in the field magazine - hillsborough august 2011

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com August 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

August 15–September 15, 2011

Covering What’s Growing

®

Owners Jade & Ashlyn Banks

SOuthern Style GOAtS

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

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4 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE August 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com August 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5www.InTheFieldMagazine.com July 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 5

The experience of ages has shown that a man who works on the land is purer, nobler, higher, and more moral... Agriculture should be at the basis of everything. That’s my idea. Nikolai Gogol

Agriculture, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the science, art or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops and raising livestock and, in varying degrees, the prepara-tion and marketing of the resulting products.

Sounds relatively simple doesn’t it? But agriculture is so much more than the sum of this definition. It means food from our country, a safe, abundant source of food is right here in the United States of America, and even better than that, it is right here in Florida. It means going to the farmers market for the freshest best food. Agriculture also gives us a sense of satisfaction, bringing in the crops after working in the fields or rounding up the cattle and seeing the fruits of our labors in the newborn calves running around to find their mommas, and shar-ing this with others who are involved in this age old industry.

Agriculture is also full of beauty and wonder. When you are out in the field or pasture before the break of dawn, you can pause as the sun comes up to greet a glorious day. You get to witness nature at is finest as your crops and livestock grow with each passing day.

Agriculture is also education. Education of the youth in our country is of the greatest importance. Of course we want to help those involved in projects with 4H and FFA, but don’t forget those who may not have a chance to be on the farm. The education of those who are generations removed from the farm is important as well.

Agriculture is a lifestyle. It’s a responsibility to preserve and even enhance the connection agriculture gives us to the land. Farmers and ranchers know the land around them and understand its importance in the continuation of this thing we call agriculture.

Until next month,

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

From the Editor

Sarah Holt VOL. 7 • ISSUE 10

August

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com August 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

August 15–September 15, 2011

Covering What’s Growing

®

Owners Jade & Ashlyn Banks

SOUTHERN STYLE GOATS

Publisher/OwnerKaren Berry

Editor-In-ChiefAl Berry

Senior Managing Editor/Associate

PublisherSarah Holt

Editor Patsy Berry

Office ManagerBob Hughens

Sales ManagerDanny Crampton

SalesAl Berry

Tina RichmondDanny Crampton

Kay Mullis

Creative DirectorAmey Celoria

DesignersJuan Carlos Alvarez

Mona Jackson

Cover PhotoStephanie Humphrey

PhotographyStephanie Humphrey

Karen BerryAl Berry

Staff WritersAl Berry

Sandy KasterJames Frankowiak

Kayla LewisSean GreenMark CookGinny Mink

Contributing WriterWoody Gore

In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants and other local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Growers Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: [email protected] or call 813-759-6909.

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

7 Did you know?

8 Advertisers Index

Southern Style Goats: Jade & Ashlyn Banks

Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

Cover Story50

12 Business UpFrontCarpet Diem

16 Farm Bureau HighlightJoe Keel

18 Fishing Hot SpotsCaptain Woody Gore

24 Rocking Chair ChatterAl Berry

28 Grub StationTea Room

56 Food SafetyEast Coast Brokers and Packers

68 Redistricting Workshop

70 Feeding the Hungry

®

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau


HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU

100 S. Mulrennan Rd.Valrico, FL 33594

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

SPECIAL AGENTS

AGENCY MANAGERTommy Hale

Valrico Office813.685.5673

100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr.

Julie Carlson, John McGuire

Plant City Office813.752.5577

1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563Jeff Sumner, Bill Williams

Tampa Office813.933.5440

1046 W. Busch Blvd., Ste. 100, Tampa, FL 33612Greg Harrell, Jeff Harper

OFFICERS ANDEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David

Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Alvin Futch, Stefan Katzaras, Joe Keel, Greg Lehman,

Kenneth Parker, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas,

Michelle Williamson, Ray Wood

Judi Whitson, Executive Director813.685.9121

Danny Aprile .............................. PresidentBill Burnette ....................... Vice PresidentJemy Hinton ................................TreasurerGeorge Coleman ....................... SecretaryGlenn Harrell ...............Member at Large

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

Insurance Services813.685.5673

Member Services813.685.9121

Dear Readers,Wow… I can’t believe the year is half over. Seems

like our annual meeting was just last month, but it’s that time again. Mark your calendars now for the 69th Annual Meeting and Dinner to be held Sept. 29, 2011.

A couple of things we need to keep an eye out for right now, the biggest being redistricting. It is going to be VERY important for you to get involved in this process this year. In the past we have participated in conversations before legislators, knowing that they were going to draw the lines the way they wanted them. This is not the case this time around. Thanks to the Amendments 5 and 6 passing this legislative session, we the people must draw the maps for the new districts. This is a summary of the new rule: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.

This could greatly impact the farming operation of your business. Get involved. Go to a hearing and let the panel know your thoughts. Read more about the process further in this issue.

The second thing we need to watch is this: FFB Director

of Field Services Joshua Craft reports the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is conducting an enforcement initiative focusing on the agricultural industry. The focus began in south Florida and is continuing up the east coast to increase compliance among employers and remind workers of their rights under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s Field Sanitation Standard. Under this initiative, begun in the fields of Homestead in March during the green bean harvest, the division already conducted more than 20 investigations, recovering $670,770 in back wages for about 590 agricultural workers, and assessing more than $128,850 in penalties. Additional penalties are expected as cases continue to be reviewed with the department’s attorneys for possible further legal actions. Information on the FLSA and MSPA is available to workers and employers by calling the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or on the Internet at www.dol.gov/whd.

Have a great month!

Danny AprileDanny AprilePresident, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDanny Aprile, Vice-President; Jemy Hinton, Treasurer; George Coleman, Secretary; Glenn Harrell, Member-at-large; Bill

Burnette, Jake Raburn, Patrick Thomas, Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Alvin Futch, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Carl Little, Lance Ham, Michelle Williamson and John Stickles. Judi Whitson, Executive Director

LOOK WHO’S READING

Mike GartzOwner of

Elite Home FitnessPlant City

®

• Nine-banded armadillos always give birth to four identical young, the only mammal known to do so. All four young develop from the same egg and they even share the same placenta.

• Reindeer like bananas.

• Tennessee is bordered by 8 states. Can you name them?

• Toilets average 35 percent of indoor water use.

• The average speed of a skydiver is 200 mph.

• Cats spend 66 percent of their life sleeping.

• The smallest bone in your body is in your ear.

• Elvis’s middle name was Aron.

• The names of all the continents both start and end with the same letter.

• Skiing is the only English word with double i.

• Birds need gravity to swallow.

• The most commonly used letter in the English alphabet is E.

• Money is the number one thing that couples argue about.

• Eighty five percent of plant life is found in the ocean.

• August has the highest percentage of births.

• The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

• Unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it.

• An ostrich’s eye is bigger than it’s brain.

• Most lipstick contains fish scales.

• Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.

• Eight percent of people have an extra rib.

• Ralph Lauren’s original name was Ralph Lifshitz.

• A lobster’s blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue.


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 September 3, 2011.

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

No FarmersNo Food

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers ...........................81Antioch Feed & Farm Supply ...............................13Aquarius Water Refining ....59Aquatrols ..........................35Astin Strawberry Exchange 87Bartow Chevrolet .................3Berry Blue Farm & Nursery 34Bill’s Transmissions ............65Bingham Portables .............92Brandon Auto Services .......79Broke & Poor.....................81Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. ..........87Carpet Diem ......................53CF Industries .....................23Chuck’s Tire & Automotive 89Cowboys Steakhouse .........67Cowboys Western World ....19Crescent Jewelers ...............75Dad’s Towing .....................44Dairy Queen ......................69Discount Metal Mart .........35Driscoll’s Berries ................71Eco Water Systems ...............8Elite Home Fitness .............61Elite Tunnels ......................51Farm Bureau Ins. - Valrico ..17Farm Bur. Ins./Jeff Sumner .59Farm Credit .......................79Felton’s Market ..................85Florida Strawberry Growers .9Forbes Road Produce..........11Fred’s Market .....................33Gator Ford .........................76Gerald Keene Plumbing ......21Grove Equipment Svc ....44, 63Gulf Coast Tractor & Equip. 2Handy Can Portable Restrooms .........................83Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply 39Harrell’s Nursery ...............91Haught Funeral Home .......73Helena Chemical ...............77Higgenbotham Auctioneers 89Hillsboro State Bank ..........91Hillsborough FB Banquet .....8Hillsborough FB Contacts ....7Home Protection Pest Control ..............................38Hope Christian Academy ...34Hopewell Funeral Home ....37

Huff Muffler......................79I-4 Power Equipment ............5Johnson’s Barbeque ............32Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm ....92Keel & Curley Winery ........15Kennco ..............................86Key Plex ............................41L.I.T. Security Cages/Lewis Insulation Technologies......95Lancaster Farms .................85Lands Feed & Farm Supply 77Loetscher Auto Parts ..........83Malissa Crawford ..............53Mark Smith Excavating ......30Meryman Environmental ...73Mid-State Tractor Parts ......92Mike Milliron ....................92Mini-Storage of Plant City .92Mosaic ..............................61Mya Matlie Hair Studio .....31Organo Gold Coffee ..........55Plant City Tire & Auto ......91Platinum Bank ...................63Red Rose Inn & Suites ... 48-49Red Rose Inn Brunch ..........57Red Rose Inn Weddings ......29Rhizogen ...........................65Roadrunner Vet Clinic ........96Sanchez Dermatology ........92Savich & Lee Wholesale .....67Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ...............................47Southside Farm & Pet Supply .......................... 26-27Southwestern Produce ........43Stephanie Humphrey .........86Stingray Chevrolet .............94The Hay Depot ..................83Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort ...........................84, 91Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Cotón, Davis & Smith........76Uncommon USA ................75Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center ....................87Wells Memorial .................69Westcoast Enterprises ........83Wetzel’s Farrier Service.......89Willie’s Seafood ..................91Winfield Solutions .........55, 71Wishnatzki Farms ..............25Zaxby’s .............................45

Index of Advertisers

When: Thursday, September 29, 2011 Dinner at 6pm, Membership Meeting at 7pmWhere: John R. Trinkle Building (Plant City HCC Campus)Directions: I-4 exit 22 South, 1st light turn left, 3rd building on the leftWho: Each Farm Bureau member family is entitled to two free din-ners. Additional dinners may be purchased for $5.00. Children under 12 receive a free hot dog dinner.Featuring:

• The Youth Speech Contest Winner• 2011-2013 Board Member Election• Door Prizes & Lots of Fellowship

RSVP: 813-685-9121 or [email protected] by September 23. Leave your name, number of dinners (children & adult) and telephone number.Please bring canned food for the YF&R Harvest for All campaign.Bring this invitation with you for a special door prize drawing!

The 69th Annual Membership Meeting & Steak Dinner

Florida Strawberry Growers AssociationFor more information call our office at

813.752.6822 Join Our Growing Family Now!

Join NowThe Florida Strawberry Growers

Association is a voluntary organization that has over 75 percent of Florida strawberry

growers as members. The Association represents growers on a wide variety of issues and

policies working to keep strawberry production profitable in Florida. In addition, FSGA offers associate

and corporate memberships to allied industries that would like

to join our vast network.


As I opened the birthday card that October Saturday in 1981 the tickets slipped out and onto the dining room table. I had opened all my presents that day, surrounded by family and friends, and while I was having an amazing 11th birthday, I was slightly disappointed up until that point. I had asked for Buc-caneers tickets but knew they might be out of the family’s price range. I’m not sure a hundred-dollar bill would have made me any happier falling from my birthday card. But there they were. Two tickets. Buccaneers and Broncos. November 15, Tampa Sta-dium. I was going to my first Buccaneers game. Heck I was going to my first ever sporting event at a real stadium. I’m sure I had trouble sleeping that night as my face had been contorted all day in a permanent smile.

People ask me all the time where my love for the Buccaneers came from. That’s easy. Late 1977 I walked by the television my Dad was watching and on it were these white and orange clad players. I stopped and was instantly mesmerized. Somehow this team, which I had heard of but never paid attention to, and even had a shirt with the winking pirate on it, were winning. At the time I didn’t know it was the first game this team called the Buccaneers would ever win. After starting off losing their first 26 games the Buccaneers finally achieved their first franchise win beating the New Orleans Saints that Sunday afternoon 33-14. I was hooked. I spent a better part of the next 25 years sometimes wishing I had never stopped by that television that late Sunday afternoon as I’m not sure any professional sports franchise frus-trated their fans any more than my Buccaneers.

The next two weeks were a blur anticipating that game with my Dad. When the Sunday arrived my heart felt like it would beat through my chest. I was up before daylight. I sweated like a stuck pig the night before as I slept in my long sleeve footie pajamas. While probably all right for a January winter night, but maybe not so smart in early November. We left around 8:30 a.m. that Sunday morning and after asking my Dad 100 times if he remembered the tickets we were on the road. We stopped at the Shop N’ Go store near my house and my Dad told me to get a snack. Funyun chips and a Nehi Grape was my choice. We drove to Brandon where we had decided to take a shuttle bus to and from the stadium. As we arrived there were several other fans decked out in their Sunday game day best waiting to load onto the large buses.

It took about thirty minutes to travel Interstate 4 and as we made our way over the Hillsborough River Bridge on Buffalo Av-enue and I caught my first glimpse of the stadium on the horizon to the west. The bus pulled up close and we were let off. My mind was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and the smells. Tailgaters with grills cooking burgers and hotdogs seemed to stretch for miles. Stadium vendors hawked their Game Day programs and other Buccaneers merchandise outside the stadium. We bought a program and headed inside. The old Tampa Stadium was noth-ing like today’s luxurious Raymond James. Built in the early 70s and remodeled after the area was awarded the NFL franchise, the walkway consisted of many concrete ramps that snaked underneath like a cavern in a cave. After what felt like an eternity

we found our section number and walked towards the sunlight beaming in. I have heard people talking about seeing a light at the end of a tunnel when they die and hearing trumpets of angels. While I am quite skeptical of these near death experiences I could relate that Sunday morning at 11:41 when we walked through the small opening leading to the seats and the inside of the stadium. Of our senses, smell is one that scientists say can trigger long tucked away memories the most. I believe them. As I caught my first glimpse of the green grass I could smell the freshly cut turf, mixed with the aroma of fine Tampa cigars and grilled food wafting though the stands. Perhaps I am a little strange but for some reason I expect to smell that unique combination again as I walk through the pearly gates (if I am able to talk my way past St. Peter).

By kickoff my pulse was racing and I could hardly contain myself. Unfortunately for those 70,000 fans in attendance kickoff was the highlight of the game. Quarterback Doug Williams struggled facing the Broncos defense. Cornerback Cedric Brown did return a Steve Deberg pass 40 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter which gave the fans and myself hope, but in the end it was all the scoring the team could muster.

We left the stadium a bit dejected and took the bus back to Brandon. As we arrived back my Dad, sensing my disappoint-

ment, asked if I wanted to go to Chuck. E. Cheese. We walked in and played a few video games but my Dad, never one for loud noises, said lets go to Pizza Hut instead.

As we sat and ate by the front window, the day was coming to a close and the sun was setting across the west-

ern sky. Cars buzzed down the highway oblivious to the 11-year old kid, who

at that minute might have been the happiest kid in the world. Eating my pepperoni pizza, I was still overwhelmed by all the things I experienced that day and was a

little sad the day would soon be over. As we drove home that evening my Dad, known for his sarcastic sense of humor commented, “The only

professionals we saw today were the bus drivers.”

Over the years we managed to go to a few more games and when the Buccaneers made

the Super Bowl in 2002 he came over and we watched the big win together. Lots of things bond fathers and sons

but maybe nothing more than the love of football or sport. Today my son loves football of any kind and never misses a play when the Buccaneers are on television. We go to the games when we can and today my career has brought me back to the Buccaneers, as I am the beat writer for PewterReport.com covering the team on a daily basis. As I drive over the Hillsborough River Bridge each day I go back to 1981 and that special day that is burned in my mind forever.

The Bucsby Mark CookPhotos courtesy of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers


Business UpFront

How a high school Spanish teacher, a former US Army solider, who served in Afghanistan, and a massage therapist came to run a carpet cleaning business is a long journey. But as odd as it may ap-pear on the surface the concept is working. Dedication and taking care of their customers needs is a passion for the three.

In June the Jordan family, husband and wife, Micah and Meg, along with Micah’s brother Philip, opened Carpet Diem.

“Things are going really well for the business,” says Micah. “We are working hard to grow, but more importantly to maintain a level of customer service that will help us gain customers for life.”

Carpet Diem covers Hills-borough County and surround-ing areas, providing services in carpet, tile and grout and uphol-stery cleaning for residential as well as commercial properties.

Philip said, “ Part of what we do as a company is to educate the customer on the type of carpet they have and how to treat it best. A lot of factors are involved when clean-ing carpets. Carpet Diem takes pride in quality work at a price anyone can afford. There are no charges for carpets that have been neglected, we will make the utmost effort to make every floor we touch look the best it can.”

“Carpet Diem also provides move-out specials for apartments and in these economic times everyone needs their deposit returned

in full,” said Meg. She adds with a smile, “don’t remove your pets just remove the odor.” Continuing on with more cost effective tips, Meg stated, “Instead of spending money on a new couch, call us and we will come out clean it, sanitize it and make it look and

smell great again.”Meg Jordan takes pride in her company’s

attitude, stressing the importance of cus-tomer service. “Our goal is to let people

know that we are a small family and lo-cally owned business focusing on the

customer and building long–lasting relationships in the community.”

Cleaning carpets isn’t a part time hobby for the Jordan’s, es-pecially Micah, a former member of the 82nd Airborne.

“This is a passion of mine. I tell people all the time that I

may care about their carpets more than they do. Serving in the military

taught me how to work hard. I also understand the value of a hard earned

dollar and want our customers to know that we will do the best job we possibly

can for the best price possible. We want people to know that we are locals and that we take pride in being

your hometown business.”Micah and Philip Jordan, both graduates of technical schools,

along with wife Meg, a graduate of Auburn University, are all three graduates of local high schools.

“Creating relationships in the community is one of our top commitments. Quality workmanship and a professional attitude is where we strive to separate ourselves from our competition. We want the customer to know that the hard working men that take care of your cleaning needs today, will be the same ones that you will see the next time.” Micah stated, “That’s the mission state-ment we follow as a business.”

The Jordan family looks forward to “seizing the day” and cleaning your carpets NOW!

by Mark Cook

Carpet Diem

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In my last article, I wrote about Right Plant, Right Place and indicated there are several ways you can determine the amount of water a plant needs. I identified resources you can to use to make that determination. In addition to reading information on plant tags, utilizing the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design (order your own free copy at: http://www.swf-wmd.state.fl.us/publications/search.php?id=778) and accessing the University of Florida’s website: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu to secure plant specific information, the following tips may also be helpful:• Turfgrass: You can tell when it needs a drink because the leaf

blades curl to conserve water; you can see your footprints on the lawn and St. Augustine turns a blue-gray color. • Be sure to water according to the current restrictions in

your area.• A functioning rain shut-off device is required by law effec-

tive 7-1-09 for all inground irrigation systems. This device over-rides the irrigation system if a specific amount of rainfall has occurred. Generally, these devices need to be replaced every three to five years because the cork, which swells to shut-off the system deteriorates over time.

• Landscape plants: • Hydrozone plants: This means

group your plants together based on their watering needs. If you plant cactus with your azaleas, one will not survive because cactus requires minimal water and azaleas love water.

• Select drought tolerant plants which require less water.

• Mulch: Retains moisture in the soil, so less watering on your part is needed. Maintain three inches of mulch after it settles and pull it away from the base of the plants.

• Wilting doesn’t necessarily mean the plant needs water. It may have maximized its water intake for the day. When you check your plants in the late afternoon or early evening and find some experiencing wilt, wait until the next morning to check on them again. If they are still wilting, water them. Chances are they will be hydrated again, and you won’t need to water them.

• Potted plants: Clay pots dry out faster than plastic pots. There are many decorative plastic pots available on the market. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the pot. You can provide additional drainage in pots by placing packing peanuts in the bottom, then adding soil, plants and ad-ditional soil as needed.

Microirrigation is a very effective way to water landscape beds. It conserves water in the landscape and easily connects to an outdoor spigot/hose bib. This system provides small amounts of water di-rectly to the root zone of landscape plants.

There are four types of microirrigation: micro-sprayers, micro-bubblers, drippers and drip tubing.

Micro-sprayers/sprinklers have interchangeable emitters that can produce up to 25 gallons per hour. This type sprayer is installed on a stake, wetting foliage and a larger surface area of four to six

feet. It is easy to see if the sprayer is working properly. Micro-bubblers are installed on short stakes, have solid spray or

ray patterns in 180 or 360 degree patterns, an adjustable flow up to 25 gph, are used to establish and maintain larger plants and have less evaporation than micro-sprayers/sprinklers.

Drippers come in sizes from 0.5 to 24 gph, apply water directly to the soil resulting in minimal evaporation, attach to a distribution tube or spaghetti tubing and are used for widely spaced plants or containers.

Drip tubing contains factory installed emitters inside the tubing that are pressure compensating, providing the same flow rate per emitter and has fewer parts/pieces than other types of microirriga-tion. Drip tubing differs from a soaker hose in that soaker hoses are not pressure compensating, meaning the amount of water emitted is greater near the water source than further away from the source.

Maintenance on microirrigation systems includes checking plants for over- or under-watering, inspecting and cleaning filters, flushing out the main poly line at least once a year and making sure

plants have adequate numbers of emitters for their root size. Adjust spray patterns as plants grow. A monthly walk through your landscape beds will allow you to make adjustments or repairs as needed that could be due to lawnmowers, weed eaters or garden critters such as armadillos leveling spray stakes.

The advantages of using a microirriga-tion system include: • Water is applied in gallons per hour (gph) vs. gallons per minute (gpm) from an in-ground irrigation system• Evaporation and erosion are decreased• Design, installation and use are simple• Products are interchangeable among

vendors• Used as “nurse system” for new plantings which means

once the plants are established, the system can be removedThe disadvantages of and solutions for using a microirrigation

system include: • Difficulty in detecting problems - don’t bury drip tubing

under mulch• Easy to over-irrigate - use a timer!• Emitter clogs if poor water quality - soak emitter in vin-

egar/water solution to unclog• Initial cost of set-up - attend a water-wise workshop (one

time only) and receive a free microirrigation starter kitIf you have an in-ground irrigation system, you can retrofit

that system to microirrigation for your landscape beds. For more information on retrofitting, please see our Fact Sheet on Retrofitting an In-ground Irrigation System at: http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/FYN%20PDF%20Files/Fact%20Sheets/Retrofitting%20an%20In-ground%20Irrigation%20System.pdf

For horticultural assistance, contact Hillsborough County Extension, 744-5519, or visit at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Check our calendar of events where you may register for a Water-Wise workshop and learn even more about microirrigation: http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/HomeGardening/event-calen-dar.html

Water Efficiently The 2nd of the 9 Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscapeby Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM AgentHillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension

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813.752.91005202 W. Thonotosassa Rd.

Plant City


Though he has been a Farm Bureau member for a number of years, Joe Keel was not actively involved until last year. That’s when Jemy Hinton, a board member, nominated Keel to serve on the board.

“I have known Jemy for some time and to have her nominate me to the board was important,”said Keel. “I had known many members of the board and I was familiar with the work of Farm Bureau. I love agriculture and the opportunity to help here in Florida.”

The owner of Keel & Curley Winery and three other related businesses, Keel was born in Peoria, Illinois and moved to Tampa when he was just 16 months. “My dad had attended the University of Miami Law School and his roommate was a Tampa native. While in law school, he enjoyed the climate and when planning where to pursue his law career, it was an easy decision for him to pick Tampa,” said Keel. Many members of his family continue to reside in the Peoria area.

Growing up in south Tampa, Keel spent his summers from age 7 to 17 at his grandparents farm near Peoria. “That’s where my love for agriculture began and was nurtured.” His grandparents had a field corn and hay operation and other members of the family were also involved in agriculture.

Keel began his secondary education at St. Petersburg Junior College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He then moved on to the University of South Florida and a degree is Business Administration which he received in 1979. Keel began a wholesale nursery operation in 1981 at what is now the headquarters for Keel & Curley Winery. “We had good success supplying plants for both commercial and residential customers. Disney, Home Depot and Wal-Mart were some of our customers,” he said. “There was something missing. I wanted to grow something people ate.”

The inspiration for growing blueberries came from the man who was selling him containers for his wholesale landscape nursery. “I started out small in 1996 and grew slowly so that by 2001 I was growing blueberries exclusively.” Keel has 35-acres of blueberries at two locations, one where his nursery had been near the intersection of Forbes and Thonotosassa Roads, and another in the Keysville area.

The Keel & Curley Winery, named after both sides of his family, began in his kitchen during the 2002-2003 growing season. “Our fruit that season was fine, but some was not aesthetically

pleasing and as a result could not be sold as fresh fruit. I took a wine-making class in Pinellas County and we have grown steadily ever since.” There was a glitch in August of 2006 when lightning struck one of the key buildings at the winery. “We lost wine that had been bottled and boxed and was awaiting shipment, but we were able to recover and continue in just a few short months.”

Keel and Curley Winery produces three types of Blueberry wines: a sweet wine, a semi-dry or semi-sweet wine and a dry wine. “We just introduced a Dry Blackberry wine and a Sweet Blackberry wine this summer.” The winery also produces seven different fusion wines, wines that are blended: Strawberry Riesling, Wild Berry Pinot Noir, Tangerine Zinfandel, Key

West – Key Lime, Black Raspberry Merlot, Mango Mama and Peach Chardonnay.

Keel & Curley operates a retail tasting room and gift shop located at 5210 West Thonotosassa Road. He has 20 fulltime employees and up to 150 additional employees during the blueberry harvest.

Keel, who has three sons from his first marriage, served as president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association in 2004 and 2005. His four businesses include Keel Farms, Florida Berry Wine, Inc., the Keel & Curley retail store located west of Plant City and Six Stars Beverage Company, the current exclusive distributor of Keel & Curley Wines that may eventually represent other brands. “Our retail sales are limited to the state of Florida,” said Keel. “However, we ship to 38 other

states via our web site and under a licensing agreement with United Parcel Service.”

Two of Keel’s three sons, Clay and Ryan are involved in the business, while Ray is a corporate pilot. Clay, who is leaving the U.S. Army, and Keel’s wife, Alicia, are principals in Six Stars.

“I look forward to working with Farm Bureau,” said Keel. “I am anxious to do whatever I can to help what’s best for our country and Florida agriculture during these challenging times.”

When not involved in his varied business interests, Keel enjoys time with his family “just as I did growing up.” Family includes his wife, sons and their wives and his six grandchildren. “We especially enjoy fishing and lobstering at our second home in the Keys.”

For more information about Keel & Curley Winery, visit www.keelandcurleywinery.com.

Farm BureauHIGHLIGHT

by Jim Frankowiak


Ever check a weather map and notice all the blue H’s and red L’s scattered over a specific area and wonder what it meant? It actually represents the barometric pressure changes happening as the weather systems change. When you look at a weather map many times it will have blue “H”s and red “L”s, which indicate areas with High and Low pressures. Barometric pressure is the measure of the weight of the atmosphere above us. It also exerts pressure on the waters we fish and even directly on our bodies.

In fact, it can change how some people actually feel. It is believed by many, that it may have a similar and even more dramatic effect on fish that often affects their feeding habits.

Many seasoned anglers agree that it’s worth noting that the areas with high pressures are the areas with good fishing. Another judging factor of good fishing is the lunar effects, which play a role in the tidal and illumination factors. On the other hand, the areas with low pressure are the areas with bad weather. Barometric pressure has been used by weathermen since the beginning of weathercasting. It’s also been used by fishermen to predict the quality of fishing, and more importantly, how, and sometimes when and where to fish.

It’s been an established premise for years that the barometric pressure has an effect on fishing. How this pressure directly effects the fish is still not fully understood, but knowing how to use barometric pressure readings can greatly increase your

chances of more catching and less fishing.Today aneroid barometers are the most

widely used instrument to detect air pressure. An aneroid is a flexible metal

bellow that has been sealed after removing some of its air. Higher

atmospheric pressures will squeeze the metal bellow while a lower pressure will allow it to expand. This expansion of the metal is usually mechanically coupled to a dial needle which will point to a scale indicating the barometric pressure.

Barometric pressure also varies with altitude. A higher elevation will have

fewer atmospheres above it, which exerts less pressure. To

standardize readings for world use, barometric pressure is always

calculated at sea level. Therefore, readings at elevations other than sea

level require a correction factor based on elevations and air temperatures, because cooler

air is heavier.Water depth also has less effect on barometric pressure

because water pressures over take the air pressure. However, the effect of barometric pressure is always much greater in shallow waters.

Remember, if the fish aren’t biting, you can’t always hang your hat entirely on barometric pressure because it’s just one of many factors that affect their feeding habits. Other effects include water levels, water temperature, light, tidal forces, water clarity, the pH level, wind, boat traffic, and of course fishing pressure.

by Captain Woody Gore

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

Weather Maps:Blue h’sred l’s

E V E RY THING

See store for details.

See store for details.


Tampa Bay Fishing Report Snook, Redfish & Spotted Sea Trout:

(Snook season is closed) During the summer when water temperatures get really hot, it’s not likely you’ll find Snook, Redfish or Trout in skinny water, except perhaps early in the mornings or late at night. Instead you’ll see them moving into deep water or suspending at a different level depending on the thermoclines. If you do find them shallow they’ll always drop into the shade line of mangroves, especially around moving water because it’s usually cooler.

They’re eating everything in the water, but always seem partial to a fresh greenback (if you can find them) cut threadfins, cut or live pinfish or chunked ladyfish and mullet.

Check around the passes separating the Mangrove islands. Early mornings and artificial lures work well this time of year and the key to artificial is confidence. For Snook try some of the many jerk baits or plastic shrimp rigged weedless or with 1/8 oz. lead head jig. Hard lures might include MirrOLure’s - (www.mirrolure.com) Top-Dog Series, or the all New MirrOMullet Surface Walker and MirrOlure Lipped Crankbait. The color selection is not nearly as important as the action but in general white, silver with black, green with white and red and white are good choices.

Mackerel fishing in Tampa Bay is semi-strong (good days – bad days) and there are some giant drag screamers chasing schools of threadfins. These are some exciting fish to catch on light tackle with the larger ones averaging from three to six pounds. They hit hard, rip off 30 to 50 yards of line, and make you wonder what in the world is on the end of your line. Find some hard bottom and you’ll usually find huge schools of threadfins or simply look for the birds. Toss out a bag or two of chum and get ready for some rod bending light tackle action. Try using large greenbacks or threadfins with small wire leaders and long shank hooks. I use 50# Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader, long shank hooks.

Mangrove Snapper: We’re finding them on every rock pile, marker structure, and bridge around Tampa Bay and fairly easy to catch. Lighter line and smaller hooks should produce a nice meal. They’re really partial to the new hatch greenies or

Threadfins but always take shrimp. We are seeing Cobia around markers, especially those

holding bait and occasionally some are still cruising the grass flats following large rays or manatees. When fishing markers, keep a chum bag over the side, if they’re in the area this should attract them. Toss them a pinfish, greenback or threadfin and hold on.

Tarpon Sometimes tarpon fishing slows a bit in August as many are returning from offshore. However, Tarpon fishing around the Tampa Bay usually continues with resident fish haunting the light-lines around the bridge lights. They’re best fished at night or early in the mornings and fairly easy to sight cast but difficult to land (bridge pilings). Some juveniles are showing up in rivers and channels.

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

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to [email protected] or give him a call at 813-477-3814.

BOB ROUSE


Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Watermelon Salsa

Ingredients 3 cups watermelon (seedless if available), diced1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped1 tablespoon green onions, chopped1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper, finely choppedkosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate one hour to let all of the flavors come together. Tip: This light summer style salsa is a great way to liven up fresh Florida seafood. Use this salsa recipe as a template to make any kind of salsa, just replace the melon with your favorite fruit or veggie.

Yield

4 servings

Open Face Watermelon Sandwiches

Ingredients 1/4 medium-sized watermelon, seeds and rind removed1 handful fresh mint leaves, chopped8 ounces goat cheese1/2 loaf crusty bread, sliced thinolive oilkosher salt to tastefresh ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Crumble chilled goat cheese into a small bowl. Lightly mix cheese and chopped mint. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Cut bread into eight small slices and drizzle with olive oil. Toast bread slices until golden brown and crispy on top. Let bread cool slightly. Spread cheese mixture on the top of each slice of bread. Cut watermelon slices into fun shapes and layer water-melon on top of cheese. Lightly season the top of the sandwiches with salt and pepper. Serve at room tempera-ture.

Yield

6 servings

Phosphate Operations “Helping Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

10608 Paul Buchman Highway ¡ Plant City, FL 33565 ¡ 813-782-1591 2520 Guy Verger Boulevard ¡ Tampa, FL 33605 ¡ 813-247-5531

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CF Industries Salutes Our Teachers and Principals!

Good luck to our new and returning teachers and principals. CF Industries is proud to be a partner in supporting and enhancing education for all students.

.

Pasco County Chamber of Commerce New Teacher Coffee

Thursday, August 18, 2011 - 7:00AM

Hillsborough County First Day of School Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Pasco County First Day of School Monday, August 22, 2011

Pictured above, new teachers and area principals celebrated the beginning of the 2010 new school year at last year's Plant City Chamber of Commerce "New Teacher Coffee." As a participating sponsor and proud education partner, CF Industries helped fill goody bags to "overflowing" with teaching and classroom supplies. On August 18th, the Chamber's 2011 "New Teacher Coffee" will welcome Plant City’s newest teachers, and send them into the classroom well supplied for the new school year.


Annabelle Limpkin? She was the Justice of the Peace in Hiawassee for 22 years. I am sure she married many more than nine men during her term. You guys lose again.” There was a lot of grumbling, but they all realized that Buford had out smarted them.

Fred, better known as “Boss” to his friends, had been quiet during this ordeal. He leaned back in his chair and said, “Dad burn it Buford, how can you out-smart this table when you’re so dumb you plugged your power strip back into itself and called me over to see why the TV wouldn’t come on?”

Buford replied, “Well you ain’t so smart yourself. I recall you’re the only man ever to get trapped on an escalator at Macy’s in Atlanta. Heavens Boss, I don’t know what makes you so dumb, but it works.”

A few minutes later we all pitched in and paid for Buford’s breakfast, left a tip, and moved on.

On the way back to the house on Bearpaw Road I was listening to a talk show on the radio. It reminded me of the Art Linkletter show “Kid’s Say the Darndest Things”. The moderator was talking to some four-year-old kids. He asked them numerous questions, and below are some of their answers:

• The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

• In the spring salmon swim upstream to spoon. • To prevent a head cold you should use an agonizer to spray into the nose until it drips into the throat. • The main cause of dust is the janitor. • The people who followed the Lord were call the 12 opossums. • In the middle of the 18th century, all the morons moved to Utah. • Temperatures are hottest next to the Creator.

Those comments brought back a lot of memories of my days in school. When we got out-of-line punishment was carried out in the cloakroom. I recall Mrs. Smith, our English teacher in high school, would always read the Tampa Tribune during our morning study period. Earl Livingston and Earl Bone got away with one when they substituted the metro section with a metro section from the week before. We all knew what they did, but never told. She had one

more confused morning as I remember. In closing, my daughter Karen, who owns this publication, has

a big tough dog named “Hope” and she can lick anyone! Look for my story in this column of having lunch at the “Hole in the Wall” restaurant in Blairsville. Good food and a great experience.

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In July my wife and I spent a couple of weeks at our place on Bearpaw Road over looking the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains near Blairsville, Georgia. A couple of times I slipped out early and had breakfast with the boys at the Sawmill Place restaurant.

Each time I sit with some of the “locals” who are regulars for the morning get together they take off bragging’ and yarn tellin’.

Buford Lucus was the last to come in around 7:30. He walked over grinning like a ‘Cheshire cat’. Crawford Little looked up and said, “Buford have you been hit’n the shine before breakfast again?”

“No, but I had a good snort last night and slept hard as a rock,” he said as he pulled up a chair and sat down. Buford immediately took a sip of black coffee that his waitress earlier handed him as he made his way to our table and said, “Boys, I’ve got three questions for you this morning. If you can answer them all three right I’ll buy breakfast for everybody at the table thru this Friday. If you don’t answer them, you buy my breakfast for the rest of the week.”

Elfert Smith spoke up, “Buford, remember last month you pulled this stunt, and it cost you! I hope you have better questions than last time like who’s buried in Grants Tomb and how many months in a year have 28 days!”

They all agreed to take him on, knowing Buford flunked out of Union High School three times. “Get with it Buford, you’ve got a deal,” said Crawford as everyone nodded in agreement.

“O.K., here’s the first one. In what year did Christmas and

New Year’s fall in the same year? My next question is, Why can’t a woman take a picture of a man with a wooden leg in Ellijay? And the third and final question is, A woman living in Hiawassee married nine different men from Hiawassee in one week, yet she didn’t break any laws. None of these men died, and she never divorced them. How was this possible?”

Everybody laughed and started in on Buford. “For cry’n out loud, Buford, did you fall off a turnip truck? Who

ever heard of Christmas and New Year’s in the same year?” Elfert said. Everybody sided with

Elfert. Buford said, “Boys I got you on this one.

They fall in the same year every year. New years Day just arrives the first day of the year, and Christmas arrives very late in the same year. Now that’s one and two to go.

“What about the second question?” “Buford, who are you try’n to kid, you

know very well there ain’t no law in Ellijay about take’n pictures up there,” Elfert

replied. Buford responded, “I know that Elfert, but

you have to use a camera, not a wooden leg.”Well you guys lose again. Well, you guys have lost

two out of three so far. Now what’s the answer to my third question?”

“Dang if I know,” Crawford said. “I’ve lived up here all my life, and I have never heard of anyone marrying nine men, and neither have you.”

“Sure you have,” Buford retorted, “Don’t you remember

Karen & Hope

26 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE August 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com August 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 273014 S. Jim Redman Parkway (Hwy. 39 South)

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For years I was a loyal customer, taking my grandson to see the Dickens Villages and the trains. It was a special treat at Christmas to take him into Simply Country Gifts when the villages were deco-rated for the holidays and the air smelled of cinna-mon, apples and spices at their old location on James Redman Parkway by Publix.

That little boy is now 23 years-old and still likes to go with grandma to see the displays in what he calls their new location in the big English Tudor house on Thonotosassa Road. At 23 he still hasn’t noticed how time flies and that they have been there for about 14 years, but he has noticed that a lot of the house is now devoted to tea rooms.

As a little boy he turned up his nose at tea, but now he is a big guy and has a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. Martial Arts have taught him the health value of fine leaf tea. He gets a kick out of seeing all the cabbage roses and chintz, ladies wearing their best bonnets, and “Sunday-go-to meeting” outfits for an outing of English Afternoon Tea. Then we go and buy his tea of choice at the gift shop, happily browse the predominately Christian and inspirational books (since he is studying to become a youth pastor), mak-ing our last stop a leisurely walk through the toy and miniature village area.

Celebrating its silver anniversary this year (hav-ing opened in the original location in 1986), Simply Country Gifts has evolved into Simply Country Gifts & Southern Belles Tea Room. That transition has added to the magical atmosphere. It is not a preten-tiously intimidating tea room. It is a scrumptiously lovely setting where you can peacefully nestle into a chintz-covered chair, have English cream tea and a good coze or chat (as we Yanks would say) with a good friend.

“We have always wanted to do this but felt a true English tea room would not have the right ‘feel’ in a strip mall or group of buildings. My husband Rick and I knew we’d found the right place when we saw that free-standing English Tudor-style house,” said former nurse and co-owner Susan-Lynn Lewis.

“For our English teas we serve a traditional

three-tier selection of savories with cucumber sand-wiches, sweets and scones. We use seasonal fruits and, of course, strawberry scones are the most frequently requested. I buy strawberries in season from Fancy Farms, Parkesdale and other local farmers, also freez-ing them so our customers will know the strawberries in our sweets and scones, whatever the season, come only from Plant City, the strawberry capital of the world.

“We are not a restaurant. We are an old-fash-ioned English tea room in the purest sense. However, when gentlemen come to tea, they sometimes prefer something a little more robust, so we do serve flavor-ful home-made soups; lobster bisque and a creamy English vegetable. Both soups have a croissant-puffed pastry crusted top,” says Lewis.

The tea service with soup is light but satisfyingly filling and thoroughly enjoyable.

While drinking tea is also enjoyable, as well as, good for you, becoming an expert and a proprietor of an establishment that specializes in traditional tea is an ongoing learning experience.

To make tea with tea bags all you have to be able to do is dunk it in a cup of water. To serve a proper English tea, to understand what good tea is all about and where it comes from, you need to go to school.

In the U.S., there is a two-day intensive course on many aspects of tea taught by leaders in the tea industry held in Connecticut. The TEA School™ was established to give people who are in or entering into a tea business a foundation in the history, geography, and cultivation/processing of tea. Students are given a certificate of completion with a passing grade.

Additionally, there are trade shows such as the World Tea Expo that focus on trends in tea, business seminars and continuing education for tea profession-als.

Most of the world’s tea comes from China, Sri Lanka, India and Kenya.

Having personally lived among tea plantations in Kenya, one of the first things I learned about tea is that the dregs or broken grades of the tea plants are sold for use in tea bags. The best grade leaves are used

by Cheryl Kuck

S imp ly Coun t ry G i f t s & Sou t hern Be l l e s Tea RoomUnique Gifts and Traditional English Afternoon Tea


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as loose leaf tea and are grown and harvested at about 7,000 feet above sea level. Nairobi, the Aberdare high forests and the Mount Kenya areas bisecting the equator at 7,000 feet above sea level are rich in both tea and coffee and all tender leaves are hand-plucked.

When hot water splashes onto a large number one grade leaf, the leaf begins to curl and the aromas begin to rise.

At the Southern Belles Tea Room, where the loose leaf tea comes in strawberry, blueberry and peach-apricot, you can expect the air to be filled with wonderful aromas. Their best selling tea is brides blend, a light tea. Black or fermented tea and green or un-fermented tea is served and Earl Grey tea (a citrusy-orange blend) is available on request. Servings of tea are unlimited and the gift shop carries varieties of loose leaf tea so you can continue to savor your experience at home.

When Rick and Susan-Lynn talked about the upcoming September Christmas sale of retired villages, ornaments and other items, they mentioned that many places sell retired stock on E-Bay but they would rather give their customers the benefit of the sale than strangers on E-Bay.

This couple’s lives are devoted to making friends and that is the foundation of any business that lasts.

One of the special events planned for the fall are tea parties for young ladies from age eight and up to include lessons in eti-quette. That is a much needed and genius idea that will undoubt-edly become a huge success. I know my eight-year old grand-daughter will be very excited about this venture.

It’s easy to picture my granddaughter one day having English afternoon tea parties and strawberry scones with her children.

One day my grandson will rebuild his villages and run the trains we so lovingly acquired for him and now keep in boxes, just waiting for those great-grandkids yet to come.

Simply Country Gifts and Southern Belles Tea Room really is magical…It creates lasting memories.

Simply Country Gifts & Southern Bel les Tea RoomGift Store Established in Plant City since 1986 Tea Room Established in Plant City since 1998

Location: 2214 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City Phone: (813) 754-5683 Hours: Call for seasonal information. Tea Room: Reservations strongly suggested Afternoon Tea from Thurs. – Sat. Large groups over 8 persons from Tues. – Sat.

Prices: Full Afternoon Tea is from $18.99 to $24.00 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Gift Shop: Tues. – Sat. from 10am to 4:00pm

Shoppers are welcome to iced or leaf tea anytime, as well as English “cream tea,” during which clotted cream is served alongside scones, jam, and tea. Scones, $6.00 to $7.99

Special Events: Tea parties for birthdays, Anniversaries, Evening teas, a Christmas Carol Tea, etc. Coming this fall girls tea parties and etiquette lessons from age eight. Gift Shop has meet-the-author book signings

Web site: www.teamap.com


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The Hay Exchange received two awards at “ConQuest,” a conference held in late June hosted by Manna Pro Products LLC in Jackson Hole, WY. The conference of the top performing Manna Pro dealers in the U.S. and Canada included both retail and wholesale distributors.

During the awards ceremony, The Hay Exchange was named Dealer of the Year for the largest growth in sales of all Manna Pro Products in North America. They were also awarded The Equine Excellence Award for leading the nation in growth of Manna Pro Equine Products.

2011 was the first year of eligibility for The Hay Exchange in the Manna Pro awards competition. The awards were presented by Manna Pro executives to Rhonda and Bill Glisson, proprietors

of The Hay Exchange. “We enjoy our partnership with Manna Pro and are pleased

to represent their product line. We are both committed to providing high quality products that provide the proper care and nurturing for your animals,” said Bill Glisson, owner of The Hay Exchange.

The Hay Exchange offers more for you and more for your animals by providing a full line of feeds, animal care products, farm supplies, and personal gift items. The friendly and knowl-edgeable staff members at The Hay Exchange are ready to assist animal owners with questions regarding proper care and feeding.

For more information about The Hay Exchange, call (813) 754-5405 or visit www.thehayexchange.net.

The Hay Exchange Wins Awards at the Manna Pro Convention

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On most days, I find it difficult to remember what I ate for lunch after about 2:30 in the afternoon. Seems the older I get, the more I rely on someone (the girls in the office) or something (my Droid phone) to remind me what to do or where to be. This, however, is not the case when remembering the year of 1991. That year is one of the most significant years of my life.

After growing up on the family farm which consisted of custom hay baling, fertilizer spreading, working cows, building fences, working on equipment, and numerous other duties that would probably constitute a child labor lawsuit today, I spread my wings and moved on to other “more promising” careers. Little did I know at the time that these choices were probably ranked high in the “what were you thinking” file that my parents/ grandparents kept track of but never told me about. Let me inter-ject here….my parents, Don and Mollie Sumner and my grand-parents Robert and Marie Sumner, always provided sound advice and Christian principles that were free for the taking. I owe my undying appreciation to all four of these folks.

After two and a half years of collecting an enormous number of W-2 forms from as many employers as I could, I sat down with a dear friend by the name of Sandra Lamons, who had been approached by none other than my Dad, who asked her if she would kindly “talk some sense into Jeff.” Sandra had been in the insurance business for a number of years and told me that she believed I had what it takes to be successful as an insur-ance agent. Of course at 22 years old, my only concern was “do insurance agents make more than $5.50 an hour?” I am quite sure that Sandra cringed at that question but in her infinite wisdom in dealing with teenagers and young adults she simply said, “Jeff, that is entirely up to you my dear!” Those words have made a profound impact on my life in more important issues than the one I had asked Sandra that day. Sandra, for those that are not lucky enough to know her, is an amazing person and one of the best mentors that I could have.

After deciding that insurance was the path that I wanted to travel, I called Gary Ham, our family Farm Bureau Insurance agent, who I was privileged to work with for about 10 years. He suggested that I call Randy Stewart and ask for an interview. Little did I know what kind of man that I was about to meet. I walked into Randy’s office on Mulrennan Road in Valrico and there sat a true “good ole boy” from Walnut Hill, FL. We talked for a while and he finally asked me if I had an insurance license. My response was that I was not even sure I could spell insurance, much less have a license to sell it. He gave me the information that I needed to enroll in a course to prepare me for the state exam. I enrolled in the class and attended for the next five weeks, Monday through Friday, eight hours each day. When I finished class each day in Tampa, I would drive back to Plant City where I was still working one of my “lucrative jobs” loading produce till the early hours of the morning. After completing the five week

course, I sat for my state exam. Randy called me that morning to wish me luck…he laughed and said I would need it. After a grueling two hour exam, I carried my answer sheet to the proctor and in the fastest two seconds of my life the sheet flew through the grading machine and informed me that I had failed by two points. I drove back to Randy’s office to let him know. He was very encouraging and told me that it was a tough test and to go sign up and take it again. I did…..this time I improved….I failed by one point. Again, I made the painful trip back to Randy’s office and gave him the news. Again, he said try again. I did and this time I passed!!!! I could not wait to get back to Randy and tell him the great news. I walked into his office and he asked, “Well, did you pass?” I explained I did and was expecting all sorts of congratulations but instead he looked and me and laughed and said, “Well I sure am glad, I was beginning to think you was stupid.” I didn’t really care. I was just excited that I had passed the exam.

Randy offered me the position as an agent and we signed contracts on September 1, 1991. When we finished signing the contracts, he shook my hand and said “you don’t look like a Jefferson….I think I’m gonna call you Rooney.” Where that came from I will never know but that is what he called me from that day on. From that moment, Randy literally took me under his wing and taught me everything I needed to know to be success-ful in this business. We left the boardroom and walked into his office where he had a picture of Vince Lombardi with the words to his famous speech entitled “What It Takes To Be Number One.” Randy told me my first assignment was to sit there and read the speech and that I needed to pay close attention to the last paragraph. I committed that last paragraph to memory. It says, “I don’t say these things because I believe in the brute nature of man or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle----victorious.”

Not only was Randy my manager for the next nine years, but he became one of the best friends that I have ever had. His honesty, integrity, work ethic, and personality drew people to him. I knew in just a short time that I needed to become as close to a mirror image of him as I could. Randy always had time for everyone and when asked, always had great advice to give that would come from some life experience that he had. He always had a story to tell that would make you laugh, but the ending would have a lesson that could be learned. Most of you read-ing this know that Randy lost his battle with cancer on April 7, 2002. I know there is not a day that goes by that I do not miss the ability to pick up the phone and ask for his input or wisdom on a situation that I may be facing. Randy will always be a part of my business and personal life because I still ask myself from time to

20 Years Ago...

by Jeff Sumner

HopewellFuneral Home& Memorial Gardens

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time….how would Randy handle this? I can remember only one time that Randy could not provide me with advice. After dating Cherie for a while, my wife of 11 years now, I asked Randy what he thought about the idea of my asking Cherie to marry me. I can see him as plain as day as I write this, he leaned back in his worn office chair and burst into laughter and said, “Good Lord Rooney….I been married and divorced three times…I thought you were a little smarter than that….you need to ask someone that is a little better at this marriage thing than I am.” The only thing about marriage that I was able to get from Randy was a Bible verse that was read at his funeral to help describe one of his views and to help each one there remember his humor, Proverbs 21:19. “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a conten-tious and angry woman.” I must say that Cherie smiles every time I quote that scripture, which is probably more often than I should. She loved Randy as I did.

I have insured many families over the years and each one is special in their own way. There are a few “farm family” busi-nesses that have been a foundation in my clientele. These folks did business with my Dad and Granddad for 20-25 years before I began my career. I will not name their names, but they know exactly who they are and I want them to know how much I ap-preciate the opportunity to continue the relationship with them that was built years ago. It’s heart-warming to sit with these folks at their farms and hear them tell stories of my Dad and Grand-dad and how hard they worked and how they treated people. It reminds me every day of what I try and live up too.

As far as my family life goes, I have been married to Cherie for 11 years. I went from being single at 31 years old with abso-lutely not a single ounce of responsibility to having a wife and 3 teenage daughters, Fallon, Megan (my personal assistant in the office) and Mistie. I totally skipped the entire diaper thing and jumped straight into PMS. Talk about an adjustment!! I can hon-estly say that I would not have done anything different had I been given the chance. We have one Grandson, Evan Shirley, and by the time you read this article our second Grandson should be here. His name will be Nicholas Zaccaro. My family is my greatest reward on earth. In our spare time, Cherie and I enjoy traveling and spending time at Crooked Lake with our family and friends. We try our best to enjoy life and not take a single day for granted.

There are too many people to name that I owe gratitude to for the success of my business and personal life. Each of you knows who you are and the role you played in shaping and mold-ing me into who I am today. Some were physically in my life for a short period, others I see on a daily basis. To each of you, I am eternally grateful. I have gained not only customers through the years, but have developed friendships that will long outlast busi-ness relationships. Meeting new people, developing friendships, and helping to make sure I cover the needs that are important is what I enjoy. I know every customer that I have has the freedom to choose who they do business with. Please know that I am sincerely humbled each and every day that I am the one that each of them chose.

Even as I sit and write this, it doesn’t seem possible that 20 years have flown by since I began my career with Farm Bureau. I never imagined what I had ahead of me. I firmly believe I chose the path that God had mapped out for me because I know for a fact that I could not have accomplished this without His blessing. I have no idea what the next 20 years holds for me, but with His guidance and grace, I know it will be more than I deserve.

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With the environment in danger and finances in turmoil peo-ple are starting to be a little more conscious of the world around them and the waste they produce. Some are focusing on what they deem the next Great Depression while others are being more re-served about it and just placing their attention on the next genera-tion. Regardless of what stand we take, something must be done, and we should remember not to despise small beginnings. So, if you want to start making a difference, perhaps you should learn a little about compost and the ways in which it impacts our environ-ment.

Nathan Wax is the Vice President of Sales at Mother’s Organ-ics. His father, Herb, is the owner and his brother, Jeremy is Vice President of Operations. This is indeed a family business although the family originally started out owning a metal scrapping yard. Five years ago they bought roughly 60 acres on Hwy 579 in Tho-notosassa and Mother’s Organics was born. The property “used to be the local mudding hole,” Nathan explains, it was “an old burrow pit, a clay pit that we dug out when we were building.”

The first two or three years were “spent leveling and build-ing a retaining wall. We used export containers left over from our scrap metal business to build the retaining wall,” Nathan says. Then he expounds on how the composting process works. “When the material comes in we basically separate it into three sections, hard wood, brush and palm trees because we make different ma-terials out of all of them. Then we inspect them for contaminants and push them over the wall to be processed where they will be ground up into five to six inch pieces.”

He continued, “We make the compost out of brush. The hardwood is our mulch products and also components for our pot-ting blends. We grind it once and screen, the overs go to the mulch manufacturers, the ones who color it and send it to Home Depot. The fines are what go into the potting blends or animal bedding.” Certainly the use of the words “overs” and “fines” is applicable to their industry but to lay people they’re unfamiliar. Overs are the bigger pieces and fines are the smaller ones, just for clarification.

As to the final separation, palm trees, “we are making an al-ternative to coconut core which is used in hydroponics and potting blends. This has huge potential impacts, because coconut core is imported from Sri Lanka and India. This would have great envi-ronmental and economic impacts if we can replace coconut core with a product made here.”

Once the separation process has been completed and the ma-terials have gone through the giant grinder sitting at the base of the retaining wall, they move the processed product into windrow piles instead of static ones. Windrow piles are, “the most popu-lar way to compost, it’s putting the materials into narrower piles where it’s easier to optimize conditions like moisture and air-flow,” according to Nathan. They then turn them and water them.

Nathan explained, “One of the most im-portant things is wa-tering them. We need them to be 50-60 percent moisture in order to speed up the process. We pull water from the two retention ponds otherwise it would get expensive. All we’re doing is speeding up Mother Nature and offering an alternative to disposal of waste products.”

There are many benefits to using compost, particularly in Florida. “We have such bad soil here; our state soil is Myakka sand, so anything the farmers and growers can do to increase the amount of organic matter in their soil is beneficial. It helps reduce irrigation and fertilizer needs and it provides a huge suppression of diseases while adding organic nutrients.” Unfortunately, com-post has gotten a bad rap because the quality that’s been available in the area previously was pretty poor. “People called any pile of sand in the corner compost and so it’s been difficult dealing with the stigma. That’s why we really focus on, and take pride in, our quality control.”

Due to the economic situation, there’s been a huge increase in residential and home gardening. “Everyone wants to grow their own food, eat organically, and we’re the answer to their problems. Half a dozen community gardens have opened up in the past year that we’ve donated material to, from Ybor City to New Tampa to Gulfport. We’ve built relationships with the local community gardens and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture – Co-ops) and we’ve built a relationship with Sweetwater Organic Farms in West Tampa, it’s one of the original CSAs. They’re opening a new farm at the children’s home over there and we’re donating stuff for them.”

Obviously, residential people are not the only customers that Mother’s Organics has in its Rolodex. There are other soil min-ing companies that are using their compost as alternatives to their peat mines. In fact, Scotts is one of their biggest customers. There are also golf courses, landscapers, contractors, nurseries and tra-ditional and organic farmers as well. Nathan says, “Ag is so huge in Florida that there should be more facilities like this next to every landfill so we can take in the organic wastes, brush and manure so there’s enough to sell to the farmers.”

In the next two months or so, Mother’s Organics hopes to be able to start taking in food waste, too. They have their state per-mits but are waiting to obtain the local ones. “It’s really going to be good for us in terms of making a higher quality compost as well as diverting waste from a landfill.” If you’re interested in helping them make better compost, you can bring a yard’s worth of brush, hardwood or palms to them for $7, or if you have a ton, $31.50. If you’d rather support them by buying compost, the price depends on the type but it ranges from $25-35 a yard.

by Ginny Mink

Compost Kings:Mother’s Organics

Nathan and Jeremy Wax


Art in any medium is a difficult task. For many the thought of being creative is too terrifying for their logical, literal brains. Some endeavor to produce quality pieces only to discover they re-ally don’t have the talent for it. Sadly some people don’t discover this until they’ve spent countless thousands of dollars on art school or art classes. Such is NOT the case with Kelsie Craven an up and coming artist in the Tampa Bay area. While people might wonder what art has to do with ag, Kelsie has found her niche in equine and pet portraits. So, all you pet lovers and horse fanatics out there, this article is for you!

The first picture Kelsie ever sold was actually one she donated to the First Annual Fashion, Feathers and Fur event that was held at the Trinkle Center located on the HCC campus in Plant City. This event was sponsored by Dr. Christy Layton who runs the Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort. Interestingly enough, our very own, Karen Berry, purchased Kelsie’s pencil drawing of “Greta” a Pit Bull who resided at Pit Stop Bully’s, a pit-bull rescue run by the Founder and Executive Director, Ashlie Burke with the assistance of Nikki Dudack, the secretary and Creative Director. The purpose of the First An-nual Fashion, Feathers and Fur event was “to raise money for rescues that were at the event,” according to Kelsie, and then she adds, “It was a wonderful event.” The picture of Greta, af-fectionately known as “Beans,” was donated by Karen to Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort so many people can enjoy it!

Kelsie has been drawing for eight years. She says, “I did about 14 art classes in high school, mostly photography, and then I decided I was better at pencil drawings than photography. I use my skills as a photographer to help with layout and composition so that I create something that’s pleasing for everyone not just the person who asked for the commis-sion.” Yes, Kelsie does commissioned work, but they are mostly equine and pet pieces. She says she doesn’t do a lot of portraits, “but pets are fun for me because everyone’s so in love with their pets.”

Kelsie comes from a family of artists though her parents are talented in different arenas. “My father is an artist. He used to do art shows on the road when I was young, for about five years. He did mostly holiday art, pencil and colored pencil. My mother was a dancer and dance instructor for 30 years. She does beautiful crocheted baby blankets. She’s a seamstress and used to make our holiday dresses and Halloween costumes. We have a lot of

artistic talent in our family.”Kelsie’s love of pets and horses has led her to start a project

with Pit Stop Bully’s. She says, “I’m gonna start using the photos they have and do some drawings for them and then sell the prints for 50 percent profit to the rescue. This is supposed to start off in September. We’re going to get other rescues involved: horse, dog, cat, parrot, any kind of animal rescue. Our focus is on the local Hillsborough and Central Florida rescues. It’s a way for them to make money without having to spend any money.” The other 50 percent of the profit will go to Kelsie who just got her business license and is currently working on her website: www.kelsiecrav-enpencilart.com.

It is apparent that Kelsie’s first love is horses. She says she’s been riding horses since she was 10. “I do mainly lower level dressage with my six year old half Arabian, Little Black Dress.” For those of you unfamiliar with equine competition terminol-ogy, lower level dressage is an “event that follows a specific pattern in an arena that has letters at certain points that indicate what motion/ac-tion to do, like working trots or canters,” Kelsie explains. She continues, “I’ve been training young horses since I was 12. It’s my favorite thing to do. I just do the ground work, basic undersaddle work, and then send them off.”

Kelsie is an experienced rider and has in fact, “ridden with several different trainers in the

area such as Gerri Lundergan of Dun Painted Farm, who is the coach of the USF Western Riding Team and an awesome all around trainer.” She’s also trained with, “Julie Iglesias of Sleepy Oaks Farm, who does hunters and jumpers, and Murad and Lori Ismail. Murad does polo at Stafford Hill Farm and Lori does hunters, jumpers and lower level dressage. All the trainers I’ve worked with have helped to form who I am as a person not just as a rider and all of them are super important to me.”

Kelsie is a student at HCC working on an art degree. She wants to minor in Spanish, and when asked if she’s any good at it she responds, “I’m someone who tries to do things I’m really bad at.” Spanish is obviously one of those things and according to her running is, too, “so I’m going to do a 5k in Lakeland in August and work my way up to half marathons.”

She wanted to leave readers with a quote that has had a significant impact on her life, “Nothing great was ever achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance,” – Bruce Barton.

by Ginny Mink

A Wealth of Talent:Artist, Kelsie Craven

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As we near the start of our second season on Dry Creek I thought I’d tell you about some important members of our cast. They are the four-legged kind. Many are rescue horses. One bug-gy horse was given to us. She’s a three-year-old Standardbred that didn’t make it on the track. You might not see her on the track, but now you can see her on national TV. The Palomino I ride on the show was abandoned. I truly believe these horses know from where they came and are there to please.

I was raised in Southern California and hung around with folks that supplied motion picture livestock. I learned a lot about the type of horse it would take to do the job. I learned from Rudy Ugland. His horses were used on just about every western movie and TV show in the 70s and 80s, so I learned some great lessons about what horses need.

We all take for granted when watching a western that the horse or actor doesn’t look at the camera. Your typical horse would shy away from a large box(camera) being carried by a man

dragging wires, blink and turn away from a bright reflector. Not these horses, because they are special.

I guess the main thing a horse has to have is patience. They should be able to sit quiet for hours. Also be able to not come unglued when a camera comes floating past them on a jib crane, learn to step over cables and get used to bright lights and be able to stand still while waiting until actors get their line right. When you watch a western or Dry Creek the viewer just takes for granted what job the horses do.

So this Saturday night when you tune into Dry Creek check out our four-legged Dry Creek family. They are the real workers. Pulling a stagecoach, wagons and buggies, being ridden or tied up to a hitching rail, we truly do love our horses and respect what they do.

Watch Dry Creek Saturday night at 7:30 ET. On Dish channel 240, Direct TV, channel 608. Coming August 14 to Blue Highways TV. Check us out at Drycreektv.com

by Dry Creek America’s First Frontier creator Les Mc Dowellphotos by L.A. Constant Photography

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SEPTEMBER 16RICHIE MERRITTRichie Merritt, formallyof the Marcels, will beperforming in theRed Rose Dining Room.Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds performbefore and after the show.

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Stay overnight and join in on the Sunday Teawith a reading by Marjorie York with her onewoman show of “Just Call Me Peggy,” a trib-ute to Gone With The Wind author, MargaretMitchell; cast members will also be in atten-dence to sign autographs and talk about theirexperience of being in one of the greatest filmsof all time!

OCTOBER 7, 22 & 29RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

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What was once a simple interest has now devel-oped into a profitable business for two young

Hillsborough County girls. Twelve-year-old Jade Banks and her 10 year old sister, Ashlyn, are the joint owners of Southern Style Boer Goats. These young entrepreneurs take their goat business seriously. So serious that they travel the nation showing, selling and searching for new goats to im-prove their breeding program.

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This lucrative venture began in 2008 when their parents, Cleve and Heather Banks, took them to the fair where they watched sheep being shown. The exhibitors let the fair-goers give it a try. It gave them a taste for showing. Later, they pur-chased one South African Boer Goat each and headed to Dade City, FL to give it a go in the show ring. From local shows, to the Florida State Fair and then on to national level compe-titions, they have learned from each experience, gaining knowledge as well as honing their showmanship skills in this growing goat industry.

At the national level, you have the best of the best competing. With each victory a goat earns points increas-ing its value. The judges are evaluating the goats’ structur-al correctness as well as ensuring that the goats meet the standards of that particular breed. In 2010, Jade’s doe, Jessica, became the Reserve Jr. Champion at IBGA Na-tionals and Youth Grand Champion at the 2011 Florida State Fair. In 2010, Ashlyn’s doe, Jitters, placed third at IBGA Nationals and Grand Champion Yearling Percent-age at the 2011 Florida State Fair. Ashlyn skillfully handled this difficult doe that weighed a hundred pounds more than she did.

The girls excel in showmanship. They have built a reputation for their showmanship which is also another money maker for them. Other goat breed-ers pay them to show their goats for them. It’s a win-win situation…the breeders’ goats get points/increased value, the Banks girls gain experience and more to take to the bank.

But it’s not all serious. “The national shows are so fun and exciting,” Jade recalls. “They have parties for kids, a band and activities.” Ashlyn also enjoys meeting friends from all over the country, sharing goat stories and watching all

the shows. Creative events like dress up contests add to the fun. Ashlyn, donning a devil’s outfit, won

second place with her goat, Amperage, dressed as an angel. To maintain this level of competitive goats requires a lot of

hard work and sacrifice back at their farm in Balm. With feeding, worming, medicating, milking, trimming of hooves, helping birth babies etc. there isn’t much time for laziness. “The hard work is worth it,” remarks Jade smiling. She manages to complete her school work as well as participate in Barrington Middle School’s FFA events like livestock and horse judging competitions. FFA Advisor Greg Lehman notes, “Jade definitely has a keen eye for livestock judging.”

Even in her “down” time you might find her dissecting a baby goat that had died, learning all she can. Jade’s science interest has led her down a highly technical path. “I want to pursue genetics.” A pursuit she already is putting into practice in her goat breeding program.

Combine the fact that a national level winning goat can sell for more than $15,000 with Jade’s love of genetics and her profit-driven focus. These are a few reasons for her implement-ing cutting edge methods of goat reproduction. Through “flush-ing” to increase egg production, artificial insemination, freezing and grading embryos, one can breed for improved quality, taking you to a higher level of competition. That is Jade’s plan and the reason she has been searching the U.S. for a very high-end doe to breed with one of their five quality bucks. Not your average seventh grade hobby!Ph

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This search for a high end doe recently led Jade and her father on a cross country trek to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The Elite Coalition Sale is held in Texarkana, Arkansas where Jade had her eye set on a particular doe. This teen knows the bidding process and was eager to put in her bid. “I get a little nervous because I don’t want to go too high. I have saved my money up and make my own decisions, but look to my dad for help sometimes. It’s not just the buying of the goat, I also have to save money for the flushing and for showing.” But in the case of the doe she wanted at the sale, she didn’t even get to place her bid as others, who also had the doe in mind, bumped the bids up too high too quickly for Jade’s liking. (The average doe at a sale of this caliber is $4,000 - $10,000.) Disappointed, Jade adjusted her sights and purchased a different doe, named South-ern Star, that was more suited to her budget and would still increase the quality of her breeding program. There will be more sales in the months ahead. This particular doe will be shown by Jade after the doe is flushed in August.

Ashlyn has a goal for a higher quality doe as well. She hopes to purchase one by the end of this year. They will be attending three more big sales in Oklahoma and Tennessee this fall. Ashlyn is searching for that perfect paint doe. (Paints have more dark markings than a regular Boer goat) Her bent for paints led her to purchase a paint named Tootsie Roll in June of this year.

To buy these quality goats, the girls sold some of the goats they have bred, nine to be exact, in Indiana. Additional costs can be the purchasing of semen from a selected buck and the flush-

ing of the doe. Some loans are offered by the USDA for these type of goat investments.

These industrious girls have begun an agriculture venture with much potential. Guided by their parents, much is in store for the future. You can see these high quality goats and the achievements of these two outstanding girls at their web site www.southernnstyle-goats.com.

Pam Lehman bio:Native to this area of Florida, I am the wife of Greg

Lehman and mother of three children. I am a teacher, writer, and lover of nature and animals (especially horses). Agriculture has been a part of my lifestyle from my youth and I can trace it through my geneal-ogy for generations. (Not to mention I am married to Mr. Ag himself. Greg eats, sleeps and breathes agriculture both at home and as an ag teacher.) I enjoy writing and have had articles published in a lo-cal magazine and have co-authored three devotional books published by Barbour Publishing. If life offered

more free time, you might find me gently swaying in a hammock on a cool day with a terrific book.Photo by Stephanie Humphrey


Food Safety At East Coast Brokers And Packers

In 2008 Florida was the first state in the U.S. to adopt a com-prehensive food safety program with mandatory government inspection and audit for tomato handling, production and pack-ing.

Food safety has always been a priority at East Coast Brokers and Packers, located on Highway 60 east of Mulberry. When they first started in business Batista and Evelyn Madonia, Sr., owners, recognized the importance of marketing quality tomatoes and other produce. They have always been committed to taking what-ever proactive steps necessary to ensure and enhance the safety of the produce they sell.

For the past fiev and a half years food safety has been under the direction of Dustin Tillett. Dustin is no stranger to agriculture. He comes from four generations of farmers in the Ruskin area. He grew up working in the family business “Tillett Farm and Groves.”

After graduating from East Bay High School he attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland where he graduated with a degree in Marketing. Immediately thereafter he en-tered the business world with Heavenly Produce, a re-packer in Tampa.

In his position as Food Safety Director with East Coast, he works directly with the packinghouse and farm manag-ers to make sure all their commodities that are packed and shipped meet or exceed government standards. It is his responsibility to educate and train employees on food safety practices.

“In the summer of 2008 I remember, there was a Sal-monella scare that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials originally thought was attributed to contaminated tomatoes,” Tillett said. “The FDA at that time warned every-body not to eat most types of tomatoes, and this statement cost East Coast dearly. Growers here in Florida and Califor-nia took a bath with this scare, but they later reported the Salmonella came from a Mexican grower of peppers. The sad part was the FDA knew within two days of the outbreak where the outbreak came from but would not disclose it. To-mato growers in the U.S. ended up as the victim of this FDA boondoggle investigation. In spite of the FDA’s mistake they did nothing to help the tomato growers re-coop their losses in any way!”

In addition to growing to-matoes East Coast harvests “pole grown” cucumbers in the fall and spring. There are advantages of growing cucumbers on poles rather than on the ground. One, the plant produces more “cukes” on the poles than on the ground. They grow straighter, are cleaner when harvest-ed and the air circulation provided by the up right pole helps the plant to ward off various diseases, plus they are much easier to pick.

When harvesting, Dustin will randomly select, within 48 hours, a batch of tomatoes or cucum-bers and ship them off to a third party lab for testing. Dustin said, “East Coast takes pride in cover-ing all the bases related to food safety. Furthermore, our employees participate in a special food safety-

training program. We also under go a third-party audit with routine inspections to insure proper handling as well as field sanitation.”

To sum it up, the Florida tomato rule regulates registra-tion, inspection and education requirements in the tomato industry for the producer, packer, re-packer and all workers. The adoption of the Tomato Good Agricultural Practices, known as “T-GAP”, and Tomato Best Management Practices (T-BMP) are guidelines for performing tomato food safety inspections on the farm (as mentioned earlier), in tomato greenhouses and in the tomato packing houses as well. This is a cooperative effort between the Florida Tomato Industry and the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services to implement these needed procedures for safe pro-duction and handling of tomatoes.

Dustin said he would soon make the transition from their Florida operation in Mulberry the last of July to their Virginia farm near Mappsville to direct their food safety program during the harvesting of tomatoes.

This time of year the Virginia operation has an enor-mous advantage over California from a freight standpoint going to the eastern markets. When the crop is picked that morning and delivered, you can’t get anything fresher.

“As Food Safety Director for East Coast Brokers and Packers I know I have the best job in the world, working for the finest people in the tomato industry, Batista and Evelyn Madonia, Sr., and the members of their family, Stephen, Batista, Jr., Rosemary and Laurie,” Dustin said. “For me it’s a pleasure to come to work each day.”

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Rotten Eggs?

The path Erin Nessmith took to the University of Florida-Plant City Center where she is the new Academic Program Coor-dinator and Student Recruiter is pretty diverse, but the out come makes all the sense in the world.

Originally from the Daytona area, Erin moved with her parents and two older sisters and older brother to the town of Hamilton, near Toronto, Canada when she was two and a half years old. Erin’s mother is from Canada and her dad’s father was preaching at a church in Hamilton. The family opted to return to Florida and the Deltona area when Erin was 10.

As a middle school student, Erin’s brother introduced her to agriculture and she became a very active member of FFA. “We lived in a subdivision and my mother was surprised when I told her I wanted to raise and show cattle,” she said. Her cattle and hogs were kept at Pine Ridge High School where she was a student and heavily involved in FFA. “I participated in many competitions and was fortunate to be elected a state officer.”

Erin took a year between high school and college to serve as a state Vice President for Area III, working with chapters and members in the area in a variety of capacities.

She then enrolled at Santa Fe Community College where she earned in AA degree then on to the University of Florida, majoring in Ag Education and Communications. Erin received her undergraduate degree in May of 2010 and spent the last year introducing a new Ag pro-gram at a middle school in Deltona.

A short time ago the then Academic Coordinator and Student Recruiter at the UF/Plant City Center, Tiffany Abbott, announced her resignation due to a new position and relocation for her husband out of state. “I became aware of the job opening and spoke with Professor Jim Dyer about the job possibility,” said Nessmith. Dyer heads the Ag Education Program at the Plant City Center and has long been active in FFA activities.

Though she enjoyed her teaching role, the chance to move to Plant City offered some additional benefits. “My husband Tyler is from Hillsborough County, I have a lot of respect for the ag community in the county since my toughest FFA competition always seemed to come from the area and I have a deep apprecia-tion for a community whose core values are so closely aligned with agriculture,” said Nessmith. “I first came to Plant City in the seventh grade for an FFA meeting. I have many friends here, too.”

In her new position, Nessmith is responsible for all activi-ties associated with student admissions, course scheduling and conducting and managing all aspects of student services ranging from application to graduation. She is the first point of contact for academic advisement of potential undergraduates and gradu-ate students for UF Plant City Center programs. Nessmith is also responsible for the recruitment and marketing initiatives associ-

ated with the programs offered at the Plant City Center. “Our programs are geared to students who have received

their associate’s degree and are either working or interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida without relocating to Gainesville,” she said. “We also appeal to students who want to change careers while continuing to work.”

Given the target student population, the majority of sessions at the UF Plant City Center are held in the evening, as well as on line for distance learning courses.

The programs currently offered include: Agricultural Education, Environmental Horticulture, Geomatics and the newest offering – Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Ag Education major prepares students for careers in teaching, sales and working with commodity groups and govern-

mental agencies. It prepares stu-dents to be certified agriscience instructors and education specialists.

The Environmental Hor-ticulture field focuses on the art and science of propagat-ing, growing, installing and maintaining ornamental plants that enhance and improve the environment.

Geomatics is concerned with land surveying and related technologies where students work with the development and management of Earth-based data. Students learn how the

Earth is measured, how Earth-based data is analyzed and how this data is integrated into forms and systems people can use.

Environmental Management is an interdisciplinary ap-proach to provide the scientific and technical foundation needed to integrate and communicate the diverse environmental issues associated with urban, agricultural and natural ecosystems. The program’s mission is to promote the best use of natural resources for their social and economic benefits while protecting associated resource values, property rights and the environment.

Nessmith will be promoting the Plant City Center programs among high school and community college students in Hillsbor-ough and surrounding counties. She also hopes to pursue an advanced degree in Ag Leadership with the ultimate goal of be-coming a motivational speaker. “As a sophomore in high school, I was really personally touched by a speech Barret Keene gave,” she said. Keene had just completed serving a term as South-ern Region Vice President for National FFA. “His speech was entitled Stand and it encouraged all of us to stand for our beliefs no matter what. That had a profound impact on me, and I hope that someday I will be able to do something similar for others.”

When retirement comes for Nessmith, she plans to open an animal shelter and has already laid the foundation with her husband Tyler.

For more information about the educational programs avail-able at the UF/Plant City Center, visit: gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/psc.

UF/Plant City Center Adds New Program Coordinator/Student Recruiter

by Jim Frankowiak


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

Asian PearsAsian pears have become popular within the last decade for

their taste, texture, and juiciness. Also known as apple-pear, Chinese pear, or Japanese pear, it is a fragrant fruit with a very crisp texture. Although “apple-pear” implies that the fruit might be a cross between an apple and pear, it actually is not. Asian pears are also different from the traditional European ones we think of when we envision pears. When ripe, Asian pears tend to be rounder, firmer, slightly sweet, and extremely juicy due to their high water content, compared to the sweeter, softer European pear. Asian pears come in many varieties, with slightly varying flavors and subtle notes of apple, citrus, vanilla, or honey.

For centuries, Asian pears have been grown commercially in Asia. More recently, the fruit has been grown in other parts of the world, including the US, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and France. Within the United States, California, Oregon, Washing-ton, and Florida harvest the fruit from August through October.

Nutritional ProfileThis super-juicy fruit is a fantastic source of vitamin C, vi-

tamin K, dietary fiber, riboflavin, and potassium. The outer peel is entirely edible and contains most of the fiber in the fruit. Ac-cording to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium Asian pear (122 g) contains 51 calories, 0.61 g of protein, 0.28 g of fat, 12.9 g of carbohydrate, and 4.4 g of fiber. It also provides 8% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for Vitamin C, 7% for Vitamin K, and 4% for manganese. Most notably, one medium fruit has 18% of your daily fiber needs.

Fiber: Don’t peel the fruit!Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect

against cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber binds to the cholesterol-containing bile salts, excreting them out of the body. It also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control.

In addition to the effects of fiber on regularity, other com-pounds in Asian pears promote healthy digestive functioning and offer protection from colon cancer. Pears are one of the top foods for high fiber.

Antioxidants: Eat Your Vitamins!Florida Asian pears are bursting with disease-fighting anti-

oxidants, which neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. The vitamin C and vitamin A in Asian pears, as well as other compounds, have antioxidant qualities. Copper also supports the function of antioxidants, sweeping up free radicals. When healthy cells are damaged, they are more susceptible to disease

and certain types of cancer, and antioxidants may help slow the progression of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and colon cancer. Diets that contain fruits high in antioxidants, including Asian pears and other fruits and vegetables, are linked to a re-duced risk of heart disease, stroke, and multiple types of cancer.

Vitamin C: Beauty, Health & More!Asian pears are a good source of vitamin C, which has many

important functions in the body. Eating foods high in vitamin C significantly raises the amount of iron your body absorbs, which is a good way to prevent anemia. Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses, and may possibly shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.

How to Select and StoreWhen ripe, the color of the outside peel changes from green

to brown. Unlike European pears, Asian pears stay firm when ripe.

Choose a yellow-brown skinned fruit free of blemishes that feels firm and heavy for its size. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant smell. Handle gently because they bruise easily. Store Asian pears at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to two months. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing.

How to enjoyTraditionally, Asian pears are often given as gifts or shared

with guests. They are delicious and burst with juiciness when eaten out of hand. They can also be used as a sweetener instead of sugar when ground and cooked in vinegar or soy-based sauces. Their juice or pulp is sometimes used to marinate meat. Other ways to serve Asian pears are as part of a fruit salad, or combined with watercress, cheese, and nuts for a salad. Make a grilled cheese and pear sandwich. Chopped Asian pears can be added to cold or hot cereal or combined in a stir-fry. For dessert, try poaching Asian pears or dicing them to use as an ice cream or yogurt topping. Or use the fruit in cake, crisp, and pie.

Enjoy this beautiful, juicy fruit during Florida’s peak Asian pear season today. It’s a delicious way to get plenty of fiber and other nutrients.

Enjoy this beautiful, nutritious fruit during Florida’s peak season today. Eat it out of hand or combine with other fruits for a healthy treat.

Selected Referenceshttp://www.clemson.eduhttp://www.whfoods.com

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The passage of the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act consolidated state level food and nutrition programs under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which had previously been involved along with the Department of Educa-tion, will streamline nutrition programs for Florida’s children. There were challenges, inconsistencies and inefficiencies under the former system whereby the Department of Education admin-istered School Lunch, Breakfast and Summer Programs, while the Department of Agriculture oversaw commodity Food Distribu-tion, Disaster Feeding and Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The act, which was sponsored by Senator Gary Siplin, em-powers the Agriculture Department to educate Florida students on health and nutrition and to ensure that they have access to the healthy and nutritious products abundant throughout the state.

It is anticipated that through the school food and nutrition programs, the Department of Agriculture and Consumers Ser-vices will be able to instill a value and appreciation for fresh and nutritious foods in students, leading to a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

“As the state agency re-sponsible for supporting the industry that produces Flor-ida’s healthy and nutritious foods, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer services is the most experi-enced and best positioned to manage the state’s school and food nutrition pro-grams,” said Amanda Bevis, communications director for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Passage of the act also provides an opportunity for increased coordination between the families and businesses providing Florida’s fresh produce and the school programs providing food for Florida’s next generation. Through existing relationships and distribution networks with the Department, Florida’s farmers are able to easily source high-quality local produce to the schools.”

The Department has a long-standing commitment to child nutrition as evidenced by existing programs such as Fresh From Florida Kids, Xtreme Cuisine Cooking School and Farm to School, that collectively education children and families about healthy eating. This latest development will enable schools to more effectively reach Florida’s students with the valuable lessons and practices of healthy eating.

Fresh From Florida Kids is a Department program to help parents instill healthy eating habits in their young children. Re-search suggests that taste preferences and eating habits are fully developed by the time a child is three years old. This program,

which has three phases: 6 months to 1 year old; 1 year to 2 years old and 2 years to 3 years old, teaches parents how to make homemade baby food using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Reci-pes are continually updated and participants have online access to professionals for added information.

Xtreme Cuisine Cooking School introduces students aged 10 to 15 to the world of cooking and good nutrition through the preparation of foods such as whole-wheat pizzas, fruit parfaits and other nutritious and tasty treats. They also learn how Florida fruit and vegetables used in these recipes provide vita-mins and minerals that can help prevent heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses. Students are also taught the dangers of excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fats in their diets and how fiber may eliminate their desire for high-calorie, low-nutrition snacks foods. These programs are presented by trained instruc-tors and industry volunteers.

Farm to Schools connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafete-rias, improving student nutri-tion, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities and supporting local and regional farmers. It is part of a national network.

Florida’s Department of Agriculture works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as noted previously, and that agency had previously announced pro-posed changes to school meal standards, which would add more fruits, vegetables, whole

grains and fat-free and low-fat milk to school meals. “Our department is the logical choice to continue USDA’s initiatives on healthy eating at the state level,” said Bevis.

In July USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Good and Nutrition Service announced a pilot program for acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables to build on farm-to-school programs in Florida and Michigan. The pilot effort will use commercial distribution models already in place and allow schools to obtain locally grown produce.

“Consolidation also means inefficiencies will be eliminated in these programs and that is important as we all seek ways to re-duce the current financial stress on Florida’s budget,” said Bevis.

“Lastly, expanded access to healthy and nutritious foods through school programs is one more example of the efforts of Commissioner Adam Putnam to expand access to the state’s lo-cally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to those who are unable to access or afford healthy eating options,” said Bevis.

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Health and Nutrition Education Plus Access to Healthy Products from Florida


If you’re a tomato, strawberry, pepper or cucurbit grower, mark your calendar today for November 9 and plan to attend the 6th Annual Florida Ag Exp at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm.

This daylong event, unmatched by any other industry gather-ing, will offer the latest information on new production trends and techniques, permit attendees to sample new varieties and see new field trials. The 2011 Ag Expo will include updates on food safety, labor, control strategies for pests, diseases and weeds, protected agriculture, smart irrigation and a substantial exhibit area where industry suppliers will showcase the latest product and service innovations.

2011 Expo highlights include:• Education sessions covering a

range of timely topics important to growers and their operations

• Top notch faculty including Ex-tension and industry speakers

• Exhibits featuring the lat-est products, equipment and services

• Networking with fellow grow-ers to share successes and best practices

• Field tours and a catered lunchThe day’s activities begin at 7:30 a.m.

with registration and a complimentary breakfast. Exhibits will also be open at that time. Following welcome remarks by GCREC Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl and other dignitaries, Dr. Martha Roberts, Office of Dean for Research, UF/IFAS, will moderate a Stakeholders’ Roundtable: “Lessons Hopefully Learned: Can we prevent a food safety crisis in Florida and will the new FSMA requirements help?”

That session leads into a mid-morning break and time to visit exhibits.

A Grower Panel presentation will follow. Hillsborough Coun-ty Extension Agent Alicia Whidden will moderate “Problems and Needs for Vegetable and Small Fruit Production.” Participants will be announced at a later date. A catered lunch follows.

After lunch and time to visit exhibitors, Manatee County Extension Agent Crystal Snodgrass will moderate “Issues and Challenges for Growers” with the following presentations:

• How to Make a Profit in a Challenging Environment” led by Dr. John Van Sickle, UF/IFAS, Food and Resource Economics Department

• “Labor Today? And What About Tomorrow?” with FFVA Labor Relations Director Mike Carlton

• Dr. Steve Rideout, East Shore AREC, Virginia Tech, presenting “Food Safety Issues on the Eastern Shore of Virginia”

• “Getting the Most Out of Cooling your Crops” by Dr. Steve Sargent, UF/IFAS, Horticultural Sciences Depart-ment

Following a mid afternoon refreshment break, Hendry County Regional Vegetable Extension Agent Gene McAvoy will moderate a discussion about “Horticultural Crop Protection” with the following presentations:

• “Advances on Protected Culture for Small Fruits and Veg-etables,” Dr. Bielinski Santos, UF/IFAS, GCREC

• “Grafting for Management of Plant Diseases in Open Field Tomato Production,” Dr. Mathews Paret, UF/IFAS NFREC

• “Foliar Fungal Disease Management for Fruiting Veg-etables” by Dr. Gary Vallad, UF/IFAS, GCREC

• “Current Fumigation Practices among Tomato Growers, Survey Results” by Manatee Extension Agency Snodgrass

• “Weed Control to Improve Methyl Bromide Alternatives” by Dr. Andrew MacRae, UF/IFAS, GCREC• “Managing Bemisia tabaci and To-mato yellow lead curl virus in southern Florida tomato, by Dr. Shine Taylor, UF/IFAS, GCREC

Ag Expo attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a series of Field Tours:• Alternative cultural management practices for horticultural crop produc-tion

• Demonstration trials evaluating various chemistries for the management of tomato early blight and target spot, tomato and pepper bacterial spot, cucumber downy mildew and squash powdery mildew

• Chemical and biological control of whiteflies• Weed management and effective soil fumigation alterna-

tives• Tomato breeding and cultivar improvement• Tomato variety trialsThere will also be walking tours of the GCREC greenhouses

and horticultural crop research areas with stops for:• Caladium variety trials• Plant diagnostic laboratory operations• Greenhouse studies for insect management on strawberry

plants• Greenhouse studies for whitefly management on tomato

plants• On-site wastewater (septic system) for passive removal of

N• Soilless culture for strawberry and vegetable production• Demonstration of Fruit and Vegetable Cooling MethodsEvent organizers include: FLORIDA GROWER Magazine,

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Additional information, including registration, will be avail-able later this year. You may also visit www.floridaagexpo.com

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Nature in urban areas is a beautiful thing. The vast major-ity of us can recall growing up in places where trees were planted and thrived between the sidewalk and roadway. Often those trees created a shade canopy over the streets, offering welcome relief from the heat of the sun, plus a natural dimension to man-made surroundings like buildings, highways and by-ways.

However, there are emerging challenges that cities are facing as a result of this blend of nature and man-made systems. The Americans with Disabilities Act – Title II regulation requires that cities maintain sidewalks under their jurisdiction in oper-able working condition, serving all users. That includes children, the elderly, parents with strollers, pedestrians with impaired vision and people using wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

Complying with ADA standards in public rights-of-way involves sidewalks, street crossings and other elements of the outdoor environment, each presenting unique challenges to accessibility, as well as the potential for litigation.

The ADA requires that side-walks within the right-of-way have adequate width, are safe to use, provide continuity and connectivity and social space. Landscaping is also required to create a buffer space between pedestrians and traffic, as well as to provide shade. Those trees that provide required and welcome shade within the urban right-of-way develop roots that grow beneath the sidewalk pavement where there is oxygen, water and space for that growth to take place. With tree growth comes root growth. As roots increase in diameter they may result in lifting or cracking of the pavement. Excessive pavement lifting or tilting may result in a pedestrian tripping hazard, a barrier to the sidewalk’s intended use. If left uncorrected, the lifter or tilted pavement may result in a pedestrian accident and the potential for litigation, as well as making the pavement non-compliant with ADA.

“Population growth and the development and expansion of urban settings over the past few decades have increased this challenge,”said Extension Forester Rob Northrop, University of Florida IFAS-Hillsborough County Extension. To advance dis-cussion on this subject, the University of Florida IFAS – Hillsbor-ough County Extension in partnership with the City of Tampa

and cooperation from Hillsborough County staged the first of three symposia for urban planners, designers, engineers, public works/maintenance staff and foresters at the City of Tampa’s Barksdale Senior Center in late July.

“The initial symposium was designed to apprise attendees of the American with Disabilities Act’s requirements for side-walks and how to manage trees and large woody plants within pedestrian rights to meet ADA standards,” said Northrop. “The session also addressed how ADA might be amended to accommo-date the hardscape designs needed to allow the growth of healthy tree cover in urban areas and reduce long term maintenance

expenses.”Northrop said the second

symposium, which is slated for later this year, will address ways to inven-tory and assess sidewalks and street trees conflicts with the third session, anticipated early in 2012, to focus on the development of a management system to effectively deal with the challenge of trees and large woody plants within pedestrian rights of way.

The initial symposium brought together more than 110 attendees who heard from three speakers during the morning session: Architect Dean

Perkins, ADA Coordinator for Florida’s Department of Trans-portation discussed with ADA & Pedestrian Ways; Sidewalks and Trees: A Maintenance Perspective was presented by William Hand, P.E., Hillsborough County Department of Public Works and Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida who addressed Trees and the Built Environment. The morning session concluded with a question-answer period involving attendees and all of the speakers.

During the afternoon session, mixed groups of engineers planners, urban foresters and citizens worked together to solve “real” case studies drawn from local governments in the Tampa Bay region involving potential conflicts between ADA require-ments, construction and maintenance of pedestrian rights of way and urban trees and shrubs. The groups then presented their designs to the three presenters for review and critique.

For web-based access to the proceedings of the symposium, and information on upcoming symposia visit: urbanforestry.ifas.ufl.edu.

UF/IFAS Symposium Focuses On ADA, Sidewalks & Trees; Conflict ResolutionFirst of Three Symposia Addressing this Growing Challenge

by Jim Frankowiak


Every decade, the residents of Florida have an opportunity to participate in the redistricting process. That is an opportunity to reshape the political boundary lines of each legislative (Florida House and Senate) and congressional district in the state, an ac-tivity that can fundamentally change community representation at all levels of government. The driver in this process is the U.S. Census and the data it provides.

This is an especially important opportunity for agriculture to have its voice heard as the new districts take shape and new representatives are elected. Florida Farm Bureau hosted a recent workshop at the Polk County Farm Bureau offices in Bartow to explore opportunities for agriculture in Central Florida to par-ticipate in the redistricting process.

Farm Bureau’s State Legislative Affairs Director Ben Parks moderated the workshop which was led by Associated Industries of Florida Political Operations Vice President Ryan Tyson. Farm Bureau is a member of Associated Industries of Florida.

The 2010 Census deter-mined 18.8 million people reside in Florida, apportioning 27 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to Florida, an increase of two seats. Those 18.8 million people must have equal representation at all levels of government. To achieve that “one person, one vote” representation, Florida’s con-gressional and state legislative districts must provide for equal representation. That process is known as redistricting and it involves Florida’s 120 State House districts, 40 State Senate districts and 27 congressional districts. And, it must be finalized before qualifying for the 2012 elections.

The shifts in population require adjustments to representa-tion in Congress and to the state house and senate. In addition, the passage of Amendments 5 and 6 to Florida’s constitution have established rules that require the creation of compact, con-tiguous districts that adhere to existing government boundaries. They also prohibit drawing district to favor or disfavor an incum-bent or political party. Prior to the passage of these amendments in 2010, Florida had few rules for redistricting.

The Florida House of Representatives is giving Floridians an unprecedented ability to participate in the redistricting process through a combination of statewide public meetings and online or web-based resources. The redistricting public meetings are town-hall type sessions that began in June and will continue until the last session is held at Clewiston September 1. State residents are encouraged to attend and participate in these sessions, which are detailed at www.floridaredistricting.org. That site also offers visitors the opportunity to RSVP.

During the workshop, Tyson noted that the Florida House also has several ways for Floridians to participate in the process online:

• Contact the Redistricting Committee at [email protected]. and request to be added to the redistricting email list.

• Bookmark www.floridaredistricting.org for process news and resources. This site and social media, as well as MyDistrictBuilder, provide Floridians the chance to compare their ideas with those of others in the state.

• Share your ideas and join the two-way conversation on redistricting by following MyDistrictBuilder on Facebook and @FLRedistricting (MyDistrictBuilder on Twitter).

• Create your own state and legislative districts for Florida by accessing MyDistrictBuilder via the ban-ner link at www.floridaredistricting.org. Census date is available on that application as is a tool for creating

your own district, which you can then submit to the Redis-tricting Committee• Encourage your fellow Farm Bureau members to participate in the redistrict-ing process by making them aware of important informa-tion via the websites listed here and through other means of communications; show them how they can create their own legislative districts by using the tools the Florida House has cre-ated. This can be an individual or group initiative, and invite them to participate in the pub-lic meetings. Should they be unable to attend in person, they can provide input via the web at www.floridaredistricting.org.

At the conclusion of the public meetings September 1, the Redistricting Committee and Subcommittees will begin to review all public input. The 2012 Legislative Session will then officially approve the new district plans no later than March 9, 2012. The Attorney General than has 15 days to submit the Legislative plans to the state Supreme Court, which has up to 30 days to uphold the plans and the U.S. Department of Justice must preclear the Legislative plans during a 60-day period. June 4 – 8 qualifying for state and federal elections in Florida takes place.

The Congressional Redistricting Plan must be approved by the Florida Legislature by March 9. The Governor than has up to 15 days to sign the Congressional plan into law. It is important to note that there is no automotive court review of the Congres-sional plan. The next step for the Congressional plan is preclear-ance by the U.S. Justice Department and qualifying for elections.

Parks concluded the workshop noting that, “this time like no other in the history of Florida, agriculture must have its voice heard during this process.” Members seeking assistance with any aspect of the process are encouraged to contact their county offices. Tyson also offered his assistance for those interested in using the tools developed by the Florida House for use by Floridians interested in providing their input to the Redistricting Committee.

HOSTS WORKSHOP FOR DETAILS ON THE REDISTRICTING PROCESSMany Ways for Farm Bureau Members to Provide Input

by Jim Frankowiak

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The impact of the economic downturn manifests itself in many different ways, but one is very basic and it reaches over 1.8 million Floridians daily - that is, where will they get their next meal? Of that figure, nearly 650,000 are children.

Our community is responding to the challenge and the response continues to grow, but so, too, is the demand. Most re-cently, Feeding America, the national initiative to feed the hungry of our nation, agreed at its annual meeting to increase its yearly food donation total by 10 percent. Last year, 15 Feeding America food bank affiliates in Florida distributed nearly 140 million pounds of food, up from 109 million pounds in 2009 and 76 mil-lion pounds in 2008. It has become obvious that the best way to feed more, with higher quality nutrition, is to better utilize the wholesome, but unmarketable fruits and vegetables grown in the Sunshine State.

To help make that happen, “we have to make it as painless as possible for farmers to donate,” said Chip Hinton, a consul-tant to Florida’s Association of Food Banks (FAFB). “Removing that pain can occur in several different ways. We need appropri-ate infrastructure, sufficient and the right type of storage space, including refrigerated space able to handle fruits and vegetables,” he said. There is also the need for more, properly equipped vehicles to distribute donated products on a timely basis. “That is happening as our FAFB affiliates’ fleet continues to grow. We now have over 125 trucks at our disposal for pickup and delivery state-wide.” But there’s more.

“My whole life has revolved around helping growers,” said Hinton. “In order for growers to be able to feed those in need, they must remain in business. That’s why the Farmers Feeding Florida program has always had grower incentive as the base of the plan.”

The state of Ohio was instrumental in developing a program of incentives for farmers that would enhance their ability to donate. “That program has been our inspiration,” said Hinton. “Someday we would like to see a state supported program that targeted wholesome but unmarketable produce and compensated growers for their participation. However, our state’s current financial condition precludes a full-blown program at this time.”

One area of success at the federal level was a tax benefit for donations to organizations with the 501(c) (3) Internal Revenue Service designation. Contributing farmers could realize a tax sav-ings equal to their crop costs plus one-half of their anticipated profit. “This, however, was not a complete success,” said Hinton.

“It was limited to farmers operating on the accrual method of accounting, and that is generally the way only the largest growers operate.” Plans call for renewed efforts to achieve tax benefits for growers on the cash accounting system who donate portions of their crops to help feed the hungry. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of growers in this country operate on the cash system.

“These incentives and other enhancements to the overall process are vital,” said Hinton. “We want to increase fruit and vegetable donations by one billion pounds over the next five years nationwide (up from the current 500 million pounds) and to do that we need help from every corner…tax benefits, cash dona-tions and volunteer support, as well as governmental support.”

“It has been most gratifying here in Florida to see how Com-missioner Adam Putnam of the Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services appreciates the need for the work of FAFB and the importance of continued public dollars to help feed the hungry of Florida even during these most difficult times for the state’s budget.”

“His support and donations from organizations such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield help to enable us to make it easy for grow-ers to donate their crops that are viable, but not marketable. We can virtually eliminate the cost for grower donations and meet the challenges each commodity has that might prevent the option of a donation.”

“Though we are a non-profit, our staff members bring both an understanding of and appreciation for the needs of the grower so we can effectively respond when there is an opportunity for a donation,” said Hinton. “A single phone call or email is all it takes to make a donation. That’s just another way to help make this a painless process.”

“We also see a significant opportunity for volunteerism tied to the overall challenge of feeding the hungry. Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers are an ideal organization and the Food For All program helps provide product, monetary resources and the manpower needed for the logistics of this program as we help move donated product from the field to the many food pantries and other distribution locations where those in need can be served,” noted Hinton.

Growers interested in learning more about potential benefits for crop donations are encouraged to visit www.fafb.org. Those wishing to donate or to volunteer are also invited to visit the web site to learn of FAFB operations in their areas or contact Barry Draper at 817-542-3040 for a one stop donation destination.

FEEDING THE HUNGRY – A GROWING NEED AGRICULTURE IS HELPING TO MEETIncentives for Farmers to Donate also on the Upswingby Jim Frankowiak

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Development in Harmony with Nature

Our ambition to understand the world around us is per-haps the most significant factor driving the progress of our hu-manity. Observing the world around us has seeded the minds of our greatest thinkers to plow through the weeds of stale notions and manifest a bountiful harvest of innovation borne of awareness. Insects outnumber all animals on the planet by at least four to one, and in their diversity makes them an outstanding resource for enlightenment. This month, we will take a closer look at the impact insects have already had on humanity and how continued observation of the smallest of animals make the largest impact on our lives.

King Solomon may have been the first to applaud the virtues of insect ob-servation: (Proverbs 6:6) “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” It was probably the Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex) that he witnessed, they characteristically store large sup-plies of grain in their nests to carry them through the winter. In addition to sim-ply foraging, the harvester ant is known to chew off the germ portion of the seed preventing it from germinating within the nest. Additionally, should it rain, the harvester ant will carry the grain out of the nest and into the sun to dry out, thus preventing mold and fungus from growing in the nest. There are some ant species however that encourages fungal growth. The Leafcutter ants comprise the largest and most complex animal communities on earth, second only to humans. Leafcutter ants cultivate fungus within the nest much like we cultivate crops in the field. They collect fresh plant material to use as nutrients for fungus farms within the nest and divide the tasks of keeping it from pest and mold. The ants can sense chemical changes in the fungus and adapt their foraging activities appropriately. If gathered leaves are toxic to the fungus, the colony will stop gathering that species and provide the fungus with an alterna-tive nutrient source.

Protagoras, the teacher of virtue, insisted that man is the measure of all things, arguing that human knowledge is rela-tive to the observer. In addition to King Solomon’s example of wisdom, other great thinkers have cited the observation of insects as a source of enlightenment. Aristotle, one of the founding fathers of “natural philosophy” counted bees and ants among the “political” animals, these observations mold

the scientific name for the genus of the common paper wasp (Polistes) which literally means “founder of cities.” Insects have nestled their way into much more than just our homes. We are only beginning to understand the behavioral mechan-ics and the underlying physics that insects incorporate into what we so casually call “instinct.”

Migratory insects such as butterflies, for example, have evolved to efficiently utilize high altitude winds that carry them at a rate of up to 60mph with very little energy expen-diture, other than correcting for crosswinds that would take them off-course. The argument that insect behavior such

as foraging or mating is a biologic re-sponse, hard coded in DNA, becomes diluted as we learn more from observa-tion. Research Scientists from Ohio State University and University of Arizona are administering odor conditioning trials with sphinx moths (Sphingidae). They are finding the moths can be “trained” to associate food with odors that are in-comparable to odors that would signal food in nature. These trials suggest that

moths learned to differentiate between odors that meant food and those that don’t.

Observation of the world around us, and insects in par-ticular, is the mother of invention for contemporary technol-ogy. Visual navigation of flying insects inspired the flight con-trol and navigation system of a class of small flying robots developed by NASA. The “MAR Proteus” is an experimental watercraft with a reputation of being light weight, fuel ef-ficient, and wave adaptive. Nicknamed the Spider Boat for obvious reasons, its four legs provide superior stability. The legs of the boat flex with the waves in much the same way a water spiders legs absorb changes in the water surface that would otherwise submerge it. Closer to home is the Spider-man glove. Inspired by our very own Florida tortoise beetle (Hemisphaerota cyanea); with funding from the U.S. Military, engineers at Cornell University have developed a palm sized device that uses water rather than oil as the adhesive force. The device is capable of reversible adhesive bonds capable of sticking to nearly any slick surface.

It’s easy for us to walk past an insect without a second thought, that creative stagnation can be avoided if we just take more time to observe little things.

A Closer Look: Insect Intelligence, an Overlooked Perspective

By Sean Green

A Closer Look: Insect Intelligence, an Overlooked Perspective

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ger,

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Harvester Ant

“The more you investigate these creatures and the manner in which they live, the more you will come to the conclusion that there is a great intelligence in how

they work and what they accomplish.”—Rudolf Steiner


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Naturally Amazing ActivitiesANT HABITAT (formicarium)

by Sean Greenphotos courtesy of Steve Jurvetson

A Formicarium is a great way to observe some of the fascinating features of insect life. For this month’s project, we will construct a simple one. Although any species, can be studied, it is best to stick with less aggressive species and I encourage you to do so with one of Florida’s treasures, the Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius). This species is less aggressive than other species its size and are renowned for their habit of creating underground fungus farms. They will be found nearly exclusively in open, sandy stretches of grass or woodlands. Mounds are characteristically flattened and often littered with pebbles and debris.

Digging up a nest is never a good idea and can be dangerous. Harvester Ants swarm from June through October for mating but August and September are the most common months for swarming and easy collection especially after an afternoon rain s h o w e r . When ants s w a r m , the large w i n g e d queens are easy to spot, but if they have wings, they have not yet mated. A Mated q u e e n will have shed her wings and be found w a l k i n g around on the ground looking for a suitable spot to start a nest. Care fu l ly collect a single queen and place her in the environment you created. She will dig a private queen chamber to lay her first set of eggs, surviving only on stored fat reserves until her first eggs hatch. The first borne will be workers, the workers will be charged with foraging for her and feeding her, it is only when the workers are borne that she is likely to eat. Creating a colony from a single founding queen is time consuming, but much more rewarding than collecting as many ants as possible from an established colony. She will need lots of nutrition to continue egg production and establish the nest. The Bhatkar diet is probably the best known general ant diet named after its developer Awinash Bhatkar of the Texas Department of Agriculture. In addition to grains, insects, and plant material, this is an excellent diet supplement to provide the colony.

There are many designs for ant habitats on the internet ranging from a simple tube stuffed with paper to elaborate set ups with live plants and drip irrigation systems for moisture. The simple designs are great for just watching the ants dig but will not sustain the colony for long. We will make a simple habitat that is somewhere in between the two extremes. The goals for our habitat are simple.

• Keep sand near the sides of the habitat for easy viewing of the tunnels.

• Provide a foraging area that ants can find food and water

• Create a moat around the habitat to keep the ant from escaping..

Materials:• Empty fish tank (this will be the main habitat)• Foraging container (a box that is about 2 inches smaller on

all sides than the fish tank and at least 6 inches tall) • Moat Pan (shallow pan 1 or 2 inches larger than the fish

tank on all sides – 2-3 inches deep)• Clean Sand• Water dish: (bottle cap filled with wet cotton ball)

the habitat:1. Place the foraging container in the middle of the empty

fish tank. The foraging tank serves two purposes; it keeps dirt near the glass and provides a separate foraging area for the ants.

2. Fill the tank with sand around the foraging container. The foraging container should look like an empty pool in the middle of the tank.

3. Partially fill the foraging container with items. (Including the water dish keep it wet) For the ants to crawl in and out with (sticks, rocks, bark,)

4. Place the entire habitat in a shallow pan that will serve as a moat, fill the pan with water to create a small moat. Ants will not cross water; this will keep them from escaping

the bhatkar Diet:(From page 219 of the Book, “Journey to the Ants” by Hölldo-bler & Wilson) The recipe fills four 15-cm diameter petri dishes, and is jellylike in consistency.

1 egg62 ml honey1 gm vitamins1 gm minerals and salts5 gm agar (typically found in whole food stores, health food stores, or Asian supermarkets)500 ml water

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erals, and the egg until smooth. 3. Add to this mixture, stirring constantly, the agar solution. 4. Pour into petri dishes (0.5-1 cm deep) to set. 5. Store in the refrigerator.


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Do you ever ask yourself how did they do it?It’s hard to imagine, a graduate of Guelph University in

Ontario, Canada, born in Hong Kong, founded a farm and a Farmer’s Market in Tampa. While most graduates looked for a secure 9 to 5 job, Tony Leung set out in 1981 from Canada to look for a land where he could grow produce in winter.

He already had a farm in Canada specializing in Asian pro-duce but why waste time in winter idling around? While visiting a former professor in Ruskin 20 years ago, he found his ‘winter’ land. He began with 160 acres of leased farmland and traveled back and forth to Canada while maintaining his farms here in Tampa and Canada. He grew cabbages, melons and herbs.

Eventually, he moved his whole family to Tampa and Sanwa Growers began growing steadily, his wife Connie working side by side as his financial expert. In 1982 they had only five employees. Today the tremendous growth has brought employment to over 200 hard working men and women. The numbers are still grow-ing.

According to Wes Pinkerton, Executive Vice President of Sanwa Growers, the founders are visionaries. They see the chang-ing times and changing economy in the Tampa Bay area. They led the company following the needs of the local food businesses and consumers.

What began as a farming business has grown into a produce distributing business. They supply produce extensively in Florida from Gainesville to Fort Myers. All their trucks have temperature controls to ensure freshness when delivered.

They have also expanded their distribution locations to Miami and Atlanta. In the last 10 years, instead of just catering to a niche market, Sanwa has expanded and catered to the local people in Tampa Bay area with Sanwa Farmer’s Market on Hillsborough Avenue.

Mr. Pinkerton said, in the last two years instead of having big packages of produce, Sanwa is now focusing on smaller sized packages for produce to cater to the general public. In-stead of buying six bunches of broccoli now you can get a small package of two.

They are still maintaining bulk and boxes of produce in the same location for restaurant owners who pick their own produce and are not using Sanwa’s delivering services.

In the last two years, they have also added more ethnic dry goods in the Farmer’s Market with a variety of rice, olive oil, sauces, spices, nuts, canned food and beans. The frozen sec-tions include fish and shell fish from Chile, China and USA and frozen buns, yogurt and cheeses.

They have also added additional parking and two cart ramps for shopping carts and the disabled shoppers. Shoppers come from all over the Tampa Bay

area. They still maintain an array of ethnic produce like Chinese cabbage, bok choy, nappa and sprouts.

Sanwa has also expanded and added another Farmer’s Mar-ket and distributing center in Central Florida. It is at the historic market called Sanford State Farmers Market located north of Or-lando. It has been restored by Sanwa and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This location in Sanford is servicing the Orlando area and the east coast of the state.

The company has grown and has successfully established themselves from a small produce grower to a large distribution center for Florida’s restaurants, food supply companies and local shoppers.

Sanwa does not grow most of their produce now. The produce that they distribute and sell are from farmers in Florida, California and Mexico. Mr. Pinkerton said the only produce Sanwa grows is the winter melon. Now, it has become a one stop shopping center. You can definitely find the fruits or vegetables that you like.

Remember to bring a jacket when you shop…you will enter into a 55 degree refrigerator at the fresh produce sections. The company wants consumers to know that Sanwa has long built their reputation on high quality and fresh produce.

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Producing an abundant crop, durable and full of flavor at a profit is more of a challenge today than ever.

The demands of today’s consumer require more from our nation’s growers. To compete, we are forced to produce a product more profitable than in years past and one that exceeds general standards as well as meets the expectations of the consumer. This can be difficult for some producers.

Quite often the obstacle in meet-ing demand today is that we attempt to maintain or improve our production using old methods without the benefit of new technologies.

As producers, we are some of the best in the world at growing a crop and getting it to market but as businessmen and inno-vators, we tend to function in a rut doing the same thing over and over.

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Those using new technologies are enjoying greater return on their invest-ments. New varieties and stronger genetics add benefit to their production, advances in pesticides and equipment too add value. Many of these advances have already been introduced to crop production, the exception seems to be advances in liquid fertilizers.

The technology available today can put nutrient use back in the hands of the grower and in response to the requirement of the crop, not dictated by limitations of the product nor guided by historical treat-ment methods. How often are we forced to make treatments with conventional fertilizers in such a way just to manage the negative attributes of the product, such as instability, chlorine, by- products of in-dustry or high salt content? Likewise how many times have we staged treatments due to incompatibility with other fertilizers or pesticides? Available today is the technol-ogy that puts prescriptive use and applica-

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Unlike the conventional fertilizer arena, we at Agro-Culture Liquid Fertil-izers, along with our dealerships, can be prescriptive with the use of our products. The target of Maximum Return on Invest-ment will suggest that attention to crop removal values, nutrient balances and pos-sible antagonizing influences in the soil be considered when building a fertilizer pro-gram. With this information, along with the cropping intentions of the grower, a program targeting a desired crop response can be created. Face it, you spend money on fertilizer products to get an intended plant response in return.

As a grower you know what your production goals are. Soil test reports provide us the knowledge of the nutrient levels and conditions we begin with and at the same indicate what deficiencies, imbalances or limiting factors that need to be addressed.

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Thanks to a grant from Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Turkey Creek Middle School teachers Deborah and Buddy Cole-man, who are also spouses, had the opportunity to attend the National Ag in the Classroom conference held at Ft. Lauderdale this past June.

“We try to do this every year,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson, who also attended the conference and serves as member of the state Ag in the Classroom Volunteer Advisory Committee. “Since the national conference was hosted by Florida Ag in the Classroom, that made it even easier for us to award the grants since travel was far less costly.” The national gathering is hosted by different state Ag in the Classroom groups annually.

The 2011 event attracted nearly 400 teachers and ag lead-ers from around the country who shared stories, ideas, lessons and materials. “This conference was one of the best ever,” said Whitson. “It was especially pleasing to see teachers like the Cole-man’s and volunteers able to attend for the first time. This just helps spread the word and makes Ag in the Classroom even more effective.”

Florida Ag in the Classroom is a non-profit organization that develops and trains teachers and agriculture industry vol-unteers in its agricultural curricula and materials, which they in turn use to educate students about the importance of agriculture. The organization also provides grant money to teachers and volunteers for projects that teach students where their food comes from, and the important contributions Florida farmers make to their communities and their state.

Funding for Florida Ag in the Classroom comes from the sale of specialty agricultural license plates known as the Ag Tag. Tag sales en-able Florida Ag in the Classroom to:

• Hold Florida’s Agriculture Literacy Day during which thousands of industry volunteers read to tens of thousands of students every year

• Award more than $400,000 in teacher and volunteer grants since the program’s inception 18 years ago

• Send teachers and admin-istrators to the National Ag in the Classroom Conference

For the Coleman’s it marked the first time for either of them to

attend a national Ag in the Classroom Conference. “Though we are lifelong Plant City residents involved in agriculture, our participation in the conference was special since it gave us the opportunity to meet and network with teachers and volunteers from other states,” said Deborah. “This conference exposed us to different aspects of agriculture and we became aware of many local resources that will help us teach our students about the importance of agriculture,” said Buddy, one of two ag teachers at Turkey Creek. Prior to his current position, he was a special needs teacher at Turkey Creek for a decade. Teaching at Turkey Creed Middle School is somewhat of a homecoming for Buddy since he attended the school as a youngster.

Deborah is an Exceptional Student Education specialist at Turkey Creek, overseeing the entire special education depart-ment. Growing up, both were involved in FFA and 4-H and that has continued with their children, Brittany, 18, and Jesse 16. A recent graduate of Durant High School, Brittany will begin her college education at Hillsborough Community College this fall and plans to major in Ag Education and business. The Coleman siblings are also members of the Antioch Critters 4-H. They both show sheep and recently returned from a show in Massachusetts where they not only exhibited, but also bought several sheep for their farm north of Plant City.

During the conference the Coleman’s participated in a field trip to the Adam’s Ranch near Ft. Pierce and another to Larson’s Dairy. “That trip gave us both first hand appreciation for the role and importance of good land management,” said Deborah. “It also helped reaffirm what we already knew and that is farmers

are really protectors of the land and our natural resources since their livelihood depends on it.”

The conference also showed teachers how they can use agricul-ture to engage their students in al-most every subject area, from math and science to language arts and nutrition. In addition to workshops and tours, there was an exhibit hall with displays from across the U.S. that showcased the many organiza-tions that work together to help teachers bring agriculture into their classrooms. Exhibitors provided attendees with stacks of lesson plan materials for use back at their classrooms.

For more information on Florida Ag in the Classroom, visit www.flagintheclassroom.com.

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Dear In the Field Readers,Wow! What a year it has already been. I’m pumped up to get

this year rolling and moving down the road. We already have a ton of material for Florida FFA members. We are trying to get new things that our members have never seen before. The Florida FFA state officer team has already gone through training at NLCSO in Peachtree, Georgia, as well as BLAST off in Gainesville. I never expected it to start off so great and can’t tell you enough how honored I am to be serving Florida FFA members with seven other great individuals. We are able to meld to form one dynamic officer team.

Life throws you curve balls but that is what helps us grow as a person...know that there is always a helping hand and a good ear to listen to help with issues that arise over the year. No one is perfect so don’t be afraid to ask for help because those that need help will always get it. No matter what I have done in my life, I have found that friends are always what keep me down to earth. Keep them close and you will find how much they really

mean to you. I have found that a friend can come in unexpected ways, so don’t judge a book by the cover.

As the year gets rolling and you form your new officer teams, make sure you allow time for bonding so you can feel out everyone’s strengths and see how your team will run. Tackle this and you will have one incredible team. The chapter presidents conference is right around the corner and the other state officers and I are excited to kick off the first conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. As we close the chapter from History in the Making, we move on to “This is leadership,” we know that inspiration can come from anywhere and we hope that our theme will help spark new ideas across the state of Florida.

John Modrow, Jr.FFA Area V State Vice President

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On Wednesday, June 22 the crowd went wild when 18-year-old, Kaitlyn Gill was crowned the Florida Cattlemen’s Associa-tion Sweetheart at the FCA Annual Convention in Marco Island. Kaitlyn is a shining star in Florida agriculture…..one week prior to winning the Sweetheart title she was announced the Florida FFA Star Farmer and she was the Florida FFA Star Green Hand her Sophomore year. Kaitlyn’s other accomplishments include first place in the National Cattlemen’s Association public speaking con-test, second place in the Florida FFA public speaking contest, and Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association state officer, just to name a few. She resides in Ft. Lonesome on her family ranch, Lonesome G Ranch, in Hillsborough County.

What is a Sweetheart you might ask? Every year the county cattlemen associations select a young lady, between 17 and 23 years of age, to represent them in the state contest, held every year at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention in Marco Island. The FCA Sweetheart is always beautiful, however, it is her knowledge of the Florida beef cattle industry that earns her the title - not her looks! The girls compete in a rigorous contest while at the convention. They complete a written exam, which tests their knowledge about the Florida cattle industry, they are interviewed by a panel of three judges, they give a power point presentation, and answer an impromptu question on stage during the youth luncheon. These events give the judges an opportunity to judge the contestants based on their communication skills, personality, poise, and knowledge of the beef industry.

This year’s judges were Hoppy Kempfer, Marcia Lightsey, and Bill Sellers….they had a very difficult job! Kaitlyn competed against seven amazing contestants: Kayla Crosby (Clay), Dianah Enochs (Marion), Shelby Freeman (Polk), Kyndall Robertson (Hardee), Olivia Shelfer (DeSoto), Kelly Yarbrough (Highlands), and Cindy Young (Sumter). The court included Second Runner-Up: Shelby Freeman, First Runner-Up: Cindy Young and the Julia Parrish Spirit award (Miss Congeniality) went to Kayla Crosby. The Queen and first and second Runners-Up will receive a scholar-ship upon completion of their reign and responsibilities. The FCA Sweetheart is a beef ambassador and it is her responsibility to attend events throughout the year to promote beef to people not involved in the beef cattle industry. She also writes an article each month for the Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal to high-light the activities she has participated in. Being the Sweetheart is a once in a life time opportunity with amazing benefits – from travel-ing this great state to meeting industry and political leaders.

Kim Strickland, Lindsey Wiggins, and Suzannah Belflower provide the leadership for the FCA Sweetheart committee. They encourage girls all over the state to participate in this contest. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kim at 239-851-3896 or Lindsey at 863-673-5971.

Kaitlyn GillThe New Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheartphoto by Ron O’Connor


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Most young men spending the summer between their junior and senior year of high school are thinking about beaches, girls, and how late they are going to sleep in the next day.

But for David Walden he wishes there were more hours in the day to get things done. From planning trips to Washington D.C., to preparing for the National FFA Conference in India-napolis in October to helping on his family’s citrus and cattle operation, Walden has little down time.

“Well that is a fact [staying busy],” Walden said. “Sometimes I think I need a few more hours every day and sleep comes at a premium. But I love being involved in all I do and FFA is a big part of my life so it isn’t really like work.”

Tim Cribbs, Walden’s FFA advisor and lead vocational agricultural teacher at Durant High School is impressed with all Walden has accomplished.

“He is a guy that meets all the chal-lenges,” Cribbs said. “David is a bright focused kid and has all the potential in the world. To be elected president of the senior FFA chapter as a junior is a very difficult thing to do. But he has been a leader since junior high so it doesn’t surprise me at all the things he has accomplished.”

Being president of the Durant Senior chapter is exciting to Walden but the young man has his sights set on bigger goals.

“It has been my dream to make state president then national president,” Walden said. “I know it wont be easy but it has been a dream of mine since sixth grade.”

Walden’s path to agricultural star-dom goes back several generations on both sides of his family. Both his parents were born and raised in the area and the young Walden grew up proud of his agricultural roots.

“Our family keeps a 10-acre orange grove now for extra income and we have always had cattle on the [17 acre family homestead], “ Walden said. “My parents, grandparents and even my great-grandmother all live on the family property.”

Walden’s father Carney, a local native, has worked at Southside Feed for 12 years and mother Terry was a state FFA officer when she was in high school. It was only natural for Walden to get involved in the agricultural field.

As a youth Walden was involved in 4-H, then when he en-tered Turkey Creek Junior High School he began his involvement with FFA. With his joining FFA the awards began piling up. Now,

entering his senior year, Walden’s awards and ac-complishments are staggering. Walden has taken home awards in all types of categories including parliamentary proce-dure, livestock, essay, prepared speech, just to name a few.

One of the things Walden is most proud of has been his trips to the Nation’s capital.“I have been fortu-nate to be able to go to Washington D.C. a few times and it is always a great opportu-nity,” Walden said. “I have seen the sights a few times and still love taking tours of the White House, the Capitol Building and also meeting our representatives in Con-gress that serve the area I live in.”

With all he does in FFA it is hard to believe Walden has times for anything else. But a trip to a Tampa Bay Lightning game as a young child sparked an unusual inter-est in a sport still fairly new to the state of Florida.

“I remember my parents taking me to that game and I loved it,” Walden said. “I told my mom I wanted to play and she signed me up for ice skating lessons. After

that she signed me up for hockey lessons and now I am the as-sistant captain for my high school hockey club.

“I’ve heard a lot about how a country boy in FFA is a hockey player but I just enjoy playing,” Walden said. “But yeah I have gotten some grief.”

And if you think there aren’t any more impressive things left to know about Walden, the accomplishments keep coming.

“One thing I am really proud of above my FFA [accomplishments] is be-ing able to maintain a 4.5 GPA and also being a member of the National Honor Society,” Walden said.

As Walden approaches his senior year he is looking beyond towards the future. While a career in the NHL prob-ably isn’t in his future Walden plans to

attend HCC then transfer to the University of Florida to major in Agriculture Communications.”

“After that I’m not to sure,” Walden said. “The good thing about that type of degree is it can open lots of doors in several types of industry. All I know is whatever it is I do, agriculture will be an important part of my profession.”

David Waldenby Mark Cook


Kaitlyn Gill Named FFA State Star Farmer

Kaitlyn Gill, a senior at Durant High School and the daughter of Anthony and Debbie Gill was named the 2011-2012 Star State Farmer at the 83rd State FFA Convention in June. Kaitlyn competed against 200 other FFA members from around the State of Florida for this honor. Her Supervised Occupational Experience Program consists of working for her family’s cattle operation and environmental business, along with owning her own cattle. Kaitlyn also won the State Profi-ciency Award in the area of Beef Production. Her proficiency award will be sent to the National FFA to compete in the area of Beef Production against 50 other FFA students from across the nation.

Durant FFA Raises Funds for Joplin FFA Chapter

The Durant FFA members helped to raise funds for the Joplin FFA Chapter in Missouri that was hit by the Tornado earlier this year. The members set up a booth at the State FFA Convention held in Orlando Florida. The idea was to have FFA members that attended the State FFA Convention to drop their extra change in a bucket at the booth. The event was a great success. The chapter raised $1,200 that will be sent to the Jop-lin FFA chapter by the Florida State FFA Association. The Du-rant FFA Chapter would like to thank all of the FFA members from around the State of Florida that helped make this project a great success. Pictured are some of the Durant FFA members with National FFA Secretary, Landan Schaffert.

David Walden Wins State FFA Title

David Walden, a member of the Durant Senior FFA Chapter and the son of Carney and Terri Walden, placed first in the State Prepared Public Speaking event held at the 83rd State FFA Con-vention in Orlando Florida June 13 thru the 17. David’s speech was entitled, “Where are all of the Workers?” David competed against eleven other FFA members from around the state and will now take part in the National FFA Public Speaking event that will be held at the National FFA Convention in October. David was also elected the 2011-2012 District IX FFA President.

Durant High School at the State FFA Convention

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813-707-6506 Call: (813) 754-PETS (7387)1704 Walden Village Court, Plant City, FL 33566

At Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort, Dr. Layton’s team treats all the pets like family. Murray can’t wait to get inside the door and really enjoys his visits. Timberlane is a full service center with veterinary, grooming, day care and boarding services. We’ve used all these services and have been pleased and recommend Timberlane to all of our friends.Ken, MarDee & Murray Buchman


Please patronize these fine businesses in your area.

Hillsborough’s Growing Businesses

(813) 215-5544www.jonandrosiestreefarm.comSupply of fertilizer free with each tree purchase

As always$99 Palms(Any Size, Queen &

Washingonia)

Also offering Sylvester Palms(call for pricing)

MidState Tractor Parts, Inc.Tractor & Implement Parts

New • Used • Rebuilt702 S. Collins St. • Plant City, FL 33563

813-752-8010800-226-3510

[email protected]

New

Location

•CleanUp(Residential/Commercial)•Hauling•DirtWork•BushHoggin•BoxBladeWork

Tractor&DumpTruckWork

(813)918-1294

Outside Storage

RVs Trailers Boats

402 West Ball St

Plant City FL 33566

Open Mon-Sat 8am - 5pm

Mini-Storage of Plant City

813-752-0417

24 7 Access

To advertise your business in Hillsborough’s Growing

Business Showcase, please call Danny at

813-759-6909

BLUE BERRY PLANTS25 gallon producing plants, quantity discounts $18 each, extra containers available can deliver.813-967-5327

HORSE BOARDINGStalls and individual turnout, lighted arena and round pen. Owners on property. $300 full care. Call 813-610-4416

DIxIE CHOPPER x2002Quad Loop zero turn mower. 50” cut, good working condition. $3500.00. Bolens G154 die-sel tractor. 16hp, 4x4, 3pt lift, pto. Runs good. $2495.00. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOBILE HOME SIZES WINDOW SCREENSWe make window screens all sizes available in dif-ferent frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378

T1LL 4x8 sheet B-grade $14.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378

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

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

2003 MASSEY FERGUSON 43552wd, 85 pto hp, shuttle shift. $11,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

BLAISVILLE GEORGIA MLS#191458Prepare to love this well kept 2 bdrm. cabin with a Seasonal mtn. view. This enticing 1-1/2 story provides gas Fireplace. Loft, wood flooring, main-level laundry. Cen-tral air, Ceiling fans. Nottley River privileges, covered porch, simple, no-fuss landscape. Fish-ing. Call Jane Baer w/ Jane Baer Realty. 1-800-820-7829

MASSEY FERGUSON 2300L4X4 w/ loader, 277 hours, 22.5 hp. $7,000. Call Robby 863-537-1345

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

WANTED 15-50 ACRES Plant City radius 10 miles burned out orange grove ok. Road frontage not necessary. Prefer private setting. 813-986-9141 H. Lee

BAD BOY AOSZero turn, 60”cut, 35hp, Cat diesel engine, 215 hrs. $6,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722.

NEW HOLLAND TC29 TRACTOR / LOADER 29 pto hp, 268hrs. $13,000 (UT6406) Ask for David 813-623-3673

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

•••••ESTATE SALE•••••Large dbl. wide mobile home, partially fur-nished, 2/bath, 2/bdrm, large kitchen, huge living room, laundry room, front screened in porch, covered dbl. carport, utility room. Lo-cated in Country Meadows Adult Park in Plant City. Asking $24,000. Call Al at 813-763-2220.

BUSH HOG TRAIL HAND4200 utility vehicle. 170 hours, 24hp Honda engine, wind shield, gun rack, electric winch. $4,250 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

BOLENS G154DIESEL TRACTOR15hp, 4x4, 3pt. lift. $2,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

CUSTOM BUILTCracker Cookers & Smokers, any size. Con-ventional or trailer mounted. Call Paul 813-650-4921-Plant City

BLUEBERRY CONTAINER25 gallon pots, ready to use! $2 each. Call 813-659-1709

2005 ANDERSON TRAILER16 foot, ramp & siderails, hydraulic brakes. $1,500 obo. Call 813-659-1709

FOR SALE BLUEBERRY BUSHES27 gal. 2 ½ yr. old, just trimmed & fertilized. 1100 Springhigh, 1100 Sweetcrisp, 1100 Abun-dance, 500 Jewel, 500 Emerald & 750 Prima-dona. $25/ea pick up in Ona, Fl. Or will sell all for less. Call 863-581-6401

FOR SALEPless Road 5034, 2.66 acres, wooded wonder-land. MHR Conventional, 400ft. paved road frontage. $69,900. Owner finance possible. 813-478-1283

2002 FISH HAWK BOMBARDIER BOAT16’7” Fiber-glass boat with 2007 Trailer, 90hp Johnson Outboard. Center console, Bimini, live well, two-step ladder. $6,300 Call 813-758-3864

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

KUBOTA B5200 TRACTOR2wd, 13hp diesel. $1,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

DISCOUNT EqUINE SERVICE BUNDLECoggins, vaccination, teeth float. Call 813-752-0224 or 813-951-0118

NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS MLS# 209797Beautiful Country setting updated 2008-2009, whirlpool tub, Lots of wide usable porches, views of pas-ture & mountains, open Floor plan, master bedroom with huge master bath. Lots of win-dows and doors. Call Jane Baer w/ Jane Baer Realty.1-800-820-7829

LEESBURG LAKE FRONT HOME7 ac (mol), Lake Front w/beautiful sunset, 3/3/2 home w/det workshop/barn covered equip port, plus cabin. Dock, good fishing, skiing, boating. Small citrus grove w/variety of fruit. $595,000. Call Coldwell Banker Gamiotea Realty at 863-494-3600 or 888-494-4880.

ANIMAL & BIRD CAGESEquipment serving the fur-bearing & exotic bird industry. Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. 813-752-2230 www.ammermans.com Swap Nov 27, 2011, July 15, 2012, Nov. 25, 2012

COMPRESSED ALFALFA BLOCKS700+lbs $110.00 & 1300+lbs bales $210.00. Call 813-737-5263. Ask about delivery.

C L A S S I F I E D S

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDADS CALL

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


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96 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE August 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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in the field magazine - hillsborough august 2011

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