In The Field Hillsborough edition

2

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

• Food Plot Mix • Attractants • Feeders • and much more!

Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply

Open: M-F: 8 to 6 pm Sat: 8-5 pm Closed Sunday

Full Line of Feeds 813-689-1570

Corner of Martin L. King Blvd. & McIntosh Rd. Dover, FL 33527

Sauces • Dressings • Salsa Relish & more!

%

1155off W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

3

®

Contents

VOL. 9 • ISSUE 2

Feature Story History of Water Quality in Strawberries

P a g e 74 Business Up Front

Tunnel Technology

Page 10

Page 47

Brama Island Page 12

Recipes

Tampa Bay’s

Clay Shoots

Fishing Report

Page 52

Page 50

Page 14

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Danny Aprile ..............................President Bill Burnett ..........................VicePresident Jemy Hinton ..............................Treasurer

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013

Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, James Frankowiak, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Kenneth Parker, Jake Raburn, Alex Ritzheimer, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas, Ron Wetherington, Michelle Williamson, Will Womack, Ray Wood

Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121

Stick To The Plan

Strawberry Queen

Cone Ranch

Page 18

Page 54

Rocking Chair

Container Gardening

Chatter

Page 68

Page 22

Tiffany Dale

Tanya’s Dream

& HungerU

Page 32

Page 82

Blazing A Trail

Holiday Unity

For 26 Years

Page 84

Page 44

Clay Sapp

Squirrel Tree Frog

Page 86

Page 45

4

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

5

From the Editor

ITFM Staff PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Al Berry SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR/ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sarah Holt EDITOR Patsy Berry

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 Merry Christmas! I hope you have the opportunity to gather with family and loved ones this Christmas. Remember that Christmas is not all about gifts, it is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

As you gather around the table for Christmas dinner, please take the time to bless the hands of the farmer and rancher who made it possible for you to have a safe abundant food source.

Once you have had your fill of Christmas dinner, it’s time to GET MOVING! For five years the NFL’s PLAY 60 bus has been traveling the country, promoting 60 minutes of play each day for youth to be more happy and healthy. They have joined forces with parents, teachers and community leaders to give kids a chance to play every day!

The Youth Obesity Statistics from the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are staggering.

• One third of children (about 9 million) in America are obese or at risk for obesity.

• Over the last two decades, the rate of overweight children has doubled in America.

• More than 60 percent of children ages 9 – 13 do not participate in any organized physical activity during non-school hours.

This should be of concern to everyone! Encourage the youngsters to find some activity they enjoy and get started in the direction of a happier, healthier life. With more activity and food that is Fresh From Florida, we can win this battle.

If you know someone you feel may have a heavy heart this Christmas season, reach out to them. Give the gift of giving. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 20:35 Until Next Month,

Sarah

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

–Numbers 6:25

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

6

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

OFFICE MANAGER Bob Hughens SALES MANAGER Danny Crampton SALES Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Calli Jo Parker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mona Jackson PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey STAFF WRITERS Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankwoiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Calli Jo Parker Lindsey English CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Woody Gore Les McDowell

Index of Advertisers ABC Pizza................................................................90 Ag Technologies......................................................29 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers .............................25 American Cancer Society.......................................90 Aquarius Water Refining.......................................90 Astin Farms Strawberry Distance Challenge.......71 Astin Strawberry Exchange...................................91 B Powerful Promos.................................................90 Badcock....................................................................23 Bill’s Transmissions .................................................40 Bingham...................................................................46 Brandon Auto Services, Inc. ..................................36 Brandon Farms .......................................................83 Brandon Region Hospital......................................39 Brewington’s............................................................57 Broke & Poor..........................................................42 Brown’s Jewelers.............................................7 & 48 Cattlemen’s Beef Association.................................72 Cecil Breeding Farm...............................................20 CF Industries, Inc....................................................78 Chemical Containers, Inc......................................21

Index of Advertisers Chuck’s Tire & Automotive...........................................93 Crescent Jewelers.................................................. 48 & 64 Cycle Sport Concepts.........................................................5 Dad’s Towing....................................................................58 Discount Metals...............................................................39 Dr. Barry Gaffney O.D. PA.............................................55 Driscoll’s............................................................................80 Earhart’s Runway Grill ...................................................95 East Coast Ag Products...................................................11 Fancy Farms .....................................................................25 Farm Bureau Insurance...................................................77 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner..............................91 Farm Credit ......................................................................24 Felton’s ..............................................................................51 Fischbach Land Company..............................................63 Fishhawk Sporting Clays ................................................35 Florida Dept. of Agriculture............................................70 Florida Mineral & Salt....................................................81 Florida Strawberry Festival.............................................65 Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc................................61 Forbes Road Produce......................................................11 Fred’s Market......................................................................9 Gator Ford........................................................................93 Grove Equipment Service................................................49 Gulf Coast Tractor...........................................................96 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply............................3, 43 & 48 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc.......................................................91 Haught Funeral Home....................................................67 Helena Chemical-Tampa ................................................21 Hillsboro State Bank........................................................61 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau....................77 & 80 Hinton Farms Produce, Inc.............................................15 Home Proctection Pest Control......................................24 Hopewell Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.......73 I-4 Power Equipment ......................................................62 Jane Baer Realty...............................................................48 Johnson’s Barbeque..........................................................61 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................................91 Ken’s Well Drilling & Pump Service, Inc.......................79 Key Plex ............................................................................56 Loetscher Auto Parts .......................................................72 Magnolia Hill...................................................................53 Malissa Crawford............................................................36 Mark Smith Excavating..................................................19 Martin Law Office...........................................................36 Meryman Environmental, Inc........................................58 Mosaic.................................................................................9 Myers Cleaners.................................................................42 O’Connor Enterprises........................................................2 Parkesdale Market...........................................................17 Pathway BioLogic............................................................89 Plant City Tire & Auto Service, Inc...............................90 Savich & Lee Wholesale .................................................16 Seedway ............................................................................15 Shrimp & Co Express .......................................................7 Southside Farm & Pet Supply........................................13 Southwestern Produce.....................................................27 Stephanine Humphrey.....................................................23 Stingray Chevrolet............................................................37 Super Service Tire & Auto..............................................66 Sygenta..............................................................................31 Tampa Bay Times............................................................66 The Hay Depot................................................................80 The Hungry Gator...........................................................53 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort................................47 Tip To Toe Day Spa & Gifts..........................................57 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith .................................................................40 Walden Lake Car Wash ..................................................11 Wells Memorial................................................................91 Willie’s ...............................................................................57 Woodside Dental..............................................................72 Zaxby’s..............................................................................59 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Come See Our Many Gift Giving Treasures

You Too, Can Be A Winner

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. 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 that page you located the logo to:

InTheField速 Magazine P.O. Box 5377 Plant City, FL 33566-0042

Winners will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner!

Search for the logo below and enter now!

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

7

100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121

THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAYS Dear Reader: Please accept my sincere wishes for the very best of this holiday season, and may the New Year bring blessings to you and your family.

Ag-Venture took place a short time ago. I am delighted to report that more than 4,000 third graders in Hillsborough County participated in this hands-on educational program at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

We are indebted to the many volunteers who presented instructional programs, our good friends at UF/IFAS and Extension, as well as the active commodity groups who helped make this program the annual success that it is. Thanks, too, to the State Fair Authority and staff.

I would also like to extend my appreciation on behalf of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau to our Board of County Commissioners for its proclamation in conjunction with Farm – City Week. This year, the main event for that celebration took place at Ybor City as opposed to downtown Tampa. My hats off to our volunteers for their time and support of this annual program that helps urbanites understand the importance of agriculture to Hillsborough County.

Please remember Farm Bureau is not an organization just for cattle ranchers and farmers, it is for any family that believes in the traditional American way of life; our private, competitive enterprise system; private property ownership, management and operation for profit and individual satisfaction. We are a low cost, high value grass roots organization comprised of families across the country. Please take a few minutes to visit our website: www.hcfb.org or call 813/685-9121.

Again, Merry Christmas and the very best of the New Year.

Thank you,

Danny Danny Aprile President

Your Farm Bureau was once again recognized for excellence in many aspects of our program in support of you and agriculture here in Hillsborough County. I don’t like to toot our own horn, but I firmly believe it is important for you to know that among the county farm bureau organizations here in Florida, we annually rank among the very best in terms of programs and results. That’s important to you because it reinforces your desire – exemplified by your membership – to foster and protect the many good things that Farm Bureau represents and our importance and contributions to the economic well-being of our county, state and country.

Board of Directors

Danny Aprile, President; Bill Burnett, Vice-President; Jemy Hinton Member-at-large; Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Kenneth Parker,Jake Raburn, Alex Ritzheimer, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas, Ron Wetherington, Michelle Williamson, Will Womack and Ray Wood, Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

• Most of Santaʼs reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeer shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santaʼs sleigh are likely not male, but female or castrati.

• All the gifts in the ʻTwelve Days of Christmasʼ song would equal 364 gifts.

• According to the Guinness world records, the tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-foot Douglas fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington.

• The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold. Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light as well as wealth and royalty.

• Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads through bird droppings.

• Approximately 30-35 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S. • Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter.

• When Hans Greiner first began designing Christmas ornaments, he wanted them to look like the fruits and other natural items that were originally used as Christmas tree ornaments.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

9

Business Up Front

By Libby Hopkins

FROM TADPOLES TO TOENAILS

L

ynn Connor grew up in her mom’s beauty salon in Plant City. She would sit in the dryer chairs and play with hair curlers all while watching her mom make her clients beautiful. Her dad was a used car salesman in Plant City as well. He sold a used van to a tropical fish farmer in the area and that sale changed Connor’s family forever. Her mother sold the salon and the whole family became tropical fish farmers. She learned at a very young age how to become an entrepreneur.

“As a kid, I had a roadside stand where I sold tadpoles and citrus trees planted in old coffee cans,” Connor said. “I’m not sure if I had a good business or if people just felt sorry for me.” Years later, she went off to college and then came home to Plant City to work for her family’s tropical fish farm. Deep down inside, she wanted to return to the beauty business. So, she left her parent’s tropical fish farm and opened her own salon. It was called “Nails, Nails, Nails” and as you can guess, it was a nail salon.

10

part of the Plant City community for over 20 years. Tip To Toe Day Spa and Gifts is a full-service salon that is dedicated to service and attention. All of their licensed specialists sincerely enjoy the beauty industry and it is reflected on the smiles and repeat business of their clients. They promise individual attention and great service for all of their clients. They also have lots of extra special products, like Tyler Candles and Camille Beckman spa products, to offer their clients, as well as sweet confections and mulled cider. “We do gift baskets for all occasions and we deliver them as well,” Connor said.

The salon will be hosting a Christmas Open House the week before Christmas, so people can come in and check out what the salon has to offer. The salon will be adding massage services in January, so they will be selling gift certificates for them during the Christmas holidays.

“We began to diversify and started offering waxing and facial services along with cosmetics,” Connor said. “I thought people would never know we offered these services by the name of our salon, so we renamed the salon.”

Connor loves being a part of the Plant City community because of comradery it has to offer. A few years ago, Connor had some personal issues come about and the community helped her keep the salon going.

She has been approached numerous times to re-locate the salon to a higher volume area, but she would never dream of leaving the community she loves so dearly.

Tip To Toe Day Spa and Gifts was established in March of 1992 and it has been a

“I’ve always been very involved with the community and I want to do more with the

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

Plant City community,” Connor said. She is finding that there is a whole new community that is growing in the area and they don’t know what Tip To Top Day Spa and Gifts is all about or what they have to offer them. “Our regulars know we are here, but we want more people to come into the salon and check us out,” Connor said. She also said if you are curious about what they have in the salon, stop in and take a look around, you may be surprised by what you will find, like chocolate covered bacon or rhinestone t-shirts. She is still that same little girl with hometown values who sold tadpoles and citrus trees planted in old coffee cans at her roadside stand.

She has just expanded the stand and now she offers more than just tadpoles!

If you would like to learn more about the services and products offered at Tip To Toe Day Spa and Gifts, you can visit their website at www.ti ptotoedayspa.net or call them at 813-759-8637.

The salon is located at 101 S. Alexander Street in Plant City, Florida.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

11

Bra ma Island F a mi ly Da y F undra i ser Is A S uccess !

By Kristin Nelson

O

n Saturday, December 1, under the cover of shade trees and with the sound of airboats and children’s laughter on the breeze, Warner University (Lake Wales, FL) hosted “Brama Island Family Day,” the kick-off event of the capital campaign for their diversified Agricultural Studies program set to launch in Fall 2013.

As the title would suggest, the fundraiser was held on Lightsey Cattle Company’s Brama Island in Lake Kissimmee and welcomed over 400 guests. The agenda for the day included airboat and horseback rides, games for kids, safari-like tours of the island, a barbecue lunch, silent and live auctions, and keynote speeches from leaders in the agricultural industry such as Mr. Cary Lightsey and Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Adam Putnam.

Brama Island boasts 4,000 acres of essentially untouched Florida wildlife, and is home to 28 endangered plant and wildlife species. As the land is part of a conservation easement, for most guests, the exploration of the island truly provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

12

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Doris Gukich, Warner University’s Vice President for Advancement said, “There are so many fundraising events for which children must be left at home. Our goal was that this would be a day about family enjoying the island together while we raise the money needed for the Agriculture Complex.” With horseback rides, tree climbing, and outdoor games led by Warner University students, there was no shortage of fun to be had while on the island, especially for smaller cowboys and cowgirls.

With so many leaders and innovators in the agricultural industry in attendance and quick to pledge their support, it was clear that the Ag community is ready to stand behind Warner’s effort to create a program that will meet a need for both students and the future of agriculture in the area. Lauren Lewis, Warner’s Director of Agricultural Studies, describes her vision for the program as one that provides graduates the practical and applied background they will need in agribusiness, production, and science to have a successful career in the agricultural industry.

DECEMBER 2012

In his address from the “treehouse” platform overlooking guests and a cowboy bunkhouse, Commissioner Putnam spoke of the value of the Agricultural Studies program that Warner is developing. “This type of program is what is needed to bridge the gap between high school agriculture involvement and agricultural careers -- that is where young talent is typically lost. I am proud to stand behind and support Warner’s program,” said Putnam.

When asked for her thoughts on the event, Lewis went on to say, “Warner University is so thankful to have the support of the ag community in developing our Ag Studies Program. The investment the ag community is making in our program, evident by the support at the Brama Island Family Day fundraiser, is humbling and overwhelming.

With the launch of the Ag Studies degree program in Fall 2013, Warner University looks forward to graduating the future leaders of our area’s ag industry.” •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

13

Let’s Go Fishing in December

by Captain Woody Gore

T

ampa Bay is Florida's largest openwater estuary, covering 400 square miles, with a watershed more than five times that large, encompassing a massive 2,200 square miles. With an average depth of 12 feet, Tampa Bay is considered one of the most exclusive estuaries in Florida with a wide diversity of sea life.

For those unfamiliar with what an estuary actually is, it’s a semi-enclosed body of water where freshwater from the rivers and creeks meets and mixes with the saltwater from the ocean or, in the case of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico. Estuaries are considered one of the most productive environments in the world and are often referred to as a nursery for fish, and shellfishes, and a place where young marine animals can hide from predators.

If angling is your recreational pleasure and something you enjoy, then Tampa Bay and the inter-coastal waters of the gulf coast, certainly offer some awesome fishing opportunities especially with www.captainwoodygore.com.

While fishing in Florida can be done comfortably year round, fall offers some excellent opportunities on a variety of species.

On fishing excursions, some species you’re likely to catch include snook, redfish, cobia, tarpon, trout, grouper, kingfish, and mackerel.

As we approach the cool water temperatures of winter, shallow water fishing definitely improves. The fish start feeding fairly aggressively for winter and become more active as they search for food. They’ll take an assortment of baits from live to dead. And since they will have large appetites anglers will have greater success using a wider range of artificial lures.

14

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

SNOOK: Snook are usually tops on the list as the fall transition has started and we are catching Snook on just about every shoreline. They are on the protected list but are still fun to catch and release. The best bite has been at the beginning and end of either incoming or outgoing tides. Snook normally respond to live baits as well as top water lures, jerk baits and shallow diving lures.

However, we’ve been have good success on dead baits on the bottom.

SPOT TED SEA T ROU T: NO CLOSED SEASON! Sea trout are found inshore and near shore in and around sea grass flats, mangrove shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish near the bottom will entice trout out of grass-bed holes.

Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds. Casting with softbodied jigs and top-water poppers can also be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted sea trout are a good eating fish. Otherwise winter’s a great time for the big gator trout especially as they start working their way into the back-country and deeper grass flats.

REDFISH: The reds are still biting and some are still schooled up biting everything tossed in their direction. They should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures are catching their share along with live shrimp, sardines, and pinfish.

The key to finding redfish, is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flooding tides

DECEMBER 2012

usually brings them out to investigate.

Most are holding close to the shoreline but they are also found near docks and pilings, deeper holes and channels during warmest and coolest months and around grass beds and oyster bars. Use live shrimp fished on the bottom or free-lined, use soft-bodied jigs bounced slowly on the bottom, or use small gold spoons.

FLOU NDER: They can be found near channel edges on sandy bottoms, near tidal passes and docks. Use live shrimp, small sardines/greenbacks, sand fleas, sardines, pinfish, or jigs bounced along bottom as you drift.

INS HOR E GAG GR OU PER: The inshore grouper bite will pick up, especially as the water temperatures cool down. However, you cannot keep any fish caught after October 31. Recreational Gag Grouper season is only open from July 1 through October 31 each year. It seems ridiculous to me but we let them do it to us so it’s hard to complain about it. Fishing should be good when we can avoid the northerly cold fronts and high winds. Lots of fish near shore and Tampa Bay, coming up with a few really nice ones but they’ve got to go back.

KINGFISH, SPA NISH MACKEREL, B ONIT O, B LU EFISH: December cold fronts are here and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach or inside the Bay. We’ve been having great success on huge Spanish mackerel inside Tampa Bay. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same.

With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

15

16

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

in January

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

17

P

lant City strawberries are finally in season! These are our most prominent strawberry months, as Plant City is the winter strawberry capital of the world. The farmers are working tirelessly to guarantee that the strawberries are top quality and delicious to eat. While Plant City berries are popular in the winter, the work lasts all throughout the year. The farmers and agriculturists are the stronghold of the strawberry industry, but a small portion of that industry goes beyond working the land and the science of the crop.

Communicating the importance of the strawberry industry to the consumers and people of this great community is a vital job and is one that is done all year long.

While there are many associations communicating the importance of strawberries, this article is specifically speaking of the Strawberry Festival Queen and Court.

Each year a new set of five girls is chosen in the prime of strawberry season. They are knowledgeable of the industry and have a passion for sharing this vital fruit with the people of the town. This year, as every year, Plant City was blessed with a tremendous group of young ladies. Chelsea Bowden, Calli Jo Parker, Chelsea Talavera, Erica Kelley, and Olivia Higgins are each well equipped for the job and are exceptional at having fun while doing it. They have a long list of events they are asked to attend. At each one they represent themselves, their families, the strawberry indus-

18

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

try, and the Lord. The girls constantly remind themselves how truly blessed they are, and thank the Lord for everything he has done for them in the past year. As their year rapidly comes to a close we thought it would be nice to shed light on just what they do for the industry that provides Plant City with so much.

Their job begins immediately after the pageant, speaking with local radio stations and newspapers. However, the majority of their duties revolve around the Florida Strawberry Festival. During these eleven days the girls are basically the face of the Festival. They advocate the strawberry industry, and show through their actions and excitement throughout the Festival exactly what the Strawberry Industry means to Plant City. The Festival began as a celebration of the harvest of strawberries.

Now, while the festival has evolved into much more, the foundation is still there and vibrant. The Strawberry Queen and Court, along with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Ambassadors, auction off the Best Flat Strawberries each year. This is a contest between farmers to see who, in fact, had the best berries that day. The girls are presented with the opportunity to speak about the strawberry industry numerous times during their reign at the Strawberry Festival, on stage introducing acts, in different tents throughout the festival grounds, and especially while visiting with the people who enter the festival gates.

DECEMBER 2012

The job doesn’t stop at the Festival, however. Chelsea, Calli Jo, Chelsea, Erica and Olivia, attend numerous agricultural banquets where they are asked to speak about their experiences with the industry and how it is important to everyone, themselves included. This year they had the tremendous opportunity to attend two banquets that the Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, attended. It was a very special occasion to share the stage with the most prominent face of Florida agriculture. Hearing speakers like Commissioner Putnam is an excellent reminder to the girls that Strawberry Queen is bigger than them. It is representing an industry that their home town depends on so fervently.

These five young ladies are asked to attend local elementary school functions as well.

This is one of their favorite acts of service.

Speaking with young children about what agriculture is, breaking it down to its simplest form: where our food comes from!

The girls realize that it is vital for these young students to understand what agriculture is at a young age. At Bailey Elementary for the Great American TeachIn, the girls were faced with students excited to learn. They took their prior experiences, like seeing a strawberry field while on the school bus in the mornings, and made the connection to agriculture and learned that without it we could not eat.

This is an excellent chance for the girls to W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

instill life lessons in the students’ minds about making goals, working hard, and learning that God made each of us differently but in his image and we should embrace our differences, not put each other down.

The strawberry industry is full of many different aspects. It leads us down different paths all for one purpose. The Strawberry Queen and Court are a mere example of the vast aspect of communicating agriculture. However, it is one that hits very close to home, as everyone in Plant City is familiar with their big crown, sashes, and red lips. But as their year of service to the community they love so much is closing, they would like everyone to remember that Strawberry Queen is more than the famous garb, it is an opportunity for teenage girls to make a difference. It is an opportunity to advocate the agriculture industry, to ensure that Plant City remains the loving friendly place it has been for generations, and to be certain that everyone they meet knows the Lord.

Chelsea, Calli Jo, Chelsea, Erica, and Olivia have had a fantastic year and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

19

20

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

21

I

am so glad the election for President is over. I don’t know about you, but I got tired of all those political ads on TV, radio, newspaper, computer and unsolicited phone calls. Can you imagine, they could have put most of the money spent on advertising on the national debt and most likely have gotten us out of this financial crisis.

This world is spinning, and I’m getting dizzy. Some things get under my skin, like all these kids running around with droopy pants. For the life of me I don’t know why they wear their caps side ways… their heads aren’t crooked.

Speaking of people, I sometimes think the crazy people have more sense than we do. For example, a farmer in Chattahoochee was driving his wagon with a load of horse manure near the insane asylum. One of the inmates was standing at the fence and called to the farmer, “Hey, what are you going to do with all that manure?” The farmer replied that he was going to put it on his strawberries. The inmate couldn’t believe it and said, “You must be crazy. We put whip cream and sugar on ours.”

Do you ever wonder about the sanity of our leaders in Washington, the way they give our money away? I remember a story where the University of Minnesota received a grant for $390,000.00 to work on a three-year program to set an “odor emissions rating system” for regulating the states more than 35,000 feedlots. According to a newspaper in Minneapolis, they hired government officials and judges to go sniff the feedlots since there was currently insufficient due process of law. By now they have developed objective standards on the types of odors and their strength since the program was in 1997. I guess sniffing the nearly 200 chemical components of cow and pig manure in order to categorize them for the formal state stench test was exciting.

Can you imagine? Someone asks you what you do for a living, and you tell them, “I’m a sniffer of cow and pig manure.”

22

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

I remember a number of years back when the Plant City Jaycees had a fund-raiser called “Cow-Patty Bingo.” The Jaycees marked a field into squares with a different numbers in each square.

Freshly fed cows were released onto the field. They would take bets by selling the numbers for $5.00 each. The $100.00 pot would go to the person who bought the number that a cow pooped on first. This grew old after a few years.

Later the Jaycees started holding a rodeo each year on the property just east of the railroad tracks across from the Red Rose Inn. The big attraction, of course, was Alvin and William Futch, along with other local cowboys showing off their skills at bronc and bull riding.

Some of you may remember when they would put a Brahma bull called “Big Sid” in front of Barwick’s Drug Store in downtown Plant City to promote the rodeo. If anyone rode “Big Sid” for tenseconds or more they would win $1,000.00. Of course the Futch boys were first in line. No one ever won the jackpot, but I can remember Alvin Futch sailing through the air into the bleachers over a six-foot fence about six seconds into his ride. I think it was Carlos Cone and Chief of Police Bob Spooner that caught him before he hit the spectators in the bleachers.

Did you know Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum has a collection of cow hairballs? The largest, most humongous cow ball comes from a cow in Michigan who produced the top prize in a 2004 nationwide Believe It Or Not contest. The owner of the wining cow ball won $2,000.00. Also on exhibit are more than 235 additional hairballs, making it the largest such assortment in the world.

You will find other bovine exhibits of interest at the Ocean City’s Believe It Or Not museum, such as a six-legged, full size cow from Texas. Also is a 22-year old steer that has two extra legs growing out of its front shoulders and throat area. This animal weighed W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

1,500 pounds at death in 1999. If that’s not enough, check out the two-headed, four-legged Siamese twin Holstein calf, born on Mother’s Day, 1986 on a farm in Pennsylvania.

In October I sent out an e-mail to a number of my friends asking for reasons to be happy if you burn the Thanksgiving turkey. I wanted to gather this information for my neighbor, Mark Poppell, who always cooks a turkey outside in his smoker. He has been known to forget to check on it while watching a Thanksgiving Day football game. So what do you do with burnt turkey?

Sorry to say I did not get back many replies until after Thanksgiving. Since most of my replies were rather humorous I thought I would pass them along now. One said Thanksgiving is a traditional American Holiday where families all over the United States sit down for dinner at the same time—Halftime!

David Vick wrote, don’t worry about burning the turkey. Salmonella will not be a concern, no one will overeat and everyone will think its Cajun Blackened. Others noted that your pets will not pester you for scraps. Carving the bird will provide a good cardiovascular workout, and after dinner the guys can take the bird outside and play football.

In closing, remember that today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy the day to its fullest. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

23

Home Proctection Pest Control

Home Protection Pest Control is a family owned business serving the pest control needs of Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties.

For more info call and ask for Kathy 3909 N. Keene Rd. • Plant City, FL 33565 www.HomeProtectionpc.com • homepropc@gmail.com 24

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

25

10th Annual Plant City Pig Jam The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted the 10th Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex Stadium in Plant City.

Individuals competed in professional and amateur competitions sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and those attending had the opportunity to sample some wonderful BBQ. Prizes were awarded with professionals vying for a $3,000 Grand Champion award, $2000 Reserve award and cash prizes through 10th place in four food categories.

Top three overall and in each category are listed below: Overall: 1. I.A.B. 30 BBQ - 672.0000 2. Swamp Boys - 666.8572 3. 4 Smokin' Butts - 663.4286 Chicken: 1. Swamp Boys - 176.0000 2. 4 Smokin' Butts - 174.8572 3. Worlds Smokin Q - 173.1430 Ribs: 1. I.A.B. 30 BBQ - 177.1430 2. Poppell Insurance - 171.4286 3. Unknown BBQ - 170.8572 Pork: 1. Tiki Time BBQ - 171.4288 2. All Racked Up BBQ - 170.8572 3. Smokin N the Boys Room - 169.7142 Brisket: 1. Diva Q - 176.0002 2. Hot Wachula's - 172.0000 3. Garland Q - 170.8570

26

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

*** All Items Are 8 lbs. Unless Otherwise Noted.***

GEORGIA PECANS HALVES & PIECES 1 lb bag . . . . . . . . . . . $9 2.5 lbs bag . . . . . $22.25 5 lbs bag . . . . . . . . . $44 10 lbs bag . . . . . . . . $87

WALK-INS WELCOME

Foodhooks.........................................$22 Baby Butter Beans ............................$14 Green Beans.......................................$14 Pole Beans .........................................$14 Speckled Butter Beans.....................$14 Blackeye Peas....................................$14 Butter Peas ........................................$14 Conk Peas .........................................$22 Crowder Peas ....................................$14 Pinkeye Peas......................................$14 White Acre Peas................................$14 Sugar Snap Peas ...............................$15 Zipper Peas........................................$14 Green Peas .........................................$14 White Corn .........................................$13 Yellow Corn ........................................$13 Cream White Corn 4#........................$6 Cream Yellow Corn 4#.......................$6 Collard Greens ...................................$13 Mustard Greens..................................$13 Turnip Greens ....................................$13 Spinach ...............................................$13

Cut Okra .............................................$13 Breaded Okra.....................................$13 Whole Okra ........................................$13 Sliced Yellow Squash........................$13 Sliced Zucchini ..................................$13 Brussel Sprouts..................................$13 Baby Carrots ......................................$13 Broccoli...............................................$13 Cauliflower .........................................$13 Mixed Vegetables..............................$13 Soup Blend.........................................$13 Blueberries 5# ...................................$15 Blackberries 5# .................................$15 Dark Sweet Cherries 5# ...................$18 Mango Chunks 5# .............................$15 Pineapple Chunks 5#........................$15 Whole Strawberries 5# ....................$15 Cranberries 5#...................................$15 Rhubarb 5# ........................................$13 Peaches...............................................$15 Green Peanuts ...................................$15

Call – or go on-line to place your order today and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up!

www.SouthwesternProduce.com W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

27

Dry Creek

M

y mother always said I was too busy looking ahead and I couldn't enjoy the moment. Boy, was she right.

So this year I've decided to enjoy Christmas and not get hung up in all the rush.

I even wrote a poem about slowing down and enjoying the little things of the season. I hope when you read it; it will slow you down a bit in this hectic season.

Christmas Stop Is it the things around us that changes or is it us?

Today we all run around at Christmas time and we’re all in quite a fuss.

To that I say just stop.

Christmas isn't walking thru a mall to shop.

Christmas is love.

Not standing in lines and thru Wal-Mart’s doors we shove.

I say it’s not about you or I. It’s as simple as looking up into the northern sky.

We don’t need a dollar to see and feel it.

Just relax and look at that candle that is lite.

Feel the cold against your cheek.

Look at that steam floating off the creek.

Watch the snow fall down.

Listen to all the Christmas sounds.

Slow Down It’s Christmas

By Les McDowell Photos Courtesy of Linda Constant

The sound of a distant bell.

Listening to an older person and the stories they have to tell.

Stop and feel the warmness in your heart.

That’s what Christmas was about from the very start.

You see Christmas isn’t what’s happening all around us on the outside.

It’s the glow that lights us up inside.

So this Christmas don’t move so fast it passes you by this year.

Think of Christmas as everything you love and hold dear.

Merry Christmas from our Dry Creek Family to yours.

Dry Creek on Verizon Saturday nights at 7:30 PM ET.

Everybody knows where Dry Creek is... cause it’s inside each one of us.

Watch Dry Creek on BlueHighwaysTV, Channel 246 on Verizon Sat nites at 7:30.

Go to DryCreekT V.Com for more information.

Check us out at drycreektv.com

The wood is popping in a fire.

The laugh of a baby as a mother is playing with it, to try to tire.

28

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

29

Federal County Natural Resource Conservation Team Working Well...

Customers Are More Than Satisfied

E

xciting things are happening in natural resource conservation in Florida.

We are talking about a program that involves the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working together to help landowners and lessees conserve natural resources. With one goal being 20 projects, that accounts for 500 acres of additional, sustainable farmland in Hillsborough County, and these projects are worth $5,000,000 to our economy in construction costs.

The district has been promoting natural resources conservation since 1946 with its primary goal to help solve local natural resource problems with quality technical services that are available at no cost. It is governed by a five member elected board.

“Our focus is on soil and water conservation,” said Roy Davis, newly elected member of the board. “The district is also involved in several educational outreach activities annually. Some of these activities include several competitions that result in educational awards, both trophies and money, for the winners.”

Through its partnership with NRCS, the district, based at NRCS offices in Plant City, has access to equipment, resources and expertise of that federal agency. Its staffers also work closely with other governmental entities including the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the county’s Environmental Protection Commission.

The focal point for the team’s efforts are lands that produce our food and fiber, habitat for fish and wildlife and filtering systems for our water and air. Change impacts con-

30

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

By Jim Frankowiak

servation, including soil erosion, crop rotations, animal feed-grazing operations, urban sprawl, as well as emergencies such as flooding and wildfires.

drawings. With the team approach, two recent projects were designed and received the regulatory approvals in 60 days from the initial site visit.”

“A significant portion of our work is associated with helping growers benefit from the incentive-based conservation programs that promote good stewardship and for sustainability of their operations,” notes District Engineering Specialist Kim Ford.

“Depending upon circumstances, we either respond individually or with a team to determine the type of technical and design assistance that is needed by the inquiring landowner or lessee. In addition to plan design, we work with our regulatory agency colleagues to help resolve any issues that may arise. That helps save time for both the applicant and involved agencies.

While cost-sharing is not the primary focus of this process, “it is essentially the icing on the cake when it occurs,” said Ford.

“There are times when applications and required documentation can seem overwhelming,” said Ford. “However, by working together our team’s goal is to address and resolve these matters on a timely basis.”

In 2012, the District has provided the design and permitting assistance for 17 projects to farmers in Hillsborough County. Some have completed their projects and most are pursuing cost-sharing with either the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) or NRCS assistance. The scope of the assistance required ranged from helping growers secure permitting for stormwater and irrigation ponds, to farm expansions and conversions of land use from one crop to another, on through to efforts to make land more sustainable.

Most projects begin with the initial site visit, required surveying and plan design. “Some of the design resources include Hillsborough County’s Stormwater Model results for the county that includes stages of creeks and floodplains in the project area,” said Ford.

“Other resources are posted on our website.” The next step is submission of required materials to regulatory officials, most often SWFWMD, Hillsborough County EPC and the county’s Agricultural Exemption from Planning and Growth Management.

“Each of these projects has required anywhere from 30 to 80 hours of design work,” said Ford. “Our average is approximately 50 hours for the design and AutoCAD

DECEMBER 2012

The best testimony comes from applicants, who – in addition to saving approximately $5,000 for each completed design – have benefited in other ways.

“After the original site visit by regulatory agencies, we were convinced to give up, but Mr. Ford began working with us to help us through the process,” said Bob Hinton of Hinton Farms. “We are nearing the end of our approval process and for the first time in 45 years of farming, we can say that there is somebody in government there to help us.”

“Because of Mr. Ford’s attention to the legal side of our project, we were always assured that we continuously followed the guidelines established by NRCS and SWFWMD,” noted Dale Lewis of Harrell’s Nursery.

While recognized by the individuals he has assisted, Ford is quick to share credit with his team members. “From the efforts of my colleagues at NRCS and the Water Management District to the people we often work with at EPC, it is our team approach in working with our clients that has helped expedite the process and fully comply with guidelines. And, when we can help with cost-sharing, that is just another benefit to our customers.”

The Water Management District’s Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management System (FARMS) program and several USDA programs are particularly popular in this area.

Information on the FARMS program is available at www.watermatters.org, while USDA-NRCS program information is available at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/ .

For more information about Soil and Water Conservation District programs and assistance, visit www.hillsboroughsoilandwater or call 813/757-3740.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

31

D

airy products are essential to the American way of life. We love our cheeses and yogurts, sour creams and coffee creamers. Of course, there are other areas of the world that aren’t so dairy oriented and well, they just don’t know what they’re missing. Obviously when people discuss dairy products the first inclination is to assume it has been supplied by the udders of a bovine. However, Tanya Cook is enthusiastic about another form, the one that comes from her Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats.

Tanya says, “I grew up right on the outskirts of what is now FishHawk. I moved to Lithia in 1966 on a farm. We had the usual cows and pigs and goats. I was the typical farm girl, loved everything we had. I had to name everything even if it ended up on the dinner table. I always had my feet on a farm. We were kind of selfsustaining. We grew our own meat products and vegetables. It was what I learned to love and what I missed when I grew up and got a job and got married. I always wanted to have my own farm.”

Tanya’s desire to return to the lifestyle she knew as a child never left her. She married Walter Cook and they had a daughter, Drogheda. Then, just as she’d always hoped, they bought a six acre farm back in Lithia. She returned home to her roots in 1988.

She explains, “I raised my family and wasn’t able to do too much farming or animal raising. In 2007, I retired from the medical field and got two goats, two very old and sick goats which just made the love of animals bloom. They were very old, one passed away within two weeks of owning her.” This tragic beginning did not hinder Tanya’s enthusiastic return to farm life though.

She explains, “I knew I wanted goats but I wasn’t sure what breed I wanted. I was used to the larger breed of dairy goats. I didn’t even know there was a miniature breed, just kind of ran across them in research. I thought they were just pygmy goats but they’re actually a breed in themselves, they’re called Nigerian Dwarf. I chose them because of their size, their friendly nature and their

32

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

milk production. I was very intrigued by the amount of milk these small statured goats can produce. They can produce between one and three quarts of milk a day. It’s considered a sweet milk when compared to other dairy goats. It’s very high in butter fat, it can have between six and ten percent butter fat which translates into marvelous cheese; it’s very good for that.”

Since Tanya is no stranger to the concept of self-sustained farming it makes perfect sense that she would desire to raise an animal that could provide some nutritional value to her family. She elaborates, “I bought my first goats because I wanted the milk products. I bought non-registered stock to make milk and cheese and soap. I met a Nigerian breeder and all of her stock was registered through the ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) and I purchased my first two registered does and she talked me into going to a goat show in Pasco County. I enjoyed myself and I decided I had to show dairy goats,” she laughs. “I did hours of research to learn about breeding a good dairy goat, researched farms all over the country to see about their stock and different breeding lines.”

So, what began as a means of supplementing her family’s food provisions became an even greater passion as she discovered that she really loved being in the ring showing her goats. This of course led her to begin breeding Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. She says, “Breeding dairy goats is very challenging to breed correct animals to have the best milk production. My first show that I attended, I had a four month old buck, he placed first place, he was junior champion and he finished the show as reserve grand champion competing against 42 Nigerian bucks.” This success is what spurred her onward. She adds, “I guess after coming home, that’s when I started developing my herd so that I could get the features, you know, the conformation that I liked so that I would have the breeding lines I wanted. We continued to grow. I have five bucks in my herd and approximately 25 does. We have several championships, and best udder. That’s a coveted prize when your doe gets best udder!”

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Tanya does her part to help students learn about Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. She supplies kids (baby goats) for 4H and FFA projects. She says, “I enjoy speaking with the kids in the 4H and FFA to get them to show a dairy goat. Of course, there’s not the monetary recoup because you’re not gonna sell your dairy goat at the end of the show. The dairy goat shows are growing, the interest is there with the breeders, we just need to get the word out to the FFA and 4H. I’ve got a waiting list for babies for show. The timing’s a little off for kids because our show season starts in the winter time so we want our does to have babies then so they’ll be in milk for our show. Kids need to look for their projects in the spring for the following year.” These are words of wisdom if your child is interested in showing a Nigerian Dwarf.

In closing, Tanya instructs, “There’s a couple of great websites where you can learn about the Nigerian Dwarf. There’s the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club of Florida (www.ndgcf.com) and then there’s the Florida Dairy Goat Association (www.fdga.org). Goat popularity has grown a lot in Florida but breeders like myself would prefer to see more. You can go to other parts of the country and get goat products at corner stands but the Florida Department of Agriculture won’t allow us to sell stuff for human consumption.” Obviously Tanya would love to be able to share the products her goats generate. Thusly, it is imperative that the general public learn more about the benefits therein. You can learn more at the websites provided above, or you can check out Tanya’s website: www.tlcfarmsdwarfgoats.com or give her a call at (813) 633-3883. In addition, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can attend the March Mini Madness event at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on March 9, 2013. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

33

Drive The Holiday Lights At The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

N

ights of Shimmering Lights is set to light up State Route 60 just east of Brandon, FL with a million colorful LED lights. The second season at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover, FL opened its gates at dark on November 24. Many new additions this year are planned to entertain visitors. Get your picture taken with Santa and drop your letters to Santa in our mailbox. Stop by the Holiday Village for shopping, outdoor holiday movies and some hot chocolate. Watch the animated light show at the Tree Symphony area. Don’t miss the

best fresh hot donuts in Tampa Bay. Enjoy your trip Under the Sea from your personal vehicle while enjoying the sounds of the season. Over 200 new lighted elements have been added this year including a 20 foot light Ferris Wheel and Cinderella scene.

to participate in the fundraiser. It’s as easy as 1-2-3. 1) Pre-register your school/nonprofit; 2) Visit on one of the fundraiser nights (check the calendar for dates) 3) Mention your school/organization. Ten percent (10%) of your admission fee goes back to your organization.

Be one of the first five cars in line each night and get a free picture with Santa. Nights of Shimmering Lights is a Toys-for-Tots drop off spot. You bring a new toy and we give you a gift! Register your school or nonprofit organization at www.NOSL-TB.com

Gates open at dark each night and close at 9 pm weekdays, 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

Open Thursday-Sunday until December 16 then nightly until December 30.

Florida Ag Expo Florida’s Premier Event For Fruit & Vegetable Growers The Florida Ag Expo, held November 7 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, is the only show where Florida vegetable growers can get the latest information on trends and techniques, insect and disease management and tour new field trials. Tomato, strawberry, pepper and cucurbit growers found a wealth of valuable information during the show.

34

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

New Weed Scientist Joins Gulf Coast Research And Education Center

by Jim Frankowiak

N

athan Boyd, Ph.D., has joined the faculty of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center as an assistant Professor with both research and Extension responsibilities.

He will work in the fruit and vegetable areas with focus on strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and cucurbits.

Most recently, Professor Boyd was an Associated Professor – Vegetation Management in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. He had been at the college since November of 2005. He has also been a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Research Horticulturalist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Salinas, California Research Station were he conducted research on organic weed management techniques in horticultural crops and cover cropping techniques for organic cropping systems.

Professor Boyd was awarded his Doctorate in Plant Science by the University of Manitoba, his Master of Science in Plant Science from Nova Scotia Agricultural College and his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Statistics from Dalhousie University.

“I considered the opportunity at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center a great chance to join a highly regarded university and to continue the type of work I enjoyed at the USDA facility in California,” said Professor Boyd. He and his wife have three children, the most recent addition coming to their family just four weeks before their relocation to Florida.

“Helping growers manage weeds more effectively as we proceed into the post methyl bromide era is my primary focus,” W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

said Prof. Boyd. “The first step in that regard is the chance to meet individual growers and the associations that represent them.”

While a member of the faculty at Nova Scotia Agricultural College where he taught at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Dr. Boyd was successful in securing substantial research funding from a variety of sources, both public and private. “In addition to these funding sources, many industry partners provided significant amounts of funding, either as research contracts or as funds to be used to acquire matching funding,” he noted.

Among those partners were Oxford Frozen Foods, DuPont Canada, Bay CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, Nova Source, Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia and others.

Prof. Boyd has published in both peerreviewed and non peer-reviewed publications and has been invited to speak at a variety of forums and conferences. His Extension activities have included presentations, participation in field days and growers seminars, weed identification and management recommendations for growers, as well as for specimens left at the college and field visits for growers collaborating with his research program.

“While my primary focus will be on strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and cucurbits, my background and work does offer substantial insights into blueberries and I do anticipate sharing that information with my colleagues,” said Prof.

Boyd.

When not involved in research or Extension activities, Prof. Boyd enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and canoeing. •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

35

Auto Services Inc. “We Are A FULL SERVICE Garage” • Body Shop • Used /Reman Transmission • Engine Diagnostic/Tune Up • Brakes • Maintenance/Repairs • AC Repair GUARANTEED USED PARTS • Large selection of Used Tires • New and Used Glass Installed

(813) 689-8131 2 Year Part Replacement & Labor Guarantee!

3159 Hwy. 60 East

3 miles east of Brandon Serving Brandon Since 1971

www.brandonauto.com 36

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

37

Florida Lettuce Fresh from from Fresh the Earth Earth the

phosphorus, and copper. High levels of health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids also act in beneficial ways in the body.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, two cups of raw fresh Romaine lettuce (94 g) contains 16 calories, 1.2 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 3.1 g carbohydrate, and 1.9 g of dietary fiber. One cup of lettuce also provides 164% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin A, 120% for vitamin K, 38% for vitamin C, 32% for folate, 8% for fiber, and plenty of other vitamins and minerals. Lettuce is one of the lowest calories foods available and is packed with nutrients!

VITAMIN C

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

T

he weather is cooling down, and fresh Florida greens and lettuces are in their peak season now. Many types of lettuce thrive in Florida, including different types of the most common categories: Romaine, Crisphead, Butterhead, and Loose Leaf. Romaine lettuce has long, green leaves with a crunchy, juicy bite. The crisphead type, which includes iceberg lettuce, has green leaves surrounding inner white leaves and has a very mild flavor. Butterhead has large soft, tender leaves with a sweet flavor and includes Boston lettuce. Loose leaf types, such as green leaf, red leaf, and oak leaf are delicate with a mild flavor and have vibrantly colored leaves.

All of these types of lettuce are bursting with vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C. Very low in calories, lettuce has a high water content. Eating more of this veggie is surprisingly easy and a great way to help stay hydrated.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Bursting with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, lettuce is a nutrition standout. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, including lettuce, lowers the risk for developing a variety of cancers. In general, the darker colored leaves have more nutrients than their paler counterparts.

In addition to cancer-fighting properties, lettuce is considered an excellent source of the vitamins A, C, and K, and a very good source of dietary fiber, folate, manganese, molybdenum, and potassium. Additionally, lettuce contains plentiful amounts of iron, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, 38

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

Fresh Florida lettuce is high in Vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. Vitamin C, along with the vitamins A and K found in lettuce, prevents oxidation of cholesterol, which helps to thwart plaque from forming in arteries.

By fighting cell and tissue damage, Vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.

Current research findings support that the benefits of vitamin C derives from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including lettuce, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating raw or cooked lettuce.

FIBER Lettuce and other leafy green vegetables contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, assist with digestion, and prevent constipation.

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. Dietary fiber decreases cholesterol by binding to bile salts and excreting them from the body. More cholesterol is then broken down to form new bile, which also helps prevent atherosclerosis.

A two-cup serving of raw lettuce provides almost 8% of your daily requirement for fiber, which means that a large salad composed of lettuce and other veggies can go a long way in filling your fiber requirements.

Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of satiety.

FOLATE Florida lettuce is a good source of folate, a vitamin that can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) in the fetus. Pregnant women should consume a diet high in folate, and eating lettuce and other vegetables and fruits every day can help.

Folate is also essential for growth and development, and plays a key role in DNA formation. Its heart-healthy benefits come from its ability to lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that is correlated with heart disease.

Additionally, low levels of folate have been linked with low energy levels, depression and even memory impairments. So it’s an essential vitamin for everyone, in addition to its significant importance for the developing fetus.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose lettuce that looks crisp and deeply colored and is free of wilting, yellowing or dark spots. The leaves and stems should look fresh and tender and feel dry to the touch. To store raw lettuce, pat leaves dry with a paper towel, place in a tightly wrapped plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. The hardier lettuces, such as romaine can be refrigerated for up to six days, while the more delicate leaf lettuces will stay fresh only for a day or two. Do not wash lettuce until immediately before use.

HOW TO ENJOY Wash well before use to remove dirt. Dry leaves well, either with paper towels or with a salad spinner. Several ways to enjoy this vegetable include: • Sautéed lightly with olive oil and herbs • Used as a decorative and edible plate liner under the entrée or a fruit salad • Stir-fried with soy sauce, mushrooms, and baby corn • Chopped as a salad base, taco topper, or sandwich topper • Briefly sautéed and added to pasta • Used as a low-carb bread alternative • Wrapped around meat, tofu, or nuts • Tossed into a stew or soup Fresh Florida lettuces are at their peak today. These festive green and red leaves can be a delicious part of any meal.

SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu http://www.whfoods.com http://www.ipmcenters.org W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

39

40

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Community Farmers Markets

Information courtesy of www.hillsboroughcounty.org • HILLSB OU ROU GH FARMERS MARKET S • SWEET WAT ER SU NDAY ORGANIC MARKET Sweetwater Community Farm, 6942 W. Comanche Avenue Tampa, Florida • Open-air / seasonal • November through May Sundays, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Andrea Harms, Market Manager 6942 Comanche Avenue Tampa, FL 33634 Telephone: (813) 887-4066 • www.sweetwater-organic.org TAMPA DOWNT OWN MARKET Lykes Gaslight Square Park 400 and 500 Block Franklin Street and 200 and 300 Madison Street, Tampa, Florida 33602 Open: Mid-October through Mid-May Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Ms. Tiffany Ferrecchia 601 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1100 Tampa, Florida 33602 • Telephone: (813) 649-8747 Email: marketmanager@tampadowntown.com www.tampadowntownmarket.com TAMPA WHOLESALE PRODU CE MARKET 2801 East Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, Florida Open year-round: Monday through Saturday from 3:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Contact Information: Peter Filippello 2801 East Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, Florida 33610 Telephone: (813) 237-3314 YB OR CIT Y SAT U RDAY MARKET Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor City Tampa, Florida Year-round, Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Lynn Schultz P.O. Box 5294, Tampa, Florida 33675-5294 Telephone: (813) 241-2442 Email: ybormarket@yahoo.com Web: www.ybormarket.com • MANAT EE FARMERS MARKET S • DOWNT OWN B RADENT ON FARMERS’ MARKET Old Main Street (12th Street West) Bradenton, Florida October through May • Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Susan Blake, Market Manager 101 Old Main St. - City Hall Bradenton, Florida 34205 Telephone: (941) 544-8077 Fax: (941) 932-9552 Email: susanblake@earthlink.net www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com LAKEWOOD RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, Florida Street-side Market Open November through May Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Information: Bob Fernandez, Market Manager 301 North Hillcrest Drive Clearwater, Florida 33755 Telephone: (727) 461-7674 Email: pbjfernandez@ij.net • PASCO FARMERS MARKET S • DOWNT OWN NORT H PORT RICHEY MARKET Historic District, Railroad Square Nebraska Avenue, one block east of Grand New Port Richey, Florida Open: Year-Round, Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Carlene Hanlon 6231 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey, FL 34652 Telephone: (727) 842-8066 • Fax: (727) 264-0460 Emails: judy@nprmainstreet.com carlene@nprmainstreet.com • www.nprmainstreet.com

FLORIDA ESTAT ES WINERY MARKET 25241 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 Second and fourth Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Contact Information: Ron Hunt 25241 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639-7172 Telephone: (813)996-2113 Email: corp@flewn.com • www.floridaestateswines.com • PINELLAS FARMERS MARKET S • DOWNT OWN CLEARWAT ER FARMERS’ MARKET Downtown on Cleveland Street (500 block) Clearwater, FL • Mid-October through May-Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Contact Information: Bob or Pat Fernandez, P.O. Box 1017, Clearwater, FL 33757 Telephone: (727) 461-7674 • Email: pbjfernandez@ij.net www.clearwaterfarmersmarket.com DU NEDIN GREEN MARKET Pioneer Park, corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue Dunedin, Florida Mid-October through April • Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Richard Kendler, Market Manager 200 Woodette Drive, No. 803, Dunedin, FL 34698 Telephone: (727) 733-4215 Email: greenmarketmanager@verizon.net  GU LFPORT T U ESDAY FRESH MARKET Beach Boulevard, near 29th Avenue South Gulfport, FL Open year round • Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Daniel Hodge 4920 29th Avenue South, Gulfport, FL 33707 Telephone: (727) 366-4086 • Email: dan@igc.org Web: www.gulfportma.com/Freshmarket.html

• POLK FARMERS MARKET S • AU B U RNDALE FARMERS’ MARKET Downtown - 119 West Park Street Auburndale, FL November through April • Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Larry Helms 119 West Park Street Auburndale, FL 33823 Telephone: (863) 965-5545 • Fax: (863) 965-6319 Email: lhelms@auburndalefl.com www.auburndalefl.com HAINES CIT Y FARMERS’ MARKET Railroad Park - Downtown (Sixth Street and Jones Avenue) Haines City, FL Year-round, Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Tommy Cassel, Market Manager P.O. Box 1507, Haines City, FL 33845 Telephone: (863) 421-3700 • Fax: (863) 421-3701 Email: tacassel@ci.haines-city.fl.us http://www.ci.haines-city.fl.us LAKELAND DOWNT OWN FARMERS’ CURB MARKET 200 North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, FL Open September to July • Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Mr. Jim Luna 228 South Massachusetts Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 Telephone: (863) 687-8910 • Fax: (863) 683-2783 Email: becky.abel@lakelandgov.net www.LDDA.org/curbmarket  • SARASOTA FARMERS MARKET • PHILLIPPI ESTAT E FARMERS’ MARKET S Phillippi Estate Park 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL Open November - April, Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Tim Brown, c/o Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34231 Telephone: (941) 266-6691 • Fax: (941) 373-7080 Email: thtttbrown@aol.com

LARGO’S DOWNT OWN MARKET Ulmer Park • 301 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33771 Open November through April Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Kinsit Cooley P.O. Box 296, Largo, FL 33779 Telephone: (727) 587-6740 • Fax: (727) 586-7406 Email: kcooley@largo.com • Web: www.largoevents.com  MARKET IN T HE PARK Heritage Village, 11909 - 125th Street Largo, FL 33774 November through mid-April Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Richard Kendler, Market Manager 200 Woodette Drive, No. 803, Dunedin, FL 34698 Telephone: (727) 733-4215 Email: greenmarketmanager@verizon.net

SARASOTA DOWNT OWN FARMERS’ MARKET Downtown Sarasota - Corner of Lemon Avenue and Main Street Sarasota, Florida Year-round • Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to noon Contact Information: Leann Aldridge, Market Manager 1365 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236 Telephone: (941) 951-2656 Email: leann@downtownsarasota.com www.downtownsarasota.com 

OLDSMAR DOWNT OWN FRESH MARKET 100 State Street West next to City Hall November through April Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Richard Kendler 200 Woodette Drive, No. 803, Dunedin, FL 34698 Telephone: (727) 733-4215 Email: GreenMarketManager@verizon.net

COMMU NIT Y FARMERS MARKET S For More Information Contact: Agriculture Industry Development Program Hillsborough County Economic Development Department P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, Florida 33601-1110 Phone: (813) 272-5909 Fax: (813) 276-2638 http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/econdev/agriculture/

SAFET Y HARB OR FARMERS’ MARKET 400 Main Street - Downtown Safety John Wilson Park Safety Harbor, Florida • Mid-October through May Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Contact Information: Bob Fernandez 301 N. Hillcrest Drive Clearwater, FL 33755 Telephone: (727) 461-7674 • Email: pbjfernandez@ij.net www.safetyharborchamber.com

Listings in this directory are not paid advertisements and are provided as a free service. A listing in this directory does not imply an endorsement by Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Economic Development Department, or the Agriculture Economic Development Council.

ST. PET ERSB U RG SAT U RDAY MORNING MARKET First Avenue South and First Street St. Petersburg, FL October through May • Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information: Gail Eggman 104 Fareham Place, North • St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Telephone: (727) 455-4921 Email: saturdaymkt@yahoo.com www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

Sources: Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry Development Program and the FL Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

41

Blazing a Trail FOR 26 YEARS

By Libby Hopkins

K

aren Dennis grew up just a few miles away from the 4-H headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, but she was never involved with 4-H as a child. She was a girl scout. It wasn’t until her adult years that she became involved with 4-H and has been volunteering with the Trailblazers 4-H club of Brandon for 26 years.

In addition to being the leader of the club, she is also a member of the Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation Board and she has judged the 4-H Public Speaking Competition for 15 years for Alafia and Cimino Elementary Schools in Brandon.

“Over the years I have judged record books for the Florida State Fair as well as public speaking competitions for 4-H and district day events,” Dennis said. Her club has 21 members and the majority of the students are involved with the dog project, but some are also involved with the horse and rabbit projects and have taken part in horse judging as well. All of her members are involved in the Citizen Project, which helps them learn to value others and to be a good citizen of their local, national and global communities. The structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that the students receive through this project play a vital role in helping them achieve future life successes.

Studies have shown that students who are involved with the 4-H program get better grades in school and are more likely to pursue a future course or a career in science, engineering, or computer technology. They are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and they contribute more to their families and their communities.

Being part of the community is something that is important to Dennis and the Trailblazers. During the holidays, members of the club gift wrap shoes boxes filled with personal care items and deliver them to a local nursing home. They also bring their dogs and put on agility and obedience demonstrations for the residents. “The residents were thrilled to see the kids and their dogs,” Dennis said. “The kids were 42

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

so enthusiastic about their visit that they plan to do it again this year.” The club is also going to make fleece blankets to deliver to Shiners Hospital for Children in Tampa to give to the children who are patients at the hospital. In the past, the club has also spent the day at a local horse rescue doing yard work.

Dennis has seen her students grow and mature from being involved with 4-H and she loves how they are developing leadership skills with the dog project. “The kids that have more experience in training dogs have stepped up to help the new members with training their dogs,” Dennis said. “Some of our members who were too shy to speak up in front of a group of people have learned to speak up and take part in all of the activities and discussions.”

4-H members lead by example. They chart their own course, explore important issues and define their place in the world. They also stand up for themselves and their communities. Dennis feels strongly about what the 4-H program has to offer her students. “Public speaking competitions teach the kids not to be afraid of speaking to a group of people, which will impact their school careers as well as prepare them for their professional careers,” Dennis said. Her students are also required to keep records for their projects and 4-H has helped them to be more responsible with their money. “They set goals at the beginning of the year, keep track of expenses and income involved with their projects and at the end of the year they have a profit and loss statement,” Dennis said. “They also keep track of the number of hours that are spent training and caring for their animals.”

Dennis hopes that her students will take what they have learned from being a part of the Trailblazer’s 4-H club and use it to become successful adults in the future. If you would like to learn more about the 4-H program you can visit the 4-H website at www.4-h.org. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

43

IN BUSINESS NOW FOR OVER 15 YEARS

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

NEW, USED and ABUSED!

HOME & MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES • Code Approved Windows • Window Rooms • Screen Rooms • Carports • Awnings • Wood Paneling • Steps • Alcoa® Vinyl Siding • Skirting • Doors (Interior & Exterior) ake We M w Windo s n Scree

44

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

813

752-3378

• Roof Overs • Metal Roofing • Shower Stalls • Complete Line of Plumbing • Trim Moulding • Vanities • Kitchen Cabinets • Antiques • Stepping Stones/Pavers

2670 Hwy. 92 E Plant City, FL (Between Lakeland and Plant City)

OPEN SATURDAYS: 8:30-5:00 www.brokeandpoorpc@aol.com

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A Closer Look

By Sean Green

Photos courtesy of April Wietrecki

Squirrel Tree Frog (Hyla squirella) On a recent hiking adventure, 10yr old Hannah called out to us with elation that she had found a blue frog and began tracking it for a chance to get a good picture.

Hiking is a regular family event for us and Hannah’s participation in the observation and identification of wildlife has empowered her to correctly identify an impressive variety of wildlife. When we asked her what kind of frog she was tracking, she replied she thought it was a tree frog but it was in a palmetto bush and moved away too fast for her to be sure. My initial thoughts excluded the possibility of a blue frog and favored alternatives such as the Tiger Beetle, which can have an iridescent blue coloration and they too are very fast. I also considered the possibility that young Hannah had seen a blue morph of a large jumping spider but neither the beetle nor the spider are large enough to be mistaken for a frog. We proceeded with an open mind trekking through knee high palmetto looking for a blue tree frog in the middle of the day. When we finally spotted this elusive creature, we were all fascinated; Hannah had actually found a blue frog. This experience is evidence that sometimes, our adult reasoning is shadowed by a child’s natural willingness to accept possibilities. A closer look at nature through the eyes of a child demonstrates that there is still plenty of enchantment in the forest for child and adult alike to admire.

The Squirrel Tree Frog (Hyla squirella) is a common southeastern frog that ranges as far west as Texas and as far North as Virginia. Of all the treefrogs of North America, the Squirrel Tree Frog (Hyla

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

squirella) is thought to have the greatest capacity for quick color change making a positive identification difficult. The most common coloration is a pale green which makes them resemble the American Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea). The American Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) however, is one of the larger of the Hyla genus growing up to 5/8” larger than the Squirrel Tree Frog and is characterized by a prominent white stripe, often outlined in black running down their sides.

Like other treefrogs, this species has enlarged sticky toe pads that help it cling to trees. Squirrel Treefrogs are distinguished from other similar species by process of elimination. One sure fire way of distinguishing this frog from others is to listen to its call. The Squirrel Treefrog gets its name from its distinctive squirrel-like call.

Squirrel Treefrogs have smooth skin to distinguish them from the much larger Barking Treefrogs (Hyla gratiosa) that have rougher skin. Squirrel Treefrogs may have a light stripe running from under its eye along its jaw, the upper lip is often yellowish or bright green or may even have a white line along upper jaw. Some Squirrel Treefrogs have dark bars between their eyes and can either be spotted or plain. Squirrel Treefrogs do not have spots on the inner thighs, this feature distinguishes the Squirrel Treefrogs from the Gray (Hylachrysoscelis/versicolor) and Pine-woods Treefrogs (Hyla femoralis).

Squirrel Treefrogs have a poorly developed yellowish stripe on each side if they have one at all distinguishing it from the American Treefrog.

Squirrel Treefrogs breed from March to October, usually mating after it rains. Those of us that have lived in Florida for any length of time can attest to the inseparable ducklike chorus that follow a rain shower, it’s because of this chorus that the Squirrel Treefrogs are often called “rain frogs.”

Squirrel Treefrogs have external fertilization and lay about 1,000 eggs attached to underwater vegetation in shallow water. After hatching, these frogs remain in their tadpole stage for about 45 days before completing their metamorphosis into adult frogs. In the wild, squirrel treefrogs occur in a wide variety of habitats, including hardwood hammocks, bottomland and floodplain forests and swamps, pine-oak forests, and pine flatwoods. During the day, they can be found resting anywhere that provides a cool, moist and shady escape such as the underside of palm leaves or small chambers of old trees.

This species has become well adapted to civilization and often found in urban backyards or around porch lights where an abundance of food insects can be found.

Garden shrubs are a particularly favored hideout and frequently attract overwintering groups of frogs. Though Squirrel Treefrogs prefer open wetlands, drainage ditches in Florida are usually a pretty good place to find these frogs and the assortment of wildlife that make up the food chain in which it exists. If an adventure is on your calendar this month, take a child along and let them lead, encourage them to share their perspective and the enchantment of nature is sure to follow. •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

45

46

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

By Tom Nordlie High tunnels may increase air and soil temperatures and protect the plants from wind and rain damage, leading to better flowering and more fruit, said Santos, based at UF’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm.

Plants grown in the tunnels produced about 4.5 tons of ripe fruit per acre by the end of March, no ripe fruit came from similar plants grown outdoors during that time.

Wholesale prices for domestic blueberries are highest early in the season, starting at about $7 per pound in early April, he said.

P

rotecting Florida’s $80 million blueberry crop from freeze damage is always a wintertime challenge, but a University of Florida study shows that structures called high tunnels could shield plants from cold and promote earlier fruit ripening.

Though the initial investment can run from $18,000 to $25,000 per acre plus labor, high tunnels deliver better quality fruit, bigger early yields and higher prices if growers beat competitors to market, said Bielinski Santos, an associate professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

The study, published in the current issue of HortTechnology, tracked two growing seasons on a commercial blueberry farm in Alachua County. The results showed that temperatures outside the tunnels plunged to freezing or near-freezing 61 times during the study. Temperatures fell that low just three times inside the unheated tunnels.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

“Usually, Florida growers start harvesting in early April,” Santos said. “The more fruit you can harvest early in the season, the more money you’ll make.”

Growers can also save money with high tunnels because they minimize the need for another freeze protection strategy – sprinkling the plants with water to form a layer of ice. In the study, tunnel-grown plants needed about one-tenth the water for freeze protection as plants grown outdoors.

The study involved two blueberry varieties developed at UF, Snow Chaser and Springhigh. Snow Chaser is especially well suited to life in high tunnels, Santos said.

Made by stretching thick plastic sheeting across an arched frame, high tunnels resemble Quonset huts, he said. Although they have variable dimensions, most tunnels have

roofs anywhere from 8 to 20 feet high, with ends and sides that can be open or sealed, depending on the weather.

The technology is popular in other parts of the world but still catching on in the United States, Santos said. In Florida, high tunnels and other protective structures account for about 250 acres of production, mostly for high-value crops such as blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers.

“We always thought it was really complicated and expensive,” Santos said. “So for the past six years I’ve tried to ‘vulgarize’ the technology and develop a system anyone can use.”

Santos said he knows of one Florida blueberry grower using high tunnels; the owners tried two acres in 2010 and later expanded to 80 acres. Others have expressed interest in the system.

Santos and co-author Teresa SalameDonoso, a research associate at the Balm center, have begun collecting data for an economic study on blueberry production in high tunnels.

“We already have some numbers, and we’re collecting the kind of information growers need to make up their own minds about using high tunnels,” he said. “I see more people doing it eventually.” •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

47

48

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

49

RECIPES Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agricluture

Florida Strawberry Tiramisu

INGREDIENTS

Florida Strawberry Mascarpone Panini

1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries 1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves 1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur 1/3 cup orange juice 1 pound Italian mascarpone cheese, room temperature 1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled 1/3 cup natural sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 52 ladyfinger cookies

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin 8 slices fresh bread (1/2 inch thick) 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese confectioners sugar for dusting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

PREPARATION Heat a panini press or griddle over medium heat.

Spread a thin layer of mascarpone on top of each of the eight bread slices. Add an even layer of fresh sliced strawberries to four of the bread slices. Use the other four slices of bread to top the sandwiches.

Brush the sandwiches with butter and grill or press until golden, about five minutes. Transfer the panini to a cutting board and dust with confectioners sugar. Serve warm.

Whisk preserves, 1/3 cup orange liqueur and orange juice together. Place mascarpone cheese and two tablespoons orange liqueur in large bowl; fold just to blend. Using a whisk, beat cream, sugar, vanilla and remaining two tablespoons orange liqueur in another large bowl to soft peaks. Stir 1/4 of whipped cream mixture into mascarpone mixture to lighten.

Fold in remaining whipped cream a small amount at a time.

Slice half of the strawberries. Spread 1/2 cup preserves mixture over the bottom of a 3-quart serving dish or a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

Arrange enough ladyfingers over strawberry mixture to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserves mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascarpone mixture on top. Arrange two cups sliced strawberries over mascarpone mixture. Repeat layering with remaining lady fingers, preserves mixture and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight.

Slice remaining strawberries. Arrange over tiramisu and serve.

50

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Specialty Meats Ducks, Capons, Fresh Ham, Rabbits, Quail, Fresh & Smoked Turkey Wings and Drumsticks, Beef and Pork Kidneys, Hog Heads, Hog Maws, Pork Skin, Tripe & Honeycomb Tripe, and Alligator Meat.

• We Accept TECO Payments • Western Union Money Orders 49¢ each

51

Clay Shoots

By Sarah Holt

learn in the business from the ground up.

Eventually the Hinton’s bought out one of the original owners, Wayne Evans. Evans managed the club for the first two and a half years, planned the course and was instrumental in getting the business up and running. Now Buzz owns one third, Cammy owns one third and Jenny Le, who is not involved in the day to day operations, owns a third.

FishHawk Sporting Clays is open to the public! Memberships are available, which gives you a reduced rate on clays, targets, ammunition, golf cart rental, merchandise, etc, so if you are going to be a regular you may want to consider membership.

A

lthough I am from rural Kentucky, I’ve never been a hunter. And though I have never hunted, I learned to shoot a gun as a youngster, usually my grandfather’s single shot 22. I would occasionally target shoot, my target being a bucket in my grandparent’s yard.

Somewhere along the way I learned to use a handgun, again, targets in the yard were my specialty. Those buckets didn’t stand a chance.

tered into a million pieces and I stood with my mouth hanging open as I watched them fall to the ground. WOW! It was complete beginners luck I assure you. Karen Berry, the publisher of In The Field was next. She had the same result! As you can imagine, that moment the sport of clay shooting had two new participants.

Fast-forward a few years to 2012. I have lived in Florida for many years now. I took the class to get my concealed weapons permit, so the handgun has been fired a few times. I did move up from buckets to actual printed targets – attached to a bucket.

But that has been the extent of my weapon experience for many, many years.

Located on beautiful well-manicured woodland in the FishHawk area, this club is top notch for the sporting clay enthusiast, from beginner to the most advanced. Managed

by Buzz Hinton, this facility offers two sporting clay courses, an 8 station “White” course for beginners (that’s me!) and a 16 station “Red” course that is more challenging. Buzz compares the White course to the bunny slope if you were skiing. Now if you are like me, you will do the White course, but head right over to the Red course when you are finished. I can never get enough of pulling the trigger and hearing the “BANG.” Yes, even when I miss, which is often the case, I love it.

Until now.

In The Field magazine had a booth set up at a sporting clay shoot a couple of months ago. We toyed with the idea of putting together a team to enter, but I was fearful of the 12 gauge shotgun that had belonged to my dad, and prior to that my uncle. It was old. It was going to kick me into Georgia.

So we went, we watched and we promoted In The Field.

But – here it comes, after the event someone offered to let us try our hand at clay shooting with their 20 gauge. I was a bit nervous, but after a little instruction, I stepped up, said the magic word (that’s “pull” for those of you who have never done a clay shoot) and pulled the trigger. The clay shat52

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Look out FishHawk Sporting Clays! Here we come!

In addition to the fantastic courses, they have a 5-stand and a voice activated trap field. Five Stand is similar to sporting clays.

There are five “stands” or stations and a variety of targets are thrown.

FishHawk Sporting Clays opened on January 9, 2010 so their anniversary is right around the corner! Buzz and Cammy Hinton invested in the project, but not one to be a “silent partner,” Buzz set out to

DECEMBER 2012

You don’t have a gun? Don’t worry! They have both 12 and 20 gauge rental guns available. If you are looking for some instruction in the art of clay shooting, they can recommend an instructor for you and once a month an instructor will be on hand for women and children at no additional cost!

All ages are welcomed, although the youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.

Gun safety is of utmost importance and eye and ear protection must be worn. Trust me, good ear protection is a wonderful thing to have. And if shooting is something you want to try, invest in the personalized ear protection from Jack Concannon. He is at FishHawk Sporting Clays most of the winter. He’s a World Sporting Clays Veteran Champion and 11 time National Sporting Clays Association All-American just to name a few of his accolades.

FishHawk Sporting Clays is open to fundraising opportunities with companies and organizations like FFA and also team building with corporations. They will work with any group to make an enjoyable experience to raise money for their charity of choice.

You know you want to try it. I love it!

When you are there, look for me. I’ll be shooting my Dad’s Browning 2000 12 gauge, which doesn’t have the recoil I had imagined. Chances are you will see me miss much more often then hit. But you will also see me smiling and laughing. It’s a great time!

Call FishHawk Sporting Clay’s at 813-689-0490 or visit their web site at www.fishhawksportingclays.com You will be glad you did!

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

53

Stick to the

Plan!

T

hough it is officially called The Lower Green Swamp Preserve, this 12,800-acre parcel of land in northeastern Hillsborough County is best known as the Cone Ranch, a largely undeveloped parcel of Florida wilderness. Initially acquired as a potential well field by Hillsborough County in 1988, management of the Preserve is now under the aegis of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Services Department.

But that’s just part of the story. There was a move in the middle of the last decade led by then County Commissioner Jim Norman to turn a portion of the property into an amateur sports complex.

That initiative ended after attracting widespread public resistance.

A short time later there was another effort to subdivide the land into six parcels with the individual owners agreeing never to develop the land. That, too, drew heavy public opposition and that plan was also scrapped.

In 2010, the land was acquired by the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program, guaranteeing its public status in perpetuity and prohibiting development. But the story is far from over.

Cone Ranch By Jim Frankowiak

There’s no one better to provide a keen insight into the Cone Ranch lands than Alvin Futch. Born and raised on the property where he also worked cattle and did just about everything from hunting, fishing and working the land, Futch and his son Carson, came up with a plan in the early 90s to plant slash pine seedlings on 2,200-acres of the parcel.

“The idea actually came from Paul Acosta, who was president of Rotary International at that time and promoted growing trees to save planet earth,” said Futch, who has been a lifelong Rotary member in Plant City since 1957. “President Acosta came to Tampa shortly after that land was acquired and discussed his international initiative to help save the planet. It seemed like a major tree planting project would be ideal.”

With the approval of the Plant City Rotary Club Board, Futch and his son, Carson, who also served as Rotary club president, developed a multi-year plan to plant one million seedlings over 2,200acres of the ranch. The Rotary Club formed a partnership with the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department and that led to a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners to allow the harvest of timber at the proper intervals with the direction of the Florida Forest Service. The revenue derived from the

54

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

harvest of timber would be applied to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

“I had been in the timber business for 24 years at that time and the plan my son developed would generate in excess of $1 million over a period of years and lead to creation of a perpetual forest,” said Futch.

The Plant City Rotary Club contributed more than $40,000 to the project over a period of several years along with donations from Container Corporation of America, Weyerhaeuser Corp., Tampa Electric Co., W.S. Badcock Corporation and Keen Forest Management.

“Keen actually grew and planted the seedlings,” said Futch. “And while the sign along Knights Griffin Road and a lot of stories about the project say one million seedlings were planted, the actual number of seedlings planted was 1.2 million.”

Part of the plan included Florida Forest Service supervision of the thinning and the marketing of timber after the initial 15 years and continuing through a 35 year period. That will lead to a perpetual forest that re-seeded itself.

“As of this time there has been one partial thinning that has resulted in sales approaching $400,000,” said Futch.

Additionally, the Florida Division of Forestry (now called the Florida Forest Service) revised its recommendations for timber management of the parcel in May of 2011. The plan reflected the impact of an infestation of pitch canker in the slash pines and impacts of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Damage from pitch canker in turn lead to an extensive beetle kill. The revised management plan called for the longleaf pine to be the primary species used for the next generation of pine trees instead of relying on current pines to reforest the stands impacted by disease.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

This reforestation and continued thinning requires access to all stands within the preserve and three bridges must be either constructed or rebuilt if this critical work can occur. “Funding should be available as a result of sales that have already occurred,” noted Futch. Plans are underway to construct those bridges, according to Ross Dickerson of the county’s Conservation Services Section. “We expect to get prices back by year end and construction should take place within the next 6-12 month,” he said. “The bridges themselves should not take very long to construct, but we have to account for permit review and approval.”

“Our basic plan has proven its value,” said Futch. “I am pleased to know that the critical remaining steps will be able to be taken once those access bridges have been completed, enabling the final stages of our plan to occur.”

Moving along simultaneously is an overall management plan of the preserve that will enable the public to enjoy its natural splendor perhaps as soon as late in 2013.

However, a good bit of work has to be done, including completion of the access bridges. County officials have speculated over a time in the not too distant future when the preserve will become a popular destination for those who enjoy hiking, birding and getting back to the way Florida used to be – possibly like it was when Alvin Futch and his fellow cowboys worked the land.

“We have had a few interruptions along the way, but I feel good about where we are today and the plans for the immediate future,” said Futch. “Let’s just stick to the plan. It’s a good one with its own source of funding so we don’t have to rob Peter to pay Paul.” •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

55

56

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2012

57

58

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

59

The Opportunity to Bridge City and County Boundaries

By Jim Frankowiak The business is Tampa Bay Landscaping, a landscape contracting company based out of Thonotosassa, working primarily in south Tampa, though has undertaken assignments throughout Florida. “We specialize in landscape design, installation construction, estate maintenance, pest control (horticultural services) and consulting engagements.

W

ill Womack, a new member of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board, spends equal amounts of his time within the city limits of Tampa and east county. His election to the Farm Bureau Board has given him “the opportunity to bridge this boundary as well as support the rich history of this great institution and Hillsborough County’s Ag community.”

It is an appropriate comment from a recent graduate of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture, a program designed to prepare potential leaders to assume greater leadership responsibilities in their organizations, industries and communities. The institute began in 1989 at the University of Florida and was originally called the Florida Leadership Program for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Its name was changed in 2003 to honor the contributions of George Wedgworth to Florida agriculture.

Born in Manassas, Virginia into a tobacco growing family, Womack’s parents opted to move to Tampa Bay when he was a toddler.

“I returned for graduate school in Virginia and we vacation on family property in Virginia, but I was raised here and am proud to have spent my formative years and adult life in Florida.

60

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Womack attended Countryside High School in Clearwater and was “part of a two-time state championship wrestling team.” After high school, he attended the University of South Florida and Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia where he studied Social Science. He was also a collegiate rugby player.

After college, Womack worked as a support staff supervisor at the State Attorney’s Office in the 13th Judicial Circuit, initially overseeing the records division and then moving to Division O, which is also known as first appearance court. “This was a great job for a college student or recent graduate, but not the career I wanted,” said Womack.

“I thought I might want to be a lawyer.

Despite breaking my mother’s heart, I thought better of it. In lieu of law school, I attended graduate school in Virginia, studying Sociology/Criminology. Dissatisfied with his job prospects on returning to the Tampa Bay area, Womack considered pursuing a doctorate, but chose instead to begin his business a decade ago and it has grown and added divisions during that time.

“The vast majority of what we do is considered estate maintenance or installation work,” said Womack. “A small amount of our work is commercial, often the office of a residential customer such as a physician or lawyer, who has invited us to also maintain their office.” Womack is an active member of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, holding several statewide positions and twice Tampa Chapter president. He is also a University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Production Extension Advisor and Youth Advisor, as well as a GreenFest committee advisor and speaker.

“The privilege of being selected for the Wedgworth Institute was no doubt one of the proudest personal achievements of my life, and undoubtedly the most beneficial realization of my professional life,” said Womack. “Dr. Hannah Carter, her staff, my 29 classmates and the program’s distinguished alumni, were all instrumental in enlightening me as to the richness and diversity of Florida’s agriculture.

“I look forward with great optimism to serving Farm Bureau and hope to bring a fresh viewpoint, fresh marketing opportunities and new membership prospects to our board and fellow members.” •

“I am engaged to and operate my business with Katherine Belz. She is from Osage, Iowa and holds a degree in horticulture from Iowa State University. We have a beloved Bull Terrier named Bella.”

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

61

62

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

AVAILABLE NORTHEAST INTERSECTION OF EAST STATE ROAD 60 AND COUNTY ROAD 39

RETAIL & RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY RUSTIC LOG CABIN ARCHITECTURE FEATURING TWO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 9,000 SF retail building - $6,500/month • 6,556 SF fully equipped restaurant and saloon $4,500/month

5.5 ACRE HORSE FARM WIMAUMA

80 ACRE FARM SWEAT LOOP WIMAUMA

Turn-key! Property is fenced and crossed with 4 inch well. $110,000

Prime farm land already permitted for Strawberries or Blueberries! 12 inch and 8 inch wells on site. $800,000

SOLD & PENDING

55 Acre Horse Farm Riverview - Sold 37 Acre Plant City - Sold 10 Acres Lithia - Sold 49 Aces Acres Lithia - Pending 8 Acres Lithia - Pending 160 ACRES US HWY 17 ARCADIA Ideal property for Farm or Ranch! 12 inch well, 10 inch well, and two 6 inch wells already in place. $1,600,000

Got Land?

Give us a call!

Reed Fischbach, Broker Fischbach Land Company

813.546.1000 P.O. Box 2677 • Brandon, FL 33509 Note: While every attempt is made to provide as accurate information on the property offering as possible, FISCHBACH LAND COMPANY, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy thereof. Buyer shall rely entirely on their own information and inspection of property and records.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

63

Three Fish In A Hole

H

ello everybody. It’s hard to believe that when you read this my year will be half over. My year thus far has been everything I ever dreamed it would. So first may I say thank you again to everybody who made this opportunity available to me. November is all about being thankful for what we have in life. That being said I would like to take a different approach to my journal this month. I would like to take my space this month to explore the connection between Thanksgiving and agriculture education.

The roots of Thanksgiving are directly related to agriculture education and go back to the fall of 1620, with the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock. The Pilgrims experienced a terrible winter with over half of their colony dying from disease and starvation.

64

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

As spring finally arrived in the new colony and everything was going wrong, the Pilgrims were very fortunate to meet an English-speaking Indian called Squanto.

Squanto became a great friend to the Pilgrim Colony. Squanto instructed the Pilgrims in agriculture, taught them how to prepare the soil, and helped them conquer starvation by showing them edible plants, animals, and shellfish.

When planting time arrived, the Colonists gathered at one of the fields to receive instruction in the growing of a new crop called maize. Squanto showed them how to place three fish in a hole with their heads pointing in and their tails out with a seed of maize planted in the center. So really, Squanto was the first agriculture educator in our nation’s history.

DECEMBER 2012

With autumn came the Pilgrim's first harvest. When the bountiful harvest of crops and produce was stored for the winter, the Pilgrims had a great feast and shared it with the Indians. They all gave thanks to God and thus the celebration of Thanksgiving began.

As you can see agriculture education is, and always has been, vital to our survival and therefore must be protected. As always, feel free to contact me at david.walden@flaffa.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Merry Christmas, and have a fun and safe holiday season.

David Walden

Area 5 State Vice President

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

65

66

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

JOSEPHINE CARVALHO, 92 of Plant City, died November 16, 2012, at her home. Surviving are daughter, Ruth St Pierre (Roger); 5 grand children; several great granchildren; 2 great-great grandaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

DONALD WAYNE PRATT, 88 of Valrico died November 28, 2012 at the VA Home. Born November 24, 1924 in Shelby Township, Michigan, he was the son of the late Merville Pratt and the late Stella Stahl Pratt. He was the husband of Joy Christie Pratt.

SIMO N CA L DWEL L, 75 of Dover, died November 22, 2012, at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born July 27, 1937, he was the son of the late Virgil Caldwell and the late Netchel Meeks Caldwell. He was the husband of Iris Craig Caldwell.

GUSTIN, RAYMOND E., 88, Lakeland, FL (formerly of Leonardsville, NY) passed away November 29,2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 6o years, Loretta.

CHRISTOPHER CHANNING THORPE, 36 of Plant City, died November 24, 2012 at his home. Born May 29, 1976 in Lakeland, Florida, he was the son of Tom Thorpe and Evelyn Martin Thorpe. He was the husband of Jill Thorpe.

FARRELL NORTON ROBERTS, 81 of Plant City, Florida died November 20, 2012. Born July 15, 1931 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Oscar Roberts and the late Kathleen Gray. He was the husband of Carolyn Swift Roberts.

LORI HOLGATE, 53, of Weirsdale died on November 24, 2012 at her home. Born January 8, 1959 in Plant City, Florida, she was the daughter of Charles Brunson and Florence Gill Brunson. She was the wife of Reginald Holgate.

ANTHONY JAMES HITSON, 26 of Plant City, died November 20, 2012, at his home. Born July 26, 1986 in Plant City, Florida. Tony was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church where he was Altar server of the year. He was also an Eagle Scout from Troop #14 in Plant City.

LEOTA CAIN MILEY MAUERSBERG, formerly of Plant City, Florida and North Fort Myers, Florida, answered the calling of her Lord on November 29, 2012, in Easton, Maryland from stroke related complications. Leota was born in Plant City, Florida on December 29, 1934, to Athal and Quincy Cain.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

67

68

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

C

ontainer gardens are quite popular today and an attractive alternative to in-ground plantings. Portability is a key feature for container gardening.

Containers can be moved to a different location for more or less sun, shade, water and protection from weather and seasonal changes. This enables tropical plants to be grown in areas that receive freezing weather. If you place larger containers on wheeled plant stands, it’s even easier to move inside your garage, lanai, to your front porch or indoors. Containers help you control irrigation according to the needs of the plants. They encourage experimenting where you can try a wide variety of plant materials and controlled climates.

Selecting the container itself is an important decision. Porous containers, unglazed clay pots, terra cotta and wood, dry out faster than non-porous containers. Nonporous pots, glazed, plastic and metal, retain soil moisture better than porous pots which can be a good or bad thing depending on your watering habits. Most plants die from over versus under watering. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If there isn’t one, you can use Styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom of the pot to elevate the plant roots above the excess moisture in the bottom. That will also make the pot lighter using those ‘peanuts’ versus soil and easier to move.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Plastic containers are less expensive, lighter and easier to clean than porous pots. Many plastic pots on the market today have been manufactured to look like terra cotta, so they are more attractive than in the past. Metal containers, brass, copper or aluminum, generally provide drainage holes in the bottom so the soil drains properly. Wire baskets are another container alternative and require a liner to hold the soil in place. Liners include Sphagnum moss, coco-fiber and recycled carpet pads.

The nine principles of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program hold true for container planting as they do for landscape beds. One of the best aspects of container gardening is the flexibility that it offers. You can achieve Right Plant-Right Place, the first and foremost of the nine principles, with a container even when the conditions of your landscape do not match the plant’s needs. For instance, if a plant is acid loving, but your soil pH is alkaline, a container could be an easy solution. Add a soil amendment that acidifies the container soil, and you have the Right Plant in the Right Place!

Locate sun-loving plants in the sun. If the soil is moist, don’t water. Use slow release fertilizers that do not leach through the soil after irrigation or rain. Manage pests responsibly by using environmentally

friendly products and spot treat as needed.

Select plants that attract wildlife so you can enjoy butterflies and hummingbirds.

Consider grouping several plants with the same requirements together to create attractive combinations. These requirements include light, water, soil texture and pH. Also consider the mature size so you are not over or under-planting. Plants can be combined with an eye to color schemes, contrasting textures and different forms. Be sure to consider proportion when creating plant combinations. Try to have at least one plant that is as tall the container. Finally, group several containers together to create visual impact.

For additional information on container garden designs and plants for visual impacts, please see “Container Gardens for Outdoor Spaces” by Gary W. Knox: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep326.

For assistance with horticultural questions, call 813-744-5519 Extension 4, or visit us at the Hillsborough County Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL. More gardening information is available at: http:/ / hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu and http:/ / edis.ifas.ufl.edu Remember to reuse, reduce and recycle.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

69

70

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

State Runner Up and 9th Overall

C

ongratulations to the Durant and J. F. St. Martin Citrus teams. They placed second and ninth respectively out of 47 teams in the FFA State Citrus Contest at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City on Wednesday, December 5. Participants were asked to identify various insects, diseases, deficiencies and weeds that hamper citrus production.

They were also asked to identify the various rootstocks and varieties that are currently used in Florida.

Please congratulate these students on their accomplishments!!!

Pictured (Front row from left to right) are Kennedy Sewell, Margaret Holt, Katherine Tagliarini and Olivia Johnson. Back row, (l to r) Thomas Sturgis (FFA Advisor) Randy Pickford, Jonathan Rowell, Adrian Rivera, Jake Belisle, Dalton Chesser and Konnore Long.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

71

Our Services Include: Cosmetic Crown and Bridge Dentures Xrays • Cleanings • Root Canals Whitening • Denture Repairs - while you wait • In-Office BOTOX Now Offering LASER PERIO SURGERY (A more effective way to treat gum disease)

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Open Fridays Most Insurances Accepted

WOODSIDE DENTAL Practicing in Plant City for Over 20 Years

Dr. Pat Almerico, DDS

813.752.5554 704 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL

Cleaning, Exam and Xray $ New Patients Only.

Must present coupon

129

WOODSIDE DENTAL Coupon Expires 1/15/13 72

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

73

74

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

t a recent meeting of growers, Commissioner Adam Putnam made the statement that water is one of the most important resources for the future of agriculture. The quantity and quality of the water you may obtain will determine your land use. As a farmer, that means what you grow and how much. As a land owner, it means the degree and type of development allowed for your land. Competition for the water resource will continue to be more aggressive with allocation being dependent upon the perceived benefit to the community. This will be a discussion of agricultural water from a historical perspective, following one commodity… strawberries and how one industry answered that challenge.

A

In the beginning, water use meant water wagons and skinner, low pressure overhead irrigation, for strawberries grown on sand. Since the water holding capacity of the soil was critical, much of the early strawberry acreage was located near but not in low-lying areas. In the truest of pioneer efforts, swamps were drained and water channelized to allow for more tillable land. These were different times. It helps to remember that when the Water Management Districts were established after Hurricane Donna, their primary mission was flood control.

In the most basic of terms, water fulfills two functions essential to plant productivity. First, water provides turgidity, or structure for the plant. It maintains the integrity of the plant’s cell wall. Second, water is the media for nutrients to flow from the soil, generally through the roots and into the plants. A successful crop depends on making sure adequate nutrients are at the root zones. Maintaining water quality depends upon making sure those nutrients aren’t carried away from the plant as storm water (surface movement) or leechate (soil movement).

Just because the problem is simple, doesn’t necessarily mean the solution is easy.

Before plastic mulch, growers only had to W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

contend with the end of the hurricane season and fall monsoons. Water most often came from Mother Nature, and the primary freeze protection consisted of placing cypress troughs over the single rows of strawberries when a freeze threatened.

However, with the advent of plastic mulch in the 1960s and the arrival of the more efficient overhead rainbird irrigation, everything changed.

Once the plastic was laid over the beds, it became virtually impossible to add additional nutrients as the season progressed.

The grower was faced with contending with an unsure future. Every freeze event required freeze protection with overhead irrigation, which resulted in some of the nutrients placed in the bed being lost. In years with several freeze events, growers might find themselves short on nutrients for maximum spring production. Growers would usually add fertility insurance to protect themselves from having inadequate fertility in cold growing seasons.

Sometimes this insurance paid for itself.

Sometimes the grower would grow luscious cover crops. Sometimes growers suffered through a spring with the side-effects of excessive fertility.

It was about this time that Dr. Earl Albregts arrived at the Dover Research Center. He correctly summarized that the best way to increase the nutrient efficiency in the growing bed, and thereby reduce the nutrients lost to the plant, was to band part or all of the fertilizer high in the center of the bed where it was less likely to be swept away during freeze protection and yet would be near enough to the plants to be utilized for the plant’s needs. It should be noted that growers typically would broadcast their fertilizer either over the field evenly, or over the area where the beds were to be formed and incorporate it into the soil before bedding. The goal was uniformity so each plant would receive the same amount of fertilizer. Dr. Albregts concept of banding part or all of the fertil-

izer in the center of the bed was at first met with resistance, as it flew in the face of historical practice. There were concerns that some of the plants wouldn’t have adequate access to the fertilizer, while other would receive too much and would suffer from fertilizer burn.

A cross section of the bed with mature plants proved otherwise. It seems the strawberry plants sought out the nutrients and before long had developed a network of roots reaching for the fertilizer in the center of the bed. Plants performed well on about a third less fertilizer, because the nutrients were targeted at the root zone, rather than broadcast throughout the bed, and were less likely to be leeched out due to overhead irrigation from freeze protection.

Concurrent with Dr. Albregts efforts, a commercial enterprise undertook another approach to solving the need for adequate fertility for the spring crops. They developed a wheel with spade-like protrusions that was loaded with liquid fertilizer and run over the rows to inject fertility into the outside face of the bed in February or early March. This procedure had limited success, partly because it injected the fertilizer toward the outside of the bed, by necessity, distant from the mature plants.

Secondly, the process was by nature intrusive, puncturing the plastic at the point of entry and opening the bed to weed seeds, and disease. However, this procedure opened an entirely different approach to fertility … liquid application.

During the early 1980s, Israel was gaining attention for a watering system that reduced the amount of water needed to produce a crop by placing the water right at the root zone. While this system was being used in an arid region, it seemed that there might be some application for subtropical production if the additional cost for irrigation could be justified.

Dr. Albregts theorized that this system would be the ideal method to increase the efficiency not only of water, but also nutrients. However, he was well aware that converting a field to drip irrigation would require a second irrigation system, an overhead irrigation system for plant establishment and freeze protection, and drip irrigation for the plant’s growing cycle. Dr. Albregts predicted the savings in fertilizer and water as well as additional production, would more than offset the costs.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

75

Another limiting factor, in addition to cost, was developing the technology for the new system. Emitters in the drip tube had to remain free of sediment, as the system served individual plants and clogged emitters meant dead plants. Historically, nearly all fertility systems employed dry fertilizer.

Considerable effort went into not only improving the drip irrigation delivery system, but also the solubility of the liquid fertilizer mix to reduce clogging.

The future was set when a few progressive growers converted their fields to drip fertigation systems, and were successful. The strawberry industry has never seen a new technology embraced so quickly or so completely as the transition from a dry fertilizer system relying totally on overhead irrigation to a liquid fertility system utilizing a dual irrigation system of drip for production and overhead for plant establishment and freeze protection.

For the first time, growers were able to provide the daily needs of the plant for

76

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

nutrients and water right at the root zone, to maximize efficiency and minimize wasted resources. The mix of water and nutrients could be modified to meet the growth and production requirements of the plant throughout the production cycle, with attention to the maturity of the plant (size and maturity of root structure, production requirements) and bed conditions (ambient and soil temperature, day length).

Moreover, IFAS research had long demonstrated that there were varietal differences as to optimum nutrient levels but the technology wouldn’t allow the precision to exploit this knowledge. Now customizing the plant nutrient cycle based upon variety was possible.

However, the true test for success is at the bottom line and in sustainability of the process. In the past 25 years, the strawberry industry has more than doubled its acreage.

The industry is using about the same total pounds of nitrogen today as they were a quarter of a century ago, and less total water for the production cycle. Moreover,

DECEMBER 2012

according to on site research conducted by Dr. Craig Stanley at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and funded by SWFWMD, nearly all of the nitrogen applied for strawberry production, reaches the plant. His data demonstrates that less than half a pound of nitrogen per season leaves the plant root zone over an entire acre. That is an amazing statistic and a true success story.

Of course, the story still continues. As long as there are competitive uses for resources, the cost to benefit to the community will be questioned. However, if the past is any indication of the future, those challenges will be met and overcome by the public/private partnership proven to solve the community problems at hand. Hand in hand, the agricultural industry and the University of Florida land grant system is an unbeatable team. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECENBER 2012

77

78

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

No Farmers No Food Pictured: Third grade students at Springhead Elementary

You are invited to the

RED CABOOSE to see Santa

• GET A FREE

PICTURE

AND A TREAT

• ADMISSION FREE • NO DONATIONS

Place: 908 Joe McIntosh Rd, Plant City, FL Date: December 21st & 22nd Time: 2 PM to 6 PM In co-operation with Operation Lifesaver HighwayRail Grade Crossing Safety Program Off Highway 39 – North of Sam Allen Road Information: Call R.W. Willaford (813) 759-3345 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

79

4892 Sun City Center Blvd.

Sun City Center, FL 33573

P O Drawer L Plant City, FL 33564

12880 E US Highway 92 Dover, FL 33527

80

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

81

By Jim Frankowiak

I

t doesn’t field a football team or even have a campus, but HungerU is an important aspect of the world’s growing hunger crisis and Valrico’s Tiffany Dale is a member of its first class.

The project, which is with the Farm Journal Foundation, is a Farmers Feeding the World Initiative called HungerU Tour. The initial tour focused on the Midwest, stopping at seven universities and the National FFA Convention at Indianapolis after a weeklong preparatory session held at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“The purpose of the tour was to educate and engage students and consumers in discussion about the importance advance agriculture plays in addressing the hunger crisis, both locally and globally,” said Dale, who was selected from a number of candidates nationally to be a member of the first HungerU class. The tour, which covered the October – early November time period, was sponsored

by DuPont, a leader in agriculture research and science.

“DuPont provided us with an interactive tool to display called the global food security index, which is accessible on the web (http://foodsecurityindex.eiu.com/). It provides visitors with an insight into the global hunger crisis considering accessibility, affordability and quality and safety of food.” This index was displayed on 60-inch televisions mounted on a 40-foot wrapped trailer.

“Signs with facts about hunger and agricul-

82

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

ture production were also displayed around the exhibit.”

“Overall, the goal of the tour was to engage discussion, education and awareness among students about the world hunger crisis and how advance agriculture contributes to alleviating the issue,” said Dale. “Global population is projected to be 9 billion by 2050; therefore high yields and increased food production and nutrition are a few key areas demanding attention. We encouraged students to join the hunger discussion and contribute their experiences and ideas they are discussing in class regarding the issue on the HungerU Tour Facebook and Twitter pages.”

“Along with the exhibit, we worked with student organizations at a number of the universities to plan food forums on campus,” said Dale. “Forum panelists included researchers, policy makers, individuals from agribusiness food bank employees and others.”

The tour’s first stop was Michigan State University, then continued to Kansas State University, University of Illinois, Purdue University, Ohio State University, the National FFA Convention, University of Missouri and finished up at Iowa State University. Additional tours are planned for other areas of the U.S. in 2013.

You might wonder why Dale applied for HungerU and this whirlwind tour of the Midwest. “I appreciate and love agricul-

DECEMBER 2012

ture,” said Dale, who recently completed her Master of Agribusiness in Food and Resource Economics degree at the University of Florida. “Learning all that I can and advocating on behalf of agriculture is something that I enjoy and hope to do professionally.

While a student I interned at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, volunteered at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and served the Florida FFA Association at the state convention.” Dale was also a student assistant at the Natural Areas Training Academy, Gainesville.

“Each of these experiences has taught me about different aspects of agriculture, deepening my appreciation and admiration for the industry,” she said. Her efforts have been recognized with scholarships from the O.M. Griffin Memorial and participated in the Ag Day Collegiate Leadership Summit. Dale has also obtained GAP Food Safety Certification and holds memberships in Florid Farm Bureau, Gamma Sigma Delta Agriculture Honors Society, American Agri-women and The Alpha Tau Alpha, Agricultural Communications Honors Society. Dale also served as president of the Master of Agribusiness Student Organization.

As to the future, Dale is actively seeking a career opportunity where she will be able to nurture and share her love for agriculture on behalf of an agribusiness or organizations representing agriculture. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

83

Holiday Unity

By Calli Jo Parker

C

hristmas is the most special time of year. It not only celebrates the birth of Jesus, but it is a time of unity among everyone in our community. The entire town decorates for Christmas, holds an event solely to power the Christmas lights, and has a parade celebrating the season. People remember to care for the needy, and love compassionately at Christmas time, things that we should do all throughout the year.

The National FFA Organization is founded on service, and this year our local FFA chapters have truly taken this to heart.

I took a survey of each FFA Chapter in our county and realized that our FFA members are spectacular. They are humble givers truly living up to their FFA Motto, and they needed to be recognized as such.

The Eisenhower Middle School FFA chapter is participating in the Nutrients for Life Foundation’s “Helping Communities Grow” program. This gives FFA chapters the opportunity to help their communities become better informed about the positive role of plant nutrients, fertilizer, and

84

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

related agricultural issues. The students present on agriculture’s role in producing healthy food for healthy people. This allows the students to take the skills they have obtained in the FFA and give back to their communities.

Plant City High School FFA members began their community service early in October.

Each year they travel to J.S. Robinson Elementary school to decorate pumpkins with the special needs students. This is an excellent experience for the FFA members as well as the students of J.S. Robinson. The kids love the high school FFA members so much Plant City FFA Advisor Leigh Cason says, “They begged them not to leave!” The Plant City FFA members are also growing beans specifically to give to the Plant City Food Bank for Christmas. This is exemplifies their agricultural knowledge and uses that knowledge to serve their community.

Another high school who serves annually is Durant High School. The Durant FFA chapters do a bike drop every Christmas. They give from their funds to purchase a bicycle and give it to one child in need that Christmas. This is always a humbling opportunity as an FFA member. It makes the students realize just how blessed they are and how much they can impact the life of a child.

The Steinbrenner FFA chapter is doing a fundraiser to provide senior citizens with warm clothes and small gifts.

These Christmas blessings will go to the Carrollwood Care Center.

DECEMBER 2012

These FFA members have a passion for those who long for their youth, those who are not able to provide for themselves any longer simply because of their age and health.

Compassion is something that these FFA members are sharing with the elderly in their community, providing memories and a sense of humility that they will cherish forever.

Lennard FFA is participating in a canned food drive. The food will all go to the Local Migrant Food Pantry. Last year these FFA members collected 285 cans and are trying to collect more! This is such a thoughtful place to deliver, helping those who help our agricultural industry run. Lennard FFA members are doing an excellent job sharing joy with everyone this Christmas.

The National FFA Motto is, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” The FFA members in our community are truly living to serve this Christmas. It is encouraging to see our youth striving to impact the lives around them. I urge each of you to do the same this Christmas, bring some canned foods to the Food Bank, volunteer at your church, be kind and cheerful during the Christmas season and never forget our Savior who is the true meaning of Christmas. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Grill SetWinners!

In The Field magazine took part in the 2012 Plant City Pig Jam in November by setting up a display and giving out samples of delicious boneless pork ribs grilled on a Traeger grill by Bill Jr. with Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply. A BBQ tool set, donated by Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply, was up for grabs and went to Mr. and Mrs. Savidge! Congratulations on your win! We hope you use the set to cook up some delicious Fresh From Florida meat.

Hillsborough County Is One Of The Nation’s Top Agricultural Producers

A

griculture continues to be a vital mainstay of Hillsborough County’s economy, as shown by the 2011 agriculture sales and acreage estimates released this week by the Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry Development Program and Hillsborough County Extension Service.

According to the data, the 2011 sales estimate of Hillsborough County agriculture products is $832 million, up $16 million from 2010. Hillsborough County has 2,843 farms, which is the second largest number of farms of any county in the state of Florida.

Hillsborough County covers more than 1,000 square miles, and 255,532 acres of that (39 percent) is used for agriculture production.

Hillsborough ranks as the 4th largest producer of agricultural products in the state, and 59th out of 3,076 counties in the United States.

Strawberries continue to be the highest sales crop at $388,125,702, which is almost 47 percent of the County's total agricultural sales.

Hillsborough produces 90 percent of the strawberries grown in Florida, and nearly 11 percent of the strawberries grown in the nation.

Hillsborough also produces 14 percent of Florida's tomatoes, and 5 percent of the tomatoes grown in the U.S. The next highest sales crops after strawberries are: • Vegetables production at second with $150,000,000 with 18 percent of annual sales.

• Ornamental plants at third with $139,232,407 accounting for 16.7 percent of annual sales.

• Aquaculture at fourth with $23,546,112 and 2.8 percent of annual sales.

• Beef cattle/pasture at fifth with $18,934,207 and 2.2 percent of annual sales.

Local agriculture sales support the local economy through related businesses such as banking, real estate, transportation, packaging, equipment, seed, agricultural suppliers and services, and marketing firms. •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

85

By Calli Jo Parker

“You’re Calli Jo Parker.”

These were the first words Clay Sapp ever said to me. It takes a special person to leave such an impact on your life that you remember the first conversation you had with them. But that’s exactly the kind of person Clay is, an impactful one. I met Clay nearly five years ago at one of the many FFA leadership conferences held in Haines City. God placed us in the same group that summer, where we became fast friends. Although it has only been five years, it feels like we have been friends for a lifetime. To know Clay is to know passion. Clay is passionate about life. He truly understands what it means to have a purpose in life, and takes the opportunities he is presented with to fulfill that purpose. Clay has had a tremendously successful FFA career. At a young age he set his sights on becoming a State FFA Officer and achieved that goal becoming the 2010-2011 State FFA President. Clay was passionate about impacting the lives of students all across the state, helping them to grow and develop their knowledge of the agricultural industry. It was those same passions that lead Clay to his decision of running for National FFA Office. Clay was elected the 20122013 National FFA President in October at the National FFA Convention.

Last summer, Clay was asked to put on an FFA conference in Lafayette, Florida. During that weekend he was able to work with students and see them grow as leaders. It was after that weekend that he realized he was truly passionate about students; students that wanted to advocate for agriculture and who wanted to be future leaders in their communities. He wanted to make sure that not only students in Florida but students nation wide had an opportunity like that Lafayette conference, to build themselves as leaders. National Office would give him the opportunity to achieve this goal.

After making the decision to run, a lot of work was required of Clay if he was going to win. Clay, who for most of his life was known as a procrastinator, devised a plan and spun into action.

86

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

He began by creating what he called a “support team.” This was a group of people who each had particular skills that would help Clay achieve his goal. His former teammate, Nicole Lyles, had previously served on the National Officer nominating committee, more popularly known as “Nom-Com.” Nicole was essential in helping Clay prepare for his interviews and speaking portions of the selection, because she knew exactly what they would be looking for. Clay says he could not have come this far without the Florida FFA State Staff. They spent many hours preparing and putting together practices and interviews for Clay. They connected Clay with many different agricultural industry leaders around the state. Clay not only had to be prepared for personal interviews, but he needed to be knowledgeable of the agricultural industry as well. The key was to be prepared for a variety of questions to show his knowledge of agriculture and the FFA Organization. Putting together this support team very early on allowed Clay several months to prepare for National Convention.

National Convention was a four day process. Clay began with his personal interview. This was a few questions, getting to know the candidates and gain a better idea of who the candidate is as a person. Then they went to one on one interviews. This is where Clay had a 10 minute interview with each Nom-Com member separately, which added up to 45 different questions in 90 minutes about his character, leadership abilities, and past experiences.

After these interviews, the candidates took writing and multiple choice tests. The purpose of this was to see how much knowledge the candidates had on the FFA, Agriculture Education, and General Agriculture. Then they made the cut down to the top 24.

The remaining 24 candidates were moved into a facilitation room.

There they were presented with a leadership topic and had 60 minutes to prepare a 10 minute workshop. That same day Clay had to deliver a five minute speech based on an agriculture issue he was given 20 minutes before. Finally, the Thursday of Convention, he had one final 10 minute personal interview.

As you can imagine it was a strenuous week for Clay, but it gave him the opportunity to learn a lot about himself and other people.

Clay says that the National Officer Selection process allows you W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

to get to know an enormous amount of people in a very short amount of time. He spent a lot of time with his fellow candidates.

They often went to dinner and spent time learning about how each of them prepared for the process, their colleges, and their homes across the country. Whether they made the team with Clay or not, he knows that these will be friends he will keep in touch with for the rest of his life. In his travels as a National Officer, he knows that whether he is in Kansas or Washington, that he will have a place to stay and friends he can catch up with. He also became friends with the individuals on the nominating committee.

In the process, Clay said he was able to show them much about himself, but he got to know his interviewers as well. He learned about their lives, origins, and passions, and says that these nine people will be friends forever.

Clay actually knew a few members of his National Officer team from previous experiences. He was a delegate with the California candidate before he was a state officer, then they became state officers at the same time. The Georgia candidate, who was selected as the National FFA Secretary, he met at a national leadership conference for State Officers. The rest of his teammates are from all across the country. Clay is excited about getting to know them and about their cultures and traditions from their parts of America. He knows that with their different strengths and weaknesses, they will create a very successful National Officer Team.

Awaiting any decision out of your control is hard, however waiting to see if you are a National Officer in front of thousands of people, not including the people watching on live TV, is almost unbearable. Leading up to the final session, Clay experienced such a mix of emotions. He was anxious and excited to be done with the process. But he was also nervous, uncertain, and hoped that he was able to show the committee everything he wanted them to see about himself. Clay says he was reminded right before that session just how grateful he is to have the support of people who constantly encouraged him throughout the week and weeks leading up to the convention. The process allowed him to see that win or lose he has one of the greatest support systems a guy could ask for. He is surrounded by people who are willing to support him in all of his endeavors and are willing to do whatever it takes for him to be successful. Whether he won or lost, he was glad to know that he was blessed with those people in his life.

During that final session, when he heard that the Alabama candidate was chosen as the Southern Region Vice President, Clay was hopeful of President or Secretary. But then, when the Georgia candidate was announced Secretary he knew he didn’t make it. It was

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

very rare for the nomination committee to pick three officers from the same region. In his mind, defeat was acceptable, however it would have hurt, simply for the sake of how much hard work he put into the entire process. He figured he had not been selected and it was time to chase a new dream. But then, when he heard the first two letters in Florida he was in disbelief. Clay was absolutely shocked and thrilled at the same time. Clay says the whirlwind of a moment was one that he wished he could bottle up and savor time and time again.

Becoming the National FFA President has still not fully sunk in for Clay. He and his team have set a few goals for the year. The main thing is that they want each FFA member on every level to have as many opportunities to become engaged in the National FFA Organization as possible. They are searching for ways to engage members in ways they haven’t been able to before. For himself, Clay is striving to constantly grow in every experience he takes part in this year. There will be many places he will go that he will have never experienced that culture and various traditions they possess. He is prepared to feel a little out of place at times, but his goal is to step out of his comfort zone. This year provides the potential for him to grow and develop himself in a way that no other opportunity has given him, and he plans to take advantage of that over the next year.

Clay would like to initially thank his parents for teaching him to trust in God’s plan and developing him to be a person of high character. Thanks to his parents, Ed and Gina Sapp, Clay truly has a servant’s heart and a passion for impacting the lives around him. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as Clay was announced the National FFA President. They had resolved to accept whatever God had planned for Clay, and were thrilled that God rewarded him for all of his hard work. Clay is thankful to all of the people throughout his FFA career and the state of Florida who spent their time and energy in developing him into the leader he is today.

Clay has come a long way since that very first day he came up to me. I knew then that Clay had impacted my life, but I had no idea the lives he would soon touch simply by being himself. Clay has a tremendous opportunity this year to represent the agricultural industry, the National FFA Organization, and the Lord who has blessed him so very much. In his first address as the National FFA President, with a humble heart he encouraged everyone to “Think big” because you never know just what God may have in store for you. •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

87

Naturally Amazing Activities

Make A Christmas Gift Bag

By Sean Green

Step 2 If you want to sketch the crease lines before folding or cutting, Creases are at: ½”, 2 ½”, 4 ½”, 12 ¼”, 14 ¼” and 16 ¼” leaving 7 ¾” on the right hand side.

Measuring from the folded left edge; make an additional crease at 2” from the folded edge (crease 2).

From (crease 2) measure 2” and make another crease (crease 3).

From (crease 3) measure 7 ¾” to make the next crease (crease 4).

From (crease 4) measure 2” to make the next crease (crease 5).

From (crease 5) measure 2” to make one more crease (crease 6).

When you’re thinking of gifts this season, remember that those that are handmade are often the most cherished. If there is little time left to make a gift, a fun option may be to make your own gift bag. A gift bag can be made of any sturdy paper such as construction paper or even a good heavy paper grocery bag. Sealing leaves onto the paper with a generous coat of glue and water looks great with brown bags. If you want to really play with color, there are plenty of tutorials online for marbling paper with shaving cream and food dye or ink. The idea of marbled paper was used to illustrate this project and is certainly not the only way to jazz up the gift bag.

The paper should have two mountain folds and 7 ¾” paper remaining as illustrated.

Step 3 Fold the gift bag from the right side to the left side to glue it to the fold that was made with (crease 1)

Step 4 a) Cut the corners of the gift bag along the creases so the flaps can be tucked in to form the bottom of the bag. b) Glue the flaps to each other on the inside of the bag. (cardboard can be glued to the inside bottom if desired)

Step 1 Cut paper to 24 x 14 inch sheet of paper (landscape orientation) for a large gift bag.

Note: The outside of the paper should be facing down if both sides are not decorated.

Make a crease ½” in from the left side of the paper. (crease 1) 88

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

Step 5 a) Cut a small strip of card stock (4 x 4) and fold it in half to create a folder to glue the handle into. b)Glue the handle material into the inside of the gift bag. c)Repeat step 5(a) and 5(b) for the other side of the bag.

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

89

90

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

91

Building On A Strong Statewide Extension Program

By Jim Frankowiak

T

hough he has only been “on board” since the middle of September, new UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences dean for extension and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Dr. Nick Place, has some very specific priorities he is addressing in his post. While he is new to the position, Dr. Place is very familiar with both UF and Florida, as well as the diverse population served by extension statewide.

Dr. Place had been associate dean and associate director of University of Maryland Extension in College Park, Maryland, where he had been since August of 2007. Prior to that position, he had been an eight year faculty member of UF’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.

Dr. Place was the department’s graduate coordinator and spent two years as coordinator for the Program and Development and Evaluation Center, which assists faculty members in designing programs and assessing their effectiveness.

Specializing in extension education, Dr. Place taught undergraduate and graduate courses on the role and development of extension, extension methods, adult education, extension administration and supervision and extension systems.

“It was my familiarity with the strength of the Florida extension program that prompted me to apply for the position,” he said.

Following a national search, Dr. Place was selected and rejoined the UF faculty in midSeptember.

92

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

“I want our program to progress by building upon our strengths and engaging more in cross disciplinary initiatives to meet current and future challenges of agriculture, consumer sciences and youth,” said Dr. Place.

He noted the current challenges of feeding a growing population with a limited land base, the impacts of climate changes and the need to educate the public regarding “where our food comes from.”

Beyond food systems, Dr. Place favors crossdisciplinary programming that emphasizes food safety and security along with family educational outreach that blends science, nutrition and the alarming and continuing increase in obesity among today’s youth.

“I also firmly believe we have an excellent opportunity to advance youth programs with a STEM (fields of study involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics) focus that highlight careers in agriculture across Florida,” said Dr. Place. “There is a strong element of entrepreneurship in agriculture that our youth must recognize.

Our programs must strive to broaden the thinking of youth so they understand and appreciate the demands and opportunities across the broad field of agriculture.”

Dr. Place also believes there is a strong need to better communicate the overall value of what extension does. “All of our stakeholders must have a clear understanding of the full impact of our work,” he said. Like all Land Grant institutions, UF/IFAS has a threepronged mission of teaching, research and

DECEMBER 2012

extension – an effort that includes faculty members positioned across the state who translate research findings into information easily understood by the public.

“We have an effect on the state’s economy, the environment and the people of Florida through our varied activities, and in these difficult economic times it is important that those we serve and those who help support our efforts truly appreciate the scope of our work.

“Our Educators and Specialists do not serve the public simply for the compensation they receive,” he said. “They all believe strongly in what they do, seek to make an impact on others and enjoy helping them become engaged in the educational process,” said Dr. Place.

With regard to Hillsborough County and the current need to identify and select a new director, Dr. Place said that effort will move forward shortly after the first of the year.

“We appreciate the challenges of that position in terms of administrative and programming responsibilities” he said. “District Extension Director Dr. Charlie Vavrina recognizes the need for a realistic balance with those responsibilities, and I am confident we will find the right person able to effectively address the issues and challenges of that post that is so important to the residents of the county.” •

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2012

93

Classifieds

Tel: 813.759.6909

ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES Add living microbes to improve your soil, equipment serving the fur-bearing and exotic bird industry. Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot.

813-752-2230 • www.ammermans.com Swap July 15, 2012 and Nov. 25, 2012

MASSEY FERGUSON GC2300 4 X 4 hydro stat transmission, 2702 hrs. $4,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 NEW HOLLAND TC18 2001, 525 actual hours, 4X4. $4,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232 DOVE HUNTS Lithia area limited number of memberships still available. Call Fish Hawk Sporting Clays.

813-689-0490.

SNAPPER PRO 50 Zero turn mower, 36" cut, kawasaki engine, 43 hrs. $3,250 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

FOR SALE

BUILDING SUPPLIES

WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378 TILL 4 X 8 SHEET 5/8-INCH THICK B-grade $22.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378 NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!! $75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME TUBS Metal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs.

Call Ted 813-752-3378 $145.00

FARM EQUIPMENT 1984 MASSY FERGUSON 1020 21hp, 2wd, 1383 hrs. $3,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA B6100E 2wd, Diesel. $1,450.

Call Alvie 813-759-8722 HEAVY DUTY SHOP BUILT 14 FT TRAILER New tires & wheels $750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSSEY HARRIS FERGUSON NO. 16 PACER With belly mower $1950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR 34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722

KITCHEN CABINETS Call Ted 813-752-3378 TWO OCEAN KAYAKS/CASPER 11', blue and white with seats & Paddles included. $600.00 Call 813-759-6909 ask for Karen USED DAKOTA CUTTING SADDLE Roughout fenders and jockeys, some basket weave stamping 15 1/2 seat $350 Call 813-323-0222 14KT GOLD AMMOLITE RING Unique Multi-colored fossil gem with unique mounting. Great for gifting. Size 8 $250 or best offer. Call 863-370-8891 TOP GRADE TANZANITE RING 18KT GOLD Beautiful piece of jewelry. 1.05kt round nice blue gem with channel side diamonds. Would make nice Christmas gift - never been worn. Size 7-1/2 $1,100 Call 863-370-8891 Fabulous Price!

2009 SHADOW TRAILER STABLEMATE All Aluminum bumper pull!

2 horse slant, tack/dressing room, Torison ride axels w/ electric brakes. Floor mats, Single rear door (lockable), Drop feed windows, Led Lighting system, Please call for more information. $6,000 firm.

Ask for Karen 813-759-6909

MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500.

Call Alvie 813-759-8722.

JOBS KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift. Ready to work! $3,500. Call 813-759-8722 KUBOTA M7500 72hp on 48 inch centers $5950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

94

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNT MANAGER In The Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team! Please contact Danny@inthefieldmagazazine.com or call 813-759-6909.

LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES USED EQUIPMENT Mowers, disk, box blades & disk plows. Call Alvie TODAY! 813-759-8722

DOUBLE INSULATED THERMO PANE Starting at $55. Call Ted 813-752-3378

info@inthefieldmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community.

Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article.

Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com DECEMBER 2012

RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378 TSG50 WOODS 3pt. stump grinder. Clearance Sale! $3,381. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres.

Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 FOR LEASE 32 acre strawberry farm. Ready for spring crop or 60 acres for sale with 3 mobil homes. Call (334)355-1945 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout.

Call Bruce 863-698-0019 FOR SALE 18 acres, Plant City, Main house 2300 Sq. Ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath built in 1999. 2 rental houses and steel shed. Call (813)752-3327 or (813)514-3418 LAKELAND 20+ACRES Illness forces sale. Was 900K now 325K. Potential income 54K annually.

Call for details. Estate Brokers USA. Lee 813-986-9141 MOUNTAIN HOME Located in Blairsville Georgia!

Private home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, unfurnished basement, nice kitchen, sunroom, back deck for cooking out. Nestled in the trees, cool enough that there is no AC. Lots of outbuildings. A must see!

MLS#212679, $180,000.

2.47 acres wooded, low maintenance.

Call Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829

Look for great gift ideas in the classifieds!

Happy Holidays W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

95