In The Field Magazine Hillsborough County June 2011

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

June 15–July 15, 2011

Covering What’s Growing

H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t yF a r m B u r e a u

®

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

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From the Editor

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau

54

Buying Fresh From Florida is a way to insure that you have the freshest food possible for your family. But that isn’t the only reason to buy Fresh From Florida food. When you purchase food grown in your state, you are boosting your local economy, helping local businesses and local farmers and ranchers. Every one of us has the capability to stimulate our local economy.

On a larger note, what can we do to stimulate the econ-omy of the entire country? This is a bit more difficult but it isn’t a new idea. It takes some searching and maybe even higher prices. BUY AMERICAN MADE! This way we keep money in our economy, supporting American companies. It helps keep you and your neighbors working, helps companies stay in business and it helps our country.

We hope you enjoy our feature article this month. Hill-sborough County Farm Bureau has long been an advocate for agriculture and educating the public about agriculture. This wonderful group of people works hard to make sure the voice of agriculture is strong in Hillsborough County. If you aren’t a member, join today! The benefits of membership are outstanding!

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

Until next month,

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

Sarah HoltVOL. 7 • ISSUE 8June

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

June 15–July 15, 2011

Covering What’s Growing

H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t yF a r m B u r e a u

®

Cover StoryPublisher/Owner

Karen 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

Staff WritersAl Berry

Sandy KasterJames Frankowiak

Kayla LewisSean GreenMark CookGinny Mink

Contributing WriterWoody Gore

Cover PhotoStephanie Humphrey

PhotographyKaren Berry

Al Berry

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?

10Grub Station

Sinigual

12Business UpFront

Lands Feed

18Fishing Hot Spots

24Rocking Chair Chatter

36Hillsborough River

State Park

44Florida Cattlemen’s

Association

60Robert Shupart

68Right Plant, Right Place

80Florida Limes

86Issues & Answers

92Advertisers Index

Hillsborough’s AGRICULTURE Magazine®

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1EPA-estimated 40 hwy mpg, 2011 Fiesta SE with SFE; 40 hwy mpg. 2012 Focus SE with SFE; 41 city mpg. 2011 Fusion Hybrid. commands, when it is safe to do so. 4EPA-estimated 28 city/40 hwy/33 combined mpg, SE with SFE. GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-5/10.

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No one has more carsthat get 40 mpg1.Ford offers three vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon. And they all come without sacrifi cing power,safety or smart technology.

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Plug yourself into the all-new Ford Focus. With available SYNC, never have you been so connected. Good thingthe Focus gets up to 40 miles per gallon hwy,4 because the Torque Vectoring Control and fully independent ControlBladeTM rear suspension will make you never want to get out.

And you don’t have to sacrifi ce power just to achieve over 700 city miles on a single tank in the Ford Fusion Hybrid,5

because the 2.5L Hybrid 1-4 engine and electric motor generate 191 net horsepower and 41 miles per gallon city.

So when it comes to miles per gallon, it’s all about Ford.

1EPA-estimated 40 hwy mpg, 2011 Fiesta SE with SFE; 40 hwy mpg. 2012 Focus SE with SFE; 41 city mpg. 2011 Fusion Hybrid. 2SE with SFE; EPA-estimated 29 city/40 hwy/33 combined mpg. 3Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. 4EPA-estimated 28 city/40 hwy/33 combined mpg, SE with SFE. 5EPA-estimated 41 city/36 hwy/39 combined mpg; 17.5-gallon tank. Actual mileage will vary. Midsize class per R.L. Polk & Co. 633 combined mpg. 12.4-gallon tank. Actual mileage will vary. 7Based on RDA Group’s GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-5/10.

2011 FIESTA SE W/SFE Package 2012 FOCUS SE W/SFE Package 2011 FUSION HYBRID

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- 40 HWY MPG2

- Up to 409 miles on a tank of gas6

- Better hwy mpg than Yaris- Available SYNC, seven airbags

(standard), integrated blind spot mirrors (standard)

- 40 HWY MPG4

- Active Grille Shutter System for improved aerodynamic effi ciency

- Torque Vectoring Control forbetter handling

- Available SYNC

- 41 CITY MPG5

- More than 700 miles on a tank of fuel in the city5

- Most fuel-effi cient midsize sedan in America5

- Fusion has better quality than Camry7

1EPA-estimated 40 hwy mpg, 2011 Fiesta SE with SFE; 40 hwy mpg. 2012 Focus SE with SFE; 41 city mpg. 2011 Fusion Hybrid. commands, when it is safe to do so. 4EPA-estimated 28 city/40 hwy/33 combined mpg, SE with SFE. GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-5/10.

2000 East Baker St., Plant CitySe Habla Español

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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, 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, Mike Miller, Brad Allsgood

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,Farm Bureau… what a mouthful… at least it is if you really

know Farm Bureau.When IN THE FIELD came to us this month and said they

wanted to do a story on Hills. Co. Farm Bureau, I thought ok, take some pictures of the building, and I’ll get a couple board members to give them a quote and we’re done. Nice and easy.

Nothing is “nice and easy” anymore. When I got to thinking about all that Farm Bureau is and all that Farm Bureau does, it turned out to be a much larger task than what I had originally thought. The issues that Farm Bureau defends are numerous: Property taxes, property rights, inheritance taxes, fertilization of crops and lawns, not to mention current battles over Numeric Nutrient Criteria and immigration.

Farm Bureau has stepped up to the plate for many individual farmers as well as property owners in general.

Yes, Farm Bureau is a membership organization, but anyone who pays their $60.00 per year membership dues can become a member. The small membership fee is a great value. It is used very wisely to help build good relationships with decision makers in our county, state and nationally.

A past president of Farm Bureau, Dale McLellan passed these thoughts to me from someone he met at a meeting where Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick had spoken. “It seems that Farm Bureau philosophies are not only with the Ag folks but the business people as well. I am a member of several business organizations, and for these privileges I pay dues and pac fees of about $1,200.00 per year. I wish I could say they have done as much for my profession as the Florida Farm Bureau. The next time I see a rep of FFB I will join.”

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the members, both leadership and volunteers who have brought us to where we are today. Thank you all for all you do for Agriculture in Hillsborough County.

You don’t have to be a farmer, all you have to do is eat to qualify for membership. If your neighbor isn’t a member, remember we are still the best value in town!

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

Jennifer DaughartyBroke & Poor Surplus

Building Supply

®

• Snake’s scales are made up of something called keratin, which is the same thing that our fingernails are made from.

• A mother pythons will coil themselves around their eggs and make their bodies shiver in order to heat herself up and keep the eggs warm until they hatch

• The longest snake is the reticulated python. It can grow up to 10.05 meters or 33 feet long!

• The thickest snake is the anaconda. The biggest one found measured 111 centimeters or 44 inches around. That’s huge!

• The thread snake is the smallest snake. It is only about 10 centimeters (4 inches long) and the size of a toothpick.

• Vine snakes are remarkable because they appear to have binocular vision.• Many zookeepers believe that cobras are faster learners than other snakes. They are able

to tell the difference between their trainer and strangers.• The ancient Greek god, Asklepios, was thought to be a healer of the sick and injured.

People would take an offering to the temple and wait for Asklepios to either come to them in their dreams or send his servants, the snakes, to help them. One touch of the forked tongue was all they thought they needed to heal them. The healing snake was the Aesculapian snake. The Romans would bring this snake into their temples rather than the Greek healers. To this day the Aesculapian snake forms part of the symbols repre-senting physicians and veterinarians.

• This would be funny to watch! The hognose, grass snake and the spitting cobra will fake death when feeling threatened. They flip onto their backs, open their mouths, and let their tongue flop out. And they will let out some smelly stuff from their anal gland. Nobody would want to eat it after that!

• A reticulated python, named Colossus, was the largest snake that ever lived in a zoo. She lived at the Pittsburgh Zoo in Pennsylvania. Clifford Pope, the author of a book entitled “The Giant Snakes” reported that she was 22 feet long when she was captured in what is now Thailand in 1949. Eight years later she grew to 28 ½ feet long. Her body was 37 ½ inches around and her weight was around 320 pounds.

• Vampire bats prey mainly on cows, horses and other large mammals. • Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the wild turkey, not the bald eagle, the national bird

of the United States! • Domestic or tame turkeys weigh twice what a wild turkey does and are raised on farms

for profit. • Most domestic turkeys are so heavy they are unable to fly.• When a bear ‘hibernates’ it is really in a deep sleep. It’s body temperature drops but not

drastically and it does not wake up... not even to go to the bathroom or get food.• Some snakes can smell with their noses but ALL snakes smell with their tongues. When

a snake sticks out its tongue it smells its surroundings.


Dear In the Field Readers,Summer has finally arrived along with scorching hot tem-

peratures, trips to the beach, the 83rd Annual Florida FFA State Convention, and FFA summer camps!

As I write this article, I am overwhelmed with a bittersweet feeling. As I reflect on the year that has passed since my first In The Field journal entry, and think about the rest of the years that are ahead of me, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. One year ago, God blessed me with the best experience of my life. I was elected as a Florida FFA State Officer last June and have had the time of my life! When I first zipped up my Florida FFA Associa-tion jacket, I had no idea what was in store for the year ahead of me. Since then I have had the privilege of serving with seven of the best teammates a girl could ask for. I’ve traveled from Pensacola to Homestead but am still sure that I’m from the best county in the state of Florida! I learned the ins and outs of the Florida Depart-ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and even learned how to show a llama. I will cherish the relationships I made this year for a lifetime. To all of the Hillsborough County FFA members that I have had the pleasure of knowing this year, thank you for putting your heart and soul in to what you believe in. Thank you for inspir-ing me. But most of all, thank you for being my friends. If I could

tell you one thing before my year of service is over, it would be: no matter what trials come your way, keep faith in God and follow your dreams with determination. With this, you will accomplish things that no one else can. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” –Isaiah 40:31.

While my year of service as a Florida FFA State Officer has come to an end, I look forward to continuing to represent Hillsbor-ough County and our agriculture industry. Thank you to all of the In The Field readers who have shared this journey with me.

Thanks for reading! Until next time, God Bless!

Nicole LilesFFA Area V State Vice President

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 July 3, 2011.

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

No FarmersNo Food

HOW IT WORKS:1. Must have completed application on file.2. Must make minimum feed purchases: Steer-85 bags (July thru Show) Swine-11 bags (November thru Show) Show Chow Fitters Edge Show Chow T100 or Show Chow Final Touch Moormans Show Pig3. Feed purchases will be tracked under exhibitor name. Must notify cashier of your involvement in the program at the time of purchase.4. 2 Steer exhibitor names and 2 Swine exhibitor names will be drawn at the conclusion of each show. Payment will be made as an add-on plus 6% at the sale.

APPLICATIONName:________________________________________________________ ___________Parents Name:_________________________________________________ ___________Street Address:_____________________________________________________________City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________________Phone: Home________________________________ Cell__________________________School:_____________________________________ Chapter/Club:________________Steer:___________________________________ Swine:____________________________Signature:_________________________________________________________________

Attention Strawberry Festival Steer & Swine Exhibitors

Steer Feed Pay Back Prize1st Place = reimbursement for 85 bags of feed2nd Place = reimbursement for 43 bags of feed

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• Land Clearing • Demolition • Drainage• Ditch and Pond Cleaning and Mowing• Mulching & Mowing of Heavy Underbrush

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In our ever-changing economic cycles of tsunami proportions with few plateau’s of solvent calm, it takes innovation and a lot of insight and talent to know how best to prosper a business.

The Sinigual Restaurant itself is, well, singular. Noah Webster’s definition of the Spanish adjec-tive ‘sinigual’ is “Not to be equaled; unparalleled; unrivaled; as in unequaled excellence.”

That definition also suits the goals of the man who, for the past two months, has been managing the responsibilities that come with wearing a chef’s toque while implementing unconventional manage-ment techniques as the new General Manager and top Chef of the Brandon Sinigual Mexican restau-rant, Scott Shaffer.

Any restaurateur who manages to succeed in this very competitive business for 26 years as Shaffer has (opening more than 18 locations from New York to Los Angeles) obviously has the “right stuff.” Very straight-forward about his business philosophy, he believes in being active in the com-munity and recently participated in a “Taste of Brandon.”

One of the cornerstones of his business aes-thetic is to support the community you expect to support your business by buying locally, which he does six times a week; with a special fondness for the abundance of fresh fish and green produce in the Tampa Bay area.

“We utilize our fresh resources and don’t freeze anything. One of the staples of Mexican cuisine is the avocado. At Sinigual, our signature is the table-side preparation of fresh guacamole made-to-order in a whimsical Mexican pestle-like bowl called a Molcatete, so we order about 50 to 75 cases of them a week,” he says.

Another of Shaffer’s principle beliefs relates to his staff; “When I arrived, everyone was so up-tight and afraid they might do something wrong. I told them the chefs and I will take care of the food, you loosen-up and just enjoy being with the customers. We want them to have a fiesta every day. If you’re not having fun at what you do, you’ll never be suc-cessful at it. I can teach people how to make great food; I can’t teach them how to be human beings.”

It is easy to see these concepts fueled by genu-ine encouragement are already paying-off with a full-house and a smiling and attentative staff.

The social and truly professional aspects of the food service industry are in full-bloom at Sinigual as it brings a unique fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine mixed with unexpectedly modern sophistication.

Carne Asada is mesquite-grilled tender and juicy steak that has been marinated and served over citrus-habanero steeped red onions, exemplifies traditional simplicity with an infused “twist” of flavor.

Barbeque-happy Floridians will be surprised to find a sophisticated flair to Sinigual ribs. The sur-prise element to their Chipotle Ribs is in the sauce infusion of chipotle (smoke-dried jalapeño pepper) with raspberries and tamarind.

In addition to the trendy there are plenty of satisfying Mexican classics; including varieties of enchilada’s, burritos and taquitos.

You can’t beat the newly instituted Taco Tuesday’s. It’s finger food with help-yourself condi-ments at $1.50. Tasty chicken and pork stacks (all the flour tortillas are hand-made) will also be avail-able in the bar with a new cantina menu, and their signature luscious hand-shaken Margaritas.

Top off your meal with a combina-tion of the traditional, as well as, the thoroughly modern; heavenly espresso chocolate chip, vanilla and dulce de leche ice creams drizzled with chipotle-chocolate and cajeta (carmalized) sauces sprinkled with chopped nuts and a dollop of fresh cream.

If the energetic Shaffer sits, it’s with his back to the wall so he doesn’t miss anything going on in the restaurant. That regard is reflected in the upscale contem-porary Mexican atmosphere and in the quality of food served. It doesn’t feel as though it is part of a chain of 195 restau-rants. No cookie-cutter approach here…the place is humming; it definitely is fiesta time and not siesta time at Sinigual!

by Cheryl Kuck

Sinigual Contemporary Mexican Cuisine

Location: 805 Brandon Town Center – Westfield Restaurant Courtyard Phone: (813) 684-3917 Hours: Sun. - Thur. 11:30am - 10pm Fri. – Sat. 11:30am – 11pm Happy Hour: Full bar open from 2 to 8 p.m. every day, specialty drafts and drinks including Golden and Cadillac Margaritas with a new cantina menu and a new Taco Tues. feature.

Price Range: From $8 to $19.50

Catering Services: Business events–(800) 675-9629 Social events, banquets and buffets–(888) 867-8455

www.sinigualrestaurants.com


Antioch Feed & Farm Supply ............ 21Aquarius Water Refining .................. 71Aquatrols ......................................... 69Astin Strawberry Exchange ............... 99Bartow Chevrolet ...............................3Bill’s Transmissions .......................... 79Bingham’s On-Site Portables ............. 99Brandon Auto Services ...................... 99Broke & Poor ................................... 67Brownlee Citrus & Garden Center .... 77Byrd & Barnhill ................................ 50CF Industries .................................... 47Chuck’s Tire & Automotive .............. 81Cowboys Steakhouse & Saloon ...... 103Cowboys Western World .................. 65Crescent Jewelers .............................. 83Crossroads Produce .......................... 97Dad’s Towing ................................... 93Dairy Queen..................................... 91Diamond R Fertilizer ........................ 99Discount Metal Mart ....................... 84Driscoll’s .......................................... 83Dunn Chiropractic ........................... 67Eco Water Systems .............................8Elite Home Fitness............................ 69Elite Tunnels .................................... 13Farm Bureau Insurance-Valrico ......... 51Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner . 81Farm Credit ...................................... 66Felton’s Market ................................. 71

Fischbach Land Company ................ 85Florida Strawberry Growers Asso...... 63Forbes Road Produce ........................ 34Fred’s Market ................................... 61Gator Ford ....................................... 57Gerald Keene Plumbing .................... 29Grove Equipment Service Hustler ..... 73Grove Equipment Service Mahindra . 89Gulf Coast Tractor & Equipment .......2Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply ......... 14-15Harold’s Feed Payback Program ..........9Harrell’s Nursery ................................8Haught Funeral Home ...................... 75Helena Chemical-Tampa .................. 75Hillsboro State Bank ........................ 95Hillsborough County Farm Bureau .....7Home Protection Pest Control .......... 95Hopewell Funeral Home ................... 43I-4 Power Equipment ................... 30-31Jarrett-Scott Ford ................................5Johnson’s Barbeque .......................... 17Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm ................. 100Keel & Curley Winery ...................... 55Kennco Manufacturing ..................... 89L.I.T. Security Cages ......................... 27Lancaster Farms ............................... 91Lands Feed & Farm Supply ............... 93Lewis Insulation Technologies .......... 37Line-X of Brandon ........................... 96Loetscher Auto Parts....................... 100

Malissa Crawford, Coldwell Banker .. 73Mark Smith Excavating .................... 11Meryman Environmental.................. 77Mike Millison................................. 100Mosaic ............................................. 87Mya Matlie Hair Studio ................... 41Plant City Tire & Auto ..................... 99Platinum Bank .................................. 70Red Rose Inn & Suites Weddings ...... 33Red Rose Inn & Suites Events ...... 52-53Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ......... 104Savich & Lee Wholesale ................... 79Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ........... 39Southside Farm & Pet Supply ...... 44-45Southwestern Produce ...................... 23Sparkman Chevrolet ......................... 59Stephanie Humphrey Photography ... 96Stingray Chevrolet ............................ 19The Hay Depot ................................. 95Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort ... 97Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Cotón, Davis & Smith .................................. 87Uncommon USA .............................. 97Walden Lake Car Wash & Svc Ctr .. 102Wells Memorial ................................ 66Westcoast Enterprises ....................... 89Willie’s Seafood ................................ 50WinField Solutions ........................... 96Wishnatzki Farms ............................. 25Zaxby’s Restaurant ........................... 49

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Hillsborough’s Growing Businesses

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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 813-752-3378MOBILE HOME SIZES

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

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

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

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

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

2007 HARLEY DAVIDSONDyna Glide Streetbob with only 368 miles. Excellent condition, garaged kept, covered. Extras added and ready to ride! $10,000. Serious Inquiries Only. Call 813-659-3402

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

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

JOHN DEERE GT235lawn tractor. 18 hp, 54” cut $650.00. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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

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

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

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

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

1974 MASSEY FERGUSON 135Diesel Power Steering. $3,750.Call Alvie 813-759-8722

***FOR SALE*** HI CAL LIME OR DOLOMITEDelivered & or spread. No job too large or too small. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau. 863-439-3232

***FOR SALE*** CHICKEN MANUREDelivery & Spreading Available. Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau. 863-439-3232

MASSEY FERGUSON 4712005, 65hp,1450 hrs. $11,500Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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

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

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 July 17 & Nov 27, 2011

WANTED 7’ MOWERPull type, pto, rhino, bush hog or servis. Call 863-453-5325 or 863-368-1301.

T/A LARGE BALESWe have large bales T/A from Michigan for $11.00. Call 813-737-5263. Ask about delivery.

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

FOR SALEFlatbead Trailer 36’ X 8’, 2 axle, Good for haul-ing hay. Call Buddy 863-255-0516

HAY FOR SALECompressed Alfalfa Blocks & Round Bales of Coastal. Call (863) 984-2560

FOR SALE OR LEASE 2.66 ACRE NURSERYN. Lakeland with 1,000 sq. ft. frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019.

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 diesel tractor. 16hp, 4x4, 3pt lift, pto. Runs good. $2495.00. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

HORSE FOR SALEPalomino Paint, 14 yrs. old, gentle, Loads, new coggins. $800.00. Call 813-927-7370 daytime – 813-986-4859 evenings.

FOR SALEMuscadine and scuppernong, grape plants, vines. Seffner, Fl. 33584. Call 813-857-4586

1997 FLAIR FLEETWOOD MOTORHOMEExcellent condition 30FT w/43,000 miles, 454 Chevy Chassis, New tires, tinted windows, Central a/c, generator, queen bed. Asking $12,500 OBO will trade for Tractor, live-stock, land, etc. Call Da-vid @ 863-215-3498

3B/2B MOBILE HOME2002 model 3bed/2bath Mobilehome on lot in Lk Alfred. New kitchen cabinets and electrical. Asking $21,500 OBO willing to trade for trac-tor, livestock, etc of equal value. Consider owner financing. Call David @ 863-215-3498.

3B/2B DOUBLEWIDE MOBILE HOME1999 model 3bed/2bath doublewide Mobilehome on lot in Dundee. New floors, dead-end street. Asking $21,500 OBO. Adjacent is 1988 model singlewide Mobilehome asking $18,900 OBO. Will trade for tractor, livestock, etc of equal value. Consider owner financing. Call David @ 836-215-3498

FOR SALE 2004 DODGE DURANGOOne Owner, Silver, with 30,000 Actual Miles, Perfect Condition. Left in 91 year-old estate. For information, call Al at 813-763-2220

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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104 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE June 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

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12 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE June 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 13www.elitetunnels.com

Frost Protection Reduced Water Usage Increased 1st Class Yield Lower Chemical Input Consistency In Supply Chain

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Polytunnels

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Polytunnels

Helping Growers and Landscapers

It’s probably a safe bet that you don’t realize 84 percent of plant ma-terial that comes into the U.S. from abroad does so by way of the Port of Miami. Because of that, Florida’s subtropical climate and broad appeal to travelers from around the world, there is a level of vulnerability for new plant diseases here in the Sunshine State.

One group that is constantly working to protect Florida agriculture from new strains of plant disease are the members of the Florida Phy-topathological Society, researchers and scientists many of whom hold both University of Florida faculty appointments and Extension Service appointments. The society recently met at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center for its 12th biennial meeting.

“Our members represent the UF Department of Plant Pathology from Gainesville and research centers throughout the state,” said Dr. Aar-on Palmateer, current society vice president. “This is a great opportunity for our members to meet and share findings of their various research proj-ects. Much of what we achieve is a result of collaboration and our ability to meet helps to facilitate that aspect of our work for both existing and future projects.” Palmateer said meeting every other year is appropriate since it takes “a considerable amount of time for projects to proceed and it would be redundant to meet more frequently.”

In addition to UF faculty, the society’s meetings also attract represen-tative of industry and government.

Presentations were given in the areas of mycology (fungal diseases), bacteriology (bacteria-based diseases), virology (viral pathogens) and epi-demiology (disease forecasting).

“While much of this information is highly technical, the Extension dimension of our appointments has us taking this information and con-verting so that it is easily understood by taxpayers and growers in Florida,” he said. The sessions are open to anyone in Florida and the venues rotate to different locations within the state. Registration for the session was $50 and was supported by grower groups, chemical companies and various federal agencies.

The Florida society is affiliated with the American Phytopathological Society which has several divisions which hold their sessions in conjunc-tion with the state group. “The Southern Division, which represents the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean Division, representing Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Islands, have been involved with past meet-ings,” said Palmateer.

In the aftermath of the events of 9/11, the U.S. Department of Home-land Security established a National Plant Diagnostic Network with re-gional laboratories to help protect U.S. agriculture. “Each of our UF/IFAS labs in Florida participates in the network by providing current informa-tion to the network database, which is accessible to all participants in the U.S.,” he said. “This is most beneficial as we work to protect our growers from the introduction of plant pathogens and to be able to quickly react when we become aware of exotic pathogens.”

Dr. Palmateer noted the work that was done in conjunction with citrus canker, citrus greening and more recently laurel wilt, a fungal dis-ease impacting the lauraceae family, which includes avocados, a significant member of the agricultural industry of south Florida. “This disease has not yet reached avocado growers in south Florida, but through our collab-orative efforts we are in a much better position to prevent and combat the spread of such threats to agriculture.

“It’s important for Floridians to remember that any resident can re-ceive plant diagnostic assistance by visiting their local County Extension office,” said Palmateer. “Diagnostics can often be done at the location. Should greater resources be required, it is available at one of our four diag-nostic clinics in the state, by mail or the website http://fpdn.ifas.ufl.edu.”

Growers can avail themselves of diagnostic services available at GCREC. For more information on Extension plant diagnostic services visit http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu or call 813-744-5519. Commer-cial growers may contact GCREC via the web at http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu or by calling 813-634-0000.

by Jim Frankowiak


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16 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE www.InTheFieldMagazine.com www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 17

1401 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd • Plant City, FL813-759-0009

www.JohnsonBarbeque.com

We don’t often think of Florida when we think of cowboys and cattlemen, but the Sunshine State has a hardworking tradition in the cattle industry. Just ask Patrick Thomas, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board Member and son-in-law to Florida cattleman Dennis Carlton, “I’m married for three years now. My wife Melissa and I have a two-year old boy and a six-month old boy, named Tucker and Trent.”

Working for and being a part of the Carlton family is a “blessing,” Patrick says, as he gets to wake up every day and do the kind of work he loves. “Not everybody can say that, that’s for sure. ” A typical week for Patrick usually begins at 7:00 am, sometimes with a meeting at the Carlton’s spread in Dover, Florida. Lined with orange groves and beautiful tall live oaks, the winding drive to the horse stables is like finding an oasis in the middle of Florida’s growing urbanization.

“This is where we keep the horses and dogs, and everything,” Patrick explains, adding Mr. Carlton has two big companies, Audubon Ranch and Carlton and Carlton Ranches.

“Audubon Ranch is the Cone Ranch up off 39, it’s 12,000 acres, and we have approximately 2,700 head of cattle up there.”

“His other ranches, there’s approximately fifteen other places, from Dade City to Arcadia, and that’s what I focus on. I go everywhere.” There are two types of ranch work that Patrick handles; the “cow work” and patching fences, building new cow pens, burning underbrush and older pasture grasses that are less than nutritious for the cattle. He says you need to burn off the old grass so younger, healthier shoots can be used to feed the herds. This speaks highly of the dedication and genuine love of the land and the animals that Patrick and the Carlton’s have.

“About half of the year is cow work, because we’re on a strict vaccination program with the cows, and we have to get every cow up four times a year, that’s a big part of it.” Rather than working with dairy cattle, which he did in 4-H as a kid, Patrick works a true cowboy’s dream of managing open herds of beef cattle on horseback. Other important parts of the job include tending to the breeding program to replenish the herds, taking care of injured cattle, and assessing the calves

during the two breeding seasons per year.“We don’t use AI (artificial insemination) for our cows, it’s

all bulls, different types of bulls depending on the cows we’re going to put them with.” “We buy pure bred bulls, Brahmas, Angus, and Charlet bulls from breeders. The Charlet bulls come from South Dakota, the Brahma bulls come from here in Florida, and the Angus bulls are Jorgensen Angus.”

Growing up on a ranch around Riverview, Florida, Patrick, now twenty-seven, was always in the company of cattle. Working with his father all through high-school, Patrick then went on to graduate from the University of Florida, Gainsville in 2007, where he earned his degree in Agricultural Operations Management. While at UF, Patrick also met his wife Melissa, and began working part-time with the Carlton’s. After graduation, he came on board full-time, and has been “in the saddle” ever since.

As a board member of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Patrick is privileged to see a wider range of the agricultural spectrum, saying it is “eye opening” to see how everything works in this great community. “When you are on a horse all day, or riding in a truck fixing fences, you have no idea of everything that goes on that affects your industry.”

The skills required to manage a sizable herd of cattle on horseback, with the help of herding dogs, sometimes includes roping, but as Patrick states, “If you can get away with not roping anything, you don’t. It causes stress on the animals, but sometimes it’s necessary. We don’t ever want a cow to get away,

they’re like people in that they have followers, so sometimes you have to put a rope on them.”

Being a cowboy definitely suits Patrick. He loves the lifestyle, the hard work, and being able to

bring his family along in the fresh air and adventurous places among the dogs, horses, and cattle. “I love

horses,” he says, “I ride colts for people, we do a lot of ranch rodeos, and Mr. Carlton has gotten me and his son,

Dennis Jr., into showing Appaloosas.” For the cattle industry he so enjoys, Patrick knows “we couldn’t

do what we do without them (horses).”Though the work for a modern day

cowboy is more complex and diverse than ever before, it still brings a strong sense of the adventure and tradition we all grew up with watching movies of westerns. As Patrick likes to tell it, “Simply being out on a horse, doing what I do, I am truly blessed.”

Farm BureauHIGHLIGHT

by Tracy Aiken


Summer means hot and humid days and June is no exception. Expect good fishing this month, but good summertime fishing has a price… it’s called heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Here are symptoms of most heat-related illnesses: unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry flushed skin without sweating. The important thing to remember is, they are almost always preventable by simply keeping the body cool and avoiding dehydration. If you or someone around you exhibits, any of these symptoms take immediate action. Keep in mind that if you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Call or have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. The following are Red Cross recommendations:

• Get the person into some kind of shade.

• Cool the person as rapidly as possible, using whatever methods you can, for example:

• Immerse the person in a tub of cool water• Place the person in a cool shower• Spray the person with cool water• Sponge the person with cool water

• If the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–102°F. • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, try to reach the hospital emergency room for further instructions. • Do not give the person alcohol to drink.• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Everything will be eating this month so plan your trips now and take advantage of good summertime fishing. Keep in mind these hot days can really dehydrate your body, often to the danger point before you realize what is happening.

Remember to drink plenty of fluids like water and sports drinks to re-hydrate the body. However, considering fluids containing alcohol impair your decision-making process it also imposes safety issues to yourself and others.

If you drink… do it “Responsibly”. Operating your watercraft and drinking alcohol equates to trouble. Like driving under the influence, BUI or Boating Under the Influence carries stiff fines, confinement or both. Marine law enforcement officers have no tolerance for boaters operating their vessels under the influence, so expect to be arrested and hauled off to jail.

by Captain Woody Gore

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

Summertime heat meanS careful planning


Tampa Bay Fishing Report Redfish: June produces some good redfish days around

the flats of Tampa Bay. The Kitchen, Simmons Park and Joe Island offer great starting points. Cockroach Bay, Simmons Park, Bishops Harbor, Ft. Desoto, Miguel Bay, Terra Ceia Bay, and Pinellas Point Flats also produce good catches. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering lots of water and once located they do not venture too far if there is food present. Bear in mind as long as there is food there is fish. Live greenbacks, dollar-size pinfish and cut bait work and are good choices. Do not forget the old standby… live shrimp.

Spotted Sea Trout: Trout fishing continues to remain strong through the summer. Search out deep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing, so check areas like the Pinellas Flats, Veterans Flats, Joes Island, Bishops Harbor, Piney Point, Culbreath and Cockroach using live shrimp and greenbacks free lining or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce large fish and an occasional flounder.

Cobia: Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They frequent markers, especially those holding bait, and also cruise the flats usually following a large Stingray. When fishing

markers, keeping a chum bag over the side should bring them running, not to mention large Spanish mackerel filling the bay this month.

Tarpon: Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry. From the beach to the bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs, found abundantly in the bay, are excellent choices for bait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. If you are into night fishing almost any bridge holds fish along the light-line, however, landing one presents another challenge, especially at night.

Snook (Season closed): Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially during weekends, it is a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook provided there is bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders, Snook lie in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand bars are also good places to investigate when looking for snook. Early morning flats produce well using topwater lures and live greenbacks always produce.

“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.

Preston & his snook

Tom & his redfish

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Expire

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201

1

Don’t Drive the Extra Mile—We Match Competitors’

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Southwestern Produce Company1510 Sydney Rd. • Plant City, FL

(813) 754-1500 or (813) 757-0096***All items are 8 pounds unless otherwise noted.***

VEGETABLE SALEFri. & Sat. June 17th & 18th • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Fri. & Sat. July 15th & 16th • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Call in your order today or just drop by and see us!

WALK-INS WELCOMEGive us a call to be placed on our mailing list for monthly notification.

Baby Butter Beans ............... $13.Green Beans ....................... $13.Pole Beans .......................... $13.Speckled Butter Beans ......... $13.Blackeye Peas ..................... $13.Butter Peas .......................... $13.Conk Peas ........................... $22Crowder Peas ...................... $13.Green Peas ......................... $13.Mixed Peas ........................ $13.Pinkeye Peas....................... $13.Sugar Snap Peas ................. $15White Acre Peas .................. $13.Zipper Peas ......................... $13.

White Corn .......................... $12Yellow Corn ........................ $12Cream White Corn 4# ...........$ 6Cream Yellow Corn 4# .........$ 6Collard Greens .................... $12Mustard Greens .................. $12Turnip Greens ..................... $12

Spinach ............................... $12Cut Okra ............................. $12Breaded Okra ..................... $12Whole Okra ......................... $12Sliced Yellow Squash .......... $12Sliced Zucchini .................... $12Brussel Sprouts ................... $12Chopped Broccoli 5# ............$ 5Baby Carrots ....................... $12Broccoli ............................... $13.Cauliflower ......................... $13.Mixed Vegetables ............... $12Soup Blend .......................... $12

Blueberries 5# .................... $15Blackberries 5# ................... $15Cranberries 5# ................... $15Mango Chunks 5# .............. $15Pineapple Chunks 5# ......... $15Dark Sweet Cherries 5# ...... $14Rhubarb 5# ........................ $10Fresh Peaches 25# box ...... $20

Fresh fromthe Farm to yourFreezer!

Eating at Home More?

Come See Us!

Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Baked Florida Grouper with Lime Cilantro Butter

Ingredients 4 - 6-ounce grouper fillets½ cup unsalted butter3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped1/4 cup lime juice1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg1/4 teaspoon salt1 pinch freshly ground pepper2 tablespoons grated lime or lemon zest

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Put the fillets in a greased baking dish. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add next 7 ingredients. Stir to blend and pour lime butter over fillets. Sprinkle grated rinds evenly over the top. Bake for 15 minutes until cooked through and meat flakes easily with a fork.

Yield

4 servings

Watermelon Granita-Filled Lime Cups

Ingredients 12 limes, reserve 2 tablespoons juice1 cup sugar2 cups water4 cups watermelon, cubed1/2 cup currants or raisins crushed ice, optional

Preparation

Cut limes in half lengthwise; cut around pulp of each half with a sharp knife, leaving peel intact. Scoop out pulp, using spoon to loosen pulp from peel, and reserve 2 tablespoons of lime juice for Granita. Set lime cups aside. Stir together sugar and water in small saucepan; heat to boiling. Cool slightly. Place watermelon in container of food processor; pulse to puree watermelon. Place colan-der over bowl and pour puree into colander to strain out the seeds; forcing watermelon through with back of spoon, if needed. Stir reserved lime juice and cooled sugar mixture into pureed watermelon. Pour into 13x9x2-inch pan; freeze until firm, about 4 hours. To serve, scrape frozen watermelon mixture with spoon to make Granita. Stir in currants for “seeds.” Mound Granita in lime cups; serve on bed of crushed ice.

Yield

12 servings


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Have you ever wondered why Fred’s Market in Plant City is so popular? I’ll tell you why! It’s because he serves the best grits in the south, that’s why! None of that instant stuff, only honest-to-goodness southern grits, regular and cheese grits. Cooked the way the Lord intended them to be cooked.

For you folks that don’t like grits, then don’t eat corn, ‘cause it’s one in the same. I was raised on grits and ate it for breakfast, noon and supper. There’s nothing better than grits with tomato gravy, fried catfish and hushpuppies.

I’ll bet Fred’s sells more grits than all the restaurants within a 20 mile radius of Plant City. He is running a close second to St. George, South Carolina, “The Grits Capital of the World.”

I discovered that grits lovers by the thousands gather in St. George, South Carolina each April to enjoy three days of ‘true grits’ fun at the World Grits Festival. They have a blast with festival events that includes a parade, special grits meals, arts and crafts, street dancing, clogging, a carnival, and you guessed it, a grits eating contest, plus a rolling-in the-grits contest.

This blow out came about in 1985 when it was discovered that the town of St. George consumed more grits per capita than any other place in the world. This 25-year-old event now attracts as many as 50,000 people in three days. I think I might get a bus load of local grits eaters and join their celebration

next year. Who knows, we might bring home the “Grits Eat’n Championship” trophy next year.

If you think the Grits Festival is unusual, then think again. There’s the “RC and Moon Pie Festival” in Bell Buckle, Tennessee every June. This one-day event is centered around eating moon pies and drinking RC Cola. You’ll find vendors selling different variations of moon pie dishes, including deep

fried moon pies. The festivities conclude when the world’s largest moon pie is cut and served by the

Festival King and Queen with the assistance of the Knights of the Moon Pie Round.

Each September over in Marlinton, West Virginia there is the annual “West Virginia Road Kill Cook-Off.” They have such culinary creations as squirrel gravy over biscuits or teriyaki marinated bear. There’s

one dish that everybody craves, it’s called “The Buck Stops Here.” For more information

contact the Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce-Road Kill Cook-Off. Maybe the Plant

City Chamber should send a couple of their winners from Pig Jam this year. I am sure Mark Poppell could find something to cook on the way up there.

Irmo, South Carolina holds the title of the nation’s “Original Okra Celebration.” This is a two-day event complete with a parade and an okra man! The highlight of the celebration is a street dance where every one does the “Okra Strut.”

When planning your winter vacation you may want to stop in for the November “Chitlin’Strut” in Salley, South Carolina. This event is big enough to be held at the Salley Civic Center and the Fairgrounds. They say the event attracts more than 50,000 hungry chitlin fans, who consume more than 10,000 pounds of chitlins. You’ll enjoy such fun events as a hawg-calling, the chiltin strut, and the chitlin eating contest. If you think I am making this up then go to the U.U. Library of Congress and look it up. They are listed as one of the entries to represent South Carolina in the “Funny Food Festivals of the Southeastern United States.”

In August I had the pleasure of attending the world’s first “Green Bean Festival” in Blairsville, Georgia. The center of the activity was held in the downtown square around the historic old courthouse. It started on a Friday night with a good old fashion square dance in front of the now famous “Hole In The Wall” restaurant. There were green bean dishes of all kinds. Linda Connell and Martha Wright of Plant City were there and even made green bean cookies that were served along with green bean tea and a special concoction green bean shake at the information booth. This event was a big hit, and they’ll do it again next year.

Well it was a slow day in a small northwest Florida town. The sun was so hot you could cook an egg on the sidewalk. The streets are deserted, times are tough, everybody is in debt,

and everybody is living on credit.On one particular day a rich tourist from the north was

driving through town. He stopped at the one and only motel, laid a $100 bill on the desk, and told the clerk he wanted to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one where he would spend the night.

As soon as the man walks upstairs, the owner grabs the bill and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.

The butcher takes the $100 and runs down the street to pay his debt to the hog farmer. The hog farmer takes the $100 and takes off to pay his bill at the supplier of feed and fuel.

The man at the Farmer’s Co-Op took the $100 over to pay his back debt at the gas station.

The owner of the gas station rushed to the hotel and paid the $100 bill for some of

his relatives that came to visit during a family reunion.The hotel proprietor then places the $100 back on the

counter so the rich traveler will not suspect anything. At that moment the traveler comes down the stairs, picks up the $100 bill, and told the clerk that the rooms were not satisfactory, pockets the money, and leaves town.

Notice that no one produced anything. No one earned anything. However the whole town is now out of debt, and now looks to the future with a lot more optimism.

And that, in my opinion, is how the United States Government is conducting business these days!

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www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 27 26 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE June 2011 www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

Well folks, I’m in Illinois at my cabin on the Illinois River, finishing some scripts for our second season of Dry Creek. It’s the cabin my dad left me with his little piece of heaven.

Nothing fancy, but dad wasn’t a fancy guy. His heart is the reason for Dry Creek. All his life he worked hard for mom and us kids. He never asked anything for himself. You could set your watch by Dad’s truck when he would come home from work. The reason I’m telling you this, is because he’s the reason why I’m writing and producing the television series Dry Creek America’s First Frontier.

Not to brag on my dad but this man knew right from wrong. He would grab your hand firmly when he shook it. If he said he was going to do something he did it. He always said when confronted with a dilemma, “I’ll sleep on it.” Then sure enough, he had a fair and sensible solution when the rooster crowed. I bet my dad sounds like some folks you’ve known in your life. I bet many were your dads. Trouble is, it seems like these folks are fewer and further between today.

At times my dad would go out in his garage to be quiet. I

asked him why every once in a while he did that. He said, “a person at times needs to be still and listen to themselves think.” With three kids that poor man had to do that. I didn’t under-stand it at the time but I sure do today. With how fast we all run it’s hard to hear ourselves think. Dad always said “enjoy the mo-ment, you’ll be surprised at how happy you can be.” It seems like there really are a lot of people out there left that have, as I call it,“a Dry Creek Heart.”

I’ve heard from so many people across this great country that are ready to get back to the simple things. Along with Dad’s memories and his way of being and those peoples’ feelings, we are all writing this series together. This is what Dry Creek is all about, what has lain hidden in some of us. An Amish man once told me, “things change, people don’t.”

So I’m up here sitting in Dad’s old cabin writing about what my dad taught me and being reminded of what’s really impor-tant. Like I always say, “everybody knows where Dry Creek is, cause it’s inside each and every one of us.”

by Dry Creek America’s First Frontier creator Les Mc Dowellphotos by Linda Constant

The Heart of Dry Creek— America’s First Frontier

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Although the official first day of summer is June 21, the soar-ing temperatures and humidity the last few weeks makes it feel like we’ve been enjoying summer for quite some time already. The reason for our seemingly longer and warmer summer season is our close proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, the point on earth where the sun appears the furthest north latitudinally. In our case, the sun seems to be almost directly overhead at noon.

June is also the first month of the official Atlantic hurricane sea-son. Most Floridians know the drill – prune trees and shrubs to get rid of dead or weak branches, clean up and store items lying around the yard that could become dangerous projectiles, organize your hurricane kit with food, water and other essential supplies, and pray that we fare the season without damage.

If you did not prune your trees, palms and shrubs in May, how-ever, now is the time to get it done. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees and large shrubs and make sure that you have all the limbs and fronds hauled off so that they do not become dangerous projec-tiles in the event a hurricane should approach. Prune only the dead fronds off palms. Removing live fronds deprives the palm of essential nutrients and creates potential openings for pests and diseases.

The most active growth period for warm-season grasses like bahia grass, St. Augustine grass, zoysia and bermuda grass is during the long, warm days of late spring and summer. This is the time of greatest growth and nutrient requirements for these grasses, so it is important to apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right time. The University of Florida IFAS Extension fertilizer recommendations for turf grass emphasize applications of slow-release (controlled-release) nitrogen (N) in the summer. The use of controlled-release fertilizer in the summer helps minimize the losses of N because only very small amounts of N are released from the fertilizer at any one time (typically based on temperature and moisture).

Other important activities you may want to cross off your list this month include fertilizing your citrus trees, palms and cycads (if not done in May), spraying roses to control black spot, watching for lacebug infestations, inspecting lawns for insect pests, fertilizing

outdoor potted plants, and inspecting your irrigation system. Queen palm, paurotis palm, and king sago frequently develop

manganese deficiencies. Look for yellow, brown, or distorted growth on new leaves. Foliar sprays of manganese sulfate (not to be confused with magnesium sulfate) at a rate of one teaspoon per gallon along with one pound of manganese sulfate applied to soil will correct this deficiency on the next flush of growth.

Irrigate according to the needs of plants, as well as current wa-ter restrictions. Lawn grasses and vegetables may need 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water twice a week. Water the lawn when 30 to 50 percent of the lawn shows signs of wilt (blue-gray color, folded blades). Landscape and fruiting plants will suffice with one inch of water per week. A functioning rain shut-off device will override an automatic irrigation system in the event of rain.

If your vegetable garden has been harvested and needs a rest for the summer, consider solarizing it or planting a cover crop like sunn hemp. Nematodes and other soil pests can be managed by using the sun’s heat to sterilize garden soil. Nematode populations can be reduced by planting a cover crop of French marigolds, hairy indigo, or Southern peas.

If you are still hoping to plant a traditional vegetable, herb or annual garden this month these are your best bets:

Vegetables: Boniato, Calabaza, Chayote, Cherry Tomatos, Cowpeas, Dasheen, Okra, Peanuts, Roselle, Seminole Pumpkin, New Zealand Spinach, Southern Peas, Squash, Sweet Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, Yard-long Beans and Yautia.

Herbs: Basil, Chives, Dill, Ginger, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Sage and Thyme.

Flowers: Begonias, Caladiums, Cat’s Whiskers, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Cockscomb, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Ginger, Impatiens, Mari-golds, Melapodium, Moon Vine, Periwinkles, Porterweed, Portulaca, Purslane, Strawflowers, Sunflowers, Torenia and Zinnias.

Bulbs: Achimenes, African Iris, Caladiums, Cannas, Crinums, Daylilies, Eucharis Lily, Gladioli, Gloriosa Lilies, Society Garlic and Zephyranthes (Rain Lilies).

Gardening and Other Yard Activities During Hurricane Season

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

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” James Dent (professional golfer)



I believe the last time you saw my face in print I was being kissed on the cheek by our beloved Roy Davis…probably 15 years ago.

Some may have wondered, “Whatever happened to that girl?” Well, in short, A LOT. After being a member of the Strawberry Fes-tival Queen’s Court, Miss Florida Agriculture, State FFA Vice President and National FFA Vice President, I sort of leapt “off the grid.” Because many of the readers of “In The Field” watched me grow up from Turkey Creek Junior High to riding the FFA train to the end of the line, I feel I can be candid in sharing a bit of my story on this page.

I suppose I could start with the good part- where I am now. I live in Jacksonville Beach, own a rewarding family wealth and risk management business, travel around the world serving God and my clients, am mar-ried to a great guy named Kenny, and surf and mountain bike as much as possible.

However, the tumultuous journey I took to get to the good part is what made me who I am. Let me start by saying I would not change a thing.

To an outsider, my life after FFA might seem idyllic. I traveled around the world for months at a time, earned a Masters degree from UF and started my Ph.D. I did just about everything from the second highest bungee jump in the world to surf Tahiti.

To my family, it was a painful movie they couldn’t fast forward or pause or much less, reverse. They had to just sit and watch it. The truth is, I was running. Running from expectations I could never live up to…mostly

self-imposed, pressure cooker of a seemingly perfect life. Transitioning into the mediocrity of college life was debilitating. To me, “nor-mal” was wearing pressed shirts and polished shoes, never having a bad hair day or other-wise, never laughing at a joke because, let’s face it, jokes are either inappropriate or not funny. To my new peers, “normal” consisted of wear-ing pj’s to class, vacillating between drunk and hung over, and doing just enough to not get a D. Needless to say, the transition proved to be slightly more than difficult for me.

A few confessions: I used my National FFA Officer scholarship to buy a yellow cor-vette. I had to call my wonderful Farm Bureau agent, Jeff Sumner, to ask him how the DUI I got (while on the IFAS Academic Team no doubt) would affect my insurance rates. More than once, my parents drove to Gainesville to ensure I would live to see another day - liter-ally. I don’t consider these truths as badges of honor. But I know nothing is wasted if I let God use it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been surprised by a person or a circumstance. Probably because odds are, I’ve lived it.

God took me to a beach in Bora Bora, the place I’d heard in a Jimmy Buffett song was the farthest from anywhere, to show me the com-mon denominator to all my problems was, in fact, me. You see, I had reached my elusive destination. Much to my dismay, I didn’t feel a bit better. So like Forrest Gump, I turned around and went back home… with a tongue ring. Mom, Dad and Jill were not impressed.

I wish I could say it got better when I got home (Gainesville). Instead, it got worse.

Much, much worse. Those experiences are to be shared with utmost discretion. Crescent Beach, just south of St. Augustine, became my respite. That’s how I found the great little town where I live now.

Last year proved to be one of pivotal firsts. First time back to The Strawberry Festi-val and National FFA Convention in 15 years, first time really feeling like I’d earned my seat at the proverbial “I’ve landed on my feet” table, first time I felt like my spirit was truly healed and cleansed of all the crap. First time I could really hold my head up and look people I hadn’t seen in a long time in the eyes, instead of ducking behind an aisle or sheepishly turn-ing to avoid them. In fact, I have seen a few of you and done this. But not anymore.

So, aside from my career, what gives me well-being?

I’m part of the small exploratory team for Act4Nations, a mission group dedicated to sharing the gospel, particularly to women and children. I help prepare the way for mission teams to come in by setting up travel logistics, meeting with our partner organizations, mak-ing the trip as cost effective as possible, trans-lating when necessary, and raising money to support missionaries. This year we’ve set up conferences in China and will be setting up others in South Africa.

We are in the preliminary stages of work-ing with the National FFA Organization to establish a re-entry program for National Of-ficers helping them step off the pedestal down to real life.

A Few

Confessionsby Trisha Bailey


This year, going back to National Con-vention was an eye-opener in many ways. I thought when I walked into the PNO (Past National Officer) events, I would be stepping into rooms full of hundreds of super high over-achievers, happy, successful, got it all together. I thought my team had all kept in touch and I was the only wayward soldier go-ing back for our 15-year reunion who was too messed up in the head to stay connected.

Nothing could have been further from reality. All of us are in different stages of recov-ery. Much to my surprise, I was not the only one on anti-depressants and in counseling. Further, there were never more than 30 PNOs at the events, and it’s a stretch to say there were that many. In speaking to PNOs from other teams before mine, it is clear that we have an epidemic on our hands. So, we are working to provide support so these young people don’t waste post-FFA opportunities because they don’t even know that a transition to real life is inevitable, much less how to navigate it.

This summer, I’m leading a group of Col-legiate FFA members to Rwanda as part of the FFA GO: Africa program. We’ll be bringing sustainable farming techniques and informa-tion to villages in partnership with existing initiatives.

Kenny and I got married six years ago. He was raised in Pensacola and we met at a

piano bar. Yes, that really does happen! For the record, I did try to change my last name, but it was just not worth the hassle. At 31, I already had a full life and identity and it didn’t matter to him anyway.

For fun, I surf and do adventure races, which are sort-of like several hour long, off-road triathlons, with mountain biking, kayak-ing, trekking with a compass, rappelling, ropes courses and other surprises. I don’t do them to win, I do them to finish. I have yet to do a race in which I didn’t learn a powerful lesson to apply to life. I hear God most clearly when I’m at my weakest. And after six or eight hours of physical and mental exertion, I’m usually pretty weak.

So, for those who have wondered, “What-ever happened to that girl?” By the grace of God, I am alive and well. Don’t have kids, but I have four nephews I take good care of in hopes one of them will have mercy on their old Aunt Trisha. I come home to Plant City every other month or so and there is still no greater feeling than driving down the road to my parent’s house - wherever it may be. I have learned to relish consistent joy versus sporadic happiness. •

Naturally Amazing ActivitiesBuild an anemometer

by Sean Green

Hurricane season is here once again and with it comes tropical storms and sometimes pretty high winds even without a hurricane. An anemometer is an instrument used to measure the speed of the wind. There are many types of anemometers, for example, windmill anemometers that look like rockets with a propeller, sonic anemometers that look like an antenna, the classic weather vane with the rooster and the arrow measures wind direction, but is mostly ornamental. Some scientific weather vanes have a cup anemometer attached to the weather vane to measure wind speed. This month we will construct our own cup anemometer. Though not as accurate as those that are used by weather forecasters, this project will illustrate the concept of approximating wind speed.

USing yoUr AnemomeTer:Mark one of the cups with a marker so it is easy to see,

when the wind spins the cups around, count how many times your marked cup goes around in one minute to estimate the wind speed in miles per hour. For example, if the marked cup spins 10 times in one minute, the wind speed is approxi-mately ten miles per hour.

mATeriAlS:• 5 Styrofoam cups• 2 Straight plastic straws (any color)• 1 push pin• 1 Pencil with eraser (larger the eraser, the better)• Paper Hole Punch• A stapler• A pad of paper (to record wind “speeds”)• A marker (to write on a cup)

Step 1: Punch a hole in each of four cups (about a half inch below the rim)

Step 2: Punch a hole in the bottom of the fifth cup (base cup), and four holes evenly spaced around the top edge (about ¼ inch from the rim)

Step 3: Connect one cup to each of the two straws, securing the cup to the inside of the straw with hot glue or a staple.Step 4: Slide one of the straw / cup assembly through the top holes in the base cup making sure the cups face op-posite directions. Repeat the process for the second straw / cup assembly.

Step 5: Push the eraser end of the pen-cil through the bottom hole in the cen-ter cup.

Step 6: Push the pin into the end of the pencil eraser as far as it will go. Your anemometer is ready to use.


The seeds were planted early in the 1930’s with

a 300-acre donation from the Thomas family of Two Riv-ers Ranch fame. That was the beginning of Hillsborough River State Park just a little south of the Pasco County line in Hillsborough County on U.S. Highway 301. It is a breathtak-ing oasis of natural and historical significance enabling visitors to stroll along river rapids (Class II), camp, visit Fort Foster, picnic with family and friends or enjoy several water-based activities. The series of rapids is created by the river as it flows over outcroppings of Suwannee limestone. Other distinctive features in the park are cypress swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Commonly seen animals include gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, owls, bobcats and deer.

Later during the Great Depression the Civilian Conserva-tion Corps (CCC) established the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park and it’s been upward ever since for the park, which now comprises some 3,700 acres. The park opened

officially in 1938. There truly is something for everyone at Hillsborough River State Park from camping and canoeing to fishing, hiking and bicycling and having a great picnic under one of the pavilions built by the CCC.

Many park structures, including the suspension bridge, are examples of the CCC style of rustic architecture designed to be in harmony with the natural environment.

“The park is owned by the people of Florida,” noted Park Services Specialist Patrick Potts, “and we have worked hard to make it accessible for all Floridians. That sense of “ownership” is “often reflected as one generation introduces another to the park,” said Potts. Admission to the park is $6 for up to four occupants in a vehicle or $2 per person. Nearly 130,000 have visited the park within the last 12-months.

Campsites, there are 112 for RV’s or tents, are $25/night or 50 percent discount on the base camping fee is available to Florida citizens who are at least 65 years of age or Florida citizens who are 100 percent disabled.

Each site, which can accommodate up to eight visitors,

by Mark Cook

HillsboroughRiver State ParkEducation, Recreation and a Great Staycation

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includes 30 or 50-amp electrical hookups, water, fire ring and picnic table. Camp-ground amenities include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms and a dump station.

The Hillsborough River, which meanders through the park, offers anglers (with a Florida freshwater fishing license) the opportunity to catch bass, bream and catfish. There’s also canoeing and kayak-ing, as well as swimming in the recently refurbished pool. Visitors can hike (there are 7 miles of trails) or bike on several trails within the park. Some are accessible for those with special needs. Sorry, no ATV’s are permitted within the park nor is hunting. Adult beverages are limited to consumption at campground sites and not within any park public areas. Though a popular July 4th venue, no fireworks are permitted.

The Spirit of the Woods Poolside Cafe and Gift Shop is open daily from 8 to 8 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gift shop sells necessities, souvenirs and field guides and books related to the park and to Florida. Visitors may also rent canoes and bicycles at the shop. “Campers can purchase their basic needs at the shop instead of having to leave the park for one of the retail shopping areas in northern Hillsborough or southern Pasco counties,” said Patrick.

Fort FosterAfter Florida became a U.S. Terri-

tory settlers migrated in to the newly opened land, which created conflict with the resident Seminole tribes. The govern-ment’s plan to transport the Seminoles west to Oklahoma sparked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. In 1835, Fort Alabama was built to protect the bridge over the Hillsborough River on the trail from Fort King (Ocala) to Fort Brooke (Tampa). The fort was abandoned a few months later and destroyed by fire. Fort Foster was built on the same site in the winter of 1836 and visitors today can experience the reconstructed fort. Park rangers provide information regarding the history of the fort and tours, currently only on Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.).

Rangers also conduct nature walks, campfire programs, prescribed fire aware-ness and watershed awareness instruction, as well. Large groups are requested to make advance arrangements for educa-tional programs and tours. “We are able to accommodate student groups up to 100,” said Potts.

The park has a recreational hall and several pavilions that can be rented. If not rented in advance, the pavilions are avail-able on a first come, first served basis.

“Many couples have had their weddings at our facilities and our park has been the venue for family reunions, company gatherings and more,” said Potts. “The park is a safe, well-maintained place that appeals to families. And in this economy we are an attractive and cost-effective option for many.” Winter guests and visitors here for special events like the Florida State Fair and Strawberry Festival seek out the park and reserve camp sites well in advance.

The park has a staff of 26, includ-ing 14 rangers, and approximately 100 volunteers, who trade service in exchange for camping privileges. Potts, who oversees volunteer activities, receives 400 – 500 volunteer applications every year. “Those volunteer resources are especially impor-tant to both the upkeep and operation of the park,” said Potts.

ReserveAmerica, one of the larg-est providers of campground reservation services, ranked the park #1 among Water Recreation Parks and its #1 canoeing spot. It also ranked the park #5 for its Tours and Events, #15 among the top 100 U.S. family campgrounds and 30th among the top 50 scenic views.

For more information about Hill-sborough River State Park, visit www.floridastateparks.org. Reservations can be made at http://floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 800-326-3521. Online reservations may be made 24/7, while phone reservations are taken daily from 8 to 8, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

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It seems that bad news dominates the media these days. And no matter how effervescent your personality, a steady diet of death, disaster and depression can disturb even the most optimistic among us. Of course, life is a balance between good and bad and while perception is often colored by allegiance, reality is what we make it. Personality allows us to emphasize the positive aspects of daily life if we so choose.

Hunger in the State of Florida is one such issue. It’s easy to be numbed by the statistics involved. Double digit unemployment has taken its toll upon our popu-lace. Today there are 1.8 million people in Florida who are unsure of where they will get their next meal. Thirty-eight percent of those hungry are children. The first figure is equal to the combined population of Hillsborough and Polk Counties. The percentage of children is an amount half again the number of children in those same counties.

The good news is that our community is beginning to respond to that need. Two years ago, the fifteen Florida member food banks affiliated with Feeding America distributed 53 million pounds to the hungry. This past year, that number was 109 mil-lion pounds. Fruit and vegetables distributed two years ago was an insignificant amount. Last year, it was 20 million pounds.

A lot of quiet, concurrent activities occurred to turn the tide. More importantly, those activities are a groundswell of efforts designed to eventually eliminate hunger in our community.

The infrastructure was the first to change. Several of the food banks now have new storage facilities designed to fit the new profile of donations. Other food banks expanded floor space, particularly refrigerated floor space to increase their capacity for fruits and vegetables. Two years ago, Florida food banks had 78 vehicles to distribute food to the needy. Just two years later, that number is 129, and the number of refrigerated rolling stock is greater than the entire fleet of the earlier year.

In less than two years, the state’s retail merchandisers all developed a distribution system for their short date perishables through the state’s food banks. Today, Publix, Sam’s, Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Sweet Bay all coordinate wholesome but unmar-ketable food through our state’s Feeding America affiliate food banks. Two years ago, most of this food was dumped. Today, it is the largest single source of food provided to food banks, account-ing for over 30 percent of the total food distributed to Florida’s hungry through food banks.

All of these incidents provided the infrastructure to thrust the Farmers Feeding Florida forward to being the state’s food producers and those working to feed the hungry together. Farmers Feeding Florida is a program developed by the Florida Association of Food Banks and endorsed by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable association, Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual and the Florida Tomato Committee to totally revamp

how wholesome but unmarketable produce is channeled to our hungry at the local, state and na-tional levels. Those 15 food banks around the state service 3200 agencies from Pensacola to Key West. All are Feeding

America affiliates, which links them to the nation’s largest non-profit solely developed to feed America’s hungry.

Because of this unique distribution system, FAFB can handle numerous truckloads of produce quickly and efficiently. Their operations manager is Barry Draper, who held a similar position with GM

before joining FAFB. A single contact with Barry (817) 542-3040, puts you in his capable hands to place produce and provide dona-tion documentation for your files. Growers should ask about our package of grower incentives spanning enhanced tax benefits to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses to minimize the cost of giving.

Nationwide, fruits and vegetables are the best way for Feed-ing America to improve the quality of nutrition for the nation’s hungry. Within our state, Florida’s growers are a critical link to that end. At a recent eclectic gathering of food bank managers, growers, industry supporters, agency representatives, university faculty and donors in Columbus, Ohio, Feeding America exam-ined ways to triple the amount of fruit and vegetables (from 500 million pounds annually to 1.5 billion pounds) made available for the nation’s hungry by 2016. The participants brainstormed about ways to improve sourcing, processing, storing and distrib-uting within the system. There were 32 projects developed in these categories by teams all working to solve their part of the problem. The excitement level was palpable.

The folks at FAFB see that Florida growers will play a pivotal role if there is any hope of reaching the goal of a billion addi-tional pounds of produce. Not only is Florida a major producer of a diverse (280 commodities) buffet, it also produces at a time when little produce is available elsewhere in the nation.

FAFB has squarely placed their hopes for reaching this goal on expansion of the Farmers Feeding Florida program. Although Florida got a late start compared to the other major producers of produce (California programs exceeded 100 million pounds of donated produce last year), progress has been impressive. As noted earlier, FAFB distributed 20 million pounds of produce last year, up from insignificant amounts just two years ago. The or-ganization’s conservative goal is a 25 million pound increase over five years. That figure needs to be surpassed early if Florida’s hungry are to be served. This mission is as important as any there is. FAFB needs your help to reach the goal of eliminating hunger in your community, your state, your country. Please become a part of that solution. Contact www.fafb.org.

by Dr. Chip Hinton

Farmers Feeding Florida

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Many of Florida’s agricultural gurus were watching Tallahassee with eager anticipation this spring to see if Adam Putnam’s return to the Sunshine State as Commissioner of Agriculture would bring new excitement for Ag politics in Florida. They didn’t have to wait long to get their answer. The masterful project he orchestrated to wrest the Florida School Lunch program from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services umbrella was beautiful to watch.

If you only were privy to the final outcome, at 115-1 vote in the House and a 37-0 vote in the Senate, you would assume the transfer of power was a slam-dunk. Not so. Though the ulti-mate vote was a foregone conclusion, major shifts in programs are rare, and often bloody. The fact that Commissioner Putnam accomplished this coup with barely a whisper of dissent is a tes-tament to his leadership, credibility, and political savvy amid the backdrop of one of the most convoluted and frustrating sessions in recent memory.

While the verdict is still out as to whether the move will be successful, the reasons for the project are obvious. This will mean a huge shift in priorities for the Department, and hopefully, how and what children are fed in school. Adam himself said the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act was “a transformational move for the Department.” The vote effectively moves all school food and nutrition programs from the Department of Education (DOE) to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). But why would virtually every member of the state’s legislature be willing to risk the status quo for the un-known? What drove a notoriously conservative body to step out on the shaky limb of change in these uncertain times?

Most likely, legislators wanted change because the current system was in dire need of an overhaul.

Since the National School Lunch Program was initiated in the late 1940s, over 219 billion lunches have been served, enough to provide lunches for every man, woman and child living in the world today for a month. Currently 31.3 million children nationwide participate in the program. The program contains dietary guidelines to ensure one third of the Daily Recommended Allowances for half a dozen criteria, but decisions about specific foods and how they are prepared are left to local school food authorities.

Building on existing partnerships with Florida farmers and exploring new ones, the department hopes they will be able bring more locally grown wholesome produce into schools. If success-ful, this could mean a great future for grower and children alike since improving school nutrition can establish a foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Commissioner Putnam’s experience and contacts at the Federal level will be tested if he is to succeed in this objective. Historically, fruit and vegetables have been the ugly step-sister in

USDA’s commodity pro-grams. Some old-timers remember how hard it was to even get reference about produce in the Farm Bill some 30 years ago. They remem-ber the war our grower representatives fought to open the door for research and education in

later versions of the bill. They point to the fact that less than one percent of the food purchased in the National School Lunch Program is currently fruit and vegetables (largely apples). They note that the inertia of government has been slow to respond to market conditions in the volatile world of perishable commodi-ties.

It is also important to note that this isn’t the first attempt to improve diets for our youngsters through the school lunch program. Remember the Reagan era and the flap over the attempt to consider ketchup a vegetable? It will take an aggressive effort to educate the state’s school districts about both availability and preparation of locally grown fruits and vegetables if this program is to succeed. There must be a transition from the “open a can” mentality to preparing fresh produce. That will require linkages beyond the Department’s current staff.

The Commissioner’s goal of improving the nutritional plane of our state’s youngsters is much more than commendable, much more than the right thing to do. Success of this program is criti-cal to the future economic success of our agricultural community in the state of Florida.

Educating food service about fruits and vegetables provides access to quality nutrition for our children. That access improves health for our next generation. Exposure to good nutrition improves the dietary choices that generation makes throughout their lives … increasing the number of consumers supporting the lifeblood of commodities produced in the Sunshine State.

While the cynics may point to failed efforts over the years to improve diets, to buy locally, to bring small farmers into the product mix, one factor has changed that may make a difference in the potential for success this time … Commissioner Adam Putnam.

While we have been blessed with talent in our Commis-sioner’s office over the years, never have we had a Commissioner that has demonstrated the passion for this particular issue. Never have we had a Commissioner willing to expend the political capital necessary to totally shift the mission of the Department. Never have we had a Commissioner with the Federal experience and contacts to budge the inertia in Washington.

Moving the responsibility for the School Lunch Program to FDACS was only the first step in a long road to improve the health of our children and allow our growers better access at the School Lunch table, but with proper diligence and talent, that road is passable. With each success for the Commissioner, more and more Florida growers are becoming believers!

by Dr. Chip Hinton

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Watching the sunrise over the native Florida pines at Alafia River State Park, you are amazed as the orange light slowly starts to fill the eastern sky. Over one of the lakes that dot the landscape an osprey’s shrill call breaks the silence as he seeks his first meal of the day. You wonder what went through the minds of the many tribes of Florida Indians that walked the same grounds hundreds of years before. With Mickey down the road and the congestion of Brandon/FishHawk just a few miles away it’s hard to believe a piece of real Florida still exists so close yet seemingly a million miles away from civilization. Park manager Coy Helms loves coming to work and is thankful he gets to experience it first-hand. “Alafia River is the most unique park I have worked at and may be one of the most unique in the state,” Helms said. “The fact is it is reclaimed phosphate land and it gives off so many different characteristics that you don’t see in Florida for the most part. We have flood plain basin areas, upland areas and even large hills that some visitors compare to their parks in mountain states.” The Alafia River State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, but the two that are making a name for themselves are the equestrian trails and the biking trails. “Both of those have really taken off and we see new visitors on a daily basis that have heard about the quality of our horse and bike trails,” Helms said, “which tells me we are doing things right. Word is spreading from others that have en-joyed what we offer and that’s an important part of the Florida State Park’s system.” The day I visited the park I met Carol Valderamma of Brandon as she was wash-

ing her mountain bike. Valderamma was im-pressed with the park. “Today was my first time coming here to ride and I loved it,” Val-deramma said. “The bike trails are challenging and well kept. I usually ride the park at Bruce B. Downs but I will definitely be coming back here often. I wish more people knew about it.”The 20-mile equestrian trail is just as impres-sive and is shared as the hiking trail. Meander-ing through open grass flats, through canopies of scrub oaks and pines and circling some of the more than 30 lakes on the property, it is a horse riders dream. While known for equestrian trails and bike riding Alafia also offers several other ameni-ties. As noted earlier more than 30 bodies of water are part of the 6,312 acres park. All of the lakes are actually reclaimed phosphate pits left over from the mining that took place over the last 75 years. Looking more like natural bodies of water than man made the lakes offer the local angler an opportunity to catch tro-phy bass, catfish and several species of panfish. “There are some monster bass in these pits,” Helms said. “I personally held a 13 and a 14 pounder when the lakes were stocked a few years back.” Not all the lakes have easy access but many have enough room to slip a kayak, canoe or small Jon-boat in them. A few offer bank-fishing opportunities for those without a boat. “The campsite lakes get little pressure as they are open only to those who are camping over-night,” Helms said. “So someone looking for good fishing success should consider coming and spending a weekend with us.” One of my favorite aspects of Alafia River State Park is that the headwater for the south

prong of the river begins on the states land. Known by locals as Hurrah Creek and Lake Hurrah the water can be accessed on Thatcher Road. Several tribes of Florida Indians called this part of the river home at some point and many burial mounds were built along the east side of the river. Unfortunately the min-ing process and others left little of the ancient grounds although occasionally an arrowhead pops up from time to time according to Helms. Native Florida wildlife abounds at Alafia River State Park. It’s not unusual to catch a glimpse of a whitetail deer on any given day. In addition to seeing deer, turkey, fox squir-rels, gopher tortoise, bald eagle and ospreys are common sights when visiting the park. And of the American alligator, once hunted to near extinction the alligator thrives in the phosphate pits, creeks and lakes across the property. “We have some monsters here for sure,” Helms said. “In fact earlier in the day we had a nine-footer cross the road in the middle of the morning. That will get peoples attention. But it’s part of Florida. And that’s what I love about this park. You can come for the day, picnic in one of our pavilions, ride bikes, hike or what-ever. But whatever you may want to do, you are doing it in the Florida habitat that many have forgotten exists.” Alafia River State Park is open year round from 8 a.m. to sundown. A five dollar per vehicle fee applies for up to eight passengers. The park is located on Highway 39 South in the Picnic community. For more information call 813-672-5320.

Alafia River State ParkBy Mark J. Cook

Phosphate Operations “Helping Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

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• DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN: – Your family’s plan should be based on your vulnerability to the

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case a hurricane hit your area and share your plan with other friends or family.

CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT: – Gather necessary items for riding out a hurricane –

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• MAKE PLANS FOR PETS: – Identify which pet friendly shelter you would go to if necessary.

Bring animals in and make sure you have plenty of food them for at least a few days.

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Hurricane Preparedness


Last year I wrote a column called Growing Up about coming of age in the 70’s and 80’s. I got a lot of good feedback but also some suggestions. As I reminisced about things there were several parts that I had forgotten about. With that said I decided it was time for part two. Heck if this goes well I might be able to milk two or three more columns out of this.

Growing up in the Keysville area there wasn’t a lot of places to visit. When I was dating my wife, who was from the huge metropolis of Lakeland, she used to laugh when I said we were going to town. Little did she know we literally had to go to town. There were several convenience stores in the area however. In part one I wrote about Earl Allen’s country store on Nichols Road and how my cousin and I collected coke bottles to buy Redman Chewing Tobacco. Another favorite store was Cooper’s Gas station. The old building now houses Tim’s Café but I never pull in the parking lot without thinking about Mr. and Mrs. Cooper. Mr. Cooper, always dressed in a button up dress shirt and slacks, would pump the gas while Mrs. Cooper ran the register. A short round fellow with a balding hair pattern and wire framed glasses, you hardly saw him without a smile. Mr. Cooper had long neatly trimmed fingernails and would always love to scare my sister and I as he pumped the gas by clicked and scratching his finger-nails on the back seat windows. Not knowing whether to scream or laugh usually we did a lot of both. Mr. Cooper roared with laughter. Cooper’s didn’t sell beer, that was reserved for Prine’s, now 7-Star.

When we drove by the large parking lot especially in the late afternoons it would be full of men who had just gotten off work from Central Maintenance or the area mines, sitting on their tailgates smoking cigarettes and drinking beer I thought they were the coolest guys in the world. I told myself one day that will be me. Of course at the time I didn’t take into account the fact my parents, grandparents, aunts uncles and Sunday school teachers all lived in the general area and I would never get away with it. To this day if someone asks me to pick up a six-pack at that store I carefully walk around making sure Charlie Thornton, the preacher at Welcome Baptist, or my preacher, Barry Duncan, are nowhere to be seen.

Another local store we frequented was Steven’s, owned my Mr. Mitchell Stevens. Mr. Stevens was the nicest guy you wanted to meet

until you crossed him. There is more than one story of how after someone bought gas and didn’t pay for it Mr. Stevens would jump in his truck chasing them all over Pinecrest. It didn’t matter if it was five dollars or 50 dollars no one stole from Mr. Stevens. I can honestly say I never even considered lifting a piece of Bazooka bubble gum from any of Mr. Stevens stores.

Going to town usually meant Plant City. Ten miles north of where we lived, it was always an exciting day when we left our home turf for the big city. Ok, maybe not that big, but compared to Porter Road it might as well have been Paris. The majority of the time the trips involved grocery shopping at Publix. The Publix I remembered was where the current Save-A-Lot is now. Recently I walked in the store and couldn’t believe how small it was. Today you could barely fit Publix’s pharmacy in the old store. Next to Publix was Eckerd Drugs. Long since bought out by the bigger national chains, Eckerd’s carried nearly everything. From Epsom salts to bandages to Hallow-een costumes, Eckerd’s had it all. And in 1980 they even sold the Atari 2600 game system. Today kids would laugh at the simple graphics but to me, one who slipped nearly every quarter he earned into Pac-Man machines, it was a dream come true. The fact you could play video games on your TV amazed me. Our family was the first in the neighborhood to own one (that we purchased from Eckerd Drug’s) and I was a popular kid for many months. Of course I also earned a two-week restriction from the Atari when my folks found out I was charging my friends and cousins 25 cents to play two games. I still to this day protest that decision. Two games for a quarter was half what they paid at the arcade. Heck I was doing them a favor. Parents just don’t understand young entrepreneurs.

Looking back now I suppose you can partially blame Atari for the current childhood obesity problem. Before home video games kids had to make their own entertainment. From the time we woke till dark most of our days were spent outside. Our parents weren’t worried about sexual predators, murderers, or satanic cults and actually encouraged us to take off on our bikes for hours at a time. With no cell phones our method of communication was to call when we got somewhere with a phone. It might be three hours but parents didn’t stress like we do today. I barely let my son play in the front

Growing Up, Part 2by Mark Cook

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yard without my wife or myself being on the porch watching him. I wish I had my Dad’s easy way of not worrying so much. Not only did our Dad’s not worry, they sometimes en-couraged our dangerous expeditions. We had pellet guns by the time we were ten years old, built ramps to jump our bikes over ditches, and ladders were considered a form of entertainment. We were all push mowing our yards barefoot, shooting bows and arrows and squirrel hunting with .22 rifles all before the first sign of puberty reared its head. Most kids had or knew of a friend with a mini-bike or go-cart and our parent didn’t care if we rode them! Today my wife has a checklist before our son goes to visit people. Four-wheeler? Sorry, can’t go. Dog not penned up? Maybe next time. Firearms in the house without child locks and three forms of registrations? Hmmm. Sorry about your bad luck. Swimming pool without certified lifeguard on duty? Nope. Hey, maybe can come when he’s 35.

Now that I have reached the 40-year-old mark I am starting to sound like the old people I grew up listening to. You remember, the ones we all rolled our eyes at when they started talking about the old days. Many of those people are gone now and as Mr. St Martin used to say when reading the obituary before Ag class at Turkey Creek, “Son the older you get, the more names you recognize.”

Life was simpler then and I sometimes wish I could go back in time for just a day. I would go back to being four years old and half-day kindergarten, coming home and dipping my vanilla wafers in my milk. I would love to go back and ride in my Granny’s 1969 Dodge Dart with WPLA coming from the tiny mono speaker as we went to the cemetery to clean my granddaddy’s grave. I would love to see Smokey and the Bandit at the Plant City Twin Theater in the old mall. I would love to climb on my Dad’s back and pretend I was

a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. I would love to sit beside my grandpa in Mulberry watching wrestling on Saturday nights while my Grandma was doing the evening dishes humming the old Baptist hymns. I’d love to hear my Aunt Carolyn telling me all I was getting for Christmas was a bag of switches. I would have done better in school and have made my folks proud when I got my report card instead of watching them just shake their head. I wouldn’t of put my Evel Knevel stunt cycle in my sister Julie’s hair tangling it in the back wheel so it had to be cut out. I

would have let my sister Cindy pick Lady and the Tramp as the movie we saw as a family for the last time instead of being selfish and pick-ing Popeye. I wouldn’t have knocked my little brother unconscious boxing him in the back yard.

But most importantly, I would have hugged the necks of the ones who aren’t here anymore a little longer and a little harder and told them how much I loved them. But until they invent a time machine all we can do is try and enjoy life and not make the mistakes we now regret. And young people, when some old person starts talking about the past don’t roll your eyes. One day it will be you reminiscing about growing up. Trust me time doesn’t stop. One day you are 12 years old passing love notes in junior high and the next you will be 40 trying to figure out where the mortgage payment will come from.

And yeah, I just might milk another couple columns from this topic. I still haven’t written about Brandon Skateland, Lithia Springs, Jordache jeans, or blowing up model airplanes and toads with fire-crackers.

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AUGUST 6, 12, 19 & 27RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

AUGUST 13 & 26JOHNNYALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK &ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser!P.J. Leary’s Las VegasSounds perform beforeand after the show.

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Hillsborough County's Only Estate Winery

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813.752.91005202 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City

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Hillsborough County’s Only Estate Winery

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Most people associate Farm Bureau with insurance. While there’s nothing wrong with that link, Farm Bureau is a lot more. Here in Hillsborough County our Farm Bureau Federation is an organization that advocates for and educates about agriculture in a fashion that just gets better with the passing of time.

Florida Farm Bureau sets its annual goals each year and those become the targets not only for the state organization, but each of its county affiliates, as well. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau consistently rises to the occasion and meets or exceeds those annual targets. The “wall of honor” at the boardroom in Valrico gives clear testimony with recognition for annual achieve-ments in the categories of:

• Legislative/PolicyImplementation• PublicRelations/Information• LeadershipDevelopment• Education/AgriculturePromotions• Outreach

What’s truly amazing about the consistent record of high achievement is that it is accomplished with one staff member,

Executive Director Judi Whitson, and a group of committed volunteers that just continues to give of their time and talents year in and year out on behalf of the approximately 4,000 Farm Bureau members in the county.

The Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary grass-roots organization for farm and ranch families and anyone interested in agriculture, united for the purpose of analyzing their problems, and by formulation action, seeks to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement, thereby promoting the national welfare. It is local, statewide, national and international in its scope and influence, as well as non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-secre-tive in character.

It is a family organization with membership based on all family members. Farm Bureau believes in the American capital-istic, private, competitive enterprise system in which property is privately owned, privately managed and operated for profit and individual satisfaction.

The organization believes in a competitive business environ-

by Jim Frankowiak

Getting Better With Age


ment in which supply and demand are the primary determinants of market prices, the use of production resources and the distri-bution of output. “We believe it is the right of every person to choose their own occupations, to be rewarded according to their contribution to society, to save, invest, spend or convey to their heirs, their earning as they choose,” said Whitson.

“Oureducationaleffortsaredesignedtoreachresidentsofthe county at all age levels and we do that through a variety of programs and initia-tives,” she said. Volunteers take the story of agriculture and its importance to non-rural locations such as the Franklin Street Mall in downtown Tampa in Farm City Week activities. We created and refined a program called Ag-Venture through which 7,200 third graders from throughout the county come to the Florida State Fair-grounds and learn where food comes from so they develop an understanding and ap-preciation for agriculture.” That program was developed locally in 1995 and has been refined over the years to enhance its scope of influence in the county.

Ag-Venture consists of student tours where participants visit five stations representing differed aspects of agriculture in the county and each affords hands-on activities. “This program has had great success, but we would like to do more to reach every third grader in the county,” said Whitson. “We are limited by time, funding and volunteer availability,” she noted. “The fairgrounds and its staff have been most generous in support of Ag-Venture in a variety of ways from on site assistance to permitting us to store our materials and the donated use of some Fairgrounds facilities.”

With imitation a form of flattery, it has to be noted that there are now 20 Ag-Ventures throughout Florida. Whitson is currentlyinvolvedinhelpingtheprogramexpandintoPinellasCounty.

The county organization also fosters the development of futureleadersthroughitsYoungFarmers&Ranchersprogramand community service through food drives and Women’s Com-

mittee initiatives. The majority of Farm ProgramsinvolveotheragriculturegroupssuchasExtension,theUniversityofFlorida/IFAS, FFA, 4-H, USDA and Florida’s Depart-ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Working together and using one another’s resources helps us to achieve our mission,” said Whitson.

In addition to overseeing Farm Bureau outreach in the county, Whitson is also the “landlord” for the Valrico Farm Bureau-owned office whose tenants include Farm Bu-reau Insurance, an accountant and insurance agent, as well as the community room, which

is available at a fee for outside groups to use. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is one of the few in

FloridathathasitsownPoliticalActionCommittee(PAC)“andthat is especially important and helpful as we strive to advocate andeducateourpoliticalleaders,”saidWhitson.ThePACisoverseen by the local Farm Bureau board and candidates seeking support must meet with and address the board before any sup-port is provided, she noted.

Danny Aprile of Golden A Cattle Co., a dairy and cattle op-eration,iscurrentpresident.BillBurnetteisVicePresident,JemyHinton is Treasurer and George Coleman serves as Secretary. The board also includes Member-at-large Glenn Harrell, Amanda

Danny Aprile, Hillsborough County Farm Bureua President and Roy Davis

Working together and using

one another’s resources helps

us to achieve our misssion.


Mike Sparkman of Plant City is the new owner of Buddy Foster Chevrolet. The same level of quality service and vehicle maintenance will be maintained under the continued management of Rick Marra and his original management staff.

In 1970 Mike Sparkman founded Sparky’s Food Stores in Hillsborough, Pasco, Lake, Hernando, and Polk Counties. Eighteen years later the 45 stores were purchased by Texaco. Three years later he developed 26 new stores and in 2006 sold them to Circle K.

In October of 2008, Mike Sparkman bought Bartow Chevrolet. Both Zephyrhills and Bartow dealerships are under the direction of Chris Sparkman, Mike Sparkman’s son.

36822 CR 54Zephyrhills, FL813-782-1538

Collins,RoyDavis,DavidDrawdy,JimDyer,AlvinFutch,StefanKatzaras,JoeKeel,GregLehman,KennethParker,JakeRaburn,MartyTanner,JamesTew,PatrickThomas,MichelleWilliamsonandRayWood.Eachservesatwo-yearterm.

“An important part of what we do is to monitor pend-ing rules and regulations at the local, state and federal levels as they may impact the future of agriculture here in Hillsborough County,” said Aprile. “Development of farm lands into residen-tial communities and various regulations definitely pose a threat to agriculture. We want to be sure those who pass and enforce new laws and regulations have an understanding of the impact of those actions on agriculture,” he said. “No one respects the environment more than farmers and ranchers since our livelihood depends upon good stewardship. Conse-quently, we will fight for those issues such as property rights and regulatory matters that relate to agriculture.”

Aprile also believes many urbanites don’t have a clear understanding of the importance of agriculture and its value. “Peopleofallagesneedtounderstandwhere our food comes from,” he said. “That means realizing the hard work, commitment and invest-ment that farmers and rancher make to assure that grocery stores will continue to offer a diverse and reasonably-priced supply of products for all of us.

“Many of us come from generations of farmers and ranch-ers,” he said. “We have grown up in agriculture and we appreciate this way of life. Very few in this business see it as a path to riches, but we love this way of life and want to preserve it,” said Aprile.

Current challenges range from economics and low pricing to increased costs for fuel and feed, as well as new restrictions andregulations.“EPAhasissuesnumericnutrientcriteriaforthe waters within Florida. This is an example of new regulations that do not recognize the many years of work that the public and private sectors have done to protect and preserve our Florida waters. We are essentially being penalized for what we have done in the past in this regard, which is superior to that of any other state. These criteria pose a severe danger to agriculture in Florida since compliance will force us to raise prices that will take us out of competition.”

“The impact of rising corn prices is another issue that has our attention and concern,” he said. “More and more corn is

going into the production of ethanol and the cost per bushel is rising. That has a direct impact on the cost of feed for our cattle and dairy farmers and also the cost of other corn-based items. However, there is no balance between the rising cost of corn and reduction in fuel costs. This is another issue which Farm Bureau must address through education and advocacy. It is a definite and growing threat.”

“We are proud of our record of achievement on behalf of agriculture, and owe a sincere depth of gratitude to our most generous member volunteers,” said Aprile. “It is their com-mitment and Judi’s efforts that have enabled us to consistently perform at high levels.”

For more information about Hillsborough County Farm Bureau,visithttp://hcfarmbureau.org.

Many of us come from generations

of farmers and ranchers...


Teenagers are full of grandiose career schemes. Many will tell you they’re going to be sports superstars, doctors or lawyers, but when graduation hits them, very few actively pursue those fleeting dreams. Seventeen year old Robert Shupert is the exception to the rule, when he tells you he wants to be a fish farmer, not only does he mean it he’s got the experience and track record to show he’s serious. Robert attends East Bay Senior High School and is a member of Mike Yates’ aquaculture class. Perhaps calling him a member doesn’t do him justice since he also runs East Bay Aqua Trops, the school’s orna-mental aquaculture business.

Aquaculture has been of interest to him since he was “five or six. We had a 50 gallon aquarium in our house. My uncle worked at Segrest Farms and we have family friends that are fish farmers,” he explains. However, he didn’t get his first real break until Mr. Yates told him about a fish farmer who was looking for people to come help him on his farm. While Robert didn’t actually end up working for the man, he did manage to con-vince the farmer to give him and his friend, Cameron, some blue crayfish breeders “for a school project.” The man gave them 10 blue crayfish, 8 females and 2 males.

They took the crayfish back to school and started their business “inside an old school portable,” where they, “set up racks, cleaned up 20 ten gallon tanks, set up waterlines and a drain pipe.” Initially the two shared the work and started breed-ing the summer after Robert’s sophomore year. Yet, at the end of the summer, Robert realized he wanted to be the sole proprietor, so he bought Cameron out and he and his dad started doing it together. They switched buildings and cleaned 50-60 tanks. They raise the crayfish until they’re an inch and a half long and then sell them as aquarium fish. His position with East Bay Aqua Trops allows him to sell the fish he breeds through the school. Their number one purchaser is Dana Connors of Consolidated Fish Farms but Robert also sells his crayfish on www.aquabid.com.

Robert learned a lot of what he knows about fish farming and aquaculture in Mr. Yates’ class where he says he did, “the dirtiest jobs you can think of like maintain-ing McDonald hatching jars, fry rearing, cleaning out big vats and mucking out the aquaculture lab.” East Bay has 28-36 vats that hold breeder cichlids, and five or six that hold “fry or fish getting ready to be sold.” The school’s business makes about $5000 a year and sells anywhere from 50-400

fish a week, not including the one’s Robert sells from his own stock.

While Robert likes selling the blue crayfish, he admits that cichlids are his favorite fish. Recently though, he discovered a new type of crayfish known as the Orange Clarkii. He bought 20-30 of them and at the time they were only two to three cm big. Unfortunately, only 15 lived. When he started breeding them, “the eggs wouldn’t hatch. I could only get two to three out of what should have been 200-300. So I had to adjust the water parameters, air balance and temperature in order to get them to have babies. It’s been pretty rough but it’s been a learning experience.” He’s obviously learned a lot, based on his current stock. He has 36 breeder blue crayfish and 13 Orange Clarkii breeders. “In seller stock on crayfish I have easily 800 blue crayfish, 450 orange crayfish…cichlid breeder stock I have 2340 and in sellable fish I probably have 4500 and in my outside raceway vats I probably have 1000 red cherry shrimp.”

Robert’s willingness and ability to assess breeding problems is something Mike Yates has taken notice of. “Robert has a natural compassion for a career in aquaculture…Robert has this rare ability to notice and correct production issues through constant observation and manipulation of production protocols. One silly production error, a producer can be out of business. Trust me, he has experienced difficult situ-ations and has been able to return systems back to normal production.”

Robert recently joined the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society, which is comprised of hobbyists and fish farmers. His goal was to “extract information from old fish farmers about how to set up a business and diversify stock.” He says the farmers have been really helpful. Now, he and his dad are looking for a farm to buy to start raising fish from. They’ll be using ponds. “The school uses a recirculating system but ponds are a heck of a lot different. You have to watch air and vegetation,” he explains. No doubt Robert has the ability and desire to do that suc-cessfully. After all, he was a member of the “Aqua State Champ team for two years.” That honor “involves knowing 200-300 different tropical fish species, with both common and scientific names, 50-60 aquatic vegetation and being able to test water quali-ties.” He was also the fifth highest scorer in the state out of 20 teams of 4 people. If any-one knows aquaculture it’s Robert Shupert. East Bay High School and Mike Yates have a reason to be proud.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson signed a final rule November 14, 2010 called “Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida’s Lakes and Flowing Waters.” These standards also are known as numeric nutrient criteria (NNC), quantitative water quality standards detailing the limit of phosphorus and nitrogen permitted in Florida’s lakes and flowing waters.

The rules are intended to replace Florida’s existing narrative nutrient criterion, which states: “In no case shall nutrient concentra-tions of a body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of aquatic flora or fauna.” The final standards set numeric limits on the amount of nutrient pollution (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) allowed in Florida’s inland waters.

An impaired water body is one that is polluted to the point where it does not meet its designated use. As an example, a water body designated for swimming could become impaired if pollu-tion increased to the point where it was neither safe nor desirable for people to swim. A lake designated for aquatic life could become impaired if it became so polluted certain types of fish that previously thrived there were no longer able to live. As a water body becomes impaired, the existing aquatic ecosystem changes for the worse, fish or wildlife habitat is degraded or in extreme cases public health is threatened.

A 2010 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Integrated Water Quality Assessment found 1,918 miles of rivers and streams in the state – approximately eight percent of as-sessed river and steam miles -- and some 379,000-acres of lakes – about 26 percent of assessed lake acres -- were identified as impaired by nu-trients. This marked a three percent increase compared to the results of a similar assessment conducted in 2008. Nutrients were ranked as the fourth major source of impairment for rivers and streams after dissolved oxygen, mercury in fish and fecal coliform contamination. For lakes and estuaries, nutrients ranked first and second, respectively.

The Florida narrative stan-dard uses descriptive language to determine the point at which water quality is no longer supporting the designated use of a particular water

body. The language implies that at some as-yet-undefined concen-tration, it is expected that nutrients could be harmful to the water

body, and reaching these concentra-tions would cause the water body to become impaired. This type of nar-rative standard can result in a water body becoming impaired before the level of nutrients that cause imbal-ance is determined.

A numeric standard defines the maximum nitrogen and/or phospho-rus concentration in a water body that will maintain its designated use. However, determining a specific nutrient concentration in the water that protects the designed use of a particular water body without being over-protective is challenging since no two water bodies are exactly the same when it comes to the nutrient concentrations that will protect a water body from impairment. Also,

natural nutrient concentrations can be quite high in many Florida waters, such as those in the area know as Bone Valley. As a conse-quence, it is highly unlikely that just one number could apply to all of Florida. Creating appropriate groupings of water bodies that share similar natural nutrient concentrations and response charac-teristics is a critical part of establishing nutrient criteria that will appropriately protect the water bodies within the group.

A July 2008 lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice, representing the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, St. John’s Riverkeeper and the Sierra Club against EPA. The suit claimed there was an unacceptable delay by the federal government in setting limits for nutrient pollution; claimed that EPA had previously determined

that numeric nutrient criteria are necessary as described in the Federal Clean Water Act and further argued that EPA was obligated to promptly propose these criteria for Florida.

As a consequence of the suit, EPA determined in January of 2009, numeric standards were needed to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The federal agency also declared that Florida’s existing narrative criteria were insufficient to protect water quality. EPA then entered into a consent decree with the environmental groups in August 2009 to settle the 2008 litigation, committing to propose numeric nutrient standards for lakes and flowing waters in Florida by January

NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA:Three Words with Significant Negative Economic Potential for Florida

by Jim Frankowiak

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2010 and for Florida’s estuarine and coastal waters by January 2011. Final standards for inland waters were issued last November and will be implemented by March 6, 2012. EPA also committed to propose numeric nutrient water quality standards for Florida estuarine coastal and southern inland flow-ing waters by November 14 of this year and to establish final standards for August 15, 2012. While EPA is setting the standards, the agency is deferring to FDEP to determine how to achieve the new criteria to meet the needs of Florida’s citizens and environment.

The reaction to EPA’s new water quality standards, numeric nutri-ent criteria, for Florida has been substantial. The majority of the reaction has been strongly opposed to the new standards. This opposi-tion comes from both the public and private sectors, from agricul-ture, water utilities, the business community, local governments and labor. One group that is spearheading this opposition is the Florida Water Quality Coalition (FWQC), broadly representing elements of Florida’s public and private interests. The reasons for this opposition are multi-fold, according to FWQC spokesperson Cathy Vogel:• Numeric nutrient criteria are not science-based, but driven by

litigation• NNC standards exceed the capabilities of existing technology• Florida’s existing nutrient water quality programs are more

effective since they are based on scientific evaluations of the state’s varied ecosystems

• The economic impact of the EPA’s mandates to Florida’s econo-my will be billions of dollars, ranging from $3 to $8 billion per year for the next three decades

• Individual household utility bills in Florida are project to increase $700 annually

• More than 14,500 full and part time job losses will take place in Florida’s agricultural sector alone as a result of EPA’s mandate

• EPA’s NNC in Florida will serve as the template for the agency nationwide with the same nega-tive impacts taking place A number of those entities

opposed to the implementation of EPA’s NNC, the State of Florida among them, have filed lawsuits to stop the process.

“No one understands Florida water like our Department of Envi-ronmental Protection,” said Vogel. “Studies done by the University of Florida/IFAS and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have shown the impact of NNC on the state’s economy will range from $3 to $8 billion every year for the next three decades while EPA is suggesting just $126 million.

“We believe EPA must conduct a more thorough independent analysis of the science and economic impact of this rule before mov-ing forward with implantation or enforcement,” said Vogel.

“No one in agriculture is opposed to clean water,” noted local strawberry grower Michelle Williamson, who also is a board member of both the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. “We are opposed to the federal government telling us they know our waters better than our own state regula-tors,” she said. “Consider the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, an effort that involved industry, agriculture and government. That is a success

story that gets better every year. And it is just one of many examples of how Florida is addressing the matter of water quality.

“Best management practices developed over the years for straw-berry growers now have us using drip irrigation and fertilizing when

needed and that’s good both for the environment and our business since there’s no waste.”

“There is a national water quality data base with more than one-third of that data belonging to Florida as a result of our years of study and action,” said Williamson. “When it comes to water quality analysis and action, Florida is well ahead and it makes no sense for EPA to ignore that work or the progress that Florida has made and continues to achieve.”

“We do not want these new standards to place undue burdens on Florida’s employers, families and local governments,” said Vogel. “We

ask that EPA delay finalizing its nutrient rules until an independent review of the economic impacts and scientific basis of the rule is performed.”

On April 22, 2011, FDEP filed a petition with EPA asking the agency to withdraw its January 14, 2009 determination that numeric nutrient criteria are necessary in Florida, to repeal EPA’s existing rule, and to discontinue proposing or promulgating further numeric nutrient criteria in Florida. In the 32 page petition, it was shown that Florida has been a national leader in each of the eight categories identified in a memorandum by EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner. In the “Recommended Elements of a State Framework

for Managing Nitrogen and Phos-phorous Pollution” document she listed the following elements:1. Prioritize watersheds on a statewide basis for nitrogen and phosphorus loading reductions2. Set watershed load reduc-tion goals based upon best available information3. Ensure effectiveness of point source permits in targeted/priority sub-watersheds for Publicly Owned Treatment Works, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems4. Develop specific guidelines for agricultural areas5. Specify guidelines for storm

water and septic systems6. Implement accountability and verification measures7. Mandate annual public reporting of implementation activi-

ties, biannual reporting of load reductions and environmental impacts associated with each management activity in targeted watersheds

8. Develop work plan and schedule for numeric criteria develop-mentFDEP asked for EPA to respond within 30 days. As of this writ-

ing, the EPA has not responded to the petition. FDEP is holding workshops in Tallahassee and Leesburg this

month to begin the rulemaking process on the numeric nutrient crite-ria and hope to finalize the rule by the end of this year.

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In my last article, I briefly touched on all nine steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape. This easy-to-implement approach to create and maintain an attractive and healthy landscape which protects Florida’s natural resources starts with having the Right Plant in the Right Place.

Any plant can be the right plant if it’s in the right place. Several factors are involved and include selecting plants that require minimal amounts of water, fertilizer and pesticides, consideration of the soil type and pH, sun and shade, wet versus dry and mature size.

Water requirements: There are several ways you can identify the amount of water a specific plant requires. If you are purchasing a plant from a nursery, many have plant tags that contain informa-tion about the water (and light) requirements. You can access the University of Florida’s website: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu to secure plant specific information. Or, you can secure your own personal copy of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design by requesting a free copy at the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s website: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/publications/search.php?id=778. This spiral-bound, 100+ page resource includes information on the water, light, and soil needs of each plant, native or non-native, growth rate, height and spread, soil pH range as tolerated by the plant, soil texture and moisture, drought tolerance, light range and light optimum, salt tolerance, disease and pest susceptibility, wildlife attracted and the region in Florida in which the plant will grow. In this guide, we are in the Central region.

Fertilizer and pesticides: Fertilizer should be slow release. Quick release fertilizer may burn the roots of the plant and leaches through the soil past the root zone after an irrigation cycle or rainfall. Select plants that are not susceptible to pests and disease. Pesticides should be used to spot treat an insect issue on an as needed basis and envi-ronmentally friendly.

Soil pH testing provides the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the soil and a recommendation for adjusting the pH, if necessary. It does not provide information about nutrients, diseases, insects or nematodes. pH tests are conducted at the Hillsborough County Extension office every Friday morning, so samples should be submitted no later than close of business Thursday afternoon. The cost is $3.00 per sample. Ideal pH range depends on the plant. Other soil testing (e.g. nutri-tion, etc.) must be sent to Gainesville. For information on available tests, prices, and sampling instructions, go to: http://soilslab.ifas.ufl.

edu/ESTL Home.aspHow to take a soil sample: • Using a trowel or shovel, take 10 “slices” of soil (4-6” deep)

from the area you want to test. • Combine the slices into one sample which should equal at least

one cup of soil. • Spread the soil on a piece of newspaper and allow it to dry

completely before bringing or mailing the sample to the Exten-sion Service.

• Be sure to note what plants are growing in the soil to be tested (e.g., vegetables, citrus, St. Augustine grass, azaleas, etc.).

The results of the soil test will be mailed to you early the following week.

Sun versus shade: Planting sun-loving plants in the shade may not kill them, but they will not grow or flower to their potential. Conversely, locating shade-loving plants in the sun will cook the plant in short order.

Wet versus dry: Hydrozone your landscape beds, meaning you group plants together based on their water needs. This will improve the survival rate. If you plant Coontie and Azalea in the same bed, the watering requirements are opposite. Coontie is a drought toler-ant plant and azaleas like water. Planting these two plants together will mean only one will survive. And, consider installing microir-rigation which gets water where it is needed, at the root zone of the plants. Microirrigation applies water in gallons per hour as opposed to an inground irrigation system which applies at a rate of gallons per minute.

Plant based on the mature size. While instant beauty may be something you’d like, if you plant without considering the mature size, you are wasting time, money and water. You will end up over-planting and increase your maintenance time in constant pruning. The plants will be competing for water and nutrients and will even-tually crowd out other plants out which can lead to pests and disease.

Please note that if you live in a deed restricted community, you need to follow the existing approval processes prior to making changes in your landscape.

For horticultural assistance, contact Hillsborough County Extension, 744-5519, or visit at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Our website which contains our calendar of events is located at: hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

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Membership with the Florida Farm Bureau has many ben-efits for thousands of families throughout Florida. These benefits range from buying fresh foods, to discounts at theme parks and hotels, to superior home and auto coverage, to bank CDs. But the most important coverage is when we insure our member and their family with products offered through the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, http://www.sfbli.com/.

The Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company is focused to provide competitive prod-ucts and superior customer service to our Farm Bureau customers. Our company was founded in 1946 to provide our members with competitive life insurance policies and to provide the service needed for those policies. This tradition contin-ues today with our full line of products including Life insurance, disability insurance, cancer poli-cies, and long term care.

Southern Farm Bureau has permanent poli-cies with whole life, 15-year pay, 20-year pay, 30-year pay, single premium, and adjustable premium life insur-ance policies available. In addition, we offer low-cost term life

insurance policies providing coverage for a period of time, such as 10-year and 20-year level term.

Life has a way of challenging us with health issues such as cancer, disability and even long term care. While nobody plans on these unexpected and challenging events, it’s good to know that The Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company has options available to assist our members with policies before these challenges happen.

With such a wide range of products avail-able, how do I, as a Farm Bureau member, know what product is best for me and my family? The Farm Bureau has hundreds of highly trained agents throughout Florida who will meet with you, at no charge, and design a program best suited to your family and budget.

Farm Bureau agents live in your community, shop at the same stores, coach the little league teams, and attending the same church. Many of you personally know your agent, if not, call your county office today and introduce yourself.

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GCREC Staffers Reach Out to the Community Spreading the Word on the Science Behind Agriculture and More

For some members of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center the workday doesn’t end once they leave the facility. Their mission to spread the word on the science be-hind agriculture carries over into various com-munity endeavors. Some center associates also work to serve the community in different ways…to aid their fellow man.

Christine Cooley, the person you most of-ten first meet when visiting the GCREC, wears a number of hats. In addition to being the first center staffer visitors usually meet, she also works with the media and works to spread the word about the value and importance of science to agriculture. Most recently Christine and her daughter, Allie Manley, spent an evening at Lawton Chiles Elementary School at Tampa Palms on the city’s most northern locale. They joined with representatives of Tampa’s Mu-seum of Science and Industry, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and other organizations, many featuring interactive dis-plays to “help plant the seeds among the scien-tists of tomorrow.”

Cooley and her daughter invited attendees to take a close look at Colorado Potato Beetles with the help of a microscope. They also pro-vided more than 100 information kits to young-sters that were provided by Florida’s Depart-ment of Agriculture. “We find youngsters have a natural curiosity about science, and maybe our participation in an event such as this will mark the first step for a next generation scien-tist,” she said.

Becky Willis, a research assistant at GCREC with Dr. Gary Vallad, volunteers at the House of Hope, a shelter for the homeless in Bradenton. “It’s an outreach church where my son Luke and his wife, Ginger, work to meet the needs of those without a permanent home. Willis has been a volunteer for more than two years. “We address both the spiritual and tem-poral needs of those we serve,” said Willis. This includes church services and fellowship as well as providing necessities such as clothing, food and even bicycles.

Research Assistant Shawn Arango, who

works with Dr. Bielinski Santos, has spoken to classes at Brooker Elementary School in Bran-don regarding the science behind agriculture.

Dolly Cummings, a research assistant for Dr. Sam Hutton, is an 11-year volunteer at Ruskin’s Camp Bayou Learning Center. A fre-quent visitor to nature centers, Cummings has “always loved the idea of nature centers” and has been on of the core volunteers at Camp Bay-ou for more than a decade. As a community service and stimulus to Ruskin’s development of nature-based tourism, the Ruskin Com-munity Development Foundation (RCDF), in cooperative with Hillsborough County govern-ments, operates the camp as an environmental education and hands-on learning center. The camp, according to Cummings who is a proj-ect leader, occupies a 160-acre site in the middle of the Little Manatee River system. It is proxi-mate to the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and Tampa Bay. The camp was formerly an RV campground that was acquired by Hillsbor-ough County through its Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP).

The center’s mission is “to preserve a sam-ple of Florida’s original habitats, in the Little Manatee River Watershed, and to use this Cen-ter for the purpose of promoting appreciation and understanding of our natural resources and of our local culture and history.”

Admission is free and there is a nominal charge for some activities/programs. For more information, visit www.campbayou.org.

In addition to these outreach activities, GCREC staff members support the Leukemia Society’s “Pennies for Patients” program and the Wesley Chapel-based “Operation Pocket Change,” an effort to provide vitally needed in-cidentals for U.S. troops serving overseas. “Over the last two years 65 PX’s have closed overseas,” said Cooley, “and this has made it especially dif-ficult for our military to purchase items such as toiletries, soap, snacks, drink packs and other necessities. We are happy to help by supporting this program with these important items.”

Our congratulations and thanks to these members of the GCREC team.

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Alternative Freeze Protection for Strawberries GCREC- UF Horticulturist Develops a “Toolbox” of Options for Growers

It’s no secret, the last two years have been tough on strawberry growers with 28 frost and freeze incidents jeopardizing their crops and the use of overhead sprinklers for protection, which some have suggested contributes to sinkholes and dry wells. Looking for ways to help both the growers and residents proximate to their fields prompted the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to seek as-sistance from the Gulf Coast Research and Edu-cation Center/IFAS, University of Florida.

“Our task was to develop a toolbox of op-tions for consideration by strawberry growers,” said Dr. Bielinski Santos, Ph. D., who is head-ing up the project. While the study continues, the options under consideration include low volume sprinklers, crop covers and high tun-nels. “Each option has been studied from the perspectives of water use, crop yield impact and overall cost,” he said.

The low volume sprinkler “tool” is the low-est cost option since for most growers it would mean utilization of existing sprinkler systems and only requires the change of each sprinkler’s nozzle. Some systems would require the change out of the complete sprinkler head, a higher cost consideration. Use of a low volume sprin-kler results in a water use reduction of from 4.5 – 5 gallons per minute with typical spray noz-zles, to 3 gallons per minute with lower volume nozzles. “This represents a potential water use saving of up to 40 percent,” said Santos, “but there are risks.”

“Very cold and/or windy weather would require more water to protect the crops and that reduces the water savings of this option,” he said, referring to temperature drops below 25 degrees. He noted that wind is not a factor for some growers because of natural or man made wind breakers. “Those are issues growers have to address when considering this alternative.”

Santos said field or crop covers are made of synthetic materials, usually white in color, and help to retain heat when applied in a timely fash-ion. They are held in place by sandbags placed along the perimeter of the cover. “We have found that a medium weight cover performs just as well as a cover of a heavier weight,” San-

tos said. Cost for covers is $1,000 per acre and the grower must have a crew of sufficient size to place and remove covers. “Crew size is a criti-cal condition when covers are being considered for very large operations,” he noted. “There simply is not sufficient labor available for an op-eration with several thousand acres.” Santos’ research indicates cover placement and removal per incident labor cost ranges from $100 - $150/acre. Yield has been the same as or better than crops protected by sprinklers.

“If the covers are handled carefully, they may last two to three years,” he said. “They are difficult to handle during windy conditions, but especially practical when used next to residen-tial areas since that visually tells neighbors the grower is taking steps to reduce water usage.”

With regard to mini-hoops to raise row coves above the crop foliage, which cost $500 - $700 per acre, “our studies have found that they provided no benefit with our conditions,” he said. “Further north where conditions are harsher, they do make a difference.”

High tunnels have proven to be very ef-fective in terms of crop protection and yield. “With more than five years of experience with high tunnels in our fields at GCREC, we have used zero water for freeze protection,” he said, “and our yields and those of some growers that have tried this alternative are up 50 to 60 per cent.” However, there is significant expense as-sociated with this option with a required invest-ment ranging form $25,000 to $35,000 per acre. Santos says the high tunnel structure or frame-work, which is a capital investment, should per-form for 20 years, while plastic sheeting must be replaced every three or four years.

“If a grower picks this option, a second crop to follow strawberries would be essential given the significant investment in tunnels,” he said.

Work on the “toolbox for freeze protec-tion” will continue for the foreseeable future as more of the options will be used by growers in the field. “Each of the options has pros and cons,” said Santos. “It is up to individual grow-ers to determine which is most appropriate for their operation.”

by Jim Frankowiak

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ExtEnsion’s ProfEssional HorticulturE Program:Education and Professionalism leading to a market Edge

ProHort is the short hand name for the UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Ser-vice Professional Horticulture Program. UF/IFAS is the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences which partners with counties to extend the arm of university education and research to Florida residents and businesses. ProHort offers solutions for commercial companies, governmental employees and practicing industry horticulture professionals of Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.

To achieve its stated mission, ProHort promotes sustainable agricul-ture and environmental stewardship through programming that provides research based, non-biased horticulture industry resources and training. “The ultimate goal of ProHort is to positively impact lives and the envi-ronment,” said Susan Haddock, Commercial Horticulture/Integrated Pest Management/Small Farms Agent.

“ProHort programs encourage participants to strive for a higher level of professionalism which can set their businesses apart from others in the industry,” said Haddock. “That’s a competitive advantage that is increas-ingly important during these economic times as professionals strive to meet the needs of their clients and attract new ones.”

The resources and training available through ProHort focus on:• Current trends, regulations & industry concerns• Green Industry Best Management Practices to preserve water

resources• Alerts, diagnostics and recommendations for landscape prob-

lems and pests• Designing and maintaining urban landscapes to promote sus-

tainability • Integrated pest management• Pesticide and fertilizer applicator training and exam adminis-

tration• Providing avenues for obtaining continuing education unitsThe ProHort audience includes landscape, hardscape and irrigation

designers and contractors, landscape main-tenance professionals, pesticide and fertilizer applicators, pest management professionals, retail nursery professionals, anyone consider-ing starting a commercial horticulture business and industry educators and regulators.

“It’s very important to recognize that the field of professional horticulture is dynamic,” said Haddock. “Change is driven by new regu-lations, economic conditions, environmental concerns, commercial trends and advances in research and equipment. Professionals, whether working in the private or public sector, should commit to ongoing education to keep abreast of these changes to meet the needs of those they serve,” she said.

Over the past decade or so, population pressures, environmental con-ditions such as drought and concern over potential pollution have resulted in additional industry regulations at the federal, state and local levels. “Keeping up with changing regulations and complying with them is an

ongoing challenge for horticulture profession-als,” said Haddock. Adding to the complexity is that many adjoining municipalities have ad-opted differing fertilizer ordinances. Compli-ance requires not only an awareness of the reg-ulations, but also knowledge of jurisdictional lines and ordinance differences.

“Pesticide licensing can be an intimidat-ing process due to the many license categories available. Many individ-uals get confused about which license they need, which test to take, the correct manuals to study and the renewal requirements,” said Haddock. ProHort’s website, http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/prohort/, will take the visitor through a series of questions to help determine which license or certification is needed and the continuing education units required for li-cense renewal.

“ProHort programming then takes the process to the next logical step with classes and training,” said Haddock. Most classes take place at the UF/IFAS Hillsborough Extension Service office in Seffner at 5339 County Road 579. However, classes can be scheduled at off-site locations to ac-commodate special circumstances. The ProHort website provides a great deal of resources including a calendar of events, licensing and certifica-tion requirements, diagnostic services available and links to informational publications. The website calendar provides information about available classes and associated costs. The calendar also provides information on classes offered at Extension locations in surrounding counties and state-wide educational conferences.

“We are here to help improve professionalism and provide solutions for the commercial horticulture industry,” said Haddock. “This pro-gram not only engages industry clientele, but also partners with univer-sity researchers and allied organizations. UF/IFAS provides a tremendous amount of support through access to services provided at the main campus in Gainesville and a Research and Education Centers through the state. Professional associations such as Florida Nursery Grower Landscape As-sociation (FNGLA), Landscape Maintenance Association (LMA), Florida

Turfgrass Association (FTGA), Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) and Florida State Horticultural Society (FSHA) providing complimentary training, certification pro-grams and industry support.

“ProHort Program participants set them-selves apart in the industry through their com-mitment to continuing education which helps to make them the best professionals they can be,” said Haddock.

Another important aspect of Extension programming is the ongoing need for input

from our county residents and businesses. “We are anxious to know of new challenges or issues they face so that we can expand our programs to meet those emerging needs,” she said.

For more information about the ProHort Program or the UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Service, visit http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/prohort/ or call the Hillsborough County Extension Service at 813/744-5519.

by Jim Frankowiak

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A University of Wisconsin-Madison administrator has been selected as dean of the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF officials an-nounced.

Teresa Balser, director of the UW-Madison Institute for Biology Education, was named to lead the college by Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. She begins July 1. Balser will also be a professor with the soil and water science department.

“Dr. Balser has great vision for the revitalization of the land grant ideals,” Payne said. “She also brings a great passion for teaching and a wonderful enthusiasm for positioning higher education to be leaders in the coming age by leveraging our capacity for creativity and growing diversity.”

Balser said she looks forward to the opportunities and chal-lenges the position provides, and plans to place special emphasis on critical issues such as food and energy security.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be selected,” Balser said. “CALS has so many strengths to build upon. I am excited about the possibilities for the future and I look forward to joining the Gator Nation and working with all of our students, staff and faculty.”

Balser said as the new CALS dean, she will continue the ex-ceptional and personalized learning experience the college offers as well as expand upon the opportunities for students to discover the ways agricultural and life sciences are critical to improving the quality of life for everyone.

Balser will oversee all aspects of the college’s undergradu-ate and graduate education programs, which involve about 5,100 students and 760 faculty members on the UF main campus in

Gainesville as well as 13 research and education centers throughout the state.

The college includes 24 under-graduate majors, more than 50 areas of specialization and 23 graduate majors.

Since 2008, Balser has directed the UW-Madison Institute for Cross-college Biology Education, a campus wide institute focused on undergrad-uate education and public outreach. She has been a faculty member in UW-Madison’s department of soil science since 2001.

Her other recent positions at UW-Madison include faculty associate with the Office of Human Resource Development and faculty affiliate with several academic programs. She is currently a leadership development coordinator with the American Society of Agronomy.

In 2010, Balser was named U.S. Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor category. She is also the recipient of the National Excellence in College and University Teaching Award from the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agricul-tural Sciences in 2009.

She was awarded a doctorate in soil microbiology from the University of California at Berkeley in 2000 and bachelor’s degrees in biology and earth sciences from Dartmouth College in 1992.

Balser is the first woman appointed to lead the UF college. She succeeds Mark Rieger, CALS interim dean since September 2010.

Teresa Balser Appointed Dean of UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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

LimesSummertime in Florida means a bountiful supply of juicy, deli-

cious limes in their peak season. The two main types of limes are the Key lime and Tahiti (also called Persian) lime. The Key lime is small and round, and becomes yellow in color when ripe. The flesh is yellowish-green with seeds and is more acidic than Tahiti limes. Tahiti limes are oval-shaped and larger than Key limes. They are dark green in color when mature, and the flesh is usually seedless. The Tahiti lime is also hardier to the cold than the Key lime. Accord-ing to statistics, in 2001-2001, Florida produced 13 million pounds of ‘Tahiti’ lime. Consumption of limes increased from one pound per person in 1989 to three pounds per person in 2007.

Nutritional ProfileFlorida limes are full of health-promoting nutrients. They

contain vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. In addition to these nutrients, limes contain a wealth of other disease-fighting compounds, such as phytonutrients and antioxidants. These potent chemicals fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium lime (67 g) contains 20 calories, 7 g carbohydrate, 2 g of di-etary fiber, and has no fat or sodium. It also provides 35 percent of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 1 percent for vitamin A, 2 percent for potassium, 2percent for calcium, 2 percent for iron, and other nutrients including B vitamins and magnesium.

Antioxidants in LimesLimes, as well as lemons, contain unique disease-busting com-

pounds called flavonoids, a type of phytonutrient. Possessing both antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, some of these flavonoids have been shown to stop cell division in cancer, as well as fight infection.

Florida limes, along with other citrus fruits, are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. This vitamin is one of the main antioxidants found in food and the primary water-soluble antioxi-dant in the body. The vitamin C in limes neutralizes harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage the healthy cells of the body, causing inflammation and contributing to conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. When free radicals damage the cells in the blood vessel, cholesterol accumulates on the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis.

Vitamin C is perhaps best known for its supportive role in a strong immune system. Foods high in vitamin C, including limes, may help protect against colds or shorten the duration of an existing cold. Research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Other research studies have found that people who consume a high intake of vitamin C were more than three times less likely to develop arthritis than those who consumed the lowest amounts.

PotassiumFlorida limes are a good source of potassium, which can help

lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and cardiac ar-rhythmias. One lime, which has only 20 calories, contains more than 35 percent of the Daily Value for potassium, which is needed for proper electrolyte and fluid balance. Potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission, and people with low levels may experience muscle cramping. This important mineral may also help prevent or slow down bone loss from high-sodium diets.

How to Select and StoreLook for limes that have smooth, glossy skins and are deep

green (Tahiti lime) or yellow (Key lime) in color. Choose limes that feel firm to the touch and free of broken or soft spots. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigera-tor for up to six weeks, although they begin to lose flavor with time. Lime juice freezes well, squeeze and freeze in ice cube trays. When frozen, pop out of ice cube trays and store in an airtight plastic bag. Cubes of frozen lime juice can be added to drinks to boost flavor and nutrition.

Enjoy LimesFlorida limes can be used as a garnish for drinks, desserts, and

entrees. Enjoy limes fresh or frozen. Fresh limes frequently garnish desserts, meats, and drinks. Lime juice is often used in marinades, desserts, and drinks.

Other ways to enjoy limes:• Squeeze the juice over fresh raw fish for ceviche• Toss apples and bananas in lime juice mixed with water to

preserve the color of the fruits• Use lime juice to make limeade, sorbet, or slushies. • Add lime juice to hot or iced tea• Place thinly sliced limes underneath fish before baking or

steaming. • Combine lime juice with olive oil and spices for a dressing. • Squeeze some lime juice onto an avocado quarter and eat

as is. • Flavor your favorite barbecue sauce with lime juice.• Combine with cilantro and garlic for a marinade• Use lime zest or juice in desserts such as cake, cheesecake,

or cookies.Enjoy juicy, refreshing Florida limes in their peak season today!

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by Kristin Bozek & Morgan BoykinVarious different FFA chapters in the state of Florida attended

the 2011 Ag on The Hill event held in Florida’s capital, Tallahassee. Selected officers from the Strawberry Crest FFA and Elton Hilton FFA (9th grade chapter at Strawberry Crest) chapter had the op-portunity of a lifetime to experience an event like no other. On this trip the students were able to witness a live session, meet with senate and representatives from their district, tour the new capital building, and listen to some word of advice from Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam. The officers talked to representatives about agriculture and learn issues that are occurring in their com-munity. They met with Senator Rhonda Storms and discussed local issues going on in their community. Senator Storms also explained the new School Lunch System. The new Lunch System, which passed, allows lunch programs to be in the hands of Agriculture, and gave

her opinion on the new idea stating she thought it would be a great idea. The officers were honored to be recognized in a session by Representative Rachel Burgin. In the Session the officers witnessed, they discussed the teacher merit pay issue. All the officers agreed that it was a great experience and had the opportunity to learn so much. Fellow officer Morgan Boykin stated, “I had such an amazing experience and learned so much about how our government runs!” A lot of our officers realized that they are the future of the new and upcoming agriculture laws and regulations. Megan Snyder pas-sionately said, “We are the leaders of tomorrow’s agriculture and by having the experience I can now connect with the information I am learning in my American government class!” We can’t wait to attend next years Ag on The Hill event and see what next years office holds for our community.

Strawberry Crest goes to Ag on the Hill

Kelsey Fry, daughter of Glenn and Kendra Harrell is the winner of the Hills-borough County Farm Bureau Speech contest. The contest was held on May 2 and the topic was: How can agricultural producers reach out to the public to gain their support on important issues impacting agriculture such as the environment, animal welfare, food safety, etc.?

The contest has been set by the Hillsborough County Women’s committee as the first Monday in May every year. Students between the ages of 14 - 18 are en-couraged to participate in this event are encouraged to participate.

Kelsey will compete at the district level in Sept.Congratulations Kelsey on a job well done!

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Speech Contest Winner

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East Bay Senior High School is pleased to announce that Danielle Pappas, Kenyon Flint, Robert Shupert, and Hunter Yates are the winners of the 2011 Florida FFA State Aquaculture Career Development Event (CDE). The Aquaculture CDE was held Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Fifteen teams from throughout Florida gathered to compete for the state championship. The purpose of the Aquaculture Career Development Event (CDE) is to stimulate student interest in the aquaculture industry, encourage aquaculture instruction in the agricultural education curriculum, and to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies in the area of aquaculture management.

East Bay FFA Aquaculture team member Hunter Yates was recognized as the second high individual and Robert Shupert fifth high individual. Aquaculture teacher, Mike Yates, expressed his appreciation for the teams dedicated work in weeks of prepara-tion for the state competition. Team members were proficient in aquatic animal, parasite, and plant identification, as well as, water quality testing and skill exam. Additionally, the group was judged on an oral five minute presentation. East Bay Senior High School is very appreciative of the Florida FFA and the support of our event coordinators Dr. Denise Petty and Mr. Dave Rawlins.

East Bay Senior High School FFA2011 Aquaculture State Champs!

Christina Grimmer, a 20ll graduate of Plant City High School FFA, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by Jarrett Scott Ford and Ford Motor Company. Grimmer’s parents are Wil-liam Grimmer, Jr. and Michelle Grimmer of Plant City. Grimmer plans to study Pre-Vet/Vet Sciences at Hillsborough Community College.

The Built Ford Tough - FFA Scholarship Program is designed to recognize FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while encouraging their future academic achievements.

The scholarship is one of 526 scholarships awarded by Ford Division, Ford Motor

Company Fund and Ford Dealers to FFA members who are high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall of 2011, or current collegiate students. This program is a part of Ford’s overall commitment to the National FFA Foundation.

Additionally, five National $1,000 BFT - FFA Scholarships are being awarded on behalf of Ford Trucks as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Ford has supported the National FFA Foundation since the first F-Series truck was introduced in 1948, and has sponsored the Built Ford Tough collegiate scholarship program since 1997.

To date, the program has awarded $6,586,000 in scholarships to 6,586 FFA members throughout the country. Ford knows the value of hard work, and believes that hard work should be rewarded. Educating aspiring young people to become the leaders of tomorrow is just another way of ensuring a successful future.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members as part of 7,487 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The

National FFA organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st United

States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruc-tion in agriculture. The U.S.

Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural edu-cation programs. For more information visit www.ffa.crg, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and FFA Nation.

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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau recently hosted an eve-ning gathering to review what had taken place during the meet-ing of the 2011 Florida Legislature. The session, entitled “Issues & Answers” was moderated by Ray Crawford, Senior Assistant Director of Field Services for Florida Farm Bureau’s District 5.

Presentations were given by Florida Farm Bureau staffers Lee Ann Fisch, Associate Director of State Legislative Affairs; Direc-tor of Government & Community Affairs Staci Braswell, Andrew Walmsley, Assistant Director of Ag Programs and National Af-fairs Coordinator Adam Basford.

“The session was a good one for agriculture and business,” said Fisch, who noted 295 bills were passed by legislators. Among the bills that passed was an agreement by both houses to override Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of last year’s general ag bill. The provi-sions of the bill, which became effective immediately, “have sev-eral important issues,” said Fisch. Among them are “the prohibi-tion for local governments from enforcing duplicate regulations on ag lands, as well a prohibition for counties from imposing tax assessment or fees for storm water management on ag lands with a discharge permit or where BMPs (Best Management Practices) are implemented. It also exempts nonresidential farm buildings and fences from any type of permits or fees.”

Other noteworthy bills that passed during the session involved Property Rights, “allowing landowners to bring a claim against a government entity based on when the law was applied, not when it was enacted” and other considerations. A Wetlands/Ag bill revises exemption for agricultural-related activities to include certain impacts to surface waters and wetlands; clarifies purpose of such activities and limits applicability of exemption. This bill also “provides exclusive authority to the Florida Depart-ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to deter-mine whether certain activities qualify for agricultural-related exemption under specified conditions, retroactive to 1984.” The measure, which requires approval by Governor Rick Scott, has additional provisions as does other passed legislation regarding FDACS and various steps to reorganize and transfer responsibili-ties with the Department. Among those actions was the deletion of provisions establishing the Division of Dairy within the De-partment and transferring responsibilities to the Division of Food Safety. Another bill, awaiting Governor Scott’s approval, creates the Office of Energy and Water within FDACS.

Under the terms of the Health Schools for Healthy Lives Act, the administration of Florida public school food and nutri-

tion programs is transferred from the Department of Education to FDACS and the measure also allows FDACS to administer USDA child food and nutrition programs. The session passed additional bills related to Growth Management, Unemployment Benefits, Corporate Tax, Constitutional Amendment Reform and House Bill 1401, a memorial urging Congress to keep the U.S. En-vironmental Protection Agency from overextending its mandate and to direct the agency not to intrude into Florida’s previously approved clean water program.

It was also noted that despite facing the largest deficit in re-cent history, both FDACS and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences fared well in the final budget.

In addition to discussing the recent legislative session, there were added comments regarding energy, advances in technology and emerging opportunities for Florida agriculture as work pro-gresses on steps to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products for energy. “With a year round growing season, Florida has significant biomass resources,” said Walmsley. He singled out the Lykes Project, a cellulosic ethanol plant, which is the first of its kind in the U.S. and discussed the emerging importance of camelina oil as an alternative energy source.

Basford said, “Tough decisions are needed nationally as federal lawmakers come to grips with the budget deficit.” He also noted negotiations will soon begin on the Farm Bill and encouraged attendees to “reach out to their congressman and senators regarding what must be kept in the Farm Bill and what can be cut.” Basford then discussed trade agreement discussions that are underway with Korea, Columbia and Panama, and how these pending agreements “were all good for agriculture here in Florida.”

The final topics covered were immigration and estate tax. “We must strive for a comprehensive immigration reform that will recognize the need for a labor in Florida, while achieving a secure border,” said Basford. On the issue of estate tax, he said, “the death tax must be permanently repealed and Farm Bureau favors a $5 million exemption per individual or $10 million per couple with a tax rate of 35 percent.”

For additional information on those bills that passed and those that did not during the 2011 Legislative session with particular emphasis on issues of importance to agriculture and business visit myfloridahouse.gov for House Bill information and www.flsenate.gov for Senate bills.

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Hosts

‘Issues & Answers’A Review of the Just-Completed Legislative Sessionby Jim Frankowiak

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Florida Senate President and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Haridopolos recently stopped in Plant City to meet with area agricultural and civic leaders to talk about the just completed state legislative session and his senate candidacy. The breakfast gathering attracted about 40 to Fred’s Farmers Market.

Haridopolos, who resides in Brevard County, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Nelson in 2012. He began the informal session at Fred’s with a brief discussion of the legislative session in which he said the primary goal “was to deal effectively with the largest deficit in Florida’s history by balancing a budget with no new taxes or fees. We were fiscally responsible with your money,” he said

A faculty member at Brevard Community College (BCC), where he chairs the Liberal Arts Department, Haridopolos is married to Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos and they have three chil-dren: Alexis, Hayden and Reagan Brooke. Born in Huntington, New York, he graduated from Stetson University in 1992 with an undergraduate degree in History. A year later he earned a Mas-ters in History at the University of Arkansas and later that year became a history instructor at BCC. Haridopolos was named the Department Chair of Social Behavioral Sciences in 1996 and to his current position in 1997. He is also a faculty member at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida.

He then spoke of needed reforms in Medicaid and the state’s pension program. “Medicaid recipients must become more accountable as that is one of our most expensive programs,” he said, suggesting they seek assistance from a family practice “doctor, not the closest emergency room” as an example of one cost-saving measure. With regard to state employee pensions, “our public servants should not have a special benefit that is not available to state taxpayers.”

“We simply can’t spend what we don’t have and that means making tough choices so we live within our means.”

When asked about the recently announced numeric nutri-ent criteria the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unveiled

for Florida, Haridopolos said, “don’t run us out of business and don’t single out Florida. I am in lock step with Florida Com-missioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam in opposition to NNC. Agriculture is the bedrock of our state and it must be protected.”

With regard to Florida Governor Rick Scott, Haridopo-los called him “a breathe of fresh air who ran for office and is governing as a true conservative. Rick Scott was with us and he understands what it means to sign both the front and back of checks.”

“The governor realizes you don’t create jobs by spending government money, but by keeping money here in Florida,” said Haridopolos. “For the last 11 years, we have tried without success to pass a spending limit. You simply can’t go beyond increases in the CPI (Consume Price Index) and population hikes. Leadership is not what you say, it’s what you do.”

During questions posed by attendees, Haridopolos said he takes “pride in being pro life,” wants the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil by looking closely at offshore drilling and expanded drilling in Alaska, as well as more research into biofuels as viable options to petroleum-based products.

Commenting on the issue of immigration reform, he said “we must secure our borders. It is a matter of national security.” He believes illegal aliens should not enjoy state benefits such as Work Force Board assistance. For those in this country illegally who commit non-violent crimes, Haridopolos believes they should be deported. “If convicted of a violent crime, they should serve their time and then be deported,” he said.

Haridopolos noted the problems with E-Verify and said it “needs fixing,” but he is certain the technology is available for a program that would allow workers to have cards that could be swiped to verify their status.

With regard to welfare recipients, he wants to see drugs tests administered “as part of a process that determines their availabil-ity to go to work.”

For more information about U.S. Senate candidate Mike Haridopolos visit www.mike2012.com.

by Jim Frankowiak

U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Haridopolos Meets With Plant City Area Ag and Civic Leaders

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Before entering Crossroads Produce, there is an array of fresh produce neatly displayed outside, inviting the

customer to explore further. Inside colorful fruits and vegetables are smartly arranged for the customer to examine and purchase. The stand just opened its doors in May, and is owned and operated by Kurt and Penny Pendergrass.

“We just want to provide a convenient, reliable, friendly place for people to get their produce,” said Penny.

“I’ve thought about opening a pro-duce stand for years. The biggest obstacle was finding people we could trust since it is an all cash business. The other thing was location,” explained Kurt. He happened to know the owners of The Crossroads strip center at C.R. 39 and Lithia Pinecrest, and they heard he was looking for a location for a stand in the Lithia area. Luckily for Kurt, they had been trying to get someone to open a stand there for a while. They had a builder come in and custom build their permanent stand in the southeast corner of the parking lot, closest to the intersection.

“It’s been busy. It’s such a wonderful location. It’s just been trying to keep up with the demand. It is awesome,” Penny said. She also mentioned the balancing act they have had to adjust to with their other businesses. They have also owned and op-erated a pest control company and a com-mercial cleaning service for the last few years. “It’s been fun…we’re still working on it, but we’re really enjoying this a lot.”

Kurt said, “Everything we’re buying is from the local farmers, and what we can’t get or isn’t offered here in Florida, we’re buying from the farmer’s market. Our blue-berries and blackberries are locally grown, along with watermelon, cantaloupes, squash, Ruskin tomatoes, the peppers are local but I’ve had to get them at market. I have a guy who will bring me avocados when they are ready to harvest.”

“We’re still looking for local farmers to get stuff from, and I’m meeting new ones on a daily basis.” He tells how through his daily tasks he is meeting new people in the area. “I called a guy to be able to get some local honey, and he wasn’t there and I had to leave a message. Then I went to pick wa-termelons up today at the place we get them from, and the guy with the honey was there picking up his bees.” So through that visit he picked up an orange blossom and wild-flower honey line. “We’re looking for local people to do business with.”

“We’ve got good, fresh produce, and we try and keep our prices a little bit un-der what the supermarkets charge. We try and stay competitive. We get fresh produce every day. There is a reason we don’t buy

large quantities of stuff that would just sit around.” This philosophy keeps their prod-uct fresh, and gives them the flexibility to change their offerings daily. They continu-ally monitor their produce and do quality control checks, discounting items that need to move quickly, and those items that aren’t turning as well as they had hoped.

Kurt is happy to arrange getting large quantities of certain items for customers if they give him a call and let him know what they need. They are willing to try new items to expand their selection and meet the needs of the community. They have some-one who will be baking Challah bread for Shabbat (Sabbath), and will be offering it on Fridays soon. They also plan on offering live plants and baskets in the future.

Both Kurt and Penny were born and raised in Hillsborough County and have lived in the area their entire lives. They have two daughters, Danielle, who is married, is a teacher at Nelson Elementary and their youngest daughter, Samantha is a junior that attends Durant High School. The fam-ily has been active in the community, and was among the founding members of the Fishhawk Fellowship Church in Lithia.

Kurt observed, “When I was growing up, I always used to have a garden. Even when we first moved out to Valrico, we kept a garden. I’ve sold tomatoes on the corner before, and sold produce door-to-door years ago. Learning this is as interesting as anything else.” He has gotten tips about the retail marketing from friends in the indus-try, and he is learning a lot from hands on experience in the fields with the farmers. They track their daily sales on each prod-uct to get a feel for what the community is looking for, and so they’ll have a ready re-cord this time next year.

Kurt concluded, “We have built all of our businesses from the ground up, and you have to treat people honestly and fairly. First off, God honors that, and secondly, it helps you grow through word of mouth.” Their honesty and friendliness rings through their interaction with their cus-tomers and the entire shopping experience.

Crossroads Produce is conveniently lo-cated at the intersection of C.R. 39 and Lithia Pinecrest in the same parking lot as the Crossroads Ace Hardware store. The produce stand is open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 7:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am to 6:00pm on weekends. Kurt can also be reached at (813) 294-8738 if you have any questions about what they offer.

Crossroads ProduceMaking a Stand for FreshnessBy Nick Chapman

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The challenges facing growers is always ongoing and this is especially true when it comes to a high value, perishable crops like soft-fruit. Maximising yields and timing the crop to corre-spond with the best prices is the ultimate goal for all growers.

The industry worldwide has seen its fair deal of changes over the decades by introducing raised bed systems and drip irriga-tion, but by far the biggest revolution in some parts of the United States and Europe has been the introduction of polytunnels.

Growers are now reaping the ben-efits of eliminating external factors like weather and manipulating the growing season. What polytunnels in effect do is to act as a huge umbrella, thus protecting the crop against a) frost and b) water damage due to pre-cipitation. In addition to these direct benefits, there are also the secondary benefits associated with covering the crop, namely reduced fungi-cide and pesticide inputs and continuality in the supply chain.

The challenges facing soft fruit growers in Florida and es-pecially the Plant City area are even more unique with the added pressure of finding alternative solutions to overhead irrigation as a method of guarding against frost.

It is always dangerous to generalise on the benefits associ-ated with tunnel production as conditions and requirements can vary from area to area and country to country. For this reason, we’ve consulted with various growers and trials were conducted in the Plant City area in order to document these benefits during the 2010/2011 growing season.

The result of these trials clearly highlighted the benefits, with an average of a 75 percent increase in the first class yield compared to open field production. What makes these results even more positive was that this was achieved without the need to overhead irrigate at all to guard against frost.

How was this achieved? Over-head water in the form of rain or irrigation is probably the soft fruit grower’s worst enemy when it comes to factors affecting fruit quality and first class yield. With overhead irriga-tion growers solve one problem by protecting the plant against frost, but this unfortunately creates another by putting water directly onto the crop, be it on the

flower buds or the semi matures or ripe berries. The water on the buds can in turn lead to mis-shaped fruit, with the water on the fruit leading to softer fruit and problems with fungicidal diseases. By covering the crop, it firstly protects against frost, creating a greenhouse effect underneath the tunnel and using the tunnels in conjunction with ground cover ensures a complete risk free

environment. Secondly, it protects the crop against rain damage and the above mentioned problems associated with rain.

Other than the benefits directly associated with the quality of the berry, there are also the secondary benefits of a continuality in the supply chain, where growers can guarantee their marketers and suppliers of fruit throughout the fruiting phase of the plant.

Polytunnels bring the crop for-ward on average by about two weeks and growers can reap the benefit of premium prices during the early part of the season or when there are shortages in supply due to rain.

It is also proven that polytunnels considerably reduce the application of especially fungicidal chemical due to the drier environment underneath the tunnels.

A very valid question and consideration is always, how quickly the initial input costs of polytunnels can be offset against the added benefits? During an average season, and by average I refer to the amount of rain and frost events during a season and by only achieving a modest 50 percent increase in marketable fruit per acre, our calculations has shown that this 50 percent increase alone will pay for the input cost of that acre within the first growing season.

Elite Tunnels, Ltd. is a manu-facturer and supplier of polytunnels worldwide, offering different tunnel structures and types of cover, be it polythene or shade-net. Elite Tunnels offer a complete service to growers, from the planning of a proposed tun-nel project, logistics and installation advice. The experience gained ensures a premium quality product first-class advice.

For any questions with regards to polytunnels or to discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

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For five generations and over 100 years the Sansone family has lived and breathed produce. From the humble beginnings of a horse drawn carriage making daily deliveries of fresh locally grown produce to owning a wholesale distribu-tion center serving New York, New Jersey and the entire northeast the Sansone name is well known and respected in the wholesale and retail produce community.

“My great-grandfather began in the 1800s in New York, delivering produce on a horse and buggy,” John Sansone said. “Its really all our family has ever known. As a kid growing up most families were at the beach or picnic on Sunday afternoon, not me I was packing garlic. Since I was five years old I have worked in the business and don’t really see an end to it.”

“I have four kids and they are all college educated, but you know what? They are still in the business in one way or another. I guess when it gets in your blood it’s hard to let go of.”

Although the family is originally from Buf-falo, New York, Sansone decided to move the

operations south to Tampa in 1977. “Having been successful in the distribution

end up in New York my family saw an oppor-tunity and a market to bring what they learned to the Florida markets,” son Anthony Sansone said. “Plus they wanted to get away from the cold New York winters.”

The Sansone family opened up a wholesale

distribution center in Tampa and started serving customers throughout the southeast. At one point the Sansones had a contract with the U.S.

Government and supplied produce to military bases throughout the southeast including Ft. Benning, Patrick Air Force Base and MacDill Air Force Base.

“We were the first to open up a retail produce market on MacDill Air Force Base and the government used us as consultants for other private business partnerships on military bases around the country,” Sansone said.

In 1989 the real estate property value had risen to the point where the family decided to sell. After selling their wholesale business they opened up a retail market in Hyde Park.

Diversified in many businesses the Sansone family began concentrating more on the retail side of things. One of the businesses they own besides produce is Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms and they still operate it to this day.

“We get trees from the northeast, out west in Oregon and in North Carolina,” Sansone said. “It’s a fun business especially around holi-day time. We sell them directly from our three retail lots and our wholesale distribution center in Tampa Bay every year.”

Located on Swann and MacDill Tampa Bay Farmers Market is thriving and popular among the locals. Known for their wide variety or locally grown produce customers who stop by can find the freshest variety of seasonal pro-duce. Cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, squash and corn are just a few of the types of produce the Sansone family sell at their farmers market.

Former Gator and Tampa Bay Bandit quarterback has known the Sansone family for years. “John and his family are great, great people,’’ John Reaves said. “I love stopping by and talking with them every chance I get. I love their location as it’s right down the street from my office and I tell you they have the best and freshest produce you’ll find locally.”

When stopping by Tampa Bay Farmers

Market you’ll notice not just the produce but also the flowers and plants they offer to their customers.

“That’s another part of the business we are in,” Sansone said. “We carry lots of flowers and plants year round like basic shrubbery but also have specific varieties depending on the season or holiday,” Sansone said. “We have poinsettias at Christmas, Easter lilies in the spring and roses at valentines.”

While John Sansone Sr. doesn’t have any immediate plans to retire, with the family support in place he knows the business will be in good hands. Son’s John Jr. and Anthony are proud to carry on the legacy that their great- great grandfather started.

“It’s hard work but really great to be part of a family business,” John Jr. said. “Lots of people don’t have any family left and here I get to see my family on a daily basis. Some days we don’t always want to see each other,” John Jr. laughed. “But for the most part we all enjoy being part of the tradition for five generations.

It’s something my brother and sisters are proud to be a part of. We have great employees, great customers and a great location. We all feel very fortunate.’’

Tampa Bay Farmers Market is located at 623 South MacDill in Tampa. For more infor-mation call 813-876-7888 or visit their website at www.tampabayfarmersmarket.com.

Tampa Bay Farmers Marketby Mark Cook

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I present to you, another bee mimic. Syrphidae are a large family of flies commonly called hover flies. With about 6000 described species worldwide this family of fly can be found in nearly every habitat in the world. We tend to think of flies as pests, however, this fly has earned a rep-utation as one of the most versatile and beneficial insects we could hope to attract to our garden or crop. The larvae of many species of Syrphidae are aphid eaters (aphidopha-gous), and for many, provide the primary natural control for aphids, plant lice, scale insects, thrips and other in-sects that feed on phloem sap. In its larval stage it is a voracious predator, con-suming up to 20 aphids per day rivaling ladybugs and lacewings. According to re-ports published by Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), syrphidae have the potential to provide 70-100 percent control of aphid populations. In addition, syrphidae are an important pollinator, outperforming na-tive bees in some agroecosystems such as orchards.

As their common name suggests, syrphidae have a unique ability among insects to hover and even fly backward. Adults frequent flowers, feeding on nectar and are par-ticularly attracted to thriving colonies of aphids, a fond source of honeydew. Syrphid life cycle and behavior varies with the species but begins as solitary eggs are laid on the surface of aphid plagued twigs or leaves. Developing in as little as two or three days, the larvae emerge to feed on the aphid population in which they hatched. Larvae grow for about 20 days before pupating and remain in pupal stage an additional 10 days in the summertime. The adult emerges to feed on nectar and honey-dew and mate, pollinating flowering plants in the process. Syrphidae, like other insect, have behavior patterns that distinguish them from other spe-cies. Some species are only found in distinctive habitats such as grassy fields, bogs or streams while others are more prevalent in swamps or even in the nests of other insects. Environmental deter-minants such as temperature, habitat and food sources are factors that determine the successful attraction and main-tenance of a population of these flies.

The Oblique Syrphid (Allograpta oblique) is a spe-cies that is common all year long in central and southern Florida but most prevalent in the summer months. The larvae are important predators of aphids and a valuable as-set for many of our Florida crops such as citrus and other

fruit trees, grains, corn, alfalfa, cotton, grapes, lettuce and other vegetables. In addition to their appetite for a large list of aphid species, the larva of Allograpta oblique is known to feed on whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), a family of flies that is a known vector for viral diseases such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV). These insects should be recognized as allies but are often misidentified as a fruit fly and consequently killed off with toxins intended for a crop pest.

The European Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) is an in-troduced species that is well established in America. Its common name is descriptive of the physical characteris-tics it shares with a drone European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). The European Drone Fly larvae are called Rat Tailed Maggot because their long respiratory tube

resembled a rat tail. The larvae of this species is aquatic and large, averaging 4-14mm but can be as large as 70mm when stretched out. Known to the fishing community as mousies, commercially raised larva are sometimes used as

fishing bait. This species is a detrivore in their larval stage and will be found in bodies of water that offer decay-ing organic matter to feed on such as sewer ditches, manure pits, and reten-tion ponds. This behavior can present problems for the human population. Although Eristalis tenax is not usually a serious pest, it has the potential to in-habit a human host (myiasis) if ingested through contaminated foods. The larvae of this species can survive human gas-tric fluids

Microdontinae are ant loving (myr-mecophile) members of the Syrphidae family. They live and feed inside ant nests rather than flowering plants. It is known that this species shares a mutu-alistic relationship with the ants but the roles are not clear. Some microdontinae are known to feed on ant larvae, while others consume waste material, fungal

growth, or dead ants. Microdon larvae produce pseudo-pheromones that mimic those of the host ant species. This chemical camouflage allows the microdon to enter the nest without aggression from the ants but also limits their op-portunities to a specific indigenous ant species. Biologic in-formation for many species is limited to studies that were funded for specific species. We can invest in our knowledge economy by taking a closer look at the insects in our own ecosystem and profit from our understanding of their role.

By Sean GreenPhoto Credit April Wietrecki

A Closer Look: Hover Fly (Syrphidae) Auto

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Documents

In The Field Magazine Hillsborough County June 2011