in the field magazine - hillsborough county december 2011

Covering What’s Growing

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

December 15, 2011–January 15, 2012

®

Joey Gude

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

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 2

December

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com December 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1Covering What’s Growing

CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

December 15, 2011–January 15, 2012

®

Joey Gude

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.

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®

Cover StoryJoey Gude

Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

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Did You Know?

Advertisers Index

Business UpFrontAgroFabrics

Fishing Hot SpotsCaptain Woody Gore

UF/IFAS ExtensionFlorida Landscaping

Rocking Chair ChatterAl Berry

Grub StationTaste of Berlin

Florida VeggieBlack Sapote

BugChristmas Tree Insects

Holiday OutingNights of Shimmering Lights

Publisher/OwnerKaren Berry

Editor-In-ChiefAl Berry

Senior Managing Editor/Associate

PublisherSarah Holt

Editor Patsy Berry

Office ManagerBob Hughens

Sales ManagerDanny Crampton

SalesAl Berry

Tina RichmondDanny Crampton

Kay Mullis

Creative DirectorAmey Celoria

DesignersMona Jackson

Juan Carlos Alvarez

PhotographyKaren Berry

Al BerryStephanie Humphrey

Staff WritersAl Berry

Sandy KasterJames Frankowiak

Sean GreenMark CookGinny Mink

Contributing WriterWoody Gore

Les McDowell

Merry Christmas & Happy New YearWhen you are thinking of gift

ideas for friends and family, don’t forget the gift of fresh fruit grown right here in Florida. It’s a delicious nutritious gift that is sure to please everyone.

As you enjoy the blinking lights, Christmas trees, stockings and gifts, please remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It isn’t a commercial enterprise to boost the bottom line of stores. The real reason is, as you read in Luke 2:11, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

When shopping for your Christmas meal, as for every meal, don’t forget to buy Fresh From Florida. And as you bow your head to give thanks, add the farmer and rancher. They often work from sunup to sundown, and many times don’t take a day off, allowing us to have the safest most abundant food supply in the world.

Those who choose to make a living in agriculture do it because they love it despite the hard work and sacrifices that go in to it. So whether it’s a steak on the grill, fresh strawberries or blueberries, or delicious bacon and eggs, our farmers and ranchers work hard so Florida can grow. We invite you to spend time reading the pages of In The Field magazine to get an inside look at the farmers and ranchers and their families, to learn more about them and all that they do to grow our food, and raise healthy livestock, all while pre-serving the land for future generations.

Be blessed,

SarahThe LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Numbers 6:25

From the Editor

Sarah Holt


Christmas is a time of celebration, a time to reflect, and a time to hope. The Christmas season is filled with anticipation where the children long for the freedom that comes from school closures. The adults look forward to family gatherings, sharing past events that bring a smile to the face and laughter to the party.

Our grandma, Marjorie Millsap (my wife’s mother), was one of those special women that brought joy to the Christmas season. She was a kind stoic woman, who generously gave of her time, love, and resources. A true southern lady with the grace, elegance, and etiquette that is so very rare today. A person of character and inner strength, one nurtured from hardships, yet never one to complain. Ralph, her husband, had a debilitating stroke at the young age of 42 and she took on the role of his caregiver for the next 33 years until his passing in 2000. I never saw her get upset, angry, or complain about her life hardships.

Every Christmas morning for 38 years has found the family, children, grandchildren, great grand children, and spouses gathered around Grandma’s table. The aroma of bacon frying, cinnamon rolls baking, and corned beef hash in the oven all come to my senses as I reflect on Christmases past. The presents piled high under the evergreen, each person wondering which one’s theirs, as Grandma was most generous. These fond memories are now just that, memories. We will no longer gather at Grandma’s as we have for so many years, she passed away this last October. The celebration in her case, some may call it a funeral, was a real tribute to a fine Christian woman and was held on October 18, 2011. Someone after the service mentioned to me that they were sad about “losing your mother-in-law,” while a thoughtful comment it was one that was surely incorrect.

Christmas in 2011 we, as a family, will again have breakfast and open presents at the grandparents. This time I’m the grandfather (aka Pops) and Alice (aka Mimi) is the grandmother.

It is hard to believe we have arrived at that point in life. I like being Pops, young grandchildren find no fault in their grandparents and I plan on enjoying this time in my life. Spoiling grandchildren is what we do, let the parents do the disciplining and worrying, as for me I am going to spend this time having fun with the little ones. For the short time that this family tradition is at our house we plan to make wonderful memories that will create a yearning in the little ones to continue on when we are gone.

Christmas is all the festive events described but, the real reason for the celebration, is Christ’s birth. Pops will share with the little ones the Bible verse found in Matthew 2:11, “and when they had come into the house, they (the three Wisemen) saw the young child (Jesus) with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Luke 2:11 will also be shared;

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The grandchildren will understand from these verses the birth of Christ and the celebration of Christmas. The presents, the tradition, and family gathering are all to honor the birth of Christ. In the future with the passing of each Christmas and Easter the grandchildren will have the knowledge of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. After my funeral, when someone says to my children or grandchildren that they are sorry about their “losing a dad or granddad” they can smile and say we didn’t lose him, we know exactly where he is and that place is in heaven with Grandma Millsap.

Merry Christmas!C. Dennis Carlton, Sr.

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

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU

100 S. Mulrennan Rd.Valrico, FL 33594

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

SPECIAL AGENTS

AGENCY MANAGERTommy Hale

Valrico Office813.685.5673

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

Julie Carlson, John McGuire

Plant City Office813.752.5577

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

Tampa Office813.933.5440

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

OFFICERS ANDEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

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

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

Michelle Williamson, Ray Wood

Judi Whitson, Executive Director813.685.9121

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

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

Insurance Services813.685.5673

Member Services813.685.9121

Living Traditions of Christmases Past • Americanstodayconsume17.3billionquartsofpoppedpopcorneachyear.TheaverageAmericaneatsabout68quarts!

• Popcornpopsbecausewaterisstoredinasmallcircleofsoftstarchineachkernel.Asthekernelisheated,thewaterheats,thedropletofmoisterturnstosteamandthesteambuildsuppressureuntilthekernelfinallyexplodestomanytimesitsoriginalvolume.

• Cowshaveatotalof32teeth,butnofrontteethonthetopwheretheyinsteadhaveatoughpadofskin.Theyhaveupperteethinthebackoftheirmouthsonly.

• Onecowhidecanproduceenoughleathertomake20footballs,18soccerballs,18volleyballsor12basketballs.

• SesameStreet’sBigBirdcostumeismadeofturkeyfeath-ers.

• Thereare32.6millionheadofbeefcowsintheU.S.

• Soybeansareanimportantingredientfortheproductionofcrayons.Infact,oneacreofsoybeanscanproduce82,368crayons.

• Anacreoftreescanremoveabout13tonsofdustandgaseseveryyearfromthesurroundingenvironment.

• Thepeachisamemberoftherosefamilyandwillhaveasweetfragrancewhenripe.

• Weareeating900%morebroccolithanwedid20yearsago.

• EachAmericanconsumers,onaverage,53poundsofbreadperyear.


Ag Technologies ...................................17AgroFabrics .........................................11Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers .............59Allen’s Sawmill .....................................73Antioch Feed ........................................41Aquarius Water Refining ......................78Astin Strawberry Exchange ................... 8Berry Blue Farm & Nursery .................93Bill’s Transmissions ..............................72Bingham Portables ...............................87Brandon Auto Services .........................91Brandon Farms Market ........................21Broke & Poor Surplus ..........................67Brown’s Jewelers ..................................65Byrd & Barnhill, P.L. ............................87Cecil Breeding Farm .............................37CF Industries .......................................29Chemical Containers ............................79Chop-N-Block Meat Processors ............69Chuck’s Tire & Automotive .................69Clem’s Meats .......................................47County Line Road Auction

& Bargain Barn ................................81Cowboys Western World ....................... 5Crescent Jewelers .................................. 2Crossroad’s Ace Hardware ...................46Dad’s Towing .......................................73Dairy Queen of Plant City ...................57Diamond R Fertilizer ...........................93Discount Metal Mart ...........................77Driscoll’s .............................................56East Coast Ag Products ........................87Fancy Farms .........................................36

Farm Bureau Insurance Jeff Sumner .....57Farm Bureau Insurance Valrico .............39Farm Credit .........................................64Felton’s Market ....................................81Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products ....43Florida Strawberry Festival .................... 9Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc. .......55Forbes Road Produce ............................15Fred’s Market .......................................83Gator Ford ...........................................59Gerald Keene Plumbing ........................31Gladstone Land ...................................81Grove Equipment Service ......................47Handy Can Portable Restrooms ............84Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply ............. 12-13Harrell’s Nursery .................................91Haught Funeral Home .........................45Helena Chemical ..................................79Hillsboro State Bank ............................89Hillsborough County Farm Bureau ........ 7Hinton Farms Produce .........................77Home Protection Pest Control ..............64Hope Christian Academy .....................83Huff Muffler ........................................89I-4 Power Equipment ............................. 3Johnson’s Barbeque ..............................83Keel & Curley Winery ..........................35KeyPlex Nutritionals ............................94L.I.T. Security Cages ............................85Land’s Feed & Farm Supply .................67Lewis Insulation Technologies ...............85Loetscher Auto Parts ............................84Magnolia Hill ......................................75

Malissa Crawford, Coldwell Banker .....71Mark Smith Excavating ........................30Meryman Environmental .....................61Mosaic ................................................56Parrish Threads ....................................55Plant City Awning

& Aluminum Products .....................25Plant City Church of God ....................18Plant City Tire & Auto ........................91Red Rose Inn & Suites ..................... 48-49Rhizogen .............................................75Rick’s Custom Meats ...........................68Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ...............96Savich & Lee Wholesale .......................63Seedway ...............................................91Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply ...............23Sisters & Company ..............................53Southside Farm & Pet Supply ...............19Southwestern Produce ..........................27Stephanie Humphrey ............................68Stingray Chevrolet ...............................95Syngenta ..............................................33The Catering Company & Cafe ............65The Hay Depot ....................................91Timberlane Pet Hospital ......................85Trinkle, Redman, Swanson,

Coton, Davis & Smith ......................72Two-Lips Tack ‘N Togs ........................71Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Ctr ... 8Wells Memorial ...................................78Wetzel’s Farrier Service .........................83Willie’s Seafood ....................................87Wishnatzki Farms ................................25

Inde

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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 January 3, 2011.

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Business UpFront

When an unprecedented 11-day freeze hit Plant City in January of 2010, local growers faced a nightmare scenario. When all was said and done, relentless water pumping to protect threatened strawberry plants mined the aquifer for nearly a billion gallons a day – and dropped the groundwater table in some areas of Plant City by as much as 60 feet.

But the nightmare had just begun. Almost immediately, sinkholes began opening up all over the area – as many as 140 by some counts. One jeopardized a 500,000-gallon water tower, and several shut down an elementary school. Others closed roads and highways – including portions of I-4 – and left about 20 local residents homeless, with as many as 750 other homeowners facing dry wells.

As if the public alarm and general inconvenience weren’t enough, costs to taxpayers reached into the millions, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District designated the situation an emer-gency. The event pushed the government agency to enact a new list of water-use rules for the Plant City area, even going so far as to offer substantial incentives to growers who choose alternative freeze protection practices, such as crop covers.

“We’ll fund up to 75 percent of the cost for alternative means of protecting crops,” said a Southwest Florida Water Management District spokesperson. “We’re trying to work closely with the agriculture community, to ensure farmers continue to do good business.”

Crop Covers Give Growers a Better Option

Many growers in Southwest Florida and other areas of the country have found that crop covers, such as AgroFabric®, deliver a proven, effective defense against freezing conditions.

“AgroFabric installs in just minutes and creates a stable, favorable microcli-mate by capturing extra heat during the day and slowing the loss of stored heat at night,” said AgroFabric’s Peter Kohm.

“Yet it’s porous, so water, air and sunlight can penetrate. Growers can even choose from 12 fabric weights, so they get the right degree of protection for their crops, without crushing or breaking plants.

“Also, covered crops aren’t subject to reduced nutrient leaching and disease that can come with irrigation,” Kohm continued. “And because the fields stay dry, growers can harvest right after a frost to take advantage of the spike in market prices that a frost typically brings.”

In the winter of 2010-2011, Agro-Fabric proved that crop covers can deliver protection, even when temperatures drop well below freezing. In some areas of Flor-ida, where temperatures hovered at 25° F for six hours, fields covered by AgroFabric survived unscathed, while uncovered crops were a total loss.

Crop covers like AgroFabric work without power, fuel or irrigation. That means growers save on energy costs and avoid the complexities of current irriga-tion rules and regulations and the poten-tial liability that can result.

Get Ready for the Coming Winter

An investment in a high-quality crop cover can reap benefits for years to come. Durable AgroFabric, with its signature blue-green reinforced seams, can be stored and re-used from one season to the next. What’s more, local dealers maintain a stock of standard sizes and can deliver custom lengths in widths up to 60 feet, so growers can put AgroFabric to work in their fields almost immediately.

With freezing temperatures just around the corner, there’s never been a better time for growers to consider the advantages of crop covers.

Frost Protection You Can Warm Up To

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AgroFabric covered thousands of acres during the 2010-11 Deep FreezeLast winter put AgroFabric to the test – delivering a “pro” performance at every level. Plan to protect your fi elds without power, fuel or irrigation in the event of severe demand on those resources. AgroFabric® creates a stable, favorable microclimate by capturing extra heat during the day – and then slowing the loss of stored heat at night from the soil.

Choose the Blue-Green Seam for superior strength! AgroFabric is available in seven grades for frost protection (0.5 to 2.0 oz. sq. yd.) to cover tender plants or strawberries, and fi ve weights of Winter Blankets (up to 6.0 oz. sq. yd.), durable enough for long-term overwintering during harsh climates.

For information or to fi nd a dealer near you, visit www.agrofabric.com or call 770-663-7600.

Get ready for the Big ChillPut AgroFabric Essential Frost Protection System to Work this Winter

Don’t get left out in the cold

Prevent damage from irrigation

In 2010, uncovered crops (left) are a complete loss, rows covered with AgroFabric (right and below) survive six hours below freezing (25˚ F).

with AgroFabric

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Strawberry crop protected by AgroFab-ric; irrigation in the background. Florida Freeze, December 2010. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by Peter Kohm.

AgroFabric under structure provides emer-gency frost protection; medium and heavy weights stored properly can be used multi-season. Florida Freeze, December 2010. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by Peter Kohm.

Pepper crop covered by AgroFabric (left) during Florida freeze in December 2010 survived 25 degrees F for six hours; un-covered crop (right) was a total loss. ©2010 AFLLC, Photo by P. Campos.

To learn more about AgroFabric, visit

www.AgroFabric.com or call 770-663-7600.


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Although there is no hard documented proof that the banana is bad luck, it is a very viable superstition that many Captains live by. There are those that believe in all sorts of different superstitions, and who is to say they are not founded? However, the banana is one of the most persistent superstitions, especially among the fishing community.

This delicious yellow-skinned fruit has been blamed for many boating accidents, break downs, illness, and poor fish catches. Fishermen have harbored the belief that having bananas aboard is extremely unlucky when trying to catch fish.

For many the banana curse extends well beyond the fruit itself. Strong superstitious captains believe that anything representing a banana either itself, its smell and even its name should be banned from the boat. Some even go so far as to ban anything yellow from the boat, which seems somewhat ridiculous to me.

So, where did it come from? The bad luck theory of bananas is derived from the misfortune of stevedores unloading

banana boats from Central America. The cargo

most often contained biting spiders that not only

were painful, but occasionally deadly.

Stevedores considered it bad luck to be assigned to

unloading a banana boat. This is the truth behind the myth.

Another possible rational for the banana bewilderment might simply be the fish stories exchanged between fishermen. Over the years, tale after tale of bad luck, when an angler had bananas on board, have been handed down and readily accepted with the bananas becoming the scapegoat.

Whatever the root cause actually might be, as they say, perception is reality and it has led to the infamous banana ban. Indeed, some anglers won’t allow Banana Boat Sun Screen or partake of a tasty banana daiquiri or a banana split for fear it will have an impact on the next day’s fishing. Thus, the banana discrimination continues.

The effect that this or other superstitions have on anglers is

real. As almost everyone knows “karma” is very important. The mere thought of bad luck can cause an imbalance in the captain, crew and anglers. This usually results in a poor catch.

So are bananas really bad luck? Usually, but only for those who believe they are bad luck. However, one superstitious member on a fishing boat or vessel can affect an entire boat’s karma. The banana impact and myth has affected millions of fishermen and highlights the important lesson in theory of fishing.

Superstition clutters the mind, creating imbalance. Clear your mental slate before fishing. The counter to a bad luck superstitious thought is a good luck thought, which adds to proper mental balance. Therefore, maintaining this proper balance while fishing requires an uncluttered mind.

Too many thoughts make being one with the fish more difficult. Remember the primitive brain is the key to harmony. Simplify your thoughts to simplify your fishing.

Tampa Bay Fishing Report With all the residential canals and inshore reefs, Bay anglers

are truly blessed when it comes to fishing in December and it seems you never have to run far to find what you are looking for. Fish seem to acclimate themselves to the lower tides and feed all day with little or no concern of weather. Fishing around the grass flats also begins heating up with plenty of respectable sight fishing. Live baits are occasionally unnecessary, especially with all the artificial lures available in today’s arsenal of fishing tackle, although it can be helpful when you’re looking for larger fish.

Redfish: This month redfish are found mainly on the flats, as it is time for them to school. There are lots of big fish in skinny water, but locating them does require a bit of investigation. On both sides of the Bay start by looking for healthy, shallow, grass flats with lots of bait and mullet. Find a big school of mullet and they are usually frequented by schooling redfish. One of the keys to finding fish is looking for shallow flats with narrow cuts, potholes and sandy bars. This type of flat can be dissected and studied during low tides. Find the access flow points that funnel water onto and off of the flat and you will know where the fish will come through on the rise and fall. The drop offs and deeper holes are where the fish are holding on the low tides. The trick is learning exactly where to be and at what time. You can’t just pull up to the bar and start throwing chum. Live and dead baits are great, but you can catch plenty of fish on jigs and jerk baits, for the simple reason of having the ability to cover more water. My color preferences for Gulp are new penny, camo, and white

Snook: If snook is your species of choice, the Bay and its tributaries offer plenty of excellent fishing. There are so many

by Captain Woody Gore

TAMPA BAY’S FISHING REPORT

WHAT ABOUT BANANAS?

“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.

areas that hold this prize species it’s hard to take the time to find new ones. This coming year I intend to concentrate on learning new unlikely areas for snook. For some reason the grass always

seems greener on the other side of the street and same holds true when it comes to fishing. So many times we’ve seen tournament anglers make 50 plus mile runs to catch the same fish they are running past. It doesn’t seem to make any sense to me. Some of the snook fishing is located right in your own backyard, so to speak, so why not take time to learn what you can about those areas and the how’s, when’s and where to fish.

Trout: Sea Trout fishing has been off the wall this year, especially around deeper rocky bottoms and lush grass flats with sandy potholes. Windy overcast days and incoming water are a favorite time for avid trout anglers. Live greenbacks, shrimp or

artificial lures will do the trick. Early morning grass flats with a MirrOlure’s Top Dog Jr. will produce some awesome sized fish including the occasional snook.

Inshore Gag Grouper: The inshore grouper bite will pick up, especially as the water temperatures cool down. Fishing should be good when we can avoid the northerly cold fronts and high winds. Lots of near shore and inshore bay keepers should show up in 15 to 25 feet of water. These guys are awesome fun especially on light tackle and trolling.

Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bluefish: Cold fronts should bring the traditionally high winds. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach the kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach or inside the Bay.


The Florida Blueberry Growers Association, November’s “Short Course” at the Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus in Plant City, attracted nearly 530 attendees plus a host of exhibiting suppliers of industry goods and services and allied organizations. The gathering was a far cry in terms of numbers from what it was two decades ago when attendance “spiked” at about 1/10th of the November gathering.

That growth is attributable to the opportunity Florida blueberry growers have from about mid-March to mid-May to literally dominate the blueberry market since the industry leader, Michigan, is not able to meet market demands. Howev-er, foreign berries have begun to present a growing challenge to Florida growers.

In addition to welcoming the assembled, Dr. Joan Dusky, Associ-ate Dean for Extension, IFAS, at the University of Florida, gave what could be considered a state of the blueberry industry address with her remarks. She noted much activity continues in the areas of research and application of new technologies at UF. “There has been rapid growth and the outlook is good, but it is not without challenges,” she said. And that presents both the opportunity and need to market the health benefits of blueberries.

It was also noted during the meeting, that the labor issue fac-ing agriculture throughout the U.S. is also being felt by Florida blueberry growers. “Becoming more efficient is something growers must address,” said Dusky. The issue of EVerify and other initiatives related to farm labor is dynamic, changing almost daily and something that must be watched and growers should take every advantage to have their voices heard on the subject, it was sug-gested.

Additional challenges noted by Dr. Dusky included new national safety standards and environmental regulations. She did report “UF has been receiving grants from both the federal government and state of Florida” to help address some of these challenges and to develop new cultivars. “Work is also proceed-ing with regulators on Best Management Practices,” she added.

Dr. Dusky also identified food safety as a critical area of emphasis going forward and Florida Blueberry Association President Bill Braswell termed it a “top priority” for all blueberry growers in the state in a letter distributed to all attendees.

His letter urged growers to “use all means available to pro-duce safe and healthy crops” and suggested:

• Completion of annual third party food safety audits, including water sampling, at the start of each season.

• Packers/shippers and handlers should also complete annual food safety audits.• And, all involved parties should fol-low Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) throughout the growing season.

To do anything less, Braswell’s letter said, “is knowingly putting hu-man lives at risk as well as our entire industry.”

UF Blueberry Breeder, Dr. Jim Olmstead, gave an update on various blueberry cultivars under development and study at UF, the source of more than 95 percent of the berries currently grown in Florida. There were also presentations on handling and cooling practices for blueberries, as well as cold and frost protection, disease and weed

management and a report on blueberry production in tun-nels.

From a mar-keting perspective, Braswell noted the need for grow-ers to emphasize the availability of Florida blueberries during the March-

May period and to use the Fresh from Florida labeling as a way to differentiate their berries from those imported from Chile. He said having berries picked within days of arriving at the super-market compared to weeks for imported berries is an important message that has to be communicated to consumers.

The association also unveiled plans at the meeting to partici-pate in the initial Florida Blueberry Festival, May 4-6 in Brooks-ville. Braswell termed that event not only a chance to promote the festival and association, but a “good opportunity to move a lot of fruit.”

For more information on the association, visit: www.florid-ablueberrygrowers.com.

Florida Blueberry Growers Gather in Plant CityAssociation Membership Continues to Growby Jim Frankowiak


Continuing its investment in the future of agriculture, Syngenta helped select Marshal Sewell, a junior at the University of Florida (UF) College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, as this year’s recipient of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) education scholarship. Sewell, who is currently pursuing his degree in Food and Resource Economics, received the scholar-ship September 20 at FFVA’s 68th Annual Convention in Palm Beach. The scholarship recognizes students pursuing careers in ag-riculture who display a financial need. This is the eighth consecu-tive year Syngenta has sponsored the FFVA education scholarship.

“Syngenta is proud to award this scholarship in partnership with FFVA to Marshal for his hard work and dedication to the fu-ture of agriculture,” said John Taylor, Syngenta agronomic service representative. “Marshal’s thoughts on how to continuously im-prove the industry that sustains this planet are well-conceived and passionate. Marshal’s dedication to the industry extends beyond the classroom into his everyday life, and he is a testament to the bright students who are emerging in agribusiness fields.”

Marshal was born into an agricultural family and has been surrounded by farming his entire life. He and his brother are fifth-generation farmers, and Marshal looks forward to carrying on the family tradition after graduation by returning to his family’s straw-berry and vegetable farm in the Plant City area. As a Food and Resource Economics major, he is interested in the production and marketing of crops. Marshal is also involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, the UF Agricultural Economics Club, the UF National Agri-Marketing Association Club and the UF National Grocer’s Association Club.

Scholarships are just one of the many ways Syngenta invests in the future of Florida agriculture. Since 1997, more than 95 students have participated in a Syngenta internship program in Florida. Participant responsibilities include scouting, soil sampling and col-lecting, analyzing and reporting on various citrus agricultural data.

Another way Syngenta contributes to the future of agriculture is through the research conducted at its Vero Beach Research Cen-ter. This Florida facility tests new and existing products to ensure their efficacy. This work helps contribute to the broad portfolio of top-quality products Syngenta offers to Florida fruit and vegetable growers, including FarMore® Technology seed treatments, Du-rivo®, Voliam Xpress® and Agri-Flex™ insecticides, and Inspire®, Quadris Top™, Ridomil Gold® and Revus Top® fungicides.

“Syngenta invests in the future of agriculture and students like Marshal to provide a strong foundation for a sustainable planet now and into the future,” said Taylor. “There is an ever-growing worldwide need for food, feed, fuel and fiber, and

Syngenta accepts the challenge to ensure that these resources remain accessibleand affordable.”

For more information about Syngenta Scholarships, visit www.SyngentaScholarshipsUS.com, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About SyngentaSyngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more

than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class sci-ence, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

Continues Support of Future of Agriculture Through $5,000 Florida Scholarship


I LOVE TO MULCH. It’s relaxing. I’m outdoors and can see immediate results of my labor! This is a great time to add mulch to your landscape beds now that the weather is cooling off.

Mulch is very beneficial. It retains moisture in the soil, sup-presses weeds, adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, moder-ates soil temperature, reduces runoff and erosion from your yard, improves soil structure, provides increased area for root growth, protects plants from lawnmowers and weed eaters and enhances the beauty of your landscape.

Organic mulches include pine bark (use the medium or small size as the large size tends to float away in a heavy rain), pine straw (settles quickly), Eucalyptus (light reddish-brown color, minimal set-tling over time), Melaleuca (high termite resistance and almost no settling over time), oak leaves (free source of mulch, minimal settling over time, great for the backyard landscape beds, not too pretty in the front), and municipal yard waste available at three county recycling facilities. All of these mulches are renewable resources.

Inorganic mulches include crushed shell, gravel and rock, which provide nice texture and color in landscape beds, but don’t prevent weeds. They do reflect heat, which prevents soil moisture loss. Recy-cled tire/rubber mulch is another inorganic mulch option which lasts for a long time, can be very costly and may contain high zinc levels in leachate which may harm plants (based on USDA research). Rub-ber mulch can be flammable and there may be issues with using this because of stormwater runoff and chemicals entering Tampa Bay.

What about termites? UF research indicates termites may be present more frequently in mulched versus non-mulched areas. However, certain practices will help deter these critters. Leave space between plants and exterior walls, pull mulch one foot away from walls, apply mulch one inch thick near buildings to reduce moisture

near foundations, and apply no more than one inch of water per irrigation.

Wood and bark mulches should be three inches deep after settling. Mulch newly-set plants after they are planted and watered. Re-apply mulch around estab-lished plants as needed to maintain the three inch depth. Pull mulch two inches away from trunks/stems to prevent rotting.

How much mulch should you buy and apply? Please see the Mulch Coverage Guide below which provides the answer.

Rob Northrop, Hillsborough County Extension Forester, advises mulch is a good way to keep lawn mowers away from

trees. It helps control grass, which competes with root systems of young trees and extends the time it takes to establish the tree. Recent University of Florida research suggests mulch should not be placed over the root ball of young trees.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, get outside and spruce up your landscape beds at the same time! Happy mulching! For horticul-tural assistance, contact the Hillsborough County Extension Office, 744-5519, or visit us at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Master Gardeners are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We can help!

Mulch The 4th of 9 Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscapeby Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM AgentHillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension

Mulch Coverage GuideDepth of Mulch Coverage per

cubic yard30 lbs of mulch

will cover25 lbs of mulch will

cover2 inches (4/25 ft.) 162 square feet 9.0 square feet 7.5 square feet2.5 inches (1/5 ft.) 129 square feet 7.2 square feet 6.0 square feet3 inches (1/4 ft.) 108 square feet 6.0 square feet 5.0 square feet4 inches (1/3 ft.) 81 square feet 4.5 square feet 3.75 square feetDirections:

1. Determine the square foot measurement of the area to be mulched. Example: 4 feet x 25 feet = 100 square feet

2. Determine desired depth of mulch, then convert from inches to a fraction of a foot. Example: 3 inches deep = 1/4 foot

3. Multiply fraction from Step 2 by the square foot measurement of area to be covered. Example: 1/4 foot x 100 square feet = 25 cubic feet

4. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.). Bagged mulch is available in volumes such as 2 cubic feet. Using the example, you can determine how many bags to buy. Example: 25 cubic feet to mulch; 2 cubic feet of mulch in 1 bag = 12.5 bags. You would buy 13 bags of mulch.


For many years firms, in what has become popularly known as the Green Industry, have competed on the basis of price, quality and ser-vice. While these factors are still important, there are others that have emerged and though important to those in the industry – among them nurseries, greenhouses, horticultural services firm – have significant impact on non-industry members, such as homeowners, retailers, gov-ernmental units and more. This was documented in a comprehensive, peer-reviewed study undertaken by the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University earlier this year.

The state of the economy has made consumers more value con-scious, but they continue to consume and will pay premiums for both products and services that enhance their quality of life. The Texas A&M study details the economic, environmental and health/well-being benefits of Green Industry products and services that result in enhance-ments to the consumers’ quality of life.

Economic benefits reflected in the study are multi-fold. “The simple addition of landscaping to a store front can make a significant difference in how a customer perceives the store,” the study said. “The positive environment created by aesthetically-pleasing landscaping not only welcomes customers inside, but also enhances their perception of the level of quality of products and services offered by that store. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices, travel further to and shop longer in a store that they perceive to be a quality establishment.”

Apartment and commercial building owners stand to gain from landscaping upgrades, too. The study said, “Landscape amenities represent an effective tool to boost the occupancy rate of apartments and other commercial buildings.” Thus, it makes sense to invest in landscaping “because the return in the number of tenants and amount of rent money they represent far exceeds the cost of installing orna-mental plants.”

Tourism revenue is also favorably impacted by green space such as parks and botanical gardens that “have been shown to be effective tourist attractions in both large and small cities, and consequently a strategic source for generating tourism revenue,” reported the study. In addition, the creation and maintenance of these green spaces creates new jobs and boosts the local economy “through increased spending and the income taxes that are generated.”

Homeowners benefit as well from landscaping through increased property values. “Home improvements can add significant value to a property, but may not always yield a 100 percent return on money invested, with the exception of landscaping, Landscaping yields, on average, a 109 percent return on every dollar spent, much more so than

other home improvements.”From an environmental perspective, landscaping leads to improved

air quality as “trees and other ornamental plants are crucial to the se-questration of carbon from the earth’s atmosphere” and there’s more. Landscaping attracts wildlife and promotes biodiversity, saves energy, reduces heat and cold damage, reduces noise pollution, soil erosion and water runoff leading to improved water quality.

From the standpoint of well-being, natural environments have been shown to have a calming influence on individuals, increasing a person’s ability to concentrate resulting in work of higher quality and with greater accuracy. A student’s ability to learn is improved as plants help focus and concentration and natural aesthetic beauty is soothing to people, making them more friendly.

In addition, participating in landscaping and gardening activi-ties helps to reduce stress and the presence of ornamental flowers and plants have an accelerating effect on the healing process, said the study. Other benefits of landscaping include improved relationships/compassion, enhanced human performance and energy, a more positive outlook on life, reduced crime and a greater sense of community.

If you happen to be from Missouri or share in the “Show Me” state’s desire to have the facts about most any subject, you may want to consider using a tool to calculate the benefits of adding a tree or trees to your landscape by visiting: http://www.davey.com/ask-the-expert/tree-calculator/national-tree-benefit-calculator.aspx. The Davey Tree Expert Service Company, through its National Tree Benefit Calculator, will show you how a specific specie of tree of a given size planted in your Zip Code area will result in detailed dollars and cents benefits.

Should you be in the market for ornamental plants and trees, visit your local nursery or tree farm to take advantage of many values that are currently available. There is also a website you can visit for a listing of nurseries. It is http://www.freshfromflroida.com/pi/plantinsp/nurs-ery_directory/nur_directory.html.

There are also many resources available to you at the Hillsborough County Extension office such as a new Florida Friendly™ Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscaping Design. That publication is available online or at the Extension office located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. Online access is available at Hillsborough.Extension.UFL.edu.

Extension Agents, such as Nicole Gonzalez and a group of dedi-cated Master Gardener volunteers are also available at the office to help with landscape design ideas and plant selections.

AN ESPECIALLY GOOD TIME TO LANDSCAPE Benefits of Plant-Human Interactionsby Jim Frankowiak

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My wife loves to watch Paula Dean, Emeril and various cooking shows on TV. I’ll have to admit they come up with some dandy dishes. If my mother was alive today she would cook circles around those folks. She was the best at cooking up dishes from leftovers that were so good it would make you want to slap your daddy down.

Nita Berry would always say, you don’t throw out perfectly good leftover food stuff, ‘cause people in Africa might be starving. I’ll bet the kids in Africa may very well be hearing the same story. “Clean that plate, kids in the south may be starving.”

I offered to send my plate of liver and onions to Africa. That didn’t go over very well with Mama. She said that makes as much sense as your sister Betty’s prayer, Good meat, Good bread, Good Lord, Let’s eat.” Both of us got a talking to, and we learned to have respect for other nations and the Lord.

Growing up we had the best grub in town, and my friends, like Raymond Crum, loved to come over and eat her fried chicken, lima beans and fried okra. She could make the best coconut cake in town, and had a super recipe for home-made ice cream. I remember my job was to sit on the churn to hold it down while other members of the family took turns turning the handle. It would put Mayfield’s ice cream to shame!

I have noticed these days folks have suddenly decided it’s the thing to eat southern. You ain’t southern if you ain’t fried tators

in a skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet you better get one if you want to start cooking southern style. You can even cook your dessert in it, like “Cast Iron Skillet Fried Apples.”

My friend, Alligator Bob, has the market covered in Plant City with his “Gator Tail” jerky. Fred Johnson’s restaurant at the farmers market puts the iron pots on the buffet with a long handled spoon, and you dig right in. Fred says, “You

ain’t cook’n southern if you don’t use cast iron pots and pans.“

In Miami, at one of the fancy restaurants on the beach, they serve a Wilted Salad. Mom tossed lettuce in the ba-con grease when I was a child, and she never charged $8.95 for a bowl of the stuff. She would get a good head of lettuce from Bruton’s market and mix the

grease left over from the breakfast bacon. Dad loved her pork rinds

and pickled eggs. I wonder why Cracker Barrel doesn’t add some of these recipes to their menu if they

really want to be noted as a first-class southern style restaurant?

I ran across a lady selling bacon soap among other things at her craft booth at the Florida Strawberry

Festival. I was disappointed as it really didn’t smell like bacon. Can you imagine? Your guests come over for dinner and wash their hands with bacon soap before eating and it doesn’t smell like bacon afterward?

West Virginia was having problems keeping up with road kill clean up in the ‘90s. So in 1998 the Senate passed a “Road Kill”

bill. The bill said that you could eat what you hit, but you have to call within 12 hours and report it. West Virginia has a “Road Kill Cook Off” competition, too. As for me I can’t quite crank up an appetite for road kill.

In Blairsville, GA they have real honest-to-goodness south-ern cooking. At their Green Bean Festival they served shakes, cookies and cakes made with green beans. Their green bean pizza was a big hit. Next year they plan to have a frog leg and green bean pizza!

There’s nothing more southern than a watermelon cutting. I remember as a kid dad would put three or four watermelons in a tub of ice over night. After we let our Sunday lunch settle, around 3:00 in the afternoon, the family and relatives from Tampa and Clearwater would have a real old fashion watermelon cutting. I never won the seed spitting contest. My sister Betty always took that competition hands down.

I recall a time when some of the boys in senior high school would go out and try to snitch a couple of watermelons from a patch in Turkey Creek. After a couple of good trips they went back and the farmer had a sign that that read, “One watermelon has poison in it.” Not to be out done, the boys (I won’t call them by name as they are highly respected citizens in Plant City), put a footnote on the farm-ers sign that read, “Now There Two Melons with Poison.”

If you are a lover of watermel-ons then you may want to enter the Watermelon-Eating Championship in Brookville, Ohio. In 2005 a gentleman by the name of Jim Reeves ate 13 pounds of watermelon in 15 minutes. He won $1,000 for

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his endeavor. This event has been going on for over 60 years. For a while they renamed it “Swellin’ with the Melon” contest, but this title was not received well by the pregnant ladies club, and they went back to the original name of “Water-melon-Eating Championship.”

I’ll close with the story of Earl and Bubba. They were quietly sitting

in a boat fishing, chewing tobacco and drinking RC Cola. Bubba said, “I think I’m

gonna divorce my wife. She ain’t spoke to me in over three months.” Earl spits, sips his RC, and says, “Bubba, you’d better think that over, women like that are hard to find.”


Recipes Courtesy of The Florida Department of Agriculture

Strawberry Clouds

Ingredients2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, dried, hulled and sliced1 lemon zested and juiced1 cup heavy cream1 cup plain low-fat yogurtpowdered or superfine sugar to taste1/2 cup light brown sugar

PreparationIn a chilled bowl, whip the cream and a tablespoon

of the powdered sugar until soft peaks start to form. Slowly fold in the yogurt, adding only small amounts of the lemon juice and zest at a time. Taste as you go, adding more lemon or sugar if needed. In the bottom of six small bowls or one large bowl, add the sliced strawberries in an even layer on the bottom. Cover the strawberries with the whipped cream mixture, being careful not to compress the whipped mixture. Sprinkle the top with the light brown sugar and carefully smooth the sugar over with the back of a small spoon until the cream mixture is completely covered. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours until sugar forms a crust. Serve cold with whole strawberries on the side.

Yield 4 servings

VEGETABLE SALEFri. & Sat. December 16th & 17th • 8 am - 5 pmStock up now! Next sale April 20th & 21st, 2012Order Online at southwesternproduce.com • Call in Your Order

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Beans & PeasFordhooks ..............................$22Baby Butter Bean ...................$13Green Beans ..........................$13Pole Beans .............................$13Speckled Butter Beans ............$13Blackeye Peas ........................$13Butter Peas .............................$13Conk Peas ..............................$22Crowder Peas .........................$13Green Peas ............................$13Pinkeye Peas......................... $13Sugar Snap Peas ....................$15Zipper Peas ............................$13

Corn & GreensWhite Corn .............................$13Yellow Corn ...........................$13Cream White Corn 4# .............$ 6Cream Yellow Corn 4# ...........$ 6Collard Greens .......................$12Mustard Greens .....................$12Turnip Greens ........................$12Spinach ..................................$12

Other VegetablesCut Okra ................................$12Breaded Okra ........................$12Whole Okra ............................$12Sliced Yellow Squash .............$12Sliced Zucchini .......................$12Brussel Sprouts ......................$12Broccoli ..................................$13Baby Carrots ..........................$12Cauliflower ............................$13Mixed Vegetables ..................$13Soup Blend .............................$13

Fruit & PeanutsBlueberries 5# .......................$15Blackberries 5# ......................$15Raspberries 5# ......................$15Cranberries 5# ......................$15Mango Chunks 5# .................$15Peaches ..................................$15Green Jumbo Peanuts............$15

Fresh from the Farm to your Freezer!

Our new web site is now live! Order online and we’ll have it

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Pecans are here!

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Pecan Halves1 lb Bag .................................$102 ½ lb Bag .............................$255 lb Bag .................................$4910 lb Bag ...............................$97

Pecan Pieces1 lb Bag .................................$102 ½ lb Bag .............................$255 lb Bag .................................$4910 lb Bag ...............................$97

Merry Christmas!

Florida Strawberry Tiramisu

Ingredients1 1/2 pounds strawberries1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liquer1/3 cup orange juice1 pound Italian mascarpone cheese, room temperature1 1/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract52 crisp ladyfingers

Preparation

Whisk preserves, 1/3 cup orange liquor, and orange juice in 2-cup measuring cup. Place mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons orange liquor in large bowl; fold just to blend. Using a whisk, beat cream, sugar, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons orange liquor in another large bowl to soft peaks. Stir 1/4 of whipped cream mixture into mascarpone mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whipped cream a small amount at a time. Slice half of strawberries. Spread 1/2 cup preserve mixture over bottom of 3-quart serving dish or a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange enough ladyfingers over strawberry mixture to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascarpone mixture on top. Arrange 2 cups sliced strawberries over mascarpone mixture. Repeat layering with remaining lady fingers, preserve mixture, and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. Slice remaining strawberries. Arrange over tiramisu and serve.

Yield 4 servings


For years, restaurateurs Holger and Margitta Engel left the freezing German winters to vacation in Florida. Soon, one family member after another chose to make their homes on our west coast, leav-ing Margitta and Holger remaining in Berlin where they had made their mark as highly successful restaurant owners for 20 years.

Amid glowing reports from son Bo who, with Darren Denington, has created the winning cuisine at the Copper Bell Café, voted “Best of Brandon” top restaurant for 2010 and 2011, the Engel’s decided to take their culinary skills and restaurant savvy to Brandon.

Arriving in Florida on Dec. 29, 2010 and let-ting no grass grow under their feet, just a bare ten months later on October first of this year, they opened “Taste of Berlin” in Brandon.

Holger’s career began as an apprentice in the fine hotels of Berlin, receiving his Chef’s Toque 35-years ago. After 15 years of cooking for others, he and his wife opened and successfully operated their own restaurant for 20 years.

The dynamic husband and wife team, with the chef in the kitchen (known as the back of a restau-rant) and Margitta handling the front service and customers, say they love the “friendliness” of local folks. Honestly, it’s easy to be friendly to people who love what they do and who do anything they can to make your dining experience memorable.

It is surprising that there are so few German restaurants within Hillsborough County and none at all in greater Brandon, since the United States has the largest concentration of German speakers outside of Europe, with people of German ancestry making up the largest single ethnic group in the United States with a population above 60 million.

The German language was ranked second only

to English until 1998 but with the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants, German is now rated as the third largest language in the U.S., yet you seldom are aware of it being spoken…except at “Taste of Ber-lin.” The accents are thickly German and all servers must be German speaking as the language lends itself to the true ethnicity of the restaurant and the atmosphere the owners wish to create.

The trendy décor (personally created by the owners) shows the division of East and West Berlin with signs, pictures, maps and other memorabilia. As you enter you will see a sign noting, “You are leaving the American Zone.” Our table was situated at “Checkpoint Charlie.”

Although our server, Bianca Pettway, is Ger-man-speaking, she reminded us in perfect English, that this is a “True German restaurant” and cau-tioned us to remember that there is a big difference between German and Bavarian cuisine.” Bavarian food includes Scandinavian flavors originally as-similated by Germanic tribes, however, formerly in-dependent Bavaria is a part of Germany today with the Bavarian Alps defining the border with Austria. The menu is easy to read with the German names of each dish listed along with an English description.

We were first served a Beef Rouladen, roast beef rolled with pickles, bacon and onion, per-fectly made rich gravy served with red cabbage and spaetzle.

If you have never had Rotkohl (called red cab-bage), you are in for a treat. The cabbage is not really red but maroon, a color usually associated with beets or beet juice, and a distinctive representa-tion of the sweet and sour flavors German cuisine is famous for. The traditional combination of cabbage with apples, cider vinegar and/or red wine, honey or sugar, bacon and onions, all marry into a beautiful

Taste of BerlinGerman Restaurant

by Cheryl Kuck

Phosphate Operations “Helping Farmers Feed a Hungry World”

10608 Paul Buchman Highway Plant City, FL 33565 813-782-1591

2520 Guy Verger Boulevard Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-5531 www.cfindustries.com

Please join CF Industries in these supporting community events:

Friday Night Live! Wauchula Idol Friday, November 18, 2011 – 5‐9 pm

Main Street Heritage Park – Wauchula

Hoofin’ It Off Main 2011 Bring your own horse for this trail ride fundraiser!

Saturday, November 12, 2011 – 8 am to Noon For more information, call (863) 767‐0330 or

visit www.mainstreetwauchula.com

Nick Katzaras looks on as Damon Lawrence

displays a rich harvest of Florida

strawberries during the 2011 season.

Peace On Earth , Good Will Toward Men.

Happy Hol idays

F rom


dish that is unique.Spaetzle is as much of a staple in the German diet as the ever

popular fried kartoffel (potato) and a favorite of my partner-in-life and second-generation American of German decent. Also pan-fried, spaetzle starts out as a handmade dumpling, cut into strips (thicker than spaghetti) and boiled until it rises, the same as other dumplings.

Among his many talents, Chef Holger is a master dumpling maker and prepares at least four huge pans of spaetzle daily.

Every menu item is freshly made each day with meats pur-chased from a German Butchery in Lakeland.

While sipping on a Berlin treat made of German coffee and ice cream, we were offered an amazing meatloaf dish called Hackbraten that also has a slightly sweet-sour flavor with sump-tuous bacon gravy, mixed vegetables and thick-cut redskin pan fried (also in bacon) potatoes, a large plate full for only $12.99.

Dinner items are listed from $7.99 to $16.99 with most of the generous plates a bargain from $11 to $13.99. There are hefty sandwich’s also available including the Berlin version of the ham-burger in the seven to eight dollar range.

Their five Schnitzel offerings will make you want to break into the “Schnitzelbank” drinking song … “Oh, du schöne” (“Oh, you wonderful) Schnitzel “Wiener Art,” “Zigeuner Art,” “Jaeger Art,” “Italia” and “Cordon Bleu…”

Schnitzel is a thinned (mallet hammered) pork or veal cutlet that has been seasoned and lightly breaded, then pan fried. When you have down-sized your meat to pancake-like proportions, you will be blessed if the meat is still juicy and tender after cooking. Here the meat is cooked to such absolute perfection, I can only give my humble opinion, Engel cooks like a German angel.

A Taste of BerlinGerman Restaurant

Established for 20 years as restaurateurs in Germany now featuring true Berlin cuisine in Brandon

Location: 526 Oakfield Drive in Brandon

Phone: (813) 654-7139

Seating: 100 people, Includes outside seating for 12

Drinks: Featuring German coffee specials. German beer and wine license pending.

Catering: Call 7 to 10 days in advance

Hours: Lunch Daily: Tuesday–Friday 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner Daily: Tuesday–Friday 4:30pm-8:30pm Saturday 4:00pm-9:00pm Closed on Sunday

Specials: Change daily and include desserts

Prices: Moderate with generous portions. Tax and gratuity not included. Exception - Parties of 8 or more 18% gratuity included.

Take-out: Available

Reservations: Regularly accepted and mandatory for Tradi-tional German Christmas Dinner on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 for New Years Eve Buffet. Closed New Years Day.

Bus: 813-986-4242Cell: 813-293-4242

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Well here we are again, another Christmas in Dry Creek. Along with it comes all the hustle and bustle of the holidays...that is if you let it.

Heck it was just last year in Dry Creek that folks were even fussing over hitching rails in town. They were getting caught up in the confusion of Christ-mas instead of what Christmas really was all about. That is until Bunkie our Blacksmith showed the whole town that a simple Christmas smile could change Christmas forever.

I wrote a poem called Christmas Be-fore Old Master Card. I’d like to share it with you. It might just slow the approach-ing Christmas down so you can enjoy it more.

Merry Christmas from Dry Creek.Everybody knows where that is...

cause it’s inside each and everyone of us.Go to drycreektv.com to learn more.

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

Christmas at Dry Creek

Christmas Before Ole Master Card

Today buying presents and spending money seems to be the Christmas way. But I remember a simpler time, for Christmas spirit you really didn’t have to pay.

Toys of plastic we soon discard. But the Christmas’, I remember are way back before Ole Master Card.

Like the smell of kerosene, used to light the wagon’ way. A proud team snorting steam heading for the lights of home, Christmas tree in toll,

they would not stray.

Mommy telling stories about baby Jesus nestled in the hay. The real reason we celebrated the day.

Outside it was cold but inside our hearts were warm, the warmth only being together would bring.

Hay rides down the country lane, from neighbor to neighbor we’d do our best to sing.

Well today as I stand outside this crowded mall, I’ll just put Ole Master Card away. Maybe make an angel out of just plain old tinfoil, and celebrate this Christmas the

old fashioned way.

©2011 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow all bag tag and label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The instructions contain important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. Agri-Mek and Gramoxone SL are Restricted Use Pesticides. Actara, Agri-Mek and Voliam Flexi are highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply these products or allow them to drift onto blooming plants while bees are foraging adjacent to the treatment area. Abound,® Actara,® Agri-Mek,® Gramoxone,® Quadris Top,™ Quilt Xcel,® Ridomil Gold,® Switch,® Tilt,® Voliam Flexi,® the Alliance Frame, the Purpose icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). www.FarmAssist.com MW 1L111030 11/11

Innovative products are only part of what we do.Syngenta is committed to helping you produce the highest-quality crop possible with new additions to your strawberry portfolio like Quadris Top™ fungicide. Our goal is to aid strawberry growers in producing higher marketable yields, year after year, with proven solutions. To learn more about the products listed below, contact your local Syngenta sales representative.


J.M. “Marty” Tanner sits back in amazement when he considers what has taken place over the last 30 years that he has been in the ornamental aquaculture business. “My business has taken me all over the world to acquire new species of fish,” he said. “Those trips have given me the opportunity to also enjoy my hobbies of big game fishing and scuba diving.” But there’s more for Marty.

“I have gained a special appreciation for how well we have it in this country compared to some countries in other parts of the world,” said Tanner. “The living conditions in some of those countries would be difficult, if not impossible for many Americans, but the people who reside there accept and enjoy their way of life.”

Tanner is president of Aquatica Tropicals, a wholesale ornamental aquaculture company who markets to the “big box” retailers: Wal-Mart, Petco and PetsMart. “We are fortunate to have those customers and we appreciate them,” said Tanner. Based northeast of Plant City, Tanner’s company includes four sites and a workforce of 30 employees, including several family members. But he was not always a force in the ornamental aquaculture business.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Tanner and his parents and four sisters moved to central Florida when he was a teenager. “Life in east LA got to be difficult and dangerous,” he said. “We had family living in Lakeland so my parents decided it would be best if we relocated.”

To help the family, Tanner left high school during his junior year and began a fulltime job with a retail grocery store. He attended a vocational school and received certification in the areas of tax preparation and bookkeeping. That led to a position with Moore Business Services, one of the nation’s largest H & R Block franchisees. Tanner also met and married his wife, Sue. They have three children: Kyle, Caitie and Matthew.

“I was given the opportunity to do the books and taxes for

a number of small businesses, primarily in Polk County,” said Tanner. One of his clients was a small fish farm and “I was amazed at the margins of that business,” he said. So much so, that Tanner got a part time job with a fish farm and ultimately left the Moore firm to devout his career to fish farming. He bought his original fish farm in Plant City in 1985. He acquired a second location in north Lakeland four years later, a Ruskin operation in the mid 90s and another Lakeland facility in 2004.

Tanner’s son Kyle manages one of the Lakeland facilities and his daughter, Caitie, a fulltime-plus USF student majoring in biomedicine, works part-time at the Plant City location. Kyle, a USF business graduate, plans to return to school to pursue an MBA. Caitie, who just received her undergraduate degree, plans to marry in May and also pursue an advanced degree in nursing

with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician. A Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board member, Tanner

recognizes the importance of serving his industry through many organizations. He is president of the Florida Aquaculture Association and chairs the Florida Farm Bureau Aquaculture Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Aquaculture Review Council, which functions in an advisory capacity to the Florida Department of Agriculture and The Southern Regional Aquaculture Center regarding industry research needs and incentives for the USDA.

“I am a strong environmental and animal rights activist,” said Tanner, whose company was recognized by Hillsborough County for its environmental stewardship. “We realize the need to re-use and conserve water, and I am pleased to note that our operations recirculate five million gallons of water every day.” He also recognizes and uses many technology advances in his operations, all of which are indoors and utilize systems that are less labor intensive. Though much of the technology Tanner uses in his company is not mandated by regulation, it harkens back to his concern for the environment and “it’s just the right thing to

by Jim Frankowiak

Farm BureauHIGHLIGHT: J.M. “Marty” Tanner

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do,” he said.To maintain his company’s position in the ornamental

aquaculture business, Tanner annually seeks out and acquires new species from across the world. “Leading not following is the key to our future,” he said. Even during this difficult economy, that strategy has paid off for Aquatica Tropicals.

Tanner’s company is also held in high regard by others in his industry. A case in point is the selection of his company as one of only two U.S. producers of the GloFish™, the first biotech transgenetic ornamental fish. The company also breeds and maintains a line of research zebrafish for a vast number of university researchers in the US and Canada.

It’s been a fast and rewarding 30 years for Tanner, and thanks to the support of his family and dedicated employees “we see a bright future.” No doubt that will include continued service to the community and the ornamental aquaculture industry.


November was a particularly busy month for agriculture and the Hillsbor-ough County Farm Bureau, including a special proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners declaring Farm-City Week.

That weeklong national celebration honors the more than 21 million American workers who produce, process and sell the nation’s food and fiber. It is also a special time to recognize that prosperity and well-being of the community are depen-dent upon understanding and cooperation between farmers and urban residents.

The proclamation noted, “Hill-sborough County ranks third in the state and 59th in the nation in the value of agricultural products, at more than $815 million annually from 2,843 farms, making agriculture a significant portion of our county’s economy.” It went on to state, “Farm-City Week provides an unparalleled opportunity for farm and city workers to establish communication and become acquainted, thereby better understanding their interdependence and each group’s contributions to the Ameri-can way of life.”

The week concluded with a special celebration in downtown Tampa where members of the agricultural community reached out to urban residents through displays, demonstrations and giveaways. Among participants were Farm Bureau directors, the Young Sprouts 4-H Club, the Soil and Water Conservation District, IN THE FIELD Magazine, Hillsborough County Extension, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Florida Strawberry Festival and the Florida State Fair.

Displays included saddles and horseback riding equipment, bull whips and their use, as demonstrated by Yancey Ray, while urbanites were also treated to samples of Tasti-Lee tomatoes, Pink Surprise Desserts and more.

Farm-City Week also included the Great American Teach-In, a day in which volunteers representing diverse occupa-tions, met with school children to discuss their jobs and the things they do each day. Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson addressed eight classes at River Hills Elementary School during which she discussed how vegetables grow and presented radish seed necklaces to all students in her audiences.

Farm Bureau board members Jake Raburn, George Coleman and Michelle Williamson also participated in Teach-In activities.

by Jim Frankowiak

A High Profile Month for Agriculture and Farm Bureau


www.InTheFieldMagazine.com March 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Mar. 15-Feb. 15, 2011


D&K FarmsA Family Tradition

®

Billy Keith Williams

We Tell Your Stories

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com August 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

August 15–September 15, 2011


®

Owners Jade & Ashlyn Banks

SOUTHERN STYLE GOATS

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com June 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

June 15–July 15, 2011


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

®

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com April 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Apr. 15-May 15, 2011


Layna Blount

®

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com July 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

July 15–August 15, 2011


®

Spivey Farms

THE ENERGIZER FARM

David Spivey

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com September 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1Covering What’s Growing

2011 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart

KAITLYN GILL

September 15–October 15, 2011

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com May 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

May 15–June 15, 2011


A n t i o c hC r i t t e r s4 - H C l u b

®

www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

February 2011 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 1

Feb. 15 - Mar. 15, 2011


WishnatzkiFarms:A 90 Year Legacy

®

Gary Wishnatzki

and the stories of your friends, family and neighbors...

/berry.publications /ITFmagazine

These past issues and more are available online at www.InTheFieldMagazine.com

813/759-6909


Attention All Florida Strawberry Growers & HandlersRE: Florida Strawberry Growers Association

As an active member of the FSGA for many years, I have seen numerous examples of the power of a united group speaking for the entire industry. Our Association has won many battles that would have adversely affected each of us in numerous ways.

The solidarity of our strength in unity has been demonstrated from water management agencies, various local government agencies, to Tallahassee, to Washington DC. Our Association has been instru-mental in protecting and preserving our way of life while at the same time saving us untold amounts of money.

At present we do not have the support of all growers, and our past strength is waning at an alarming pace. My plea to you is to evaluate what the Association has done for all of us. We presently have several criti-cal issues facing our industry that will affect our livelihood if they are not properly addressed and resolved in a satisfactory manner. We need the support of all grow-ers to effectively protect our interest.

Please see the accomplishments F.S.G.A has achieved to preserve our rights. Also look at the outlined details of how the F.S.G.A. can save each of us money at the present time with other programs in the works.

If you are not a member in good standing I strongly urge you to seriously consider joining and becoming an active part of a grower protective and promotion organization, because we need your support. If you have any questions or com-ments I am available to assist you in any way.

Sincerely,G. Marvin Brown10070 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527Office: 813-986-3949Cell: 813-716-4449

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Rebates on University of Florida Varieties UF breeding programs create varieties that perform in our

environment, and they share patent royalties with our growers as a reward for collaboration. On average, the royalty rebate returns 80% of grower assessment costs, while your dues fund all the other vital programs.

Support and Direct Industry Research Initiatives

Agriculture requires a lot of scientific research to improve quality and enhance production. FSGA works with Florida Foundation Seed Producers to direct approximately $300,000 per year into strawberry specific research projects. This essential work benefits every strawberry grower in Florida, and our indus-try would perish without the continuous improvement provided by this professional research.

Generic Marketing and Promotional Programs

Research can improve industry productivity, but increased production will only depress prices without strong market-ing programs to build consumer demand. FSGA marketing programs are designed to compliment your individual brand marketing programs to elevate consumer awareness of nutrition, convenience, flavor, and seasonality of Florida strawberries. We have leveraged our limited funds to generate substantial con-sumer impressions and are better utilizing the Internet and social media for targeted marketing with enhanced cost efficiency.

UF IFAS Pathology TestingAs a benefit to members in good standing, FSGA pays for

testing at the pathology lab at Gulf Coast Research & Education Center in Balm .

UF FAWN Weather SystemFSGA has financially supported FAWN development to as-

sist farms with weather alerts and monitoring. We are presently developing an agreement to allow FSGA members discounted pricing for FAWN’s email and text alerts during freeze events.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Associate Membership and Payment of Strawberry Crop Assessment Fees

FSGA pays the FFVA crop assessment fees of $0.35 per 1000 flats for members in good standing. You save approximately $8.75 per acre, receive Associate benefits of FFVA, and help sup-port the Ag industry of Florida.

Process and Distribute Weekly Volume Projection Reports

FSGA assimilates production data weekly to help marketers plan, project, and anticipate market conditions several weeks in advance. Cumulative data shows valuable production trends over the years.

Provide Conferences, Informational Meetings, Ongoing Training and Access to CEU’s

• Agritech is our industry’s largest trade event providing information on research, regulatory issues, and a trade show to promote networking. Sessions also help grow-ers secure important certifications.

• FSGA newsletters and issue updates keep members informed, and we distribute hardcopy of UF’s Berry Vegetable Times Newsletter.

• FSGA facilitates and helps fund other industry informa-tional meetings such as FAWN Cold Protection Seminar, Ag Expo, Ag Institute Seminars, Annual Agricultural Labor Conference, various affiliate chemical company presentations, Field Supervisor Training Seminars, Strawberry Field Day at Balm, UF Extension presenta-tions, Food Safety Training, and more.

Enhanced Community Support• FSGA has raised over $300,000 of scholarship money

for local students to help develop, and retain the talented youth of our industry. Our foundation helps sustain our human capital.

• FSGA provides financial and in-kind support for FFA, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, Farm Bureau Legislative Days, Ag. Hall of Fame, State Fair, Strawberry Festival, Southeast Produce Council, Fla. Dept. of Ag’s Fresh From Florida programs, National Berry Crop Initiative, Berry Health Symposium, Ag Institute, Hillsborough County Extension, United Food Bank of Plant City, and many more programs which are important to our industry.

WHY BE A MEMBER OF FSGA?

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


Serving Plant City and East Hillsborough CountyHAUGHT FUNERAL HOME

708 W. Dr. M.L. King Jr. Blvd. • Plant City Fl. 33563www.haughtfuneralhome.com

813-717-9300

For 10 years Haught Funeral Home has been assisting families during their loss of a loved one with interment in these area cemeteries:

AntiochBethlehemHopewell Memorial GardensHopewell Church CemeteryPelote

OaklawnMemorial ParkMt. EnonSpringheadShiloh

Haught Funeral Home Remembers…In recognition of the families who entrusted us with their loved ones in

November 2011Clarence C. Ogle , 75, of Plant City, Fla. passed away October 30, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carole; his daughter, Claire Mawhinney; son, Curtis Ogle; and grandsons, Ian and Casey Mawhinney.Kevin William King 56 died Peacefully at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland on November 3rd, 2011. Kevin King will be deeply missed by his wife Patricia, daughters Melinda, Lisa and Heather, brothers Johnny, Billy, Brian and Jimmy and grandsons Camden, Jacob, Cody and Connor. He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley, and his father William. Kevin was an avid motorcycle rider and a member of the American Legion post 138 and the American Legion Riders post 138.Elsie Mae Wall, 81, passed away on November 7th, 2011, in Lakeland, FL. she was born in Plant City, FL on October 25th, 1930 born to the late Andrew and Virginia Davis. Elsie is survived by her loving husband, Stewart; Daugh-ters Barbara, Ann, Linda and Donna; Grandchildren Heather, John, Matthew, Courtney, Ricky, Daniel, Joseph, Gwen, Andrea, and Sarah; Great Grandchil-dren Aliayh, Havanah, Charlotte, Tyson, Vincent and Joseph; predeceased by a grandson, Nathan.Barbara Jean Phillips, 61, passed away on November 9th, 2011, in Plant City,Fl .She was born in Youngstown, OH on October 28th, 1950 to the late Bill and Jean Davis. Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy; sister, Becky Hassman; She was employed with Stellar Marketing.Elyse Amber Tassillo, 4 died peacefully at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Chil-dren in Orlando on November 14th, 2011. Elyse Tassillo will be deeply missed by her mother Amber, father Matthew, brother Clay, grandfathers Jay, James, and Paul; grandmothers Charlene, Terrie ,and Linda; and great grandfather Walter.Randall Lee Woods, 72, passed away on November 14th, 2011, in Tampa, FL. he was born in Clendenin, WV on June 23rd, 1939. Randall is survived by his loving wife, Hildegard; sons Rick and Rodney, and five grandchildren.

Robert Patrick “Pat” Smith, 79, of Plant City died November 15, 2011. Born October 3, 1932, in Daytona Beach, FL to the late Bryan M. “Mac” Smith, Sr. and Rozale M. Smith. Pat and his family moved to Plant City in 1934. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1950 and attended the University of Florida and Carlisle Military Academy. Pat served in the U. S. Air Force for four years as a gunner on B-36 Bombers. He was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico as well as Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX. After being discharged from the Air Force, Pat returned to Plant City and gained employment at the post office, where he worked as a mail carrier for 33 years. His outgoing nature, coupled with an endless supply of jokes, quickly won the hearts of everyone who lived on his rural route. Following his retirement, he worked part time for his brother, Mac, at B.M. Smith Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing, and had a particular interest in cast netting. His countless fishing buddies would attest, however, that their excursions with Pat were as much about laughter as the final catch. He belonged to the DeMolay and Masonic Fraternal Orders, Eastern Star, and Disabled American Veterans, and was a member of the First Assembly of God in Plant City. Pat’s sharp and often irreverent sense of humor left a trail of laughter wherever he went. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, LaFaye; sons, Robert Patrick Smith, Jr., John Casey Smith (Gay-Marcine), daughter, Martha White (Daryl); stepchildren, Robert West (Kathy), Cyndi Kanaan (John); eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, B.M. “Mac” Smith, Jr. (Cookie); nieces, Debbie Petrina (Jim), Kathy Wood (Rick), and Marion Smith.Christa Dorothea Dempsey, 84, passed away on November 26th, 2011, in Plant City, FL. she was born in , on October 7th, 1927 to the late and . Christa is survived by her loving family, predeceased by her husband W.C.; Patrick, Eli and Mark; Pam; Peter; Jack, Chris, Julia, Kimberly and Emily.

It has been an honor to serve you.

TIMOTHY “TIM” HAUGHTFounder

DAVID W. WOLFOwner


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DECEMBER 17THE MYSTICS (A CHRISTMAS SHOW)The Mystics, including, original members of the group, George Galfoand Phil Cracolici, will celebrate the spirit of the season withclassical Christmas songs. The Las Vegas Sounds also perform.

DECEMBER 23RICHIE MERRITTRichie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will be performing in theRed Rose Dining Room. Also, The Las Vegas Sounds perform before

and after the show.

DECEMBER 24 & 31RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room and openingand closing for the World Famous Platters on NYE.

DECEMBER 25CHRISTMAS BUFFETThe holiday isn’t complete without a fabulous array of delicious foods.Roasted turkey, traditional dressing, seasoned prime rib, glazed ham,fresh fish, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, fresh fruits, andmuch more! Santa will stop by for photos. Three seating timesavailable: 12 Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Call to reserve your table soon!

DECEMBER 31NEW YEARS EVEWITH THE WORLD FAMOUS PLATTERS AND THELEGACY OF THE TEMPTATIONSIt’s a celebration not to miss! Ballroom and Dining room perform-ances of The Legacy of the Temptations and the World FamousPlatters. Join the party and be part of the big COUNTDOWN for2012... Call for our tiered pricing and details.

– 2012–JANUARY 6 & 21BRIAN ROMANOne of Canada’s finest entertainers! Roman performs the classics –spanning the Golden Era, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.Destiny also performs.

JANUARY 7, 13 & 27JOHNNY ALSTON’S - MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser!

JANUARY 14 & 28THE CONTOURSPerforming their hits, including: Do You Love Me, in the Red RoseBallroom. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock ‘n Roll Review also per-forms. Call for our tiered pricing for this fabulous dinner show!

JANUARY 14, 27 & 28RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

Call 813.752.3141for Reservations Today!

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

RRose_DecSpread:Layout 1 12/5/11 6:38 PM Page 1

MRS. EVELYN MADONIA - OWNER

JANUARY 20BOBBY PALERMOPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.

JANUARY 28BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON& THE B3 BLUES BANDBobby Blackmon's career began in a smalltown not far from the Dallas, Texas area. HisTexas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proudin his soulful guitar playing. He's workedwith the likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed,ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White andLou Rawls. Destiny opens and closes in theRed Rose Dining Room.

JANUARY 28THE VAN DELLSWITH THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDSBack by popular demand. This trio isa fireball of entertainment and not tobe missed! Dinner served in a supper-club atmosphere in the Red RoseBallroom.

FEBRUARY 10 - WALT MADDOXIN A TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE

FEBRUARY 11 - THE FOUR PREPSWITH THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS

FEBRUARY 18 -TROY “SATCHMO” ANDERSONA TRIBUTE TO LOUIE ARMSTRONG

FEBRUARY 25-THE FABULOUS HUBCAPS

Coming Soonin FEB

RRose_DecSpread:Layout 1 12/5/11 6:38 PM Page 2


When the late Eddie Jones put his first

strawberry plant in the fertile Valrico ground over 30 years ago there is no way he could have envisioned what he started with that one single plant.

by Mark Cookphotos by Stephanie Humphrey

Carrying on the

Tradition


Today, a few hundred acres and millions of berries later, Brandon Farms is one of the areas top producing farms with Plant City’s finest import being shipping all over North America.

Jones son-in-law and owner of Brandon Farms, Joe Gude, still scratches his head sometimes trying to figure out why the business has been so blessed.

“There is no doubt we put a lot of hard work into it but farming is more than work, it is a little luck and a lot of some-one watching over you,” Gude said. “We have had it all and even after all these years I still look forward to putting my boots on every morning.”

Jones was a career railroad man for over 40 years but always enjoyed farming. Back in the 70s Jones decided to make the leap into berry farming and found a 20-acre block of land for lease, where the current SweetBay shopping plaza on Highway 60 now sits, and called it Brandon Farms.

Over the next several years Jones worked on expanding the farming opera-tion. Gude says he was amazed at the stories he heard about Jones’ work ethic.

“Eddie would drive the train all night then come home in the morning and put on his boots and farm until it was time to do it all over again,” Gude said. “He lived and breathed it and built this business with a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Jones started picking up small blocks of land near his resi-dence in the Sydney area for expansion.

“He started farming the 20 acres block behind the house

where I live now,” Gude said. “Then he got another block that was 20 acres but mostly old citrus grove. He picked grapefruit for a few years and then he took the trees out to make more room and it was another 20 acres when he got it ready.”

Around that time a young man from Cork began courting Jones’ only daughter Trenda.

“We started dating while she was still in high school and I think he knew we were going to eventually get married,” Gude

said. “I was working for Publix at the time and he put me to work with him. Like Eddie I would work at my main job until I got off then change my boots in the truck on the way home and work the farm until dark.”

Joe and Trenda married in March of 1992 and Gude began working more and more in the family business along-side Jones. It wasn’t always the most pleasant experience at first but looking back on it 20 years later he now sees why Jones was so tough on him.

“First of all I was taking his baby girl away,” Gude said. “So being a father of two girls now myself, I under-stand that part of it. But most importantly he wanted me to be a man and a provider and a hard worker. I didn’t really understand it at first but looking back on it now it is easy to see.”

“Eddie and I butted heads many times in the early year and I had to earn his respect. I did it by making mistakes, learning from then but most importantly working hard. He was bound and determined to make something of me.”

Gude said he learned more than just farming from Jones.

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Joey with daughters, Ashlyn and Faith


“He taught me, obviously, how to grow strawberries, but he also taught me how to treat people, employees, vendors – you name it – Eddie was really a good people person.”

“Another thing people might not know is how smart Eddie was. He wasn’t book smart but as far as numbers and stuff it was like he had a computer in his head.”

“In the later years Eddie and I got really close. We were fam-ily and he used to tell me I was like the son he never had. Those words meant the world to me and I’ve never forgotten them.”

As Jones and Gude’s personal relationship grew so did Bran-don Farms.

“We both kept putting all we had into it but the he decided to he wanted to step back a little and one day he told me he wanted me to take on more responsibility,” Gude said. “I had been walking around like a zombie killing myself working two jobs and Trenda told me to give up Publix. So I took my retire-ment and became full time at Brandon Farms and Trenda and I became officers.”

Gude basically assumed the fulltime role as owner, manager, supervisor and chief bottle washer. With Jones guidance, Gude and Brandon Farms continued to prosper continuing to pick up more land to grow their crop.

But in 2007 Jones health began to decline and he was diag-nosed with a rare disease called amyloidosis. The disease was caught in its later stages and Jones began treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. In 2009 on a trip with his daughter for a treatment Eddie Jones passed away. Gude said the family and business organization was devastated.

“Eddie built this operation on his back,” Gude said. “It was a huge blow to not have him around. And to make matters worse we were gearing up for the season. We had no choice but to get back in the fields even with broken hearts.”

“There isn’t a day that goes by when we are working that I don’t want to pick up my phone and call him and ask him a ques-tion. But I cant, so I just have to just try and think about how he would have handled it.”

Then just a few months later another tragedy struck, one that no one could have predicted.

Trenda Gude at 37 was a picture of health. But after a cold that wouldn’t go away she finally found out what was causing her illness. It wasn’t a cold or pneumonia. Gude recalled the day they found out the devastating news.

“Trenda had never even touched a cigarette in her life,” Gude said. “So when the doctor told us she had lung cancer I was floored. I kept telling myself it was just a bad dream and I would

wake up. But I didn’t wake up.”

“Trenda, though, never got upset outwardly. She was the one telling me everything would be ok. Here she was basically be-ing given a death sentence and she is the one consoling me.”

Trenda Gude passed away in March of 2010

from lung cancer and Brandon Farms was stung by two huge losses in less than six months.

“It was incredibly hard,” Joe Gude said. “First Eddie then Trenda. I was a zombie and it was all a blur for months. I had to take on the business and money side of it along with Eddie’s fiancé and our secretary Debbie Holt. We threw ourselves into the work to help the grieving part of it. I didn’t realize how much I really relied on Eddie and Trenda until they were both gone.”

One of the legacies Jones left that he was extremely proud of was the retail market located on Highway 60 between Turkey Creek and Valrico.

“Eddie really loved the market and demanded the best for the customers,” Jones’ fiancé Debbie Holt said. “We only sell hand picked on the hour berries, never field run berries.”

“A great story Eddie used to tell was overhearing a conver-sation one day when there was a line of people waiting to get berries and someone said to the person in line, just go down the street the berries are cheaper. The person said, true, but we know we will get a use from every one of Eddie’s berries. There won’t be a single one thrown away.”

Holt said the market only uses homemade items.“Eddie wouldn’t settle for anything less. We bake our own

shortcake, it’s never bought from a store. Same thing with all the ingredients. Even our pizza crusts are made right here from scratch. Eddie wanted to make sure the customer got only the best. And now Joey follows the same philosophy.”

Now over 320 acres of berry fields and countless flats of berries later, Gude and Brandon Farms are still dealing with the deep losses they still feel and Joe Gude says their memory helps the whole company work harder to honor them in a sense.

“It is all we can do,” he said. “There are a lot of people de-pending on us to keep going and we will do it. I love these fields and I love my job. We have an amazing crew and without them this operation would have folded a long time ago.”

“I know how hard Eddie worked to build this and the trust he put in me to run it. And of course Trenda was a huge part of the operation. We all just work as hard as we can and I’d like to think if Eddie and Trenda could come back they would be proud of the work we have put into it. I think they would be happy.”

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Ser-vices Adam Putnam recently toured the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Center Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl led Putnam on a tour of the facility to learn of the varied programs underway and capabilities available to growers.

The Center’s Balm campus houses 16 laboratories, includ-ing tissue culture and plant diagnostics and can staff 25 faculty members and their support personnel. It is located on 475-acres of land, donated by Hillsborough County, that contain research trials for vegetables, small fruit and ornamental plants. It is part of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

by Jim Frankowiakphotos by David Moore

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Visits Gulf Coast Research & Education Center

Dr. Gary Vallad (left) explains diseases that affect tomatoes and demonstrates methods of detecting disease and treatments that are being used to Dr. Rechcigl (center) and Commissioner Putnam.

Dr. Natalia Peres describes the modeling tool available to strawberry growers to help them determine and treat diseases throughout the growing season.

Commissioner Putnam visited with Tomato Breeder Dr. Jay Scott and discussed the newest release from the tomato breeding program, Tasti-Lee.


Politics & AgRobbie DryBeef Consumer Rep

When one considers agriculture it is certainly natural to think about livestock and vegetables, not to men-tion strawberries and citrus. How-ever, most people don’t immediately make a connection between agricul-ture and politics. No doubt involve-ment in FFA and 4H train young people in the arts of public speaking and leadership, but politics? This is such a sore subject for most people and rarely does one come in contact with a young person who’s got both Ag and politics on the brain. That is, at least, unless Robbie Dry happens to be around.

Robbie, a 19 year old freshman at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, is currently working on his degree in political science. “Why then is he being mentioned in an agricultur-ally based magazine?” readers may ask. The answer’s quite simple really, he’s been selected as the Florida Beef Consumer Representative.

Robbie said, “I’ve raised animals practically my whole life, raised cattle since fifth grade, show heifers, show steer, raised pigs since the fourth grade. I’ve always had a love of livestock in general. We don’t have huge pasture for cattle but I live on acre-age, I don’t know how much, I’ve never asked my dad.”

A Hillsborough County native, Robbie said, “I was born and raised in Plant City, lived there my whole life. I got into the whole beef industry beginning at my seventh grade year, starting to show steers at the Hillsborough County Fair and Strawberry Festival. I was really involved in FFA in high school. I’ve been involved in the agriculture industry since the sixth grade, FFA, 4H. I’ve shown pigs, dairy goats, steers, heifers and bulls. I competed in the citrus contest, livestock evaluation, forestry in middle school, job interview CDE, vegetable identification, and nursery and landscape. I placed fifth in the state at the state FFA Convention in job interview CDE.”

As Robbie delved deeper into the Ag industry he said, “I got more involved in our county and state

Junior Cattleman’s Association. I wanted to become a representa-tive and the county advisor told me to compete in the Florida Beef Consumer Representative Contest. That was in August at the Junior Cattleman’s Show.” Apparently this is a rigorous competition with focuses on issue response, consumer demonstrations, classroom presenta-tions, and a mock interview. Robbie explains that it was all, “to test our knowledge of the nutritional aspects of the beef industry and some of the vital issues that are going on in to-day’s beef industry.” Obviously Rob-bie prepared well because he was selected to represent ranchers across the state. He also got a scholarship for his hard work.

What is his job as the represen-tative? “You’re basically an advocate for the state. You travel around giv-ing presentations to 4H groups and

Junior Cattleman’s Association groups, and even doing presenta-tions for third graders at elementary schools. The whole point is to let kids know that beef is good for you, the nutritional value of beef and what the farmers and ranchers are doing to give them the best quality beef we can provide.”

While this is quite the endeavor for a young man, Robbie is also very ambitious. Thusly he convinced, “The Florida Cattle-women, who sponsor the Florida Beef Consumer Contest,” to let him compete in the, “National Beef Ambassador Contest in Wooster, Ohio. It had some of the same aspects of state contest

but the consumer demonstration dealt with controversial issues that the consumer had questions about like animal rights, organic fed versus conventional fed beef, factory farm-ing was another big one. It was is-sues we might face if we’re handing out beef samples or doing demos, how we would handle it if someone came up to us and asked questions.”

Though Robbie didn’t make the National Beef Ambassador Team, he learned some invaluable things there that he hopes to bring back to the state in his current position. “I

can help them understand that blurry spot between pasture and plate to help people understand what the farmers are doing and that it’s a safe process. Beef is safe, good, and farmers are work-ing really hard to give them quality. The greatest thing about beef is that you have many different cuts to choose from. You have 29 lean cuts that are approved by the USDA. Chicken you have breasts and wings and stuff but beef gives you more.”

This brings us full circle to Robbie’s current work towards his political science degree. He explains the connection between politics and Ag this way, “I’m hoping to one day obtain a degree in Ag law. My dream, absolute dream, is to become the Commis-sioner of Agriculture for the state of Florida. I think that would be the coolest job ever! I have a love for Ag and the industry. I feel there’s so much misled information, the beef industry is the biggest. PETA and the Humane Society make the beef industry look bad. I plan to always be an advocate for the beef industry. That’s where my heart is, those are my roots and I want my life to always be a part of that.”

Robbie is a teenager with big dreams, that’s for sure. In fact, he says, “In ten years I see myself graduated from college pursu-ing my career in Ag law trying to get into the political stance. My first goal is Congress and then work my way up to be the Com-missioner of Agriculture. I feel like that’s where God’s directing my life. My parents have been my biggest supporters. They’ve always pushed me to do my best and follow what God’s telling me. I thank God for parents who support me.” One last thing Robbie adds, “Ag is an industry that opens various doors and I encourage everybody to look to Ag for future endeavors.” Look out Adam Putnam!

by Ginny Mink

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People are envious of others in various positions though rarely do school teachers fall into that category. With good reason, of course, they’re underpaid and underappreciated and generally misunderstood. Some think teachers are glorified baby-sitters while others utilize the old adage, “Those who can, do and those who can’t, teach.” This is a sad state of affairs as our country rapidly drops on the educational scale when compared to other countries globally. It is imperative that we recognize the hard work involved in educating young people and that we refrain from hindering their progress. Unfortunately, people who live near schools with agriculture land labs feel it necessary to complain when their nostrils are accosted. Such has been the case for Burnett Middle School’s Ag teacher, Julia McConnell.

Julia graduated from Durant High School where Thomas Sturgis “drew” her into the Ag field. “He’s an incred-ible educator. He got me into FFA and all that ‘cause I didn’t grow up on a farm,” she explained. “I was big in FFA there. I went to UF to the College of Agriculture and got a degree in Ag education and communications. I graduated in 2006. Origi-nally I went there to be the Director of Marketing for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. They filled the position three weeks prior to me graduating.”

When questioned about her initial goal she said, “My first desire in high school was to be an Ag teacher and then when I

discovered the strawberry industry I thought that was my calling. I thought ‘that’s where I want to be’ because of all the farmers, but then I kinda fell into teaching. It was the second thing on the burner.” Thusly, with her mind set on teaching, at 22 years old, Julia entered the world of public school education at an urban middle school in Tampa. “It was incredible, bringing Ag to kids that had no idea what a tractor was or where milk came from. I taught there for two years, that sucked me in, but then the prin-cipal cut the unit. Then I came to Burnett and I’ve been here for

three years. It’s kind of mixed, some kids have a farm background but most don’t.”

Julia has worked to build her FFA chapter and says that this year’s the biggest one yet with around 40 members. With the good also comes the bad. “This year’s been rough,” she admits. “We had our first chapter pig for the Hillsborough County Fair and we had a run in with a neighbor. He owns an Internet company, so 30 days prior to the show he smelled her (the

pig) ‘cause she had knocked her water over and so her pen was a little stenchy. So, he made some bogus complaints about animal abuse, cops were called out and an investigation was started and they found nothing but they still made me move the pig with 27 days left. Which made it a huge hassle because we were feeding her twice a day and I had to go to the place. It was a hassle, just ridiculous.”

Though Burnett has the proper zoning to raise pigs and though Julia said, “I had the Farm Bureau on my side, they gave me a sign to put up, the Ag deputy said something about ‘public perception,’ told me not to put it up because it would stir up neg-ative publicity. The Ag deputy suggested I move the pig to a local high school but I enter competitions to win and I didn’t want some 17 year olds slopping out a $400 pig. I weighed the food on a scale, she was promoting our school and I didn’t want stuff just thrown out to her. She was our first ever livestock animal and I wanted to win because she was promoting our chapter.”

Apparently the complaining neighbor did all he could, “He even called the Superintendent,” Julia said, but she’s not done fighting. “We didn’t win the fight against the neighbor yet, but we will have livestock here no matter what it takes. I’ll fight and fight and fight.” Even with this battle raging and hassles en-dured, one positive should be noted. “We won first place and our student that had never been around animals got called back for showmanship. We won the show and I taught my kids a lot.” In addition to the winning hog, Burnett had a second place rabbit exhibitor. “We have kids with chickens and a girl with a steer for the state fair,” Julia says. As for right now though, “We’ve been working in the field, hard dirty work and it teaches the kids that the farming part of Ag is the hard part but when we can turn around and eat what we’ve grown then they realize that it’s a reward because they’ve done it with their own two hands.”

Thankfully, Julia has “a lot of help from the outside. I have a friend who comes and does all the land work, plows up the rows, donates seeds and plants. My parents bought the feed for the pig, the Wheeler’s (in Plant City) bought the pig and donated her to us. We had no money out of pocket just hard work. Without

people like that I couldn’t teach these kids anything.”While Julia enjoys the animal side of teaching Ag and loves

the “light bulb turning on, that ‘Oh!’ look on their faces,” she said, “I still have a passion for the strawberry industry. That’s the biggest thing I teach them about every year. I think the farmers are incredible and they’re always willing to help out our FFA and 4H kids and donate to our classrooms and fieldtrips.” In closing Julia added, “Here’s my message: I just wish people, like our neighbor, that own businesses, would stop and realize all kids, all adults, need to know where their food comes from. I wish they would understand how important the Ag industry is.” Certainly it’s important enough to fight for and thankfully, Julia doesn’t give up easily!

A True Fighter:Julia McConnell

by Ginny Mink


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I have to admit, I’m so glad that Al Gore invented the Inter-net, because having access to it has certainly made this endeavor immensely easier. Obviously I jest about the Al Gore part but in-deed technology does have its good points. When J and I decided to grow strawberries we looked into getting some plants from a local nursery but were sorely unimpressed with the selection. Thusly, we chose to search the World Wide Web for strawberry seeds. No doubt those of you who know anything about straw-berries are getting a good laugh at our expense. Ultimately we settled on ordering some bare root plants from an online source. However, they’ll only let you order a minimum of 25 at a time and since we only had space for 15, and that was pushing it, I was lucky enough to convince my parents to purchase the remaining ten.

I’d read on the UF website that neem was a viable organic pesticide for strawberries so I contacted Vicki Parsons at Neem Tree Farms. Thankfully she was kind enough to provide us with some bottles of her neem product for free! So we were ready, we thought, for the arrival of our plants. We waited and waited and wouldn’t you know, UPS waited, too. Yep, they waited until 6 o’clock one night to show up with the plants. They arrived and we eagerly opened the box to discover a plastic bag. Still thrilled we opened the bag and despair hit J and I. We were looking at dead plants! At least that’s what we thought because neither of us had ever been exposed to bare root anything.

I freaked out and immediately did what I usually do when I don’t understand something, I surfed the web. Discovering that bare root plants are in a dormant state should have alleviated my grave concerns, but it didn’t. I found out that we needed to soak the plants in water for about half an hour so I yelled, “Quick get the Kool-Aid pitcher and fill it with water!” (Why I chose that container I have no idea, I wasn’t thinking clearly, I had dead plants to revive.) J ran to do as told and we gingerly separated

our 15 plants from my par-ents’ ten. If I’m being honest, I might as well tell you, I con-sidered picking through them to choose the more alive look-ing specimens but I refrained (really, I did, Mom).

Anyway, while our plants were soaking we left Hazel, my baby girl, inside with her Baby Einstein video and J and I braved the strawberry sized mosqui-toes so we could prepare our planters. I drilled holes and J mixed dirt, his favorite thing to do in this whole experiment. We laid screen and then poured the dirt in. We were working so franti-cally I forgot the whole 6-8 inch depth concept and therefore we ended up planting our half-dead Sweet Charlies in about four inches of soil. We watered them and J prayed, “God please give us the patience and love for our plants that You have.”

The next day, when J got off the bus with Joey, the boy from next door, we all went to check on the plants. Joey helped us pick all the oak leaves out of every bucket and then we moved to the strawberry containers. To our amazement, they actually looked alive! However, they also looked very low in the black plastic trays. When Joey left, J and I added more dirt. We were careful not to cover the “crowns,” but we still hadn’t added enough soil to meet the requirements so the next day we added more. Com-pletely awe-struck, each day the plants got greener and then, one died. “Aw, Mom,” J groaned, and searching for the positive I told him, “Well at least there’s 14 more!”

Keeping in mind that we are also growing other vegetables, we checked the buckets. The broccoli was getting taller in both buckets, the jalapenos in one bucket were thriving but the one in the other seemed stunted, the lettuce was doing quite well and the peas were beginning to vine and flower so I made a mental note to get some kind of lattice set up. I also got the chance to ex-

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plain to both Joey and J that the pea pods would come out of the little white flowers. Unfortunately, nothing but weeds was grow-ing in the spinach bucket, but our tomato plant had a tomato. We took the good with the bad.

We decided it might be a good idea to spray the plants with our neem pesticide. We read the instructions after venturing to Home Depot to purchase a spraying apparatus. The mixture called for a 200 to 1 ratio. I don’t know about you but counting out 200 capfuls of water didn’t seem too thrilling to me, there-fore, I chose to wing it. All I can say about that is, bad idea! The day after spraying I realized the import of careful adherence to pesticide mixture instructions (Yes, Vicki, I know you warned me, sorry!) because in true farmer terminology, I had “burnt” our plants. J accused me of killing them all, and to be quite honest I wasn’t sure I hadn’t. So with brown leaf imagery in your minds, I will leave you, until next time.

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From hunters to farmers we have the facility to fi t your needs. 4-H and FFA participants now have a place to bring their livestock because our primary focus is to deliver an affordable, consistent and dependable product.

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Our service areaChop-n-Block serves the Highlands, Hardee and Polk

County areas. Free pickup is available within ten miles.Call Chris at 863-651-3411 for other inquiries.

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

Black SapoteA nutritious fruit that tastes like chocolate pudding sounds

too good to be true! The Florida black sapote is a delicious, creamy fruit that takes on the color and texture of chocolate pudding when ripe. Hence, this fruit is also called chocolate pudding fruit, chocolate fruit, and black persimmon. Black sapote is a type of persimmon, and not related to mamey sapote or white sapote. This fruit is at its peak between December and March.

The black sapote resembles a large, round tomato that ranges from two to four inches in diameter. When ripe, its pulp is creamy with a sweet, mild flavor. The inedible skin turns from olive green to a deeper yellow-green when ripe. In the United States, black sapotes are mainly grown in Florida. This fruit is very low in fat and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional ProfileAccording to the University of Florida, 100g (about 1/3 cup)

of edible black sapote contains 130 calories, 35 grams of carbohy-drates, 2 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of fat. This fruit also provides plenty of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and C.

Vitamin AVitamin A is well known for its contribution to good vision

and healthy eyes. In a study of over 50,000 women, those who con-sumed the most vitamin A in their diet had a 39 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts are a common problem plaguing many older adults, but a diet rich in vitamin A can be protective.

Additionally, data from a large study of over 100,000 men and women indicated that eating three or more servings of fruit per day lowered the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by 36 percent, compared with people who ate less than 1.5 servings of fruit per day. ARMD is the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Researchers concluded that the vitamins and carotenoids in fruit were responsible for the protective effect on the development of ARMD.

Black sapote, and other foods rich in vitamin A, may also be beneficial to lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of develop-ing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in smokers.

Vitamin CVitamin C is often touted for its ability to fight colds and

viruses and maintain healthy skin and gums. This important antioxidant fights off free radicals, compounds that cause cell

damage and widespread inflammation in the body. Vitamin C lowers cancer risk and helps regenerate vitamin E levels. Addition-ally, this vitamin increases iron absorption. Consuming a vitamin C-rich food, such as black sapote, alongside a food such as spinach will increase the amount of iron absorbed from the spinach by the body. Vitamin C plays a strong protective role in the body, provid-ing protection from cardiovascular disease, cancer, joint disease, and cataracts.

How to Select and StoreEat black sapote when fully ripe. Look for sapotes with soft,

wrinkled skin and a black pulp. It will have a soft texture when squeezed. Refrigerate unwashed, ripe fruit for up to three to five days. For longer storage, the pulp may be frozen. If unripe, allow the fruit to ripen uncovered at room temperature for five or six days.

How to EnjoyBlack sapote are delicious when eaten out-of-hand. To eat,

simply cut off the top and scoop out the fruit with a spoon to enjoy the chocolate pudding-like treat. Discard the seeds and peel.

Black sapote pulp can be pureed with vanilla or any fruit juice (orange or pineapple are especially good) for a simple dessert. Sapote can also be blended into milk or ice cream for a chocolate treat. The pulp can be used as a filling for pies or drinks or incor-porated into a moist cake.

Try fresh Florida black sapote today! This fruit is at its peak now during the winter months. Any fruit that resembles chocolate is not to be missed!

Selected Referenceshttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/black_sapote.htmlhttp://www.whfoods.com

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Better Water SavingsBy now many of us have had a tree in the house for a

week or two. You may find out of state visitors in your home that arrived on the tree you brought in to decorate. Most Christmas trees at roadside stands are grown out of state. Douglas fir and Noble fir for example are grown in Oregon and the Fraser fir in North Carolina. Christ-mas trees are grown in all 50 states with the exception of Hawaii and Alaska, yet artificial trees still dominate the Christ-mas tree industry. Ask someone to justify their choice of a natural or artificial and you may be in for a heated conversation. Compelling arguments fuel an ongoing array of controversy ranging from envi-ronmental responsibility to economic and even political interests. For many however, it’s all about the bugs. This month we will take a closer look at the bugs that affect this specialized agricultural industry and empower our community to be motivated more by knowledge than marketing ef-forts.

Before understanding the insects that may be found on a Christmas tree, we must first understand the tree. Conifers are trees that produce seeds in cones and are called evergreens because they do not shed their leaves (needles) like other trees. The needles are coated with a wax substance that helps them retain water in the dryer winter months and the tree itself produces sap, a resin that not only keeps the tree from freezing in the wintertime, but is an amazing food source in addi-tion to the pine cones, leaves, and inner bark. With this in mind, we can conclude that your home lacks what they need to survive. Now that we know natural trees are safe for the home, let’s look at only a few of the insects you may find (if you’re lucky).

Mantids can be found throughout the United States. We have about 12 species in Florida. I have seen their egg sacs on conifers more than any other tree. These insects are completely harmless to humans but will likely attempt to eat any insects you have in the house. A mantis egg sac on your tree may hatch because the warmth of your home will mimic spring time. The babies are adorable in their resemblance to tiny adults.

Bark Beetles are a specialized member of the weevil family. Many species are only associated with one or two species of conifer trees. They reproduce in dead

or dying trees, cut Christmas trees included. A healthy living conifer will release sap at the wound site preventing the beetle from entering the tree. Trees that have been cut and sitting around long enough to attract beetles will likely have small round exit holes and possibly sawdust on the bark caused by beetles that have emerged from the inner bark. These insects present no danger to the wood in your home, there is not enough moisture in it for the beetle to survive.

Adelgidae are related to aphids and are associated with conifers such as pine and spruce. This insect resembles the woolly aphid and mealybugs with its fluffy white topping and can pass for snow with a little imagination. The adelgid feed off the sap from the phloem of the tree and will soon die trying to get nutrition from a cut tree.

Spiders found on Christmas trees are either an overwintering species that have become active or spiderlings that have hatched after being exposed to warm temperatures. They may run off and spin a web in a corner of your home, but keep in mind, they came from a tree, and they are an outdoor species. Spiders found in your tree will not survive the domestic environment of your home and can be observed and appreciated for the short duration they will survive.

Despite which insect species you find on a natural tree, you can regard any insect as an indication of a tree that is fresh and recently harvested. It’s impor-tant to keep it that way. Natural trees are becoming a popular choice again as more home owners are realizing the agricultural benefits of recycling natural trees. Every year Christmas tree recycling programs create mulch from the com-munity and for the community. Those of us that have experienced the tradition of a natural tree know the unforgettable smell that makes childhood memories of Christmas everlasting. At one time, the family tradition for many Americans included selecting and cutting a Christ-mas tree that was still growing. Unfortu-nately, you-cut Christmas tree farms are not as abundant in central Florida as they could be but we do have a couple. I will be looking for signs of insects on the tree I select, for me it’s a Christmas gift from nature, a fascinating surprise.

A Closer Look: Christmas Tree Critters

By Sean Green

A Closer Look: Christmas Tree Critters

Mantid Photo by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Adelgidae Photo by John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Uni-versity, Bugwood.org

Bark Beetle Photo by Ron Long, Simon Fraser University, Bugwood.org


Pinaceae is the scientific classification of trees that make up the Pine family and include conifers of economic impor-tance such as cedars, firs, pines, spruces and hemlocks. These trees provide key and component material for a surprising number of everyday products and are the family of trees most commonly used for Christmas celebrations in North America. Like the cattail, nearly every part of the pine tree can be used as food or a tool. I was recently inspired to acknowledge and explore the gifts of this tree after soaking in some literature and video produced by the late botanist Frank Cook. I realized how little I know about natural agriculture and the value that would result in more research and experience. This month we will celebrate the amazing versatility of the Pinaceae family by sharing with you some of the gifts this tree has to offer.

NeedlesPine Needles are said to be loaded with vitamin C. Na-

tive Americans shared their knowledge of this natural gift with European settlers that were suffering from scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Fresh pine needles can be chewed on like a grass, and dry needles can be ground or minced and used as seasoning. By far the most common use of pine needles is to make a tea out of them.

Pine Needle Tea 1. Collect a few clusters of fresh pine needles (tender

ones will be at the end of the branch)2. Cut needles into 1 inch pieces, 3. Simmer to taste (about 20 min) sweeten with honey

Pine StrawFor those of you wondering what to do with your natural

tree after the holidays, consider mulching it for yourself. Pine needles interlock preventing the mulch from moving around in heavy watering or rain. Pine straw retains moisture longer and provides better root insulation than other mulches. Two or three inches of Pine straw will prevent weeds from growing and provide a warm home for beneficial insects.

PitchPitch is the resin that conifers produce, and when fossil-

ized becomes amber. It’s probably the most versatile portion of the tree. This thick fluid is flammable, waterproof, and packed with nutritional, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Pine Pitch Torch1. Split a small branch with the grain of the wood to

form four tines (like a tiki torch.)2. Wedge a seashell into the tines to create a small bowl

for holding the pine pitch3. Drip pine pitch on to a seashell to ignite for a small

torch or just use the seashell alone as a small table lamp.

Pine Pitch AntimicrobialIn addition to being a healthy food source, pine pitch has

many antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties and can be used as a temporary poultice for wounds, especial-ly handy for removing difficult splinters and disinfecting the wound. Pine pitch is also a topical antiseptic and remedy for split horse hooves.

Pine Pitch SealantPine pitch was heated to a liquid and used to seal leather,

wood, and gourd canteens. It was also used to seal boats, and baskets. The pitch itself, remember, is an antimicrobial and will act as a disinfectant so long as no water is trapped in the container you are sealing.

SeedsConifers produce seeds within the cone that are released

when the cone opens either naturally while on the tree or as a result of heat. Some pine cones will only open with heat. These seeds are known as pine nuts. In Florida we do not have native pines that will produce seeds large enough to use as a staple food like the southwestern species but if you are willing to put forth the effort, our sunflower sized pine seeds can be enjoyed as a novelty.

Pine Nuts1. Place closed pine cones in a burlap sack, 2. Set the sack in the sun for a day or two (or in a hot

Florida car)3. Once the cones open, shake the seeds out by tapping

the cone on a hard surface.

BarkThere are claims that the inner bark of a pine tree is good

for human consumption. Although the potential energy ben-efit from glucose in Phloem layer is not disputed, there are compelling grounds for seeking better sources of food. Wood is a composition of three major chemical components, Cel-lulose, Hemicellulose, and Lignin. There are few animals that are capable of digesting food sources with high fiber and cellu-lose content. Ruminant animals such as cows rely on intestinal bacteria to break down the cellulose chains and digest fiber. Even termites rely on intestinal fungi and bacteria to break the chemical bonds of cellulose. Heating the inner bark seems to be a popular preparation method and perhaps the only means of extracting nutrition from this source. All things considered, the Pine tree remains a versatile tool and food source.

Naturally Amazing ActivitiesThe Versatile Pine Tree

by Sean Green

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Man’s best friend is the dog, but Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H’ers will tell you in a heartbeat that a dog is a kid’s best friend, too. The Riverview 4-H club focuses on raising and showing dogs. The name Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H was the creation of the kids. Kim Floyd is the leader of this talented club. Kim and I sat down to talk at Barnes and Nobles in Brandon one day during Thanksgiving week. She brought with her a beautiful-ly done scrapbook full of wonderful memories and accomplish-ments thus far. When Kim told me about many of the pictures, it was clear that this was really a book about relationships and the strong bonds that are created between child and dog.

In 2006 - 2007 the South Shore Dog Club split leaving an opening for opportunity for a new club. It wasn’t long before Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H became its own entity. From that time they have been flourishing and taking the world by storm with their love for dogs. Currently they have 10 to 15 members.

They have been very busy this past year. Among their activities they have participated in five local 4-H dog shows in Manatee, Polk, St. Pete, and Hillsborough County. A big event for them is the Florida State Fair 4-H Dog Show. They have also taken part the last four to five years in the SPCA Dog Walk in October to help raise funds for this very special life saving organization. Also high on their list of fun things they’ve done is participating in the Puppy Petting at the Southeastern Guide Dogs where they took a tour and presented the organization with a lovely gift basket.

Every year they try to do a couple of service projects. “It’s not just about us. It’s also about community,” said Kim. Even the ones who are too young to volunteer, she tries to find ways for them to help the dog community.

Training a dog can be very rewarding, especially if it gets you a blue ribbon, which one would think would be the ultimate goal. The kids in this 4-H group know it’s more than that. “It’s not about winning, but about learning,” said Kim. They focus on dog, child and team bonding. The kids learn about health care and nutrition, proper care of a dog and training. Of course competition is big part of it so they work on the things that help

them be the best competitors they can be. If a child’s dog is not ready, Kim is happy to loan one of hers for them to work with.

There are five competition categories: Showmanship - judged based on how well the child presents the dog, Obedience - heel, sit, stay and calm, Rally - another kind of obedience that uses a course with signs that tell the competitor what to do, Agility - everyone loves this category which includes jumping and going through tunnels, and lastly, Quiz Bowl - question and answer competition of knowledge about everything from doggie diseases

to care, competition and everything in between.

Usually the club has one to two teams who participate, place and sometimes win.

Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4 - H is for everyone, even kids with special needs. A kid is a kid even when they have special challenges. Kim knows from experience that every child can improve when they are able to focus. When the group is fortunate to have a child with special needs Kim takes the extra time he or she needs to learn to train a dog. It has pays off not only in the child’s ability to learn something new and to focus on an important task, but other areas of their life improve as well, such as school.

4-H can be inspiring for a young person who finds passion working with dogs. Some of the kids in the group graduate and come back to work with the younger kids. Some go on to attend school to get their edu-cation in the veterinary field. Others go on to very exciting things such as being accepted in the Westminster Dog Show in New York. Good luck

to Samantha who will be competing soon!It takes dedication and hard work to be successful training a

dog, but even for a child who has lots of things on their plate or a short attention span it is achievable. Kim stresses the importance of training dogs and encourages the kids to “just take 5 or 10 minutes a day after school to train your dog, not just take them out to play. You will be surprised about the accomplishment. You will definitely see where the training time helps.”

If interested in joining Circle R Dog Gone Crazy 4-H con-tact Kim Floyd at 813-431-6072 or [email protected].

by Sherri Robinson

4-H Has Gone to the Dogs WE BUY FARMS

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Earlier this year IN THE FIELD published a story about a group of 4-H leaders from Iraq who came to the U.S. to learn more about 4-H, enhance their skills and help their efforts to ex-pand 4-H in their country. One of the three U.S. stops for that group was Florida.

While here, the group’s visit was led by South Central Regional Specialized 4-H Agent Georgene Bender. That trip, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the agency’s Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), led FAS to support a trip to Iraq for a contingency of 4-H trainers. Bender authored the proposal for the “train the trainer” trip to support the growth of 4-H in that country and she was part of the training team that traveled to Iraq and conducted training sessions.

Funding for the program came from international sources and 4-H was selected to provide the training. Florida 4-H was selected as the grant lead organization. “No funds were taken from U.S. 4-H programs for this international effort,” said Bender.

“Five members of the Iraqi group that came to the U.S. earlier this year were part of the class that participated in our train-ing program,” said Bender. One of those individuals was Mohammed Lafta, a suc-cessful businessman, who now heads 4-H in Iraq. “He holds a position of authority, is well known and highly respected throughout Iraq.”

The group of trainers undergoing train-ing included representatives from the Iraqi ministries of Agriculture, Extension and Youth, five 4-H representatives and three from non-governmental organizations.

The 16-hour trip to Iraq included stops at Washington, D.C., and Vienna prior to arriving at Erbil, a town considered by many to be the “cradle of civilization.” Bender and her col-leagues were assisted by two college students, one of whom was the 20-year-old son of Lafta, Ali, and Rusul, a young woman and recent graduate. “Ali and Rusul were our cultural bridge to those undergoing training,” noted Bender. “Their efforts were very helpful as some of our approaches and expectations had to overcome cultural differences.”

The Youth Development Trainer-the-Trainer Workshop had four primary objectives:1. Enhance local volunteers and educators knowledge to estab-

lish learning activities that build life skills through agricul-tural sciences that benefit youth in their careers, improve their economic well being and help support their families and communities;

2. Increase awareness of positive youth development practices to prepare youth for work across the agricultural value chain

3. Engage local volunteers and educators to develop as needed complement other instruction in language and literacy, com-puter, math, science and civic engagement using experiential learning; and, techniques such as Skillathons, games, songs, day and residential camps and various interactive methods to enhance learning with youth;4. Participants will learn lead-ership development opportuni-ties that promote interpersonal relations, communication skills,

problem solving, teamwork and character development that they can share with other adults. “It was apparent that the impact of the former government

was still present,” said Bender. “Independent thinking, informal information exchanges and reflecting as opposed to pontificat-ing are all concepts that have not been permitted for nearly three

decades. It was also difficult for our trainees to recognize that kids go through ages and stages and that must be taken into account in approaches to teaching.”

“The concept of youth-adult partner-ships was also difficult for our group to grasp, but we did succeed,” she said.

“As this trip to Iraq approached, I was not certain how I would feel about the country,” said Bender. “However, we were accepted, the people we met with are hungry for the 4-H curriculum and most appreciative of our efforts. We visited shopping areas, restaurants and the heart of Erbil, which is known as the Citadel. At no time did we feel

unsafe.”“I believe the depiction of Iraq we have as a result of media

coverage is not fully accurate, especially with regard to the safety of visitors. I hope to return with my husband. The food was fantastic, some of the best I’ve ever had and the prices are very reasonable.”

Bender noted the 4-H growth in Iraq has been substantial for a program that just began three years ago, the response and sup-port has been significant and it continues to grow. “Iraqis need to develop their own 4-H curriculum and establish a structure for funding,” she said. In Iraq unlike the U.S., 4-H is privately funded and that presents its own challenges.

“I hope we will be able to bring Mr. Lafta to our 4-H na-tional conference in Orlando this coming October,” said Bender. “I would also like to see his son, Ali, participate in a 4-H summer program in this country.” Iraq is the 81st foreign country to become associated with 4-H and further testimony to the positive impact it has on youth throughout the world.

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Dear In the Field Readers,It is hard to believe that the year

is already half over. After traveling to countless cities across our area, I know one thing every chapter and organization faces, frustration! Frustration is part of our everyday lives and we have to over come it if we are ever to be successful. We can have frustration on an officer team, with our advisors, parents and even money issues. These are all part of our everyday lives. Students ask me all the time, what can we do to be a better officer team? How can we overcome these issues? The answer I give them time after time is simple, talk it out! Never let things get bottled up inside. This will only come back to bite you in the end. I know from serving on an officer team, there are days where you just want to throw in the towel and walk away. But there are also those days that you will do anything for something you love. As leaders in any organization, we love to serve as officers because that is the organization that we will do anything for.

I will never forget the day that I was at a program and heard all the officers talking about problems they had on their

team or that no one was getting along. After talking with the officer team for a few minutes, I asked them, “Who feels there are issues on the team?” Slowly but surly every hand on the team was raised. I told them that all of you were chosen to serve on this team because of the passion you have for the FFA and that, yes, you are very unique individuals. It takes countless hours to have a good team and even a good year. After being elected into an officer position, the whole team is now a family. You must work together in every situation in order to get the job done. It’s funny that after just talking with them for a few short minutes, I began to see a light go off in each of their heads. I know that any of-ficer team can get through their struggles if they talk it out.

I heard a quote that has stuck with me. “At any given mo-ment you have the power to say this is NOT how the story is going to end.” The moment I heard this quote, so many pictures and situations ran through my head. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and this fits right along with it. You have the power to say no and walk away from something you feel isn’t right. You have the power to stand up for something you believe in and you have the power to change your life for the better.Much love,

John Modrow, Jr.FFA Area V State Vice President

Strawberries are thought to have been cultivated in ancient Rome. Strawberries, as we know them today, were originally grown in Europe. How-ever, varieties can also be found in Chile, Russia and the US. The first known American species of strawberries were cultivated about 1835.

The berries seem to be strewn among the leaves of the plant, and were first called strewberries in the late 18th century. Later the name was changed to strawberry, possibly from the practice of English children threading the ber-ries on pieces of straw for sale or from the 19th century practice of laying straw

around the strawberry plants to protect them from bad weather. Other stories noted that farmers would bring the strawberries to market on beds of straw to protect them during traveling.

Alpine strawberries are believed to have medicinal uses. The leaves, roots and fruits were used as a skin tonic. The berries were eaten to relieve diarrhea and an upset stomach. Leaves and roots were eaten for gout. In addi-tion, a paste made from the strawberries was used for sun-burn and skin blemishes, and the juice of the fruit would be used to whiten teeth.Provided by the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

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It just keeps getting better and bigger every year! That’s an apt description of Florida Ag-Expo, a “must attend” event that held its sixth annual session in Novem-ber at the UF/IFAS Golf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm.

Presented by UF/IFAS, Florida Grower, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, the Florida Tomato Committee and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, the day long event played host to more than 800 attendees, over 75 exhibitors and a number of allied organizations.

Activities included a jam-packed schedule of timely presentations and field tours, reflecting the status of a wide range of projects underway at GCREC to help Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers suc-ceed in today’s global economy.

The day’s activities began with pre-sentation of a special proclamation from Board Chairman Al Higginbotham of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to Center Director, Dr. Jack Rechcigl, recognizing the multiple benefits the center provides not only to the agricultural community, but county as well. The center received a 460-plus acre land do-nation from Hillsborough County when it was considering a new facility and location a number of years ago.

Special featured speaker, Florida Com-missioner of Agriculture, was introduced by UF/IFAS Sr. Vice President Dr. Jack Payne, who noted the many ways in which GCREC, an important member of UF, Florida’s Land Grant institution of higher learning, has impacted agriculture and the state. Putnam carried forth that message with numerous examples of how the work of researchers at GCREC have and continue to help meet the challenges of agriculture, which “in these difficult economic days has taken up the slack to become the state’s ma-jor economic engine as an annual business totaling $100 billion. Here in Hillsborough County, agriculture’s economic impact is equal to a Super Bowl every month,” he said.

While working to keep agriculture competitive in may different ways, Put-nam noted the importance of the work at GCREC and its sister facilities across the state in identifying and effectively fighting and controlling the various diseases that are brought into the state, primarily through the Port of Miami. He also cited water as the single most pressing long term chal-lenge facing agriculture.

Noting the world recently welcomed

its 7 billionth person, Putnam said that milestone further serves to demonstrate the need for and value of farmers. “The world can’t feed itself.”

A stake holder’s roundtable followed in which food safety and the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements were discussed as enhancements to prevent-ing a food crisis here in Florida. The panel,

which was moderated by UF/IFAS Research Dean Dr. Martha Roberts, included rep-resentatives of the state’s Department of Agriculture, a producer and buyer. Leann Skelton, who represented the FDA, was teleconferenced into the roundtable and responded to issues raised regarding FSMA from the varied panelist viewpoints. Skel-

ton anticipates new FSMA regulations, cov-ering planting to initial distribution, to be out later this year or early in 2012.

A grower panel followed with discus-sion on problems and needs for vegetable and small fruit production. Crops repre-sented included blueberries, strawberries and tomatoes. Though different in terms of crops produced, each shared concerns regarding labor, food safety and emerg-ing regulatory issues, as well as challenges unique to their respective operations.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of tours showcasing horticultural crop production, trials related to management of tomato, cucumber and squash diseases, whitefly control, weed management, fumigation alternatives, to-mato breeding, diagnostic lab capabilities, an on-site wastewater system for passive re-moval of nitrogen and soil less culture for strawberry and vegetable production.

Afternoon educational sessions in-cluded several categories, which afforded attendees the opportunities to earn CEUs. The Issues and Challenges for Growers ses-sion included presentations on making a profit during a challenging economy, maxi-mizing crop cooling, a case study on food safety in Virginia and the dynamics of to-day’s labor.

The labor presentation by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Labor Relations Director Mike Carlton included some eye-opening statistics regarding farm workers in this country. “There are currently 1.8 million farm workers in the U.S.,” he said. “Of that number, 75 percent or 1,350,000 are falsely documented and that means E-verify needs to replace 1,350,000 farm workers.”

Carlton said in Georgia where E-verify was passed, replacements for undocument-ed farm workers “were 860 percent less pro-ductive than the workers they replaced.” He noted that a University of Georgia study on the issue estimated the cost to the state’s economy was $361 million plus the loss of 3,260 jobs.

“Congress must hear more from its grower constituents,” said Carlton. “There is no question that the anti-immigrant voice has been heard. It is now time for growers to have their voices heard on this issue as this is a very dynamic situation with chang-es nearly daily.”

Additional information on the Ag-Ex-po presentations, including video coverage, is available at http://flagexpo.ifas.ufl.edu.

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be that girl everyone looks up to.”Apparently she gets to be that girl who does a whole lot

more than just look pretty. “I’m an ambassador and represen-tative for the Hillsborough County Fair but not just the Fair, Hillsborough County, too. When the Fair was here they had me passing out awards. I participated in all the livestock shows pass-ing out awards and belt buckles. I got to be part of the rodeo and since that’s what I want to do that was a lot of fun!”

Of course, some may be asking, “Does the beauty queen want to rope calves?” Actually, no. “I’m getting to the time of my life when I need to start thinking about college and what I’m go-ing to do with my life. I’m undecided for what school but I want to do something with radiology. My dream is to get a degree in radiology and my dream, absolute dream, is to get a job as one of the medical staff for the Professional Bull Riders Association. I’ve been raised on watching bull riding, watching it on TV, going to the rodeos, when they get hurt I want to help them.”

While handing out belt buckles at the rodeo was certainly a high point, she adds, “I get to be part of many banquet dinners and later in the year I’m going to be attending the Agriculture Hall of Fame banquet. Being in FFA I’ve always wanted to go, so now I have the opportunity so I’m excited.” In true leader fashion she says, “I’m thrilled, honored and any other positive word you can think of! It’s such a blessing, it truly is! Never be afraid to go for something, always just go for what you want and never give up. Look at me, I didn’t know what I was doing and I was blessed to get this title. Never let any one down you!” Hopefully her mes-sage will encourage other young ladies, like her 12 year old sister, Amber, to follow their dreams regardless of the lack of expertise therein.

Some of us struggle to ascertain where our talents lie. We try various avenues and readily hit road blocks, if not complete dead ends. Yet, there are others who seem to have the Midas touch. Everything they endeavor to do is golden, even when they’ve no prior experience. We like to call that beginner’s luck just so we don’t feel too badly about our own failures. Perhaps, though, those people only choose to do the things they feel they have a natural aptitude for.

Morgan Boykin is a natural beauty both inside and out, but she only discov-ered other people’s appreciation for that giftedness recently when she was selected to be this year’s Harvest Queen. “I’d never done any kind of pageant stuff before. The closest thing is baton twirling. I’m a very competitive baton twirler.” In fact, she’s been twirling for nine years and was named Miss Majorette of Florida three times. She placed in the top five of the Miss Major-ette of America contest in Notre Dame. She adds, “I’ve competed in most of the southeastern states. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around with twirling.”

Morgan is a junior at Strawberry Crest and is very involved in school and various clubs. This year she decided to participate in the school’s Calendar Girl competition, and though it was her first actual beauty contest, she was named Miss May. Two weeks later the Harvest Queen competition commenced. She explains, “Harvest Queen is a typical beauty

pageant. I’ve showed at the Hillsborough County Fair numerous times and I’ve seen it there but there’s a $2000 scholarship and that’s what caught my eye. I can’t tell you how lucky and blessed I am ‘cause there were so many great girls. I was in the top two with my best friend, Ashton Houston!”

When Morgan mentioned showing at the Fair she was refer-ring to her agricultural involvement therein. “I’ve been in FFA since I started at Straw-berry Crest. I went to a charter school for middle school without FFA. I got involved in Young Sprouts 4H Club in middle school and I’m now the President. When I got to Strawberry Crest my advisor told me to be an officer. I was elected and it’s an honor and a blessing to be one all three years. FFA is a huge part of my life. I’ve participated in career development events, speaking, cow judging, and plant judging. This is my sec-ond year with a market steer for Strawberry Festival.”

It’s the leadership aspect of FFA that she most appreciates now. “Leadership skills tie into the Harvest Queen because kids are looking up to you so you’re trying to be a leader.” She seems completely flab-bergasted by the attention kids give her, “It’s super cool, its so funny to see these

little kids think I’m some movie star. They just flip out, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re the Harvest Queen!’ These little one’s look up to you, so you need to make sure you’re on the right track. I get to

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As you plan your family’s holiday activities, you might want to consider a brand new attraction making its Florida debut this season at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds through January 7. Nights of Shimmering Lights is the offspring of the mother-daughter team of Stephanie Martin and Amanda Yoke and their company, Sunshine Illuminations LLC. Parenting Magazine is also a sponsor.

“We enjoy Christmas lights and spending quality time with our children,” said Yoke. “We also wanted to use the skills we have obtained through seven years of computerized animated lighting to bring a new, low cost family entertainment option to the Tampa Bay area.” Nights debuted last holiday season at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Upstate New York where the Martin-Yoke team was residing.

Since then the family opted to return to the Tampa Bay area and bring further enhancement to the Nights attraction, an over one-mile family-focused drive that takes visitors through more than 600 illuminated tunnels, wire frame displays with nearly 750,000 dancing LED (light emitting diode) lights. The show offers scenes such as Winter Wonders and Undersea Adventure while visitors listen to the sounds of the season from their car radio. “We hope they will reflect on the reason for the season with The Nativity and watch their children’s faces light up as the giant Santa greets them in Toyland,” said Martin. “Nights of Shimmering Lights is unique in its custom-designed scenes to celebrate the joy of the season.” Animation Lane features mega-trees, arches and shooting poles designed to entertain with their dancing antics.

Visitors reach the show by entering the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds at Sydney Washer Road and State Road 60 in the eastern area of the county. “The Hillsborough County Fair-grounds is delighted to host the Nights of Shimmering Lights holiday display,” said Fair Manager Tom Umiker. “This is another example of the type of family-friendly events the County Fairgrounds will be hosting for the community.”

“It will take, on average, about 30 minutes for viewers to drive through Nights of Shimmering Lights,” said Yoke. There are restrooms on site. The attraction is open at dark Thursday – Sunday with special hours the week of Christmas. The cost is $20 per car or truck, regardless of the number of occupants. There is special pricing for buses.

There is also a special Dedication Area open to anyone in

the community wishing to place a lighted deer or tree in memory of a departed loved one or friend. There is no cost for placing the deer or tree in the Field of Deer and Forest of Trees. The loved one’s name will also be added to the dedication banner. Further information regarding participation in the Dedication Area is available at www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com.

Despite the presence of nearly 750,000 LED lights, the at-traction is energy-conscious. “We are proud to say that we are a green event,” said Yoke. Ninety-four percent of our displays and illuminations are presented with low power usage LEDs. A LED mini light uses only six percent of the power that a standard incandescent mini light uses. We also use two-dimensional wire frames which use 60 percent less lights than a three-dimensional display of the same size without any loss of enjoyment.

The key to the dancing trees and moving poles is computer controlled via hardware and software from Light-O-Rama. “There are 224 channels or individual switches making the magic happen,” said Yoke. “Each year we will devote the non-holiday months to bringing additional enhancements to Nights. It is our hope to make a visit to Nights of Shimmering Lights a tradition of many families in the Tampa Bay area,” said Martin.

A special feature of the Nights attraction is the Kris Mouse Hunt. A lighted mouse, Kris, according to Martin, “has disap-peared somewhere in the park. When you visit, count how many times you see him and report the number of times you saw him on the Nights of Shimmering Lights website.” There will be a $50 drawing January 10 to pick the winning entry. The Nights’ website also has a picture to help visitors identify Kris.

For more information, directions and Kris Mouse Hunt entries, visit: www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com.

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Real EstateFOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND(Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rual) Please call Marne Vorndran for more information 863-899-9784.

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BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA MLS #191458Prepare to love this well-kept 2BR cabin with a seasonal mountain view. This enticing 1 1/2 story provides gas fireplace, loft, wood flooring, main-level laundry, central air, ceiling fans, Nottley River priveleges, covered porch and a simple, no-fuss landscape. Fishing. Call Jane Baer w/Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829.

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

ESTATE SALELarge double-wide mobile home, partially furnished, 2 BR/2 ba, large kitchen, huge living room, laundry room, front screen-in porch, covered double carport, utility room, Located in Country Meadows Adult Park in Plant City. Asking $23,000. Call Al at 813-763-2220.

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January 21st & 22nd, 201210:00 am to 6:00 pm

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds4810 State Road 60, Dover, FL

Call 863-559-3093 for more information.

Activities include•Mounted Shooting Demonstrations by Bay Area Bandits•Hillsborough County Sheriff Posse Demonstration

•Music• Cowboy Poetry by Les McDowell

• Appearance of Dry Creek TV Series Cast• Auction featuring a colt trained by Paul Daily

MUCH MORE!Auctions and Refreshment Stand will also be available to help support the ministries.

Send tax deductible donations to Riviere Thomas, P.O. Box 3112, Plant City, FL 33563.For more information contact Riviere Thomas at [email protected]

Wild Horse & Front Line MinistriesInvites You to Enjoy Free Family Entertainment

Open Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. til 5 p.m.

Licensed PropagatorsServing Farmers & Retail Customers

Starting a Farm or Need Resets?We have several thousand 1 to 15 gallon blueberry plants available! Call for quote.

813-323-7987www.berrybluefarms.com

Love Fresh Berries?

1 Gallon Blueberry

Plant $6.95 for your

backyard or patio

Classifieds813-759-6909 [email protected]



W W W . S T I N G R A Y F L E E T . C O M

GM IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FARM BUREAU® TO BRING YOU THIS VALUABLE OFFER1.

Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private o�er toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3

And through the GM Business Choice Program4, business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details.

1O�er valid toward the purchase of new 2011 and 2012 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt.2Requires Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo.3Requires available 6.6L Duramax® diesel engine. Maximum trailer ratings assume a properly-equipped base vehicle plus drive. See dealer for details.4To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other o�ers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 9/30/2012.Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation® are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by GM) under license. ©2011 General Motors LLC


DR. LARRY BRITT, DVMLarge Animal Vet Services

General PracticeSpecializing in Equine Dentistry

SPECIAL PRICING4-H & FFA Student Project Animals

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

Est. 1969

24 hrs a day7 days a week 365 days a year

ROUTINE & EMERGENCY CAREFor other large farm animals (no cats or dogs)

SERVICES INCLUDE:• Digital Radiographs• Emergencies• Equine Dentistry• In-House Lab Work• Preventative Care• Reproductive Services• Ultrasound

FARMS and/or GROUPSCall for Discount Pricing!

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in the field magazine - hillsborough county december 2011

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