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Farm to School program Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam
The beginning of each school year ushers in a whole new set of experiences for Florida’s children, whether it is a new classroom, new teacher, new classmates or even a whole new school. This year, Florida students will be going back to more than new classes, teachers and friends – we’re working to make sure they will see more Florida products in their meals, too. As Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, improving the nutritional value of school meals by adding more locally grown produce to school trays is one of my top priorities. In 2011, I worked with the Legislature to move Florida’s School Nutrition Program from the Department of Education to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Because of our knowledge of and relationships with the agriculture industry, I believed then and still believe now that we can better connect Florida’s growers and producers with schools and direct more of our world-class fresh fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias. We make these connections through our Farm to School program. Every year, Florida schools spend millions of dollars for fresh produce. The Farm to School program is intended to open the door for more of those dollars to stay within Florida. It also supports Florida farmers by promoting opportunities for schools and growers to work together to increase the volume of locally grown product that is served in school cafeterias and dining halls. For example, the Farm to School program helped facilitate the purchase of more than 17,000 pounds of Florida-grown blueberries and 15,000 pounds of Florida-grown peaches for Orange County schools in one purchase last year. This is just WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
one example of the hundreds of purchases the program helps facilitate between Florida’s producers and schools. All told, the program helped facilitate the purchase of more than 3.5 million pounds of Florida produce in 2015. These purchases not only gave students the opportunity to enjoy fresh, Florida produce, but also it supported producers in the community. In addition to better connecting growers and schools, the department has helped coordinate statewide lunch menus to coincide with Florida’s harvest seasons. By aligning the produce side of the school menus with Florida’s harvest seasons, Florida’s schools are able to access more locally grown produce at affordable prices. Incorporating locally grown products into school meals also supports local economies, reduces transportation costs and helps preserve farms and farmland. By making these important changes, we’re working to ensure that all children have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed in school. We’re proud of the improvements to school nutrition across the state because research shows there is a direct connection between nutrition and academic success. Eating a wholesome breakfast improves academic performance, increases attendance and increases the likelihood of high school graduation. Florida has an abundance of fresh, wholesome fruits and vegetables – exactly what should be served in school cafeterias. We are committed to exploring opportunities to further marry farmers with school districts, incorporating technology to increase awareness of product availability and need and creating additional demand for product during harvesting times. Expanding access to nutritious foods through agricultural partnerships and education efforts, we will help foster healthier eating habits among our youngest residents, creating a better and brighter Florida for children and farmers. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 2016 3
Ron O’Connor Page 66
VOL. 11 • ISSUE 11
Debbie Simpson Page 70
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Contents SEPTEMBER 2016 Page 3
GCREC/ Mabry Elementary
FFA Hall of Fame
Women’s Leadership Committee
Florida Soy Beans
Judi Whitson
Water Wise Award Winners
Meet The Minks
Adam Putnam
Page 10
Jason Steward
Page 14
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 32 Page 35 Page 41
Page 18
Jack Payne
Rocking Chair Chatter
John Dicks
Page 22
Page 42 Page 46
Talk to the Paw
YBOR Mercantile
Endangered Species
Recipes
Page 26 Page 28
Page 48 Page 52
Literary Time Machine
Page 54
Page 60 Page 64 Page 74
OWT Market
Page 76
A Closer Look
Page 79
Emma Poole
Page 82
Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
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AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
September 2016
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IN NTHEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE
September eptember 2016
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry
If you read last month’s letter from the editor, you will remember that I was waxing nostalgic about the rural area where I grew up. Shortly following the printing of that magazine, the Greenup County Fair took place. Somehow I stumbled upon an article about the fair, the livestock shows, baking competitions, beauty contests, lawnmower races and auctions. It reminded me of many of the reasons I love fairs. My favorite part? The livestock auctions. Why not the shows? Well, the shows rank right up there at the top of my favorite things but the auctions are my favorite. I love it when the community shows their support of the youth who have worked so hard on the various projects. Showing our youth that hard work pays is a great way to insure that our future will be bright with hard working agriculturists. I’m sure as a child rides, games and greasy fair foods were the main attraction for me. I mean who doesn’t love throwing rings over bottles to win a fish that may or not make it home alive? But I recall even then being drawn to the livestock. I grew up on a farm with cattle, pigs, horses and a few chickens, but I never tired of looking at them. I remember being appalled at my “citified” friends who turned their noses up at the smell in the barns. I enjoyed walking through the building that house various jars of pickled something along side prized vegetables and baked goods. And, of course, the quilts and knitting projects always amazed me! Fairs allow us to embrace the roots of our county life. You are sure to have a good time, see friends and neighbors you may not see on a regular basis, and while the rides may be a good diversion, don’t forget the livestock, and other projects. You won’t regret seeing the talent and hard work that comes from your county.
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 Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
Until Next Month
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
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In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
SOME VERY IMPORTANT DATES AHEAD Dear Readers: Please mark your calendars with two important, upcoming dates. The first is Thursday, October 13. That’s the date of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting, and I hope to see you and your family at that important gathering. The second is November 8, Election Day. There is a strong correlation between these two dates. Let’s go back to 1941 when a group of farmers gathered in Orlando to deal with complex problems they all faced as a result of the economic depression of the 1930s. Their markets had been damaged and many faced crippling financial losses, some even the loss of their livelihoods. They decided to form a Farm Bureau organization here in Florida after meeting with representatives of the American Farm Bureau. They envisioned Florida Farm Bureau would: • Give Florida farmers a special identity • Promote improved cultivation, quality control and marketing strategies • Represent farm families before the Legislature and other units of government After that meeting they began to recruit members comprising the Voice of Agriculture in Florida. That beginning created the momentum Florida Farm Bureau continues today, and the services of Farm Bureau to Florida farming families have grown to include an insurance company providing vehicle and property coverage that was otherwise unavailable to rural residents. Today, that insurance is available to non-farmers, as well. Those original purposes of the 1941 organizational meeting of Florida Farm Bureau still apply today, our
75th year, and will continue into the future as we strive to serve farm families throughout the state, seeking to enhance their incomes and support economic development in our rural communities. We also promote the best practices available for natural resource conservation, food quality protection and animal care. A central part of Farm Bureau’s existence has been the promotion of a better public understanding of agriculture and the people who make it successful. That is why we continually work at reaching out to and communicating with non-farmers across the state. Our members also participate in the political process by establishing personal relationships with our elected representatives and other officials in government. Critical to our work with elected officials is the overall election process. They need our votes so they can continue to hear us, the Voice of Agriculture in Florida. That is why November 8 is an important date for you and your family to exercise the right to vote. It is the foundation of our democracy and an important aspect of our federation’s service to our member families. If you are not a Farm Bureau family and would like to join and attend our annual meeting October 13, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/6859121 for more information about the ways in which you can help. My thanks, too, for casting your ballot November 8. Thank you.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 8
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~ Ron W., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital
The Care You Need, When You Need It. Ron had always been healthy and active. But then he faced a life-threatening blood clot. Ron chose South Florida Baptist Hospital for their advanced technology and the
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FARM BUREAU’S WOMEN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE PARTNERS WITH FEEDING TAMPA BAY TO DELIVER THOUSANDS OF MEALS By Jim Frankowiak
Representatives of county Farm Bureau Women’s Committees in District V recently participated in a community service project benefitting Feeding Tampa Bay, an organization founded in 1982 that is part of the national Feeding America network. The organization focuses on providing food to the more than 700,000 hungry in the 10-county area of West Central Florida. “Our meeting was multi-faceted,” said District V Chairwoman Michelle Williamson. “Participants brought and contributed more than 230-pounds of non-perishable food items, toured the Feeding Tampa Bay facility in Tampa and help to sort and pack 13,000-pounds of food that will serve 11,300 meals.” The project is a continuation of support from the Committee which was instrumental in securing a $5,000 donation for Feeding Tampa Bay’s Mobile Pantry Program from the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. District V includes Committee members from Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Polk, Pinellas and Sumter counties, which are all covered by Feeding Tampa Bay. “Our November meeting will be held at a location to be determined in Pasco County where the mobile food pantry will be in operation,” said Williamson. “We will provide recipes and nutritional information for parents and adults, plus several ‘make and take’ activities for children to help educate youngsters about the importance of agriculture and so they develop an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and the impact of Agriculture on their everyday lives.” In addition to Feeding Tampa Bay’s position as the driving force behind all food relief in Tampa Bay, the organization is not only committed to fighting hunger with food, but with knowledge of the issue. “Florida is fourth in the nation for family hunger,” said Feeding Tampa Bay’s Procurement Director Jane Simon. “Sixty percent of the population in West Central Florida is eligible for food stamps. Many at-risk students won’t eat at all between lunch Friday and breakfast Monday morning. These facts are hard realities for the one in seven in our region that face hunger.
and individuals don’t know where their next meal will come from and this impacts all ages and ethnic groups.” Feeding Tampa Bay distributes food through a partnership network of more than 500 faith-based and other incorporated, non-profit hunger relief groups. “We serve a population of close to 700,000 food insecure residents across West Central Florida, one in four of which are children.” Surplus food is donated by growers, manufacturers, supermarkets and organized community food drives. In the last year, Feeding Tampa Bay supplied more than 48-million pounds of food, equivalent to 40-million meals, to its 10-county service area. “That’s enough to provide more than 3.3-million meals every month to those who would otherwise go hungry,” she added. Since there are many factors contributing to hunger in this area, Feeding Tampa Bay has developed programs addressing each. From feeding hungry children between school meals, to making sure those without transportation have nutritious food to eat; Feeding Tampa Bay’s programs often mean the difference between eating and not eating for the food insecure. These initiatives include distribution of emergency food suppliers via partnerships with more than 500 local charities and food pantries; mobile pantries that bring nutritious foods to designated “food deserts” – areas where quality, affordable foods are lacking, as well as disaster relief. “We are grateful to organizations like Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee for their financial help, hands on assistance and educational initiatives that help the community we serve,” said Simon. For more information about Feeding Tampa Bay and ways you can help, visit the organization’s website: http://feedingtampabay.org.
“Children and seniors make up nearly half of the hunger population in Tampa Bay,” said Simon. “Thousands of hard working families 10
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Jason Steward
NEW ACADEMIC ADVISOR AT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PLANT CITY By Jim Frankowiak
Jason Steward has been named the Academic Advisor at the University of Florida Plant City campus where he is responsible for admissions, student advising and recruitment. Jason is better known as “Mr. Steward,” having recently taught Agriscience Education for the past 13 years at Durant High School and Tomlin Middle School in Plant City, where he and his colleagues won several State and National FFA program awards. Jason is a University of Florida alumnus with a master’s degree in Agribusiness and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education with a minor in agribusiness. Steward met his wife Katie while attending UF and they have two daughters: Carly, 8; and Abigail, 6. Katie, who is from Malabar, Florida near Melbourne, is a Nurse Practitioner with the Pediatric Healthcare Alliance in Brandon. The Steward family resides in Plant City. Both Steward girls are members of the Antioch Critters 4-H Club and show sheep as part of their club activities. A Tampa native, Steward’s path to agriculture and Ag education began as he neared junior high school age. “My parents, who are both from the upper Midwest, met in Miami and after getting married decided to move to Tampa to be closer to relatives,” he said. “They were advised by friends to locate near Chamberlain High School, but redistricting took place as I was getting ready to attend junior high school and high school which meant attending a school other than Chamberlain. However, the schools in my new district did not offer classes in Agriculture, but Adams Junior High Chamberlain did, so I took agriculture classes on special assignment to stay in the school district.” 14
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“While at Chamberlain I was involved in baseball and FFA, however it was my sophomore year that I attended my first National FFA Convention when I decided that I wanted to become an Agriculture teacher,” said Steward. “This led me to give up baseball my junior year to focus on FFA.” Steward served as a chapter, sub-district and federation officer and participated in every FFA contest Chamberlain offered; some of which included Parliamentary Procedure, Dairy Judging, Land Judging and Vegetable Judging. His Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in high school included showing pigs, chickens and rabbits, as well as working at Whaley’s Produce and Meat Market and doing lawn care and maintenance. After high school, Jason received his Associate of Arts Degree at Hillsborough Community College, and then transferred to the University of Florida to receive his bachelors and masters. In addition to his love for Gator football, Steward became heavily involved on campus with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Ambassadors, Agriculture Education and Communication Society, Block and Bridle and Alpha Gamma Rho. After college in 2003, Steward joined the Agriscience Department at Durant High School, where he taught courses in Horticulture, Animal Science, Ag Mechanics and Ag Foundations. He also served as FFA Advisor to work with the Jr. and Sr. FFA Chapters and coach Career Development Events (CDE’s). The Durant Agriscience Program has been one of the most successful programs in the state over the last 20 years. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
District budget cuts in 2007 prompted Steward to seek other teaching opportunities, which led him to the Agriscience Program at Tomlin Middle School. Over the past nine years at Tomlin, he and his fellow instructors have been instrumental in “more than tripling student involvement and growing the department to three teachers creating one of the largest middle school programs in Florida, which has garnered FFA recognition at the local, state and national levels.” In 2016, Tomlin was named the Florida Association of Agriculture Educators (FAAE) Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agriscience Program and learned this summer that were named the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE) Region V Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agriscience Program and will be recognized at the NAAE Convention this fall in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I was encouraged to consider and apply for the position at UF in Plant City,” said Steward. “It represented a new challenge and the opportunity to work for my alma mater with students at the collegiate level.” He will be working with students and schools in Hillsborough and surrounding counties, making prospective students aware of the opportunities at the UF Plant City Campus and assisting them with course selection and transfers. “It is very beneficial to work with students as they enter associate programs and to help them select courses necessary for the major area of study they select at UF,” he said. “We are working to formalize our partnerships with Hillsborough Community College, the State College of Manatee and Polk State College.” Future plans call for similar relationships with Pasco-Hernando Community College. In addition to substantial involvement with varied Ag and community programs, Steward enjoys spending time with his family, attending Gator football games and an occasional “guy’s trip” fishing or going to Gator games around the SEC. He is also a volunteer with the Youth Department at the First Baptist Church of Plant City and to stay in shape Steward recently picked up swimming, biking and running, enabling him to participate in sprint triathlons. For more information about the University of Florida Plant City Campus, you can visit the website at http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Katie Atkins - Snook
Artificial Lures-Topwater
A Captivating and Charismatic Challenge to Fishing!
Dalton Frog Spot
Top Dog Jr
If you’re interested in new and exciting challenges and looking for some different early morning action, dig deep in the old tackle box and pull out that old Dalton topwater Frog Spot that you used to catch bass on or better yet tie on that new green back/silverside/white belly Top Dog Jr. from MirrOLure and walk-the-dog across a calm morning grass flat or around some mangrove island cuts. For any topwater artificial angler, either experienced or novice, finding the words to describe what happens next becomes challenging. As you purposely make cast after cast, the anticipation of that next explosive strike can drive you nuts. You know it’s going to happen but, when it’s going to happen is the question. So, determinedly you continue making those pin point casts and unconsciously work your lure back to the boat as you anxiously wait for that surface busting strike of a large Snook or that water moving swirl of a stalking Redfish. For freshwater or saltwater anglers, there is nothing more exhilarating than fishing with a topwater artificial lure and the anticipation and expectation of the next strike. The eagerness is so spectacular that when it happens… you seem to stand there in shock and awe trying to remind yourself not to set the hook until you feel the fish bend the rod. From other articles I’ve written you’ve probably gathered that when it comes to fishing, artificial lures are close to my heart. There is something magical about deceiving a fish into striking a man made lure. Over the years, I’ve used everything imaginable to catch fish. Live baits, dead baits, artificial lures, plastic lures, wooden lures; one time I even used a strip of old white tee shirt to catch spotted sea trout. And I’ve come to this conclusion, if it has action and looks wounded something’s going to try and eat it. 18
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
eptember 2016 September
So, if you’re looking for something different why not try your hand at artificial lures. Sure it is going to take time to figure it out, but it took time to figure out the live and dead bait thing, too. Artificial lures catch fish and I promise that you will love the challenge. You’ll be surprised at how many fish you’ll catch and how much fun you’ll have doing it. Remember, it’s not always about catching fish, sometimes it’s about enjoying your time on the water with your wife, son or daughter or maybe a good friend.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report September 2016 Captain Woody Gore – www.captainwoodygore.com The water will start cooling down and the fish should start
getting comfortable and a little more excited about being fish. The bite has been decent during the last weeks of August and I expect it to continue right through the fall. You can expect good catches all over Tampa Bay using live bait and artificial lures. There are plenty of redfish and snook hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move back into the bay it’s usually easy to find them schooled up on the flats. It’s also the time of the year when we see some of the big redfish starting to show up. You never know whether you’re going to a catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches, so be prepared. These big reds often top the scales at 12 to 14 pounds. Most of the snook we are catching average in the 25 to 30 inch range. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. They’re hanging under residential WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Erica Huie - Tarpon docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or free-line big shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb. As for the others, expect some good sized mangrove snapper at the bridges with some topping out around three pounds. Cobia are showing up and for us it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as other cobias will be following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish will be feeding on bait schools everywhere. If its glass minnows they’re after try to match the hatch. Never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks especially when kids are involved. They can certainly make or break a trip. Most children are not interested in fishing, however they are interested in catching and they don’t care what it is. When you take kids fishing make sure it’s all about them catching fish. You’ll get your turn when you and your buds get out.
“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 WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
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• Plows were invented in the Middle East soon after agriculture began. The earliest plow, called an ard, was probably made from sharpened tree branches. The plow has been cited as one of the most important inventions in the advancement of society. • In 1954, the number of tractors on farms surpassed the number of horses and mules for the first time. • In 1830, it took about 250 to 300 labor hours to produce 100 bushels (5 acres) of wheat. In 1975, it took just 3¾ hours. • Soybeans are an important ingredient for the production of crayons. In fact, one acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons. • The word agriculture is the English adaptation of Latin agricultura, from ager, “a field” and cultura, “cultivation” in the strict sense of “tillage of the soil”. Thus, a literal reading of the word yields “tillage of a field / of fields.” • More than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. Deer, moose, fowl and other species have shown significant population increases for decades.
Giving back to our communities is
As a native Floridian and manager at Mosaic, I know that our employees are committed to the communities where we live, work and play. We work not only to produce essential phosphate crop nutrients, but also to reclaim the land, conserve our water and practice good stewardship of our natural resources. That’s why I am proud to see post-mined lands like Hardee Lakes Park being used for recreation, festivals and local events. At Mosaic, we know that giving our time and resources is a wise investment in the community — for our families as well as yours. We help the world grow the food it needs.
®
mosaicco.com/florida Kenny Miller, Assistant General Manager Four Corners Mine, Florida
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© 2016 The Mosaic Company
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Armed Forces
My friend John Lyons in Plant City sent me an email the other day that pretty much hits the nail on the head. I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I’m too old to track down terrorists. You can’t be older than 42 to join the military. They’ve got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn’t be able to join a military unit until you’re at least 35. For starters, researchers say 18-year-olds think about women every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about women a couple of times a month, leaving us more than 280,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy. Young guys haven’t lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. ‘My back hurts! I can’t sleep, I’m tired and hungry.’ We are bad-tempered and impatient. An 18-year-old doesn’t even like to get up before 10 am. Old guys always get up early to pee. Besides, like I said, I’m tired and can’t sleep and since I’m already up, I may as well be up chasing some fanatical enemy. If captured we couldn’t spill the beans because we’d forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser. Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We’re used to getting screamed and yelled at and we’re used to soft food. We’ve also developed an appreciation for guns. We’ve been using them for years as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling. They could lighten up on the obstacle course however. I’ve been in combat and never saw a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training. Actually, the running part is kind of a waste of energy, too. I’ve never seen anyone outrun a bullet. An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He’s still learning to shave and to start a conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn’t figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head. These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm’s way. Let us old guys track down those terrorists. The last thing an enemy would want to see is a couple million of old farts with bad attitudes and automatic weapons that know that their best years are already behind them. 22
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HEY!! How about recruiting Women over 50...in menopause!!! You think MEN have attitudes?? My goodness!!! If nothing else, put them on border patrol. They’ll have it secured the first night, and Trump would not have to build a wall. I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a lot more as they get older. Then it dawned on me. They are cramming for their finals. As for me, I hope God grades on the curve. The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and fat have gotten to be really good friends. Did you ever notice the Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL. I just realized that when you put the two words “The” and “IRS” it spells “Theirs”! Sometimes I should be ashamed for the things I say. The other day I was in the Town Square Mall in Brandon. I went into a store that sells sunglasses, and only sunglasses. A young lady walked over to me and says, “What brings you in today?” I looked at her and said. “I’m interested in buying a refrigerator.” Did you ever wonder why women don’t put pictures of their missing husbands on beer cans? Then, there is the story of a man and woman that had been married for many years. Whenever there was confrontation, yelling could be heard deep into the night. The old man would shout, “When I die, I will dig my way up and out of the grave and come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!” Even the neighbors were afraid of him. The old man liked the fact that he was feared. Then one evening, he died at the age of 99. After the burial, her neighbors, concerned for her safety, asked, “Aren’t you afraid that he may really be able to dig his way out of the grave and haunt you for the rest of your life?” The wife said, “Let him dig. I had him buried upside down and I know he will not ask for directions.” In Seminole County, Florida the Sheriff’s Office made two arrests last year without ever having to leave the county jail. The first man walked into the lobby, and asked for “Dave,” and lit up a marijuana cigarette. When the man turned to leave, deputies stopped him and told to empty his pockets. He dumped out a small bag of marijuana, and was taken into custody immediately. Later that same day, deputies made another arrest on the jail’s roof. The suspect, wanted on a charge of selling goods stolen from a pawnshop, was re-roofing the jail at the time of his arrest. His secret was discovered during a routine background check of everyone who does contract work for the county. In closing, if you ever get bored, park your car along side the road with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE HOSTS HERITAGE ROSE BREEDER AND NAMESAKE FOR SPECIAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT By Jim Frankowiak
Fashions for Dogs
By Libby Hopkins
There is an old saying that “Necessity if the mother of invention.” When Christine Lindeman and her husband moved from New Jersey to Florida three years ago, Lindeman needed to find a job. She worked as a graphic designer for 23 years while living in New Jersey. “Upon moving to Florida I was in need of finding a job, however, this new ‘life change’ seemed to be the right opportunity to try something new,” Lindeman said. “I had always wanted to start my own business, especially one that included working with dogs.” At her last job in New Jersey, she had two office dogs that always made even a bad day at the office a good day. “At this point, I knew I wanted to continue having dogs in my everyday work life,” Lindeman said. Studies have shown that having animals in the work place can be a good thing. According to the website Inc.com (www.inc.com), “Catching a glimpse of a wagging tail skittering around the office isn’t just cute, it may just save your life and the lives of employees. Allowing pets in the workplace has long been seen as a key employee benefit, as well as an amusement. But for some employers, an open door policy towards pets, particularly, man’s best friend, has a raft of other business-enhancing benefits, which include improve morale, reduced employee absenteeism and stress-related ailments like heart disease and diabetes.” Lindeman thought maybe her hobby of sewing could turn into a business for her. “For several years prior to the start of my 26
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business, I tried my hand at sewing. My first attempt at sewing was trying to make a dog bandana.” She made many different versions until she came up with a design that she thought would work well and was something she wanted her dogs to wear proudly. Lindeman has two Golden Retrievers that she adores and the inspiration for owning her own business. Lindeman started designing bandanas for her family and friend’s dogs. The family and friend’s dogs that were wearing the bandanas started getting many compliments on them from other people and they wanted to know where they could purchase them for their dogs. “This gave me the idea to start manufacturing them and possibly selling them at some dogfriendly events and farmers’ markets as well as some retail establishments,” Lindeman said. “Having a graphic design background allowed me to brand my products effectively and use those design skills in advertising and promoting my product.” Talk To The Paw was born. Talk To The Paw’s bandanas are high quality and are made with two pieces of fabric for extra durability as well as overall aesthetics. They feature a Velcro closure, which makes them adjustable. “There are numerous sizes available from tiny, extra small to extra, extra large, so there is a size for every dog and all are handmade,” Lindeman said. “They feature a dog related or fun pattern on the front and on the back is a solid color which makes our bandanas reversible for two different WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
looks. All our bandanas are machine washable and dryable.” Lindeman’s business also offers dog treats. “Our cookies are all homemade, baked fresh each week and are all natural,” Lindeman said. “We have several human customers that even eat our cookies. We also do doggie birthday cakes as well as manufacture birthday bandanas and hats for dog celebrations.” All of Lindeman’s cookies are packaged in eye-catching packaging. “We also try to use locally found ingredients in our cookies to help support local businesses,” Lindeman said. Lindeman loves being a part of the local farmers’ market circuit in the Tampa Bay area. “I got involved in the farmers’ markets as this gave me a way to get in touch with local people and their dogs,” Lindeman said. “We love to see our regular customers each week. Some of their dogs find their way to our
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booth looking for their cookies. We even have people come back to our booth each week to visit with our pups.” Talk To The Paw’s customers have nothing but positive feedback from the products they have bought from Lindeman. “The feedback from customers has been very positive, everyone seems to love our products,” Lindeman said. “We’ve had loyal customers since day one.” If you would like to learn about the products offered at Talk To The Paw or if you would like to know what farmers’ market they will be at each week, you can visit their website at www.talk-to-the-paw.com or their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/talk2thepaw.
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Tons of Joke Potential Here: The Suwannee Cooter By Ginny Mink This month we have chosen an imperiled animal for our focus. And, because we are known to have a bit of a sense of humor, this reptile was actually chosen due to its name: Suwannee cooter. Honestly, when we first saw that title we had no idea what kind of reptile deserved such a name travesty. Poor turtle, is what we found! The Gator Woman website revealed, “In the African languages of Bambara and Malink, the word for Turtle is Kuta, from which the word Cooter is derived.” The Suwannee cooter is a species of special concern in the state of Florida. Coming from the family emydidae, this is one of the largest turtles in that grouping reaching up to 17 inches in length. A yellow, backwards “C” can be found in each scale (scute) on its predominantly black upper shell (called the carpace). Its undercarriage, lower shell, or plastron, is typically yellow or light orange with black markings. The cooter’s skin darkens with age but is generally green with yellow stripes. Its eyes are a bluish green and its hind legs are black. In case you’re thinking about doing some looking for Suwannee cooters that description ought to help. Mating season lasts from January to June and consists of some interesting attempts at stimulation on the male’s part. You’ll have to read about that on your own. But, if his attempt is well received, then he gets to consummate the relationship. Otherwise, the girl just swims away, leaving him behind to try his moves on someone else (there are so many wholly inappropriate comments we could make here but we are refraining and just laughing to ourselves). Nesting occurs between March and August and these ladies are particular. Their nesting spaces need to be well lit with adequate drainage. They can lay up to 120 eggs each year and they will do that in up to six clutches. Temperature determines the incubation period but on average it lasts 86 days. Most of the babies will bail when they are born but some might wait until winter is over before they leave the nest. The males are sexually mature between 8 and 10 years while females take a little longer, waiting until 9-13 years old. Because the Suwannee cooter is an aquatic species you’ll rarely see it on land except for the purpose of nesting or basking. Spring-fed rivers, alluvial, and blackwater areas are their preferred habitats. There are some impoundments in rivers that support them as well. Specifically, Lake Rousseau on the Withlacoochee River and Lake Talquin on the Ochlockonee River. Basking surfaces, aquatic vegetation, and moderate currents are the requirements for their presence. They are also found in the Alafia River! Because the Suwannee cooter is on the protected species list, it can no longer be hunted for its meat as was its previous circumstance. They can’t be captured, possessed, or sold either. However, even though the human threat has been reduced, habitat degradation and chemical pollution are still very real problems for them. In fact, the chemicals in the water have caused them to become completely extinct in the Fenholloway River in Jackson County. Road siltation is clouding up river water and decreasing plant photosynthesis thereby initiating a decline in the aquatic plants necessary for Suwannee cooter survival. Red ants in their nests, fish crows, and raccoons are also contributing to their demise. There are some notable things to consider when seeking out Suwannee cooters. The Gator Woman site reveals that they have a tendency to bask themselves in pancake like stacks which is peculiar to their species. And, they can often be found basking on the 28
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same log as an alligator. Apparently they are only in danger from the alligator if they are young, then they might make a quick snack. And Peter May writes, “The nesting habits of cooters are quite unique, and evidence of failed nests can be easily found along the edges of the dikes most times of year. Females dig three nest holes, and deposit most of the eggs in the center nest, but lay one or two in each of the side (satellite) nests, perhaps for insurance. It doesn’t seem to work nests dug up by predators, probably most frequently raccoons, nearly always have all three chambers exposed.” A Species Action Plan (written by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) for the Suwannee cooter was finalized in 2013. The objectives determined by this research include: maintaining or increasing the current distribution of populations and maintaining or increasing the population which appears to be less than 10,000 statewide. Protecting the important habitats (where they already live and nest) is also part of this plan. This requires identifying and preserving habitats. The natural physiographic and structural integrity of the rivers, streams, and lakes they inhabit must be maintained as well. Additionally, the nesting sites have to be identified and then protected from predators and other potential injurious situations, exotic species must be removed, water conditions monitored and improved, and a ton of other research accomplished in order to boost and/or sustain the current populations and distribution. One way for you to help is by considering becoming a Florida Master Naturalist. The University of Florida offers the program and it might be an interesting way of making a difference in God’s great earth. The link to their program is in our resources section. In the meantime, watch out for cooters! You know you want to laugh. Resources: http://www.gator-woman.com/suwannee.html http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/reptiles/suwannee-cooter/ http://www2.stetson.edu/~pmay/woodruff/turtles.htm http://myfwc.com/media/2738286/Suwannee-Cooter-Species-ActionPlan-Final-Draft.pdf http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/09/14/93/00001/vol1no1.pdf Picture provided by: macguys – Shell Station- “Suwanee River Cooters in the Wakulla River near Wakulla Springs”- https://flic.kr/p/4SLJeL WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Celebrating a most fruitful relationship between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
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Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
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GCREC HELPS MABRY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WITH INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION EXPERIMENT By Jim Frankowiak
A group of Mabry fifth-grade students in Tampa is working on an experiment that may prove beneficial to astronauts in space by helping to replenish essential amino acids, calcium and protein. The experiment is part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) which is undertaken by the National Center for Earth and Space Education, a project of the non-profit Tides Center, in partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. “This is a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative that provides middle and high school classes in grades 5-12 across an entire school district the ability to propose experiments to fly in low earth orbit, and to celebrate that accomplishment with their local community and with national and global audiences,” said Jessica Strauss, 3rd Grade Math/Science Teacher at Mabry Elementary. “In Hillsborough County, the district helps support 5th grade classes that are interested in proposing an experiment for the selection process. Usually, there are as many as 20 schools interested in participating,” said Strauss. “We have support from both the SSEP program and Hillsborough County. “The program is right in line with our district standards and STEM initiatives, getting students to identify problems they would like to solve and creating experiments to do so.” “When this opportunity came up, I saw it as a great experience for the students at Mabry. There is only so much you can learn from books. So much comes from experiences. The participating students learned research skills, interview skills, how to question the world around them, how to create experiments and carry them out, how to fail and learn from these failures, time management and dedication,” said Strauss. “These are invaluable experiences that I hope will shape them in their future schooling and careers. And, hopefully it will inspire them to try STEM fields in the future. The student-researchers also have been an inspiration for others at Mabry, showing them that hard work does pay off and learning STEM can be cool.” Last year, Strauss had over 20 students participate in the program, but this year only four female students committed to the program, which requires three, 7 a.m. work sessions each week. The program’s essential question is “What phenomenon associated with a physical, chemical or biological system would I like to explore with gravity turned off for 10 days?” The four-member Mabry team looked at how space flight is starting to look at long distance travel and what astronauts need in space to thrive. “We watched videos to understand how microgravity affects the human body and mind in space,” said Strauss. The team’s proposal to SSEP has as its purpose to investigate how microgravity affects the germination of quinoa, a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. Quinoa is also a source of essential amino acids, which are lost during space flights along with calcium and protein. This would make it very uncomfortable to not have on Earth, but with quinoa astronauts would get more protein so it would be more comfortable to live here after long space flights. In addition to containing a range of important amino acids, quinoa is also heart healthy, lowers cholesterol and is easy to digest. Many of the project team’s information sources stated it is the “healthiest 32
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food in the world” even though it is uncommon and not well known. As initial steps were taking place, Strauss and her research team reached out to the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center for assistance with the selection of seeds and other aspects of the proposed experiment. Center Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl shared the team’s request with Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, Assistant Professor of Horticultural Sciences; Dr. Andrew Koeser, Assistant Professor of Environmental Horticulture and Lab Technician Evan McClenthan. The assistance to the young research team included a Skype chat earlier this year during which Dr. Agehara provided answers regarding the growing and cooking of quinoa, set up of the experiment and data collection. The Mabry team and Strauss also visited the GCREC and discussed hypotheses and methods for quinoa germination experiments and a tour of the facility. Agehara and McClenthan conducted germination experiments to determine the optimal protocol to be used for the actual experiment on the International Space Station in midNovember. “Our girls did this, as well, to compare their data with the professors’,” said Strauss. “We also planned as a team with the professors the types of mini experiments we wanted to conduct to finalize seeds, water amount and duration of the experiment. Also, these gentlemen were a huge asset to use because our first seed selection did not work. They helped us find new seeds, provided these seeds for us and materials for the seeds to grow in. In addition, they helped the girls better understand the scientific process and the importance of communicating results with other scientists.” Dr. Koeser helped the student research team elaborate ideas for the project and taught them how to design experiments. “The assistance provided by Drs. Agehara, Koeser and Mr. McClenthan has been a huge help to our team,” noted Strauss. The proposed experiment will be done in a small, flexible test tube. Quinoa seeds are placed in a growing felt on one side of the tube and water on the other with a clamp in the middle. The astronauts have instructions when to unclamp before the experiments returns to Earth since germination does not take long. As the experiment is done in space, the same exact testing will take place at Mabry so the research team can compare seedlings. The next step in the study, according to Strauss, “would be to further investigate the plant growth on the International Space Station which could lead to a space garden on Mars and building a thriving colony. It would help NASA’s plan to conduct research on Mars and other planets. This could be extremely helpful on earth, too, as it would bring attention to this crop and help those on Earth understand its healing benefits for their own lives.” And to think it all began with a research team from Mabry Elementary! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Fresh from Florida for Your Fall Livestock Needs: FMS Super-Mol 25% Premium Molasses Blocks and Tubs fortified with
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Florida
Soy Beans By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh Florida soy beans are as delicious as they are nutritious. Soy beans, also called soya beans or edamame, are widely grown in Florida and the Southeast United States, with its peak season in September and October. There are more than 10,000 types of soybeans, ranging from green, yellow, and black-seeded beans. This legume is very important worldwide, particularly in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. Soybeans are currently grown in Brazil, Argentina, India, Paraguay, Canada, and the United States. The United States is the world’s top producer of soybeans, averaging 83 million tons grown on 75 million acres of land. Soybeans are a great source of plant-based protein, having the highest concentration of any plant. Additionally, soybeans contain all ten of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and an excellent meat replacement. Soybeans are commonly consumed in the pod as edamame, roasted as crispy snacks, or made into tofu, tempeh, and miso. In Chinese cuisine, soybeans are used in soy milk, soy sauce, soy flour, fermented black beans, and soybean oil. Soybeans are also often seen in vegetarian style burgers and hot dogs.
NUTRITION PROFILE
Soybeans are probably best known for being rich in fiber and protein, but they are also an excellent source of molybdenum and copper. They are a very good source of manganese, phosphorus, and protein, and a good source of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin K and potassium. Additionally, they also contain a wide range of beneficial proteins and phytonutrients that have a variety of health benefits. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of cooked soybeans (172 g) contains 298 calories, 29 g protein, 15 g fat, 17 g carbohydrate, and 10 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 298% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for molybdenum, 78% for copper, 71% for manganese, 60% for phosphorus, 57% for protein, 49% for iron, 43% for omega-3 fatty acids, and plentiful amounts of other valuable nutrients.
PROTEIN POWER
Protein is the second most abundant substance in the body, after water, and plays an important role on many levels. Adequate protein intake is not typically a concern in the Western diet, but an emphasis on plant-based rather than meat-based proteins is associated with better health and decreased incidence of certain cancers. Soybeans are an excellent source of protein. A one cup serving provides over half of your daily needs. Many important components of the body are comprised of protein, including antibodies that fight infection, hormones that control a variety of physiologic functions, and enzymes that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body. Protein is also a major source of energy and required for the maintenance and repair of tissues.
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FULL OF FIBER
Fresh Florida soybeans are high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is important in regulating a healthy digestive tract and preventing constipation or diarrhea. Soluble fiber is especially important in its cholesterol reducing abilities, especially that of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. As with many other legumes, soybeans contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help with weight loss by helping you stay full with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. A one cup serving of soybeans provides almost half of your daily fiber requirement.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Choose fresh, young soybeans with firm, deep green pods that are free of bruises and discoloration. Edamame can sometimes be found in the produce section during its peak season, but it is often available in the frozen food section. They are best eaten right away, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several days in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Soybeans can also be dried or canned. Dried beans can be stored for up to one year in a cool place, such as a cabinet. Dried soybeans should be soaked for at least a few hours before cooking. Cooked soybeans can be refrigerated for up to three days.
HOW TO ENJOY
Soy can be enjoyed as tempeh, fermented tofu, and soy miso, as well as soy milk products. Young green soybeans can be eaten cooked in the pod. Boil for 5-10 minutes in salted water, then drain and serve for a delicious appetizer. Soy flour can be used in place of some of the wheat flour in recipes for bread, muffins, or other baked goods. Other ways to enjoy soybeans include: • Mix sprouted soybeans into salads or use as toppings for sandwiches. • Combine fresh fava beans with Pecorino cheese and salami • Boil soybeans then blend into a dip with spices and yogurt • Use in place of chickpeas in hummus • Mix into a pasta dish with olive oil and other vegetables • Serve cooked fava beans alongside braised or roasted chicken • Toss cooked fava beans into any vegetable salad for a protein boost • Add cooked soybeans to vegetable stews and soups Enjoy delicious Florida soybeans in their peak season today. Add delicious flavor and extra protein and fiber to any dish, dip, or stew.
SELECTED REFERENCES
http://www.floridata.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu http://www.florida-agriculture.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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INTRODUCING THE BEST-IN-CLASS
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2016 Community Water Wise Award Winners by Lynn Barber, FFL Agent
The Community Water Wise Awards are sponsored by Tampa Bay Water and recognizes individuals and businesses committed to conserving our water resources and protecting the environment by using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. There are nine FFL principles which include: right plant right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage yard pests responsibly, recycle, reduce stormwater runoff and protect the waterfront. Many of these principles are used as part of the landscape evaluation process for this award program. The retention of existing trees and vegetation is evaluated, as are landscape design and plant selection. Stormwater runoff prevention techniques are reviewed, as are efficient irrigation techniques. Winning landscapes balance attractive design with plants, landscape elements and water efficient irrigation techniques that have a positive impact on our environment. I’m pleased to announce the winners for the 2016 Community Water Wise Award Contest. For unincorporated Hillsborough County, the winner was Paula Stewart. The City of Tampa residential winner was Sherry Louer. The City of Tampa non-residential winner was The Learning Garden at the Florida State Fair, managed and maintained by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful staff and volunteers. There are several elements of all three landscapes that were positive examples of Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM water-wise practices. These include the planting of drought-tolerant trees and plants, self-mulching areas under trees, groundcovers versus turfgrass utilized in all or several areas of the landscapes, plants selected that are appropriate for your site conditions, 40 40
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grouping of plants with similar water and maintenance needs, organic and alternative mulch was applied, and pervious materials were used for paths, walks and other areas. All thrive mainly on rainfall and/or microirrigation and were aesthetically pleasing. These three landscapes were beautiful and inviting. We were excited about Paula Stewart’s use of drought tolerant native landscape plants. And, we were impressed with Sherry Louer’s and The Learning Garden’s utilization of native, non-native adaptive landscape plants and raised bed gardens. As you can see from the photos, these landscapes were both water conserving and fascinating. With seventeen entries submitted this year, it was difficult selecting the 2016 Community Water Wise Award Winners. We hope you will consider entering this contest which you can do any time during the year at http://tampabaywaterwise.org. The deadline for entries is June 30, so you can complete an application now, submit it and get a head start on the 2017 contest!
For assistance with horticultural questions, call us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. You can listen to us each Saturday from noon to 1 pm on Your Neighborhood Inspiration Station AM 1110 WTIS. More gardening information is available at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu and https://www.facebook.com/HCFFL/. Remember to reuse, reduce, recycle and repeat. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Paula Stewart
Sherry Louer
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Tools You Can Use By Jack Payne
The agenda for the Florida Ag Expo at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) on November 2 includes a session on the Q-biotype whitefly, but not because it’s already wreaking havoc on your fruit and vegetable crops. As of this writing, there’s still no evidence that the Q-biotype has infested local fruit or vegetable fields. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is dedicated to delivering solutions to growers. Often that means starting before the problem even arises. That’s the case with the Q-biotype. Getting a head start is why we send researchers abroad looking at threats we expect to arrive here. It’s why we do so much work on monitoring and detection. It’s why our researchers test possible solutions for things that aren’t a problem for you – yet. It’s also why we recognize that it’s important to put our discoveries into your hands. No one can implement solutions to your problems better than you can. You just need the tools. That’s why we have the Expo. At the Expo you’ll hear from IFAS scientists about what should concern you about the Q-biotype whitefly, and probably some about what shouldn’t concern you. It won’t just be talk, either. Some of you will have the chance to practice identifying whiteflies and other bugs using microscopes in the lab of Dr. Hugh Smith of our GCREC faculty. He’ll help you differentiate harmful pests from benign bugs.
There’s lots more on the agenda – field tours, the grower panel, exhibitors, and a no-cost lunch if you register in advance at floridaagexpo.com. The Expo is one way UF/IFAS partners with growers to get a head start on things that could become problems and share strategies on how we can more successfully address them if they do. With so many existing and potential threats to agriculture, it’s imperative that we work together on this. The Expo is such an important event that I’ve invited my entire leadership team – including the directors of all 12 IFAS research centers and 14 academic department chairs – to Balm to participate. If you want the ear of IFAS leadership, the Ag Expo is the place to do it. What you’ll get the most out of, though, is talking to our faculty, the men and women who are working for you every day in the greenhouse, the lab, and the experimental fields. The Expo will give you a chance to see things you couldn’t otherwise see – because they’re so tiny, like bugs, that they escape notice. Or because they haven’t even happened yet. I hope to see you there. I look forward to talking science with you.
Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS 42
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Hurricane Hermine And Her Mean Howling Winds Were A Wake Up Call! by John Dicks
Photo Credit: fox13news.com/weather
Well that was no fun! Hurricane Hermine blew through here like she was determined to wreak havoc and get out of town! In addition to way too much more than welcome wind and rain, Hermine birthed a couple of tornadoes in East Hillsborough County, one of which caused some damage, though it was determined to be minor. I suspect, though, that the homeowner disagrees with that assessment.
• Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. • Buy nonperishable and packaged foods that require little or no cooking. If the power goes out, food in the refrigerator may spoil • Buy flashlights and extra batteries • Make sure you have a first-aid kit handy
Hermine became the first official hurricane to hit Florida in 11 years. Way back in October 2005, Wilma delivered her own nasty punch. Since then our state has swelled by more than 2,000,000 new residents and despite all the warnings, most simply can’t conceive of the damage that a named storm can cause to us so many miles away from Florida’s shores.
• Have all emergency numbers available in case utilities go out
At least that’s true until you have to hunker down through a hurricane with its eye set on nearby soil.
• Stock up on some canned or dried provisions and bottled water
Power was out for hours in many Hillsborough County homes. Further north, in the communities of Homosassa and Crystal River, where Hermine chose to be particularly ravishing, homeowners were reporting floodwater as high as three feet into their homes. I spoke with one guy who swore it was up to the window of his truck sitting in his driveway!
• Get extra prescriptions and medications for your family as well as spare eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries
In Tallahasee where the storm’s track made it seem like Hermine was especially headed, an estimated more than 100,000 residents lost their power. Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for 51 counties and poised some 6,000 National Guardsmen to mobilize for the storm’s aftermath The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) monitors and reports to the public on major storms through its Extension Disaster Education Network. During the storm it released a reminder that it was not too late to prepare for the worst. Fortunately, most of us have heeded the advice and yet, really, never had to use it. For any of those 2,000,000 newcomers to Florida, here’s the tips that you can use to plan for our next big stormy adventure.
• Get a battery-operated radio so that you can keep abreast of updates • Fill up your car with gas before the lines get too long
• Keep readily available, even in summer, some warm, protective clothing • Keep in a dry, safe place your Important papers, such as driver’s license, insurance policies and property inventory Will we get any more major storms before the official Hurricane Season ends in November? Of course that’s anyone’s guess, but I suppose we can take some solace in noting that things have been worse in the Pacific. While Hermine, with her mean and howling winds screamed through messing with us, at the same time Hawaii was being threatened by Hurricane Lester and dodging the storms of Madeline. I suppose we should be thankful that we were battling through only the “H” of our alphabet while the Hawaiians were fighting through “M”!
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. 46
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The Purveyor of Good and Goods By Libby Hopkins
Ybor City has a history of entrepreneurial greatness. From the Fuente’s cigar empire to the Gonzmart’s Columbia restaurant chains, Ybor City continues to inspire its residents to follow their dreams of owning their own businesses. John Lane spent a lot of time in Ybor City as a child. “I remember as a young boy, my father and grandfather taking me into Ybor City to enjoy delicious Cuban bread from La Segunda, stuffed potatoes from Uncle Willies, gigantic deviled crabs from La Tropicana, and special occasions at the great Columbia Restaurant,” Lane said. “I always enjoyed seeing the older men lounging outside of the cigar shops in Panama hats and fedoras. I felt a connection to a great past time as I watched cigar rollers through the large windows on 7th.” Lane grew up to become a CFO of a development company based in the Italian Club in Ybor City. He would spend his lunch breaks indulging in the culinary delights Ybor City had to offer. It was on one of his lunch breaks when, as he puts it, “The magic happened.” He decided to launch a line of locally crafted goods. “I decided that I wanted Ybor City to be a part of it,” Lane said. “My desire is to play a role in the revitalization of this great city. Its history of perseverance, cultural diversity, mutual aid societies, and entrepreneurship inspire me to continue the tradition of community greatness.” Ybor Mercantile was born. Ybor Mercantile offers personal care products that are vegan, cruelty free and paraben free. Lane’s products can be described as “craft meets science” and he loves keeping his ingredients list as simple as possible without sacrificing quality. “I like to tell people my mom was organic before organic was cool,” Lane said. “So I’ve always gravi48
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tated toward more natural products. It’s common for consumers to only relate nutrition to food, but skin is our largest organ and unfortunately many people do not focus on the nutritional value of their skin products.” A psoriasis diagnosis a few years ago drove Lane to be more conscientious of what he put on his skin. He also became obsessed with trying to find the best beard oil. “I tried many of the top oils on the market, but I kept thinking that I could make a better one,” Lane said. “I’ve been involved in an essential oils business with my mom for many years, and with her expertise I started working on formulations.” Lane had a lot of fun in his pursuit of the best beard oil and he had a lot of positive feedback from his friends, so he decided to focus his product line on men. “I have focused on branding towards men because men are traditionally known to be more negligent in skincare,” Lane said. “However, women have been my largest market so far.” So why should a guy oil his beard? The answer is scientific. Just about every guy who grows a beard realizes about a month into the growing process, the itching starts. This discomfort is completely unnecessary if guys use beard oil. According to the website, Tools of Men (www. toolsofmen.com), “At the root of every one of your beard follicles, you have a pair of glands called sebaceous glands. These glands are the key to making sure that your beard stays well nourished. The sebaceous glands create this oil called sebum oil. As your beard follicle gets longer, it simply requires more and more sebum oil to coat the follicle while also keeping your skin well nourished and moisturized. One important key to understand is that no matter the length of your beard, your sebaceous glands stay the same size. Given that they WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
are finite in size, their sebum oil production can’t effectively keep up with the demand of your beard follicle. Therefore, the introduction of beard oil will actually act as a supplement to your sebum oil making the dreaded beard itch go away while also giving proper nourishment.” Keeping things local and supporting local is extremely important to Lane. That’s why Ybor Mercantile is part of Ybor City Saturday Market. “It was a given,” Lane said. “Ybor Mercantile is first and foremost about community, so the market was my first goal. Without having a storefront, I’m living by Internet, market and word of mouth. Of course the Internet is a fantastic tool with little geographical limit, but I don’t think it’s possible for me to get where I need to without local support.” Lane wants Ybor Mercantile to be a community venture. “It’s my goal to be an effective good change alongside local farmers, manufacturers and business owners.”
If you would like to learn more about the products offered by Ybor Mercantile, you can visit Lane’s website at www.ybor-mercantile. myshopify.com. Lane is currently working on new shave balm and a line of pet products. You can also visit Ybor Mercantile’s booth at the Ybor City Saturday Market. The market is located at 1901 19th Street in Ybor City.
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Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Mexican Pizza
Chef Justin Timineri
Ingredients
1 whole-wheat pizza crust, baked and ready to be topped 1/2 cup salsa 1 cup fresh Florida corn kernels 1 cup Florida avocado, diced
1 cup fresh Florida tomatoes, diced 2 cups jack cheese, grated 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Evenly distribute the salsa over the cooked whole-wheat pizza dough. Top the pizza with the corn, avocado, tomatoes and cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Florida Sweet Corn Tomato and Black Bean Pasta INGREDIENTS 3 ears fresh Florida sweet corn, kernels cut off the cob 1 pound pasta (corkscrew), cooked as directed on package, drained and cooled under running water 1 can cooked black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed 2 cups fresh Florida tomato, diced 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, rinsed and chopped plus more for garnish
1/2 cup half-and-half 4 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon cumin, plus more to taste 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more to taste 1 lime, juiced 1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add vegetable or olive oil to the preheated sauté pan. Add the corn kernels and cook them for 2 to 4 minutes until they start to get some color. Add the black beans, garlic and diced tomato to the sauté pan. Cook ingredients for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release juices. Add the cumin, chili powder, lime juice and half-and-half.
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Continue to cook ingredients and bring to a boil. Add the cooked pasta and cilantro. Continue to cook ingredients until the pasta is heated throughout and the sauce has started to slightly stick to the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove pasta from heat and serve hot. Garnish with any extra fresh cilantro. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Welcome back to the Literary Time Machine as we continue our voyage through ornamental gardening suggestions from the 1920s. Specifically on the agenda this month is Mr. Simpson’s section labeled: Bulbous Native Plants. If you’ve had the pleasure of planting bulbs then you should readily enjoy his recommendations. We shall soon see.
The first plant on his list is the Florida swamp lily, crinum americanum. “A lovely bulbous plant distributed in swamps from Georgia around Florida and to Texas. It sends up a scape which bears a half dozen large, waxy, pure white and very fragrant flowers.”¹ No doubt you have seen them as you drive down Knights Griffin heading towards Polk County. The common adder’s tongue, erythronium americanum, he says is, “A beautiful and much cultivated plant which ranges from Nova Scotia and Minnesota to Arkansas and Northern Florida. Its lustrous leaves are mottled with white and purple-brown, and the large flowers whose segments are recurved are yellow.”¹ This plant isn’t ringing a bell for us. The concept of something being called an adder’s tongue creates a snake and its forked tongue in our mind’s eye. However, once we looked it up, the picture was of a very familiar flower. We’ve included it in the article in case you were wondering. Next is the spider lily, hymenocallis. We happen to really like lilies so this one, which Mr. Simpson describes as, “A genus of tropical or semi-tropical plants with peculiar, satiny flowers whose stamens are united below to form a salver or cup—very curious and beautiful… grows on the most exposed beaches where it is wetted by the spray of any unusually high tide.”¹ Southern Living author, William C. Welch, writes, “The enchanting blossoms of spider lilies seem to appear out of nowhere following late-summer rains. Try these classic bulbs at home to create your own miraculous show.”² And, now that we’ve taken a look at these cool flowers we’d recommend the same. Like we said, we love lilies so we’re thrilled to see so much mention of them here as the next plant on his list is the lilium, or lily. He writes, 54
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“There are probably nearly a hundred of these beautiful and wellbeloved plants scattered over the north temperate zone, two of which grow wild in the upper and middle parts of Florida. L. catesbaei is an inhabitant of the low flatwoods and ranges two-thirds of the way down the state along the east coast, with solitary, erect, spotted flowers while L. carolinianum is a native of the swamps of the south and reaches a height of four feet, its large flowers being delicately scented. Both species are sometimes cultivated. Should be disturbed as little as possible.”¹ Maybe you are as shocked as we were to read about a four foot lily! We’re not sure what to think since the ITIS Taxonomy states the name has a non-accepted status. And, if what we found on the Atlas of Florida Plants’ site is correct, this plant is considered endangered in Florida.³ That’s probably why we’ve never seen it! Interesting how the progression of plant names changes over time. Next on Simpson’s list is the trillium, or wake robin. He says, “T. grandiflorum is widely distributed, being found over most of the eastern United States and into Canada and it is one of our most attractive native plants. It reaches a height of a foot with three large leaves and a fine, white flower that changes to rose. Three other speices, T. sessile, T. hugeri, and T. underwoodi, range south into Florida. All grow in the woods and delight in rich, moist soil, leaf mold being a very suitable dressing for them.”¹ Wondering what leaf mold as a dressing is? We are too! Bill Kohlhaase of Planet Natural writes, “Leaf mold is a step past leaf mulch. It’s made in much the same way as compost, but with little or no nitrogen added to the leaves. Leaves left in contact with the earth and its wealth of beneficial microbes will slowly turn to leaf mold. The speed at which this happens depends mainly on the size of the leaves, shredded or not… Making leaf mold is similar to making compost. Piling leaves in heaps or in bins and cages is about all that’s necessary. Keep the piles uniformly moist. Turning them on occasion is helpful but not necessary… Making leaf mold (or compost for that matter) in raised beds can greatly increase the volume of your soil. Filling a raised bed with shredded leaves in the fall and turning them WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
into the soil as soon as possible is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your contained soil. Covering the bed with plastic over the winter will speed the assimilation process. Leaf mold absorbs five times its weight in water. Turned in to hard and clay soils, it will help make them more friable and root-friendly while maintaining good moisture levels.”⁴ Hope that explains it to ya! Finally we arrive at Wind flower, zephyranthus. Simpson shares, “There are three species of these pretty bulbous plants native to Florida, Z. atamasco, Z. treatiae and Z. simpsoni, the two former being white changing to pink and the latter pale rose. They are mostly natives of low or swampy ground and should not be planted out in a dry place. A few of the bulbs make seed but all can be grown from offsets.” Once again we are looking at a flower whose name has potentially been changed since 1926 when Simpson wrote the book. IFAS says it’s called a rain lily or the atamasco lily. And, it’s considered a threatened species in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. If you’ve got some you might want to grow them from offsets to help alleviate the threatened stance. Remember that bulbs can sometimes lay dormant for extended periods of time. But, that’s no reason not to experiment with them in your yard. We suggest lilies. We always suggest lilies. 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. 114-116). ²Welch, W.C. Summer Lilies Bloom Like Magic. Southern Living Magazine. http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/ spider-lily-summer-blooms ³ http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?ID=1058 ⁴Kohlhaase, Bill. (2014). Using Autumn’s Bounty. Planet Natural. https://www.planetnatural.com/leaf-mold/. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida FFA to Induct Five Members to Hall of Fame Five new members will be inducted in the Florida FFA Hall of Fame on September 26. The Hall of Fame inductees in 2016 are: Shirley J. Carte, John C. Cloran, David N. Coile, Richard “Rick” C. Stotler, and Orton E. Yearty. The induction ceremony will take place at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center near Haines City. The Florida FFA Hall of Fame began in 2007 to pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped make the Florida FFA Association the premier youth leadership organization in the state. “We are proud to honor these wonderful leaders for their commitment and dedication to the Florida FFA over the years,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Their efforts have helped the FFA in our state to better educate students, parents and entire communities about the importance of Florida’s agriculture industry.” Florida FFA Foundation Board of Directors President Bill Hamm said, “These individuals are to be highly commended for their years of service and dedication to the enhancement of agricultural education and FFA.” Some of the contributions of this year’s Florida FFA Hall of Fame inductees are as follows: Shirley J. Carte has not missed a state or national FFA convention since 1983, assisting with registration, judging contests, and coordinating auctions. She has served on the board of directors for the Florida FFA Foundation and the Florida FFA Association, in addition to serving on the Florida and national alumni associations. Shirley has received several FFA awards, including the National FFA Alumni Distinguished Service Award. She was selected to speak at the 2012 national convention’s opening session, where she addressed 60,000 FFA members.
John C. Cloran’s entire agriculture teaching career took place at Apopka Memorial Middle School. He created the Students Teaching Agricultural Related Science (STARS) program, which introduced agriculture into Orange County elementary schools. The STARS program has received 13 Walt Disney Community Service Awards. John coordinated Ag Literacy Day for Apopka high schools and middle schools, where students read to more than 4,000 elementaryage children. John also created an FFA Color Guard at the middle school. David N. Coile taught agriculture at Lake Gibson High School for 25 years. David was Lake Gibson High School’s Teacher of the Year twice, and was named to the Lake Gibson High School Hall of Fame. Through his contacts, the FFA Alumni Association started working with Robert Butler, a well-known painter of Florida outdoor scenes and wildlife, to create the Agricultural Heritage series of six original paintings depicting Florida agriculture in the 1920s. Proceeds from the sales of these prints support FFA awards and scholarships. Richard “Rick” C. Stotler created the first large animal science program in Orange County. West Orange High School housed student animal projects on campus. Rick received West Orange High’s Teacher of the Year Award and the Outstanding Secondary Vocational Education Teacher. He serves as the treasurer for the Florida Angus Association and a board member for the Orange County Cattlemen’s Association. He volunteers for Florida Junior Angus Association shows and sales. Orton E. Yearty taught agriculture in Florida from 1938 to 1974. Orton’s agricultural education program was very active in community service to local farmers. His classes surveyed water lines for irrigation ponds, established grass waterways for drainage, and planted several thousand pine seedlings. Orton received FFA’s Honorary American Farmer Degree and the Florida Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association’s Teacher of Teachers Gold Award. He passed away on June 25, 2000.
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FARM BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED 2016
Woman
AG
of the year in
Judi Whitson, Executive Director of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, has been named 2016 Woman of the Year in Agriculture by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. The award, now in its 32nd year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. Whitson has dedicated herself to the advancement of agriculture, agriculture education and youth programs, according to the announcement of the honor from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “I am proud to recognize Judi Whitson,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Her dedication to agricultural education and engaging Florida’s youth is an immeasurable asset to our industry.” Born into a Navy family in Brooksville, Florida, Judi moved with each change of her father’s duty station, eventually returned to Florida and graduation from Jacksonville’s Ribault High School. She became Executive Director of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau in 1991 as it “provided a growth opportunity for me with potential for learning,” she said. “I grew up in agriculture and developed an interest and fascination with it from my earliest years, helping my mother grow flowers in her garden and looking forward to spending time with my aunt and her nursery in Arcadia. I was delighted with the opportunity to apply for the Farm Bureau position and so pleased that I was selected.” “I enjoy every opportunity that I get to help educate children and adults about where their food comes from and the other items our industry provides in addition to food. Items such as the clothing we wear, tires on our vehicles and so much more,” she said. Judi has had a special impact on youth, especially those with learning challenges. “Years ago a high school student came to me asking me for my help to enable him to better compete in the classroom. This young man, Jonathan Goff, and I share similar difficulty staying focused on lengthy and sometimes complex material. I didn’t know that I had what is known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) until my daughter, who is a child psychologist, told me so.” To help Goff, who was at the time a varsity wrestler at Spoto High School and FFA leader, Judi with assistance from educators, developed the curriculum for the Ag-Abilities program, which is designed to teach Exceptional Education students the many facets of agriculture and to prepare them for possible careers in the industry. Since its inception the program has been broadened and is annually offered to nearly all high school ESE students in the county. Goff, who operates his own landscape company, went on to become Hillsborough County FFA president and a recipient of the national FFA H.O. Sargent Award. Judi also co-founded the Ag Venture educational program, which annually involves more than 7,200 students and 37,000 attendees at the Florida State Fair where they touch, taste and see Florida agriculture in action. She is also considered a “pioneer” in the Agriculture in the Classroom program in Florida and “is always available to help other county Farm Bureau and Extension offices develop similar programs in their communities,” said Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Executive Director Lisa Gaskalla, who was mentored by Judi when she became Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director. “I have known 64
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Judi for 20 years and she is top notch at what she does. Judi is a very capable and very nice person that’s so enjoyable to work with. This recognition is well deserved.” Judi’s involvement in the Xtreme Cuisine program highlights “Fresh from Florida” commodities while teaching nutrition to elementary and middle school children. She also actively advocates for family farms, works to bolster 4-H and FFA program throughout Florida and donates countless volunteer hours to the Florida Strawberry Festival, Farm City Week and Food Check-out Week. “Judi’s name is synonymous with agriculture and Farm Bureau,” said well-known cattleman, citrus grower and real estate broker C. Dennis Carlton, Sr. “Dedication and passion for her work has led to one of the strongest and most influential Farm Bureaus in the country. She is respected by her peers throughout the state for the work she has done on behalf of the agricultural arena. Judi looks at challenges as opportunities to educate the public, to the great benefit of agriculture in a state that is becoming highly urbanized.” “Her networking with leaders in all facets of our industry has led to a broad and contemporary knowledge of all of the issues we face. Working with numerous governmental agencies keeps her abreast of changes in policies and rules that could vastly impact Ag operations. She has the contacts, influence and knowledge to make Florida a better place to live. No one more deserves to be ‘Woman of the Year in Agriculture’ than Judi Whitson.” “Judi’s willingness and desire to promote awareness and educate young and old alike about the importance of the agriculture industry in this state is unrivaled,” said Hillsborough Farm Bureau President and Florida Strawberry Growers Association Executive Director Kenneth Parker. “She is as comfortable and effective working with legislators in Tallahassee and Washington as she is reading Ag in the Classroom curriculum to elementary students.” “Ever since I met Judi she has been there for any cause or situation where I needed help,” said past Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Dale McClellan, President of M & B Products, Inc. “She has helped in many ways, some of which have been simply teaching me how to accomplish difficult things. Judi really deserves this honor which I prefer to designate The 2016 First Lady of Florida Agriculture.” For Judi, who has known many of the women who have been honored as Woman of the Year in Agriculture, she likens the recognition to “an Academy Award. I am truly blessed with the opportunity each day to work with such innovative people who are truly the salt of the earth.” She is also pleased that she decided to pull to the shoulder of the road on I-75 when Commissioner Putnam called with news of her selection. “I am still in a state of shock and so appreciative of being honored for the work I enjoy every day.” Congratulations Judi for this well-deserved recognition, and thank you so much for your tireless contributions to agriculture. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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RON O’CONNOR FarmCreditCFL.com
Loans for land, homes &FARM country living RETIRING FROM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA By Jim Frankowiak more than one-third of the credit needed by those who live and work in rural America. Local ownership enables each cooperative to understand the industry sectors they finance and provide an unparalleled level of knowledge to their borrower-owners. There are more than 70-cooperatives in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, providing more than $217-billion in loans, leases and related services, helping nearly 500,000 borrowers. Farm Credit of Central Florida serves 13 counties with five offices. “It has been my responsibility to carry out the board policies relating to marketing and government relations,” he noted. “Our President, Reggie Holt, and our board of directors have continually supported my efforts to promote Farm Credit of Central Florida and Florida agriculture. I have been blessed to work with true visionaries and astute agri-businessmen and women.”
In his own words, Ron O’Connor is “urban by birth and agricultural by the grace of God.” That pretty much sums the way he describes his life and career with Farm Credit of Central Florida, where he is Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing and Government Affairs. Ron has announced his retirement, effective at the end of October. His retirement will mean much more than the departure of a valued employee. His tireless efforts on behalf of agriculture locally, regionally and nationally, plus his wide-ranging community service are contributions that will be sorely missed. Born in Tampa, a graduate of Lakeland High School, Polk Community College and the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Management, Ron was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at UF. He joined Farm Credit of Central Florida in 1987 with primary responsibility for advertising and public relations plus a good sized room which housed the various forms used by the federally chartered, locally operated cooperative owned by its members and borrowers applying for and securing loans. “That was a big part of my job initially, but that all changed with advances in technology,” he said. “We went from just two computers in the office when I joined Farm Credit to a PC on every desk, but I survived and those advances prompted the evolution of my position with increased emphasis on government relations, primarily at the federal level.” Farm Credit of Central Florida is one of three such cooperatives in Florida, all are part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions. Congress established the System in 1916 to provide a reliable source of credit for the nation’s farmers, ranchers and growers. Today, the System provides 66
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Those efforts have been substantial throughout Ron’s tenure with Farm Credit. He is past President of the Ag Institute of Florida, past Vice President of the Florida Citrus Showcase, on the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Ag Council board, Florida FFA Foundation board, 36-year member and past President of the Lakeland South Rotary which has recognized him with Outstanding Service Awards on five, separate occasions. Ron has also served as Chairman of the Farm Credit/Ag Institute Candidates Forum which has brought the gubernatorial and Florida Cabinet candidates together to present their Ag platforms to an audience of Florida agriculture’s most influential thought leaders, members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Allied Committee, as well as the Florida Nursery and Growers Landscape Associates (FNGLA) Allied Division. His efforts on behalf of agriculture have been broadly recognized. He is recipient of the Farm Credit System’s National Marketer of the Year Award, the 2014 Lifetime Commitment & Longstanding Achievement Award from the Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Trade Show Committee, 2012 Outstanding Sponsor Award from the Central Florida Livestock Agent’s Group, 2015 National Friend of Extension Award from the Epsilon Sigma Phi (national fraternity of County Extension Agents), 2012 Brevard County Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Farm Service Award, Florida Association of County Ag Agents 2013 Outstanding Agriculturalist, 2014 Florida Council of Co-ops Outstanding Cooperator Award, Honorary FFA State Degree and 20089 Honorary Director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Ron is the ultimate promoter,” said Farm Credit of Central Florida President Reggie Holt. “He has done a great job promoting Farm WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Credit and agriculture throughout Florida and the nation.” Ron is also a past president and co-founder of the County Gator Club, where he met his wife, Andrea. Incidentally, Ron and Andrea were married at a Gator game. He has two children, Michael and Brittany, from a previous marriage and they have “given me three wonderful grandsons, Robert, 8, Harrison, 2, and Henry who is about to reach six-months of age. Michael is Director of Operations at Dixie Jet & Rotor in Lakeland, while Brittany is an attorney with the law firm of Dean Mead at the firm’s Tallahassee office. Though Ron’s “bucket list” has not been finalized, “I know for sure I will be spending more with my grandsons, and I really look forward to that.” He also wants to visit all 50 states. “I haven’t been to Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, Nebraska or Oklahoma, yet.” “My co-workers tease me about never working and now I can reveal, they are correct,” said Ron. “They say if you have a job you love, you will never work a day in your life! I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Farm Credit of Central Florida for almost 30 years, helping Florida farmers, ranchers and growers engage in their noble profession of producing America’s and indeed, the world’s, food and fiber. I can’t complain about anything regarding my job, it has been a pleasure working with people I respect and admire.” Ron has a nickname given to him by Farm Credit Director Ron Wetherington of Plant City. It’s “two shot” and it stems from his photographic skills, which have evolved over the years to the point where he is recognized for that skillset and relied on by many for his photos. The nickname relates to Ron’s practice of always taking extra photos “just to be sure” and it has spread far. “I walked into Congressman Dennis Ross’ DC office and he said, Is that Two-Shot? I knew then Ron Wetherington had preceded me.” There’s a good chance that he may continue with photography in retirement.
represented in the future, Ron has been a staple in our industry for so long; he will truly be missed by all of us. He is an amazing personality and a wonderful man. We wish him all the best.” Farm Credit Director Dale McClellan, president of M & B Products, Inc., calls Ron “a big part of my relationship with Farm Credit of Central Florida and the ag community. I’m truly going to miss him.” Farm Credit of Central Florida Board Chairman Robbie Robersen considers Ron to be “an institution of Farm Credit. Throughout his career he has meant a great deal to many groups, not just those in Florida agriculture, but elsewhere and in the community at large. We’ll miss him a lot.” “Ron is a true Southern gentleman, a man respected by all of his peers,” said Farm Credit Director C. Dennis Carlton, Sr., a cattleman, citrus grower and real estate broker. “He is someone whose influence is felt from Tallahassee to Washington. Ron’s smile and statesman-like countenance will be missed by all of the stockholders, board members and staff. His heart and soul will remain with Farm Credit because he truly believes in the cooperative mission – to provide reliable, consistent credit and financial services to the agricultural and rural communities of Central Florida.”
“I have loved taking pictures at agricultural events and found tremendous satisfaction in seeing how much they can mean to people,” he said. “I have come to regard this as the most personal form of public. One couple invited me to their 50th wedding anniversary party and I took a photo of their hands clasped in a loving embrace on top of a red Bible. A few years later, the wife called me and told me they were putting that photo on their tombstone. It brought tears to my eyes that such a simple gesture was that meaningful to them.” “Another couple whose photo I took on a dinner cruise at the FNGLA convention with a beautiful sunset in the background passed away soon after. Their son told me later that photo was the screen saver on all of the children’s computers.” Farm Credit of Central Florida Board Member Jenny Black noted, “Ron’s photos have often been on our Christmas card. That is just so typical of Ron and his special interest in what those of us involved in agriculture are doing every day. Not just as farmers and ranchers, but as families involved in the industry. He has been a pillar in the Ag industry, relating well to both Ag and non-ag audiences,” she said. Another director, John Langford, said Ron’s camera “is his trademark. Always at the ready, he is an accomplished portraitist. He has leveraged this skill by sending the photos to the subjects within a day or two, always with a warm personal note. His success has come naturally for him, because he is a true lover of people. We are really going to miss him, both as a professional colleague and as a friend.” Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson considers Ron, “Mr. Agriculture and he has been so for many years. Anywhere I go, Ron and his camera are there. He knows everyone in the state, and everyone knows him. He is a walking encyclopedia of people, places and happenings in the agriculture world over past several decades. I have heard it said that he has more photos of Florida farmers’ and ranchers’ kids than their parents do. And probably has a lifetime of shots from some. Although Farm Credit will be well WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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growers, Elias (L) and Lorena Gutierrez, have been Farm Credit Members since 2007.
o borrow money”
Loans made for farmers by farmers, since 1916. Farm Credit is the nation’s leading provider of credit to agriculture and rural America.
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FarmCreditCFL.com DEBBIE SIMPSON
RETIRES FROM FARM CREDIT Loans for land, homes country living AFTER 33&YEARS By Jim Frankowiak
“One of the Biggest Blessings in My Life” It began in 1983. That’s when Janet D. “Debbie” Simpson joined Farm Credit of Central Florida. She had been employed at First National Bank in Plant City, starting on a part time basis when she was 16 and still in school. During her tenure at Farm Credit, she rose to become a Senior Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President. But for Debbie, working at Farm Credit with member clients all engaged in different facets of agriculture is “one of the biggest blessings in my life,” she said. Debbie has been personally involved in lending for agricultural operations and home loans for Farm Credit members. Farm Credit of Central Florida is an Agricultural Credit Association (ACA), and one of nearly 75 independently owned and operated Farm Credit organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Farm Credit was established 100 years ago with a focus on agriculture and rural America. Each local cooperative is owned by its customers, providing a deep understanding of agriculture in their respective areas. Combined, Farm Credit organizations provide more than $235 billion in loans, leases and related services, which is more than one-third of the credit needed by U.S. agriculture. “I’m a true southern girl, born and raised in Hillsborough County and proud of my roots in agriculture,” said Debbie. Her family grew both strawberries and vegetables and she is an alumna of Turkey Creek High School and Hillsborough Community College. Starting with 4-H clubs as a child, Debbie has helped with Ag Venture, Ag in the Class room, FFA, 4H, FSGA, past Plant City Chamber Director, volunteered at the Florida Strawberry Festival for over 25 years and other agriculture and community involvement issues. 70
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Debbie has been married to Buck for 45 years and they have three sons, one daughter, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her family is local and “we enjoy vacations with the family; the beach in the summer and Blue Ridge Mountains in the winter.” Buck retired from Ringhaver and Hillsborough County Schools, serving both organizations as a heavy equipment mechanic. While her professional focus was agricultural lending, Debbie along with many of her Farm Credit colleagues and Ag industry associates also took responsibility for “learning and teaching our world where their food comes from.” She took particular delight in educating non-ag audiences about agriculture whenever the opportunity presented itself. “I have seen many challenges arise over the years; weather, economy, government regulations and water issues to name a few,” she said. “Through it all farmers and ranchers remain steadfast and keep moving forward. They exemplify resilience at the highest levels. Agriculture is in their blood. “Many who are not involved in agriculture do not recognize the substantial investment farmers and ranchers have in their operations. Add to that the challenges they face every season, and that tells you it’s in their blood. They’ve just got to love it to do it. It’s a 24/7 commitment required if you are to be successful in agriculture.” That commitment also involved Debbie and her client service. “It was not unusual for me to conduct a transaction at a farm, on a ranch or even in a tractor with one of my Farm Credit Member/Clients.” “No one is more proud of their hard work, dedication, failures and successes, than someone involved in day to day agriculture like I have been. The character, integrity and dedication to hard work from each one still amazes me. It has been a pleasure to work with each Farm Credit Member over the years and hopefully I have helped them along the way,” she said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“In retirement, I plan to take time to do things I have been too busy to enjoy. I like to paint, read, fish and entertain family and friends. Large gatherings with lots of food and games at home with the people I love are the best,” she said. In case you are wondering, it’s freshwater fishing with time “to enjoy the calm and scenery.” Debbie and her Farm Credit colleague Ron O’Connor, who is also
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retiring from Farm Credit of Central Florida as Director of Marketing and Governmental Affairs, were honored with a recent retirement party sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association for their years of service. Thank you Debbie and the very best to you and Buck in retirement!
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Moody Madness at Knights Station Farm
By Ginny Mink We’re still working on collecting the necessary supplies to build our dream chicken coop. So, unfortunately I don’t have the pleasure of revealing our newest mini-farm addition. But, that doesn’t mean we are without an adventure this month. As stated in some previous articles, we recently moved out to Lakeland on an acre, a wet one if you remember. And, since we aren’t particularly familiar with Lakeland, it made sense to do a little farming exploration. I drive by the Knights Station Farm almost daily on my way to take my lovelies into town. It seems an interesting establishment and since we’d never been, I figured it would be a great Lakeland excursion. As is my favorite mode of beginning a Meet the Minks, I did not inform the wee ones of our destination. When we pulled in, they both asked, almost simultaneously, “Why are we here?” Then Hazel saw the giant horse statue out front and her heart leapt. “Are we going to ride horses?” She squealed. She hasn’t surrendered that desire since we spent time with Gus Trent. Sadly, I had to tell her, “No” and that fairly well ruined her attitude. Zeke on the other hand was thrilled because when we got out of the car he saw big cages with chickens inside. “Are we getting my chickens?” He questioned with great joy and expectation. Then off he ran to see “his” chickens up close. I hated to have to smash his hopes as well, but what can a mother do? “Zeke,” I began, “we don’t have the coop yet.” His solution was obviously simple, “Well build one,” he told me, the sarcasm in his three-year-old face amusing and frustrating at the same time.
five. Oh dear Lord, I’m in serious trouble, I thought. “Well, let’s go check out the rest of the place then.” I told her and we proceeded to enter the building. I introduced myself to the girl at the counter when she asked me if she could be of assistance. She lit up and started telling us what else we might find on the grounds. “There are baby goats out front, but they might be in their little house. And we’ve got roosters. One only has one eye. We usually have cows but they are at a rodeo.” She shared and I nodded. Hazel thought it would be a good time to remind me of her overwhelming displeasure, “It stinks in here! Eeewww!’ She exaggerated. It’s a feed store, it smells like feed. She’s just a big whiny dramatic wuss sometimes and I was really displeased. “Go outside and look at the goats then.” I told her and made an attempt at an I’m-sorry expression to the girl behind the counter. We went out to see the goats, which by the way, were so cute! They made me wish our fencing job was complete. But I know that goats will “eat the tires off your car” (according to my dear friend, Amy Thompson) so I have yet to determine how to do the fencing layout at the house. But we do really want goats. That’s on the mini-farm agenda with the chickens. The kids were momentarily enthralled by the wee goats running around inside the fenced area. I think the goats were less enthusiastic about the kids though. Every time they got close the goats ran into their little house.
In the meantime, Hazel had gone off to the other chicken area to pout. I thought, at first, that she had found something of interest but when I asked, “Pretty cool?” She responded, “I’ve seen chickens before.” And then in pre-teen fashion she rolled her eyes! She’s only 74
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Then I saw the giant poles, similar to the ones we’d put in our front yard (we got them free on craigslist) and I wanted to go see if there were any prices on them. Hazel complained the whole two minutes of a walk but Zeke wanted to climb them. Unfortunately, there were no prices so I don’t know if I can supplement our current condition with a purchase of additional poles or not. Hazel amped up her complaints to the point I really couldn’t endure her whining and so after a quick jaunt to take pictures by the antique plows I ushered them back to the car. Once inside the car Hazel announced, “That Meet the Minks was not fun!” And Ezekiel responded, “Did you like all the animals?” He was still pretty happy about the goats and chickens. But Hazel said, “No!” He looked at her sideways from his car seat and then proclaimed, “Well, I did!” And that was that. You probably noticed that I didn’t say much about the eldest, Jaidyn, in this article. Here’s the reason…he’s mad at me. He’ll be turning 13 before this article shows up in your hands and he’s grounded. All those horror stories people have been telling me about adolescents are coming true. The bad thing is, after 11 years of teaching kids his age you would think I would have refrained from my tendency to be in denial about his forthcoming bad attitude and extraordinarily lazy nature. But, I (like every other parent) must have fallen victim to believing that my kid would be different. So, when you see his picture in the article know that it was forced and he was absolutely sullen the whole experience. UGH is all I can say about that. And, just so you know, Hazel and Jaidyn’s moodiness are not representative of the quality of establishment we visited. The girl running the place was quite friendly and they have a plethora of materials and feed for all in need of such things. Check them out at Knights Station Farm.
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Market Watch: OWT Market
By Libby Hopkins
The Old West Tampa Market or OWT Market is one of the newest artisan markets to join the Tampa Bay community. This market is located in an underserved area of West Tampa. The market is housed in The Space at 2106 and owners of The Space and the market hope to make this area of West Tampa an art community and destination. “My hope is that people will come and buy into what we are doing here with The Space at 2106 and The OWT Market,” said The Space at 2106 owner, Robert Morris. “My goal is to make this an arts destination.”
Morris is a real estate investor and bought the property that would eventually become The Space and the OWT Market. The building was built in 1908 and over the years it was home to such things a fish market and a restaurant before it became abandoned. “There was a home in the neighborhood that I purchased to renovate when I saw this building was for sale and I contacted the owner,” Morris said. “I leased it for a while and then eventually purchased it. Now it’s part of my re-developing of Old West Tampa.” The Space has many uses such as an immersive theater where the audience is not merely passive bystanders. They are part of the story, however small their role may be, and they are in the middle of the action. It is a community center where local residence can rent the building for a significantly reduced rate for birthday parties or weddings and finally, it is home to the monthly OWT Market. Bri Touchton is the OWT Market Director. She is a visual artist and art instructor at 2106 Main in West Tampa. This area of town once had a booming arts culture and Touchton and Morris want to bring it back to life with the OWT Market. “The area once was proud of 76
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its art from what we can see from the faded murals on some of the buildings in the area,” Touchton said. “I want to bring that back and I want to bring back art to Old West Tampa. The best way for me to do that was for the doors and lines of communication to be opened with the neighborhood.” Touchton said many people from the neighborhood would mingle on the sidewalk or in the little park across the street from the OWT Market but would not come in and check it out. Touchton changed that very quickly. “I opened the doors and brought them in,” Touchton said. “I have indoor and outdoor vendors that make and sell a wide variety of things and when the neighborhood sees the vendors, that’s when the conversations get started. Now that these conversations have started, it’s my job to keep them going.” A 2009 study by the Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org) examined what market characteristics successfully attracted low-income shoppers. The study also explored the obstacles that may prevent low-income individuals from shopping at a farmers market when one existed nearby, and how youth-oriented market programming affects healthy eating habits among kids and teens. According to the study, “We found that price is not a barrier. Among the survey sample, almost 60 percent of the farmers’ market shoppers in low-income neighborhoods believed their market had better prices than the grocery store. Among those who did not shop at a farmer’s market, only 17 percent cited price as a barrier to shopping at their local farmers’ market. Markets targeting a low-income customer base must partner with organizations that share the market’s goals. Partnering with neighborhood organizations helps facilitate better outreach efforts to the intense-use shopper, as previously identified. Furthermore, if the market could operate through an existing organization that shares its mission there is a potential cost sharing component in terms of office WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
space, co-promotion and community recognition.”
the ‘good old days’ and what Old West Tampa will be again.”
Opening the OWT Market in this underserved area of town will bring people and money to help rebuild Old West Tampa. “The process has already begun and rebranding the area is underway,” Touchton said. “But, if you’ve never been to the area you wouldn’t know what was is here and what Old West Tampa can offer you. Businesses are starting to follow suit and open up along Main Street and I couldn’t be more excited.”
If you would like to become a vendor at the OWT Market, you can contact Touchton at bri@2106main.com or call her at 727-687-3464. If you would like to learn more about the The Space at 2106 or the OWT Market, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/thespaceat2106.
Morris and Touchton hope the OWT Market becomes an Old West Tampa staple. “I want the community to have a sense of pride in the OWT Market,” Touchton said. “Having the locals come to have a bite to eat from out food vendors, buy a drink and sit at the tables outside while talking and listening to the live music, reminisce about
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
A Fowl Smell Repels Mos Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) Florida is home to about 50 native snakes, more snakes than any other state in the Southeast United States. Of the snakes that can be found in Florida, there are only six that are venomous and of those six, only four that will be found in central Florida. This month, we’re featuring one of the most common venomous snakes of Florida; Agkistrodon piscivorus, known as the “cottonmouth” to some and the “water moccasin” to others. This particular snake is unique because it is the only semi-aquatic pit viper in the world. Ancient legends of the indigenous people of the Southeast Woodland culture honor this snake with descriptions of its characteristics and how they came to be. This beautiful snake is more often misunderstood than aggressive and unfortunately, each year, this snake and countless harmless water snakes are killed out of fear. With a closer look, we can quickly recognize this snake and avoid it rather than kill it; or, if you share my fascination for this animal, observe it with respect and admiration. Most venomous snakes in Florida are Crotalinae (pit vipers), with the exception of the coral snake. Pit vipers are characterized by a heat sensing “pit” that is set between their eye and nostril. The pit is actually just the external opening to an internal organ that is capable of detecting infrared radiation. Not all snakes that have pits are venomous, some Boas and Pythons have several heat sensing pits on their head, but are less evolved that those of the pit vipers. So the “pit” part is how the snake detects differences in temperature, not only to stalk food, but also to find a place to regulate body temperature, remember they are cold blooded and completely reliant on their environment for metabolism. You may not believe it, but Florida can at times get too hot for snakes, and snakes will search for a cool place to rest. The pits on a cotton mouth give it the advantage of being able to find the coolest spot in the area to rest through the heat of the day. Although the cottonmouth will emerge in the daytime to bask in the sunlight, or coil in the shade near water, it actually hunts at night when the ambient temperature cools and the warmth of prey are easier to detect from the ambient temperature. Cottonmouth will often hunt in shallow bodies of water that have an abundance of trapped fish and tadpoles to choose from as well as lie in wait for small mammals to seek a quick drink away from the larger predators it could expect from deeper bodies of water. The “viper” part of the distinction is the snakes fang structure. All vipers have long hollow fangs that are effective in deep penetration and delivery of venom. When not in use, the fangs can fold back against the roof of the mouth. The bite of a pit viper is generally more painful than the bite of other snakes such as the cobra or coral snake. The pain is not so much because of the size of the fang as it is the type of venom. The venom of pit vipers is a haemotoxic, technically meaning it destroys the red blood cells, but in the process of doing so, also destroys the walls of the blood vessels, which in turn causes organ and tissue damage, necrosis (similar to a brown recluse bite), and blood loss from cardiovascular damage. The venom of pit vipers helps compensate for the snake’s poor digestive system, the venom itself begins to break down tissue before the snake actually begins its meal. The brown recluse spider is an example of an insect that has a haemotoxic venom. The cottonmouth can choose when and how much venom to inject. Animals practice conservation of energy and resources, and all snakes have a limited supply of venom at its disposal. It will not likely waste the venom on small prey such as a lizard or small fish. The shape of the fangs is often enough to secure a meal without resorting to wasting precious venom. The genus name Agkistrodon comes from the Greek ancistro (hooked) and odon (tooth), the species name piscivorus comes from the Latin piscis (fish) and voro (to eat), put it together and we have a “hooked tooth fish eater.” Now I can tell you from personal experience that once this snake has prey in its clutch, it is very difficult to remove the prey from its mouth, no venom needed. This snake will release venom for larger prey or defense and the amount released is determined by the size of the snake vs the size of the threat or prey, had I pushed the issue and caused a perceived threat to the snake’s food supply, I suspect a strike to my hand would have included a good dose of venom. Likewise, the cotWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tonmouth has many large predators to contend with such as hawks, bobcat, tortoise, and more. One of these larger predators (humans included) would be reasonable cause to release the venom needed for an attempted defense, even if the snake lost its life, the necrotic components of the venom will frequently result in the predator losing its life days later from organ or muscle necrosis or just bleeding out from the anticoagulant properties of the venom. Cottonmouth are live born from mid-August to mid-September and you may see a mother surrounded by her young. Unlike other snakes, the female cotton mouth will defend the babies through their first shedding a week or two after birth. If you are lucky, you will get to see female aggregation, this is when several pregnant or attending females band together in one spot to guard the community of young snakes, a sight you would not expect to see from snakes that are generally independent. During this time, female snakes are less likely to attack a prey species and display more warning behaviors than actual attacks until all the young, not just their own, have dispersed. Although Florida does not ever get very cold, in northern states, the cottonmouth will need to hibernate for several months and does so in a hibernacula, which is an ideal location in which snakes will gather together for hibernation. Hibernacula can be under a pile of wood, or in a hole left by decaying roots. In Florida we are not so likely to see several snakes gathered in one hibernacula because when we do have a freeze, it is only for a short duration and our snakes may not need to hibernate at all. There are three species of cottonmouth in North America, two of which can be found in central Florida. The most abundant species in Florida is the Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti). This species is found throughout all of Florida including the barrier islands, and in parts of southern Georgia. A.p conanti will flourish in cypress flats, prairies, and wet pine palmetto. The Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus) is the largest of the genus commonly exceed 80 cm (31 in) in length. This is the most aquatic of all the species and is usually found in consistently wet areas such as creeks, streams, marshes, swamps and the shores of ponds and lakes. Though it favors fresh water, it is known to inhabit brackish and salt water. Look for this species in pine flatwoods, riparian forests, prairies, and occasionally dune and beach areas. Some points to remember when identifying venomous water snakes from non-venomous water snakes are as follows: water snakes generally flee when threatened, cottonmouth will stand it’s ground and display the white interior of its mouth. Cottonmouth vibrate their tail when threatened, harmless water snakes do not. Cotton Mouth have narrow slit pupils, harmless water snakes have round pupils. When swimming, cottonmouth have their entire body floating on top of the water, harmless water snakes will swim with only their head above the water line. Florida is a great place to observe an abundance of snakes and it need not be dangerous. Keep in mind that there are only a handful of venomous snakes in Florida and the few we have are pretty easily identified. I sincerely hope this month’s article will inspire you to get out in nature and explore the beautiful environment we live in and revere the amazing animals we are blessed with in our tropic home. Take the time to take a closer look and I hope you will share my wonder for the animals with which we share our world.
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An Inborn Fondness: Emma Poole’s FFA Success By Ginny Mink Photo by Emily Topper The rare occasion when I am blessed to be able to chat with an enthusiastic young person is a welcome one indeed. This month I was given the opportunity to talk with Emma Poole. She recently won a first place position at the Florida FFA Contest. And, having now spent some time in conversation with her, it’s easy to see why she was first in her category. But, I’ll let her tell you the story. Emma explained why we would want to interview her. She said, “Because of the Florida State FFA Creed Speaking Contest. Basically you recite the FFA Creed, which is our set of ideals and beliefs in the Future Farmers of America. Then after you recite it, you answer three off-the-cuff questions about agriculture. And, they judge you based off your questions and your body language and your performance in saying the creed.” This girl speaks in complete sentences like no teenager I’ve ever encountered. Speaking is certainly a gift. I asked her what spurred her to compete. She answered, “My adviser, Mr. Jason Steward, encouraged me to do the contest. I was in the beginning of 7th grade and I just showed at our chapter contest and I used that. I placed second in the state as a 7th grader. I just loved it so much I decided to do it again in the 8th grade and obviously that paid off because I placed first! And I’m so excited to go to nationals!” The thrill in her voice reverberated through the non-existent phone lines. So, naturally I wanted to know where her agricultural interests began. She explained, “My family is involved in agriculture through generations of farming. And my great great uncle, Gray Miley, was actually the first Florida State FFA President and the first National Officer from the State of Florida. So that makes me a fourth generation FFA member! I’m very proud of that.” Indeed, as that was quite evident in her voice. She continued, “But my family has been involved in agriculture for a long time, on both my mom’s side and my dad’s side. My uncle is a beef farmer from Circle J Farms, which is here in Plant City. And then my Papa had a farm with dairy cows when my mom was growing up and he grew up on a farm, too. So basically my family’s been involved in agriculture a long time and I was born into it. I’ve kind of just always loved it. It’s been an inborn fondness of mine.” That last statement really got my attention as a writer. Not something you’d expect to come out of a ninth grader’s mouth and certainly worthy of a title role. Having ascertained her love of the field, my next question involved her future. I was consistently amazed by how she restated my question in answer form. She replied, “My goal in agriculture is I want to be a State FFA Officer. I hope that I can beat really tough competition here in Florida. I know it would be such an honor to be a State Officer. If I get to do that then I would want to become a National Officer also. After I graduate from high school I want to go to the University of Florida if I have the ability to do that. And then I’m not really sure what I want to do from there. Either I get a degree in agribusiness or a degree in psychology. I know that’s kind of a broad range, but I’m not really sure what I want to do yet. One of those two things.” She’s still young, with plenty of time to make that choice. Although, I did share my rather sad experience of achieving a BS in psychology and realizing it really wouldn’t do anything for me. She seemed gracious for the advice (which is more than I can say for most teenagers) and then I asked what was so great about FFA. She didn’t hesitate, “What I love about FFA is that even though people just think its sows, plows, and cows, it’s really not. It involves ev82
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erything from leadership to speaking. There’s even a talent contest I entered in the 6th grade playing piano. I’ve learned that no matter what you do, no matter what you love, there’s something in FFA for you. That’s really why I love it. Because whether you’re interested in music, or whether you’re interested in flowers (which is horticulture contests), or interested in tutorials (which is kinda like ornamental horticulture demonstrations where you give a tutorial about how to market a product) or forestry, or dairy cattle evaluations, FFA has a fit for you. And I also love it because it builds leadership skills. Future Farmers of America aren’t just future farmers, they are future leaders.” And she appears to be an excellent representation of that fact. Nearing the end of our conversation I asked what advice she’d give to young people. She shared, “To young people considering going into FFA: if you join the FFA, it will not be a mistake at all! Because I first joined FFA in the 6th grade and I thought that I had a pretty good background in agriculture. I thought that I pretty much knew what it was all about until I got into my Ag Foundations class in 7th grade. Then I began to learn that production agriculture (which is farming) actually is only 2% of the American population and 1 out of 8 career pathways in agriculture. It’s not just farming; it’s way more than that. Even if you’re not going to be a farmer there’s still something for you in FFA. All you gotta do is pay your dues and then check out the different career development events and leadership development events. I can assure you that you will find something that you love.” It’s obvious that she has done just that. Finally, I asked if she had anything else she would like to say to the readers of this lovely article. Which, to my amusement, she retorted, “One thing that I would like to say to the people who will be reading this lovely article is I’m very thankful for my adviser, and my parents and all the people who encouraged me and helped me along the way. I know that I could not have gotten here without those who love me and support me and without my faith in my Heavenly Father. Because it’s all for Him. And I know that at the National Contest I will do my very best to represent the State of Florida. I dedicate it to my community of Plant City and everyone that has helped me along this journey. I’m so thankful for everything that it has given me.” And we’re glad to have her represent us, and you should be too! No doubt we’ll be seeing more of Emma Poole. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com HUSTLER RAPTOR
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is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. Hav- $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378 ing own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and experience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Plant City at 813-759-8722 Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders”. Let us help you get rid of it!
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