never dreamed his book would go this far!

Last month we concluded with a study on bulbous plants, and this month we are going to take a look at what Mr. Simpson calls: Miscellaneous Air Plants. Maybe you know a thing or two about air plants, but our knowledge doesn’t go too much further than staghorn ferns and Spanish moss. We wonder what Mr. Simpson can teach us this month.

He first discusses a genus of bromeliads known as catopsis. He says, “One of these has rather wide soft, somewhat glaucous leaves, while those of the other are narrower, stiff and green, but although the two names...are given for these in the botanies yet the descriptions are so poor that I cannot tell which is which.”¹ He then gets a little irritated. He writes, “Grisebach says in his Flora of the British West Indies that both are the same, and this is wrong.

Probably none of the authors ever saw either of the plants in a growing state and describe them from hearsay or dried specimens. Both have rather attractive, white flowers and are striking ornaments in our low hammocks.”¹ He was pretty protective of the plants he experienced personally.

Not to interrupt the flow of the time travel experience, but when we have to quote words we don’t know, it is a little disparaging. Therefore, we would like to illuminate the meaning of the word glaucous for ourselves and our readers. Merriam-Webster informs us that glaucous means either pale yellow-green, light bluish-gray, or bluish white in color. Although, it could also mean that the plant had a waxy or powdery coating that kind of makes it look frosted but can 26

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

Part 25

be rubbed off. So, for us, that meant we needed to see the plant. You can determine the right definition via the picture, too!

His next inclusion is one we are familiar with, but its scientific name was intriguing, dendropogon. This, he says, is Spanish moss. And he informs readers that it can be found in the swamps of Virginia all the way down South to Uruguay and Chile. He does make one distinction though. He says, “On Paradise Key in Dade County another species grows which is more silvery in appearance than the former.”¹ Rhipsalis finds its place on his list, but that is shocking since everything else seems to be bromeliad based. He explains that it is, “A slender, trailing, practically thornless cactus.”¹ Then he makes the experience personal by adding, “I have had the plant many years on my place and it may easily be propagated by pressing the berries against a fissure in the bark of a tree when the seeds will germinate and soon produce fine, striking plants.”¹ We had to wonder a little about rhipsalis so we looked it up and discovered that it is commonly known as mistletoe cactus. But, there are about 50 members in its genus. Most of them are found in Central and South America but only one is found in Madagascar and Africa.

The berries he suggested for propagation are pea-sized.² As he closes this section it is important to note his affinity for bromeliads. He is very specific about them in his conclusion saying, “It is often difficult if not impossible to tear one of these Bromeliads from the tree and make it live, even if all the roots come with it.”¹ That’s a nice way of telling you to leave them alone.

But if you just can’t help yourself, he continues by giving detailed directives, “If it grows on a branch cut it off below where the plant is attached and nail or wire it to a tree and if it is on the bark of a trunk or large branch cut the bark from under the plant, being careful to not greatly disturb the roots. Then tack or wire this bark onto another tree and the epiphyte will not be injured.”¹ Sometimes his quotes WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

seem like typos because of the absence of commas, but we guess commas weren’t as common 90 years ago.

In case you never developed a love for bromeliads as Mr. Simpson obviously has, it might be time to do a little more research on them. They are incredible plants that grow on trees (or rocks) and produce some of the most gorgeous flowers you have ever seen. And, believe it or not, you have probably even eaten one at some point in your life since pineapples belong to the bromeliad family.

Until next time, do a little reading on bromeliads and get yourself prepared for our next voyage which will take us into the most gorgeous and dainty world of: 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. 116-117). ²CactiGuide.com.

Genus: Rhipsalus. http://cactiguide.com/ cactus/?genus=Rhipsalis Photos: Catopsis- by: Nico Nelson - https://flic.kr/p/aBegGj Rhipsalis- by: Mike Steinhoff - https://flic.kr/p/hZzq5a Bromeliad- by: Earnest McGray Jr. - https://flic.kr/p/dbvc8D WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

27

The Plight of the Piping Plover

By Ginny Mink Last month we wrote about the Suwannee Cooter because we found the name amusing, though their plight is not. This month the piping plover stood out, maybe alliteration will be enough to draw your attention as well. If not, the pictures should do wonders for pulling on the heart strings. Seriously, look at how cute these wee birds are.

How could you not want to know more about them and how to help?

The piping plover has no problem sharing its habitat with a number of other birds. The black skimmers and least terns all enjoy similar locales. However, in all populations across the United States the plover is either threatened or endangered. In fact, it is also listed as endangered in Canada.¹ Some say that these birds remind them of windup toys because they will quickly dart across the beach in search of food. They gladly eat marine worms, crustaceans, small marine animals and their eggs, and a variety of insects. Most of these delicacies will be those that have washed up on shore.² Their nests are small depressions in the sand, which are called scrapes and they are often located in the same vicinity as those made by least terns. When their wee-ones are in danger, they will present a broken wing display to draw attention away from their children and toward themselves.¹ The piping plover is named after its melodic mating call. This small shore bird shows a single black band around its neck when in its breeding plumage. It has a pale underbelly and orange legs. When that is considered with its stout but short bill, this bird is easily identified.² Plovers are used as indicator species for barrier beaches. When they are not nesting on the beaches that is an indicator that things in the climate and composition have changed. Researchers believe that the changes noted by the piping plovers will also impact other nesting birds and sea turtles.² Due to their sandy colored upper body, piping plovers choose to walk or run rather than fly. Their bright white bellies would draw attention to them if they were to take wing. However, before they breed, the males will conduct an elaborate flight pattern to gain the attention of the ladies sitting below them in the breeding grounds.² Most plovers breed every year and some of them are ready to do so the first spring after they hatch. Their breeding season begins in early spring and they start making nests and laying eggs in April and the beginning of May. Both sexes incubate the eggs over the course of 28 days and their clutch generally consists of 3-4 eggs. Most of the young are ready to go out on their own by August or September.² Due to the fact that plovers love the beach, they are endangered by 28

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

the other things that share that affinity. Humans are a significant problem, as are feral cats. In fact, in New York City the American Bird Conservancy has asked that the feral cats on Jones Beach be removed.² Of course, there are other issues the piping plovers face. Beach habitats are frequently harmed by shoreline development and the stabilization projects that go with them. Oddly enough, poorly sited wind turbines, and oil and gas industry operations are all contributors to the birds’ decline.² Thankfully, the critical nesting habitats are now being protected.

That has aided in some significant population increases. Public education and limiting off road vehicle traffic are some other ways of making a difference in the successes of this bird species.² No doubt you might be wondering how these birds are attached to Florida. In truth, they don’t breed here but they do spend their time wintering here. They are protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In Florida, they are protected by the management of their wintering grounds. When they are disturbed, their survival odds are significantly reduced. That is why you might see their wintering areas protected by signs along the beaches of Florida.³ The US Fish and Wildlife Service has published a revised copy of their Piping Plover Recovery Plan, it was produced by the Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Recovery Team in 1996. Their desire was to increase the population, and provide long-term protection, for breeding and wintering plovers. The plan delineates some very specific objectives that have currently not been reached.⁴ You can feel free to read all the steps and recommendations necessary for achieving these objectives. But, since you are probably incapable of standing watch over wintering birds, or traveling up north to guard their nesting grounds, you can keep an eye on the beaches in your area. Whenever big money wants to over develop for selfish gain, take a stand. We are being entrusted with this planet by God, so it is our duty to protect all He has put here. That includes those little birds, the piping plovers, who are willing to sacrifice their own lives for their babies.

Resources: ¹American Bird Conservancy: https://abcbirds.org/bird/piping-plover/ ²Defenders of Wildlife: https://www.defenders.org/piping-plover/ basic-facts ³Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: http://myfwc. com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/birds/piping-plover/ ⁴US Fish and Wildlife Services: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_ plan/960502.pdf WWW. IN FFIELD M WWW. INTTHE HE IELD MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

Fresh from Florida Mineral for Your Fall Livestock Needs: FMS Super-Mol 25% Premium Molasses Blocks and Tubs fortified with

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

Ask your dealer for, Super-Mol poured molasses blocks and Super-Pro pressed protein blocks, the Only blocks manufactured in Florida, by Floridians.Thank you for your business the last 25 Years! We look forward to serving you for many years to come, providing Fresh from Florida Mineral products for all your livestock needs.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1992

ALL Super-Mol & Super-Pro Blocks $10 off per Ton *October Only

For dealer information in your area contact us at 800-741-5450 or info@fmsap.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

29

30

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Florida

Mulberries

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

While Florida is famous for its strawberries, the Sunshine State is also home to another delicious type of berry, the mulberry. The mulberry is a member of the Moraceae family, which also includes figs, jackfruit, and breadfruit. Bearing a resemblance to slender blackberries, mulberries are delicious eaten out-of-hand or made into jellies, desserts, or beverages. The tree is naturally resistant to disease and insects, and the berries are popular with wildlife. In the United States, the mulberry tree is grown mainly from Florida to west Texas.

The three main types of mulberries are white, black, and red. White mulberries are named after the white color of the flower buds, not the color of the actual berry, which can be pink, white, purple, or black.

White mulberries are sweet, but have less flavor and tartness than the red or black varieties.

Black mulberries are known as the most flavorful variety. They are grown in Florida and California. Black mulberry trees are known for their longevity, and can sometimes produce fruit for more than a century. Red mulberries are reddish to black in color, and sweet with a little tartness. Peak season for mulberries in Florida extend from summer to early autumn, and the black mulberries have a longer season than the white and red types.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Sweet, tart, and refreshing, fresh Florida mulberries are packed with powerful, disease-fighting antioxidants, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh mulberries (140 g) contains 60 calories, 2 g protein, 0.5 g fat, 14 g carbohydrate, and 2 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 85% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 14% for vitamin K and iron, 10% for dietary fiber, and plentiful amounts of potassium, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, the B vitamins, and other nutrients.

VITAMIN C

One cup of mulberries provides almost a full day’s worth of your daily vitamin C requirements. This vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold.

This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. Eating foods high in vitamin C will help your body absorb more of the iron you consume through foods and supplements. Current research findings support that vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including mulberries, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating the fruit itself.

RIBOFLAVIN

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is one of eight B vitamins. All of the B vitamins help the body to convert food into fuel which can WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

then used as energy for the body. The B vitamins are needed to help the nervous system function properly, as well as for maintaining a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes.

In addition to the above functions, riboflavin works as an antioxidant, much in the way as vitamin C does. Riboflavin is also needed to help the body change vitamin B6 and folate into forms the body can use. It is also important for red blood cell production.

FOLATE

Florida mulberries are a good 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 berries and other fruits and vegetables 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.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE

Choose mulberries that are deeply colored. They should feel firm to the touch, but not hard or mushy. They are best eaten as soon as possible. They can be stored for several days, in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze mulberries in a sealed plastic bag for up to several months. The frozen berries can be tossed straight into a smoothie, or thawed before use. Wash the berries right before you plan to eat them, but not in advance since the extra moisture can cause them to perish quicker.

HOW TO ENJOY

Fresh mulberries are delicious eaten out-of-hand. They can also be made into wines or jellies. When dried, they bear a resemblance to raisins. Other ways to enjoy them include: • Tossed in a vegetable or fruit salad • Dipped in chocolate • Sliced over cold cereal or hot oatmeal • Baked into a cake or pie • Stirred into a pitcher of water, lemonade, or iced tea • As a topper for ice cream or shortcake or yogurt • Blended into a smoothie or milkshake Enjoy deliciously sweet Florida mulberries today before the season is over. With its naturally sweet flavor and vivid colors, they make a nutritious treat any time of the day.

SELECTED REFERENCES

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.florida-agriculture.com http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/ mulberry.html INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

31

Continued from Pg. 32

ing CattleWoman of the Year in 2006. Despite working as a paralegal at Boswell and Dunlap, LLP, Beth donates most all of her free time to promoting and educating others about the cattle industry and beef.

Beth states, “The purpose of the FCW is to foster the wellbeing of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Beef Council. It’s through these collaborations the FCW Executive Committee and its members are striving to educate consumers, young and old, about beef and beef by-products.” She explains, “Many youth and adults do not realize that their hamburger comes from a beef animal, not just a fast food restaurant or grocery store. Thus, the education process is from pasture to plate.” The FCW is committed to supporting the agricultural education experiences of young people in Florida by offering college scholarships to eligible students and sponsoring Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association (FJCA) events. From passing out beef samples at grocery stores, the Southern Women’s Show, and the Florida State Fair, to lobbying at Boots on the Hill in Tallahassee, and providing educational materials to county affiliates, the FCW under the leadership of Beth Hunt is a fearless promoter of the beef industry.

As FCW President, just like the FCA President, Beth has strong aspirations for FCW members. Beth is very dedicated to her health and fitness and thrives on gym challenges. She uses her love of challenges and adventure to promote the beef industry by participating in Mud Runs and 5K runs on “Team Beef.” In addition to educating consumers about the “pasture

32

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

to plate” food experience, Beth is a faithful and unwavering supporter of sharing her knowledge and personal triumphs of consuming beef in a healthy diet along with an exercise plan, which leads to longer longevity. To compliment these initiatives, the FCW, in joint effort with the Florida Beef Council, will sponsor The Savage Race on October 22 and 23 at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, Florida. Accompanying the 5K run/walk, there will also be several challenging obstacle courses for participants to test their fitness levels. Beth invites all “Savage CattleWomen” to come out and enjoy a fun day of fitness all while educating fellow “Savages” about the ways beef can aid in health, fitness, and weight loss. Beth is also a very steadfast advocate for the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) 2.0 program, which is funded through Beef Checkoff dollars. The MBA 2.0 provides the beef community with knowledge, confidence, and conversation skills to be effective and successful beef advocates.

Beth began her duties of serving as president of the FCW in December 2015 when she was elected into office and will retire the office on December 2, 2016. She feels fortunate to be associated with organizations that respect and emphasize the family values she holds near and dear.

Ned and Beth have a mutual admiration and respect for one another that transcends from their personal lives into their presidential lives. As the cattlemen and cattlewomen of Florida look to the Polk County natives to lead their respective state organizations, they can be assured Ned and Beth have the know-how, tenacity, and grit to lead our state organizations and advance their initiatives.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

33

FFA Hall of Fame Recipient:

David N. Coile

By Leslie Buchanon

Those who support the FFA chapters throughout the state of Florida come from all walks of life and their backgrounds are as vast as their knowledge. Veterinarians, farmers, ranchers, teachers, business leaders, parents, and even stay-at-home moms are some of the organizations largest supporters who work tirelessly with FFA chapters and local alumni affiliates to enhance agriculture education experiences for FFA members.

Of these supporters, a few go above and beyond the call and devote a large majority of their lives to supporting agriculture education by directly mentoring students, supporting agriculture teachers, and even leading by example. A select few receive an honor that is only bestowed upon a few agriculture education supporters each year. The FFA Hall of Fame is one such honor awarded by the Florida FFA Foundation which began in 2007 as a way to pay tribute to those individuals who have helped to make the Florida FFA Association the premier youth leadership organization in the state. Last month, Mr. David N. Coile of Polk County, was inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame for his outstanding efforts in dedticating both his personal and professional life to the FFA. David N. Coile was born on January 22, 1944, in Lakeland, Florida, into a hard-working farming family. His first experience with FFA was at Lakeland High School, where he joined as a sophomore. He became actively involved in exhibiting livestock at fairs and participating on judging teams, and even went on to serve as president of his chapter during his senior year. His agriculture teachers, Mr. Dick Gavin and Mr. Bruce Howell, influenced his life in such a way that he decided to pursue a career in agriculture education. He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education in 1966, he then earned a Master’s degree in Agriculture Education, with a minor in Horticulture, in 1968.

In addition to earning a diploma in 1966, he also married the love of his life, Miss LaRae Richards of Hickory, North Carolina.

After achieving his educational goals, David returned to Florida with his bride and had the opportunity to return to the school that had ignited his love and passion for the FFA, Lakeland High School, as an agriculture teacher. The following year 34 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE October 2016

he was asked by a former agriculture teacher to begin an agriculture education program at Crystal Lake Junior High School in Lakeland, where he built and maintained the agriculture education and FFA programs from 1969-1979. Once again, in 1979, David was called upon to help build a program at a new high school in north Lakeland with Mr. Richard Heath at Lake Gibson High School. Mr. Coile would go on to complete his agriculture education career at Lake Gibson where he was awarded the title of “Teacher of the Year” in 1981, and again in 1987. These honors preceded his next awards of distinction which came in 1988, the Honorary State Farmer Degree, and again in 1990, the Honorary American Degree. After serving as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor for 36 years, Mr. Coile retired on July 31, 2004. Upon his retirement, David was inducted as a Charter Member of the Lake Gibson High School Hall of Fame. However, retirement did not slow down or extinguish his passion for agriculture education. David was instrumental in creating the Lake Gibson FFA Alumni in 1986, where he is a steadfast member to this very day. Current Lake Gibson FFA Alumni President, Robert “Buddy” Walls, explains, “While teaching agriculture at Lake Gibson High School for 25 years, David Coile not only ran a greatly successful program, but also learned the value of having a strong alumni program to support it. Not only is he a huge asset to our alumni chapter, but he has been the driving force of its success. We are very lucky to have someone like him as a member, but more importantly as a friend.”

For Polk County residents, Mr. Coile is most recognizable to those who have, and continue to, exhibit horticulture exhibits at the Polk County Youth Fair (PCYF). For over 30 years Mr. Coile served as Chairman of the Horticulture committee and even served on the PCYF Board of Directors. He continues to be a vital part of the Horticulture committee assisting with the PCYF horticulture events throughout the week of the PCYF. Throughout his years has an agriculture educator and FFA advisor, David is proud to have influenced four state FFA officers: one State President, one State Secretary, and two Area 4 State Vice-Presidents. Five of his students were state agriculture proficiency award winners, one placed second at the national WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

level in the Prepared Speaking contest, and another placed second at the national level in the Extemporaneous Speaking contest.

Throughout his years serving and advocating for agriculture education David has received many awards and accolades.

However, when asked to name the feat for which he is most proud, he humbly states, “my work with Robert Butler.� David first met Robert Butler in 1994 and the chance encounter turned into a friendship that would lead to the creation of multiple opportunities to raise money for FFA chapters throughout the state and the Florida FFA Alumni. Robert Butler was a local painter who affiliated himself with a group of self-taught artists known as the Highwaymen. Mr. Butler made a name for himself with his portrayals of wildlife paintings that included hunting dogs, hunters, cowboys, wild hogs, turkeys, and deer. David worked with Robert Butler to create the Agricultural Heritage series, for which proceeds benefit the Florida FFA Alumni. Over the years, through the tireless efforts of David Coile, the Florida FFA Alumni Association has acquired multiple Robert Butler lithographic prints, some of which are personally signed by Robert Butler. To assist in the Robert Butler print fundraising efforts, David uses his skills to build frames and mat the prints sold at Alumni auctions throughout the state, and he also manages the storage and distribution of over 12,000 prints.

eration of agriculturists, are just a few of the reasons David Coile, was selected to receive this honor. We congratulate you Mr. Coile for this distinguished award and thank you for the years you have committed to Florida FFA. If you would like more information about purchasing Robert Butler prints please contact David Coile at dcoile@tampabay. rr.com.

Since his retirement, David and wife LaRae, have enjoyed traveling around the United States visiting National Parks. They have visited all 50 states, having driven to 49 of them. They enjoy geocaching and observing the many different agriculture crops grown throughout the United States during their travels.

A lifetime of dedication, mentoring, and leading the next genWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

35

Fall For Florida Leaves Colorful View Of Electoral College

by John Dicks

Do you the feel that crisp seasonal bite in the air? Yes, Fall is here.

But for Florida, rather than any chilly Autumn air, that evening sting comes mostly from the non-stop nagging political TV ads!

Probably more so than any other state in the union, we’ll keep getting barraged with campaign commercials right through election day, set by our nation’s Constitution as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, otherwise referred to this year as November 8.

Clinton vs. Trump. Trump vs. Clinton. Over and over again, each one tarnishing the other. Yet almost surprisingly, on a trip to California in September, I saw hardly a single Presidential campaign commercial!

The same is also true this election cycle for the state of Texas.

It may seem strange that next to nothing is being spent on the Presidential campaigns in the two largest states in the nation. The reason, however, can be found in the results of our infamous Electoral College.

When our Constitution was being drafted at the Convention of 1787, several methods of electing the President were considered. Some suggested leaving the selection to Congress. Others argued that the governors of the states should do it, or alternatively, by the state legislatures. Still other delegates advocated for a direct popular election by the people.

After much compromise and deliberation (that for sake of time I won’t delve into), the method for picking our President was chosen to be by a fabricated system named the Electoral College.

Some changes over the years have naturally been made but the framework still remains. Every four years, Electors (as determined by the states) meet to vote for President. Each state (and the District of Columbia) sends a number of Electors equal to its congressional delegation, thus at least three, representing that each state has two Senators and at least one member of the House of Representatives.

California, our nation’s most populous state, sends the largest delegation with 55 Electors. Texas is number two with 38 and Florida and New York are tied at third with a delegation of 29 Electors. The total number of Electors meeting in the Electoral College is 538.

Each state’s delegation is determined by the state’s popular vote on November 8. And it is effectively a “winner take all,” meaning, of course, that even in a close election where one candidate gets just one more vote than the other, the winner gets the state’s entire electoral votes.

Thus if Trump wins Texas, as expected, the entire slate of 38 will be pledged for Trump. Likewise, if Clinton wins California, as expected, she gets all 55. Consequently, in those states where the lead for one or the other is so large, valuable campaign resources simply are not spent on Presidential campaigns and instead are shifted to the states, like Florida, where the outcome is expected to be razor-edge close.

Simply put, our state’s 29 electoral votes are up for grabs and polls indicate that the race is so close that the outcome could go either way.

Interesting is that diving deeply into the research of both Democrats and Republicans suggest that a swing of a few votes either way right here in Hillsborough County could determine the results.

That’s why in addition to nonstop campaign commercials we’re seeing so much of the candidates themselves constantly visiting our Sunshine State. Clinton and Trump both desperately want and need our 29 Electoral votes!

So how does all of this add up? Since there are a total of 538 votes in the Electoral college and the Constitution requires a majority to win, the magic number each candidate is looking for is 270.

There is the unusual possibility that neither candidate could get to 270 since the Electors are not required (though they are expected) to vote as pledged. That’s happened more than you would imagine, the most recent being in the year 2000 when Bush vs. Gore saw Florida playing such a significant role.

Such unusual votes by the Electoral delegates have never been a number high enough to have influenced the outcome of a presidential election. If it did happen and no candidate receives a majority (at least 270), then the matter is determined by Congress where the President is elected by the House of Representatives and the Vice President is elected by the Senate.

That could lead to a President of one party and a Vice President of another, making for strange times, indeed.

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 36

IIN NT THE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

O October ctober 2016 2016

WWW. INTTHE HE IELD MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW. IN FFIELD M

Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 We Support Agriculture.

See Our Reviews on

Have a Safe & Happy from

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

37

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

Chef Justin Timineri

Citrus Dream Milkshake Ingredients

1/2 ounce natural sugar 4 ounces grapefruit juice 4 ounces orange juice 2 drops natural vanilla extract 4 ounces low-fat milk

DIRECTIONS Pour the orange juice, grapefruit juice, milk, sugar and vanilla extract into a blender with 2 ounces (approximately 4 cups) of ice.

Blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass, add a straw and serve.

Garnish with sliced fruit.

Florida Steak Bowl INGREDIENTS 1 eight-ounce strip steak 1 teaspoon Latin spice mix 2 ears corn, roasted and kernels removed from the cob 1 large tomato, diced 1 cup black beans, from a can, drained 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, hand torn 1/2 lime, juiced (plus more if desired)

1/4 teaspoon powdered cumin Your favorite hot sauce (for heat) Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 1 cup leaf lettuce, rinsed and chopped 2 cups brown rice, cooked as directed on package

DIRECTIONS

Generously season the strip steak with the Latin spice mix on both sides.

To grill, place steak on grill over medium, ash-covered coals.

Grill the steak, covered, 12 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.

When desired temperature is reached, remove steak from grill and let it rest.

To cook indoors, preheat a sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the preheated pan.

Carefully add the seasoned steak to the oiled sauté pan.

Cook steak for 2 to 4 minutes on each side until desired internal temperature is 38

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

reached.

Remove steak from pan and let rest.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the corn, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, diced tomato, hot sauce and black beans.

Stir ingredients to combine.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Slice the steak against the grain into 1/4 inch strips.

In two serving bowls, layer the rice, salsa and lettuce and place the steak strips on top.

WWW. ININTTHE FFIELD M WWW. HE IELD MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

39

Where’s Gator Creek?

By Ginny Mink I totally thought we would be building a chicken coop this issue. In fact, I had planned with a guy on craigslist, who was tearing down his two story barn, to bring me the wood and all the remnants. I was prepared to use our burn pile to get rid of any damaged wood, if he would just drop off the pieces. He said he would, but then he never showed up and never responded to another text message (we’d been chatting for probably an hour). UGH! Somehow, someway, we will build a chicken coop, but it will have to be out of recycled free materials, so that is putting a damper on our progress. However, Ezekiel will not let me forget that it is a goal. He reminds me regularly that we need to go to Lowe’s and get the stuff to build our “chicken qupe.” No, he doesn’t say coop, he says qupe.

It’s pretty funny actually.

Anyway, since we moved to Lakeland I figured it would be a good idea to explore some of the natural sites. So, we headed to Gator Creek Reserve this month. It was on my to-do list because I drive by it nearly every day on my way home. I had anticipated it being a good experience for the kids because it’s been awhile since I’ve taken them to the park. I was mistaken.

We followed the twisty road into a “Welcome to the Green Swamp” area, which should have been my first warning. And, when we finally arrived at the only parking lot, Hazel said, with great disgust, “This is it?” Zeke, however was a little more enthusiastic, “What’s here?”

He squealed as he scrambled out of his car seat to get a better look out of the window.

got that in exchange for taking my brother to dinner).

We had a little bit of a melt down before entering the trails because I didn’t want the kids to bring their drinks. Inevitably they bring their cups in somewhere and then they’re “too tired” to carry them or the cups are just “too heavy,” to lug around anymore. Mind you, most of that whining is from the princess. Doesn’t she sound like one too?

I informed them that any complaints about cup carrying would be met with a swift trash can result. Basically, I told them I’d rather throw their cups in the trash and not let them bring anymore anywhere, than have to carry them myself while trying to take pictures of the event. They dug in though and ended up carrying their own cups the whole time.

As we approached the entrance to the first path we had seen, a rather scary looking shirtless man with long hair came out. He was sweating and out of breath. “Mosquitoes are really bad in there.” He announced with a head nod towards the trail. I suspect he was trying to keep us from entering, but we were determined nonetheless. I nodded and we kept walking. He shrugged and went his own way.

But in truth, he was right. If you stood still the quantity of mosquitoes in that place probably could have carried you away. Zeke and Hazel definitely would have taken flight. Of course, the beginning of the trail wasn’t nearly as bad as it got about half way through. We opted to take the paved walk due to the mosquitoes and distance.

Jaidyn was a little more enthused about this adventure than he has been on some of the others because he was certain he was going to be able to employ his newly received generic GoPro camera. He turned thirteen in September and that’s what I got for him. Generic because this single mom doesn’t have the funds for a real one.

We walked quickly around. Hazel complained the majority of the time. It was too hot, it was boring, there were bugs, etc. Zeke seemed enthralled and has since asked me to take him back. J led the way with his camera attached to his forehead attempting to get some “cool footage.” He even went into the wooded areas a bit to get some up close video. Unfortunately, by the time we got out of there he realized that he hadn’t recorded a thing. He’s still learning.

So, he strapped it to his head joking about doing some parkour.

Zeke, said, “I can parkour.” And J and I laughed. He probably could with the way he does trick riding on his Peg Perego four wheeler (I

To recount the most exciting part of the experience, I was walking along, trying to ignore Hazel’s incessant whining, when I noticed what looked like a green ammo box hidden in a palmetto bush. I

40

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

called J back to get it so we could see what it was. He was wearing the biggest boots in case something dangerous decided to strike out at the time.

His face lit up, “Ma, it’s a geo-cache!” He exclaimed. And, sure enough, the proof was written on the side. “What’s that?” Hazel asked sarcastically, trying to hide her interest. He explained, “People go looking for them and put stuff in ‘em. But if you take anything out, you have to put something else in.”

At that announcement Zeke got enthusiastic, “What’s in it?” He squealed with delight. J opened it and all the kids were excited.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

There were toys and various other elements inside. Unfortunately, we didn’t have anything to put back in it so I had to squash the weeones’ desires to grab something out (especially the little water guns).

While Zeke was highly thrilled by the geo-cache, and Hazel was equally enthralled, he seemed quite content to walk out of the trail carrying the pinecone he had excitedly acquired at the beginning of the walk. Hazel had thrown hers down shortly after picking it up. It was, “too hard to carry,” she announced as she tossed it.

I told the kids we would come back when it’s cooler outside so that we can take the other paths. Surely one of them must lead to Gator Creek, right? And Lord knows we all want to see that!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

41

By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

The Great Pig Rescue We often say in law enforcement, ‘There is no such thing as a routine call for service.” In our rural county, we answer calls on a weekly basis that are unlike anything some other counties see. Take, for example, our recent investigation at an animal rescue called Darlynn’s Darlins.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2016, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detective obtained arrest warrants for a husband and wife, 65-year-old Darlynn Czerner and 61-year-old Clinton “Butch” Martin, owners of the Darlynn’s Darlins, Inc., animal sanctuary located at 9830 Evans Road in Polk City, charging both of them with three (3) counts of Felony Animal Cruelty (F-3), and 138 counts of Animal Neglect (M-1).

According to their website (darlynnsdarlins.webs.com) “Darlynn’s Darlins Inc., is a not for profit, No Kill, Animal Rescue, Sanctuary, Advocacy and Education organization. The Ranch provides a safe, loving, lifetime home to more than 200 exotic, farm, and domestic animals.

We facilitate the adoption of spayed and neutered animals to appropriate and fully screened families. Many animals, due to age, physical issues, or type will remain at Darlynn’s Darlins Ranch for life. We offer help and solutions to animal behavior issues hoping to help animals remain in their homes.”

According to their affidavits, on May 31, 2016, two representatives from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), began working as volunteers four hours per day, four days per week at the shelter, after receiving information that there were neglect issues at the facility. While there, the PETA members observed and video-recorded severe neglect of animals housed at the facility.

On August 2, 2016, PETA members contacted PCSO, told them of their findings, and gave detectives copies of their video recordings. The witnesses and the videos 42

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

describe hogs on the property suffering from tumors, hair loss, overgrown hooves, open sores, and ambulatory issues. Additionally, there were dogs, cats, and a steer suffering from neglect. We had not received any prior allegations of abuse or neglect at this facility, nor were we aware PETA had volunteers there, recording the neglect and doing their own “investigation.” We are, however, grateful that PETA turned over their information to us, so that we could quickly launch a criminal investigation, and rescue the animals.

Of the approximately 200 animals at the sanctuary, the following animals suffered from cruelty and neglect: 135 hogs, Four dogs, and One steer.

On Thursday, August 4, 2016, PCSO Detectives and Animal Control Officers arrived at the facility in Polk City, and served a search warrant. They seized the aforementioned neglected animals, and additional animals (2 hogs, 43 chickens, 3 dogs, 7 cats, 2 ducks, a rabbit, and a horse), and brought all except the horse to PCSO Animal Control to be examined by Animal Control Veterinarian. The horse was taken to Hope Equine Rescue.

A total of 197 animals were removed from the scene. It was determined that 138 counts of animal neglect were committed on 133 hogs, 4 dogs, and 1 steer, for failure to feed, water, and provide proper medical care.

During a civil hearing on September 6, 2016, Judge Gerald Hill II issued a pronouncement awarding custody of the animals seized from Darlynn’s Darlins, to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, the animals were given to PETA and a pig rescue group.

We are so appreciative of the community partnerships that we have, which allow us to keep Polk County a wonderful place to work, live, and play.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

43

Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

Driftwood Candle Holder

Driftwood and distressed wood has plenty of character and is often a popular choice for home decor and you need not pay designer rates to have an attractive addition to your home. This month we will create a simple candle holder out of wood you can find on your next trip to the beach, hiking trail or maybe even in your back yard wood pile.

Materials:

• Driftwood • Tea light Candles (1 ½” diameter) • Drill • Forstner Bit (1 ½”)

Drill a 1 ½” diameter hole in the driftwood to the depth of about ½” (the height of the candle) Repeat for number of candles desired.

Optional

If you are talented with a knife or rotary tools, intricate designs can be carved around the candle hole for a more refined piece. Although the piece in this activity was not treated in any way, your piece can be treated with wood dye, paint or sealer. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. With a set of forstner bits various size holes can be made to hold glass beads, wooden beads, lights, pictures in the round, bottle caps, or anything else interesting that can be fit into the hole.

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

• 44

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

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

•

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes)

Some of Florida’s largest spiders are among the most interesting to watch. Unfortunately, the perception of danger often corresponds with the size of the spider. The inborn fear of spiders is hardcoded into our DNA to actively detect and avoid specific threats that have persisted throughout human evolution; spiders and snakes are two of the most prominent of inborn human fears. A spider’s size does not accurately reveal a spiders human threat. Take for example the widow spider (Latrodectus), the most venomous spider in North America but certainly not the largest. Besides tarantulas, fishing spiders (Dolomedes) are among the largest spiders in North America.

In Florida, there are only a few species of orb weaver that rival the fishing spider in size; the golden silk orb weaver (Nephila clavipes), the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia), and the giant lichen orb weaver (Araneus bicentenarius). It’s worth noting, that the largest of spiders tend to be among the least dangerous. Now that I have set your mind at ease, we will take a closer look at these gloomy spiders to prime our Halloween spirit.

Fishing spiders (Dolomedes) is a genus of large spiders in the Pisauridae family, commonly known as nursery web spiders. The common name “Nursery Web” for this family of spiders describes the spiders excellent maternal behavior. Spiders in the Nursery Web family create an egg sack for their young and carry it around in their jaws (chelicerae) until the spiderlings are ready to emerge. When the time is near, the female spider will find vegetation suitable to build a special nursery web from which she will suspend her egg sack. She will then stand guard to watch her spiderlings, which could number thousands, emerge from their egg sack safely. Unlike many other spiders that die before or during the emergence of their offspring, the nursery web spider remains in the nursery web until her young have grown through their first molt and set off on their own.

Interestingly, a recent study revealed that it is the male members of this species that die before the spiderlings emerge and their death is not at the hands of the female as is with other spider species. Studies revealed that male fishing spiders take one shot in breeding. The male spiders pedipalps look like small legs near the jaws and are used to deliver sperm. For many spider species, the pedipalps will swell with sperm and diminish back to normal once the sperm is delivered and often become a meal for the female if the male is not successful in presenting a nuptial gift to distract her from making a meal of him.

The male fishing spider however, will curl up and die on his own immediately after copulation, his pedipalps remaining engorged.

If you have the devotion to research, observe, and appreciate spiders as pets, Fishing spiders are one of the best. Fishing spiders do not spin webs and wait for prey, they are active hunters and very quick, which is always exciting to watch, not so exciting to recapture should they escape their habitat. They do not hide or burrow like tarantulas, so observation within their habitat is easy. They have a fairly peaceful temperament and will typically flight before fight, however, keep in mind, any spider will certainly bite if it feels trapped. The spider can be handled safely with a gentle hand so long as it is allowed to choose WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

to crawl into your hand rather than being forced or trapped into it.

Even if a bite occurs, the venom is on par with a bee sting and will not be an emergency unless there is an allergic reaction.

Mature fishing spiders are typically most active between May and September. You may spot some in October and perhaps early November before the weather prompts a slowing of activity. Spiderlings hatch from July through September and early October, if you’re lucky enough to find a young spiderling, these would be one of the most rewarding insect pets you could hope for, certainly more exciting than the exotic Tarantulas you will find in pet stores, and you will gain valuable knowledge of our indigenous species.

We have at least six species of Dolomedes in Florida, below is an introduction to the three largest species that are indigenous to Florida and would be the most interesting to observe in the wild or in captivity. Two of the three species (D.okefinokensis) and (D. tenebrosus) are unique for their female giganticism and are prized by collectors in Northern states. The term “Dolomedes” is derived from the Greek “dolomed”. In Greek mythology, Dolos (sometimes pronounced “Dolus”) is the spirit of trickery and guile. Therefore, Dolomedes can be interpreted as meaning wily or deceitful.

Giant swamp fishing spider (Dolomedes okefinokensis) If your thinking of the Okefinokee swamp that straddles the Georgia–Florida line this is the origin of the spiders common name. Okefinokee (the name of the swamp) + -ensis, a Latin ending that means “found at, living in (a place).” Some sources claim this is the largest species with females body length reaching up to 30mm.

Dark fishing spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) This is our Halloween spider, remember that Dolomedes means deceitful, the term “tenebrosus” from the Latin “tenebrae”, a term that means shadows or darkness, therefore, this spider is the Dark Deciever. This spider is the second largest. The females body length can reach about 26mm.

This spider is commonly found in upland habitats such as deciduous forests on decaying tree trunks, tree holes, crevices, and under loose bark but can also inhabit Florida’s wetlands and swamps.

Striped Fishing Spider (Dolomedes scriptus) This is the smallest of the three featured Dolomedes. This species has a well developed stripe and the ‘W’ pattern on scriptus is outlined in white all the way across the abdomen, which may be the inspiration of the spiders taxonomic name scriptus from the Latin “scriptus” which means “to wright”.

Female body length can reach 21mm. This species is most common in faster flowing bodies of water and in seasonal floodplains.

I will encourage you to get out on the hiking trail and look for these beautiful spiders this month. If you have the time and patience to simply sit and watch one for an hour or two, it may be a rewarding experience. Should you decide to look for a pet,.. please do plenty of research so you can keep and observe the spider in a healthy state before returning it to the wild.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

45

Classifieds

Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com HUSTLER RAPTOR

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

42” cut, 21 hp Kohler engine.

3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722

FOR RENT

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.

Dry and available IMMEDIATELY! Call Tim Ford (863) 439-3232

Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

BRAND NEW BUSH HOG ES2052 zero turn mower. Price reduced from $5,425 to $5,000 Call Alvie 813-750-8722

60” cut price was $10,356 buy now for $8,800. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

METAL ROOFING

Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock.

Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.

ALUMINUM

We have all your aluminum needs!

Screen Room, carports & awnings.

Call Blake (813) 752-3378

PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE 1976 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 674

2wd, very good condition. $8,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

HESSTON 3710 TEDDER

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

T-111

Priced to sale. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

FORD 6700 TRACTOR

$3,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 ROSSI CADDY 8 HAY RAKE Call Alvie 813-759-8722

FOR SALE

Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17.

Come out and see us!

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY AVAILABLE

10 - 30 acres of property available for farming in Pasco County.

Call Nick 813-967-3858

METAL WAREHOUSE

3200 sq. ft. Metal warehouse for lease.

Located in E. Bartow off of highway 60.

For more information call 863-221-0986

KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES

4X8 sheets 4” on center. $26.95 Call Blake 813-752-3378

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 FMC 352

Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

7X15 LAWN TRAILER

Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

2015 MAHINDRA EMAX TRACTOR 4wd with 60” mid mount mower. 39 hours, warranty. $9,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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 GROVE EQUIPMENT SERVICE

FOR SALE

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

is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics SERVICES at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. Having own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and ex- CALLER ON HOLD perience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or A low cost service that enables you to Plant City at 813-759-8722 communicate important information about your business to customers while they are Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders”. on hold. No monthly payments or annual 813-754-1766 payments. Call today and ask for Al (813) 763-2220

HELP WANTED

Agricultural parts person needed.

Computer skills a must, experience a plus. Apply @ Grove Equipment Service in Plant City. Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

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

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR

BRAND NEW HUSTLER X1

BUILDING SUPPLIES

46

LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES

October 2016

MISC. FREE

Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722

RUBBER MULCH

All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

JOIN!

FRESH FROM

FLORIDA “Fresh From Florida” is a program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

It is designed to connect distributors and retail buyers with Florida growers to increase sales of Florida products.

Visit FreshFromFlorida.com/Join or call 850-617-7399

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

47

48

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

October 2016

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM