heartland magazine august 2012

A Way of Life.

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COVER STORY:

FLORIDA CITRUSTHE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE?

HEARTLAND

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August 2012 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 3

Available at:Central States Enterprises. LLC

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4 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine August 2012

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16

14 Heartland’s Fishing Report ByCapt.MarkKing

16 Daniels Deceivers: Lures made in the Heartland ByBrianNorris

18 August’s Hunting Spotlight: Valentine to visit troops overseas

20 Florida Farming: Naval Stores ByRonLambert

24 Woman In Ag: Danielle Daum ByRobbiSumner

26 Citrus Update: What’s Groving On ByJustinSmith

28 Featured Business: Newton Crouch

30 Citrus Gets Creative with Water Use ByRobbiSumner

42 Marvin Kahn ByRonLambert

46 PepeDogs: Dogs Sniff Out Canker ByBrianNorris

48 Dining in the Heartland: Slim’s Bar-B-Q & Grill

52 Florida Cattlewomen Recipe: Steaked Out Pita Pizzas

62 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention

64 4-H Summer Camps ByRobbiSumner

70 Ag Calendar

36 ON THE COVERCover photo byy Lauren Taylor:

“Photo of Jared and son, Brooker, Revell of Sebring.”

FloridaCitrus:ThePast,ThePresent,TheFuture?

HEARTLANDA Way of Life.

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Phone (813) 708-3661Fax (813) 283-4978

PublisherRhonda [email protected] [email protected]

Executive EditorMorgan Taylor [email protected]

Business ManagerLizzette Sarria

Art DirectorsCarrie EvansJuan Alvarez

Marketing ConsultantKathryn Gladwell

Staff WritersRon Lambert Brian NorrisMorgan Taylor NorrisJustin SmithRobbi Sumner

Contributing WritersChass BronsonRussell Hancock Rusty HartlineBrenda ValentineMike Waldron Lindsey Wiggins

PhotographyKelley Baker Jim Davis PhotographySharon GlissonRussell HancockMorgan Taylor NorrisLauren Taylor

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Okeechobee Counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of the Farm Bureau and those with ag classification on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to [email protected] or call 813-708-3661.

Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland 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 G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five.

All contents Copyright 2012. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email [email protected]. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2009.

Anindustrydatingbacktothe1500’s,citrushasbeenastrongholdinthestateofFloridaforcenturies.Besidesbeaches,citrusandorangejuicegohand-in-handwiththoughtsofourSunshineState.JustinSmithwritesabouttheFloridaCitrusIndustryinhisarticletitledThePast,ThePresent,TheFuture?Youcanlearnallthingscitrusfromthearticlestartingonpage36andhearfrombothlong-timecitrusproducersandnewgrowersinourarea.

AsAugustisourCitrusIssue,wecovertheindustryfrominnovativeideasforwateruse,scentdetectiondogssniffingoutcankerandacitrusupdatetitled“What’sGrovingOn.”

HighlandsCountycitrusgrowerMarvinKahnhasbeenincitrusallofhislifeandhasaremarkablestory.Heissurethecitrusindustryisheretostayandtoldmethathenotonlywantstocomeupwithnewideasfortheindustry,hewantstomakethoseideashappen.Readmoreaboutthisvisionaryonpage42.

Awomanwhohasgivensomuchtotheindustrythroughhertimeandvariousorganizationsshevolunteerswith,DanielleDaumisourWomanInAg.TheLakePlacidnativeworkswithherfamily’scaladiumbusiness,HappinessFarms,wasoneofthefoundersoftheHighlandsCountyAg-VentureprogramandhasbeenanAgintheClassroomvolunteerfor20years.ReadaboutthisoutstandingWomaninAgricultureonpage24.

AugustisabusymonthfortheAgCalendar.FromranchrodeosandbarrelracestoGrapeStompsandtheCaladiumFestival.TakealookateverythinggoingonintheHeartlandthismonthandmarkyourcalendarstoattend!

FindHeartlandonFacebookandjoininontheconversation!Wepostphotosfromevents,specialcouponsfromadvertisersandshareFloridaAgFacts.Beonthelookout,aswewillbehavingaphotocontestinAugust.StartgatheringyourFloridaAgpicturesnow!Likeusatfacebook.com/HeartlandMagazine

Iwanttosayaspecialthankstoourcovermodels,JaredRevellandhisson,Brooker.Y’alldidawonderfuljob.AndthankyoutoJared’swife,Bonny,asshewasabighelpaswell!

We’llseey’allIntheField!

MorganTaylorNorris

Editor’s Note



Already second in the nation, Florida’s horticulture industry continues to grow. From small retail nurseries to large wholesale operations, Florida’s horticulture producers provide plants, trees and flowers to retailers and consumers throughout the country and abroad. The Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign (FAPC), also known as “Fresh From Florida,” works with Florida’s horticulture producers to expand existing markets and establish new ones through domestic and international initiatives.

Contact us today and find out how the FAPC can help your company.

For information about the FAPC, visit our website at Florida-Agriculture.com and click on “For Business,”

or contact us at [email protected] or (850) 617-7330.


Index of Advertisers

Karen [email protected]

Chass Bronson [email protected]

Ron [email protected]

Danny [email protected]

Rhonda [email protected]

Morgan Taylor Norris [email protected]

Sales Team

Wyatt [email protected]

Tina [email protected]

Cindy [email protected]


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58 2012 Ranch Rodeo Finals45 Agro Culture 23 A & K Development 19 Arcadia Stockyard 53 Big T Tire 50 Bullz Eye BBQ 69 Burns Citrus 11 Callaway Farms 27 Cattlemen’s Livestock Market 41 Center State Bank4 Central States Enterprises 71 CF Industries 33 Chem Containers3 Creel Tractor 25 Daniels Deceivers 61 DeSoto Machine Shop 12 DeSoto/Charlotte Farm Bureau 25 Elect Susie Bishop34 Eli’s Western Wear 50 El Pirata Mexican Restaurant 51 Fields Equipment 22 Florida Fence Post 9 Florida Department of Ag 19 Glade and Grove 27 Glisson’s Animal Supply 69 Goin Postal 51 Griffin’s Carpet Mart 2 Harbor Nissan 12 Hardee County Farm Bureau55 Helena Chemical 53 Hicks Oil 12 Highlands County Farm Bureau 69 Highlands Soil 7 KeyPlex

66 Lake Placid Caladium Festival 32 Layes Tire 50 Lightsey’s Restaurant 66 Mason G. Smoak Foundation 5K69 Michael G. Kirsch 53 Millers Central Air 67 Mosaic 55 Newton Crouch 5 Okeechobee Dodge35 Pathway 26 Peace River Citrus 60 Repair Solutions65 River Pasture Metal Art 59 Sebring Thunder Car Show66 Seedway 50 Sherry’s Hideout 15 Smiths Ranch & Garden 61 Smith Farms61 Spring Lake Hardware 18 Spurlows Outdoor 69 Sunshine Family Dentistry 69 Superior Muffler15 Taylor Oil 60 The Andersons 67 Tina Richmond, Realtor33 Tree T Pee 69 Triangle Hardware57 Trinkle Redman Coton 72 Watering Hole45 Wauchula State Bank57 Werts Welding61 Wicks Brown & Williams CPA 69 Winfield Solutions


HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1017 US Highway 17 NWauchula, FL. 33873

Office Hours: Monday – Friday8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone:863. 773. 3117

Fax:

863. 773. 2369

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President……David B. Royal

Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford

Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012

Joseph B. Cherry John Platt

Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge

David B. Royal Greg L. Shackelford

Bo Rich

County SecretarySusan Chapman

Farm BureauInsurance

Special Agents

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

AgentsGeorge L. Wadsworth, Jr.

1017 US Hwy 17 N.Wauchula, FL 33873

(863) 773-3117

HIGHLANDS COUNTYFARM BUREAU

6419 US Highway 27 S.Sebring, FL 33876

Office Hours:Monday – Friday8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone:863. 385. 5141

Fax:863. 385. 5356

Web site:www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President………Scott Kirouac

Vice President…Doug Miller

Secretary………..Carey Howerton

Treasurer……..Mike Waldron


Sam Bronson Steve Farr

Drew Phypers Charles Lanfier

Mike Milicevic Jeff Williams

Frank Youngman Marty Wohl

Jim Wood Lindsey Sebring

County SecretaryJanet Menges

Farm BureauInsurance

Special Agents

Agency ManagerChad D. McWaters

AgentsJoseph W. Bullington

6419 US Highway 27 S.Sebring, FL 33876

(863) 385-5141

Farm Bureau Insurance

Special Agents

Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly

Agents Dawn A. Hines

Clint Brown

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

(863) 494-3636

CHARLOTTE/DESOTOCOUNTY FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31Arcadia, FL 34266

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone:

863.494.3636

Charlotte Line:

941.624.3981Fax:

863.494.4332

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President…………....Jim Selph

Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams

Sec./Treasurer......Bryan K. Beswick


Jim Brewer John Burtscher

Mike Carter Steve Fussell

Lindsay Harrington

Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals

Mac Turner Matt Harrison

Ken Harrison

County Secretary Katherine Ryals


District 6 UpdateFrom the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

This month I am stating several different points that are being reported to the board members in my district. Please feel free to contact me at 352.318.2506 or [email protected].

The Young Farmers and Ranchers program has two contests with application deadlines in August. The Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed to recognize those who are involved in agriculture, Farm Bureau and in their community but may not own their own operation. The second upcoming deadline is for the Discussion Meet. This contest gives participants the opportunity to meet with colleagues and discuss given topics in a public forum. The deadline to apply for both of these contests is August 24th. You may contact Michael Rogalsky at [email protected] for information and an application.

Each year, county Farm Bureaus nominate members for the various advisory committees. The terms are for one year. Each committee meets twice per year. Committees pertinent to our area include apiary, aquaculture, beef, citrus, labor, tax, sod, vegetable and water/natural resources. Appointees must be active (producers) members in good standing. If you wish to be considered for nomination, contact your local county president or myself at [email protected]. The committees review relevant policy and members are appointed by President Hoblick.

Farm Bureau is working with members of Congress on the Farm Bill. The bill has passed the Senate and as of this writing, it has passed the House Agriculture Committee too. The current bill cuts $35 billion in mandatory funding. It repeals direct payments saving $14 billion. It consolidates 23 conservation programs into 13 programs saving $6 billion. Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program save $16 billion. The bill favorably addresses Florida’s priorities which include risk management, specialty crops, conservation and pest & disease. For details, you may contact Adam Basford at [email protected].

Agricultural producers should be aware that the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection is required by law to review state waters as to whether they are impaired. If that does not occur or nothing is found, the Environmental Protection Agency may come uninvited as they have in the Shell, Prairie and Joshua Creek watershed. My point is, look at your commodity specific Best Management Practices. Implementing BMPs will put you into compliance with state water standards cheaper than having to monitor water quality leaving your property. It may be a way to get ahead of the regulatory agencies.Andy Neuhofer Florida Farm Bureau District [email protected], www.floridafarmbureau.org


HEARTLAND’S

FISHINGREPORTWhat a great summer we are having here in South Florida with some nice weather and great fishing.

T hefishingonLakeOkeechobeehasbeenreallygoodinspiteoftheeighty-degreewatertemperaturesandverylittlewind.

Wehavebeengettingsomegoodrainssothewater levelhasremainedaroundthetwelvefootabovesealevelmarksofarthissummer,whichisabouttwofoothigherthanwhatitwas last year. For those of youwho readmyreports,youmaynotrealizethatLakeOkeechobeeisaveryshallowlakeandtwofootofwater canmakeabigdifferenceonthefishing.Toputitinperspective,itisonlyabout eight foot deep in the middle of thelakeandwefish in about two to three footofwatereveryday.Thewaterhasbeenveryclearthissummersotheearlymorningbiteseemstobethebestbeforethesungetstoohighinthesky.

IhavebeenfishingavarietyofareasfromuparoundIndianPrairiecanalareaallthewaydowntoRittaIsland.Ihavebeenfishingbothshallowwaterweed linesandopenwater. Ihave been starting the morning throwinga Gambler Lures Buzz’n Cane Toad inwatermelon color in the grass along theoutsidegrass line;youneed to retrieve thisbaitfastanditwillproduceareactionstrikefrom the bass in the outside grass closestto open water. I like to use a fast retrievereel likea7 to1 ratioOkumaKomodo forthe Buzz’nToad and also for lipless crankbaits, spool itwithfiftypoundbraided lineandyouwillbesettocatchthebigonesonOkeechobee. Throwing a worm along thisoutside grass has also been working butonce that sun gets up high in the sky, thisbite reallyslowsdown.That iswhen Iwillmove out to openwater and start fishing aZaraSuperSpook, liplesscrankbait, andaCarolinarig. Ifishouton thereef,holes inthereef,andotheropenwaterstructuresthatyouwillneedagoodGPSwithmapstofindonOkeechobee.

DuringthesummermonthsItrytostartmychartersearlyinthemorningandasthesungetsuphighintheskyandthefishingreallyslowsdown,itisusuallytimetocallitaday.There are windy and sometimes overcastdaysthatyoucancatchbassalldaylongonthelakeandIwillstayoutandfishtilltheyquit biting, but for a typical summertimecharteritisgoodtostartbysixamandendaroundnoon.Youwillwanttouseplentyofsunscreentoavoidabadsunburnanddrinkplenty of water to stay hydrated.You willalso want to keep an eye on the weatheras storms can roll in pretty quick in SouthFloridawhetheryouarefishingonthecoastorfishingonOkeechobee;IkeepaneyeontheweatherandtheradarthroughanapponmyiPhone.

NowisalsothetimetodosomesharkfishingandifanyoneisinterestedIdochartersintheFloridaKeysforsharksthistimeoftheyear.

I am looking forward to an awesome yearonOkeechobee.Withthewaterlevelstayingup through the summerwe should be ableto access some great spawning areas thiswinter.Iamalreadybookingtripsfor2013for bass onOkeechobee and tarpon duringMayandJuneintheFloridaKeys.

Captain Mark King is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Charlie’s Worms, Okuma Fishing, AFTCO clothing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or atwww.markkingfishing.com andwww.tarponinthekeys.com

Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.

Captian Mark King


Available in 2 1/2 gallons and 30 gallon drums

Smith’S RANCh AND GARDEN

ACE HARDWARE117 W. Magnolia Street, Arcadia, FL

863-494-2142


It’s 6:30am and the sun is

just starting to rise, the water

looks like glass and you

are set up on your secret

spot ready for another day

of fishing. You reach into

the tackle box and find that

special lure. You know, the

one that you have caught all

of your best fish on; the one

that you will go swimming for

should you lose it. You make

your cast, and we all know

where it goes from here; you

proceed to catch that monster

Largemouth Bass, or that over

the slot Snook, all because of

that special lure.

Weall have this lure.Wewilltell all of our friends aboutit and even promote the

company on the back window of ourvehiclesandweartheirt-shirts.Butwhatconnection do we really have with thislure,ortheluremakingcompany?Mostof us probably could not saywhere thelurewasmade,orevenwhat the lure ismade of. We just know it catches fishandthat’sallwecareabout.Butwhatifweknew thehistorybehind the lurewealwaysuse?What ifweknewthenameof the person who painstakingly handcrafted every single part of the lure.The reality is that this is impossible formostoftheluresweuse.Theyaremassproduced overseas in Japan, and madefromplastic.Fromstarttofinishthereisvery little human interaction. Each lureisexactlythesame.Handmadeluresaresimplycollector’s itemsandonly foundinmuseumsorgrandpa’soldtacklebox.Whilethisistrueandthereisgreatvalueis old handmade lures, I can tell youthere is a localmanwho is carryingonthis unique art and producing qualityhandmadeluresthatcatchfishrighthereintheHeartland.

The man I am referring to is Billy A.Daniels Jr. Bill was born and raisedin Arcadia and currently lives in Port

Charlotte.BillisquicktogivemuchofthecreditforhisabilitytomaketheselurestohisDad,BillyA.DanielsSr.BillSr.wasborninCubitis,FLin1938andworked25years for the telephonecompany.Hebegantinkeringaroundwithluremaking“out of necessity,” according to BillJr. Bill says that there was a particularwooden lure, the “Creek Chub,” thatheandhisdadalwaysfishedwith.Thiswooden lure was eventually producedout of plastic, completely changing theaction and ability of the lure. Unhappyaboutthis,BillSr.decidedtotakemattersinto his own hands and started DanielsDeceiversandmakinghisownlures.

Originally using pine, Bill Sr. began tohandcarveluresasahobby.Hisfriendsquickly began requesting some of hislures and became his first field testers.Bill eventually started using basswoodand then clearwestern cedar,which hissonBillJr.stillusestoday.In1982,whatused to be a hobby for Bill Sr. turnedinto a business and he printed his firstbrochureofluresforsale.Thisbrochureconsistedof6differentlures:3topwater,2 underwater and his wood chuggingcork. Bill eventually grew the businessto the point where he had a hard timekeepingupwithorderssincehewashandcarvingeachone,soheandhisfriend

By Brian Norris


Mr.Simonsdevelopedandbuiltmachinesfromscratchtohelpproducethelures.

All while Bill Sr. was creating andgrowinghisbusiness,heenlistedhis sonBill Jr. to help out when he could. BillJr. recalls spending many weekends inthe shopwith his dad, helping himwithwhateverheneededdone.It’sbecauseoftheselongweekendsthatBillJr.nowhasthe samepassion to create these lures ashisdaddid.BillSr.eventuallyturnedthefamilybusinessovertohissonbeforehepassedaway in2003.Since then,Bill Jr.hasfoundawaytoworkfull-timeforthetelephone company and spend timewithhisfamily(just likehisdad)allwhilehecontinuestocreatetheluresandgrowthebusiness.

While taking a tour of his lure makingfacility, which is still in the originallocation in Arcadia, one can really seewhereitallbeganandhownotmuchhaschangedover theyears.TheworkshopisfilledwithalloftheoriginalmachinesthatBillSr.built,andBillJr.continuestousetoday.Theprocessisexactlythesamewiththeexceptionofsomeupgradedpaintandtechniques.BillJr.wantedtoshowusjusthoweachlurewasmade,sowestartedatthewoodshed.Whenheopenedthedoor,thewonderfularomaofcedarfilledtheair.

Whenaskedwherehiswoodsupplycamefrom,Bill informedus thatmuchof thiswoodisfromtheoriginalsupplyhisfathergatheredfromtradesandwasgivenfromfriends. None of it has been purchased;justoneofthemanywaysthatheisabletokeepcostsdown.Thefirststepthenisto cut thewooddownusinga table saw.It then moves to the lathe, and the lurebeginstotakeitsshape.Fromthenthroughabout25stepsandatotalof5days,withpainting and drying, a finished productemergesandisreadytobetiedon.

Bill,beingaconservationistatheart,reallytriestodoallhecantoreuseandrecyclehis supplies. This is evident all aroundhis shop. From the used water bottlepaint funnels to theplastic casket coversas paint drip sheets, Bill finds a way tousewhateverhecanforneededsupplies.Someofthemostinnovativeitemsthatwenoticed in the shopwere in the paintingpartoftheshop.Weaskedhowhecreatedthedifferent linesandspotson the lures.Bill proceeded to pull a cooking spatulaout of a drawer and said that was hissecret, cooking utensils. He pulled outmore spatulas and spoons with differentholesandcutsinthemandevenpulledoutasewingloopthatheusestomakescales.Bill’smomhappenedtowalkinrightashewasshowingusallofthesepaintpatterns.

She said “I was always looking for myspatulasand spoonswhen Iwascookinginthekitchen.IcameouttotheshopjusttofindoutBillhadtakenthembecauseheneededanewpatternforhislures!”

Today, Bill Daniels Jr. and his companyDaniels Deceivers, produce 25 differentluresthatcomein6differentpaintpatterns.Whenworkingatfullspeedandwiththehelpofasecondperson,Billcanproduceabout100luresadayreadytomoveontothepaintprocess.Notonlydotheymakefishing lures,butalso inkpensandotherfullycustomizableitems.

Whether you target Largemouth Bassor prefer Snook and Redfish, DanielsDeceivers make a great lure and BillDanielswillbehappytoshowyoumanyphotos of monster fish caught with oneof these deceivers.More than just beinga lure thatwill catchfish, it’s a lure thatyouwillwanttoholdonto,onethatyouwillswimtoget.It’snotjustaluremadefrom amold overseas, it is one that oneman spent days working on so that it isperfect.Itsonethathasastoryevenbeforeitcatchesthatfirstfish.Onceyoupickupone of these lures, it is easy to see howspecial each one is to Bill and what hehopesbecomesthatspeciallureforeveryanglerwhotiesoneon.

For those of you who are interested inthesehandmadelures,contactBillDanielshimself at [email protected] toSmith’sHardware inArcadia for aretailselection.

NIELSDeceivers


1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 [email protected] 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com

August’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by

Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters

Submityourchildren’shuntingpicturesfortheMonthlyHuntingSpotlighttomorgan@heartlanditf.com

NWTF’s Brenda Valentine to Visit Troops OverseasNWTF spokesperson Brenda Valentine is one of several outdoor personalities heading overseas to support our troops as part of the Outdoor Legends Tour.

Valentine, Jim Shockey and Bill Miller will be traveling to military bases in Germany and Southwest Asia to entertain and thank U.S. troops in July.

The NWTF partnered with Armed Forces Entertainment and the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund to participate in the Outdoor Legends Tour.

NWTF CEO George Thornton and Mossy Oak’s Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland worked closely with retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Lew Deal to recruit outdoor industry celebrities to travel overseas to visit and entertain active-duty U.S. military personnel.

The first half of the tour took place in March with Thornton, NWTF spokesman Michael Waddell, NWTF Foundation Board member and former major-league baseball player Ryan Klesko and a number of other outdoor personalities visiting military posts in Germany and the Middle East.

“Honored, humbled, flattered, anxious – there are so many adjectives to describe how I feel about being the only woman invited by Armed Forces Entertainment to join the Outdoor Legends Tour in Germany and Southwest Asia,” said Valentine. “If I can thank our troops in the field and the hospital for their service and brighten their day with news and stories of

hunting, home and the outdoors, it will be a mission accomplished.” Deal will lead Valentine, Shockey and Miller on the 10-day tour.

“For those currently serving in a war zone there are few things that mean as much as knowing the folks back home care about you,” said Deal. “It’s a handshake tour. There will be no production crews, no agents or sponsors; just high-profile outdoor people mingling, posing for photos with the troops and thanking them for their service.”

Valentine will be posting a number of blog entries during the trip to give readers a first-hand look at the tour. The posts can be read at www.nwtf.org/blogs.The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America and was a driving force in restoring wild turkeys, which now number more than 7 million.

The NWTF and its volunteers, working closely with wildlife management agencies and other partners, have invested $372 million and conserved 17 million acres of habitat to benefit wild turkeys and countless other species. The NWTF also works to preserve our hunting heritage, and its dedicated volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors every year through NWTF programs.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. Follow the NWTF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

NWTF’s Brenda Valentine to Visit Troops Overseas


w w w.arc adiasto ck yard.comOwned and Operated by Carl McKettrick and Joe Hilliard II

Located on Hwy 17 (8 miles north of Arcadia, FL)863-494-3737 • 863-494-1808 • Fax: 863-494-5933

Closed Labor Day No Sale Monday, Sept. 3rd!

Wednesday’s Sale 12:00 NoonBring your Cattle

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Or on Sale Day

Monday’s Sale 12:00 NoonBring your Cattle

Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 p.m.Or on Sale Day

Regular Sale Days and Times

Friday, Nov. 9th at 1:00pmBlack & White Bull SaleMeadows Creek Farm& Pintlala Cattle Co.

Friday, Oct. 5th at 1:00pmFlorida Fall Black Bull Sale

Mo Brangus & Hines Cattle Co.

Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at 12:00 NoonSlaughter Cow and Bull Sale


LastmonthIstatedmyintent towriteaconclusion to July’s articledealingwithFlorida’s first huge industry. This wasnotcitrusorcattle,vegetablesortourism.ThisindustryprovidedthousandsofjobsallthroughouttheSouthforcloseto100years.Theactualnameforthisbusinesswasnavalstores.

Old textbooks in schools would showvarious symbols representing variousproducts from specific areas. NorthFlorida was dotted with a pine treeas a symbol for naval stores. Morespecifically, this was turpentine andpitch,orrosin.Theseproductsarestillinusetodayinavastnumberofhouseholdand industrial applications. Turpentinewas used in paints as well as thinnerandsolventtocleanbrushes.Rosinwaswidely used to seal seams in awoodenship.Thelistofusesgoesonandon.

Very few people know or rememberthe company known as The PettewayTurpentine Distillery. My father referstoitasthePettewayStill.Itwaslocatedon what is called Griffin Road east ofWauchula. Today, there are no signsto hint of the existence. At its peak,hundreds ofmenworked long andhard

hours to keep the operation going. Itwasessentiallyasmall townofitsown.Therewasacompanystoreandhousingformanyofthelaborers.

Ilearnedmostofthisduringaninterviewwith Roy Petteway whose grandfather,H.H.Petteway,ownedthePettewayStill.Iam told that thiswas the largestnavalstoresoperationintheUnitedStates.

H.H. Petteway was one of 12 children.He was born and raised in OnslowCounty,NorthCarolina.Helefthomeatage 21 and settled inAdele,Georgia in1890.There,heworkedatajobcalledWoods Rider. He was responsible foroverseeing a large crew of harvesterswho gathered sap from the pine trees.One harvester was assigned a sectionnumbering1000trees to tap.Theywereexpected to maintain a fresh cut eachweekaswellasgatherthecollectedsapfromacupattachedtothetree.

Tending these trees required a widevariety of tools to make the cuts andscrape thepitch from the tree trunkandcollection containers. The containersusedtoholdpitchchangedovertheyears.Theywereoriginallymadeoutofmetal

and the first stylewas known as a birdbeak cup. Itwas formed in a triangularpointedshape,muchlikeabird’sbeak.

Later, styles included the one-piececoncavesystem. Thesepotsweremadeoutof redclay. TheLerioCorporation,foundedbyWalterBellingrathofMobile,AL, made many of these pots. Today,theymanufacture containers for nurseryplants. WalterBellingrath builtwhat isknown today as Bellingrath Gardens, abeautifulhomeandgardeninTheodore,ALthatattractsmanyvisitorseachyear.

In later years, a popular container wasknown as the herty cup system. Thiswas a round clay pot resembling a claypotusedforgrowingorchids. Over theyears,wehavefoundafewofthesestillintactinthewoods.

In the mid 1890s, H.H. Petteway cametoasettlementnamed5-AJunctionnearthetownofFloralCity.Thereheworkedwithoneofhisbrothers,G.A.Petteway,ataturpentineoperation.

They both traveled by train to DesotoCounty to check out reports of hugestandsofvirginpineinSouthFlorida.

By Ron Lambert


The Petteway Still was built in 1898on Griffin Road. At one time, this wasthemain road over toAvon Park. As Imentionedearlier,thiswasasmalltown,home for hundreds of workers. Therewas also a large set of barns and pensfor livestock, as H.H. Petteway ownedseveral hundred mules. There was alsoa cooperage shop where storage barrelswerebuilt. Allinall,itcreatedaclassicexampleofasouthernmilltown.

H.H. Petteway raised a family there inwhatwassoontobecomeHardeeCounty.Roy Petteway has a picture showing hisgrandfatherinaBuickautomobile,whichwassaidtobeoneofthefirstcarsinthecounty.RoywastoldthathisgrandfatherboughtthecaroverinTampaandbecauseautomobilesweresounknown,acommonpractice was for the dealer to send aninstructor along with the car to giveoperatinglessons.

There were several steps involved inpreparingatreeforsapharvest.Thefirstcutmadetothetreetrunkwasmadewitha starter wood hack. Incidentally, thesecutswerecalledacatface.Eachweekthemaninchargeofthatsectionoftreescamearound and gathered and collected pitchandmadeafreshcuttoencouragethesapto drain into the containers. He wouldusea tool calleda shade streakhack forsubsequentcuts.Asthecutsurfacegrewhigher, a new cut was necessary. Thiswasdonewithatoolcalledajumpstreakhack.Thesetoolswerefashionedinlocalblacksmithshopstofitspecifictasks.

Roy Petteway’s great uncle Georgedesignedand receivedapatentona toolcalled a yoyo that was used to scrapehardenedsapfromthecatface.

Well, today all that is left behind, as areminderofabygoneage,isacollectionoftools,containersandphotographsinthehomeofRoyandWendyPetteway.AsIstatedearlier,eachoneofthetoolsshownin the included images had a specificpurpose and I have included a briefdescriptionpertainingtoeach.

Variety of cutting tools (hacks) used to make fresh cuts in the trunk of the tree. It would cut and pull away the bark to drain the sap.

An assortment of a collection of tools used to collect the sap and rosin. The round, clay pot (right) was a herty pot. Workers would place the galvanized bucket (back) at the base of the trunk when they used the yoyo scraper and the hardened sap would fall into the bucket.

Roy Petteway holding an ax that was used to make cuts in the trees from the early 1800’s.


The Mosaic Company Foundation

today announced community

investments totaling $2.79 million

to organizations serving Florida’s

Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee,

DeSoto, Sarasota and Charlotte

counties as part of a global launch

of the Foundation’s new online grant

system.

Mosaic has awarded grants to Florida

organizations implementing initiatives

focused on hunger relief, agricultural

research and development, water

conservation and stewardship, and

community enrichment.

“Mosaic is proud to support these

organizations that are on the front

lines of fighting hunger, conserving

resources and ensuring our

communities thrive,” said Gary N. “Bo”

Davis, Mosaic senior vice president,

head of its Florida-based phosphate

operations, and a Foundation board

member. “We are grateful for their

tremendous service and partnership.”

Mosaic is committed to investing at

least one percent of its profits into

its communities globally, Davis said,

noting that, with the Foundation’s

new online grant system in place, it

will make community investments in

several grant rounds each year. The

inaugural grant round, completed

in May, invested in 37 Florida

organizations, including the Florida

Association of Food Banks, Tampa Bay

Watch, Mote Marine Laboratory and

Florida Agriculture in the Classroom.

The Florida Association of Food

Banks received a grant for its Farmers

Feeding Florida program, which will

enable it to collaborate with Florida

produce growers, producers, packers

and distributors to deliver more than

1.25 million pounds of fresh produce to

Central Florida food banks.

Tampa Bay Watch will use its grant

funds to support a three-year,

comprehensive, community-based

oyster habitat and water quality

initiative that promotes watershed

protection and supports youth

education programs. Schools,

community groups, corporations and

individuals will be able to participate

in hands-on oyster restoration activities

as part of the initiative.

Mote Marine Laboratory received

a grant for its SeaTrek interactive

program, a live-televised distance-

learning program for K -12 students

on ocean science education that

will reach more than 2,000 students

and provide 100 in-school SeaTrek

experiences in the coming school

year.

Florida Agriculture in the Classroom

was awarded a grant to support its

K -12 school-garden program that

uses a science-based curriculum to

grow Florida fruits and vegetables.

The program will fund over 60 school

gardens with this grant.

“The strength and vibrancy of our

local communities are the roots of

our success, and Mosaic has a long

history of investing in Central Florida,”

said Chris Lambe, Executive Director

of The Mosaic Company Foundation.

“We are proud to support these very

worthy organizations, and many

others, with this recent investment by

the Foundation.”

Over the past year Mosaic and its

Foundation have donated more than

$8.4 million to community organizations

focused on Central Florida.

To read more about Mosaic’s focus

on food, water and local community

investments and its online grant

system, visit: www.mosaicco.com/

community/community.htm .

THE MOSAIC COMPANY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $2.79 MILLION INVESTMENT

IN FLORIDA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Inaugural online grant round makes

Florida a priority


For Denise Grimsley, time is marching on. “It seems like just yesterday, I was beginning my service in the House,” said Grimsley, a four-term House member from Highlands County.

With term-limits bringingher service in the House

to an end, the Florida Cattlemen’sAssociationrecentlytappedGrimsleyastheir“LegislatoroftheYear”inthegroup’s annual conference at MarcoIslandinJune.

“Florida’s cattlemen have beenlong-running partners in our state’shistory and our region’s economicviability,” said RepresentativeGrimsley, a longtimemember of the

Association herself. “In many ways,theyhavebeensomeofourstate’sfirstconservationists, long before it wasin-style,andthey’vebeenvoluntarilypromoting sustainability practicesfor years. I am proud to have beenavoiceforFlorida’scattlemenin thelegislativeprocess.”

Grimsley is chair of the HouseAppropriations Committee, the firstwoman to hold the key position asstatebudget-writerintheHouse.She

nowplanstostandforelectiontoStateSenate District 21, which includesparts of Osceola, Polk, Highlands,Martin,andSt.Luciecounties,andallofOkeechobeeCounty.

The Florida Cattlemen’s Associationisastatewide,non-profitorganizationestablished in 1934. It is devotedentirelyandexclusivelytopromotingandprotectingtheabilityofcattlemenmemberstoproduceandmarkettheirproducts.

Denise Grimsley HONORED BY FLORIDA’S CATTLEMEN


Danielle DAUM

WO

MAN

IN A

GRI

CU

LTU

RE

After earning her degree inElementary and SpecialEducation from Florida

Southern College, Danielle returnedhometoworkatHappinessFarms,Inc.,thelargestcommercialcaladiumgrowerintheworld.“Asachild,Idideverythingfrom stuffingmail order envelopes andofficeworkafterschooltopullingweedsinthefieldandpackingbulbsinthebarn.But it’s a family rule that you get aneducationbeforechoosingtoworkfull-timeonthefarm,”sheshares.

Founded by her grandfather PaulPhypers, Sr. in the 1940s, HappinessFarms grows about fifty differentvarieties of caladiums, including bothlance and fancy leaf varieties. In fact,FancyLeafCaladiumsisthenameoftheretaildivisionofHappinessFarms.

Mr.PhypersmovedtoLakePlacidfromOconomowoc, Wisconsin where hehad successfully grown potatoes at hisoriginal Happiness Farms location. He

would spend winters in Florida sellingtractors and also farmed potatoes herebefore turning to caladiums. “He hada lot of ideas,” shares Danielle. “HeevendevelopedanewvarietycalledtheGalaxy,agreenlanceleafcaladiumwithawhitecenterandcentralveinsandlightpinkspots.”

Most days find Danielle in the officeanalyzing the chemical inventory andworkordersforthefamily’scitrus

“I love agriculture!” states Lake Placid native Danielle Daum. She feels that meeting new people and getting to learn about different commodities are just some of the wonderful benefits of being involved in the agriculture industry.


operation, or managing the wholesalecaladium orders including trackingfreight and booking trucking services.She also attends garden club meetingsaround the state to promote caladiums,and gives tours of Happiness Farmsto groups who prearrange their visit.Thosevisitorsareshownavideoaboutthe industry and tour the packinghouse,fieldsandwashrack.“It’saveryseasonal industry. Caladium seasonstartsinNovember,withshippingbeingheavy the end of December throughmid-May. Summers tend to be slow aswe wait for the crops growing in thefields.”Ofcourse,summeristheperfecttimeforhertovolunteerwiththeannualCaladium Festival coming up August24th–26th.

A long-time member of the CaladiumArtsandCraftsCo-op,Danielleexplainsthatalloftheitemsinthestorearehandmade by people in Highlands County.“My mother and I can mango butterand mango jelly from trees that growaroundourhomes,andmakecraftsandhandmadequilts.It’sfuntosharetheseactivitieswithmydaughterandnieces.”

Danielle’s passion for agriculture andeducation is made obvious by hernumerous volunteer activities thatcenterontheindustry.Sheisoneofthefounders of the Highlands CountyAg-Venture,anannualevent forHighlandsCountythirdgradersthatlooksforwardto its thirteenth year this October 16th– 18th. “I have facilitated numerous‘How to Start Your Own Ag-VentureProgram’ workshops at Florida Ag intheClassroomandFloridaFarmBureauWomen’s Leadership Conferences andevenmade anAg-VentureManual thatwegivetoothercountieswhoarelooking

tostarttheirownsimilarprograms.Thisyear alone, we helped OkeechobeeCounty,DesotoCounty,andtwoothersstart their ownAg-Venture programs,”sharesDanielle.

She joined the Highlands CountyCattlewomen 14 years ago and hasserved as Secretary since 2005. SaysDanielle, “Our goal is to serve ourcommunity, promote the beef industry,and have a good time while we do it.Weassist atmanyevents including theHighlandsCountyFairBuyer’sDinner,4-H Fair Participants Awards Dinner,theSportAviationExpoinSebringandtheLakePlacidCountryFair.Weworkhardearningmoneytogivescholarshipsto our local high school seniors. Thisyearwewereabletogivenineteen$500scholarships with the proceeds fromthe salesof ourBBQbeef sandwiches,homemadepotatosaladandmyGrandmaPhypers’coffeecakes.”

DaniellehasbeenanAgintheClassroomvolunteer for close to 20 years andcurrently serves as a volunteer on theFloridaAg in the ClassroomAdvisoryCommittee and as a facilitator. FloridaAg in the Classroom holds workshopsto show teachers how to incorporateagricultureandgardeningintotheircorecurriculumareas.Daniellehasapassionfor Ag Literacy Day in HighlandsCounty, typically held in lateApril orearly May. “We have volunteers readag related story books in classrooms,particularly kindergarten through fifthgrades, to help students understand theimportanceofagriculture.ThisisagreatwaytogetstudentsexcitedaboutjoiningFFA when they enter middle and highschool.”

Danielle “grew up as a Farm Bureaumember” and is serving her secondyear on the Florida Farm BureauWomen’s Leadership Committee.She represents District 6, whichencompasses Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota andManatee counties, and is also servingher second term on the Florida FarmBureauOversightAdvisoryCommittee.Danielle and Andy Neuhofer, District6Assistant Director of Field Services,are organizing a Women’s Meeting tobe held at ECHO Farm in Ft. MyersonOctober6th. Participantswill learnaboutinitiativesatECHOFarmaswellaswaystobecomemoreinvolvedinlocalFarmBureauWomen’sCommittees.Allwomen inDistrict6whoaremembers,or who are interested in becomingmembers,ofFarmBureauareinvited.

In her free time, Danielle enjoyscooking and “being a mom.” She andhigh school sweetheart D.W. have twochildren, 16-year old son Laine and14-year old daughter Lydia. Danielleenthusiastically states, “I have a hardtime sitting down and watching otherpeoplework.Iwouldmuchrathertakepart in the effort. Serving HighlandsCountyandouragriculturalindustryaremymainhobbies!”

by Justin Smith

It’srightaroundthepeakofthegrowingseason,sothereisnolackofactivitiesinthegrovethesedays.Themuch-neededsummerrainismakingitsregularappearanceandhas got everything growing at full pace. We all knoweveryyearbringsitsownlittlechallengesandchanges,so

whatdoesitseemlikeisonthemindsofmanyofthegrowersthisyear?

Forstarters,weedsaregrowinglike,well,weeds.Somewherebetweenincreasednutritionbeingpouredoutinmasstothetreesandourregularrain,whichhasnotbeensoregularoverthelastfewyears, theweedpopulationsareupeverywhere. With theconditions being just perfect forweed growth and no lack ofnutrition,herbicidemanagementisatoppriority.Evenifagoodresidual program was being utilized before, the growth time

kickedinitishighlyprobable,giventhecurrentconditions,thesummerherbicideprogramswillnotlastaslongasinyearspast.If there is anextraapplicationneeded thisyearbemindfulofmodesofactionbeingrotated.Weedshavetheabilitytobecomeresistant the same as insect pest, so always rotate residualsbetweenapplications.

Next on some of the grove talk topics over the lastmonth iscanker,orshoulditbethelackofit.Forwhateverreasonthecankeroutbreakthisyearhasnotbeenassevereas inseasonspast;asusualthereisabutcoming.But,thatdoesn’tmeanit’stime to relaxyet. Normally,somewherearound themiddle tolate part of July copper applications can stop as the threat ofnewinfectionsonthefruitareaboutover.Thisyear,however,thatperiod isbeingextendedjusta little longer. Partiallydueto the late and prolonged bloomperiod thatwas experienced,thefruithasnotreachedthe“normal”sizeforthistimeofyear.Sincetherapidexpansionofthefruitpeeliswherethecankerinfectionoccurs,itlooksasthoughcankercontrolwillneedtobemonitoredandmanagedjustalittlelongerthannormal.Mixedwiththehighamountsofrain,itwillbelikelytoseetheneedofatleastoneextraapplicationofcopper.Don’tsellitshorteither,justbecausetheinfectioncan’tbeseenyetdoesn’tmeanitisnothappening.

Onemoresubjectbeingdiscussedisthelowerpsyllidpopulationthisyear.Weallknowtheimportanceofkeepingthegreeningvector in check. The credit for much of this is given to theCHMAs. The growers that are actively participating in theirlocalCHMAsareseeing theresults. Therearenow38activeCHMAslocatedthroughoutallthemajorgrowingregionsofthestateandallhavedirectorsandcontactpeople.Thewebsiteisveryeasytonavigateandgetinformationfrom.Thedirectorscanhelpwithproductselection,informationonratesandtimingandcontactinformationforapplicatorsifyou’reinneedofhelpgettingsprayscompleted.Thebottomlineis,theCHMAsareworking.Allthegrowerswhoareparticipatingcanattesttothisfact and the monitoring program by the Department of PlantIndustryisfurtherproof.

So, there is plenty going on to keep everyone in the grovebusy.It’sgettinghardertoevenfindafewdaystogetoffandgofishing.But,don’tforgetwitheverythinggoingonthatit’ssummerandtimewillpassquickly,somakesureitdoesn’tgetawayfromyou.

CITRUS UPDATEBy: Justin Smith

What’sGROVING ON


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BASED IN GRIFFIN, GEORGIA, NewtonCrouch,Inc.hashadaSebringlocationforabout10yearsnow.ManagerRandyWhite has been with the equipmentcompanynineofthoseyears.

RandymovedtoSebringfromHomesteadin 1993, having been prompted torelocate by Hurricane Andrew whichdevastatedsouthFloridainAugust1992.“We already owned property here butthe permanent relocation sounded evenbetter after that,” he shares. A formeraircraftmechanic,Randydecidedtoputhis expertise towork in the agricultureindustry. After becoming familiarwith the local industry and people, hisconnectionsledhimtoNewtonCrouch,where he began as the Inside PartsManager, and was later named BranchManager. He has been in that positionforsevenyearsnow.

ThefamilyownedNewtonCrouch,Inc.began as a fertilizer company, but itdidn’t take long to realize the need forqualityequipmenttospreadthefertilizer.In addition to spreaders, their productsnow includehigh-tech sprayers aswellaswaterandchemicalcontainers.Everyproduct manufactured has features toaccommodate the needs of a specificcustomerorindustry.

While the majority of Newton Crouchcustomersinourareaarecitrusgrowers,they also provide equipment for golfcourses, vegetable growers, dairies andbeef cattle operations. Dana Ritenour,their Outside Salesperson, coversterritoryfromInterstate10totheFloridaKeysandisveryfamiliarwiththewidevariety of commercial and agriculturaloperations that call Florida home.Golfcourses use their equipment to spreadsand, fertilize fairways, and spray thegreens.Beefanddairyproducersusetheequipmentforeverythingfromsprayingcattle and hay fields to storing anddispensingliquidfeed.

LOC

AL B

USI

NES

S

RANDY WHITE

NewtonCrouch


While most of the equipment ismanufactured at the Griffin location,Randyshares“wegetbasicmodelsfromGeorgiaandmodifythemtomeetFloridaneeds. One example is of a fertilizerspreader that we added skirts and sideskirtstoinordertoprotectcitrusfruitinthegroves.Wealso changed the singlechainspreadertotwochainssothateachrowcanbetreateddifferentlyifneeded.Wethenaddedelectroniceyestodetectthe rate of fertilizer needed–more formaturetrees,lessforre-plants,noneifnotreeispresent.Wealsoaddedadiverteronbacktopreventfertilizerfrombeingspread down themiddle of a row.Theeyecanreadleftandrightindependently,saving money on fertilizer and beingmoreenvironmentallysound.”

Thecompany’sdedicationtoinnovationdoesn’t stop with agriculture. Spawnedby thedroughts that impactedNorthernGeorgiaafewyearsago,theydevelopedrainwaterholdingtankstocapturewaterthatcanbeusedforwateringlawnsandflushing toilets. Tanks can be installedabove ground or underground duringnewconstruction,andrange insizesuptoa10,000galloncapacity.Newton Crouch Sebring relocated itsoperations to 5427 DeSoto City Roadin November 2011. “We felt the needtopurchaseourownpropertyinsteadofcontinuingtorent,”saysRandy.”We’veseen our business grow from just twoemployeestofourfull-timeandonepart-timeemployee.Nowwehavemoreroomtoexpandandgrowwithourcustomers.”

According to Randy, “Adapting toindustry changes is the key to long-term success. Chemical prices arehigher, environmental regulations andrestrictions continue to increase. Weget out and talk to people, and listentogrowers tokeepourminds fresh fornew ideas. Our goal is to stay on thecuttingedgeoftechnologyandcontinueto adapt to our customer needs.”Theirfocus on customer service extends totheirwebsite,wherecustomerscanfindeverything from product informationto how-to guides on set-up andprogramming new equipment. Stop byand visit Randy at the Citrus Expo orgive him a call at 863.471.0105 to seehow Newton Crouch equipment canbenefityouroperation.

The Highlands County Citrus

Extension Program, the

Highlands County Citrus Growers

Association, and Florida Citrus

Mutual, are sponsoring a “Citrus

Water Seminar: Introduction

to the Revised Citrus BMP and

other Water-Related Topics”. The

seminar will be held Wednesday,

September 26, 2012, from 8:30

a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bert J.

Harris, Jr. Agricultural Center in

Sebring, Florida.

The seminar will focus on several

water-related topics of interest

to citrus growers. The primary

subject will be an introduction

to the new “Florida Citrus Best

Management Practice” manual

which incorporates all former

Citrus BMP’s into one Florida Citrus

BMP including the former Ridge

Nitrate BMP. The New Florida

Citrus BMP manual will include a

few new requirements, a check

sheet, and a new NOI (Notice of

Intent Form). Those growers in the

former Ridge Nitrate BMP will have

to submit a check sheet and NOI

form for each grove they own or

manage under the new BMP.

The seminars will include

presentations on: “The Water

Future for Citrus in Florida, The

Status of Numeric Nutrient

Criteria Implications for Florida

Citrus, The Revised Florida Citrus

Best Management Practices

Manual, The FDACS BMP

Implementation Assurance

Program, Overview of

Current Water Management,

Consumptive Use Permits and

other Ag Water Components for

Citrus in the South Florida WMD

and the Southwest Florida WMD.

The New Role of Highlands Soil

and Water Conservation District in

Water Programs will be discussed.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED.

To register either Email Becca

at [email protected] , or FAX

(863) 402-6540 the following

information: Name, email address,

and telephone number.

Citrus Water Seminar


As is true with most agriculturalcommodities, efficient use of water isa top concern formanycitrusgrowers.Fortunately, creative ideas for both there-useandconservationofthisvaluablenaturalresourceareavailable.

Funded by a grant throughSouthWestFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,theCityofArcadiabeganrecyclingeffluent(treated discharge from a waste waterplant) by pumping thewater to nearbyareas for use as irrigation. Accordingto Steve Underwood, theWasteWaterPlantSupervisorfortheCityofArcadia,thefirstphaseof theirprojectbegan inApril1993andincludedoneresidence,onegrove,thecityballfields,golfcourseand Oak Ridge cemetery. Phase twocamein1999,addinganotherhalfdozenresidencesandgroves, allofwhicharelocatedontheloopofundergroundpipethat runs from the Reclaimed WaterFacilitylocatedat300OakRidgeDrive.That facility includes a 600,000 gallontankinadditiontotworun-offpondsthatholdatotalof2.5milliongallons.

Watertreatedattheplantiselectronicallymonitored to ensure compliance withEPAstandards.Theplant ismanned16hoursaday,365daysayear,andsomeoneis always on call should a problem bedetectedwiththesystemortheeffluentquality. The system is programmed toautomatically switch flow to a rejectponduntilanysuchproblemisrectified.

When asked his thoughts about usingthe effluent towater his 40-acregrove,Kenny Pepper replied “What’s not tolike?”According to Underwood, whiletheCity regulates theuse, there are notime restrictions on use, and the groveowners also use their own fresh watersources for irrigation if needed. Eachgrovethatusesthereclaimedwaterhasa header system equipped with doublecheckvalvetokeepeffluentfrommixinginwiththefreshwatersource.Theeightgroveswhichusethetreatedwastewaterusebetween30,900and78,100gallonsper hour depending on the size of thegrove.Interestingly,thegolfcourseusesbetween 50% and 60% of the overalltreatedwaterfromtheplant.Residenceson the system are given yard signs toidentifythemsothatCodeEnforcementofficersdon’tticketfornon-complianceduringwaterrestrictiontimes.

The Okeechobee Utility Authority(OUA) has a similar arrangement foruse of treated effluent. Its CemeteryRoadWasteWaterTreatmentFacilityiscloseenoughforeffluent tobepumpedtoWilliamson Cattle Company’s citrusgroves. “More than 20 years ago webegan taking reuse water from OUAandpartiallyirrigatingourcitrusgroveswith it. This has given OUA a veryeconomicalalternative todisposeof itseffluent. It has also allowedWCC tobe less reliant on sub-surfacewells forirrigation,”sharedJohnWilliamson.

SPEC

IAL

FEAT

URE

CITRUSGETS

CREATIVEWITH WATER USE

By Robbi Sumner


Like thegroves inArcadia,Williamsonalsohastheirownprivatewellsthatareused in addition to the effluent fromOUA. SonnyWilliamson describes theagreementasa“win-win”forthegroveownerandutility,as thewatercontainsnutrientsusefulforagriculturalirrigationandputswaterbackinthecycle.

According to OUA Executive DirectorJohn Hayford, on an annual average500,000 to 600,000 gallons of treatedeffluentarepiped to thegroveperday.OUAhastwoothermethodsforeffluentdisposal: they own about 300 acres ofspray field that can produce hay cropsandin2010a3,400footdeepinjectionwellwasaddedtotheplantatacostofapproximately$6.5million.

Innovations like Johnny Georges’ TreeT Pees are also designed to reduce theamount of water needed through moreefficient use of the natural resource.The cone-shaped tree guards madeof recycled plastic are positioned atthe base of young trees and have beenknowntoreducewaterconsumptionby75-90%inadditiontosavingonfuelandfertilizercosts.Inadditiontotheiruseinthecitrusindustry,TreeTPee’sarenowalsoutilizedbymanypeach,olive,pecanandjatrophagrowers.

Johnnysharesanexampleofaclientwith5,000citrustreeswhowithouttheTreeTPeewouldbeusingover100,000gallonstowater each day, but instead is using26,250gallons–asignificantsavingsofnotonlythenaturalresourcebutalsothepowerrequiredtorunpumps.

Athirdgenerationfarmer,Johnnyshares“Inthepast,peopleusednaturalresourceswithnoregardtolimitations.Now,mostpeople recognize the need to conserveforfuturegenerations.Theyoungpeopleentering the agriculture industry haveevenagreaterunderstandingoftheneedandwillbetheoneswhodevelopfurtherinnovations to become even moreefficient.”Johnnyhasbecomeabigfanof Twitter as a communication tool tolearn and share information regardingwater conservation. “I follow severalgroupsandsharemyopinionandothers’on the topic so we can all be betterinformed.”

ColeBrewer,aSenioratFloridaSouthernCollegemajoringinCitruswithaminorin Business, has worked with Georgesthepastseveralsummersandrepresentsthe fourth generation of a local citrusfamily. ”We talk about conservation inclass butwhen I see ideas put toworkin the groves and fields it means a lot

more.I’mgladtobeapartoffarmingabetterway,with respect forournaturalresourcesandnotjustthebottomline.”

That’sasentimentforthefuture,afuturethatiscertaintocontinuebringingfresh,newideastoimprovethewaywegrowourcropsandfeedagrowingpopulation.


Florida Agriculture

Fast Facts:

• Supports 1.4 million

Florida jobs

• Generates $100 billion

annual economic

impact in Florida

• Responsible for more

than $3 billion in tax

revenue for local and

state government

• Florida Sugar Industry

provides 7,000 direct

jobs & 23,500 indirect

jobs in the state

• Florida Sugar Industry

generates more than

$3 billion in annual

economic impact

LORIDA SUGAR

FARMERS NEARLY

TRIPLE EVERGLADES

RESTORATION

WATER QUALITY

REQUIREMENTS

Sugar farmers in the Everglades

Agricultural Area (EAA), south of

Lake Okeechobee, achieved a 71

percent reduction in phosphorus

leaving the farming region for the

2011-12 water year—almost three

times better than required under

Florida’s Everglades Forever Act.

This follows last year’s record-

breaking success of 79 percent

on-farm reduction and an overall

average reduction of 55 percent for

the past 17 years.

The South Florida Water

Management District, the agency

tasked with Everglades restoration,

announced the successful results

demonstrating the EAA’s on-farm

Best Management Practices (BMPs),

developed by university scientists in

collaboration with farmers, continue

to be a resounding success.

“Contrary to what some detractors

claim about restoration, the

numbers do not lie and the facts

speak for themselves—water

flowing to the Everglades is

significantly cleaner today as a

direct result of the farmers’, the

State’s and the SFWMD’s efforts,”

said Judy Sanchez, senior director

of corporate communications and

public affairs. “The farmers’ BMP

program is an outstanding success

and nearly two decades of scientific

data proves farmers are doing their

fair share to improve water quality in

South Florida.”

In addition to improving water quality

through high-tech sustainable

farming practices, farmers have

paid “agricultural privilege taxes” of

than $200 million for the construction

of Stormwater Treatment Area (STAs)

to further clean water from farms,

urban areas and Lake Okeechobee.

Built on nearly 60,000 acres of former

farmland, the STAs had their best

performance year ever in 2012. STAs

have removed an additional 1560

metric tons of phosphorus, on top of

the 2,500 metric tons farmers have

removed through on-farm BMPs.

“Florida’s sugar industry has been a

stable economic force and major

job provider for South Florida for

more than 80 years and we have

a strong track record of working

with state and federal partners on

developing successful, science-

based solutions to Everglades

restoration,” Sanchez said. “These

latest results again demonstrate the

significant role sugar farmers play in

protecting the Everglades as well

as providing jobs producing safe,

affordable food for all Americans.”


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The Citrus Industry in Florida gets its roots from the Spanish explorers who visited the shores of this great State in the Early 1500’s. St. Augustine was undoubtedly the first area to see citrus trees in the United States. Over the next few years, seedlings were spread to other parts of the state and primarily down the banks of the St. Johns River. This indicates Native Americans were the first “Floridians” who took a liking to this grand fruit and played a part in what would start an industry.

FLORIDA CITRUS

THE PASTTHE PRESENTTHE FUTURE?

byJUSTINSMITH

W ithin a hundred years of thefirst citrus sprout onFlorida’s shores

there were fully-grown grovesspread out for miles. Althoughthese were not what we thinkof as traditional orange groves,they are how the name cameabout. The plantings of moderncitrus are actually, by definition, orchards.


Agroveisasporadicplantingoftrees,generallyinnosetpatternorshape,sotechnically Florida has thousands ofacresoforangeorchardsandnolongerany orange groves. However, we aredeeply ingrained in tradition and itis not advisable to argue the Websterdefined meaning of the word, as anycitrus growerwill be happy to discusstheir orange groves but not an orangeorchard.

Although citrus had been growingin what is now Florida for a couplehundred years, it wasn’t until 1763that the first commercial operation ofcitruswas commenced. Thefirst longdistanceshipmentoffruitwasin1776,whichset thepattern for the industry’supsanddownsto thisday. Justas thecommercialization of the young andblossoming industry was taking offit saw its first stumbling block. TheAmerican Revolution began which

squelched the shipments of citrus.But, combined with the newly foundAmerican spirit and the desire of thepeople to become self sufficient, thenew citrus industry flourished rightalongwiththenewcountry.

Over the next 50 years grapefruit andmandarins were introduced to thecommercial market of Florida citrus.Growers learned to top-work and budrootstockstodifferentvarieties.Atthesame time these early citrus producerswere learninghowtobattle thenaturalelements and overcame many threatstotheindustry.Freezeswerethemainhardship the first few generations ofcitrusproducershad toface. Thecoldpushed the industry slightly farthersouthandcitruscontinuedtothrive.

Theyear1870sawthefirstcitrusresearchstation located around the Sanfordarea.Fromthere,theproductionreally

escalated until the mid 1890’s whenyet another major freeze took out themajorityoftheindustry.Itisestimatedthat one freeze killed approximately90%of the commercial acreage in thestate.However,thepioneeringspritanddetermination of Floridians were notdestroyed and the growers persevered.The industry was rebuilding, leaningon scientific discoveries of their ownspecializedgrowerdrivenresearchandworking together, citrus once againrebounded.

The20thcenturywasnonethelessbrutalto citrus growers. For themajority ofthe hundred-year time span, freezescontinued to plague the industry.About every 10 years Mother Naturewouldflexherclimaticmuscleandtheindustry was forced to regroup again.Growers continued to move south inanattempttodistancethemselvesfrombonechillingarcticblasts.Theindustryfinallygainedamajorvictoryover thecoldwiththeemploymentofthemicrosprinklerirrigationsystem.Now,citrusproducers have the ability to use theconstantundergroundwatertemperatureagainstthecoldair.Theuseofmicro-jetshadanaddedbenefitaswell sincenow the trees could be supplied withenoughwaterwhendroughtconditionswerepresent to sustain largernumbersperacre.

Nowenemynumberonewasputatbay,toacertainextent,theindustrywasfreetothrivewithonelesslimitation.But,asusual,somethinggenerallybringsinabalance. Forcitrusthathasbeentheonslaughtofpestsanddiseases.

Thefirstmajordiseasethatgrowershadto battlewas citrus canker. Originallyintroducedbackin1910,itwasbelievedto be completely eradicated by themid1930’suntil itwasagain found inManateeCounty in1986. Oncemore,growers believed they had won thebattle until another discovery in 1995.Since then, canker has swept throughthe entire industry. But, resilient asproducers have proven themselves tobe, throughresearchandindustrywide


efforts,theyhavelearnedtocontroltheinfectionrateofcankeraswell.Another, almost devastating virus hittheindustryhardin1994;Tristezawasintroduced by the brown citrus aphid.This virus causes extremely quickdeclineanddeathbyeliminatingtheflowof nutrients within the tree. Luckily,Tristeza only affects one rootstock,which was sour root. Not so luckily,sour rootwas the preferred stock usedonflatwoodssoilsforanumberofyearsprior. So,onceagain the industrywashithardandbegantherecoveryprocess.

SomeofthenewerthreatsincludeCitrusGreening Disease (HLB) and CitrusBlackSpot,whichisafungalinfection.As growers have proven, generationafter generation, this is not stoppingthem. Combined with efforts fromthe entire industry, including research,private funding and just good old-fashionedhardwork,thereisstillgreatoptimismandnolackofgoingstrong.

Asifpests,funguses,diseasesandweatherare not enough, there is yet anotherthreat to the industry. Possibly, the

one responsible for more lost acreagethan all others combined. Theculprit is economics. Of all theother conditions that can be foughtbyjoiningtogether,thisoneisonasingularfront.Duetotheincreasedenvironmentalpressures,producingcitrushasbecomemuch more expensive. Economicdownturns throughout the world haveforced consumers to cut back, makingprofit margins a much smaller columnin the citrus books. Financial impactscombinedwithincreasedlandvalueshaveturnedmanycitrusacresintoparkinglotsandshoppingcenters.Anindustryisonlyviable if it generates money. If, on anindividualbasis,thereisnolongerrevenuebutthereisgreatvalue,theonlyoptionleftis to sellout. Unfortunately this is thereason so many have left the industryover the last generation. But, is thisthesignofthefutureorisitjustnaturalequilibrium?Inordertogetabetterideaofthis,IquestionedafewFloridacitrusproducers. Looking for a broad rangeof ideas, knowledge and perspective,there were two lifelong producers andtwo younger growers chosen to beinterviewed.

Both of the veteran growers are well-known and respected in this industry:Mr. Wendell Cole with 55 years ofexperienceandMr.JoeL.DavisJr.,whohasbeenincitrushisentirelife.Thesegentlemenhavecontributedmuchtotheindustryoverthecourseoftheircareers.They have seen first hand, more thanonce,thedevastationsofweathereventsand diseases, then the rebuilding of abetter more knowledgeable industry.Our two younger interviewees wereMs.EmmaReynolds andMr.MitchellBlackman. Ms. Reynolds has beeninvolvedinherfamily’scitrusoperationfull time for three years. This yearshe has also taken on the roll of theHighlands County Farm Bureau’sYoung Farmer and Rancher President.MitchellhascompletedaCitrusDegreefromFloridaSouthernCollegeandhasbeenemployedfulltimeintheindustry,foroneyear,withNedHancock.

As with many citrus producers, onecommonalityamongalltheparticipantswas their reason for being in citrus.All have some type of family ties inthe industry as well as agriculture ingeneral. Reynolds did express heroriginaldesire toseekamorebusinessprofession but changed her careerchoicesciting,sheadmiredthequalitiesofpeopleinagriculture.Also,shesaid,“It’sjustwhatourfamilydoes”.

FromthenewergrowersIwaslookingfor a sense of where they believe theindustryistodayandwhereitwillbeastheyprogress intoleadershippositions.Althoughneitherofthemhavebeenfulltimeproducersforalongtime,theydoboth have past experiences. So whenaskedaboutthechangestheyhaveseen,they have a little more than a coupleof years worth of knowledge to pullfrom.Mitchell,withatrueproduction-managingeye,seesthesprayprogramsasbeingamajorchange.Heunderstandsthe importance of making them asefficientaspossibleinordertokeepupwiththeenvironmentaldemandsplacedupon citrus trees now. Emma on theother hand is looking at technology asthegreatestchangeofbusiness.Asshe


said, now there is a computer in evertractorandmanyuse iPads in thefieldeveryday.

I askedwhat theybelieved thebiggestlong-term issue facing citrus was.While Mitchell is looking to psyllidmanagement to control the spread ofgreening, Emma did not want to pinpoint one issue. Her belief is there isno one thing larger than another aseverythingworkstogetherandmustbebalanced. Her list of topics includedlabor,diseasesandglobaleconomy.

SinceEmmaandMitchellhave familybackgrounds as well as historicalknowledge of the industry, I alsoquestionedtheirideaonthedifferenceinthechallengeswehavetodaycomparedto those of the past. Both agreed thatalthough the challenges themselvesare very different, the method ofdealingwiththemisnot.Learningandadaptingwasthegeneralthemeoftheirperspectiveanswers.Mitchelldiscussedthe devastating ability of HLB asopposedtocankerandthechallengesofbringingyoungtreesintoproductionbut

maintainedwe(theindustryasawhole)havealwaysfigureditout.Emmaagainlooks to technology as a driving forcewhichhelpskeepupwith faster pacedmoredifficultchallenges.

Mr.ColeandMr.Davishad theirownsetofquestions.FromthesegentlemenIwantedtogettheirtakeonhowfartheindustryhasprogressedandwheretheycanseethingsgoingfromhere. Whenaskedwhat themost significant thingsthey had seen happen in the industryover their lifetime, theiranswers,werenotsurprisingly,verysimilar.Bothcitedenvironmental challenges as themajorsetbacks. Davis pinpointed freezesandhurricaneswhileColeconcentratedon the disease stresses which haveincreased spray needs exponentially.Both of these issues have cost theindustry time, money and production.Someareashaveneverrecoveredfromeach of these events but the ones thathave,haveemergedstrongerandmoreresilient.

One question I was very interested togetananswerforwaswhattheysawas

thegreatestdifferenceingrowingcitrusnowversus30yearsago.RightoutofthegateMr.Colesaid,“justkeepingahealthy tree”. He says the challengesofkeepingupwithwhatatreeneedsissomuchgreaterthantraditionallyanditcanchangeovernight.Mr.Davis,alongthe same lines, discussed the lack offreshfruit.NowallofFloridaisalmostexclusivelyprocessedfruitforthejuicemarket. Fresh fruit requires a pristineproduct and that is difficult since theharder it is to keep a healthy tree, theharder it would be to keep a flawlesspieceoffruit.Therefore,thegrownforfresh producers have been making achangetotheotherside.Diseasesandpests have hit some areas so that theyare completely out of production alltogether.Anexampleofthisistheeastcoast,whichhaveproduced the largestamountsoffreshfruitinthepast.

Nowitistimetomoveontotheharderquestions, those that don’t necessarilyhave a quantifiable answer, yet thesemenhadnoproblemwiththem.First,IaskediftheybelievedtheFloridacitrusindustry was sustainable in today’sworld. Then what they thought thefutureforFloridacitrustrulyis.Neitherof them hesitated in their first answer,which was emphatically yes, Floridacitrus is sustainable.As for the futurethey agreed as well and emphasizedgrowth and working together. Bothencourage the younger generation toget involved and believed there is stillafuturetobuildacareeron.Mr.Colesmiledashe talkedabouthisgrandsonbeinginterestedincitrusandhowheisstartingtospendmoretimeinthegrove.

Davis believes that not only is theindustry a place to build a future, butit is vital that the next generation getsinvolved. As he recapped there wasonceamillionacresofcitrusinFlorida;now,thatnumberhasdwindledtohalfamillion.Atthepresentrate,wearenotreplantingasquicklyastreesaredyingout.Heseesaverygradualcontractionduetothisfact.Hestated,“Wehaveanichemarketwithnotfromconcentrate,butwemustbeareliablesupplierofour


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product.” The best way to correct the issue before thereis a shortfall and it becomes a problem is to continue tolearnandadapt.Mr.Coleadded,“Florida’sfruitisthebestintheworld”.AslongaspeoplewantgoodjuiceandtheagricultureindustrycanstayinFlorida,thenFloridaCitruswillbearound.

Emma andMitchell likewise feel fairly confident in thefuture.Althoughtheybothbelieveitisnolongerabusinesstobreakintoandyoumusthavesometypeofconnection.Gonearethedayssomeonebuysafewacres,putsinsomeorange trees and makes money. It takes dedication andcommitmenttokeepgoing.Emmasays,“Youhavetoloveit.”Theytooagree,wemustallworkverycloselytogether.

SinceIhadthegreatprivilegeoftalkingwiththeseindustryeldersIwantedtoknowonemorethingfromthem.Thatisiftheyhadanypartingwisdomfortheyoungergrowers.Mr.Daviswantedeveryonetounderstandthatwhenthingslook like they are down, to remember, one disease orweathereventhasnevertakenoutanentireindustryandit’snotverylikelytostartnow.“Thisindustryisresilient.”Hebelievesthereisafutureandlikeanythingelse,itisriskybuthardworkwillpayoff.Mr.Wendellsaidtoputfaithincitrus.“Takecareofanorangetreeanditwilltakecareofyou.”Hesaidifhewasayoungmanhewouldn’thesitatetoplantagrove,butyouneedaneducationalso.Keepinguptodateonscienceisvitallyimportantandonceagainputalotofhardworkintoit.

At around 9 billion dollars, the Florida citrus industry isthelargesteconomicproducerofFloridaagriculture.Sincethedaythefirstshipmentofaboxoffruitwassentout,therehavebeenmajorchallenges.Allofthoseupsanddownshaveledustothispoint. Manypeoplehavemade agreatlifeforthemselvesandtheirfamiliesbygrowingorangesanditseemsasthoughtherewillbemanymoretocome.Boththeseasonedveterangrowersandthefreshyoungoneshavespoken.Citrusisheretostay,allthewaytotheend.IbelievewecanconcludeonthewordsofMr.JoeDavis,


MARVINKAHNby Ron Lambert

Since August’s issue of Heartland In the Field is focused upon citrus, I knew that Mr. Marvin Kahn would be a perfect feature

as he and his family are pioneers of citrus in the Heartland.

After a phone call to his office, we had an interview set. Upon arrival at Kahn Groves’ main office in downtown Sebring, I found Mr. Kahn at his desk in the midst of another busy day.


MarvinKahn’sfatherwasanimmigrantfromLithuania.HecametotheUnitedStatesin1914enteringthroughtheportofNewYorkatEllisIsland.

In Lithuania, their family name wasKovalskybutimmigrationofficialswhohadnopatiencewithdifficultEuropean

names changed this, so Mr. Kovalskybecame Mike Kahn just like that. In1918 Mike married Sadie Sarasky,another Lithuanian name that waschangedtoShearswhensheenteredtheU.S.

TheKahns traveled south and lived inAtlanta,GA,Pelham,GAandbrieflyinasmalltownknownasSalesCity.Heearned a living working as a peddler,selling out of a horse-drawn wagon.MarvinsharedwithmethathismotherwasnotimpressedwithlifeinGeorgiaandtheKahnfamilycamefurthersouthintoCentralFlorida.AfterabriefstopinAvonPark,theKahnssettledinSebring.

HesoonmetGeorgeSebring,thefounderof the town and a friendship formed.Mr.SebringprovidedabuildinglotforaplaceofworshipfortheJewishpeoplewhocametobuildanewlifeinSebring.

Mike and Sadie came to Sebringwithoneson,Leon,ontheway.Alltogetherthey had four children, Leon, Ruth,Bucky andMarvin. Ruth andMarvinaretheonlytwolivingchildren.

The Kahn family rented a store fromGeorge Sebring to begin a dry goodsbusiness. MikeKahnbecamepartnerswithFisherSaulstorunthestore,whichwas located next to the NancesoweeHotel in downtown Sebring. EarlyfriendsofMikeKahnwereDickMayeoftheFederalLandBank,FisherSaulsand Raymond Canto of the SebringCafé, andHenryCrutchfield, thenasacitrusworkerbutsoonafterasacitrusgrower.

TheKahnchildrenwereeachborninadifferenthomeinHighlandsCounty.Itwasn’t that they just bounced around;MikeandSadiewereonthelookoutforsomethingalittlebetterfortheirgrowingfamily. Marvinwas born in 1933 andhis firstmemories are of the house onoldDesotoCityRoad.This homewaslocated on a twenty-acre citrus grovethatwasthebeginningofKahnGroves.Marvinhasaphotoinhisofficetodayofhisfatherandhimateightornineyearsofageinfrontofanorangetreeonthatoriginaltwenty-acregrove.

This parcel was eventually a weddinggifttoMarvinandhiswife,Elsa. It isa producing grove still owned by theKahnstoday.

Marvin shared with me that both hismother and father were from a ruralarea in Lithuania, but Jewish peoplewere not allowed to own land there.Consequently, they both had a strongdesire towork harder for a little extramoneytopurchaselandoftheirown.

IfoundthebackgroundstoryofMarvinKahn’s life to be so interesting that Ifelt that I should include the previousparagraphstobuildafoundationfortherestofthestory.

“I humbly consider myself a visionary”


Before his untimely death at age 54in 1943, Mike and Sadie Kahn hadincreased their citrus acreage to200ormoreacres.

Afterherfather’sdeath,Ruth,Marvin’ssister, left college to take over theoperationof the familydrygood store.Sadie took the reins ofmanagement ofKahnGroves.Marvinwasonly10yearsold and mentioned his involvement in4-HclubsaswellasFutureFarmersofAmericainhighschool.Hespokeveryhighlyof the influenceof countyagentV.T.OxerwhoprecededBertHarris inHighlandsCounty.Hegavemuchcreditto each of them in encouraging him inhisincreasinginterestincitrus.

After high school, he enrolled at theUniversityofFlorida. Marvin’sdegreewas incitrusat theuniversity,adegreethat unfortunately no longer exists. Itis now known as an all-encompassingtitle of ‘Horticultural Science.’ UpongraduationfromUF,MarvinreturnedtoSebringtomanageKahnGroves.

MarvinmarriedElsaKesslerin1954andtheyhavetwogrownchildren,SteveandLeah.SteveandhisfamilyliveinIsrael,asheisaRabbiinthatcountry.Heandhiswifehavethreechildren.LeahisstilllivinginHighlandsCountyandhasoneson.

During the late 50s and early 60s, heacquired additional acreage in bothcitrus and cattle land. In the earlysixties,hefoundedKahnGroveServiceoutofnecessity. Heexplained that themachineryneededtoprovidecareforthefamily groves was expensive and theycould not pay for the existing acreagewithout additional groves. This sameequipment required labor to operateand the Kahn Grove Service was ableto provide full-time jobs. CrewswereputtoworknotonlyinKahnGrovesbutothercitrusacreagewhoseownerschosetohireout theircitruscaretakingtotheskilled professionals at Kahn GroveService.

Marvin Kahn, as a concerned growerdetermined to contribute to the healthof the citrus business, served upon theFlorida Citrus Commission from 1971

until1979.Thisgroupofcitrusgrowersisrepresentativeofeachpartofthestatewherecitruscontinuestobegrown.MarvinandIspokeat lengthregardingthe significance of the term ‘FloridaOrange Juice’ and how important it isto promote the quality and to strive tohold on to the consumer. Statistically,orange juice has gradually declinedin popularity with the consumer overthe past few years, there are severalreasons behind this including a lesserbudgetcompetingwithhugeadvertisingbudgetsofproductsrangingfrombottledwatertowell-knownsoftdrinks.

HeandItalkedatlengthofthepositiveresultsinadvertisingenjoyedbyFloridaorange juice with Anita Bryant as theofficial spokesperson. We agreed thatchanges are constantly on the horizonand recognizing them and adjusting tocontinuetomoveforwardiscrucial.

Onceupona timeonStateRoad66ontheNorthsideoftheroadstoodalargetwo-story wooden building; a sign outfrontproclaimedittobetheCrewsvilleFeedCompany.Abouttwenty-fiveyearsago that area was planted in citrus byKahnGroves.Bynomeanswasthisthefirstflatwoodsgrovebut itwascreatedand planted with the intent to avoidpreviousmistakesthatplaguedflatwoodsgroves. The single greatest issuewas,andremainstobe,thatofwatercontrol,primarilydrainage.

MarvinKahn isoneofagroupofmenwho have spent their lives not onlymaking a living out of citrus but alsoprovidingjobsintheircommunitiesandtheir home state. I don’t have enoughink in this pen to even write all theirnames. Theywould include thenamesofCrews,Griffin,Smoak,Maxcy,Smith,Stephens,Ward,Crutchfieldandthelistgoesonandon.

I will close with these thoughts; I amfortunateinthatIhavemetanumberofthesemen,most of who are second orthirdgenerationcitrusmen. I feel thatthisinitselfisahighhonorandIwouldlike to thankMarvinKahnfor the timethathespentsharingwithme.

Iwouldalsoliketopointoutonemoreremarkable aspect that becomes plainwhen you examine the developmentof an area or of a previously unknownindustry. This countrywasmadewhatit is todaybecauseofpeople likeMikeandSadieKahnandthousandsofotherswho left behindadoubtful future for atotallyunknownland.Acountrywheretheyknewfew,ifany,people,couldnotspeakthelanguage,knewnothingofthelawsandcustomsoftheland,butcameanyway!PeoplelikethismadeAmericainto the greatest country ever known.We as their descendants have a greatresponsibilitytouphold.

“We as citrus growers are at the brink of being more history than reality.”


Thoseofyouinvolvedwithcitrusknowthatcertaindiseaseshavehadasignificantimpact on the industry. Canker alonenearlywipedouthalfofthecitrustreesinFloridanottoolongago.Nowwithotherdiseaseslikegreeningandblackspot,thecitrus industry in Florida continues tostruggletostayahead.Aswithanything,early detection is key. Today, growersuse teams of trained humans to walkthroughgrovesandgreenhouseslookingforsignsofcanker,sometimesspendingclosetoanhourononeplanttofindonelesion. Jose “Pepe” Peruyero, of J&KCanineAcademyInc.felttherehadtobeawaytospeedthisprocessupandmakeiteasierforthegrowerstodealwiththisdisease.

Peruyero isnostranger to thedetectionindustry.Hiscanineacademyhastraineddogs todetect things likebedbugsandtermitesforyears.Hedecidedthattherehad tobe away to traindogs todetectcitruscanker.Theideaofscentdetectionisfairlysimpleandcanbedonewithouttoo many issues in a controlled labenvironment.Buthowwouldittranslateto sandy and swampy Florida orangegroves?This proved to be a tall order,especiallyforPeruyero’shighstandards.Peruyerodecidedtostartthisprocessin

1998.Asmanyofyouknow,theFloridaorange grove can be a challengingenvironment, full of mosquitoes, fireants, stagnantwater and other animals,nottomentionpesticidesandfertilizers.For a dog, this could be a sensoryoverload.This iswherePeruyeroknewheneededtofocus.Hehadtofigureoutawaytogetthedogstofocusontheonescent, alert on detection and be able towork within the specific boundaries ofthe grove they were working. Throughhard work and research, Peruyero wasable to develop a model to follow inordertotraindogstodetectthedisease.

Thefirstdog took9½months to train,buttheyhavebeenabletospeeduptheprocesstoonlytake3monthsforadogtobereadytogointothefield.Peruyero’sdogs are trained to veryhigh standardsand boast an impressive 95%detectionratewithlessthan5%chanceofafalsedetection. Now, as a grower, how canthis help you? According to Peruyero,hisdogscanexamine16acresofcitrusin just 6 hours. This is the equivalentto about 108 man-hours. Furthermore,a dog can alert immediately on a treethat has a canker lesion 13ft up in thetree.Thismaytakeahumancloseto45minutestofind.

DOGS Sniff Out Canker by Brian Norris


Peruyero says thatwhat he has helpeddeveloped are for citrus growers, notgovernmentinspectors.Hedidittohelpacitrusgrowermaximizehisability toproducecitrus.Also,thisprogramgivesthe dogs a second chance. All of thedogsusedwithhisprogramsarerescueddogs. With these dogs, a grove thathas been abandoneddue to canker canbe cleared and determined eradicatedof the disease by the dogs. Then, newyoungtreesthathavebeenchecked,bythedogs,inthenurserycanbeplanted.The new trees can be monitored on aquarterlyormonthlybasisby thedogsand any detection can be dealt withand quarantined immediately, limitingthe spread and exposure. This processwould allow for the growers to utilizeabandonedgrovesandbeginincreasingtheproductionofcitrusinFlorida.

Peruyero wants to emphasize thatearly detection is key to limiting thespread of these diseases and with thedogs’help this ispossible.Heplans tobegin the research anddevelopment ofa model to train dogs to detect CitrusGreeningandBlackSpotinadditiontoCanker.Peruyeroalsoplanstointroducethis service to growers in Texas andCalifornia, where these diseases arejust beginning to appear and hopefullybe able to help limit the spread anddestructionthere.

For more information on J&K CanineAcademy, Inc. and the services theyoffer, visit www.pepedogs.com or calltheirofficeat386-454-3647.


Slim’sBar-B-Q&GrillinArcadiahasbeenownedandoperatedbymembersoftheClementfamilysince1957.AccordingtoMartha

Clement,whohasmanagedtherestaurantsince 1981, her father Slim came upwith the idea while living and workingin Miami. After moving toArcadia, hisideasbecamea realityand the restaurantcontinuesontodayinitsoriginallocation

Martha proudly states that while they have expanded both the building and the menu, the main recipes have not been changed. “We make everything from scratch – the coleslaw, potato salad – even the BBQ beans are started from dried beans and cooked in a pressure cooker. BBQ is our specialty; everything else springboards off of, and compliments that,” she shares.

What started as a simple, half-page barbeque menu has expanded to include items like market fresh fish, steaks, burgers and salads. Bo Riley has been the main cook at Slim’s since 1997 and like Martha, takes great pride in the quality of food they serve. Meats are smoked for several hours over Blackjack oak wood and served with sauce on the side.

DINING IN THE HEARTLAND:

SLIM’S BAR-B-Q &

GRILLSPEC

IAL

FEAT

URE

By Robbi Sumner


319 S. Brevard Avenue (Highway 17 South) Arcadia, FL

Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

Sunday:11:00am to 3:00pm

Kick off your meal with a taste of homemade Brunswick Stew, grilled shrimp or jalapeño poppers. A variety of salads, including Chef, Caesar, Gorgonzola, Tropical Fruit or Garden salad, are offered. Burgers include a traditional version made with one-third pound of fresh ground choice beef; a Santa Fe burger with roasted green chilies, jack and cheddar cheeses, and spicy avocado; and even a vegetarian option.

Slim’s grill items include juicy grilled chicken plates and baskets, with Key West and Southwestern sandwich versions. “Expertly grilled” market fresh salmon, mahi and shrimp are also available. For the more traditional barbeque enthusiasts, a variety of plate dinners or sandwich baskets featuring their deliciously slow cooked barbequed meats – ribs, chicken, beef, pork, or turkey – are of course the main event. The sliced beef on the Meat Special was described by one diner as “the most tender, lean and delicious” they had ever tasted!

Only USDA Choice cuts of beef are served at Slim’s, so if you’re craving a big juicy steak, rest assured that the rib-eye or sirloin will satisfy your taste buds.

Slim’s original recipe BBQ sauce is prepared the same it was 55 years ago, and is available in hot or mild. You can purchase a bottle to take home and share with others after you enjoy it at the restaurant.

Even the desserts at Slim’s come from long-standing traditions, with favorites like Aunt Flo’s Key lime pie and Nan’s Pecan Torte pie (Nan was Martha’s mother.) From January 1st through Easter, you can enjoy homemade kumquat pie, a special version of the Key lime recipe.

If you’re lucky enough to get to Slim’s for a meal, you’ll quickly realize that it’s not just the food that makes it a special place. Martha and her staff take pride in running a clean restaurant that serves quality, great tasting food in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. While Martha is quick to brag on her staff, the feeling is mutual. “She is fantastic to work for,” shares Jennifer, one of the long-time employees.

Slim’s Bar-B-Q & Grill is a down-home treat you don’t want to miss!


SHERRY’S HIDEOUT RESTAURANT & CATERING CO. www.sherryshideout.com

“Glades County’s Hidden Gem”Whether you feel like pasta, chicken, steak or seafood, Sherry’s is the place to go for a mouth-watering meal with local flavor. Catering services are also available with the same quality food found in the restaurant.

Summer Hours: Friday and Saturday 5:00 to 9:00 pmSunday Lunch Buffet 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

863-946-0050Catering Call 863-227-0371

12044 East SR 78 in Lakeport in the Northlake Estates

EL PIRATA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

In Arcadia and looking for delicious Mexican fare? This family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant is the perfect place for that. At El Pirata, you can find something for any taste! From enchiladas to quesadillas to mouth-watering tacos- all their food is so fresh, a perfect Mexican feast. Open 7 days a week so you can put a little spice in your life during the holidays anytime. Order take out and bring the fiesta home to all your summer celebrations.

863-993-2203Visit Dora and Emmanuel on Hwy 70 East in Arcadia

BULLZ-EYE BBQ

Visit Bullz-Eye BBQ in Arcadia and come try the taste of our good home cooking. All of Bullz-Eye’s meats are smoked fresh every day and served per pound.

Let us help you with all of your holiday parties and events. We have full menu, catering and family style platters available. Visit Bullz-Eye at 1029 E Oak Street in Arcadia or call us at 863-993-4227 and we will help you feed your friends at all your summer bar-b-ques and parties!

863-993-42271029 E Oak Street in Arcadia

Lightsey’s Fish Company and Restaurant is opening a second location at The Glades RVPark located on Hwy 80 about 10 miles west of Clewiston and 12 miles east of Labelle. This location is situated on a hilltop with a birds-eye view of the Caloosahatchee River. Renovations are under way and we are looking forward to a late May to early June opening. You’re welcome to come by on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays to sneak a peak at Hendry County’s future destination. And remember…If it Swims, Crawls or Hops, we probably serve it!

Coming soon to Hendry County

LIGHTSEY’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTFor Hendry County reservation requests,

call the Okeechobee location 863-763-4276


REC

IPE

OF

THE

MO

NTH

Steaked-Out Pita Pizzas Marinade time: 30 minutes

Total recipe time: 30 to 35 minutesMakes 4 servings

Ingredients:1poundbeefshouldercentersteaks(Ranch)orbonelesstopsirloinsteak,cut3/4inchthick

2/3cupreduced-fatnon-creamyCaesardressing,divided

4wholewheatpitabreads

3/4cupshreddedreduced-fatItaliancheeseblend,divided

6cupslooselypackedchoppedromainelettuce(about6ounces)

1cupdicedseededtomatoes

1/4teaspoonsalt

1/4teaspoonpepper

Instructions:Heatovento350°F.Cutbeefsteaklengthwiseinhalf,thencrosswiseinto1/8-inchthickstrips.Combinebeefand1/3cupdressinginmediumbowl;tosstocoat.Coverandmarinateinrefrigerator30minutes.

Placepitabreadsslightlyoverlappingonmetalbakingsheet.Sprinkle2tablespoonscheeseoneachpita.Bakein350°Foven10to12minutesoruntilpitasaretoastedandcheeseismelted.

Meanwhile,removebeeffrommarinade,drainingwell;discardmarinade.Heatlargenonstickskilletovermedium-highheatuntilhot.Add1/2ofbeef;stir-fry1to2minutesoruntiloutsidesurfaceofbeefisnolongerpink.Removefromskillet.Repeatwithremainingbeef.

Tosslettuce,tomatoesandremaining1/2cupcheeseinlargebowl.Addbeefandremaining1/3cupdressing;tosstocoatevenly.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Dividebeefmixtureevenlyoverpitas.Serveimmediately.

FCA/FCW Fall Quarterly • Okeechobee Sept. 13-14


Due to a misprint in last month’s issue, we are running the Farmer & Rancher Special Feature article again.

Atthe age of 14, Bobby Heffnertookapart-time jobatRobbinsNursery,not realizingat the time thatitwould become his future career. “Iwas fortunate tofind something I feltpassionate about at a young age,” hesays. Bobby’s father, the late JackHeffner, owned Drake’s Garden andLawn,a smallgardencenter thatwasclosing at about the same time thatfamily friend Jess Robbins openedRobbinsNursery.

WhenBobbywasjust21,Mr.Robbinsmade it possible forhim to takeoverthe business, whichwas then locatedononeacreindowntownSebring,nearthe courthouse. Thirteen years later,withavisionofgreatgrowthpotentialfor the business, Bobby was able topurchase 35 acres and relocate to thecurrentlocationonHighway27South.The relocation provided opportunityto expand froma retail garden centertoincorporatinglandscapedesignandwholesalecomponents.

Beingoneof the largest retail gardencenters in central Florida allows thenursery to cater to everyone fromprivate homeowners to professionallandscapers. “Whatmakes us unique,“saysBobby,“isthatanyonedoingaprojectcangetbulkdirt,rocks,trees–whatevertheyneed-andbeloadedto

go in under an hour.Wehaveallsuppliesinoneplace.”Theyalsooffer items rangingfromspecialtypotteryand garden statues tothe wrap that used tocontaintreerootballs.

Although manycustomers come inknowingexactlywhattheywant,othersneedassistanceinchoosingthe right plants for

their project. Depending on the sizeof the project, Bobby will visit ahomeorbusiness, takemeasurementsand provide ideas and options basedon things like the amount of sunlightavailable, building colors, shingles,andthedesiredamountofmaintenancerequired for different plants. He thenprovidesasketchforcustomerstousetobetterenvisionthefinishedproject.

While the staff is happy to offerexpert advice in landscape design,installation,andplantchoicestomeetindividualneeds,thebusinessdoesnotofferon-goingmaintenancecontracts.They do however work closely withmany of the local lawn maintenancecompanies.Theyalsoofferseveralfreeseminarsthroughouttheyear,typicallybetweenOctoberandMay.AccordingtoBobby,employeeDebbieArmstrongcoordinates the seminars which areheld in the nursery’s pavilion, withtopicssuchasOrchidRepotting,FrostProtection,andPlantingDishGardens.

WhenaskedabouthowtheplantsgetstartedatthenurseryBobbyexplained,“We purchase a lot of the fruit andflowers thatweoffer,butbuystartersand propagate approximately 60-70%of the plants on our own.” Since thepropertysitsonanoldcaladiumfield,thebackportionisrichmuck-landthatprovidesanexcellentbedforgrowinga variety of plants. In addition to thenursery plants, they also grow somevegetables and have introduced a lot

offolkstogardeningfreshvegetableslike collard greens, corn, onions, andcelery.

About three years ago, they beganusing horticultural soaps and oilsinsteadofcommercialpesticides.SaysBobby, “We are virtually chemicalfree.It’sbetterfortheenvironmentandhas proven beneficial to us becausewe don’t have to worry about safetyissuesrelatedtocommercialchemicalsprayingandpublicexposure.”

Thenurseryhas13full-timeemployees,mostofwhohavebeentherebetweenten and twentyyears. “Weevenhavethreewholiveonsite,”sharesBobby.Asignabovehisdeskreads“Workhardandbenice”asloganthathebelievesinandthatapparentlyworks,giventhelongevityofthebusinessanditsstaff.

Through the years the nursery hasbecome a family affair, with both ofBobby’s daughters and hiswifeAmybeing involved. “My daughter Sadieattends South Florida CommunityCollege and helps on weekends.Alexandra is now at Texas ChristianUniversitybutalsoworkedherewhilein high school. Amy helps with ourbookkeeping.”Amyalsohasacoupleof pet donkeys and some free-rangechickensthatarekeptonthebacksideof the property, adding to the naturalfarm-appealofthenursery.

Bobby is a member of the SebringChamber of Commerce, FloridaNursery Growers Association, andserves on the City of Sebring TreeBoard.Healsoenjoyspurchasingandrenovating homes for resale,workingonfouralreadythisyear.

To learnmore about all that RobbinsNurseryoffers,visitthemonFacebookoratwww.robbins-nursery.com.Betteryet,stopby4803USHighway27Southin Sebring and enjoy their beautifulplants and friendly service. They’reopenMonday through Saturday from8:00amto5:00pm.

Nurseryman Bobby HeffnerBy Robbi Sumner


Continuing its investment in the

future of agriculture, Syngenta

is supporting the Florida Fruit &

Vegetable Association’s (FFVA)

education scholarship. Applications

are currently being accepted.

The scholarship is open to Florida

high school seniors and college

students interested in pursuing a

career in agriculture. The $5,000

scholarship opportunity is available

to students who meet one of these

requirements: 1) any high-school

senior participating in Florida 4-H

or FFA programs who will attend

the College of Agricultural and Life

Sciences at the University of Florida;

the College of Engineering Sciences,

Technology and Agriculture at Florida

A&M University; or the Horticultural

Science program at Florida Southern

College in the fall; 2) any student

(graduate/undergraduate) enrolled

in the College of Agricultural and

Life Sciences at the University of

Florida; 3) any student (graduate/

undergraduate) enrolled in the

College of Engineering Sciences,

Technology and Agriculture at

Florida A&M University; 4) any student

(graduate/undergraduate) enrolled

in the Horticultural Science program

at Florida Southern College.

Applications must include: 1) name,

2) address, 3) phone number,

4) email, 5) school/college, 6)

major/intended major; and 7) an

essay that does not exceed 700

words. The essay must address

the following: In 700 words or less,

explain your interpretation of the

commonly used term “sustainable

agriculture” and why you think its

continued implementation will be

important in meeting the challenge

to produce more from less and feed

the growing global population.

Explain, citing specific examples,

the role of science and research

in the development of sustainable

production practices; what factors

have influenced and led to the

adoption of these practices in

Florida vegetable production, and

how the implementation of these

practices impacts food security and

quality of life worldwide.

Applications and essays must be

submitted online by Aug. 17, 2012,

at www.SyngentaFFVAScholarship.

com. For additional information,

please contact Alex Moss at (919)

870-5718 or amoss@gibbs-soell.

com. There is also a Facebook page

called Syngenta Scholarships that

students can “like.”

The scholarship will be presented

during the FFVA 69th Annual

Convention at The Ritz-Carlton in

Naples, Fla., Sept. 20, 2012. The

winner will be informed via letter

and invited to attend the luncheon

where the scholarship will be

presented.

Syngenta is dedicated to the

future of agriculture, and this is the

ninth consecutive year Syngenta

has sponsored this scholarship. In

addition to scholarships, Syngenta

also conducts an internship program

in Florida. Participant responsibilities

include scouting, soil sampling and

collecting, analyzing and reporting

on various citrus agricultural data.

Syngenta is one of the world’s

leading companies with more than

26,000 employees in over 90 countries

dedicated to our purpose: Bringing

plant potential to life. Through world-

class science, global reach and

commitment to our customers we

help to increase crop productivity,

protect the environment and

improve health and quality of life. For

more information about us please

go to www.syngenta.com.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Find us onFacebook

www.facebook.com/HeartlandMagazine

Syngenta

Scholarship


Find details atwww.FloridaCattlemen.org

THE BUCK STARTS HERE2012 Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals

and FREE Cowboy Heritage FestivalSilver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park,

Kissimmee, FloridaRanch Rodeo Tickets:

$10 per person, Kids 10 & under FREE!

Friday, September 28Ranch Rodeo Finals – 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 29Cowboy Heritage Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Ranch Horse Competition – 10 a.m.

Ranch Rodeo Finals – 7 p.m.

Cowboy Heritage FestivalCelebrate and Learn about Florida’s

Ranching HistoryFun & Educational - Arts & Crafts Displays

Living History Exhibits

Lodging FacilitiesAsk For Florida Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo block price.

Clarion Resort & Water Park – 877-846-2221Holiday Inn Express & Suites – 407-997-1700

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center – 407-586-2000

Find Information about Kissimmee areaactivities at VisitKissimmee.com


69th AnnualConvention

September 19-21The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Fruit and Vegetable producers and

other industry members to gather in

Naples for FFVA convention

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

will offer opportunities to network,

learn about agriculture industry issues

and hear exciting speakers at its

upcoming annual convention.

“FFVA 2012” will bring together

Florida’s specialty crop industry and

top experts in agriculture to provide

the latest information on issues of

concern.

The convention takes place Sept. 19-

21 at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples.

In addition to presentations and issues

forums, FFVA 2012 offers activities

such as a benefit golf tournament,

fishing excursion, BINGO for guests

and spouses and much more.

Learn more about the convention

and register at http://www.ffva.com/

ffva2012/.

Issues Forums include:

The Labor Landscape: A Growing Concern

Access to an adequate workforce is an ever-present concern for growers, and

the outlook does not appear to be getting brighter. Find out what’s on the

horizon related to immigration in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Imports and the Economy: Assessing the Impact

Competition from Mexico is an ongoing challenge, but the situation was

especially troubling during the 2011-2012 growing season. Learn what options

exist for the grower community to help ensure a strong market for domestic

production. Also on tap: A discussion on the European economy and how it’s

affecting the fresh produce market.

Election 2012: What’s Ahead for Agriculture?

From immigration to private property rights to water quality and quantity, the

2012 state, congressional and presidential elections will affect a variety of

issues important to Florida growers. Hear a forecast of what could be in store

for agriculture after voters go to the polls this fall.

Former CIA officer talks about leading a double life

For 31 years, FFVA 2012 keynote speaker James Olson led a double life as a

career officer with the Central Intelligence Agency in overseas clandestine

operations. Olson also served as chief of counterintelligence at CIA

headquarters in Langley, Va. Among his many honors are the Intelligence

Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal and the

Counterintelligence Excellence Medal. Olson serves on the faculty of the Bush

School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. He is the

author of “The Ten Commandments of Counter Intelligence” and “Fair Play:

The Moral Dilemmas of Spying.”


PRVCGA and UF/IFAS Extension will

host a Grower Round Table August

7 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Grower

Round Table Luncheons are set

to provide growers with pertinent

information from researchers in a

relaxed setting. This luncheon will be

held at the Family Service Center,

310 W. Whidden St. in Arcadia. The

meeting will be sponsored by ORO

AGRI, Inc. and they will provide

lunch at no cost to attendees. Dr.

Bob Rouse and Dr. Bill Castle will give

presentations immediately following

lunch. Dr. Rouse has

proven to be a popular speaker with

PRVCGA growers by concentrating

his research on survival strategies

for existing groves. He will discuss

the possibilities of using hedging for

rehabilitation of HLB diseased trees.

He will review current experiments

underway and observations from

those and other trials he is monitoring.

Several local growers are already

experimenting with these ideas. We

will attempt to have them on hand

for their observations as well. Dr. Bill

Castle has built his career on citrus

scion and rootstock development

and evaluation.

He will discuss rootstock selection

and characteristics. Many local

growers have begun to reset and

replant. More growers are in the

evaluation stage, trying to decide

the proper rootstock for today’s

grove environment. Dr. Castle

can provide insight on old and

new varieties, but will concentrate

on historical favorites. Mark your

calendars to attend now!

Peace River Valley Citrus Growers

Association’s Grower Round Table


T herewereinexcessof80students,advisors, guests, and dignitariesfrom Highlands County inattendance. President, Charlie

Brown from the Avon Park Chapterpresidedovernotonlyarecordbreakingconvention with more than 4300 inattendance, but FloridaFFAAssociationset a new membership record of morethan16,300membersin2011-12.

Numerous members placed first intheir specialties including MariahAvarez from Hill-Gustat Middle inExtemporaneous Speaking. ChaseGriffin from Lake Placid Senior placed1stinAgriculturalMechanicsProficiencyarea. Megan Stein, Sebring Seniorreceiving 1st in Agricultural EducationProficiency Award and also selected astheOutstandingDistrictOfficerandwastherecipientof theRyanRimmerawardfor her outstanding accomplishments as

District XI Secretary.Additionally Erin Lamb,Sebring Senior was thehigh individual in FoodScience Technology CareerDevelopment(CDE)event.

In the Proficiency Awardscategory Jennifer Swain fromSebring Senior was a finalist(top4)inSwineProductionandFeederSwinecategories.Steinwas a finalist in AgriculturalCommunications and TaylorCrutchfield,SebringSenior inEquineEntrepreneurship.

Career Development finalistswereTaylorBrown-AvonPark

Senior in Horticulture Demonstration,Garrett Barr-Avon Park Middle inHorticulture Demonstration, Steinin Horticulture Demonstration andPrepared Public Speaking and SavanaFisher-Sebring Senior in HorticultureDemonstration. Elton Gargano formSebring Senior also competed inExtemporaneousSpeaking.

As winners in District competitionboth Avon Park Middle and SebringSenior Parliamentary Procedure teamscompeted. Leighton Jahna, AlyssaCloud, Jocelyn Jackson, Paul Devlin,Charles Southerland and KaitlynWhitmancomprisedtheAvonParkteam.Stein,TeresaWare,AshleyPalmer,TaraO’Berry, Kelby Mahoney and JessicaBelcherweremembersofSebring team.AvonPark alsohad twoof itsmembersserveontheCourtesyCorps.

The State FFA degree was awarded tothefollowing:AvonParkSenior-NormaBadilla, Celeste Breylinger, BrittanyGates,MitchellGuerndtandKyleJahna.LakePlacidSenior-NickSwain.SebringSenior-Jayme Faircloth, Tara O’BerryandJenniferSwain.

Three members will be receiving theirAmerican FFA degree inOctober at theNationalFFAConventioninIndianapolis,Indiana. Charlie Brown-Avon Park,CarleeHill-SebringandLaurenWelborn-Sebring.

Steinwasselectedbythe16ChaptersinDistrict XI to serve as 2012-13 DistrictPresident. Angie Patino from SebringSenioralsoranfortheDistrictSecretaryposition filled byBrandonMcKee fromOkeechobee. Stein and Gargano wereamong10membersrecognizedintheFFAAlumniEssayContest,withSteintaking1st and winning a scholarship to attendtheWashingtonLeadershipConference.

Sebring Senior excelled in numerousChapter competitions including: SAEAward(submitted10ormoreproficiencyapplications in 6 different categories),National Chapter Award (among 30Chapters recognized), 4th in Harvestof Change fundraiser for Florida FFAFoundation and 2nd in OutstandingAlumniRelations.

Photo Top Left: 2nd Sebring Sr. FFA Megan Stein and 3rd Advisor Hallie WebbPhoto Top Right: (L-R) Sebring Parliamentary Procedure team: Tara O’Berry, Ashley Palmer, Jessica Belcher, Kelby Mahoney, Teresa Ware and Megan Stein

The 84th Annual Florida FFA Conventionwas held June 25-29, 2012, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.


2011-2012 State President Charlie Brown of Avon Park after his Retiring Address

Cora Bishop from Charlotte Sr. FFA receiving her State Degree Orin Webb, Haley Webb and Cindy Webb of Charlotte County after the parent recognition video for the retiring officers

The new 2012/13 Vice Presidents from left to right: Area VI Vice President – Ashley Hassan, Okeechobee Brahman FFA, Area V Vice President – David Walden, Durant FFA, Area IV Vice President – Katie Hutchinson, West Orange FFA, Area III Vice President – Justin Watson, Pine Ridge FFA, Area II Vice President – Sarah Trimm, Bronson FFA, Area I Vice President – Shelby Calloway, Malone FFA

The new 2012-13 District X Presdent Wally Martin from DeSoto FFA and Secretary Victoria Baker from Charlotte FFA

The new 2012-2013 State President Clayton Willis from South Lake FFA (right) and Secretary Matthew Cantrell from Baker County FFA (left)

Haley Webb and Charlie Brown 2011-2012 President handing the final session to the new 2012-2013 State FFA President Clayton Willis of South Lake FFA


Okeechobee Extension Servicestaff stayed busy again thissummercoordinatinganumber

of day camps for local students.Four different types of camps wereofferedthissummer, includingHorse,EnvironmentalEducation,AdventuresinHistory,andanewCulinaryCaperscamp.AccordingtoDebbieClements,OkeechobeeCounty’sExtensionAgentin charge of 4-H, the EnvironmentalEducationEncounterwas theoriginalcamp, having started back around1990. All camps provide positivealternative activities for Okeechobeeyouth between the ages of 8 and 18.Participantsineachcamparegivenpre-and post-tests, and consistently showanincreaseofknowledgeinthetopicsexperienced during the camps. Grantmonies requested annually throughthe Children’s Services Council ofOkeechobee allow the camps to bereasonably priced and provide accesstoavarietyofchildren.

ThefunkickedoffJune19thwiththefirst week of “Just Horsing Around”camp held at the Agri-Civic Center.Participants were able to sign upfor any one, two or all three weeksoffered. Week one focused on BasicHorsemanship with instruction byrenowned Dressage trainer StephanyFish. Campers honed their groomingskills, learned the proper way to

wrap horses’ legs,watched a shoeingdemonstrationbyaprofessionalfarrier,andwere given individual instructiontoimprovetheiroverallhorsemanship.During the second week of horsecamp different equine disciplinessuch asWesternDressage,Equitationand Extreme Trail Chal¬lengewere covered. Campers learnedthe basic rules of each event, thespecial equipment required for eachdiscipline, nutritional and physicalre¬quirementsof thehorse,andbasiccare of a performance horse. Severalpro¬fessional trainers and riders,including 1998 AQHA HorsewomanoftheYearAndyMoormanandGrandPrixDressageTrainer Stephany Fish,wereonhandtosharetheirexpertise.

Thethirdweekofhorsecampfocusedon Rodeo events. Campers learnedabout bar¬rel racing, pole bending,goat tying, break¬away and calfroping.Therulesofeachevent,howtochooseaperformanceprospect,properequipment, training and conditioningof thehorse,nutritionandcareof theperformancehorse,andhowtohandlewarm-up and compe¬tition wereamongtopicscovered.

The Environmental EducationEncounter camp, more popularlyknown as “H2O Camp” because ofits focus on water activities, wasoffered four separate weeks with 60to 70 children attending each week.Trips to the Environmental LearningCenter in Vero Beach, SeaWorld,CrystalSpringsPreserve, theOrlandoScienceMuseum andBlizzardBeachprovided learning opportunities on avarietyoftopicsincludingtheweather;localreptileslikealligators,turtlesandsnakes;explosivegases;anddifferentecosystems and the animals that livethere.

What do horses, science, mummies, and food have in common?

Okeechobee4–H Summer Camps


History Campwas held the weeks ofJuly 9th and July 16th and includedtrips to the Edison and Ford EstatesinFortMyers, theTampaMuseumofScienceandIndustry(MOSI),theNavySealMuseuminFortPierce,theNaplesDepot and Collier County Museums,and Epcot. According to campcoordinator Dianne Spann, HistoryCamp started about four years agoand has grown steadily.The locationstypicallyvisitedrequiresmallergroupsandenrollmentislimitedto40childreneach week. Highlights for manycampers included themummy exhibitatMOSIandtheLioneltraindisplayattheNaplesDepotMuseum.

Thenew“CulinaryCapers”campwasadded to this year’s schedule, with

DianeConwayandherteamofexpertssharingtheirbroadculinaryknowledge.Anoff-shootof theSpiceofLife4-Hclubthatwasfoundedin2011,thecampoffered students opportunities to learnthebasicsofsanitaryfoodpreparationandkitchensafety,andhowtoprepareanumberofedible itemsfromfreezerjellyandcannedtomatoestobreakfast

foods, pizza, and pasta. On a special“Florida Day” campers enjoyed friedgatorandswampcabbage!ThankstotheCountyExtensionServiceand Children’s Services Council,hundreds of Okeechobee youth wereonceagainabletoenjoyasafe,fun,andeducationalsummer!


~4th Annual ~

Mason G. Smoak 5K Run & Family Fun Festival

DeVane Park, Lake Placid

September 29, 2012

Race day registration at 7:00AM

5K Race at 8:00AMFamily fun walk at 9:00AMFestival from 9:00AM - 1:00PM

www.masongsmoakfoundation.org/masongsmoakfoundation /mgsfoundation

scan our qr code...

For the last three years, the community has displayed support of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation by showing up and having fun at this event! We hope this year is no different. Please come out and enjoy the following activities:

» 5K race for all ages » Family fun walk » Delicious food » Games » Booths » Hands on exhibits » Dunk tank » Root-beer floats » Clowns » Face Painting » and much more

to register please visit:


I help the land yield its best.

I am Mosaic.It’s no surprise to find an orange grove here in

Florida. But most people don’t realize that, along

with providing crop nutrients to farmers across

America, Mosaic farms its own citrus groves. We

have about 6,000 acres of citrus in production,

and 500 of those acres are on reclaimed land. As

grove superintendent, I see things through, from

planning to harvest.

It makes sense that I keep Florida’s land growing.

www.mosaicfla.com

®

863-557-0606CELL

[email protected]

www.tinarichmond.comWEB

Tina Richmond - RealToR®

In The Market For Central Florida Property?

Looking for the perfect weekend or fishing getaway! Here you go, bring the boat and fishing poles. Lovely WATERFRONT wooded lot on canal to Lake Rosalie in Lake Wales. Bring in a mobile home, or build a new home if desired. Lot 8 includes seawall and bull shed. Lot 9 includes seawall, concrete dock, private boat slip, storage buildings. Opposite side of canal is 500+ acres of natural woods. Has country atmosphere yet just 10 minutes to town. Just over an hour to Vero Beach, 25 minutes to new Legoland. Adjacent .24 acre lot also for sale; double your lot size! Take a look today! No impact fees for one of the lots. Buyer to verify any and all information as deemed necessary.

Vacant Lots Available on water!

5 MILES TO CAMP MACK, CAMP LESTER FISHING RESORTS OR LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK ON LAKE KISSIMMEE…TRAVEL BY BOAT ALL THE WAY NORTH TO LAKE TOHO OR SOUTH TO LAKE OKEECHOBEE!

Several waterfront properties available with dwellings already in place!


POLLINATION SERVICES Strongbeeswhenyouwantthem.Wealsohavehoneyandskincareproductsmadewithhoneyandingredientsfromthehive.CantuApiaries,863-735-1679

WORM CASTINGS Addlivingmicrobestoimproveyoursoil,uselesswater.CallSean,GreenLeafWormFarm,941-626-5970.www.GreenLeafWormFarm.com

CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dryandavailableimmediately!CallTimFordorDannyThibodeau(863)439-3232

AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES 3olderfemalesthatare11weeksold,frommyfirstlitter(2sables,1blkandtan),they’re500.00ea,alsoIhavea2ndlitterthathas6puppies,(4males,2females)thatwillbereadytogo7/21/12whentheyare8weeksold,andtheseare$600.00ea(solidblacksand(2)verynicelymarkedsables).Foradditionalinformationpleasecontact(863)[email protected]

CHEAP METAL ROOFING DiscountMetalMart8’X10’sheetsinstock!Pricesfrom$5to$12.Customlengthsavailable.Ifyoubuyelsewhere,webothlose.Call813-752-7088

DISCOUNT EQUINE SERVICE BUNDLE Coggins,vaccination,teethfloat.Call813-752-0224or813-951-0118

2006 JOHN DEERE (3320) INCLUDES: Endloader,BoxBlade,andForksandan18’Trailerwithrampsandelectricbrakes200TotalusagehoursLikenewcondition$17,900Currentlybeingstoredinacoveredbuilding(863)314-0395

2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-2-55ptohp,2wheeldrive,shuttleshift,hydraulicremotes.$10,500.Call813-752-8722

42’ REACH FORKLIFT 3,952hours.$29,469Call863-698-4114

ALL-PRO FLATBED TRAILER 7X20withbeavertailandramps.Tandem7,000pdaxels$2,500CallHank863-559-8718

PORTABLE BULK FEEDERS ExcellentCondition!!!Call863-528-4356

NEW HOLLAND REPOS TN60A2WD2007modelsw/frontbroomsandboxblades.Neverused,soldnew$31,270.Sell$27,000,balanceofwarranty.813-623-3673

1992 GREAT DANE FLATBED TRAILOR Measures48’96”,GoodFloor,Winches&Strapsonbothsides.Price$6500.00CallEugeneTolar863-673-0048

3000# TOYOTA WAREHOUSE FLATBEDLowHours,SideShift,ExcellentCondition,OneOwnerPrice$9500.00

3 BARNS W/ 27 STALLS FOR RENT Ft.Ogdenarea.CallLisa941-234-7660.

2003 CATERPILLAR MT225 CHALLENGER TRACTOR 23HPwith4wheeldrivemakingitmuchstrongerandmoreversitile.2ptosrearandmiddle.Usedformowingonlysolightwear-833hrs.$5,199Excellenttractorforasmallfarm.Greatcondtion-barnkept.emailformorepix:[email protected],Fl

2006 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR (3320) Used200Hrs.EndLoader,BoxBlade,andForks,18’Trailerwithrampsandelectricbrakes.Alllike

newcondition-$17,900.00.Call863-835-0757

2.26 BEAUTIFUL, PARTIALLY WOODED ACRES innorthernArcadiaforsale.ZonedAgricultural.$34,900.Call(941)914-8588

35 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER Interiorremodeled.ImportedKentuckycedartablewithbevelededge.Customcedarframedcouch.SingleBedinlivingroom.Fullkitchen(stove/microwave/refrigerator).

1Privatebedroomw/attachedbathroom(shower/skylight).4Bunkbeds.Newbearingsrims&tires.$5400.00/OBONOREASONABLEOFFERREFUSED.ContactDavidSwartdavid@advantageccg.com,954-868-2580

1.25-ACRE LOT IN VIKING ESTATESknownas“ThePrairie”isforsalebyowner.Zonedforresidentialoragricultural.WestEndof2mileRd.Lothasbeencleared/surveyedfenced&gated&hasDEPapprovalforbuilding.Includes2-storyobservationtower.ForinfopleasecallBetween9am-9pmESTDavidat954-868-2580.Ownerfinancingtermsavailable(NOcreditcheck)$7000.00Cashor$8000.00withOwnerFinancingRequires2000.00down.Seemoreatwww.floridaprairie.com

MURPHY N.C VACATION RENTAL CLOSETOTOWNRENTBYTHEWEEKCALL352-787-6855

HOME FOR RENT 3-4Bedroom,8.5AcresofPasture,ZolfoSprings.CallKeith863-381-1978

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD [email protected]

***Lake Placid Christian School Students: Have Your Parent(s) sign below and return to Mr. G. _____________________________________

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY, OUR COUNTRY & OUR TROOPS!

Trade in your old, tattered American Flag for proper disposal at Goin' Postal and receive a NEW 3'x5'

American Flag FREE!

ADVERTISEYOUR BUSINESS

HERE August 2012 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 69

Date Details/TimeEvent

Aug. 3rd-4th4th Annual DeSoto County FCA Ranch Rodeo

Aug. 4th Turner Agri Civic Center—Arcadia NBHA Barrel Race

Aug. 5th Turner Agri Civic Center—ArcadiaSBRA Barrel Race

Aug. 11th Turner Agri Civic Center—ArcadiaOpen Christian Rodeo

Aug. 15-16th Lee Civic Center---Fort MyersCitrus Expo

Aug. 18th Turner Agri Civic Center—ArcadiaSteer Grooming Clinic

Aug. 24-26 Stuart Park, Lake Placid22nd Annual Lake Placid Caladium Festival

7:30 am Begin at First Presbyterian Church, Lake Placid Dr. Tom McDonald Caladium Festival 5K 2012

Aug. 25

If you would like to see your upcoming event on the Ag Calendar

e-mail [email protected]

Aug. 30thTurner Agri Civic Center—Arcadia

4-H Open House

Aug. 6thHosted by the Hardee County Farm Bureau & Hardee Chamber of Commerce, 5-6:30 pm at the Joe L. Davis Barn

Meet and Greet with US Congressman Tom Rooney

Aug. 11th Henscratch Winery—Lake Placid12th Annual Grape Stomp Festival

Aug. 17th Heritage Park—Downtown Wauchula 6-9Friday Night Live Back to School Tailgate Party

Aug. 24th-26th Turner Agri Civic Center—ArcadiaCalusa Agility Dog Show

Aug. 25 16th Annual Caladium Festival Car and Bike Show

Aug. 25th$10.00 per ticket for drawing for Beretta 12 ga. W/5 chokes. Drawing on Aug. 25

Benefit for Susan Knight Raffle at Hardee Ranch

Sept. 3rd Okeechobee 10:00 amFor more information, contact Teresa Chandler at 863-801-4996

BRAT Club Labor Day Parade Sponsored by American Drilling Services

Sept. 5thHighlands County Citrus Grower Forum


For over 30 years, CF Industries has supported Hardee County by providing good jobs, taxes, and community service,

and by partnering with education leaders and community organizations.

CF INDUSTRIES CARES ABOUT SAFETY, THE ENVIRONMENT,

AND THE CITIZENS OF HARDEE COUNTY.

Phosphate Rock Mine & Beneficiation Plant 6209 County Road 663 | Wauchula, FL 33873

H o u r s :M o n - T h u r s 1 1 - 8 p mF r i - S a t 1 1 - 2 a mS u n N o o n - 8 p m

AUGUST band Dates:

BetterFood!

BetterAtmosphere!

Bring itto the“HOLE”

Rebound 3-4J.J. McCoy 10-11

Logan Brothers 17-18The Chase 24-25

Fakahatchee 31-Sept 1Friday &Saturday

KARAOKE

under theTiki every

Live Music 4-7 AND $.50 wings and $1 oysters on the half shell(while supplies last)

SUNDAY FUNDAYS

(863) 314-9459 • 6813 US 27 South, Sebring, FL

heartland magazine august 2012

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