polk's in the field magazine - march 2011

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com February 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Mar. 15 - Apr. 15, 2011

®

Covering What’s Growing

Liz Austin, Semona Ling, Vanessa Hodak, Amy Carpenter and Captain Citrus.

Meet captain citrus

2 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE February 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com February 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 3

TEL: 813.752.3141I-4 Exit 21• 2011 N. Wheeler St.

Plant City, FL 33563WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

MARCH 19 & 25JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las VegasSounds perform before and after the show.

MARCH 26

BUDDY HOLLY &THE BEATLES TRIBUTE SHOWA tribute to two of music’s historical cutting ageacts - Buddy Holly & The Beatles. BeatleBeat pre-viously performed at Disney’s Epcot and was a bigcrowd pleaser. If you loved Holly or the Beatles,this is an act not to miss! Dinner served in a sup-per club atmosphere in the Red Rose Ballroom.

APRIL 2 & 8

RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

APRIL 2BOB RYMAN“THE FIDDLER”Bob Ryman “The Fiddler” was a legend in thearea for many years when The Red Rose wasLanny Purcell’s Holiday Inn and was also afavorite at The Florida Strawberry Festival®.

Because of his fans’ requests, The Red Rose Inn isbringing “The Fiddler” back. P.J.Leary’s LasVegas Sounds will open & close the show in theRed Rose Ballroom.

APRIL 9JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las VegasSounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 15RICHIE MERRITTRichie Merritt, formerly of The Marcels, formerlysang with The Clovers when they were inductedinto The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002and also sang on PBS DOO WOP 51 withThe Clovers. Plus, Destiny will play beforeand after the show.

APRIL 16 & 23

RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

APRIL22JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las VegasSounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 24EASTER SUNDAY BUFFETA grand buffet fit for Anybunny!Freshly prepared salads, seafood, beef, ham,vegetables and desserts (including chocolatefountains) and much more! Serving times:12 Noon, 2:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. For yourmusical entertainment, Destiny performs.Call to reserve your table in the Ballroom.

APRIL 29RICHIE MERRITTRichie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will beperforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 6 & 7LOST IN THE 50SWITHBILL HALEY’S COMETSA 2-day event that will “Rock Around the Clock”& “Shake, Rattle & Roll” in the Red Rose Ball-room with Bill Haley’s Comets. They were regu-lars on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, their

music wasfeaturedin the film“AmericanGraffiti” andthe TV hit“Happy Days.”

PJ Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds will also performbefore and after the show.

MAY 6BOBBYPALERMOBobby Palermo bringsyou a night full of humor,impersonations and highenergy audience interac-tion. Bobby has receivednumerous National

Awards and has been selected Tampa Bay’sEntertainer of the Year – 2 years in row!Destiny will open and close the show.

The Premier Showplacefor Talent in Florida

SHOW RESERVATIONS

Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red RoseBallroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a fourcourse meal (seats also available for the show only –

for a lower price!)

NO COVER CHARGEfor shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room

with the purchase of dinner.Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates

when staying overnight after a show!

RRose_MarSpread:Layout 1 3/2/11 7:52 AM Page 1

Mrs. Evelyn MadoniaOwner

RRose_MarSpread:Layout 1 3/2/11 7:52 AM

4 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE March 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com March 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5

Cover Story

From the Editor

Meet Captain Citrus 34

Sarah HoltVOL. 5 • ISSUE 7

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com February 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Mar. 15 - Apr. 15, 2011

®

Covering What’s Growing

Liz Austin, Semona Ling, Vanessa Hodak, Amy Carpenter and Captain Citrus.

MEET CAPTAIN CITRUS

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants and other local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Polk County Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual and Polk County Cattlemen’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: [email protected] 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 their 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.

7 Did You Know?

10Grub Station

The Stanford Inn & Tea Room

12Recipes

14Fishing Hot Spots

22Florida Potato

24Rocking Chair Chatter

26Rascal

38Fire Ants

40Woman in Agriculture

Jamie Smith

42State Fair Results

52Ranch Rodeo Results

55Seminole Tribe of Florida

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine®March

“It’s spring fever.... You don’t quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

Mark Twain

I love spring, even in Florida when the changing season isn’t as noticeable as in my home state of Kentucky. There is just something about the anticipation of spring blooms. While Spring refers to the season, it is also the time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. This is the time of year that the axis of the earth increases its tilt toward the sun causing the daylight hours to increase. I love the longer days! March 20 marks the first day of my favorite season of the year.

Spring is a perfect time to get out and enjoy all that Florida has to offer. Visit one of the many state parks, some have ornamen-tal gardens or events that celebrate spring flowers. Load up your horses, your kayaks or your bikes, or just put on your hiking shoes and get out and enjoy nature.

It is also a great time, as always, to enjoy Florida produce. Strawberries are still available and blueberry season is quickly approaching. Citrus and squash are going strong and watermelon will be ready soon. Don’t forget to look for that “Fresh From Florida” sticker when shopping.

We hope you enjoy this issue of In The Field magazine. You will find a variety of stories relating to agriculture and those involved in the industry. If you have ideas you think may be of interest to our readers, please let us know. We are always looking for great article ideas.

For a complete list of the Parade of Champions from the Polk County Youth Fair, visit our web site at www.inthefieldmagazine.com.

As always, thank you to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to cover what is growing.

Until Next Month,

Sarah

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

Publisher/OwnerKaren Berry

Editor-In-ChiefAl Berry

Senior Managing Editor/Associate

PublisherSarah Holt

Editor Patsy Berry

Office ManagerBob Hughens

Sales ManagerDanny Crampton

SalesNick Massey

Tina RichmondDanny Crampton

W. Russell Hancock

Creative DirectorAmey Celoria

DesignerJuan Carlos Alvarez

Staff WritersSandy Kaster

James FrankowiakKayla LewisSean Green

Nick ChapmanMark CookGinny Mink

Contributing WritersDick Loupe

Bridget CarlisleShelby Freeman

PhotographyKaren Berry

W. Russell Hancock


POLK COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONPO Box 9005 • Drawer HS03

Bartow, FL 33831-9005

OFFICERS& BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President – Charles Clark (863) 412-8349 [email protected]

Vice President – Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 [email protected]

Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 [email protected]

Al Bellotto (863) 581-5515

Ray Clark, (863) 683-8196 [email protected]

L.B. Flanders, DVM (863) 644-5974

Dewey Fussell (863) 984-3782

Mike Fussell (863) 698-8314 [email protected]

David McCullers )863) 528-1195

Moby Persing (863) 528-4379

Ned Waters (863) 698-1597 [email protected]

J. B. Wynn (863) 581-3255 [email protected]

Alternate - Howard Yates, 2501 Arbuckle Lane, Frostproof, FL 33843-9647

Standing Committee Chairs:

Membership- J.B. Wynn

Events- Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876

Rodeo- Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 [email protected]

Cattlewomen - President

Sherry Kitchen (863) 221-0230 [email protected]

Extension – Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 [email protected]

Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Howard Martin

The recent controversy at the Polk County Youth Fair Steer Show has prompted me to voice my opinion concerning those issues. I am not a member of the Steer Committee and in no way want this to reflect dissatisfac-tion with the job they have done. I also don’t want this article to be perceived as an attack on any exhibitor at the fair. Over the years, various rules have been initiated to bring the Steer show back to what it was meant to be, a chance for the 4-H and FFA youth of Polk County to have a place to showcase the animals they have raised as their project for the year. It is a youth show, awarding ribbons and trophies and small premiums for their placings with an auction held the final night of the Fair. All steers are to be sold to the highest bidder.

At one point, in an effort to keep the Fair local, a push was made to have as many Polk bred steers as possible in the show. This lasted a few years and was dropped due to problems verifying and enforcing this rule.

At another point in the Fair’s history, in an effort to blunt the effect of “professional groomers” being used, a rule was added to body clip all steers to a quarter inch or less. This was also dropped.

I list these two examples to show the extent to which some will go to be chosen Grand Champion.I don’t know if these actions are brought about by the entrants, so called “steer jockeys” or overzealous

parents. Also, from the examples listed above I am not sure a totally enforceable set of rules can be drawn up. However, just because something is hard to do, doesn’t mean an effort shouldn’t be made to correct a problem that seems to resurface every few years. We should all work together to come up with a workable set of rules that returns the show to a primarily educational experience.

In closing, I would like to thank all the supporters of the steer auction. Many individuals purchase animals to put in their home freezer and others donate them to charities. Small and large businesses and companies pur-chase animals every year. Some of the large companies buy several animals year after year, strictly to support our county’s youth. The commercial value of these animals is determined by the packer bid at the start of the sale. This year’s bid was around $90/hundredweight. What supporters pay above this price is strictly goodwill support of the community and its youth. In retrospect, these supporters should not be criticized for their efforts.

Charles ClarkCharles ClarkPolk County Cattlemen’s Association President

• Ravens will work in small groups to hunt prey.

• There are close to 4,000 known species of frogs, including toads.

• Frogs range in size from one half inch to nearly a foot long.

• The smallest mammal in the world is the bumblebee bat from Asia. It weighs less than a penny.

• A bat can eat as many as 500 insects an hour.

• Bats are the only mammal that can fly.

• Night blooming flowers depend on bats for pollination.

• The largest bat has almost a 6 foot wing span.

• The honeydew melon is a member of the gourd family.

• You can keep your mirror from fogging up after a shower if you rub a cucumber slice along the mirror before showering.

• To keep bugs and slugs out of your garden place a few slices of cucumbers in a small aluminum pie plate in your garden. The reaction of the chemicals in the cucumber and pie plate gives off a scent undetectable to humans, but drives pest crazy.

• Rubbing a cucumber on a squeaky hinge will stop the squeak.

• The Marbled Hatchetfish are the only fish that can actually fly by jumping into the air and moving their fins.

• Before George Washington was President he was a surveyor.

• Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn’t wear pants.

• The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

• 40 percent of McDonald’s profit comes from the sale of Happy Meals.

• The word TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

• If you yelled continuously for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.


YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNERHEY 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 InTheField® T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on

which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to:

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042All Entries must be received by April 3, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now!

No FarmersNo Food

This year district eight held their second annual Christ-mas food and toy drive. Many of the schools in the district par-ticipated. The officer team at Bartow Sr. FFA had the privilege of wrapping the presents and boxing up the food. “Not only did we have fun wrapping the presents and boxing the food it also felt good to serve others,” said Jenna Ann Waters, the Bartow Sr. FFA Vice President. This year they tried something different. In order to accomplish their goals for the project they paired up with the Bartow Sr. Anchor club, who had a toy drive and adopted two fam-ilies. With the food district eight gathered they fed an entire fam-ily a full Christmas dinner including a ham. They also sent some everyday food and snack items. The leftover food was sent to the St. Thomas Aquintis food pantry. The left over toys were sent to Church Services of Bartow. This group of students is exceptional

and should be commended for their love of serving others. “It feels good to be able to give back to the community,” says Brett Hamil-ton, the Bartow Sr. FFA reporter. The leaders of district eight hope to encourage others to serve in their community. Not only does district eight serve during the holidays, they have developed a letters to soldiers’ project. This project be-gan back in August of 2010 with the first letters written by the Bartow Sr. FFA officer team. Writing letters is a year round project that will hopefully continue in the years to come. So far they have collected over 300 letters and members of district eight are still writing. District eight plans to implement this particular service project into their Middle School Conference at the end of Febru-ary. The students writing these letters were encouraged to give their email addresses, if they choose, and become pen pals with the soldiers. This idea stemmed from WLC (Washington Leadership Conference) where District Eight President, Shelby Oesterreicher, was inspired to create a living to serve plan and help others serve in their community. “Our soldiers need to know we support them and are thankful that they put their lives on the live everyday in order to keep us safe,” says Miss Oesterreicher. District eight has really accomplished a lot this year and hope others will follow by serving in their communities.

ffa StudentSdiStrict 8 GiveS Back

Precision PUMP Service

PrecisionCitrus Hedging& Topping, Inc.

Owner-David Lawson, Jr.863-287-2587

PO Box 1921• Haines City, FL 33845

HedgingTopping

Tree Planting Herbiciding

A Division of Precision Citrus Hedging & Topping, Inc.

Serving Florida one pump at a time

Don’t Cuss, Call Us!

PO Box 1921• Haines City, FL 33845863-258-4759

Turbine Diesels InstalledCommercialResidential

Pump Repair & ServiceWater Conditioning

WE MAKE HYDRAULIC HOSES

“A Cut Above”


One of today’s most pressing issues is to find a way to deal with the frenetic pace of our daily lives. Sages have pondered the path to inner peace for eons, mountains of books have been writ-ten on the subject. Deepak Chopra suggests we turn off our televi-sion sets and stop tweeting. Yogi’s advocate deep breathing and stretching. Hare Krishna’s are big on chanting and Confucius ad-vised us to get right back up and keep going if we fall or fail.

Personally, I am convinced that though the road to inner peace may be treacherous and filled with many sink holes, at some point you have to stop, be still, and let go of all the problems and garbage that is pushed into your sensory systems on a daily basis.

Although I’m no guru, I do have a solution. Finding a way to deal with the busyness of life is a lot easier than I expected. The answer is in Bartow. Yep. Bartow. In that little town built by phosphate magnate’s is a bit of nirvana called The Stanfield Inn and Tea Room.

Located on a shady side street, this large old house, with its sprawling verandah and lace curtains, has been an inn for only about 15 of its 105 years of existence. The sign out front says “Welcome Home.”

You walk up the stairs and sink down in one of the chintz-covered chairs, admire your surroundings, and sigh. Peace. No hustle, no bustle, no noise, just a few birds chirping. Ah.

As you investigate the historic inn you do murmur ah…a lot. The sparkling crystal, floral and lace tablecloths, the friendly creak of ancient wood flooring and the smell of beeswax wafting from polished antique furnishings take one back to the romantic era of good manners and good taste.

The feeling of familiarity is explained through learning the

inn was the setting for the movie, “My Girl” starring Dan Ayk-royd, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Macaulay Culkin. It has also been researched by Apollo Paranormal Investigations and has resulted in a flux of international travelers wanting to stay in the charming six bedroom home in the hopes of finding a ghost or two.

Good taste is in more than the furnishings of this grand old treasure and while its owners Becky and Tony Grainger pay atten-tion to every little amenity and, as world travelers, are interesting raconteurs who readily create friendships with their customers, Chef Lisa Consentino is wonderfully and imaginatively concen-trating on your taste buds.

My husband and I elected to lunch on the verandah and en-joy the postcard perfect Florida afternoon and opted to sip some of The Stanford’s specialty blend of strawberry-orange tea. There are 12 marvelous tea blends from which to choose in accompani-ment to the traditional tea-time service consisting of a three-tiered tray filled with delights, tea sandwiches, garnishes of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and a variety of delicious desserts. The coconut cream pie in a cup is a tiny taste of heaven. Tea time is an event not to be missed and worth the $18.50 per person for all the cosseting guests receive. There is so much to nibble on you may prefer to share, as we did, for a sharing charge of $5.00.

Chef Consentino is justifiably proud of her kitchen, where all food is prepared fresh daily with only local suppliers of or-ganic produce used and the staff are all local. Our waitress said she walks to the inn every day.

We were served something from each of the daily menu’s starting with a luscious spinach and fruit salad with honey roasted

almonds and balsamic vinaigrette that was almost too beautiful to eat.

When told we would be receiving a Monte Cristo sandwich, I should have known it would not be an ordinary sandwich. In fact, it was a combination of ham, turkey and Swiss cheese stacked and then dipped in a secret coating, deep fried and served with a rasp-berry sauce. Genius.

Side dishes of roasted root vegetables and a variety of red and fingerling potatoes were served. The potatoes were paper thin treats tossed in olive oil and butter with a touch of rosemary. The root vegetables, parsnips, turnips, beets and fingerlings, were a revelation and something I would never have ordered. The chef watched my reaction and was waiting for my look of caution to be replaced with happy surprise. Who knew you could take roots and tubers, toss them with olive oil and herbs, then oven roast until they caramelize and actually come up with something that is good for you and actually tastes good too?

Not having been born in the south, it has been impossible for me to understand Southerner’s addiction to grits. After tasting the chef’s spicy shrimp and grits appetizer, I realized I had never eaten grits prepared properly before. Grits are even blander than mashed potatoes without seasoning. When grits are stone-ground and cooked with cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, garlic, green onion and matched with plump shrimp, it’s easy to be a grits addict.

My partner in fine dining and elsewhere said I should men-tion that guys should not be wary of going someplace that uses the words, “tea room” as a part of its description. The Stanford is about a lot more than tiny cucumber sandwiches. From the tea tray to salads, sides, appetizer’s and entrée’s, individual servings are hearty and generous.

It is understandable why their turkey pot pie has won awards. This wonderful dish is served in a soup bowl with lots of turkey and vegetables topped with puffed pastry. Many of the menu items are a reflection of the inns atmosphere by serving traditional, homey comfort food in an untraditional manner.

As a gourmand who likes big meat portions and a gourmet who loves good flavor, when served the pork Osso Buco (the mar-row hole at the center of the cross-cut pork shank) drizzled with a bourbon and pork juice reduction sauce, my husband declared it the best he had ever eaten.

“I love it here. It’s my home,” said Chef Consentino. “I have the opportunity to take a relatively limited menu and create spe-cial dishes. I could not have this freedom in a franchise situation. I will never be bored here. It’s a great creative outlet.”

Happily stuffed with great food, lovely surroundings, friendly and excellent service, my husband and I held hands, looked into each other’s eyes, smiled and sighed…ahhhhhhhh. Then, “Shucks, now it’s back to the rat race.”

A beautifully appointed Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast in a early 1900’s historic homeLocation: 555 East Stanford Street in Bartows’ Downtown Historic District • Phone: (863) 533-2393 • Hours: Wed. – Sat. Serving Lunch and tea from 11 AM to 3:00 PM. Dinners served Thurs. - Sat. from 5 to 9 PM.Sunday brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM Web site: www.thestanfordinn.com

Grub Stationby Cheryl Kuck

The Stanford Inn & Tea Room


Eat Better. Love Life. Live Longer.

www.fredssouthernkitchen.comfacebook.com/FredsSouthernKitchen

Ham and Egg CasseroleIngredients½ cup chopped onion sautéed in 1 tbsp butter2 cups shredded cheddar cheese2 cups chopped ham (small cubes)2/3 cup saltine cracker crumbs (15 crackers)3 eggs beaten1 cup milkSalt and pepper to taste

PreparationMix ingredients and pour into greased 2 qt casserole. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or when toothpick stuck in middle comes out clean.

I have been preparing this for 35 years and serving it for breakfast on Christmas morning. I put it together the night before and let it cook while we open presents in the morning. I like to serve it with orange bow-knots also hot from the oven.

Sour Cream Pound CakeIngredients3 cups sugar2 sticks butter6 eggs separated3 cups cake flour1 cup sour cream¼ tsp soda2 tsps vanilla or lemon extract or 1 of each

PreparationCream butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg yolks one at a time beating well after each. Sift flour 3 times. Add soda to sour cream and stir together. Add flour and sour cream to butter, sugar and egg mixture alternately starting and ending with flour. Add flavoring and blend well. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into batter. Pour batter into well greased and lightly floured tube cake pan. Bake 1 ½ hours at 300° .

Submitted by Connie Celoria


By Captain Dick Loupe

FRESHWATER FISHING IN POLK COUNTY

Well, it is that time of the year again. We’ve only gone through February but the bass are already on the move. The spawn is on! The bass are moving up, getting ready to do their thing. I have seen a lot of males moving around in the shallower waters, looking for areas to set up shop to attract the females. The water temperature is now in the upper 60’s and low 70’s, which is just right for the Florida Black Bass to move up and lay their eggs, provided we do not have any more severe cold fronts push them off. This is a good time for you anglers to get on the water and really have some fun catching pre-spawn and spawning fish. Please put the big females, usually any bass five pounds and over, back in the water somewhere close to where she was caught so she can complete her breeding cycle while experiencing a limited amount of stress. If you move them too far away from their established habitat, they become disoriented and may never make it back to their intended mate and prepared bed. To my knowledge, it is not known whether or not they will take up with another mate during that same season. Personally, I don’t want to take that chance. There might seem to be plenty of bass in any specific body of water, but you must understand that size is genetic. Just as it is with human beings, the genetic code is passed down generation to generation. So, it is more likely that big bass will spawn more big bass. By practicing CPR (Catch, Photograph, Release) you are helping to promote more trophy-sized bass to survive our waters. Anyway, the best eating bass are the smaller ones, usually no bigger than three pounds, especially if you plan to fry them. Anything larger and the meat tends to be tougher and less flaky. Let’s talk about what I think is the best bait to use at this time of the year. Number one, of course, is the wild golden shiner. That is due to wild shiners being the main natural forage of the bass. As a fishing guide, that is the bait that I use most of the time. I will use artificial baits at times, like when I am either fun fishing with my wife or friends, or if a client specifically wants to fish with artificial baits. I really like swim baits because you generally get to see the strike, which is exhilarating. One of the swim baits I use and recommend is the Bitters’ Naked Swimmer. It comes in a variety of colors, but some of the most popular colors are Houdini and Junebug Blue, among several others. Another swim bait that I use is Reaction Innovations’ Skinny Dipper, using generally the same colors as the Naked Swimmer. You can get these baits at most tackle stores, but you will not

Bass, BassBASS!

find them at Bass Pro Shops. If you are in Lake Wales, stop in at Bridgemaster Fishing Products, also known as the fisherman’s candy store. They will show you how to rig it (with various choices of swim bait hooks) and how to fish it. Make sure to tell them I sent you! Last week I had some of my best days this year so far as a guide. One group of people was from Michigan and their friends were from Germany. The two girls had never been bass fishing before. Well, what a time they had this afternoon of fishing. Just take a look at what one of them put in the boat on the first shiner we put out. Nice, don’t you think? This fish weighed 11 lb 12 oz. What a bass! Naturally, ‘she’ was released back immedi-ately after taking pictures so she could get back to “business.”


Hardee Ranch Supply Inc1309 Hwy 17 S • Wauchula, FL 33873

Phone: 863-773-4322STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7a - 5:30p; Sat. 7a - 1p

Sale Prices Good Saturday, March 12th Only!(unless specified otherwise)

Not responsible for typographical errors. Some items are limited to stock on hand and will be available while quantities last. Some items require special ordering.

The manager, Ronnie Durrance, and all of the employees of Hardee Ranch Supply, Inc. would like to give a special thank you to their

customers for their support over the years. Without them we would not be where we are today and are looking forward to serving them

with the same great friendly service at our new location.

We’re looking forward

to serving you at our

new location!

Here is an email my wife received from Jeanne Duley, who booked the trip, after she asked for a “bio” of them –Anna Hannig, 16, caught the large bass. Marie Hannig is the brunette, 15, who wants to be a veterinarian. Leon Hannig is 12 and a typical boy. All live in Brandis, Germany, a small village southeast of Leipzig in East Germany. They are all the grand-children of our hearts. We met them in 1996 when their parents lived behind us in Michigan for four years while their Dad was on a work assignment in the USA. Fourteen years later, we are still friends and vacation and visit with each other. This was a special, once in a lifetime trip, their Mom has been treated for breast cancer for the past year, and she has survived. This was a celebration of life and a visit. We spent a day at Harry Potter world and a day at Epcot at Disney. The rest of the time we did “real” things like fishing, airboat, tubing, nature trail hikes and manatee visits, etc. We agree with Dick that we have to teach our kids to appreciate, use and protect our natural world. We had a great time fishing, talking and enjoying the boat ride. Thank you so much for doing it on such short notice. Then, the next morning I took Jeff Sheffer and his good friend, Dave Neidemeyer. These pictures are just a few of the ones that they put in the boat, both on shiners and Bitters’ Naked Swim-mer swim baits. Hope you’ve got the right tackle lined up for March, because it is going to be even a better month to catch big bass! Don’t forget your camera so you too can perform “CPR.”Best Fishes and God Bless,

Capt. Dick LoupeSouthern Outdoorsman Guide ServiceKatydid Fishing Products, LLCMore Tackle • PO Box 7870 • Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855888-692-2208 • www.bassfishingguide.com • www.bassinthenet.blogspot.comwww.katydidfishingproducts.com • www.moretackle.com

Jeff Sheffer with Bass


3838 Fancy Farms Rd.Plant City, FL 33566

(corner of Rice & County Line Rd.)Tel: 813.478.3486

“The Fancy Farms girls are up to their knees

In those big, red, juicy

strawberries”

• Improves plant health & strengthens immune response against stresses

• Low pH formulation offsets alkaline hydrolysis

• Eliminates water quality issues due to carbonates

• Contains Asset Formulation Technology* (AFT) for improved availability of nutrients

• 100% water-soluble, sludge-free formulation results in easy pouring, mixing & application

Helena Chemical Company • 2405 North 71st Street • Tampa, FL 33619 • 813-626-5121 • www.helenachemical.com

Nutritional Therapy for Better Plant Health!

®

Always read and follow label directions. QuickShot is a trademark & AFT, Asset & People...Products...Knowledge... are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. © 2011 Helena Holding Company.

QuickShot MAX from Helena will put your crops on the road to improved agronomic health.

QuickShot MAX is a high-quality blend of micronutrients, alpha-keto acids, alkanoates and plant elicitors. It is designed to improve short- and long-term crop health. The plant elici-tors promote Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) to help your crops deal better with stresses.

Its 100% water-soluble formulation pours easily and completely. Plus, it has a low pH that will not cause pesticide degradation problems from alkaline hydrolysis.

The end result: QuickShot MAX gives you an easy-to-use, trouble-free product that improves short- and long-term crop health.

Call Helena and learn how QuickShot MAX can improve your crop’s productivity.

*Asset Formulation Technology (AFT) improves the solubility of plant nutrients and can increase their absorption by plant tissue. AFT also improves mixing and compatibility with other fertilizers and pesticides and sequesters micronutrients to prevent them from being "tied up" by hard water..


Central Florida’s Largest Selection of ArtORIGINALS • CANVAS GICLEES • REPRODUCTIONS

Also Art by Jacque Lyn Palomaki, Bill Snyder, Thomas Brooks and other Florida artists

“SHADOW ROAD” by Robert Butler“OAK HAMMOCK” by Aletha Butler

“PAIRS” by Hobby Campbell“JACK’S SHACK” by Stephen WIlcox

“COWS” by Tripp Harrison

Membership has it’s privileges: FREE Subscription to In The Field magazineFREE Subscription to the Gulf Coast Cattlemen

General Meetings Twice a Year * General Meeting and dinner in July and November * Includes steak dinner for you and a guest/spouse * Annual Trade Show that highlights agricultural commodities in the county * Fundraisers include a drawing for an Angus bull/cash option of $1,000 * Guest Speakers from University of Florida and the political arena

Educational Programs and Tours for Members and Guests * Tours may include Ona Research Station and ecological tours of nearby ranches * Informational programs on noxious weeds and invasive plants * Courses on branding, pasture management and cattle vaccina-tions * Future classes on Animal Identification & Country of Origin Labeling * County Newsletter of cattle industry first of each quarter * A county Web site for Polk County Cattlemen’s members www.polkcountycattlemensassociation.com

Legislative Liaison * Keeping Polk County cattlemen aware of legislative actions and laws

* Liaise with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department Agricultural Unit * Annual dinner with elected officials and state representatives with the Polk County Farm Bureau

Support of Polk County Youth * We support the Junior Cattlemen’s Association * A Youth Fair add-on of $1,000 awarded to top heifer winner * Our Cattlemen’s Sweetheart sponsorship helps send a young lady from Polk County to the state competition * In close communication with FFA advisors around the county

Polk County Extension Office * County supported bull sale to provide good genetics for Polk County residents * The extension office works closely with us. Their telephone number is (863) 519-8677 * The Extension office uses all resources to help members - if you call, tell them you are a member * Information on USDA’s Farm Service Agency and use of their Web site: www.ffsa.usda.gov

Support of the Polk County Cattlewomen, Inc. * Cake auction at the July steak dinner * Individual cake slice sale at the November meeting * Fundraisers throughout the year to help support a student with a $2,000 scholarship * Beef in-store demonstrations at local grocery stores

Cattlemen’s Benefits

IFAS/UF ExtensionStorm Water Runoff: Minimizing Impacts

Now that we’re defi-nitely in the dry season, it’s a great time to talk about rain!

Water is the essence of life. In an average year, Florida receives over 50 inches of rain water, especially during the summer months, and this is also when plants in your yard are growing like crazy.

Yet, as Florida’s population grows, the demand for this water continues to strain our natural resources. This, in part, is due to a loss of natural green space and an increase of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which prevent rain water from filtering back to our groundwater systems.

Florida’s year-round high humidity and temperatures result in a natural loss (through evaporation) of at least 30 to 50 per-cent of the rainfall that we receive. Once you start adding densely populated communities consisting of miles of concrete sidewalks and driveways, asphalt roads, and compacted soils, even more water is lost to surface runoff. In the end, less than 10 percent of the nutrient-rich, life-giving water coming out of the sky actually makes it back into the soil to percolate and recharge our ground-water aquifer.

Storm water runoff is any water flowing off of roofs, drive-ways, and yards that carries fertilizers, pesticides, oils and other chemicals, contributing to pollution in our surface waterways. This is called non-point source pollution, and it can be con-trolled.

Whether you’re dealing with runoff from an irrigation system or from natural rainfall, the environmental impacts can be significant. Improper plant choices and poor landscape maintenance practices create a perfect environment for issues like topsoil erosion, localized flooding, and polluted storm water. The long-term costs of fixing these issues include increased storm water and public utilities infrastructure expenditures, which often gets put on the taxpayers’ shoulders.

Reducing runoff from your property is simple. Follow these behaviors to make a difference, one step at a time…

• Install and maintain a Florida-Friendly landscape that absorbs runoff and allows it to filter back into the soil.

• Choose drought-resistant plants that don’t

need a lot of supplemental ir-rigation.• Install practi-cal areas of warm-season turfgrass for play, entertain-ment, pets, etc. Use ground covers as turf alternatives in low traffic, high shade, and/or non-irrigated areas of the landscape.• Maintain 3” of mulch in plant beds to reduce ero-sion and retain soil moisture, minimiz-

ing watering needs.• Follow local watering restrictions, and water only

as needed. Many Florida-Friendly plants, once established, can survive with little supplemental irrigation.

• Water in the early morning hours to avoid water loss from wind and evaporation.

• Install low-volume irrigation in plant beds to minimize overspray and excess watering of plants.

• Install a functioning rain shut-off device on all irrigation systems to avoid unnecessary watering.

• Use a rain gauge to track rainfall and determine if supplemental watering (on your assigned day) is necessary.

• Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect rain water for landscape irrigation. Rain barrels capture storm water runoff, reduce erosion around the foundation of the house, and provide a free source of water for your plants.

Storm water runoff is inevitable in a state that is consistently wet at least five months out of the year, but the impacts of this storm water runoff do not have to be severe. A few commonsense changes or additions to your landscape design and maintenance practices can make a world of difference, not just in your yard, but in the entire watershed!

For more information or help choosing Florida-Friendly plants for your landscape, call or visit the Hillsborough County Extension Office in Seffner (5339 County Road 579 or 813-744-5519). You can also download the Florida-Friendly Landscap-ing™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf.

by Dr. Marina D’Abreau, Residential Horticulture AgentUF IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Service


Community values are like crops: Their roots run deep. They must be cultivated, protected and, most of all, grown responsibly. At Mosaic, we know quite a bit about all three.

We provide American farmers with nutrients to grow the food we need. But our work doesn’t stop there. After mining the natural phosphate needed to make our products, we reclaim the land for recreational and environmental uses. The same deep-rooted traditions shared by our community are values we champion every day.

A better Florida and a better world

Cultivating America’s

crops and community values

www.mosaicfla.com

®

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science PotatoMashed, fried, boiled, sautéed, and roasted potatoes are deli-

cious ways to enjoy this well-loved tuber. The widely-eaten potato is one of America’s most popular vegetables, with 125 pounds of po-tatoes consumed per person per year, on average. Size, shape, starch content, flavor, and color differ among varieties.

The main potato season in Florida is January through June, so get fresh Florida potatoes at their peak season now. According to the University of Florida Extension Office, Florida produces one-third of the winter/spring crop and is ranked seventh nationally in the value of potatoes produced in the U.S. Approximately half of the statewide production is processed into potato chips. Nationwide, 70 percent of all potatoes are processed into chips, French fries and dehydrated po-tato flakes.

Nutritional ProfileAs root vegetables, potatoes are jam-packed with a wide variety

of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Potatoes are considered a very good source of vitamin C, a good source of vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. They also contain iron, niacin, magne-sium, thiamin, riboflavin, phosphorus, and folic acid.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of baked potato with skin (122g) contains 133 calories, 2.8 g protein, 0.12 g fat, 30.8 g carbohydrate, and 2.9 g of dietary fiber. It also pro-vides 26 percent of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 21 percent for vitamin B6, 18.5 percent for copper, 14.6 percent for potassium, 11.7 percent for dietary fiber, 9 percent for iron, and other minerals and vitamins.

Good Carbs: Fiber & Resistant Starch One cup of baked potato provides almost 12 percent of the daily

requirements for fiber. Most of the fiber is concentrated in the skin, so it’s an added nutrition bonus and time-saver to skip peeling them. Fiber has many beneficial functions, including lowering cholesterol, preventing colon cancer, and improving bowel regularity.

Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, including fiber and resistant starch. Resistant starch is a type of fiber, along with soluble and insoluble types, and has beneficial physiological actions in the body. Resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine, it reaches the large intestine intact. It improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concen-trations, increases satiety, and provides bulk. In the bowel, resistant starch also supports the growth of healthy bacteria and inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. The amount of resistant starch can be maximized by cooking and then cooling the potatoes before consuming, such as in potato salad.

Building Cells with Vitamin B6One cup of baked potato contains 21 percent of the daily re-

quirement for vitamin B6. As a water-soluble vitamin, B6 is not stored in the body, and needs to be consumed in adequate amounts on a regular basis to replenish the body’s supply. Vitamin B6 is involved as a coenzyme in many enzymatic reactions and is essential for the formation of new cells in the body. This nutrient is required for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, as well as nucleic acids, which are used to make DNA. Phospholipids, which make up the cell membrane, and heme, the protein component of red blood cells, are also dependent on vitamin B6. Additionally, this important vitamin is involved in glucose and lipid metabolism,

helping the body use the fats and carbohydrates eaten, as well as syn-thesis of neurotransmitters, which include serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GABA. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are hormones that play a key role in responding to stress, GABA is essen-tial for healthy brain function, and serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being. Conversely, a lack of serotonin and norepinephrine is linked with depression.

An important contributor to heart health, vitamin B6 also low-ers homocysteine levels, a dangerous molecule that causes damage to the blood vessel wall and subsequent atherosclerosis. High homocys-teine levels have been associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating potatoes and other foods high in vitamin B6 is good for your heart.

Fiber Radishes and other cruciferous vegetables contain a significant

amount of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, assist with digestion, and prevent constipation. According to the American In-stitute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pan-creas.

How to Select and StoreChoose potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of decay or wet

spots. Avoid those that have sprouts or green discoloration. Potatoes have a wonderfully long shelf life and can be stored for up to three months or even longer. Store them in a paper or burlap bag in a dark, dry place between 45°F to 50°F, such as a root cellar, or a cool, dark basement. Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator because that will hasten their starch conversion to sugar.

How to EnjoyPotatoes can be baked, boiled, stewed, fried, and roasted. Since

they have a neutral flavor, they fit easily into many dishes. Additional-ly, potatoes (either grated or dried potato flakes) can serve as a gluten-free thickener in soups and stews. Here are some more serving ideas:• Mash boiled potatoes with milk, yogurt, or chicken broth• Make smashed potatoes with coarsely mashed potatoes with the

peel• Scoop the flesh out of the peel, mix with cheese and spices, and

refill the shells for twice-baked potatoes• Saute sliced potatoes with sliced carrots, rutabaga or parsnips

for a mixed root vegetable dish• Add sliced, cooked potatoes to egg omelets• Roast potatoes with olive oil and salt• Grate and use for hash browns, dumplings, or potato pancakes• Combine with tuna fish and steamed green beans in a salad

nicoise• Make mashed potato candy • Chips, fries, roasted, grilled, baked, boiled, mashed, diced• Grated into bread• Mashed potatoes into cake and muffin recipes

Enjoy fresh Florida radishes today. With their satisfying crunch and peppery flavor, radishes can add flavor to any dish as well as boost its nutrition at the same time.

Selected Referenceshttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/http://www.florida-agriculture.comhttp://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/FLradish.pdf


INTERNATIONAL MARKET WORLD“The Ultimate Flea Market

& Entertainment Center”

O P E N RAIN OR SHINE!

New & Used BargainsFree Circus Shows &

Live Alligator Displays

1052 Hwy 92 Just West of Auburndalewww.intlmarketworld.com

863-665-0062

Thursday Night“All You Can Eat Chicken & Fish”w/ Live Bluegrass Bands

starting at 5pm

Produce

FRI • SAT • SUN 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.I was having breakfast at the Sawmill Place Restaurant in

Blairsville, Georgia while on vacation this past August. While putting some strawberry jelly on a fresh homemade biscuit as big as a softball I overheard a couple of old timers talking about how “dirt poor” they were until they started farming. The one with the white hair and long beard used the term “it rained cats and dogs” the day he set out his corn, and washed up about a half acre. I finished my biscuit, eggs and ham, downed the last sip of coffee and headed out as they continued their amusing conversation.

On the way back to the house on Bearpaw Road, I got to thinking about those sayings, and remembering my dad used a lot of sayings in his conversations from time to time. When I got back to the house I jumped on my computer and looked up the old sayings the old timers used.

I discovered where the saying of “dirt poor” came from. Back in the 1500’s only the wealthy had slate floors unlike the poor who had dirt floors. Thus came the saying, “dirt poor.“ In the winter, the slate floors would get wet, so they spread straw on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more straw until, when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. They would place a piece of wood in the entranceway, so came the word “thresh hold.”

After further study I found that most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor, hence the custom of carrying a bouquet of flowers when getting married.

In the 1500’s, the bathtub consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house

had the privilege of the clean water then all other members of the family,

ending when the babies had their turn.

By the time everybody had bathed the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don‘t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Three centuries ago, houses of the time had

thatched roofs of thick straw piled high, with little or no

wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and dogs slept on the roof. When it rained the roof became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. So there is where the saying “It’s raining cats and dogs” came from.

It is amazing how many of the sayings we used today came

about during the 16th Century. It was the custom to cook in the kitchen with a big kettle (much like an old wash pot) that always hung over the fire. Every day they would light the fire and add things to the pot, mostly vegetables with very little meat. What ever they had left over at lunch went into the kettle. Depending how many big eaters they had the food would be there for a number of days. Remember, peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old? Every once in a while when they were so fortunate to obtain pork, it would make it them feel real special. When visitors came over they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, “bring home the bacon.” They would cut off a little bacon to share with their visitors and then sit around and “chew the fat.”

As for bread, they divided it according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle and guests got the top, or the “upper crust.”

Lead cups were used to drink ale and whiskey. The two would sometimes knock the drinker out for a couple of days. At times when someone found a person that had been snookered and passed out beside the road they would take them for dead and deliver him to their family where they prepared them for burial. The passed out drunk would be placed on the kitchen table for a couple of days and

the family would gather around, eat and drink, and wait to see if they would wake up. So there my friends is where the custom of “holding a wake” came from.

Now here’s the best one of all! It has been said that old England started running out places to bury people, so they

would dig up coffins and take the bones to the bone house, put in a new corpse, close the lid

and cover it up. When reopening some of these coffins, one

out of thirty were found to have scratch marks on the inside. They realized they had been burying people alive. It was then that a system was devised where they

would tie a string to the wrist of the dead person,

run it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a

bell. For a week or so, they would take shifts sitting next to the grave to listen for the bell. The person that sat all night was considered on the “the graveyard shift,” listening for the bell to ring. Thus, someone could be, “saved by the bell”, or was considered a “dead ringer.”Now you know! Whoever said history was

boring?


GOLF CARTS

4 Yr. Warranty $3,98800

3301 Paul Buchman Hwy.Plant City, FL 33565

(813) 752-4459www.countryvillagepowerequipment.net

as low as

COUNTRY VILLAGE POWER

EQUIPMENT

5530 Old Hwy. 37, Lakeland, FL 33811

“Family Owned & Operated for 30 Years, and

The Customer is Still Number ONE1”wrangler-levy-cruel girl-cowgirl

tuff-stetson-resistol-lucchesse-justin-ariat-buck-traeger-pellet grills-holland grills-four paws-weaver leather-royal

canin-canidae-eagle pack

Hours: Mon-Fri 8a.m. - 6p.m.Sat-8a.m. - 4p.m.

Closed Sunday

In all my years of writing I’ve never had to ask permission from a horse to do a story. Of course I had never met Rascal. Owner Larry McDougald made it clear when I called him we would need Rascal’s permission. Fortunately he said yes and the story could be written. “Not long after I bought Rascal I called the owner and asked how she came up with the name,” McDougald said. “She replied, well you’ve had him for two weeks so I probably don’t need to tell you. She was right. It’s is an appropriate name. It fits him well.” A 14 year old Palomino, Rascal and McDougald came together almost 12 years ago after McDougald’s previous horse was hit by lightning. The search for a replacement took nearly two years but was worth the wait. “When I called the lady I asked her some questions and she told me this horse is smart,” McDougald said. “She told me not only can he figure out how to open every gate we have, but also he will open the other gates to have someone to play with. I knew then that was the type of horse I wanted.” Trick horses earn their name in many ways and are also trained numerous ways. Many horses are trained to just recognize a com-mand or movement and know they will be rewarded with a treat. Rascal is different. “Rascal loves treats, no doubt,” McDougald said. “But more importantly he loves the interaction and to impress people. His

personality makes him unique. He loves the attention and will seek it out any place he goes.”McDougald a native of Homeland, south of Bartow, grew up in the age of the cowboys on the silver screen and that first made an impression on him. “I grew up watching the horses on the big screen, my heroes were Gene and Roy,” McDougald said. “So I always wanted a horse growing up and got my first one when I was a teenager. It has been a passion of mine for a number of years but I always thought Trigger was the greatest so I knew one day I would own the Palomino.” Rascal and McDougald don’t travel as much as they once did but still attend many local shows where Rascal always seems to impress. “I can turn Rascal loose in a large area and know it will be safe,” McDougald said. “I have had several discussions with people about letting him loose but after seeing Rascal go and sit as he is told I never have anymore problems. I have to be care-ful some times as Rascal can steal the attention from the other horses with his personality.” Friend of both horse and owner is Gary McLin. “Where do you start with Rascal?’’ McLin commented. “He has a mind of his own and lives up to that name. I’ve never seen an animal who loves the attention, whether it’s giving kisses or smiling for the kids, Rascal is a performer and everyone who meets him loves him. Rascal makes sure of that.” McDougald has owned Florida Transport in Bartow for 37 years and in addition he has been on the board of the Homeland Cracker Festival and also MC’s many event at the annual Florida celebration in Homeland. Staying busy has slowed the duos trav-els down somewhat but they both love the audience. “There are a lot of smart animals in the world especially horses but Rascal is one of the best,” McDougald said. “And if you don’t believe me, just ask him. He will be happy to tell you.”

By Mark Cook


217 Avenue G, S.W. • 293-4098(Behind Belk) • Winter Haven

Safe Sales • Moving • Opening • Repairing

We’re The Safe Experts!SAFE AND LOCK

Keeping America Safe & Green• Lifetime Warranty• Factory Direct Pricing• Fire Protection• Burglary Protection• American Made• Purchase Locally• Professional Delivery• Personalized Service

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

GUN • HOME • OFFICECOMPLETE

LINE OF LIBERTY SAFES

www.CFLiberty.com • www.PrecisionSafeAndLock.com

IFAS SurveyFarm Bureau Strongly Encourages Responses to UF/IFAS SurveyISSUE:The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, in partnership with Florida Farm Bureau, is soliciting responses to a brief survey about communication between you and your community neighbors. The purpose of the survey is to determine how agricultural producers communi-cate with non-farm people, especially in areas with large urban populations.

IMPACT:Your responses will help create an effective statewide program designed to enhance your ability to educate urban residents about contemporary agriculture. All survey answers will remain confidential.

ACTION:The short survey can be accessed via the Internet at: www.survey-monkey.com/s/5B2MPY9. The deadline for survey responses is March 31.

In 2005 and 2006 the Florida Division of Forestry in cooperation with the University of Florida IFAS program developed a certifi-cation program for Florida Pile Burners. The first class was held in Bartow at the Bob Crawford Building in October of 2006. The second session was held at the same location in November of 2006. In 2009 the Florida Department of Agriculture amended the open burning rules and regulations to include the pile burner certifica-tion program. Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 5I-2 outlines the steps necessary to become certified and also what is necessary to keep that certification. The rule states that a pile burner main-tains their certification if they can show that they have used their certified burn number at least five times in the previous five years. The purpose behind the development and implementation of the Certified Pile Burner program was to raise the overall quality of the open burning program in Florida. Any regulatory agency has two possible paths to follow in order to carry out their legislative responsibilities to the people of the state of Florida. They can act to enforce the law to the letter and in this way improve the program’s activities or they can work to educate and enforce where the educa-

tion fails. The Florida Division of Forestry feels that we serve all of our customers best by improving the overall quality of the program through education, and only using the “stick” of enforcement when absolutely necessary. At this time the Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry is in the process of sending out notifications to all of those certified pile burners who received their certification in 2006, letting them know if their certification is current or if there is a need for them to complete additional burns before the end of this year to main-tain their certification. They are asked to contact Jim Brenner, Fire Management Administrator with the Florida Division of Forestry, if their certification is in jeopardy so that they can find out what must be done to maintain their certification. Jim Brenner can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 850/488-6480. This process will be repeated every year at about this time for those that have had their Pile Burner Certification for at least five years.

Florida Pile Burning Certification Program


Trucks in Review

Getting more in every load gets more done every day, the new Sierra HD has the strongest frame we’ve ever built into an HD pickup. Crafted with high-strength alloy steel, fully boxed from front to rear, it is engineered for a maximum Gross Com-bined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 29,200 lbs—the highest rating in its class.

The new Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 Turbo & Allison 1000 Series 6-spd automatic transmission are engineered to achieve a goal that most assumed impossible: improved power & mile-age; together. Advanced, diesel direct-injection technology with adaptive transmission controller, help Duramax to run at peak efficiency, providing highway mpg range up to 680 highway miles.

Applying power is just as important as how much power you have. The standard 6.0L Vortec VVT V-8 delivers torque & horsepower across a wide RPM range. Matched with Hydra-matic 6L90-E, it gives the driver smooth progressive response for effortless driving, trailering or hauling.

Virtually every aspect was rethought or reinforced for heavy loads & high Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs). More important the sense of control knowing GMC has already antici-pated your task & built accordingly.

The best way to appreciate the engineering that went into the new Sierra HD suspension is on a road at its worst, or with no road at all. With a redesigned fully independent torsion-bar front suspension on every model, completely revised rear suspen-sion, Sierra HD removes the compromise between ride comfort & load capacity, so you can trailer or haul heavy loads with a comfortable margin of control.

Sierra HD’s braking system is much more than a pedal. It is a system of control engineered to maintain your intended path & maintain your cool no matter how challenging the situation. Because, with a heavy load behind you, you need to be ready for what’s ahead of you.

From leather-appointed seating surfaces to polished wood tones & brushed metal accents, the first-ever Denali gives the Sierra HD series a new & even more refined meaning. With its extensive list of standard features, Denali HD gives you the luxury of the boardroom with the power to match.

Control. Comfort. Capacity. That’s the story of Sierra SLT HD. Beyond the crisp details, precise fits & premium materials SLT offers comprehensive security & entertainment technology. Working together equals advantage; whatever the situation.

2011 GMC 3500HD CREW CAB 4WDA Redefining Moment

New Chevy 3500 Regular Cab Chassis 2WD, 12’ FLATBED, 11,400lb GVWR, 2010 Duramax Diesel (NO UREA TANK), Allison 6 sp automatic, AC, AM/FM Stereo, Locking Differen-tial, Cruise Control, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Dual Air Bag, Security Features, Daytime Running Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Power Brakes. Pricing includes all eligible rebates and in-centives assigned to dealer. Prices are plus tax, tag, and $99 dealer fee unless you have or are eligible for a GM FAN, call today to see if you are eligible for additional incentives or discounts. This truck is ready to work—call us today! (813) 359-5420

See ad on page 32 for more information See ad on page 15 for more information

Chevy 3500

When our engineers created the new 2011 Sierra Heavy Duty Series, they left no bolt unturned. By rejecting compromise, crafting every detail, GMC delivered the strongest, most powerful, capable lineup of Sierra HD pickups, ever, delivering control, capability and driver comfort. The new 2011 Sierra HD redefines heavy duty and the perfect example of why we never say never. GMC. We are professional grade.

Hwy 27 at SR 60 Lake Waleswww.fieldshuston.com * 863-676-2503* 1-800-676-2503

For over a quarter of a century Fields-Huston Cadillac Buick GMC has been serving Central Florida. We have a large selection of new vehicles and qual-ity pre-owned vehicles. We are also a full service dealership with an award-

winning service department, parts department, and on-site body shop.

2011 In The Field


Orange juice, Florida’s liquid gold, and the various species that produce it, has a new spokesperson. While commercials and ads portraying its healthy goodness in a tall chilled glass can still be seen, there is a new target audience. Citrus farmers from across the state banded together and asked the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) to help them reach the younger generation. Thusly, a new superhero emerged, Captain Citrus. This walking, talking orange in a cape was created with the help of By Kids For Kids, a company based out of Connecticut, and is their first food product design. This year’s FDOC focus is on families with kids which ties into the general mar-keting they have been doing since 1921. The FDOC is tremendously dedicated to this concept and thusly they have invested in commercial advertisements featur-ing Captain Citrus, which are played on Nickelodeon and other family oriented TV channels. “Citrus growers are pleased with the Captain Citrus design and program pro-posals,” says Vanessa Hodak, the manager

of Away from Home Marketing for the FDOC. Vanessa has worked for the FDOC for the past ten years and has been doing school programs for the last five. “When the growers asked that we do something for the kids,” Vanessa Hodak explained, “we brainstormed how to connect growers and students. Characters were something kids could see and relate to, something they could put a face to.” Apparently the plan is working because “the response has been very high,” and they are anxious to have the character visit the schools, “to bring it to life at those schools.” Everyone is interested to see the reaction of the kids, because the FDOC and the growers believe “it’s a wholesome product with a fun character.” This is Captains Citrus’ first year, the pilot program, and it kicked off in Decem-ber 2010 and went live in January 2011 with Kit 1. The goal is to provide three counties, Polk, Highlands and Hardee, with a total of four kits that will help teachers expound on the general benefits of citrus, emphasize it as a healthy break-fast and initiate the Creative Juice Chal-

lenge. This year the program will reach, “100 schools, 3,000 kindergarten through fifth grade teachers and more than 50,000 students.” When the FDOC endeavors to do something new, they do it with gusto. The Creative Juice Challenge seems to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the program. It requires an original art work submission made between February 1 and April 15. Art can be in any medium, from visual, to musical to written works as long as it includes one thing the child learned about orange juice through the program. There will be 15 finalists and then the top 3 submissions will be chosen. The teacher with the most student sub-missions will receive an AMEX gift card, and the top 15 finalists’ schools will win a “grower planted citrus tree on Arbor Day, April 29.” The trees are being donated by nurseries and growers and are intended to tie into the increased focus on school based gardens. Clearly this is not just an FDOC initiative given the willingness of the growers and nurseries to provide trees and time to further its success rate.In addition, a costumed character

An Orange Guy in a Cape:

version of Captain Citrus, along with various growers from across the state, will visit 15-20 schools, based on teacher requests. Students will be provided with basic citrus knowledge, have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the growers, and receive “temporary tattoos, stickers and stuff to go into pencil pouches.” They will also get to sample fresh citrus and orange juice and then take pictures with Captain Citrus himself. These visits are scheduled to begin in mid-March and last through the end of April. The kid oriented part of this endeavor centers around The Adventures of Captain Citrus. This creative storyline starts with his arrival from the Orange Planet in search of other superheroes. He has chosen Florida as his landing site because, “the Sunshine State is home to many orange trees.” While on planet Earth, he will visit eight different growers, also known as superheroes, and will blog about the things he learns along the way on his website, www.CaptainCitrus.com. Students “will learn with him on his journey.” To further emphasize the creativity of Florida’s citrus farmers and tie into the concept of the Creative Juice Challenge, the first grower Captain Citrus visits and blogs about is Ellis Hunt. Mr. Hunt’s family has been growing and packing oranges for almost 90 years. He is also a mu-sician and kids will have the opportunity to read all about him and what he does on the Captain Citrus website.The website has been custom designed to provide teachers, students and parents with educational information about Florida citrus. It “includes kids space, parent universe and teacher galaxy.” The site is designed to “house all program materials and serve as a portal for teachers, students and parents to utilize.” In addition, teachers from other coun-ties not included in the original pilot can access programs in downloadable pdf format for free. There is no reason why this program cannot infiltrate all Florida schools thanks to the benefits of the worldwide web. “The program is evergreen to a certain extent,” Vanessa Hodak said, because the same kits can be used year after year as teachers receive new students. However, it is the FDOC’s goal to go to more counties. They hope to secure funding to continue the program and grow it to the point that they receive national exposure. Given the amount of advertising they have done and the feedback they have received, this doesn’t seem like a far-fetched goal at all.To get an idea of the amount of advertising that has been dedicated to this program, it is important to note that an e-blast was sent to all teachers in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties in order to announce the new website. Extensive foodservice advertising has happened in the School Nutrition magazine, as well as in the csi foodpro Gateway newsletter. These print ads have a circulation of roughly 61,000. Three full page ads are being run from April to June of 2011. This nine month (overall) advertis-ing campaign is “expected to garner 1.5 million impres-sions.” That’s a lot of eyes on Captain Citrus. In December 2010, Vanessa Hodak presented the program to the Florida Citrus Commission. While there she revealed the fact that Captain Citrus will be attending the Florida School Nutrition Conference in Orlando and the School Nutrition Association Annual Convention in

By Ginny Mink

Leigh Killeen, Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing & Vanessa Hodak, Director of

Foodservice and School Programs

Florida’s Liquid Gold


Reliability, Service, Trust & IntegrityThroughout Hillsborough & Polk County

GROVE EQUIPMENT

GROVE EQUIPMENT

SERVICE INC.

4.9% FINANCING for 60-72 MOS WAC*

5905 Hwy. 60 East • Bartow, FL 338301-800-833-2460 Toll Free

Tel: 863-537-1345 • Fax: 863-537-2645

908 E. Baker Street • Plant City, FL 1-800-717-8333 Toll Free

Tel: 813-759-8722 • Fax: 813-752-9627

Mahindra 40252 WD • 41 HP • 5-Year Limited Warranty

Live PTO • Power SteeringAdd $5,000 for ML232 Loader with

Skid Steer Quick Attach Bucket

Mahindra 36164 WD • 36 HP • 5-Year Limited Warranty

Live PTO • Power Steering Hydrostat Trans • Loader with Skid Steer

40 Yearswww.groveequipment.biz

Cultivate Your Dreams

$18,730

Professional Grade Mahindra

TractorsThe World’s #1 Selling Tractor

$11,000

4.9% FINANCING for 60-72 MOS WAC*

*Financing subject to approved credit on select Mahindra models.

DR. LARRY BRITT, DVMLarge Animal Vet Services

General PracticeSpecializing in Equine Dentistry

Est. 1969

• 24 hr. Ambulatory Service• Servicing Central Florida• All Farm Animals Treated (excluding cats & dogs)• Colics, Wound Care, Founders, Emergencies, etc.

• Routine Care: Coggins, Vaccinations, Teeth Floating, etc.• Advanced Equipment: Portable Digital X-Ray, Ultrasound, Endoscope, etc.

914 E Knights Griffin Rd., Plant City, FL 33565 813.951.0118 cell • 813.752.0224 office813.719.1913 fax • [email protected]

www.horse-dentist.biz

24 hrs a day7 days a week 365 days a year

Nashville this July. The Nashville visit is an impor-tant one as this is a national convention not just a Florida based one. While meeting with “more than 200,000 school foodservice decision makers,” at these conferences, the FDOC will “promote Florida orange and grape-fruit juices and the versatility of citrus,” as well as, “communicate the health and wellness benefits,” of these juices. They have utilized online and print advertising as well as e-newsletters that will run from January through June of 2011 as a means to get food service managers, directors and dieticians on board. School nutrition based gatherings aren’t the only ones on Captain Citrus’ agenda. The Florida Citrus Mutual, the largest grower organization in Florida, will be graced by the presence of Captain Citrus at their meeting in June. In fact, “different people in the industry have asked if he can make an appear-ance,” at their meetings and events. Obviously Captain Citrus has created quite a fan base.Currently the FDOC is rotating through six differ-ent people in order to provide students with an up close and personal experience with the costumed version of Captain Citrus. However, if the demand continues to increase as planned, they will prob-ably need to hire a part-time college student as their consistent performer. No matter how you look at it, Captain C, as he prefers to be called, is quite a busy orange guy.


Do You Need a Pool or Does Your Pool Need an Update?

commercial • residential• New Residential Pool Construction• Plaster/Exposed Aggregate• Pebble Finishes• Fiberglass/Sand & Reseal• Pool, Deck, Patio & Driveway Resurfacing

• Brick Paver Installation• Expert Repair Service• Vinyl Liners• Drain & Clean Tile Re-

grouting & Replacement• Automatic Pool

Cover System• Water Falls

& More

LicensedInsuredBonded

#CPC1456633,QB# 0018596,#CPC1457795

Convert vinyl liners to fiberglass or concrete pools shells

863-668-8660 www.bnlpool.net

Discover How Our Juice is Squeezed

Exhibits Museum Virtual Tour Gift Shop

Visit the Grove House Visitor Center 20160 Highway 27 North Lake Wales, FL 33853

1-800-237-7805 ext 4110•

•

Open Seasonally October through May Mon-Fri 10-5PM Sat 10-2 PM

• •

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Untitled-1 1 1/28/2011 11:58:20 AM

• Agriculture• Youth Steer Projects• Residential Property

• Hunting & Recreational Properties

1-866-245-3637www.farmcreditc�.com

Farm Credit—Your One Stop Lender

O F C E N T R A L F L O R I D A

• Operating Expenses

• Livestock• Equipment• Crop Insurance

Red imported fire ant invasions around the globe in recent years can now be traced to the southern U.S., where the nuisance insect gained a foothold in the 1930s, new University of Florida research has found.Native to South America, the ant had been contained there and in the southeastern U.S. before turning up in faraway places in the last 20 years — including California, China, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.The study in Friday’s edition of Science was co-authored by Marina Ascunce, a postdoctoral associate with the Florida Mu-seum of Natural History on the UF campus and Chin-Cheng Yang of National Taiwan University.

The team’s findings could prove helpful in finding new ways to control the invasive

species, Solenopsis invicta, Ascunce said. Americans spend more than $6 billion a year to control the ants and offset damage they cause, including medical expenses and $750 million in agricultural losses.“Fire ants are very annoying pests, and they cause people to suffer,” Ascunce said. “People who are allergic can die (from ant stings).”

Red imported fire ants are highly ag-gressive. They have a painful sting, often discovered by humans only after stepping on a mound.

The research team used several types of molecular genetic markers to trace the origins of ants in nine locations where recent invasions occurred. They traced all but one of the invasions to the southern U.S. The exception was an instance where the ants moved from the southeastern U.S. to California, then to Taiwan.

Ascunce said the scientists were surprised by the findings.“I thought that at least one of the populations in the newly invaded areas would have come from South America, but all of the genetic data suggest the most likely source in virtually every case was the southern U.S.,” she said.

The study results show the problematic side of a robust global trade and travel network.DeWayne Shoemaker, a U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist affiliated with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences who was senior author and lead investiga-tor on the grant that funded the study, said pinning down precise origins for the ants is a huge win because it helps scientists know where to look to find the most effective bio-logical control agents, such as phorid flies.Since the late 1990s, scientists have been releasing phorid flies to help control the ants while reducing use of pesticides. The flies hover over mounds before injecting an

egg into an ant. When the egg hatches, the maggot develops in the ant’s head, eventu-ally decapitating it. The maggot turns into a fly and the cycle repeats.

Shoemaker, a key member of the research team that sequenced the complete genome of the red imported fire ant earlier this year, said the team collected ants from 2,144 colonies at 75 geographic sites. From there, they used multiple genetic tests—includ-ing some similar to human paternity tests — to determine the ants’ origin with high confidence levels.

“I really think our power to distinguish … hinged on us having such a large data set,” he said. “I don’t think we’d have had the statistical power to come up with these kinds of conclusions otherwise. All of these conclusions are highly supported by data.”It is widely believed the red imported fire ant first entered the U.S. in the 1930s through the port of Mobile, Ala., on cargo ships, possibly in dirt used as ballast.Other team members included Cheng-Jen Shih and Wen-Jer Wu, both of National Taiwan University; Jane Oakey of Biosecurity Queensland, Australia; Luis Calcaterra of the USDA-ARS South American Biological Control Laboratory in Argentina; Jérôme Goudet, of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and Kenneth Ross of the University of Georgia.

Pictured: Researchers DeWayne Shoemaker and Marina Ascunce observe red imported fire ants in a laboratory at UF’s main campus in Gainesville, Fla. Shoemaker, who works for the USDA and is affiliated with IFAS, and Ascunce, who works with the Florida Museum of Natural History, were on a team that determined red imported fire ant invasions around the globe in recent years could be traced to the southern U.S., where the nuisance insect gained a foothold in the 1930s. UF/IFAS photo by Tyler L. Jones

UF Study Traces Global Red Imported Fire Ant Invasions to Southern U.S.By Mickie Anderson


Young people can be both endearing and challenging, they can make you want to befriend them, or just make you want to scream. Their propensity for knowing all the answers, or at least believing they do, can be altogether frustrating. There are times though, when one meets a young per-son with a certain sense of maturity, a will-ingness to admit her lack of knowledge and modestly laugh at her own inexperience, Jamie Smith is just that young woman.A self proclaimed “city girl,” Jamie grew up in Lakeland but was completely uninvolved in its overtly agricultural side, that is until she started dating Colt Smith. They wed two and half years ago and she has quite readily become an active member of Tough Luck Ranch and Green Leaf Sod, the family’s agricultural basis. The Smith family has 300 head of cattle, Hereford, Brahman, and a Brahman/Angus mix. These cattle are divided among the parceled out “720 or so acres,” located on Moore, Dean Still and Tom Costine Roads in Lakeland. They cut hay, Tifton 44 and Bahia, in the fall and sell it year round. Their sod company sells St. Augustine Grass, and that sod is the main source of income. Jamie says that her “biggest role has been in the administrative duties for the sod farm.” She and her mother-in-law, Donna Smith, “run the office, give estimates, do payroll, answer phones and take orders,” but she laughs, “we get to tell the guys what to do.” Working at Green Leaf Sod has been part of her life for the last three and half years. However, she’s now on a sort of

hiatus because her plate is incredibly full for a 23 year old. Jamie’s attending the University of Central Florida, where she’s a junior. She is working on a degree in, “sport and exercise science,” and in the evenings she’s a per-sonal trainer for Gold’s Gym (one glimpse at the toned muscles in her arms and it’s easy to see why). While she played softball for 14 years she admits, “a few years ago I was a little overweight so I started working out. I wanted to be a coach and I realized how important health and fitness is in life.” So, she became a certified personal trainer and a group fitness instructor. In fact, she voluntarily teaches a group fitness class twice a week at Crestview Baptist Church.One might wonder where her penchant for fitness ties into her standing as a woman in agriculture. Well, Jamie is a member of Team ZIP (Zinc, Iron, Protein) which “is an organization to help promote the beef in-dustry and fitness, running, biking, etc.” In the future Jamie hopes to “combine sports and ag.” She has intentions of helping host a Ranch Run this fall. The Ranch Run will be a 5K with a 1 mile fun run and there’s a possibility that an obstacle course might be included. The Ranch Run will be located on the Moore Road property. Jamie’s no stranger to running, “I run a lot of local races, I recently ran a half mara-thon and just did the Warrior Dash in Lake Wales. It’s a mud run out on Triple Canopy Ranch, there were lots of obstacles.” She also trained for a triathlon utilizing one of the ponds on the property. But don’t be thrown off by her fanatical fitness focus,

she’s equally devoted to ag.Jamie is an active member of the Cattle-women’s Association and volunteers “with the educational programs with students.” Donna has taught her how to do wildlife rescue to include, “birds, deer, raccoons, squirrels and ‘possums.” Not to mention the fact that she bottle feeds sick calves.Jamie says that joining the Smith family “has really broadened my horizons, learn-ing about the land and how to take care of it, preserve and respect the area.” She says she was a “city girl who wanted to be in the country,” and adds, “A lot of people want this and don’t get it so I appreciate what I have.” More significantly though, Jamie believes that, “it’s important to keep educating youth because not everybody gets to see this.” Jamie loves to work the cows, “from cutting, to branding to deworming them,” but she also likes trail riding horses and shooting skeet. She brags that she’s “better than most of the guys but terrible at shoot-ing pistols.” She used to race four-wheelers and likes going out on the airboat although she admits they make her a little nervous.Jamie says they “play a lot out here,” and with two giant homemade water slides, a zip line and tennis court, that’s not hard to believe. However, she says they have huge pond parties in the summer and “invite people out all the time to let them enjoy the lifestyle.” She wants to “broaden everyone’s knowledge about cattle,” probably because she realizes how truly blessed she is.

Fitness and Cattle, Where’s the Connection?Meet Jamie SmithBy Ginny Mink


863-668-7264 www.southeasternseptic.com

“Your Septic Specialists”

Serving All Of

Central FloridaResidential &Commercial

FREEESTIMATES

• New Installations• Septic Pumping• Drain Field Repairs• Lift Stations

• Grease Traps• Fill Dirt• Culvert Pipes• Septic InspectionsLic#SR0890218

Septic

Manna Pro Scholarship WinnersThe winners of the $1,000. Scholarships are Tineke Swart, Live Oak and Caitlin Waters, Tampa.The winner of the $2,000. Manna Pro Scholarship is Kate-lyn Malin, Palm City.

Mosaic Scholarship WinnersThe winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is - Caitlin Conway, Indiantown

Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship WinnersThe winners of the $1,000 Schol-arship are: Pamela Mayo, Riverview Leigh Ann Barthle, Haines CityAmy Klass, Plant CityTaylor Langford, NewberryKelsey Kay Burnham,

Okeechobee

CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS 4-H Dog Junior Champion – Darby Gravitt, Lakeland Intermediate Champion – Katie Hendrix, St. Pete4th place Senior Champion – Caitlin Bailey, Fort Meade3rd place Senior Champion – Amber West, River-view2nd place Senior Champion – Kimberly Pridgen, LakelandChampion Youth for Dog Show – Savannah Kutz, St. Pete

Youth Llama ShowJunior Champion – Jonathon Ness Intermediate Champion – Morgan Holdsworth, Sarasota4th place Senior Champion – Jacob Sellers, Ocala3rd place Senior Champion – Sarah Birkhold, Sarasota 2nd place Senior Champion – Haley Wright, Sarasota Champion Youth for Llama Show – Alex Rodman, Sarasota

Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Tiffany Undestad, Spring HillIntermediate Champion – Renee Hoover, Tampa4th place Senior Champion – Nathan Odom, Howey in the Hills3rd place Senior Champion – Alana Namaka, Parrish2nd place Senior Champion – Elizabeth Surface, LithiaChampion Youth for Rabbit Show – Yaslin Gonzalez, Miami Youth SteerIntermediate Champion – Cassidy Hasting, Plant City4th place Senior Champion – Stacy McFarlane, Miami3rd place Senior Champion – Darby Hasting, Plant City2nd place Senior Champion – Travis Theige, OxfordChampion Youth for Steer Show – Erin Jones, Trenton

Youth DairyJunior Champion – Cara Zeveney, ParrishIntermediate Champion – Kacee Langford, Newberry4th place Senior Champion – Jessica VanVaerenbergh, Riverview3rd place Senior Champion – Pamela Mayo, Riverview2nd place Senior Champion – Brianna Smith, OdessaChampion Youth for Dairy Show – Helena Polansky, Land O Lakes

1st Place ($3000 Savings Bond) Pamela Mayo from Riverview2nd Place ($2500 Savings Bond) Jeremy D’Angelo from Deland3rd Place tie ($2000 Savings Bond) Elizabeth Surface from Lithia4th Place tie ($2000 Savings Bond) Nathan Odom from Howey In The Hills5th Place ($1000 Savings Bonds) Shelby Rae Adams from New Smyrna Beach6th Place ($500 Savings bond) Matthew Jennings from Dade City

2011 Results


Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

We Support Agriculture.

1401 Sam Keen RoadLake, Wales, FL 33853

863.692.1013

James D. Webb, Jr.Senior Vice PresidentFinancial Advisor

611 US Hwy 27 SouthSebring, FL 33870direct 863 451 4035fax 863 382 2212 toll free 800 962 [email protected]

by Alvin FutchLakeland Cash Feed, The

General Store, Cattle-man’s Feed in Polk City,

Makinson Hardware in Kissimmee, Hardee

Ranch & Supply, and Lay’s Western Wear.

Direct orders: 813.478.0227www.alinfutch.com

Endorsed by M-M-Mel Tillis & Al Berry

HAY FOR SALEROUND SQUARE• TIFTON 44 BERMUDA • TIFTON 44 BERMUDA• JIGGS BERMUDA • JIGGS BERMUDA• STARGRASS • FLORALTA• BAHIA• HEMARTHRIA

Delivery Available

in Semi Loads,

Statewide

From 2 LocationsPunta Gorda,Dade City

ContaCt: Julian l. Wright941-628-9167 Cell 941-639-3926 office 941-637-0749 Fax

Personalized, Not Franchised

Polk County Pioneer, Family Owned

•est.1926

•ownedbythethirdgeneration ofthefoundingfamily

•ExceptionalPersonalService YouDeserve

•ServicewithIntegrityandDignity

There is a difference.Come in and experience it

for yourself.

All Services Available

1300 E. Hwy. 60Mulberry, FL 33860863.425.1131

Seigler Funeral Home

www.seiglerfuneralhome.net

Youth PoultryJunior Champion – Ethan Fernandez, Plant City Intermediate Champion – Jillian Hanley, Boynton Beach 4th place Senior Champion – Matthew Jennings, Dade City3rd place Senior Champion – Anna Hoffmann, Lithia2nd place Senior Champion – Olivia Cook, ClearwaterChampion Youth for Poultry Show – Caitlin Bailey, Fort Meade

Youth GoatJunior Champion – Isabel Perdomo, Wesley ChapelIntermediate Champion – Mia Herrera, LaBelle4th place Senior Champion – Lauren Watts, Eustis3rd place Senior Champion – Jareck Butterbrodt, Edgewater2nd place Senior Champion – Cayce Walker, EdgewaterChampion Youth for Goat Show – KT Spencer, Lakeland Youth SwineJunior Champion – Drake Tref-feisen, Lake PanasoffkeeIntermediate Champion – Wil-liam Jameson, Lake Panasoff-kee4th place Senior Champion – Martin Oakley, Riverview3rd place Senior Champion – David Walden, Plant City2nd place Senior Champion – Shelby Rae Adams, New Smyrna BeachChampion Youth for Swine Show – Morgan Carlton, Lakeland

Youth BeefJunior Champion – Emily Jen-nings, Dade CityIntermediate Champion – Ma-son Bishop, Orange City4th place Senior Champion – Brittany Skaggs, Alachua3rd place Senior Champion – Nathan Odom, Howey in the Hills2nd place Senior Champion – Elizabeth Surface, LithiaChampion Youth for Beef Show – Erin Jones, Trenton Youth SheepJunior Champion – Thomas Schroeder, DelandIntermediate Champion – Trevor Rosso, Deland4th place Senior Champion – Danielle Gellerman, Edgewater3rd place Senior Champion – Nathaniel Lawson, Lakeland 2nd place Senior Champion – Brittany Coleman, Plant City Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Jeremy D’Angelo, Deland

4-H/FFA Agricultural Exhibit Contest1st place tie – Young Sprouts 4H Club and Wakulla County 4H3rd place – Suwannee County 4H4th place – Nassau County 4H5th place – South Plantation High School 4H Club6th place – Gilchrist County 4H Council7th place – Desoto County Beaks & Bills 4H8th place – Bronson FFA

9th place – Collier County 4H Livestock10th place – Riverview FFA

Hay Bale Decorating Contest1st place – DeSoto County Beaks & Bills 4H2nd place - Brevard County 4H3rd place - Riverview FFA4th place – Alonso FFA5th place – Young Sprouts 4H Club

Youth SwineGrand Champion - Moriah McCullers, Frostproof Middle FFAReserve Grand Champion - Brittany Alexander, Riverview FFA

Youth Swine ShowmanshipJunior Division - Drake Tref-feisen, Lake PanasoffkeeIntermediate Division - William Jameson, Lake PanasoffkeeSenior Division - Brittany Ritenburg, ArcadiaDivision 1 Champion – Brittany Alexander, Apollo BeachDivision 1 Reserve Champion – Kristina Nichols, LakelandDivision 2 Champion – Moriah McCullers, FrostproofDivision 2 Reserve Champion – Ben Luchka, Plant CityDivision 3 Champion – Court-ney Wingate, Myakka CityDivision 3 Reserve Champion – Casey Wingate, Myakka CityDivision 4 Champion – Suraj Ramrakhyani, LutzDivision 4 Reserve Champion – Zachary Zolna, Plant City

Youth BeefYouth Beef Showmanship Week 1Junior Division – Courtney Fox, Winter HavenIntermediate Division – Briana Leverette, TrentonSenior Division – Adrian Land II, Branford

Youth Beef Showmanship Week 2Junior Division – Clayton

Brock Intermediate Division – Mason BishopSenior Division – Drake Bishop

Youth AngusGrand Champion Female – Briana Leverette, Trenton – Dameron C5 Marsh Lady 9400Reserve Grand Champion Female – Briana Leverette, Trenton – River Ranch Dora B925Grand Champion Bull – Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green – McCauley Hot RodReserve Grand Champion Bull – Brandis Austrino, Dade City – AA Roller 921


Youth Sheep ShowSupreme Ewe – Nathaniel Lawson, LakelandSupreme Ram – Jessica Squitieri, BrandonBlack Face ShowGrand Campion Ewe – Nathaniel Lawson, LakelandReserve Grand Champion Ewe – Jaime Minnis, DelandGrand Champion Ram – Nathaniel Lawson, LakelandReserve Grand Champion Ram – Trevor Rosso, Deland

White Face ShowGrand Champion Ewe – Brittany Coleman, Plant CityReserve Grand Champion Ewe – Kendall Reed, LithiaGrand Champion Ram – Jessica Squitieri, BrandonReserve Grand Champion Ram – Courtney Fletcher, Plant City

Cross Bred ShowGrand Champion Ewe – Jareck Butterbrodt, EdggewaterReserve Grand Champion Ewe – Trevor Rosso, DelandGrand Champion Ram – Kelin Try, Wimauma

Exotic – Hair ShowGrand Champion Ewe – Ana Gamble, New Smyrna BeachReserve Grand Champion Ewe – Brittany Coleman, Plant CityGrand Champion Ram – Brit-tany Coleman, Plant City

Exotic – Wool ShowGrand Champion Ewe – Chad Hibbens, TampaReserve Grand Champion Ewe – Jennifer Sawicki, TampaGrand Champion Ram – Chad Hibbens, TampaReserve Grand Champion Ram – Delad Bulldog 4-H, Eustis

Youth LlamaJunior Youth Performance Champion – Jonathan Ness, OcklawahaIntermediate Youth Perfor-mance Champion – Morgan Holdsworth, SarasotaIntermediate Youth Reserve Performance Champion – Zeph-yrhills FFA – Jaclyn Debolt, ZephryhillsSenior Youth Performance Champion – Alex Rodman, SarasotaSenior Youth Reserve Performance Champion – Sarah Birkhold, Sarasota

Youth DairyYouth AyrshireGrand Champion – Megan Carey, Lakeland – Lemola Runaway DreamerReserve Grand Champion – Armwood FFA, Seffner – Armwood AbigailYouth Brown SwissGrand Champion – Courtney Ogle, Myakka City – Idlywile Sgw

Dyn BonkersReserve Grand Champion – Zachery Quattlebaum, Myakka City – CIE Southern Acres BaileyYouth GuernseyGrand Champion – Armwood FFA, Seffner – LilyReserve Grand Champion – William Curren, Okeechobee – Wal-nut Ridge Darth LisaYouth HolsteinGrand Champion – Brandon Carey, Lakeland – Kingsmill Roy DewReserve Grand Champion – Megan Carey, Lakeland – Wlesh Edge Boss AileenYouth Jersey

Grand Champion – Brooke Freeman, Plant City – Lucy LuReserve Grand Champion – Raychel Rabon, Okeechobee – Signal BlueYouth Milking ShorthornGrand Champion – William Curren, Okeechobee – Halpins MargettaReserve Grand Champion – Jacob McGehee, Okeechobee – Rocking W’s Valors Gem

Youth PoultryOverall Champion – Tyler Margita, ArcadiaBest Commercial of Show – Tyler Margita, ArcadiaChampion Large Fowl – De-land Bulldog 4-H, EustisReserve Champion Large Fowl – Makayla Kinard, ArcadiaChampion Bantam – Tyler Margita, ArcadiaReserve Champion Bantam – Jeanette Zambrano, TampaChampion Waterfowl – Anna Hoffman, LithiaReserve Champion Waterfowl – Daltin Paul, Dade CityChampion Turkey – Megan Regaldo, TampaReserve Champion Turkey - Megan Regaldo, Tampa

Champion Guinea – Louis Pinkston, HudsonReserve Champion Guinea – Miah Bradley, Lady LakeBest Exhibit – David Rider, Christmas

Youth Boer GoatGrand Champion Percentage Doe – Ashlyn Banks, BalmReserve Champion Percentage Doe – Ashlyn Banks, BalmGrand Champion Fullblood Doe – Jade Banks, BalmReserve Champion Fullblood Doe – Hailey Huffman, BrooksvilleGrand Champion Buck – Cayce Walker, EdgewaterReserve Champion Buck – Jade Banks, BalmGrand Champion Market Wether – Jade Banks, BlamReserve Champion Market Wether – Austin Davis, Deleon Springs

Youth BrahmanGrand Champion Female – Adrian Land, Branford – Miss V8 137/7Reserve Grand Champion Female – Brandalyn Bishop, Trenton – MDS Lady Reload 430Grand Champion Bull – Adrian Land, Branford – Mr Berchman Suville 176Reserve Grand Champion Bull – Brandalyn Bishop, Trenton – IS Mr A Plus 82Youth BrangusGrand Champion Female – Brad Rigdon, Glen St. Mary – JH Ms Sadie Mae 699Reserve Grand Champion Female – Brad Rigdon, Glen St. Mary – JH Ms Milky Way SalGrand Champion Bull – Brad Rig-don, Glen St. Mary – JH Cowgirls KoolsideReserve Grand Champion Bull – Derek Rigdon, Glen St. Mary – JH Mr Blackhawk 896

Youth LimousinGrand Champion Female – Jorge Rojas, Hialeah – Capo Wish Me LuckReserve Grand Champion Female – Jorge Rojas, Hialeah – Capo Copper Gypsy Grand Champion Bull – Reda Nazer, Arcadia – Black Eye PReserve Grand Champion Bull – Jorge Rojas, Hialeah – Capo’s Nefarions

Youth Santa GertrudisGrand Champion Female – Fort White FFA, Fort White – CT CallieReserve Grand Champion Female – Raquel Smithlin, Orlando – Miss Grizzley Massive D810Grand Champion Bull – Fort White FFA, Fort White – CT Rem-ingtonReserve Grand Champion Bull – Fort White FFA, Fort White – Commanche

Youth SimmentalGrand Champion Female – Karah Bradley, Lady Lake – FBR Ms DewReserve Grand Champion Female – Dusty Cook, Plant City – R&S Mystic LadyGrand Champion Bull – Taylor Patterson, Dundee – RHF As-phalt 903W

All Other Beef BreedsGrand Champion Female – Clayton Brock, Plant City – Miss Broken HeartsReserve Grand Champion Female – Chrissy Grimmer, Plant City – FrostyGrand Champion Bull – Jeffery Mitchell, Zephyrhills – DRFS

Black Max 43XReserve Grand Champion Bull – Seth Poppell, Plant City – PW 619 Victor

Youth Rabbit ShowBest In Show – Emily Poznaniak1st Reserve in Show – Elizabeth Faxthrop2nd Reserve in Show – Jenna Latimer

Youth Dairy GoatRecorded GradesGrand Champion – Christopher Mnago, Kathleen – Kickin Toggs KY Coconut

Reserve Grand Champion – Caitlin Conway, In-diantown – Spring-Song SadieToggenburgGrand Champion– Garrett Carley, Weirsdale – Mat-tielil Farm Lady CalypsoReserve Grand Champion – Gar-rett Carley, Weirs-dale – Fawn-Brook AlmaAll Other Pure-bredsGrand Champion – Ariah Peters, Jacksonville – Cream of Kansas’

Rid KendallReserve Grand Champion – Hank Simonet, St. Augustine – Doin It Ober Is MorganaAlpineGrand Champion – Rachel Johnson, Monticello – Sand Dance WRA Dream MistReserve Grand Champion – Rachel Johnson, Monticello – Sand Dance HLLVIVILaMancheGrand Champion – D’Ayn Sayre, Umatilla – Listening Eagle ChianaReserve Grand Champion – Mason Simonet, St. Augustine – Noble-Oaks/WR/Shera ZadeNigerian DwarfGrand Champion– Halie Weber, Groveland – The Ella’s BabeReserve Grand Champion – Mattie Weber, Groveland – Gotta B Kid N Mala Bar GoldNubianGrand Champion – Desiree Holstein, Bell – Whiteacre’s Pick Up SticksReserve Grand Champion Nubian – Caitlin Conway, Indiantown – Chubby’s Farm Maggie Sue

Youth SteerGrand Champion – Wildwood FFA – Franklin Lee, Wildwood – Producer – Hal & Debbie PhillipsReserve Grand Champion – Asheton Sanchez, Bell – Producer – Doyle Carlton III


• Steel• Stainless• Aluminum• NoMinimums

• ProcessedtoYourSpecifications

• AllMetalTypesCuttoSize

Your Local Metal Supplier

6901 East 6th Avenue Tampa, Florida 33619 (800) 283-0475 • (813) 621-4738 • Fax (813) 621-6775

“ In everything, do to other what you would have them do to you.” Matthew: 7:12

863.421.4793

ADSIT CO., INC.

Tel: 863.285.7118 Mary L. Adsit, Realtor

“The Landlady”5757 Trask Rd. • Ft. Meade • 33841

Visit my Web site for complete brochure

www.maryadsit.com

Over 36 years specializing in Development and

Agricultural land.

• LAKE ARBUCKLE 160’ Lake Frontage. Modern Home, Garage, RV storage. Adjoins 13,500 Acre Wildlife Mgmt. Area. Asking $575,000. Possible Owner Finance

• 24 A/C w/570’ FRONTAGE LAKE ANNIE. Modern home, 2 apartments, Tree Inventory. $735,000 Terms.

• 26 A/C “MINI” RANCH. Modernt home, pool, large barn, fish pond. Will sell less than 26 a/c! $450,000.

• PASTURE ACREAGE $6,000. a/c packages

• CITRUS GROVES & HWY 60 Lake Wales commercial. See web site.

M AL

When thinking of agricultural insects, the most common image that comes to mind is likely to be pests that directly af-fect our crops by feeding on its root systems, leaves, and fruit. There are some insects that indirectly af-fect our crops by endangering hon-ey bees and other valuable insects. The waxworm (Achroia griella) is the larva of the wax moth and gets its common name from its behavior as a honey bee colony parasite. It chews through the wax in the hive to feed on bee cocoons and the pol-len collected by the worker bees. Although this insect has a devas-tating potential, it is only capable of infesting a hive that has already been compromised by other factors such as pesticides or insect patho-gens and therefore considered a sec-ondary pest.

It is interesting that this insect has become economically signifi-cant in more than one realm. Waxworms are commonly sold in pet stores as live food for reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Their high protein and calcium content make them an ideal supplement for exotic pets and even carnivorous plants, how-ever, they are also high in fat content making them more ap-propriate as a treat than a staple diet. Waxworms are easy to breed and are not as prone to parasites as crickets. If you like fishing, you may find breeding waxworms a rewarding hobby. Waxworms are especially good bait for the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) which includes bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed and crappie. In addition to traditional demand for wax-worms, a growing awareness of the benefits of eating insects (entomophagy) has begun to take root in America. In fact, If you have a chance to visit the Museum of Science and Indus-try in Tampa this month, the My Bug World exhibit features some New Orleans chefs that offer samples of insect cuisine, that’s bugs for food, not food for bugs. When I went I was not fortunate enough to find any waxworms being served, but I did sample some closely related species and was not at all disappointed.

Lesser Wax Moths are very common in mild climates worldwide and especially prevalent in Florida because of our tropical climate. They were probably introduced in the early 1800’s with the European Honeybee (Apis mellifera) and like its introduced hosts, the lesser waxmoth has established itself

into our ecosystem. The lesser waxworm (Achroia griella) is the larva of the wax moth and is the same species that is com-

monly breed commercially as food for exotic pets.

In nature, the adult male wax moths will invade a honey bee hive that has been weakened by pesti-cides or disease. Invasion occurs seasonally when the hive will have the lowest population to guard it, usually early to mid autumn. Male moths must find a wax rich hive that is suitable for the female to lay her eggs. The female sex hor-mone contains compounds that are also found in beeswax. It’s possible that the male moth is stimulated by these compounds leading it to invade the hive in search of a mate. Once inside the hive, male moths find a safe place to hide near wax cones and emit ultrasonic signals to attract female moths while fanning

their wings to release and disperse sex pheromones. Mating occurs within the bee hive and the female lays up to 300 eggs, ideally in combs that have a pollen reserve for the larva to eat when they hatch. Once hatched, the larva tunnel through the combs in the hive feeding on beeswax, pollen, nectar, and bee larva leaving behind a silk lined tube in its wake. After months of growth, the larva chews a groove into the hive woodwork or frame and spins a strong paper y cocoon within the groove for its final molt and transformation into its pupal stage after which it will emerge as an adult to continue population cycles until the hive is overrun.

Typically a healthy bee hive will have a large enough population to protect the entrance to the hive preventing any intruders such as moths from entering the hive. Any invaders that get past the guards are quickly eliminated inside the nest. The bees within the nest are the most effective control agent. There are no traps that can completely protect the hive from wax moth invasion. The best strategy Beekeepers can employ is to prevent hive infestation altogether by making sure the colonies territory is small enough for the hive population to guard it. Like any other insect, wax moths are part of the ecosystem in which they exist. In nature; they provide a valu-able service by ridding the hive of old cones and cocoons that could potentially spread disease to the healthy portions of the hive or worse, to other nearby healthy hives.

A Closer Look: Lesser Waxworms (Achroia grisella)

By Sean GreenPhoto Credit Unknown, Source: Blass Online English Dictinoary, http://blass.com/au/definition/bee%20moth

A Closer Look: Waxworms (Achroia grisella)

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will par-ticipate in the eighth annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day on Tuesday, April 26, and invites agriculture industry experts and Florida teachers to register to participate in this year’s event.

In its eighth year, Agriculture Literacy Day 2011 will high-light different careers related to Florida agriculture. On April 26, registered participants, including Florida Department of Agri-culture and Consumer Services employees, University of Florida IFAS Extension Agents, 4-H Agents and Master Gardeners, Flor-ida Farm Bureau members, Florida Cattlemen and Cattlewomen members, FFA teachers, students, and other agriculture industry representatives, will read to students throughout Florida.

Individuals who play a role in the agriculture industry and

are interested in participating in Agriculture Literacy Day or teachers who would like to request a reader visit their classroom can visit www.agtag.org to sign up by April 15.

Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is led by Florida Agri-culture in the Classroom, Inc., a non-profit organization that develops and trains teachers and agriculture industry volunteers in its agricultural curricula and materials, which they in turn use to educate students about the importance of agriculture.

Florida Agriculture in the Classroom provides the Agricul-ture Literacy Day books and other materials to readers free of charge through funding received from sales of the agriculture specialty license plate known as the Ag Tag.

April 26–Agricultural Literacy Day 2011

“I was blown away by the quality and

professionalism of the ad that was created specifically

for us and the response from your readers

has been phenomenal.”Don Mitchel

Cowboys Western Wear

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine®

No FarmersNo Food


863-299-9080|10 Spirit Lake Rd | Winter Haven, FL 33880www.burnsflooringanddesign.net

Second Location Coming Soon!

Highpointe Center on Cypress

Gardens Blvd.

Full Remodels—

Carpet, Tile, Wood, Laminate &

Stone

License #CRC1330112

On February 24, Tenoroc High School in East Lakeland hosted the FFA “Tenoroc 2011 Farm Fair”. Exhibitors represent-ing all walks of agriculture were on hand. Over 1,100 preschoolers and young students from Polk County were invited to attend the outdoor event with teachers, teachers aides, parents, grandparents and friends.

PCCW members handed out “teacher packets” that included information about the “Beef Industry”, nutritional facts sheet about Beef, a “Beef By-Products” list created by PCCW and a Beef color-ing book that included a website for duplication for students.

PCCW Vice President, Marjorie Wood and Educational Chairman, Ellen Bryan provided answers to questions from the teachers, along with members Bernice Buchanon and Sharon Rich-

ards directing traffic on saddle rides and as “safety crew” with the cowboy and his horse.

Stationed at the PCCW booth was a locally known cowboy and Polk County Cattlemen Association member, Earlow Costine representing a Cow/calf operation, accompanied with his horse and cow dog. Children were able to talk to the cowboy and ask questions. Members provided bales of hay with three fully rigged saddles for students to climb and sit on for a cowboy experience.

This was the fourth year for the Fair and PCCW to represent the Beef Industry. The event is growing each year and is allow-ing younger children to be exposed to information about various venues of Agriculture.

Polk County Cattlewomen participate in Tenoroc’s FFA 2011 Farm Fair

By Mary Helen Costine, PCCW Press Chairman

Naturally Amazing ActivitiesBREEDING WAXWORMS

By Sean Green

Breeding waxworms is a fun way to understand the in-sects. This activity would be a great science project for school and can provide a supply of food for your pets, fishing trips, or even snacks if you are including insects in your diet. Your starter culture will begin to spin cocoons for pupation within a few weeks depending on their size when you get them. Once they spin a cocoon, move them to another jar and allow the adults to emerge for mating. Adult females will lay eggs and die. Remove the dead adults and watch the cycle begin again. From egg to next generation adult should be about six weeks under ideal conditions. It is important to keep the jars clean. The culture material will collect mites, bacterial and fungal growth if it is not consumed fast enough. Experiment with different recipes for the culture. One the larva mature, they can be stored for a few months of slow growth at around 60° F. A typical refrigerator is set too cold for storage and will kill them rather than slow them down.

Materials:• Empty jar • Old nylon hose• Corrugated Cardboard• Wax Paper• Waxworms (ideally from a beekeeper, but also readily available from pet store)

Culture Mix (keep refrigerated until needed):

• Wheat or oat cereal • Water • Honey • Bee Pollen• Calcium powder (gut load)• Mix into a moist paste about the texture of potting soil, or wet coffee grounds

ProCedure:1. Fill the jar with culture about two inches deep, top

off as the larvae consume the culture.2. Add corrugated cardboard3. Add starter culture (about 20 waxworms) to the jar.4. Stretch nylon hose over the top of the jar, secure

with rubber band.5. Keep culture warm and humid (80° to 90°)


In 2006 and not quite a year later the Seminole Tribe of Florida purchased a total of nearly 793 acres of land in the unincorporated area of Polk County, north of Lakeland, accessed via Bryant Road. The “Lakeland Property” -- as it has become to be known – is com-prised of grazing land and a single residence. The land was purchased to help meet a need for home sites and related structures for tribal members – both current and future – and in recognition of the rich Seminole history associated with the Lakeland Property. The current land base of the Tampa Reservation, some 33 miles to the west in the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Inter-state 4 and Orient Road in eastern Tampa, is less than 40-acres and not viable for housing given required setbacks and infrastructure improvements. As a consequence, the land was used for economic development and is now home to the Seminole Casino and hotel complex, as well as the Seminole Smoke Shop. Tribal members in the area have and continue to settle in scattered housing, a situa-tion that is not conducive to building a sense of community.Based upon tribal population growth, the Tampa Seminole com-munity continues to grow and the majority of household popula-tion is under the age of 18, a statistic clearly indicated the need for housing will grow into the future. Replacement housing is also a growing need as much of the current tribal housing in Tampa is older with outdated, inefficient designs. Contemporary housing is more energy efficient and easier to maintain. It also reflects con-currence with updated building codes and standards that ensure they are better able to withstand storms and hurricanes.Thus, the need for the Lakeland Property is for new housing with sufficient land to accommodate home sites for both current and future generations together with the construction of facilities to meet the social, cultural, educational and recreational needs of the Seminole community. Although not a purchase stipulation, the Lakeland Property is in an area rich in the history of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is central to a number of former Indian trails between Tampa and the Kissimmee River and is surrounded by trails, communities, battlefields and other sites of historic Seminole activity.The Moultrie Creek Treaty of 1823 moved much of the native pop-ulation in Florida onto what became the first Seminole Reservation lands and the Lakeland Property is at the center of that Reserva-tion. Given that central location, there was a period of consider-able Seminole and military activity in the vicinity, especially during the period of the Wars of Indian Removal, which included the First

Seminole War of 1816 – 1818, the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842 and the Third Seminole War of 1855 – 1858. When the second Seminole War broke out in 1835, many of the tribal peoples were located on the Moultrie Creek Treaty Reserva-tion lands. Consequently, the area saw much military activity with post placed strategically to most effectively work against the native population. Forts Frazer, Sullivan, Cummings and Camp Walker were within 10 miles of the Lakeland Property, while Forts Foster, Gardner and Davenport were with 20 miles and Forts Dade, Mon-roe, Armstrong, Gatlin, Maitlin and Brooke were within approxi-mately 40 miles. The Dade and Wahoo Swamp Battlefields were both within 40 miles of the Lakeland Property, as well. Though the wars in Florida, Georgia and Alabama led initially to a vast increase in the native population, the Federal Government forcibly relocated most Seminoles and members of other Tribes to western states during what is known as the “Trail of Tears.” As a result, the number of Seminoles in Florida had diminished to only 208 individuals living in 22 camps grouped in five communities by 1883. During the 20th century, many Seminole Tribe members remained in these regional communities or established new region-al communities, including the Tampa Tribal community, which continues to exist today and is the primary driver for acquisition of the Lakeland Property. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has filed an application with the U.S. Department of the Interior to take the Lakeland Property into trust. Trust status will allow Tribal members residing on the proposed trust land to enjoy the benefits and rights accorded an organized Indian Tribe. The consolidation and development of this new tribal community under trust stewardship will allow the Tribe to manage the community and its affairs under Federal and/or Tribal authority and will serve to eliminate potential conflict over jurisdictional matters between local and state governmental entities. The Tribe has hired MJA Consulting of Lakeland to assist with the master site development plan for the Lakeland Property. The Tribe is also in the process of setting a fact-finding meeting with Polk County officials, said its spokesperson Gary Bitner.As to when the Department of Interior will act upon the trust ap-plication, “There is no clear timeline for action,” said Bitner. “The Seminole Tribe of Florida has another trust application that has been pending for four years and other Tribes have experienced even longer timeframes.”

Seminole Tribeof Florida Drawn to Polk Countyby Need and History

Land to Become Tribal Residential DevelopmentBy Jim Frankowiak

The Florida State Fair held a

“Fresh From Florida” breakfast,

sponsored by Farm Credit of

Central Florida and Mosaic in the

Ag Hall of Fame building. A great

time was had by all and those that

attended enjoyed a quick farm fresh

breakfast by leisurely “grazing” to

their hearts content on wonderful

food grown by Florida farmers.

In attendance were many Florida

agricultural leaders and the great

Florida State Fair.

Breakfast

No FarmersNo Food

sponsored by


When a lot of people think of pigs they do not normally think of them as pets, and they do not think they could be on a team with them in a competition. After all, they are large and often associated with rolling around in the mud. Pigs, however, are among some of the most intelligent of livestock, and known to be smarter than the average barn yard animal.

Brittany Ball, a seventh grader at Dewitt Academy in Winter Haven, decided to compete with her swine Chop-Chop, and won the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow on January 23.

Chop-Chop was a white and blue spotted Yorkshire Cross. At the time of showing she weighed in at a whopping 282 pounds, and sold for $8 a pound.

Showing a swine at a fair competition is a little more than just how big the grunter is, or how much flesh has been packed on to it. As Brittany explained, “You have to show it around the judge so you can get your pig placed at least.” Brittany’s 4-H leaders, Chris Russell and his sister Ashley Sowell, helped Brittany with her pig, and provided the barn where Chop-Chop was housed dur-ing her months of preparation. Chris explained that during the competition, Brittany’s swine was judged on her market value, correctness, balance, and overall muscle and fat tone. Chop-Chop could not be too fat or lean, and she had to display near perfect manners. “Brittany’s also judged for showmanship,” Chris said, “how well she can present the pig.”

Training a swine to go into the ring before an audience isn’t easy, and Brittany only had four months, the standard time, to work with Chop-Chop. “At first she was wild but after he [Chris] told me how to work with her she was good.” Besides preparing the swine for her debut in the competi-tion, Brittany had to work daily with the swine’s personal care. “You have to brush her. I was here often cleaning out the bedding,” Brittany said. “You have to get her used to walking around, and kind of get her used to you.” The swine also had to be fed twice a day, but Brittany enjoyed all of it, “I really liked it,” she said, “and when you brush it, it would kind of fall over, it was kind of funny.”

Brittany is 12 and her parents, Andrea and Shawn Ball, helped her and watched her prog-ress through the months of training and final competition. “They sell the pig,” Andrea said, “she doesn’t like that. I think it was harder this year than it was her first year.” Brittany’s first time show-ing was the year before last, and she explained that the hardest part is saying goodbye to the swine. “It was really hard,” she said when Chop-Chop had to leave, “you really have to work at it, but in the end it’s sad—crying sad.”

But Brittany went into the competition for one thing, “I kind of wanted the experience with it,” she said. Brittany got more than experience, she learned how to raise a grand champion swine, but what she enjoyed most was the little details about caring for it, “I liked washing her. I stayed with her the whole time, and people would be taking pictures all the time because I never left her.”

Brittany BallGrand Champion Winner at the Polk County Youth Fair’s Swine Show

by Kayla Lewis

2011 STRAWBERRY DISTANCE CHALLENGE

5K RUN/WALKsponsored by

Astin FarmsFresh Strawberries Since 1923

Donna Smith, Jamie Smith, In The Field magazine publisher, Karen Berry and Senior Managing Editor Sarah Holt, Sales Manager Danny Crampton and his wife Brandi, joined a host of others to participate in the Strawberry Distance Challenge 5K, hosted by the Plant City Church of God and held in Plant City on February 5. Donna finished in first place in her age division and Jamie finished second in her age division.

Team ZIP is for BEEF-loving athletes who know that BEEF gives us “fuel for the finish” in running, cycling and triathlon events.

Discover the Power of LEAN BEEF! The Power of LEAN BEEF is all about experiencing the body benefits of eating beef and building lean muscle as you train for running, cycling, triathlon or other athletic events -- or just in living a healthy, active lifestyle.

If you are a beef eater and an athlete (weekend war-riors welcome!), join Team ZIP (Zinc/Iron/Protein) to “Live the Brand” and demonstrate the power of LEAN BEEF!


For years, citrus growers have feared that abandoned groves provided refuge for the Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive insect that transmits citrus greening—now, University of Florida researchers say they were right.

A study published in the current issue of the Journal of Economic Entomology shows that the psyllid not only survives in abandoned groves, it often travels to commercially active groves nearby, bringing along the bacterium responsible for the disease.

First detected in Florida in 2005, greening is incurable and fatal to citrus trees. It is considered the biggest threat to the state’s $9 billion citrus industry. Asian citrus psyllids pick up the greening bacterium by feeding on sap from infect-ed trees and later transmit the pathogen while feed-ing on healthy trees.

The results un-derscore the need for landowners to remove or destroy unmanaged trees, something the state is urging, said entomolo-gist Lukasz Stelinski, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and one of the study’s authors.

“There was very much anecdotal evidence that these abandoned areas are harboring citrus psyllids,” Stelinski said. “It’s just one of those things that had to be con-firmed.”

An estimated 140,000 acres of citrus groves go untended in Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Agri-culture. The state has an estimated 550,000 acres of active groves.

Much of the abandoned grove acreage is believed to be owned by developers or investors who expected to clear the land rather than produce citrus, Stelinski said. Consequently, the own-ers never provided basic management such as pest control.

In the study, Stelinski and colleagues from UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred sprayed nontoxic “marker” chemicals on trees in seven abandoned groves, where

psyllids might be present. They also placed insect traps in nearby commercially active groves.

When the traps were checked, researchers found psyllids bearing the marker chemicals, indicating that the pests had trav-eled from abandoned groves to active ones. Laboratory analysis revealed that some of these psyllids carried the bacterium that causes greening disease.

Researchers also took leaf samples from citrus trees and found the presence of greening was about the same in abandoned and managed groves. Other members of the research team were Siddharth Tiwari, Hannah Lewis-Rosenblum and Kirsten Pelz-

Stelinski, all with UF’s entomology and nematol-ogy department.

Stelinski added that as-yet unpublished find-ings showed the insects could fly up to 1.25 miles in 10 days, and could probably travel farther over time.

“So you don’t neces-sarily need to be right next to an abandoned grove to be at risk,” he said.

Currently, the state is asking local property ap-praisers to urge landown-ers to remove or destroy untended citrus trees by offering tax incentives to do so, said Mike Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida’s largest citrus grower trade organization.

“Even though we’ve had some success, it’s not nearly enough,” Sparks said. “This study could help us mold public policy.”

Sparks said he hopes that the UF research will persuade state and local officials to take further action to reduce the amount of abandoned citrus acreage.

“We have a $9 billion industry and 76,000 jobs at stake,” Sparks said. “Abandoned groves are putting all of that at risk and policymakers need to know that.”

by Tom NordlieUF/IFAS photo by Tyler Jones

Disease-Carrying Asian Citrus Psyllids Find Refuge in Abandoned Groves, UF Study Shows

Insect expert Lukasz Stelinski, an assistant professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, poses in a greenhouse in this undated file photo. Stelinski was part of a research team that confirmed the invasive Asian citrus psyllid can transmit citrus greening disease from abandoned citrus groves to commer-cially active ones. The study, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, under-scores the need for landowners to remove or destroy citrus trees on Florida’s estimated 140,000 acres of abandoned groves, he said.

Mobility Is Everything

Free Seminar • Convenient Parking • Light Refreshments

Sports Injuries: ACL Repair and Increasing Mobility For Your Active LifestyleLearn About Advances in ACL Repair

Join orthopedic surgeon Scott Goldsmith, MD, at an informative seminar to find out about the latest advancements and new techniques for treating ACL and sports-related injuries. Discussion topics include:• Knee pain: When is it your ACL and not something else?• How ACL injuries are diagnosed• Treatment guidelines• Surgical options for repair

A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

To reserve your space:(813) 402-2345 or MobilityIsEverything.org

Wednesday, March 23, 6pmSouth Florida Baptist Hospital, Community Conference Room • 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City

Scott E. Goldsmith, MDOrthopedic Surgeon

BC110348-0211

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com February 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 61www.InTheFieldMagazine.com March 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 61 60 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE March 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

CYPRESS INSURANCE MANAGEMENTAll Lines of Insurance

“Your One Stop Agency”Agricultural • Workman’s Comp • General Liability

Auto • Home • Mobile Home • RV • Boat • MotorcycleCommercial Auto • Equipment • FR44’s

3021 Cypress Gardens Rd. | Winter Haven, FL 33884

(863) 326-1885

Farm Supplies • Western WearPet Supplies • Liquid Feed

2975 Hwy. 60 E., Bartow, FL • 863-533-18148:30-5:30 M-F 8:30-1:00 Sat

THE

Annual Termite & Pest Control

Frank Favuzza Jr.Owner Operator

Free Inspections • Free Estimates(863) 968-0292(863) 422-0881(863) 802-0550

(863) 298-0666(813) 752-7775

Faster Refunds • More Accurate Filing863-293-1413

Pamela A. Green701 Cypress Gardens Blvd. | Winter Haven, FL 33880

Store Phone: (813) 657-8308 | Hours: Tues-Sat 10-8 & Sunday 10-6

Over the past two decades, Florida cattle ranchers have spent as much as $16 million a year doing battle with an invasive weed called tropical soda apple, known as TSA, that takes over pastures, elbowing out the forage grasses ranchers need for their cattle.

But a beetle released by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is taking a bite out of the problem by feeding on the weed and reducing its competitiveness. UF researchers describe the beetle’s success as a biological control agent in the current issue of the journal Florida Entomologist.

Gratiana boliviana, as the beetle is known to scientists, is a native of South America and the first biological control agent in North Amer-ica to be used against TSA. The beetles are highly specific feed-ers whose voracious appetite is focused only on TSA but not on related plants such as eggplant, peppers or potatoes.

Julio Medal, the UF entomologist who led the research team that released the beetle, said TSA has not only been a problem on cattle ranches but also in citrus groves and vegetable fields.

“It causes a lot of economic problems, and to prevent its spread, you can’t move cattle from Florida to other states without holding them at least six days in a TSA-free area,” he said. This is enough time to de-stroy the viability of any TSA seeds that may be in their digestive tracts.

Nearly 200,000 beetles have been released in the state since 2003, and the insect is now established throughout Central and South Florida. In the journal, Medal reported that the beetles caused the invasive weed to suffer significant defoliation as well as decreased fruit, and thus seed production, in Polk and

Okeechobee counties.TSA can grow taller than 3 feet and equally wide. Its leaves

are covered in long spikes, and its immature fruits with pale and dark green stripes resemble small watermelons. It is an aggressive propagator, and cattle will not feed on its leaves.

TSA is native to South America and was discovered in the U.S. more than 20 years ago in Glades County. It now covers more than 1 million acres in Florida and has spread to other states including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

Buzz Eaves, a cattle rancher in St. Lucie County, first encoun-tered TSA in 2000 when it began overtaking his forage grasses.

After four years of aggressive campaign-ing against the weed using herbicides, fire and mowing, Eaves al-lowed IFAS researchers to release the Gratiana boliviana beetles on his ranch. Eaves said for the first two years the beetles worked slowly on the TSA and steadily increased in number.

“And then the following year, we had pretty much reached a biological balance with the plants,” Eaves said. “The TSA plants would start growing in the springtime and be followed a month or two later by the beetles. And the beetles would work on them all sum-mer long, and by the end of the summer, those plants would be

skeletonized and away we go to another year.”Eaves said the beetles have reduced his annual spending on

TSA control from as much as $25,000 to nothing.Medal is working to gain approval from the U.S. Depart-

ment of Agriculture for the North Florida release of two more TSA biological control insects. These insects are better adapted to colder climates than Gratiana boliviana, which has failed to establish north of Central Florida.

Julio Medal, an entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, examines a tropical soda apple (TSA) plant contained in a greenhouse on campus in Gainesville. Medal led the research team that released a South American beetle that is successfully controlling the invasive TSA weed in Central and South Florida. Recognizable because of its fruits that resemble small watermelons and leaves covered in spikes, TSA elbows out forage grasses that Florida ranchers need for their cattle and has cost the ranchers as much as $16 million a year to control. (UF/IFAS photo by Tyler Jones) INSET PHOTO: Gratiana boliviana, seen on a leaf in this photo, is the first biological control agent to be used against TSA in North America. (Photo courtesy of Bill Overholt, Indian River Research and Education Center)

South American Beetle Released by UF Researchers Benefits Florida Ranchers

by Robert H. Wells

Please patronize these fine businesses in your area.

Polk’s Growing Businesses


RUBBER MULCHAll colors, buy 10 bags, get one FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378

DECKING BRDS. & T1LL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378

MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

KUBOTA L275With shuttle shift • Ready to work! $3,500. Call 813-759-8722

DBL INSULATEDThermo Pane. Starting at $55.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378

HUSQVARNA LZ 6127 Zero turn mower. 61” cut, 27 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty $7,499 (MSRP $9,699) C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671

SURPLUS WINDOWS DOUBLE INSULATED Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378MOBILE HOME SIZES

WINDOW SCREENSWe make window screens all sizesavailable in different frame colors.Call Ted 813-752-3378

T1LL 4X8 sheet B-grade $14.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378

1984 KUBOTA B62002 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower. $3,000 •863-698-2967

STUMP GRINDERShaver S-25 PTO mount. Less than 3 years old. Perfect condition, hardly used. Cost new $5,778. For sale for $2,500.Lake Wales 863-528-3213

NEW HOLLAND TN55 Tractor/loader, 2WD, 45 hp, $13,000.00 (UUT7084) Call Fred 813-623-3673

FORD 2000 GAS TRACTORRestored, 2WD, 33 hp, PS, 3600 hrs, $4,950.00 (U13360) Call Fred 813-623-3673

USED POST HOLE DIGGER W/6” & 9” augers $500.00 (U13347) Call Fred 813-623-3673

REAR BLADE 84” $175.00 (U13350) Call Fred 813-623-3673

KUBOTA L26002wd, 2334 hours, 27hp.$2,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

KUBOTA 17504x4 Hydro Stat Trans. 20hp.$3,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

2007 HARLEY DAVIDSONDyna Glide Streetbob with only 368 miles. Excellent condition, garaged kept, covered. Extras added and ready to ride! $10,500. Serious Inquiries Only. Call 813-659-3402

NEW DOORSCloseout special!!!!!$75.00 to $295.00 Call Ted today.813-752-3378

NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS!Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Young Harris and Hiawassee as well as Murphy and Hayes-ville, NC, Planning for retirement, or just look-ing for a great weekend getaway cabin? We can help. Visit us at www.janebaerrealty.com or call 1-800-820-7829 and ask for Jane Baer.

MOUNTAIN TOP #185445 LOCATED IN BLAIRSVILLE GA. FANTASTIC mountain views, like new, 2/2 with wood burning fireplace, loft, basement, porch, second home use only from original owners! $299,000 Call and ask For Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty. 1-800-820-7829.

BEAUTIFUL CABIN #194651A real tempter in moun-tain setting on 1.14 acres. A charming air comes with this metal-roofed 3BR/3+BA fully furnished cabin in ideal condition with a won-derful view. Marble foyer, large rooms and loft. $385,900. Call and ask For Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty. 1-800-820-7829.

•••FOR SALE•••Fertilized Bahia Hay. 4X5 rolls $25 ea.800 rolls available. Call for pick up863-287-3091 or 863-294-1650

NEW HOLLANDTC29 tractor / loader 29 pto hp, 268hrs.$13,000 (UT6406) Ask for David 813-623-3673

1999 MASSEY FERGUSON 42704x4, cab, 99 pto hp. $22,500. Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722

CONTRIBUTING WRITERWrite about events in your community. Imme-diate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Coun-ties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to [email protected]

ACCOUNT MANAGERSales, account management. Immediate open-ings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Email your resume to [email protected]

1974 MASSEY FERGUSON135 Diesel, Power Steering.$3,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

MASSEY FERGUSON 245 WITH LOADER42hp, recent engine overhaul,.$7,650 Call Alvie813-759-8722

•••FOR SALE•••High Cal Lime or Dolomite delivered & or spread. No job too large or too small.Call Tim Ford 863-439-3232

•••FOR SALE•••Chicken Manure. Delivery & spreading avail-able. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau863-439-3232

BLUEBERRY PLANTS2-5 years old producing in 25 gal. containers. Price based quantity containers also available.Call 813-967-5327

HAY FOR SALE4X5 rolls, Tifton 85, Star Grass, Clean Bahia Grass. Delivery available.813-763-4967

FOR SALEHI Callime or DolomiteDelivered & or spread. No jobTo large or small. Call Tim Fordor Danny Thibodeau. 813-439-3232

FOR SALEChicken Manueur. Delivery & Spreading Available. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau.813-439-3232

BLACK ANGUS CATTLEPurebred Bulls, Cows. Some bred alsoAngus/Belted Galloway Cross. $400.00 & Up.813-309-8100 or 813-633-6802

KUBOTA B2710207 hours with front loader, boxblade and bush hog. $16,500 Call863-381-4410 or 813-471-6215

FOR LEASE275 acre vegetable farm located in Arcadia Fl.Strategic geographical location, large volume well, Excellent drainage, graded farm lanes, over 6000’ buried Pipe, packing house, offices & truck scales nearby. Organically farmed – no herbicide or chemical carry over. Long term lease (5 yrs. +) available. Call 269-268-8119

C L A S S I F I E D S

H NOW HIRING HAccount Executive

and Writers.Please email us at:

[email protected] look forward to hearing from you!

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDADS CALL

813-759-6909info@inthefieldmagazine.comwww.inthefieldmagazine.com

64 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE March 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

www.rhizogen.com

FARMING NURSERY ORCHARD TURF LANDSCAPE

• Billions of beneficial microbes inside plus mycorrhizal fungi• True granulated and homogeneous products• Safe-Sterilized, low odor, and free of pathogens• The most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the U.S.• Fully allowed under NOP, with no restrictions• Research verified and field tested

High Performance Organic, True Granular, Microbial, Fertilizers.

rhizogen

fertilizers

4094 Paul Buchman HighwayPlant City, FL 33565-7404(813) 752-1177

www.prosourceone.com

FOR PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION CONTACT:

U.S. Patents 6,878,179, 7,044,994 & 7,442,224

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

polk's in the field magazine - march 2011

Documents

red rose inn isbringing

red rose ballroom

thered rose ballroom

learys las vegassounds

inthefield magazine

learys lasvegas sounds

pj learys las vegas

bigcrowd pleaser