in the field heartland edition

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2010 1

February 2010

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine®

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS DESOTO • CHARLOTTEOKEECHOBEE

The Story Behind the Slogan

2 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2010


We’ve been meeting the financial needs of your community for 80 years.

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YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNERHEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a

No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE InTheField® T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on

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

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042All Entries must be received by Feb. 12, 2010.

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

No FarmersNo Food

The Avon Park Middle School FFA Chapter came home with the State Championship in the Food Science Career Development Event, which was held at the University of Florida on December 5. This is the second year in a row that Avon Park Middle has been selected first in the State of Florida among all other middle school chapters. The purpose of the Food Science CDE is to stimulate learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing a good working knowledge of sound principles used in a team decision making process. This event is made possible by a strong partnership between the Florida FFA Association and the University of Florida College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department. Kellie Duke, Avon Park Middle School FFA Advisor stated, “The Food Science contest is one of the most challenging contests that middle school chapters participate in. It requires a great deal of creativity and a discipline to study the material necessary to do well on the written exam.” In this contest the students were given a breakfast pizza product to create. They had to produce a poster of their product, decide on the ingredients for their product, the type of packaging to be used, calculate the calories along with the nutritional value, and figure out the price of their product based on the ingredients selected. Once their product was developed, they had to present it to a team of professors at the University of Florida. The contest also consists of a lengthy written exam based on the text, “Food Science Safety and Nutrition,” a sensory test and a triangle food test. Points are based on the four events combined. This group of students will be recognized on stage at the Florida FFA Convention in June 2010.

Avon PArk Middle School FFA WinS StAte Food Science

FFA members (ltor) ciara Smith, dillon Whitman, Alexis Williams, and Shelby Ball came in First Place in the State FFA Food Science contest. they will be recognized at the Florida FFA convention in June 2010.


Publisher/OwnerKaren Berry

Senior Managing Editor and Writer

Sarah Holt

Manager/Editor Matt K. Elliott

Office ManagerBob Hughens

SalesMatt K. ElliottLacy CarltonKaren BerryRon Brown

Art DirectorLourdes Sáenz

DesignerJuan Carlos Alvarez

Staff WritersSharla Elliott

Anne ReynoldsForrest SteeleKyla ShiverBlake Farrer

Matt SherwoodAl Berry

John Bedell

Contributing WritersFred Lieb

David SummersJames Sharpe

PhotographyMatt K. Elliott

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, Charlotte, DeSoto and Okeechobee counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Farm Bureau and those with ag classifications on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: [email protected] or call 813-759-6909.

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field® Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field® magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

From the EditorVOL. 2 • ISSUE 5

FEBRUARY

6 Brief from Highlands County

Farm Bureau

10Florida Broccoli

12Grub StationPeppercorns

14Business Up Front

Desoto Machine Shop

20Fishing Hot Spots

24Battle for Florida

27Field Agent Report

30Technology in Agriculture

35Rocking Chair Chatter

41Century 21

Real Estate Tips

42FFA Spotlights

I T F M F 2010 1

February 2010

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine®

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS DESOTO • CHARLOTTEOKEECHOBEE

The Story Behind the Slogan

Cover Story: No FarmersNo RanchersNo FoodThe Story Behindthe SloganPage 44

Dear Readers:

Describing January as unbelievable is almost an understatement. Next year, I think I’d like to skip from Christmas to February. With all the talk of climate issues and possible Global Warming, who would’ve thought there would be snow in Florida during January? Agriculture is such a critical industry to the state of Florida and its success is due greatly to the one factor out of our control — the weather. We continue to see results of the cold weather being revealed as damage is assessed and reported. Even though the thermometer has risen, January has left a mark that won’t disappear for quite some time.

Fair season is in full swing for our FFA and 4-H youth. Highlands County and Desoto County Fairs just came to a close for another year. Our Florida State Fair in Tampa opens February 4-15. Many of our students compete in livestock competitions against kids from around the state there. Hardee County Fair begins February 20 and Okeechobee rounds out the fairs beginning March 21. If you haven’t already, please make the effort to come out and support these hard working youth.

I’ll end with a special reminder for all those with a special someone out there. It’s February and all women, whether they admit it or not, think Valentine’s Day is critically important to survival and success of the relationship for the whole year. Basically, guys, your relationship depends on honoring that special someone on the 14th with flowers, candy, and dinner out -- whatever it takes. This is serious business and cannot be taken lightly. Don’t buy them a power tool, yard tool, firearm, iron, or accessory for your truck, either.

Happy Birthday to David Summers, our technology writer. Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

Covering What’s Growing,

~Matt [email protected] • 863-441-1263


HIGHLANDS COUNTYFARM BUREAU

6419 US Highway 27 S.Sebring, FL 33876

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

SPECIAL AGENTS

OFFICERS ANDEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010Sam Bronson • Carey Howerton

April Butler • Mike MilicevicAndy Tuck • Mike Waldron

Jim Wood • Doug Miller

County SecretaryJanet Menges

President ............... Matt K. ElliottVice President ..... Marty WohlSecretary .........Drew PhypersTreasurer .........Scott Kirouac

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

Phone:863. 385.5141

Fax:863.385.5356

Web site:www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

Agency ManagerChad D. McWaters

AgentsJoseph W. Bullington

Seth Rogers

6419 US Highway 27 S.Sebring, FL 33876

(863) 385-5141

As the cold air mass of January moved away, sunny skies and warmer temps moved into the Heartland area much to the liking of area farmers and ranchers.

With temperatures reaching sub 32 degree readings for record amounts of time, the ag businesses of the Heartland battled the wintry, bone chilling nights with all the tools they had available.

Citrus growers had their cold weather protection teams out in full force, checking thermometers and cranking pumps to get the much needed layer of ice on the trees to insulate them from the below freezing temperatures.

While the citrus growers were firing up the big diesel engines that power the deep well pumps, the foliage growers were firing up the propane heaters in their green and shade houses. In this case, commercial forced air heaters are used and warm air is blown throughout the structures that house the subtropical crops that have to be protected at temperatures far higher than 32 degrees. Many tropical plants may die after being exposed to cold air of 55 degrees or less.

In both situations, energy is needed. Diesel or electric for the citrus, and the same plus propane, for the foliage growers. This is where the dollar amount rises steeply when using massive amounts of propane for warmth along with running irrigation to create a fog/mist type high humidity blanket. In addition to the heat, a fungicide must be applied ahead of time to protect against outbreaks of fungus among the tropical plants. Yes, as you may have guessed by now, it requires a lot of money, manpower and sleepless nights. At the time of this report, Governor Crist declared an emergency action for Florida ag producers that have or will endure huge losses of crops from the killing, freezing cold air.

Reports of damage were widespread all the way down to Homestead affecting vegetable, ornamental, fruit and fish farmers all over the Sunshine State. Losses are forecast into the hundreds of millions and we are only a little over a month into Winter. Snap Beans were at a record $48 a box the second week of January in Homestead as a result of Old Man Winter and his New Years kickoff of Arctic weather!

Caladium growers are also greatly concerned about the cold snap and the harm it can cause their bulbs. Depending on the variety, bulbs may rot in the drying rooms after harvesting if they received too many hours of cold weather. In short, some varieties are more hardy than others and at the time of this report, growers were holding their breath for the next few days during the drying period. Initial reports indicated that bulbs were looking okay and these were a “tougher” variety of bulb.

From January 13-15, over 600 exhibitors displayed beautiful tropical plants and allied products during the annual Tropical Plant

Industry Exhibition at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale. Several local foliage growers, including Heart of Florida Greenhouses and Highlands Greenhouse/Delray Plants, participated in displaying their products. Other companies from Europe, South America, China, Japan and Australia were also in attendance with their product lines. Buyers from supermarket chains and big box companies from all parts of North America came to Ft Lauderdale looking for the best tropical foliage in the world and closing on deals for the upcoming 2010 Spring and Summer business period. This writer found most growers feeling positive about the upcoming Spring business season. Obviously, time will tell.

Heartland area feed store owners have been wide open selling feed supplements to cattle producers. Heavy frost has obliterated the pastures into a light brown desert color. Palmetto woods are eaten to the stalk as nutritional molasses is put out in containers with lick wheels and this supplement causes a feeding frenzy among the beef cattle. Reports of round and square baled hay running short were heard early on this winter season as ranchers put out bale after bale to help keep their cattle in shape.

At the Highlands County Fair, the Highlands County Cattlemen’s Association Junior Livestock Show was in full swing. A small but quality group of 4-H and FFA exhibitors showed their livestock projects ranging from chickens and rabbits to swine, heifers and steers. At press time, results were not available for Grand Champion exhibitors.

The Highlands County Farm Bureau Board hosted the annual “Cracker Sporting Clay Fun Shoot” at the always beautiful and accommodating Quail Creek Plantation, managed by Fred and Maria Fannizzi, on the last Saturday in January.

With well over 200 shooters on the Blue and Red courses, from novice to expert, everyone enjoyed the challenging course and at the same time raised thousands of dollars for Highlands County Farm Bureau. President Matt Elliott was grateful to all sponsors and participants for the outpouring of support for this annual event. Matt also mentioned the volunteer effort led by the Highlands FB Board of Directors for their tireless effort of securing sponsors, setting up and cooking the delicious meal, also, the HCFB Women’s committee for all of the help with serving and food preparations. A great day was had by all.

Remember this while enjoying your food, chew slowly and thank an ag producer for quality food at the lowest prices anywhere on Earth.

This is a brief of January 2010, In the Field....

Highlands County Farm Bureau

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876(863) 385-5141

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU


CHARLOTTE/DESOTOCOUNTY FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31, Arcadia, FL 34266

OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President ........................ Jim Selph Vice President ...............Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer ...............Bryan K. Beswick

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010Jim Brewer • John Burtscher • Mike Carter • Steve Fussell

Richard E. Harvin • Matt Sullivan • John Pfeil • Ann H. RyalsMac Turner • Matt Harrison

County Secretary Summer Chavarria


Phone: Charlotte Line: Fax: 863. 494.3636 941.624.3981 863.494.4332

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager Agents Cameron N. Jolly Dawn A. Hines & Matt Sacilowski

1278 SE US Highway 31, Arcadia, FL 34266(863) 494-3636

HARDEE COUNTYFARM BUREAU

1017 US Highway 17 N., Wauchula, FL 33873

OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPresident .................... David B. RoyalVice President ........... Greg L. ShackelfordSec./Treasurer ........... Bo Rich

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010Joseph B. Cherry • John Platt

Corey Lambert • Daniel H. SmithSteve A. Johnson • Bill Hodge

David B. Royal • Greg L. Shackelford • Bo Rich

Susan Chapman County Secretary


Phone: Fax:863. 773.3117 863.773.2369

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager Agent N. Jay Bryan George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

1017 US Hwy 17 N., Wauchula, FL 33873(863) 773-3117

THIS ARTWORK CANNOT BE ALTERED, REVISED, RESIZED OR REBUILT BEYOND CHANGING THE AGENT PHOTO OR CONTACT INFO. CONTACT MADGENIUS WITH ANY QUESTIONS AT [email protected]

PASS SAU

PASS SAU

Shouldn’t personal service mean you get to talk to a person?

www.floridafarmbureau.comFlorida Farm Bureau General Insurance Co.Florida Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS

FLM

LN

P40064

CASL

[email protected] Manager

Chad D. Mcwaters

863-385-5141

Highlands County Farm Bureau

Chad D. McWaters CASLAgency ManagerJoseph BullingtonAgentSeth RogersAgent

Orange Enterprises, Inc.863-735-1300

Charles GuerndtMike Thompson

HEDGING • TOPPING • SKIRTING


Phosphate Operations“Help Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

6209 N. County Road 663 • Bowling Green, Florida 33834 • 863-375-4321 • www.cfindustries.com

CF Industries proudly

supports Hardee County,

our Phosphate Operations

home for more

than 30 years!

Join in supporting these upcoming community events:

Friday Night Live Presents“Grillin’ & Chillin’ on Main!”

Friday, February 19, 2010 Main Street Heritage Park - Downtown Wauchula

Hardee County FairFebruary 20 - 27, 2010

Steer Show and Beef ShowmanshipWednesday February 24, 2010

Buyer’s Dinner and Livestock SaleThursday, February 25, 2010Hardee County Fair Grounds

Wauchula, Florida

http://hardeecountyfair.org/

Employees from the CF Industries Hardee County Phosphate Plant celebrated30 years of service at the 2009 Hardee County Fair!


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Broccoli is an extraordinarily nutritious vegetable, bursting with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A cruciferous vegetable, broccoli originated from italy and is a relative of cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. A stalk of broccoli resembles a tiny tree with its tight clusters of tiny buds attached to a thick stem. the buds, leaves, and stem are all edible.

Broccoli is grown on a large scale in italy, northern europe, and the Far east. in the U.S., the leading broccoli-producing states are california, Arizona, texas, and oregon. Some broccoli is also produced in Florida during the winter months for fresh use. According to the University of Florida iFAS extension office, in Florida, broccoli is grown to a slightly greater extent than in other areas of the country, comparing favorably with beets and garden peas in frequency of production. Broccoli is well adapted to all areas of the state when grown during the coolest months of the year. Fresh broccoli is available in the supermarket year round with a peak season from october through March.

Nutritional ProfileRemarkably high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as other nutrients,

broccoli is a nutritional superstar. Along with the other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains multiple anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial compounds.

A higher intake of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a lower incidence of a variety of cancers, including those of the lung, colon, breast, ovaries and bladder. Current research studies have shown that people who eat the most cruciferous vegetables have a much lower risk of prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, even when compared to those who regularly eat other vegetables.

Broccoli also contains very high levels of beneficial phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which the body metabolizes into potent anti-carcinogens called isothiocyanates. These compounds boost the body’s detoxification enzymes, which helps to clear potentially carcinogenic substances more quickly.

In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, broccoli is considered an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, folate and dietary fiber, and a very good source of manganese, vitamin B6 and phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Broccoli is also considered a good source of iron, calcium, and zinc.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of steamed broccoli (156 g) contains 55 calories, 3.71 g protein, 0.64 g fat, 11.21 g carbohydrate, and 5.1 g of dietary fiber. One cup of broccoli also provides a whopping 205.7 percent of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 194.0 percent for vitamin K, 18.8 percent for vitamin A, 18.2 percent for dietary fiber, 9.7 percent for folate, and plentiful amounts of all of the B vitamins and important minerals including potassium and magnesium.

Vitamin C: For cold and cancer preventionVitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer

prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, Vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.

Current research findings support that Vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including broccoli, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking

supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating raw or cooked broccoli.

Vitamin K: For blood and bone healthBroccoli is full of vitamin K, an essential component for proper

blood clotting in the body. This vitamin also helps your body transport calcium and metabolizes the mineral into your skeleton. Several research studies have found that vitamin K boosts bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. As a result, the Institute of Medicine increased its daily recommendation of vitamin K. One serving of broccoli more than covers your daily requirement.

Vitamin A: For great eyesight and immunityVitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) is essential for optimal

eye health and can help prevent night-blindness. This antioxidant also plays a role in immunity by supporting the white blood cells in fighting infections. This vitamin is also involved in hearing, taste, and normal fetal development. Broccoli is considered an excellent source of this important nutrient.

Both vitamin A and vitamin C also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them helpful for protecting against conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation plays a big role.

Fiber: For regularity and heart-healthBroccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain a significant

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

A single cup of steamed broccoli provides over 18 percent of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

How to Select and StoreLook for broccoli that is dark green or light purplish in color with

tightly closed buds. Pick broccoli that feels firm and heavy for its size, and avoid those that feel wilted or soggy or with yellowish buds or leaves. Store broccoli in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. Broccoli can be blanched and frozen for longer storage. Washing broccoli will make it more perishable so don’t wash until immediately before use. To preserve nutrients, use fresh broccoli as quickly as possible and keep cooking times short.

How to EnjoyThe greatest health benefits come from raw or lightly cooked

broccoli. Several ways to enjoy this vegetable include:• Shred the stalks to throw into salad or as a sandwich topper• Stir-fry with beef or chicken and soy sauce• Sauté lightly with olive oil and herbs• Roast with olive oil• Boil and puree in a veggie soup

Enjoy nutritious Florida broccoli today and every day. With its light crunch and subtly sweet flavor, you can boost your health and lower your risk of cancer by eating more broccoli.

SELECTED REFERENCEShttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/FCS/FlaFoodFare/Broccoli.pdfhttp://www.whfoods.com http://www.florida-agriculture.com

A Nutrition SuperstarBy Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science

Florida Broccoli


CHEMICAL • NUTRITIONAL • FERTILIZERTriangle Chemical is Highlands County’s locally based Ag chemical supply company. We strive to provide our customers with the best options and quality on pesticides,

herbicides, nutritionals and fertilizers while placing customer service as our top priority.

2821 Old State Road 8 • Venus, Florida 33960P.O. Box 2615 • Lake Placid, Florida 33862

Office (863) 699-5680Toll Free (866) 893-7848

Fax (863) 699-9561

FLORIDA MINERAL SALT & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, INC.

(Family owned and operated since 1992)4014 N 40th St Tampa, Florida

33610 • 813-623-5449*1-800-741-5450Email us at:

[email protected]

Florida Mineral has been manufac-turing high quality supplementation products for beef, dairy, equine, sheep, goats, deer, and other live-stock and wild game species for over 18 years. Florida Mineral is Florida’s only manufacturer of pressed pro-tein blocks, pressed mineral blocks and poured molasses blocks. Florida Mineral specializes in high quality vitamin, mineral, and protein supple-ment products for livestock; offering products in bulk, bagged, blocked or liquid form. For more information about Florida Mineral please visit our web site www.floridamineralonline.net and contact us for all your Fall and Winter Supplement needs.

AG TIRES•FUEL TANKS•TOOL BOXES•CUSTOM HITCHES-5TH WHEEL, GOOSENECK•SEMI/RV ALIGNMENT•COMPLETE AUTO, TRUCK SERVICE•NITROGEN•

1-800-330-3145For 24-Hour Roadside Service

Call: 1-863-452-2031

1109W.MainSt.•AvonPark,FL33825

Advanced All Service Realty, Inc.1843 US 27 North • Sebring, Florida 33870

Office (863) 385-1181• Mobile (863) 441-9367Fax (863) 385-1895 • Toll Free (800) 741-3509

www.lpfl.net

Donald J. Elliott, P.A.Broker [email protected]

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

5 acres in a gated community $129,000•Deep water access to Lake Istokpoga $100,000•

New Listings:


Gru

b S

tati

on

Most people traveling or visiting a new area ask the locals where they eat. Lake Placid is blessed to have some good restaurants off the Highway 27 corridor. Peppercorns is a favorite because everything is homemade and delicious. Nothing is pre-packaged. The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is good, prices are reasonable and it’s clean. Owner, Marva Roberts, a native Floridian, says she has always loved to cook. She opened Peppercorns five years ago with seating for 44 and expanded in the middle of last year to include the Banquet Room that seats 40 to 50 people and can be opened for overflow. Outdoor seating is available on nice days. The Lake Placid Noon Rotary meets here regularly. Church groups and Red Hats are among customers that use the Banquet Room. Marva also caters weddings and special events.

Peppercorns opens at 8:00 am for Breakfast, and Brunch is at 10:00 am. Some of the menu favorites are Eggs Benedict, Fresh Fruit Parfait, and Quiche of the Day, which is served all day. Homemade granola is sold by the pound. Lunch hours are 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. There are always one or two daily specials. Two soup choices are offered during the winter months and one during the rest of the year. Two favored soups are Shrimp Bisque and Taco Soup. Her soups may be bought by the gallon. Favorite lunch specialties include the Peppercorn Trio, a salad choice of shrimp, tuna, chicken or ham and two sides, the Greek, Spinach, or Cobb Salads, Hot Sandwiches, the Chicken or Tuna

Continued on next page

By Anne Reynolds

527 West Interlake Blvd., lake PlacId

(863)465-1176 • Fax: (863)465-3050


Melts, Portobello Mushroom, and the Pulled Pork on Ciabatta. There are numerous salad choices and sandwiches, on your choice of breads made fresh daily. Portions are generous. Salads are served with a fresh muffin and, with the exception of the Chef and Cobb Salads, half portions may be ordered. All salad dressings are homemade and can be ordered by the pint. Desserts include Rice and Coconut Rice Puddings, Chocolate Brownies, Brownie Sundaes, Crème Brule, and on Fridays, Coconut Cream Pie. Marva’s son, Justin, operates his own culinary specialty business out of Peppercorns. Its called Dinner’s Done! He puts out a menu for the week, which includes five dinners that may be fixed for that night or frozen to be eaten later. His selections include casseroles, soups, salads, Bar-B-Que and slow-cook dinners. He provides the ingredients, you provide the oven or crock pot. Order by Wednesday and pick up on Friday. His Grande feeds four to six people for $28, and the Petite feeds two to four for $18. What a wonderful idea this is for an easy, delicious, quick meal or for company! This week’s offerings are Shrimp Bisque with Grilled Provolone and Tomato Sandwich, Chicken Ruben Casserole, Tortilla Casserole, Pepperoni, Pasta (spaghetti) and Vegetable Casserole, and Slow Cooker Chicken with White Wine Sauce over Rice. Ingredients are written, so there are no surprises. All orders are faxed (863-465-3050) or called (863-465-1176) by Wednesday.

Marva says her two biggest challenges have been keeping prices affordable and the location. Many will attest it’s worth the drive off Highway 27.

Grub Station-Continued from previous page

PEPPERCORNS’ HOURS

Open 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Monday-Friday

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

NEUROLOGYGeneral Adult •Outpatient NeurologyCarpal Tunnel •SyndromeHeadaches•Stroke•Seizures•

863-471-3600 • 863-471-90003425S.HighlandsAve.•Sebring

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Robert F. Goldstein, MD

DeSoto Machine ShopTriangle Spreader Manufacturing Co.

(800) 494-0335(863) 494-0703

2692 N.E. Nat Ave.Arcadia, FL 34266

www.desotomachine.com

MOWER


By Blake Farrer

Need parts for a machine? Or how about the use of a spreader or mower? Desoto Machine Shop is the place to go. Locally owned and operated since 1990, Desoto Machine Shop has met the needs of its community for years. It is greatly depended on and appreciated by the community, from farmers and ranchers, to those who simply need to pick up a few bolts and bearings.

Jim Myers is the owner of Desoto Machine Shop. His passion for agriculture and sustaining machines for its production is what serves as the foundation for his business.

“Desoto Machine Shop started out as one or two people in need of a repair on a machine or someone to fix something for them. The repairs and work just kept coming. Two years later, there were ten people working with me full time. We didn’t even have a sign out front with the name of a business. Word just traveled by word of mouth and good honest business. That’s how this place started,” Jim says.

Over the years, Desoto Machine Shop has gained a reputable name. Its original location was on Owens Road in Arcadia. The company purchased the old Cline’s Machine Shop building. After many repairs and transporting it to its new location, Owens Road, Desoto Machine Shop was officially in business. In 1990, Desoto Machine Shop bought out Triangle Spreader Company and expanded. They also purchased a stainless steel spreader company in Lakeland, M & D Diamond Spreaders. After five years, the business was moved to its current location, which is 2692 North East Nat Avenue in Arcadia.

Today, Desoto Machine Shop is proud to offer a variety of services and products for their customers. They carry the largest supply of bolts, nuts, and bearings within 50 miles. They are also the largest and only supplier of steel products in Desoto County. They are also proud to carry the Hammerhead Mower, which comes in various sizes. Depending on the needs of the customer, they have 8, 10, 12 and 14 foot mowers.

“One thing that we do like to let our customers know is that we have all of the parts for machines in stock. If someone calls early on in the day and needs a part delivered to them, we can have it shipped by UPS that same afternoon. I have had instances myself when it took ten days to get a 50 cent spring for a tractor in the mail. It wastes time and money, and that is something I don’t want my customers to have to experience.”

Along with these products, the crew at Desoto Machine Shop work on everything from chainsaws and bulldozers, to backhoes and buckets. However, the primary products that they build are mowers and spreaders.

“Citrus farmers are some of our biggest customers. We try to make our machines the best in order to withstand the rough conditions they endure in the agriculture industry. We have made upgrades on them so that while out in the field, anybody could take a few bolts out and make the changes needed, rather than having to bring the entire machine to a shop. One of our best customers, Orange Co., has over 36,000 acres of citrus. What they said sums it all up, “If you build a machine and it stays together for us, it will stay together for anybody.”

Desoto Machine Shop loves to serve their community in any way possible. They are a proud member of industry associations such as the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association, the Citrus and Vegetable Association, as well as the Desoto County Chamber of Commerce. Along with their business, they love being able to give back to the community. One way they do this is by supporting youth at the local fair each year. They have been purchasing livestock from Desoto’s FFA and 4H Livestock Exhibitors for years.

“These are the people who buy from us, so these are the people we need to support. We also like to help the exhibitors whose animals don’t make weigh in by purchasing their hogs and steers as well, or by looking for other prospective buyers. Today’s youth is the next generation. If we help encourage them to get committed to something that will positively affect their future, the generations to come will benefit,” Jim explains.

A complete machine and fabrication shop, Desoto Machine Shop has proven time and time again that they are a company that is dedicated to serving the needs of their community. Open

Business UpFront


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Our counties are extremely fortunate to have dedicated individuals to organize our youth agricultural and leadership programs. Okeechobee County has over 500 students and 100 adult volunteers in 21 4-H clubs. Extension agent, Debbie Clements, leads this large population of 4-Hers.

Growing up in Belle Glade, Debbie was very active in 4-H. She describes that she tried “every project there was.” She showed dairy cows, completed ag and non-ag projects, participated in sewing and cooking, and went on to lead as a state 4-H officer. Agriculture has always played a major role in her life, as her parents and other family members have been involved in production agriculture in the Glades and throughout the Heartland of Florida for many years. Debbie graduated from Okeechobee High School and then received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from UF and a Master’s Degree in Dairy Science/Ag and Extension Education.

Debbie began her 4-H agent career in 1995, falling into a position that involves her favorite hobbies of “kids and cows.” Before that time, she was a teacher and 4-H volunteer, doing many of the tasks that she still does as the county agent. She says that she loves her job because “every day is different.”

In Okeechobee County, 4-H clubs are project based. Clubs include names such as “Udder Bunch,” a dairy club, “Bits and Spurs,” a horse club, and “Swine Time.” Other counties have clubs based on their locations, known as community based clubs. Debbie trains the club volunteers to help the youth participants. She brings resources to the youth and adults, and assists with the many fairs, shows, and activities in which these clubs compete.

No slow or off season exists for 4-H. Debbie coordinates 4-H summer day camps in Okeechobee that provide activities in addition to state sponsored events. An Environmental Education camp called H20 Encounter is conducted for four weeks, serving 60 kids a week and involving many adult and teen volunteers and employees. Just Horsing Around horse day camp is offered for three weeks, and there’s also a one week Adventures in History day camp. These camps round out the calendar for busy 4-Hers all year.

Dairy judging is one of Debbie’s strengths and passions. “I have been privileged to help coach the Florida 4-H Dairy Judging Teams for the last 17 years,” she explains. The

majority of the participants are from Okeechobee County, giving Debbie personal knowledge of the kids and their talents. Debbie’s outstanding efforts as coach have been shown across the world, as the team was invited to participate in the International Dairy Judging Contest at The Royal Highland Show in Scotland last summer. The Florida team earned the High Team distinction, and Okeechobee’s own Lindsay Rucks was High Individual.

Debbie shares a passion for youth, agriculture, and 4-H. She knows that, if given positive role models, kids will become more responsible adults. She also wants the younger generation to have an appreciation for agriculture and all that it provides the community. Debbie and her husband have two grown children who were involved in 4-H and FFA while in

school. She also shares her pride for her one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. It’s certain that these little ones will be wearing green clovers throughout their childhood and beyond.

Debbie Clements

WomanIN AGRICULTURE

By Sharla Elliott


Sugar Belle, a bold mandarin orange hybrid that ripens in time for the winter holiday market, will be the first University of Flori-da-created citrus variety intended for commercial production.

The mandarin hybrid, a mix of the sweet Clementine and the colorful, bell-shaped Minneola, has a rich taste and strong aroma, said UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences plant breeder Fred Gmitter.

The new sweet-tart fruit may be best described as a mandarin with a tangy punch.

“Many old-timers in citrus have said this is the best-tasting citrus they’ve ever had,” Gmitter said.

The fruit, which has a patent pending and is also known as LB8-9, has been in the works since 1985.

Mark McLellan, IFAS’ dean for research, said he believes the time that went into breeding this variety will be worthwhile. “Sugar Belle is positioned in a unique market window, and its fla-vor characteristics are expected to make this variety a consumer favorite,” he said. “We’re very excited to offer it on behalf of the university.”

Recently, Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc., a direct sup-port organization of UF, awarded an exclusive U.S. license to the New Varieties Development and Management Corporation.

Funded by the Florida Citrus Commission, the not-for-profit corporation was set up in 2005 to help assure Florida growers access to new patented citrus varieties, manage new varieties and direct re-sources to citrus breeding research.

The corporation was granted the exclu-sive license for the fruit through the universi-ty’s Invitation to Negotiate process, designed to benefit everyone from IFAS to citrus grow-ers.

“It’s becoming more common for grow-er-backed organizations to help monitor the markets for growers and ensure that ev-eryone has a chance to be successful,” said John Beuttenmuller, the intellectual property and licensing director for Florida Foundation Seed Producers, which led the ITN process.

In that process, a company is selected to deliver new cultivars to the public. In re-turn, the company pays royalties back to the Florida Foundation Seed Producers and the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, to be reinvested in breeding and development programs.

Sugar Belle is a unique variety, said the corporation’s executive director, Peter Chaires. He believes it will make a big splash in the $52 million specialty citrus market.

Chaires describes its flavor almost like one would describe a fine wine. “It has a fla-vor that takes it to the top of the show wher-ever it goes. It’s got a very, very deep flavor,” he said. “I don’t want to say it’s rich, but it’s

a very deep, complex flavor.”Despite strong ties to the citrus industry, UF has never before

released a citrus cultivar developed solely by its scientists, likely be-cause citrus breeding is an excruciatingly slow endeavor. The aver-age time for new citrus-from creation to its commercial release-can be up to 20 years.

And in this case, what became the UF’s inaugural citrus vari-ety could just as easily have been plowed under.

Gmitter, who arrived at UF’s Citrus Research and Educa-tion Center in Lake Alfred as an assistant professor in 1985, was a young plant breeder desperate for citrus trees to work with. After locating a small tract of trees left by a retired professor, Gmitter went for a look.

“I went out in early November of my first year. This one tree had beautiful, bright orange fruit. The best citrus I’d ever eaten in my life,” Gmitter said. Those trees were used to create his new cultivar.

UF officials hope Sugar Belle will be as lucky when it comes to reaching consumers-which could be as early as this year, in some markets.

The fruit matures early, so it should be a good fit for the De-cember holiday market, Chaires said. It can be grown in a manner to produce low-seeded fruit. And with his organization keeping

UF releases first citrus cultivar;

packs a tasty punchBy Mickie Anderson

Sugar Belle


COLD SPELL EFFECTS The extended cold spell we’ve experienced in early to

mid January has set records here on Pine Island and elsewhere. The resultant effect on our fishery is not good. The baitfish and some key predator species have undergone massive die-offs because of the extended cold. With water temperatures between 48 and 52 degrees for five days in a row, even the winter refuges for many of our snook turned into death traps. Friends and I counted more than 400 dead snook, with 60 percent of them slot to over slot fish, in only one canal. The total for the four areas we counted was over 1,200 fish. This scenario has been repeated with depressing frequency throughout our area. In short, the snook population has been decimated, and decimated again. There will be no spring snook season on my boat this year. All snook caught on my trips will be released. Hopefully, there will be a moratorium mandated by the state. The stock needs to be assessed before we add to the mortality caused by the weather. Most depressing is the

By Captain Fred Lieb

CHARLOTTE HARBOR-PINE ISLAND FISHING REPORT FOR JANUARY 2010

number of spawning sized snook we lost. I personally saw over 50 fish from 12-25 pounds dead from the cold. The damage is probably greater to the north, and less to the south of Pine Island, and is probably repeated to some extent on the East Coast. It will probably take several years before our snook fishing returns to the quality of the past few years.

As of January 13, we are probably a week away from a return to normal action on winter species. Look for sheepshead, trout, and whiting to make up the bulk of your catch in February. Grouper will be closed, snook will be largely absent, and the water will still be cold. You will probably be able to scrape out a redfish or two, and if you live right, you may happen upon a willing school of pompano. Sorry for the short report this month. It’s too depressing thinking about

the demise of our snook population.

That’s it for this month. Go get ‘em.

Captain Fred Lieb can be contacted at 239-462-9311.

cold spell in Pine island; Snook kill (r)


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Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients

2 cups water• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1 1/2 - 2 pounds of Florida broccoli and cauliflower pieces• 6 oz. milk• 4 to 5 tablespoons butter or low fat substitute • 4 tablespoons flour• salt and pepper to taste• dash nutmeg, optional• 2 tablespoons fine, dry, seasoned bread crumbs• 1 to 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese• 1/8 teaspoon paprika•

PreparationIn a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add broccoli and cauliflower; cook just until crisp-tender.Drain, reserving liquid. Add milk to the vegetable liquid to measure 2 1/2 cups.Place vegetables into a shallow 2-quart baking dish.Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Blend in the flour, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Season with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.Pour sauce over broccoli and cauliflower. Dot with remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and paprika; sprinkle over vegetables. Bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes, until casserole is bubbly.Yield 4 servings

Florida Vegetable NachosIngredients

2 cups low-fat refried beans• 1 cup broccoli, chopped small• 1 cup radishes, chopped small• 1 cup squash, chopped small• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese• 1/4 cup fresh scallions, chopped small• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped• tortilla chips•

PreparationSpread refried beans at the bottom of a baking dish and sprinkle with chopped broccoli, radishes and squash. Place in the oven at 300 degrees F for 7 minutes. Remove baking dish from the oven and add cheese and tortilla chips on top and bake in the oven for 3 minutes more. After removing the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle nachos with scallions and cilantro. Add low-fat sour cream, fresh salsa and guacamole on the side. Serve immediately.Yield 2 to 4 servings

Recipes courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture

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BATTLE

On January 10, 1861 the sovereign State of Florida seceded from the Union of the United States of America. It was the third state to do so. She was now a member of the Confederate

States of America. The biggest confederate flag in history currently flies over private property at the junction of I4 and I75 in Tampa. Some people have just not forgotten.

The Confederate Army immediately took every usable man and sent them north. This was a negligible force as Florida’s population paled next to the other states in the south. Nothing else of value to the confederacy was in Florida so she was left defenseless. The North felt the same way about the peninsula, so besides occupying a few ports and going on a few raids to burn lumberyards, salt works or blockade runners, she was blockaded by sea and left alone.

Three years later things had changed. The Anaconda Plan (blockade and squeeze the south) had taken effect. A constricted south had, among everything else, run out of food. One Napoleonic axiom that had not changed was that an army marches on its stomach.

At the beginning of the war, the southern soldier had eaten better than his northern counterpart. Now the confederates were going hungry. On the battlefield one could tell them apart. The Yankee dead bloated because of the fat. The Reb corpses didn’t because they were lean. The Rebel armies were down to a two day supply of food stockpiled. Cut off from the world and the extremities of the south, the Confederacy had exhausted its accessible commissariat inventories. Only one hope was left to feed the southern soldier, forgotten Florida.

Forgotten Florida. The sugarcane crop in Florida made available sugar, syrup, and molasses to the Confederacy. The coastal areas allowed for the production of salt to be forwarded. Hogs, crops, and other agricultural products were produced and procured. Besides foodstuffs, cotton, lumber, turpentine and timber were sent north.

Forgotten Florida. The peninsula had a rail system such as it was. There were two lines, one from Fernandina to Cedar Key and one from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. These crossed in the town of Baldwin. Astoundingly, this Florida railroad did not even hook up to the rest of the Confederate railroads which terminated in Georgia!

The foodstuffs were rushed north, but it was a long and tenuous supply line. Most important were the cattle. From as far south as our Kissimmee and Peace River valleys, the cattle were rounded up and herded north. Two-thousand head a week arrived in Atlanta and Richmond in time to stave off the Confederate Army’s greatest enemy, starvation.

Forgotten Florida. The Yankee generals poured over their maps. They slapped their foreheads in exasperation. Anytime in the last three years they could have taken Florida, but it had not seemed worth the effort. With the Mississippi River now in union hands, they had the Confederacy cut off from three sides. Now they would cut it

off from the south.The reasons stated for the invasion of Florida were these.Free slaves and recruit them for the experimental black Union

Regiments.Destroy the Florida railroad system.Cut off supplies to the confederacy.Bring Florida back into the Union.On February 7 the union invasion force occupied Jacksonville,

Florida by sea. First off the boats were the 54 Massachusetts regiment, made famous to us from the popular movie Glory. This regiment was made up of black troops officered by whites. It was up to them to prove black men could be effective soldiers. So far they enjoyed a reputation as a hard fighting Union regiment. They were closely watched by all to see how free blacks fought.

These soldiers were vilified by the Confederates. Blacks in arms were their nightmare. The fact that these soldiers and their white officers were summarily executed upon capture by the Rebels did not deter these union men. This expedition would decide if the black soldiers were accepted into the union ranks as fully effective troops. The black were paid only a percentage of what the white troops were.

It was February 20 by the time the union troops marched along the railroad as far as the small hamlet of Olustee on their way to Tallahassee. The two weeks it took the invaders to go those 50 miles gave the rebels time to consolidate what Georgia and Florida troops they could muster for the fray. That afternoon 5,000 Yankee troops marching west ran into 5,000 rebel troops marching east. The battle site was picked by chance as neither side had intelligence of the others position. It would be a stand up fight in the pinewoods. There were no prepared positions and it was flat ground. The field gave no advantage to either of the evenly matched opponents.

The Yankees, as always, had superior artillery. They immediately deployed it to the center and forward of their infantry lines following Napoleonic tactics. Rebel riflemen cut these artillerymen down with their long range fire. The small amount of rebel artillery fired high or hit pine trees. Therefore artillery was not a factor in the ensuing battle. The cavalry on both sides was ineffective in the fight as they had been ineffective in reconnaissance and so they were not a factor in the battle. It would be an infantryman’s fight.

Upon contact with the enemy the Rebels deployed from column to line in good order and formed up opposite the advancing Yankees. They fed their reinforcements to the flanks and slowly started to form a semicircle around the invading force. The union troops deployed too late and took fire while still marching in column. This inhibited their forming an effective line of battle. Yankee reinforcements were


FloridaBy Matt Sherwood

BATTLEforfor


sent into the center of the line resulting in a massing of troops in the middle instead of extending the flanks to counter the enfilading Rebels. Eventually the convoluted Yankee line was taking rebel fire from three sides.

But the Union solders stood firm. They dressed their lines as best they could and opened fire. For the most part the maneuvering was over. There was no cover. The opposing armies volleyed back and forth in a continuing roar of musketry. Concentric fire gave the advantage to the Confederates but in spite of its devastating effect the Yankees held their position.

After several hours of this punishment and after absorbing horrific losses the Yankees could take no more. They began to fall back. To the 54 Massachusetts fell the unenviable task of covering the retreat. When the Rebels saw the Yankees begin their withdrawal they knew it was their chance to destroy this invading army. They charged. The well trained, well led, well seasoned 54 would not budge. They blunted the Rebel assault. This allowed the Union army to make its retreat in good order. It remained an effective fighting force and retired back to Jacksonville. The Rebels took position of the battlefield. Captured and wounded blacks were put to death and the

white survivors were sent to the hell of the infamous Andersonville Prison Camp across the Georgia border.

The Union suffered a 25 percent casualty rate. That made it one of the most deadly union defeats of the war on a per capita basis. Poor generalship was the reason for this union loss.

This battle cemented the reputation of the 54 regiment as a first rate addition to the union arsenal. The union continued to utilize black soldiers in their armies and it gave them a decided advantage in manpower over the south. The south never did utilize their black man power into their armies and it cost them the war.

The Union incursion into the heart of Florida obtained none of its objectives. Florida continued to supply the Confederacy with its essential commissariat requirements and this allowed the Rebels to continue the fight until Sherman’s march to the sea sealed off Florida a year later.

Information for this article was obtained from confederate Florida, the road to olustee authored by William Nulty. Read it.

The 146th anniversary Olustee Battle Reenactment and Festival will be held at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park outside of Live Oak Fl on Feb 12 - 14. See it.

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This month I am list-ing several items that have been presented to the Board of Directors of the Desoto/Charlotte County Farm Bureau, the Hardee County Farm Bureau and the Highlands County Farm Bureau.

• The FloridaFarm Bureau Federa-tion Annual Report is available at florida-farmbureau.org. Click on the Public Policy and Issues button and then download the report. It is a summary of the activi-ties performed by the FFBF in 2009.

• Without membership, Farm Bureau wouldcease to exist. Therefore, it is the most important matter that we must work on throughout the year. The County Farm Bureaus are eligible to participate in quarterly competitions to boost membership num-bers. If you are interested, please contact your local president or myself to see what you can do to help.

• Informational brochures about Farm Bu-reau’s legislative priorities and accomplishments are available. Please let me know if you wish to have a copy.

• Farm Bureau Days in Tallahassee will beMarch 15 – 17. If you are interested in attending, please contact your local president or myself. This is a time Farm Bureau members from across the state descend upon our legislature to promote beneficiallegislation or to stop harmful legislation.

• If you are an employer, be aware the Immi-gration Customs Enforcement agency is inspecting employers across the country. For more informa-tion, contact Josh Craft at 352.374.1544. His e-mail address is [email protected].

• TheFloridaGreenIndustryCoalitionhaspro-duced a paper concerning local fertilization issues and ordinances. Again, for more information contact Josh Craft.

• TheUSDAhasestablisheda“HelpDesk”forsmall meat, poultry and egg producers. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. The phone number is 877.374.7435. The e-mail address is [email protected].

Farm Bureau Field Agent Report... Darryl’s Family

Citrus Nursery

“Quality Grown Containerized Citrus Trees”

Darryl Wirick (863) 414-1626Dan Wirick (863) 381-6594

808 Apthorp Ave.Lake Placid, FL 33852

Andy Neuhofer, Field Representative District 6Florida Farm Bureau [email protected]

JOHNSON HARVESTING, INC.

3049 Cr 664Bowling Green, FL 33834

Phone: (863) 781-0518Fax: (863) 375-4621Nextel: 158*17*13558

Steve JohnsonPresident

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

Delivery Available

in Semi Loads,

Statewide

From 2 LocationsPunta Gorda,Dade City

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


Proudly Serving Since 1963

We are a family-owned business that started in 1963 serving the agricultural industry around Lake Okeechobee and have grown to 6 locations covering South and Central Florida. We serve a wide range of customers from some of the largest agricultural producers of sugar, citrus and vegetables to individual farmers, nurseries and commercial landscape management companies as well as large and small property owners. We

have become one of the largest John Deere dealers in the world by focusing on customer service and satisfaction. That philosophy continues today and is evidenced by our commitments below:

We carry the full line of John Deere products with over $40 million in inventory at any one time. We also carry many other manufacturers’ products as well. We have what you want when you want it.

Each location has a fully stocked parts inventory with over $8 million in inventory to keep your machine up and running where it makes you money...on the job! If we don’t have the part in stock, John Deere has the finest parts systems in the industry with next day availability on most items or convenient stock order terms on non-emergency items. Internet parts look up and ordering straight from your home or office is also available.

Each of our 6 service departments is fully outfitted to handle all of your service needs:Over 65 highly trained technicians• 68,000 ft. of shop space• 27 over-the-road service vehicles for mobile service at your location• 5 tractor trailers for all of your hauling needs• Loaner machine availability•

ABOUT US

PRODUCT INVENTORY

PARTS INVENTORY

REPAIR SERVICE CAPABILITIES

We believe our investments in product availability, quality parts, outstanding service and our focus on meeting our customers’ needs as efficiently and effectively as possible is the only way to keep you coming back. Our family initially began and continues to operate a farming operation, so we understand what it takes to make businesses, no matter what industry, a success! We invite you to put us to the test and look forward to doing business together.

EVERGLADES FARM EQUIPMENT CO., INC.820 US Highway 98 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972

Tel: 863-763-1921 • www.evergladesfarmequipment.com

GIVE US A TRY...


Proudly Serving Since 1963

We are a family-owned business that started in 1963 serving the agricultural industry around Lake Okeechobee and have grown to 6 locations covering South and Central Florida. We serve a wide range of customers from some of the largest agricultural producers of sugar, citrus and vegetables to individual farmers, nurseries and commercial landscape management companies as well as large and small property owners. We

have become one of the largest John Deere dealers in the world by focusing on customer service and satisfaction. That philosophy continues today and is evidenced by our commitments below:

We carry the full line of John Deere products with over $40 million in inventory at any one time. We also carry many other manufacturers’ products as well. We have what you want when you want it.

Each location has a fully stocked parts inventory with over $8 million in inventory to keep your machine up and running where it makes you money...on the job! If we don’t have the part in stock, John Deere has the finest parts systems in the industry with next day availability on most items or convenient stock order terms on non-emergency items. Internet parts look up and ordering straight from your home or office is also available.


ABOUT US

PRODUCT INVENTORY

PARTS INVENTORY

REPAIR SERVICE CAPABILITIES

We believe our investments in product availability, quality parts, outstanding service and our focus on meeting our customers’ needs as efficiently and effectively as possible is the only way to keep you coming back. Our family initially began and continues to operate a farming operation, so we understand what it takes to make businesses, no matter what industry, a success! We invite you to put us to the test and look forward to doing business together.

EVERGLADES FARM EQUIPMENT CO., INC.820 US Highway 98 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972

Tel: 863-763-1921 • www.evergladesfarmequipment.com

GIVE US A TRY...


We cover most of South and Central Florida. East

Coast to West Coast, you can find a store

close by to serve you.

www.evergladesfarmequipment.comFOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS PLEASE CONTACT:Mike Schlechter, VP • [email protected] Schlechter, VP • [email protected]

Okeechobee800-762-3214820 U.S. HWY. 98 N

Okeechobee, FL 34972

Fort Myers888-213-75269501 State Road 82

Fort Myers, FL 33905

Immokalee239-657-4403775 East Main Street

Immokalee, FL 34142

Belle Glade800-582-4308

2017 N.W. 16th St.Belle Glade, FL 33430

Loxahatchee561-784-4000

13259 Southern Blvd.Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Fort Pierce800-233-9958

16150 Orange Ave.Fort Pierce, FL 34947


As I write this article, we are in the middle of what is hopefully the coldest weather we’ll experience for 2010. Several days in a row my thermometers have logged lows in the mid 20’s and highs that have not surpassed the low 40’s. I know that others are seeing even more extreme number than that, and like many others who read this magazine, praying that we get a break from these hard freezes sooner than later.

One thing that my household is trying to get a grip on in 2010 is our utility bills. And as I write this article in my very cold office trying to keep warm with coffee, I know that tonight, when we get ready to put the baby in her bed, feet pajamas or not, the heater is going to be running, which means that power meter will be spinning wildly. This also means I’ll have my 5-year-old on patrol for lights and appliances that can be turned off to help take the sting out of the electric bill this month. All this energy consumption, along with last year’s skyrocketing utility bills, has had me wondering how technology can help at home to reduce my electric bill.

Many of us are familiar with devices that can be installed on our A/Cs and hot water heaters and even electric grove pumps that can be controlled by the utility company. Typically they will turn off devices during peak usage hours and the utility companies will offer some incentive. This type of technology is a component of what

is referred to as a “Smart Grid.” But what about all the other

energy consuming things in our homes, lamps, fans, and appliances? What about all the “phantom” energy consuming

devices that use energy when we aren’t even using them, such as our TV’s, satellite and cable boxes, wi-fi routers and numerous device chargers (cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes) that stay plugged in all the time? How much energy do these things consume? How can we manage all of these devices without unplugging them all the time?

With the move to conserve energy as well as dollars, there has been an increase in the development of technology that can help. Smart Meters allow you to monitor such appliances and devices. Many

come with their own software or interface, that you can view the data in, to identify what, when, and how much energy certain devices are consuming. Other devices sync the data with programs such as Google’s PowerMeter program www.google.org/powermeter/ or you can check out Microsoft’s Hohm program www.microsoft-hohm.com/. One that looks interesting right now is the Picowatt, www.tenrehte.com/pico.html (now just a prototype) that allows you to view power consumption and manage your power consuming devices via the internet. With this technology, you can turn off the coffee pot or the light that got left on via your computer or phone or you

can even program e v e r y t h i n g to operate automatically.

So while we are opening our utility bills following the latest cold weather, it may be a good time to consider how technology can help save us some money in the future.

to Help You UnplugBy David Summers

(863) [email protected]

AVON PARK800 West Main St.

863.453.6000

LAKE PLACID600 U.S. Hwy. 27 North

863.699.1300

SEBRING320 U.S. Hwy. 27 North

863.386.1300

SUN ‘N LAKE NO.5033 U.S. Hwy. 27 N.

863.386.1322

www.heartlandnb.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2010 31Helena Chemical Company • 7664 Moore Rd • Memphis, TN 38120 • 901-752-4414 • www.helenachemical.com

CitriFlo is a registered trademark of Goemar. People...Products...Knowledge... is a registered trademark of Helena Holding Company. Always read and follow label directions. © 2007 Helena Holding Company.

CitriFLO from Helena is a high-concentration

foliar nutrient to help correct deficiencies of

nitrogen, zinc and manganese. The result can

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CitriFLO contains GA142 from Goemar.

CitriFLO helps unleash a citrus tree’s ability to

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These natural reproductive hormones control

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With more higher-quality fruit, profit potential

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U.S. Process Patent #4,023,734

Formulated with

For Increased Fruit Set, Uniformity & Higher Quality!


Accepts State of Florida Cigna Insurance

863-386-4302HighlandsMedicalGroup.com

new location

Robert A. Midence, MDhas relocated his practice to

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Sebring, FL 33870


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Fax: 863.465.6022The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based soley on advertisements. Before you decide, ask

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My wife and I have three wonderful daughters, Kellie, Lori and Karen. Each has their own personality, but all three love animals, especially Karen. She always had a dog around the house. One would come up to the house and she would feed and befriend it. It got so regular with her I would have to take them off and tell her they ran away, otherwise we would have more dogs than the dog pound.

Now that she’s on her own, and publishing this magazine, she still finds time for her animals. She has a quarter horse and two Jack Russell dogs, Banjo and Arena. Banjo is somewhat reserved, very intelligent and loveable, while Arena is like a loose cannon in her youth.

Sarah Holt, (Patsy and I have adopted her as our fourth daughter) the editor of In The Field, is just like Karen when it comes to animals. She has not one, but two quarter horses, and can take on the best riders in the area when it comes to cutting. Sarah also has two dogs. There’s Jake, her loveable Great Dane that’s big enough to throw a saddle on, and Bella, a Cairn Terrier that has more vim and vinegar than Arena.

Since I am around them quite often I have been more alert on the subjects of dogs. Lately I have collected a number of “Dog Ads” in the classified section of the newspaper. In the North Georgia Gazette, there were four I especially remember. Free Yorkshire Terrier, 8-years-old. Hateful little dog. FREE PUPPIES: ½ Cocker Spaniel ½ Sneaky Neighbor’s dog. GERMAN SHEPHERD 85 lbs. Neutered. Speaks German. FREE PUPPIES, part Collie, part stupid dog.

Every Tuesday I try to attend the Plant City Lions Club noon meeting at the Red Rose Inn and Suites in Plant City. Usually I sit with Gail Lyons, from Regions Bank, and Tim Haught, owner of

Haught’s Funeral Home. During lunch one Tuesday we got on the subject of funerals. Tim said different religions have different types of funerals. I asked Tim, where did the custom of the “Wake” come from? He said he didn’t really know.

Gail said she remembered studying about funerals in the third grade at Turkey Creek. She said in the early 1500’s, France used lead cups to drink ale and whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a few days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days, and the family would gather around and eat and drink, and wait to see if they would wake up. Hence Gail said, the custom of holding a “wake.”

To further such a story I told them that I read where England was so old and small that they started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and take their bones to a house and reuse the grave. In reopening these coffins, one out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside, and they realized they had been burying people alive. The mayor of one town ordered that they should tie a string on their wrist and tie it to a bell by the headstone. For the first week someone would sit out in the graveyard all night to listen for the bell. Hence on the “graveyard shift” they would know that someone was “saved by the bell” or he was a “dead ringer.” Since that particular Lions Club meeting Tim Haught has moved to another table.

This story telling happens ever so often, with each one trying to out do the other from week-to-week. Bernie Caton took Tim’s place and told the story of the early days when bugs and other droppings could really mess up a nice clean bed. Bernie said they found if they made beds with big posts and hung a sheet over the top, the problem would be

solved. He says that’s how the beautiful big four poster beds with canopies came into being. According to Bernie this is where the saying, “Good night and don’t let the bed bugs bite,” came from. Yea, Bernie like bread was divided according to status back then, too! Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guest got the top, or the “Upper Crust.”

While we joke around at Lions Club and stretch a few stories to make them sound good, I remember one time we got on the subject of newspaper bloopers. Some of the ones shared I still remember. Like, “The Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.” “The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, Break Forth Into Joy.” “This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Jones to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.” “Don’t let worry kill you, let the church help.”

One of my readers of Rock’n Chair Chatter, after reading earlier articles of exercising, sent in her exercise program. Mrs. Graham writes, I agree physical exercise is good for you. I know I should do it daily, but my body doesn’t want me to do too much, so I have worked out this program for strenuous activities that do not require physical exercise. While I have a total of 25 things I do, I will share only six in this letter. These are the most important ones in my opinion. 1- Beating around the bush. 2- Jumping to conclusions. 3- Climbing the walls. 4- Going over the edge. 5- Running around in circles. 6- Putting my foot in my mouth.

If anyone has stories or thoughts they would like to share please feel free to send them to me. You’ll find our address on the bottom of page 4 of this magazine.


JANUARY 22 & 29

RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

JANUARY 16JIM STAFFORDSinger-songwriter and comedian, Jim Staffordwill grace the stage in the Red Rose Ballroom forthis special evening. His hits include: Swamp Witch,Spiders and Snakes, and My Girl Bill. Jim’s musichas been covered by George Jones and Jerry Reedand he has contributed to several movie sound-tracks. Also performing - PJ Leary and theLas Vegas Sounds before and after the show.Space is limited so please RSVP for this greatdinner show soon!

JANUARY 23 & FEBRUARY 20

JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser!P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds performbefore and after the show.

JANUARY 30LEGACY OF THE TEMPTATIONSDirect from Las Vegas! The group has appearedaround the world with their hi-energy act andsing the hits we all love! Plus, P.J. Leary &The Las Vegas Sounds

FEBRUARY 5

RICHIE MERRITT (MARCELS)Richie Merritt currently of The Marcels, formerlysang with The Clovers when they were inductedinto The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002 andalso sang on PBS DOO WOP 51 with The Clovers.

Plus, PJ Leary and the Las Vegas Soundsbefore and after the show.

FEBRUARY 6, 13, 19 & 27


FEBRUARY 6 – BEATLE BEATA live musical tribute to The Beatles. Beatle Beatrecreates the look, style and sounds of the mostfamous rock band in the world. Plus, The DukesDoo Wop Show backed by P.J. Leary &The Las Vegas Sounds

FEBRUARY 13BILL HALLEY’S COMETS ANDLOLA & THE SAINTSBill Haley's Comets in a Supper Club Atmosphere inthe Ballroom for a romantic Valentine Dinner Dance.PJ Leary & the Las Vegas Sounds will open and closethe show with special guests, Lola & The Saints.Also, 50's and 60's dance program host andDJ, Clay Cole will appear and sign copies of hislatest book.

FEBRUARY 20ALMOST ELTON JOHN WITH

SPECIAL TRIBUTE GUEST–CHERIt's a fabulous tribute to the music and life of EltonJohn with a special tribute to Cher. In the Red RoseBallroom.

FEBRUARY 26BOBBY MERCER & JESSICAMICHELLE “DOUBLE TAKE”The show is full of energy, enthusiasm and talent!The group takes you on a musical journey from the40s to the present.

FEBRUARY 27 – THE VAN DELLSSpecializing in the 50’s and 60’s Rock and Roll, theVan Dells sing a cross section of oldies and combinea unique blend of comedy, choreography and tightharmonies – it’s non-stop action from start to finish!Plus, Ralph Allocco & Second Wind before and afterthe show.

MARCH 5A TRIBUTE TO ROD STEWARTBACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Rick Larrimoretakes the stage doing his best Rod Stewart imitation...and what a show! Hear Rod’s biggest hits and feel thecharisma in the room as he moves across the dancefloor with great energy and style in the Ballroom.

MARCH 6 – JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The LasVegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

MARCH 13

THE FOUR FRESHMANThe group continues to bring their unique brand ofvocal harmony to audiences worldwide. Plus, PJLeary and the Las Vegas Sounds before and afterthe show.

MARCH 20 – GENE FERRARIWith his 14 piece orchestra! If you are looking for aromantic ‘date night’ – you couldn’t pick a bettershow to enjoy! The International performer is return-ing for an evening of continental charm in a SupperClub atmosphere.

SPECIALROOM RATES!Show guests - inquire

about our special roomrates when staying

overnight after a show!

COMING SOON!Doo WopWeekend

VOL. IVMarch 26 & 27

SHOW RESERVATIONSPlease call for ticket prices. Most shows in the RedRose Dining Room have a no cover charge withthe purchase of dinner. Shows in the Red Rose

Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with afour course meal or – seats NOW AVAILABLE

for a low price for the show only!

CALL – 813-752-3141

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia - Owner/General ManagerTEL: 813.752.3141

I-4 Exit 21• 2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM


JANUARY 22 & 29


JANUARY 16JIM STAFFORDSinger-songwriter and comedian, Jim Staffordwill grace the stage in the Red Rose Ballroom forthis special evening. His hits include: Swamp Witch,Spiders and Snakes, and My Girl Bill. Jim’s musichas been covered by George Jones and Jerry Reedand he has contributed to several movie sound-tracks. Also performing - PJ Leary and theLas Vegas Sounds before and after the show.Space is limited so please RSVP for this greatdinner show soon!

JANUARY 23 & FEBRUARY 20

JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser!P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds performbefore and after the show.

JANUARY 30LEGACY OF THE TEMPTATIONSDirect from Las Vegas! The group has appearedaround the world with their hi-energy act andsing the hits we all love! Plus, P.J. Leary &The Las Vegas Sounds

FEBRUARY 5

RICHIE MERRITT (MARCELS)Richie Merritt currently of The Marcels, formerlysang with The Clovers when they were inductedinto The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002 andalso sang on PBS DOO WOP 51 with The Clovers.

Plus, PJ Leary and the Las Vegas Soundsbefore and after the show.

FEBRUARY 6, 13, 19 & 27


FEBRUARY 6 – BEATLE BEATA live musical tribute to The Beatles. Beatle Beatrecreates the look, style and sounds of the mostfamous rock band in the world. Plus, The DukesDoo Wop Show backed by P.J. Leary &The Las Vegas Sounds

FEBRUARY 13BILL HALLEY’S COMETS ANDLOLA & THE SAINTSBill Haley's Comets in a Supper Club Atmosphere inthe Ballroom for a romantic Valentine Dinner Dance.PJ Leary & the Las Vegas Sounds will open and closethe show with special guests, Lola & The Saints.Also, 50's and 60's dance program host andDJ, Clay Cole will appear and sign copies of hislatest book.

FEBRUARY 20ALMOST ELTON JOHN WITH

SPECIAL TRIBUTE GUEST–CHERIt's a fabulous tribute to the music and life of EltonJohn with a special tribute to Cher. In the Red RoseBallroom.

FEBRUARY 26BOBBY MERCER & JESSICAMICHELLE “DOUBLE TAKE”The show is full of energy, enthusiasm and talent!The group takes you on a musical journey from the40s to the present.

FEBRUARY 27 – THE VAN DELLSSpecializing in the 50’s and 60’s Rock and Roll, theVan Dells sing a cross section of oldies and combinea unique blend of comedy, choreography and tightharmonies – it’s non-stop action from start to finish!Plus, Ralph Allocco & Second Wind before and afterthe show.

MARCH 5A TRIBUTE TO ROD STEWARTBACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Rick Larrimoretakes the stage doing his best Rod Stewart imitation...and what a show! Hear Rod’s biggest hits and feel thecharisma in the room as he moves across the dancefloor with great energy and style in the Ballroom.

MARCH 6 – JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The LasVegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

MARCH 13

THE FOUR FRESHMANThe group continues to bring their unique brand ofvocal harmony to audiences worldwide. Plus, PJLeary and the Las Vegas Sounds before and afterthe show.

MARCH 20 – GENE FERRARIWith his 14 piece orchestra! If you are looking for aromantic ‘date night’ – you couldn’t pick a bettershow to enjoy! The International performer is return-ing for an evening of continental charm in a SupperClub atmosphere.

SPECIALROOM RATES!Show guests - inquire

about our special roomrates when staying

overnight after a show!

COMING SOON!Doo WopWeekend

VOL. IVMarch 26 & 27

SHOW RESERVATIONSPlease call for ticket prices. Most shows in the RedRose Dining Room have a no cover charge withthe purchase of dinner. Shows in the Red Rose

Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with afour course meal or – seats NOW AVAILABLE

for a low price for the show only!

CALL – 813-752-3141

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia - Owner/General ManagerTEL: 813.752.3141

I-4 Exit 21• 2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM


GRIFFIN FENCE & CLEARING INC.

125 US 27 North • Lake Placid

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Covering the Heartland


New water regulations proposed last week by the U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency will levy a de facto water tax on Floridians by increasing water and sewer bills and will impose onerous economic burdens on agricultural producers, according to the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general agri-cultural organization.

“For nearly a decade, Florida’s agricultural community has been proud to cooperate with other businesses and government agencies in the state’s Total Maxi-mum Daily Loads program,” said FFB President John L. Hoblick. “The TMDL program, which established numeric nutrient criteria based on watersheds, has caused Florida to be recognized as a national leader in water quality protection and restoration. This action by EPA abruptly changes that.”

In fact, almost 75 percent of Florida’s 2.1 million acres of irrigated farm land currently embraces voluntary agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). Ag-ricultural BMPs are practical, cost-effective measures that agricultural producers implement to reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other pollutants entering our water resources. Best Management Practices are designed to benefit water quality while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural produc-tion.

Farm Bureau believes EPA’s overly simplistic approach, which affects only Florida, is generalized and fundamentally flawed because it does not take into ac-count the unique characteristics of each of the state’s rivers, streams and estuaries. Experts say the EPA standards will brand pristine streams and lakes as impaired, requiring the state to spend billions of scarce dollars to meet the standard.

In some cases no technology currently exists to meet the proposed federal reg-ulations, as in the case of agricultural wastewater. “There is no way to calculate the time and expense involved in creating that technology,” Hoblick said. “Agriculture may simply be unable to bear those costs. That should be of great concern to every citizen in Florida because a reduced domestic food supply would ultimately push food costs upward.”

Florida Farm Bureau is urging its members to get involved in the issue by contacting their elected representatives in Tallahassee and Washington to let them know this federal action is unacceptable. Citizens should also get their concerns on the record by attending hearings planned for mid-February. The hearings will be held Feb. 16 in Tallahassee, Feb. 17 in Orlando and Feb. 18 in West Palm Beach. Individuals can register to speak by visiting http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/stan-dards/rules/florida.

More information on the effort to prevent EPA from jeopardizing Florida’s agriculture and the state’s economic recovery is available at the Don’t Tax Florida Web site at www.DontTaxFlorida.com.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general-interest agri-cultural association with about 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the Federation is an independent, nonprofit agricultural organiza-tion. More information about Florida Farm Bureau is available on the organiza-tion’s Web site, http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.

Florida Farm Bureau:Proposed ePA standards are

flawed and threaten Florida’s economic recovery

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Sat. Mar. 13 3:30 p.m. Clay Walker/Lee Brice $10 & $15 Sat. Mar. 13 7:30 p.m. Patty Loveless $10 & $15 Sun. Mar. 14 3:30 p.m. Sara Evans $15 & $20 Sun. Mar. 14 7:30 p.m. Lynyrd Skynyrd $25 & $30

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Fri. Mar. 5 Moonlight Magic - $20 - 11 pm - 3 amSat. Mar. 6 Kid’s Day - Free Admission & Reduced RidesSun. Mar. 7 Mountain Dew Family Day - $5 off Sun. Mar. 14 with Mountain Dew can - Ride all day for $20Mon. Mar 8 Ride-A-Thon - $17 - 10 am - 11 pmTues. Mar. 9 Ride-A-Thon - $17 - 3 pm - 11 pmWed. Mar. 10 Ride-A-Thon - $17 - 3 pm - 11 pmThurs. Mar. 11 Ride-A-Thon - $17 - 3 pm - 11 pmFri. Mar. 12 Moonlight Magic - $20 - 11 pm - 3 am

The Midway opens daily at 12 noon except on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, when it opens at 10:00 a.m.

MIDWAY HIGHLIGHTS

• FESTIVAL FAVORITES •Dennis Lee • Southern Star Bluegrass

Granpa Cratchet • Runa Pacha Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show • Jason Young

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Red Hat Society Day Tues, Mar, 9th

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Thurs, Mar 4thJimmy Sturr Orchestra

Thurs, Mar 11thGuy Lombardo OrchestraConcerts 10:30am - 12:00pm

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Fri, Mar 12thSpirit Song

Sat, Mar, 13thRev. Arthur Jones & Choir

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FINDING A CAPABLE AGENT TO MEET YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS By Ag Specialist Donald Elliott • Century 21 Advanced All Service Realty,.Inc.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, selling your current home or relocating to a different part of the country, the support of a qualified, knowledgeable real estate agent can alleviate many of your concerns and ensure a smooth transaction. A professional agent can market your present residence, help you locate the home of your dreams and assist in making your transfer to an unfamiliar area easier.

To find a trained sales associate or broker, you may need to look no further than your own neighborhood or home town. If a well-established brokerage is involved in many listings and sales, this is a god sign. Speak with some of the agent’s past customers about the quality and integrity of service and performance. Successful real estate agents rely heavily on customer referrals and will therefore strive to provide the very best in customer service and satisfaction.

Set up appointments to “interview” agents and brokers much like an employer world interview a prospective employee. Inquire about their training, marketing programs and specific service policies. Also determine how many years of experience they have, the number of listings they have had, and the number of homes they have sold within the past few years. More importantly, find out how well they know the area. Ask for references, and check them out.

Your goal is to determine just how knowledgeable the agents are. Question them on financing, closing costs and/or local market conditions, depending on whether you’re a prospective home buyer or seller, to determine their expertise. If they know their stuff, they should be able to answer your questions effortlessly.

If you’re selling your home, learn what they will do if you decide to list with them. How do they plan to market your home? Will they provide you with a market analysis to help you determine the most effective listing price for your property? Will they supply regular progress reports and assist with negotiations once you’ve received offers?

If you are relocating to a different part of the country, is your agent connected with a national relocation service that will not only expose your present property to incoming transferees, but assist with your search for a new

house?Ask for a written guarantee that everything promised will be

delivered. The CENTURY 21® organization, for example, backs its listings with the CENTURY 21 Seller Service Pledge™. This 11-point written commitment covers everything from furnishing the seller with a marketing plan to monitoring pre-settlement activities throughout the closing process. It also gives the seller the right to terminate the listing if the pledge is not fulfilled.

A qualified real estate agent should be able to answer all your questions and provide you with quality service that is courteous and responsible. Finding the right person may take time and patience, but when purchasing or selling a home, the selection of a dependable agent should be tops on your list.

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Lake Placid High School FFA is a chapter that participates in a multitude of activities each year. As with most other organizations, this group could not function at this level of accomplishment without their president, Casie Smith.

Casie is an 18-year-old senior at Lake Placid High. She has been involved in FFA since her freshman year, holding the offices of Historian, Reporter, and Secretary before becoming President for the current school year. Casie follows in the footsteps of her sister, Courtney, who was president of last year’s chapter. When asked why she became involved in FFA, Casie explains that Courtney introduced her to the activities and brought her into FFA.

Casie leads her chapter at many levels. She assists the chapter advisor, Dale McQuillen, by completing the tedious amount of paperwork required to operate a high school organization. This includes contest registrations, activity forms, field trip forms, and supply orders. FFA requires a Program of Activities (POA) submission to the state at the beginning of the year, then confirmation of activities completed at the end of the year. Casie maintains a wall chart checklist for this program.

She also participates in events such as Prepared Public Speaking at the Subdistrict Contest, and the district Envirothon. In past years, she showed a hog, competed in the Forestry contest, and worked with the chapter in a Potter’s House project. Casie and others in the chapter also volunteer annually for Ag Venture. Chapter officers, led by Casie, meet weekly for meetings and whole chapter meetings are held twice a month. As Casie explains, she does “everything.”

Casie is dedicated to FFA and the experiences and opportunities it brings to today’s youth. She explains that the organization provides scholarships, internships and helps to build leadership skills. It prepares teens “for what’s to come and how to handle it.” Casie also credits her chapter treasurer, Wilbert Spencer, for assisting her, and devoted advisor, Dale McQuillen, for “doing a lot of work when other people don’t.”

L e a d e r s h i p characteristics of Casie’s life are not only shown in FFA. She is a solid, responsible, pleasant student who is a positive influence to many. She has maintained a job at the local Wendy’s for two years and plans to pursue a degree in Culinary or Business Management after graduation.

lake Placid H.S. FFa SPotligHt

The Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter would like to recognize Josh Radford as the FFA student of the month. Josh is an officer this year but he didn’t become part of the team overnight. Josh has been an active FFA member for the last four years.

To tell a little about Josh’s background, it would be appropriate to say that he comes from happy family of four. Josh’s father is currently serving in the Air Force overseas, his mother is a part time substitute teacher, and his brother is in the middle school FFA chapter. Josh enjoys sports, such as baseball and football, but his favorite thing to do is spend time with his friends. Josh can always be caught with a truck full of girls or telling a group of people his favorite joke of the day.

Josh Radford is the chaplain of our chapter

but has also served as a committee member on several occasions. He planned our back to school party at the

beginning of the year which usually attracts people to becoming a member. Josh has competed

in environmental science CDE and is also a member of the Ag Mechanics team.

Career development events aren’t the only extracurricular activities that keep him busy, though. He also maintains his own lawn care business. He has a hard time staying busy in a bad economy but does fairly well considering that he does

quality work for much less than the big lawn companies.

Thank you Josh for your hard work and dedication to the FFA. We wish you the best of

luck with the rest of your high school career and the rest of your FFA career.

Casie Smith

FFa Student oF tHe MontHBy James Sharpe Josh Radford


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FARMERSFOOD

Bumper stickers provide drivers the venue to promote philosophies, endorse candidates, or serve as windows to their souls. All manner of banter floods the roadways, entreating us to “support this” or “don’t do that!”

Few bumper stickers have had more impact on me than the four little words; fifteen little letters that simply say “No Farmers, No Food!” Those four words are both a reminder and a warning. They are an appeal for help and a forewarning of the disaster that might occur if that help doesn’t arrive.

I clearly remember the first time I saw that message on the roadway. It wasn’t on a vehicle, but rather a hay trailer loaded with prime square bales parked on the side of the road just north of Sacramento, California. This was back when our commodity was struggling to hold its own and I had brought a group of growers to learn and be inspired by the farming out there.

What I found instead was a canary in the mineshaft. We landed in the middle of a major water war where farmers were obviously the clear losers. We left the state thanking our lucky stars to be farming in “The Sunshine State” and with a renewed conviction that our political climate, coupled with solid agricultural research, would give us the edge we needed to close the gap.

If California is a future template for the problems facing Florida, I shouldn’t have been surprised a few years later when the infamous commercial “Where does milk come from?” appeared and almost immediately the “No Farmers, No Food” slogan began to appear on bumpers throughout the state.

The bumper sticker became the polite correction for the little boy who answered the question wrongly that milk came from Publix. The resounding answer by agriculture was that milk comes from cows. It comes from cows cared for by dairy farmers. If you don’t have farmers, you don’t “Got Milk!”

Over the years, the four-word slogan has become a battle cry for understanding by those away from the farm. Since very few politicians or regulators had roots in a farm, the slogan has stood as a reminder that farming filled the most basic of needs, and without farmers, without food, there would be no need for doctors, lawyers, politicians or regulators.

Just as the dairy industry became the focal point for the Publix faux pas, the dairy industry in Florida has become the poster child for the realities behind the slogan.

Forty years ago, nearly a hundred dairies ringed the city

of Tampa. Then developers found the location of these dairies ideal to grow people. A second generation of dairy farmers, now located further from towns with more cows on fewer acres, evolved. Environmental regulations were the ruin of this generation of farmers, and it became too costly to produce milk due to arbitrary waste management requirements. A county that was once a leader in dairy farms now has only a handful.

At least the transition was orderly in Hillsborough County. In Okeechobee County, a precipitous loss of dairies due to environmental regulations and a one-time Federal cow retirement program resulted in a local unemployment spike reaching 38 percent in the months that followed the great cowtastrophy.

In this case, “No Farmers” meant “No Food,” “No Jobs” and

FARMERS

By Dr. Chip Hinton

NOFOOD


also “No Moola!” So far, mid-west dairy farmers have picked up the slack (at a price), but unless there is a change in attitude as to what is realistic for farmers to invest in non-productive aspects of farming, we could be facing a future crisis in homeland security. Pity the country that relies on others for their food.

One of the most classic examples of regulations gone amuck is the way that food safety has overwhelmed the production field the past few years. Few remember how this mess started. They forget that the first guidelines weren’t the result of widespread contamination from domestic fields. Rather, it was precipitated by a handful of third-world abusers. US regulators felt it would be unfair to impose food safety guidelines on imported foods that our domestic food supply didn’t require. Nobody seemed concerned that we had no way to enforce food safety guidelines overseas.

Ag representatives told USDA and FDA that whatever the intent, guidelines would become regulations when retail merchandisers sought to indemnify themselves and shift legal exposure for food safety to growers. It happened that way, almost over night, even though growers have no control over their product after it leaves their farm.

Now farmers who hope to sell their produce to the larger retailers must submit to a third party certification program and absorb both the cost of the program and the loss for any produce that fails to meet the grade. One farmer’s produce was recently turned

down because there were deer tracks in the field. “No Farmers, No Food!” Maybe they can eat the deer.

In spite of all this, I’m basically optimistic about the future of farming in Florida. When UF President Bernie Machen questioned the future of agriculture in the state (and the need for UF/IFAS to meet the needs of Florida agriculture) Farm Bureau gathered a group of farmer members to honestly examine the future of farming in Florida. In spite of greening, competition for resources, and a myriad of other challenges facing agriculture for generations to come, Florida farmers were optimistic. One reason was the flip side of the slogan.

As long as there are people, there will be a need for food. More people will need more food. Florida is uniquely positioned because of geography and climate to exploit niche markets unavailable to most other farmers. More importantly, farmers have faith in themselves, researchers and industry representatives to solve the problems of today and the future as they arise.

I would have been surprised if their outlook was any different. Farmers may complain or wonder out loud how they are going to keep farming. But deep down inside, they know they will find a way to keep on, keeping on. To give up would be a fulfillment of the slogan. That just can’t happen.

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2/20 - 27/10 - Hardee County Fair, Wauchula, FL•

3/4 - 14/10 - Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, FL•

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Florida CattleWomen’s Skeet Shoot held at Quail Creek Plantation on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Proceeds support the Florida CattleWomen’s projects and scholarships.

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By James Sharpe

On December 19, 2009 the Okeechobee Brahman FFA chapter held their 2nd annual BBQ contest. The purpose of this contest was to provide a fun activity for FFA members and Okeechobee High School students. This year, there were a total of 13 teams at the BBQ. Three of the teams were from out of town and, for the most part, placed fairly well in the contest.

Prior to the event, each team paid $25 to enter with the understanding that they had to provide everything to cook the meat such as the grill, wood or charcoal, and other important tools of the BBQ trade. Each team was given a set of rules and a schedule to help in the preparation. The morning of the contest, most of the contestant teams were waiting at the Ag Barn gate for an FFA Advisor to arrive and begin set up. Almost all the teams had their stations set up and ready to cook within 30 minutes. After setup, all of the contestants gathered at the building to register and listen to the coordinator address all of the teams and answer any last minute questions they might have. As soon as the meeting broke up teams went back to their stations to set fire to their BBQ machines. At about 11:00 AM each team had their picture taken and by 12:00 people traveling along highway 441 reported that the school’s agriculture facility seemed to be on fire. As time went on people became used to the smoke and the occasional greeting of a horn could be heard from people on the road.

Things started to wind down around 3:30 when teams started preparing to turn their chicken and pork loin in to the judging table. From 4:00-5:30, the judging took place and during that time contestants started to clean up their stations and get ready for the 6:00 PM awards ceremony at dinner. Behind the scenes, judges Jim McCoin, Sharyl Williams, and Joe Graisbery, thoroughly investigated each piece of meat they received and scored it according to its quality, presentation, and taste. They were so thorough that they reevaluated each scorecard and then reevaluated the top five just to make sure that the scores were correct. At 6:00, Jim stepped into the dining hall and handed a very thick stack of score sheets to Advisor Dryden. Mr. Dryden then began the awards ceremony by thanking Jim, Sharyl, and Joe for their hard work for our contest. He also announced that Cowboy’s BBQ and Steak Company had donated a decal and a $10 gift certificate to each team that entered the contest. Mr. Dryden then revealed each team’s place from last to fourth place and awarded them a decal and gift certificate. He then asked Roadkill Grillerz, Johnny and June BBQ, and Southern Smokers to come forward. After a speech about the hard work and skill of each team that seemed to go on for days due to anxious anticipation, Dryden announced that Roadkill Grillerz placed third, Southern Smokers placed second, and Johnny and June BBQ placed first. Valerie McKee and James Sharpe smiled as the camera took their picture and they received their first place plaque and winners basket.

The Okeechobee Brahman FFA would like to thank Jim McCoin from Cowboy’s BBQ and Steak Company for the hard work in making the judging possible. We would also like to thank each team member that took a Saturday out of their schedule to come cook at our contest. This event will take place again next year at the same place and around the same time and all FFA members from surrounding counties are welcome to come.

Okeechobee Brahman FFA BBQ Contest

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A Closer Look- Patent Leather Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus)

By Sean Green PHOTO CREDIT - PaTEnT LEaTHER BEETLE (ODOnTOTaEnIus DIsjunCTus) aPRIL MCDOnaLD

Patent Leather BeetleMaking its evolutionary debut over 300 million years ago, the beetle

has earned its designation as the most successful animal on earth. Beetles are insects of the order Coleoptera, a name given by Aristotle distinguishing this species from other insects by merit of its characteristic shielded wings (elytra). Beetles have maintained a role in human civilization. The ancient Egyptians expressed their reverence for the beetle it as a totem of life and rebirth. In Agriculture, some farmers develop beetle banks to provide a habitat for beetles as a form of biologic pest control thus reducing or replacing the use of insecticides. Beetles can inhabit nearly every environment on earth. Some can survive temperatures as low as 104 degrees below zero and are studied for their potential contribution to agriculture and medicine.

Of the over five million species of beetle there are some species that are much less common and Florida is home to one of them. Passalidae is a family of large horned beetles known as “Bess Bugs” or “Bess Beetles.” They include only 500 or so species, most of which are tropical and found in North America. Passalidae are notable in their ability to produce fourteen distinct acoustic signals rivaling crickets and most vertebrates. Even the larvae of these beetles produce sound by rubbing their legs together. There are four species in the United States, and two species in Florida, one species recently discovered in the Lake Wales Ridge area of Highlands County, is exclusive to Florida. Odontotaenius floridanus does not yet have a common name. It is thought to have evolved from the Patent Leather Beetle Odontotaenius disjunctus as a population that was isolated from Florida’s mainland during its history of higher sea levels.

On a recent hiking trip I was fortunate enough to find the more common ancestor O. disjunctus, an equally fascinating beetle that can be found in rotting logs throughout the state. Its common name “Patent Leather Beetle” is descriptive of its spectacular glossy black elytra resembling patent leather.

O. disjunctus is one of the few passalids that can survive freezing temperatures explaining in part its successful distribution as a species. This species does not harm crops and is considered beneficial for its important role in recycling dead wood. Not only do they create compost in nature, but they also provide shelter and habitat for other organisms. Some scientists have found skinks (Plestiodon fasciatus) rearing their young within the protective galleries created by O. disjunctus. The findings of a Florida black bear study revealed that these beetles were the most common animal consumed by the Florida black bear.

The noble behavior of O. disjunctus is another factor in its success as a species. Both larvae and adults live together in small social colonies of networked galleries dug in to the wood. This social structure is very rare in beetles distinguishing O. disjunctus as an important

influence in the ecosystem in which they belong. Living in pairs within the colony, these beetles share the tasks of housekeeping and long term care of their young. Separate chambers are created for various stages of larval growth. Larvae can take up to a year to pupate, when they do, they are moved to a separate chamber for protection from hungry younger siblings and predators. If a pupal chamber is damaged, adults and older siblings of the pupa will repair it. Young larvae cannot survive without the adults. They are fed a mixture of well-chewed wood and feces by their parents through the latest stages of their development. O. disjunctus does not actually get it’s nourishment from the wood as termites do, they lack the digestive bacteria to digest the cellulose in the wood. Rather than a symbiotic bacterium, O. disjunctus process the wood with their mandibles and through their digestive system, which creates a food source for a specific fungus that grows on the beetles feces. It is the fungus that actually nourishes O. disjunctus.

O. disjunctus can be found in fallen and rotting deciduous trees such as oaks and elm. These beetles are host to at least 16 species of mites. The relationship of the mites to the beetles is thought to be phoretic benefiting the mites by assisting them in travel. Some studies suggest that the mites gain nourishment from the saliva of the beetle. The relationship is still not understood, but it is clear that these mites have co-evolved with O. disjunctus and bring no harm to them. This species makes a fantastic specimen for the classroom, however is difficult to maintain because of its delicate environmental relationship. Those of us fortunate enough to have an opportunity to create a beetle bank can enjoy these fascinating beetles in a natural environment.


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•2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON•-Dyna Glide Streetbob, cobalt blue, only 368 miles, EXCELLENT condition.Extras added!!! Ready to ride. 14,000 Serious Inquiries Only! (813)659-3402

1984 KUBOTA B6200-2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower$3,000 • 863-698-2967

ERA ADVANTAGE REALTY-120 Acres Valencia+Hamlin (Lake Placid, FL) $8,000/acre; 34.8 Acres Valencia on Hwy 27 (Lake Placid, FL) $15,000/acre.; 347 Acres high fenced hunting ranch, 2 homes (Lake Placid) $7,500/acre; 45 Acres Pasture (Lake Placid) $7,500/acre. Contact: 743 US 27 S. Sebring, FL 33870. Douglas Karlson, P.A. (Realtor). (863) 441-4735 cell, email: [email protected]

RIVERVIEW-2.5 Acres 3/2 ranch w/pool, fenced pas-ture, barn and tack room. Reduced to $299,900. Call John at Kilgore Real Estate 813-689-5881

1997 ANDERSON GOOSENECK TRAILER- 26ft. with an addition 4 ft. hinged beavertail. Duel axle, duel wheels, good tires, hinged ramps. $5,000 AS IS. C&J Equipment, Lake Wales. • 863-638-0671

LAKE FRONT HOME-with 162+/- feet on Lake Sirena (Lake Placid) $215, 000. Contact: 743 US 27 S. Sebring, FL 33870. Douglas Karlson, P.A. (Realtor). (863) 441-4735 cell, email: [email protected]

MOUNTAIN COUNTRY KETTLE KORN (Blairsville, GA) Email: [email protected] -We Ship!

STEEL BUILDINGS-Factory Deals, Can Erect. www.scg-grp.com Source#14Y. Phone: 727-420-6693

BEAT THE HIGH COST OF BOARDING-3 stall barn for rent. Lighted arena, within walking distance of Dover Trails. $500.00/month Call 813-689-8625

NEW HOLLAND REPOS-TN60A 2WD 2007 models w/front brooms and box blades. Never used, sold new $31,270.Sell $27,000, balance of warranty. 813-623-3673

GOOSENECK BRAND-24X6, Canvas Top, 3 Com-partments. Call 863-528-4356 or 863-692-1082

ANGUS FREEZER BEEF-$2.75/lb. cut and wrappedWhole, Half or Quarter. Cash, Mastercard or Visa863-206-2828

2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-2-55 pto hp, 2 wheel drive, shuttle shift, hydrolic remotes. $10,500. Call 813-752-8722

2000 LULL 644B-42’-Reach forklift 3,952 hours.$29,469 Call 863-698-4114

06 FREIGHTLINER FL60 M2 CLASSChassis 300 Cat engine, Allison 6sp, auto transmission, Nav. System, sound system, back up & trailer camera system, CD, DVD, all leather, wood trim, air ride, 4 door. Only 16,000 miles. $85,000 Call 813-478-9193

FARM EQUIPMENT-Marking Bar & Hole Punchers. Call 813-759-8079

SURPLUS WINDOWS-Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378

ANTIQUE CLAW FOOT TUB-Only $350.00 • Ask for Ted 813-752-3378

WOODS ZERO TURN MOWER F27-demo unit $8500.00 • 813-623-3673

TRACTORS FOR SALE-Antique 8N Ford 1952, like new tires, engine $4250; Almost new 06 Kioti 120 trac-tor, bucket and box, only 70 hrs $8900; Neil 863-465-8144 Lake Placid

FOR SALE-10 acres with 4 BR – 3 bath.Call 813-716-2808

NEW HOLLAND TN 60A-2 wd, w/loader, 45-hpLate Model $16,500. Call: 813-623-3673

TOP BRAHMAN COWS-4-6 Years Old. Bred to pure-bred Brahman Bulls. Available NOW. Contact our ranch at (305) 218-1238

STEEL BUILDINGS #1-Recession Discounted. Some below cost to site. Call for availability. www.scg-grp.com. Source#0JR. Phone: 813-774-6584

2 ea. NEW HOLLAND TN60A Tractors2WD 45 hp 8X8 • $13,500.00 each. 813-623-3673

LAKE CITY, FL Beautiful 9.8 Acre home site in deed re-stricted subdivision, heavily wooded, large oaks .$147,000. Owner, 863-465-0198

EATING AT HOME MORE? Fresh frozen vegetables and fruit; 8 lb bags; visit us at southwesternproduce.comor call 813-754-1500

LOOKING TO DECREASE FERTILIZER COST, In-crease production/yield, & Decrease pesticide cost. Call Joe @ 863-610-1639 for a sample.

VENUS, FL., BRING YOUR HORSES 10 acres 3 br, 2b, 4 car garage, pool home. Must see, move in ready. 863-699-9234

TIRES AND RIMS Brand new factory take-offs. Fits 2005 and later F-250 FX4. Contitrac 275/70R18 on 18” pol-ished aluminum rims. $1200 OBO 863-699-5442.

DISCOUNTED STEEL BUILDINGS, Big & Small Get the Deal of Deals! Placement to Site. www.scg-grp.com. Source #0RJ. Phone: 813-774-6584

250 ACRES in BUTLER GEORGIA Flowing creek 4 bed-room, 4 bath house built in 2007. Food plots, feeders with cameras, 20 stands. $950,000. Call Rhonda Wetherington at 813-763-0986

1952 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR-M MODEL Runs Good! $1,985 O.B.O. Jim 863-858-2226

POLLINATION SERVICES Strong bees when you want them.We also have honey and skin care products made with honey and ingredients from the hive. Cantu Apiaries, 863-735-1679

New Holland 644 Round Baler-$8,000.00813-623-3673

HOMOSASSA LOT-One acre lot, high & dry, approx. 100 yds. From the Mason Creek River. Fishing & Boating Heaven! 813-503-9033

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

HUSQVARNA IZ 5223-Demo zero turn mower. 52” cut, 23 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty. $5,999 (MSRP $9,699) Call C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671

WANTED-PARTS OR TRACTOR-For Massey Ferguson 235 diesel. Call Clifford863-984-2858 or cell 963-660-0731

3600 FORD DIESEL TRACTOR-Only 80 hours, ready to work! Call Jim 863-608-0630

C L A S S I F I E D S

1983 KUBOBTA B6100HSE-2wd tractor • $3,500 Call 863-967-0651

4’ x 5’ROLLS-Clean Pangola and clean bahiagrass. Mixed pasture economy hay also available.$25 to $50 per roll. Delivery prices by the job.813-763-4967 or863-559-0648

TOO GOOD TO MISS-2.5 Acre Parcel on corner of Josephine and US 27. Must Sell. $399,000. Call Brittany Phypers at Premier Realty. 863-441-1297

BEAUTIFUL HOME NESTLED ON 20 ACRESIn Lake Placid. Call me for a tour! $825,000. Ask for Bri-tanny Phypers at Premier Realty. 863-441-1297

KEATON BEACH RENTAL-4 Bedroom, 3 Bath on Canal Great fishing and Scalloping. Call Keith @ 386-208-2729

**Lake Placid Christian School Students: Have Your Parent(s) Sign Here:_________________ and please return to Mr. G.

Call to place your classified ad:

863-441-1263

DORPER SHEEP FOR SALERam Lambs and meat sheep available727-207-1109

FOR SALE 2008 32’ Cimmeron Aluminum Gooseneck Trailer, (2) 7,000 # axles. (Horse Trailer used for delivering plants) 26,000 miles. Like brand new. $12,000 OBO Call Larry 863-858-9793

FISH FARM/NURSERY FOR SALE – Gibsonton, FL, near Tampa. 10.4 acres. Secluded yet close to interstate. Home/Office 4 bedroom/2 bath. 14 ponds piped for air & water, 56,112 sq feet of greenhouses. 4,000 sq feet CBS building, several support buildings, racks for thousands of aquariums. Zoned agriculture but approved for housing of 7/aacrew. Current permits. Owner finance or cash. Call 813-677-2096 x 207 $297,000.

56 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2010www.cowboysbarbqueandsteakco.com

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