In The Field Hillsborough

2 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M AG A Z I N E .C O M

Contents

4 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

Cover StoryChip & Jemy Hinton

cover photo by Stephanie Humphrey

Page 54

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 8

Business Up FrontPage 10

Tampa Bay’s Fishing ReportPage 14

Grub StationPage 18

Rocking Chair ChatterPage 22

Secret RecipePage 28

Beauty Pageant for CowsPage 33

Going NativePage 45Recipes

Page 50Ag-Abilities Sets Record

Page 62From Sticks to Carrots

Page 67Having Your Voice Heard Where It Counts

Page 84Full Circle-Sarah Dwyer

Page 86

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 5W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M AG A Z I N E .C O M

From the Editor Index of Advertisers�ITFM Staff

6 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 WWW. INTHEF I E LDMAGAZ INE .COM

One of the oldest known diseases of man continuestoday. A bite or a mere scratch from an animal infectedwith the rabies virus can spread this almost always fataldisease to other animals and also humans.

According to the Florida Department of Health web site(www.doh.state.fl.us), the rabies virus pathogenicity, orability to produce disease, contributes to its reputationas one of the most feared zoonotic diseases. Onceintroduced into the body, rabies initially replicates in themuscle, connective tissue, or nerves at the site ofinoculation. Subsequently, the virus moves to the nerveendings, which eventually leads to a migration to thespinal cord and brain.

The site goes on to say, It (Rabies) can also alter theanimals behavior to make it aggressive or unresponsive.Once the virus spreads to the salivary glands, the infec-tion produces large volumes of the virus in the saliva.The abundant virus production promotes opportunitiesfor continued virus transmission. Infected animals cantransmit the virus when they are clinically ill as well as anumber of days prior to onset of illness.

What can you do? Check out wwwwww..ttaammbbaabbaayyvveettss..ccoommfor rabies prevention tips, which include vaccinating alldogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. Don’t leave garbageor pet food outside. It can attract wild or stray animals.If a rabies suspect or confirmed rabid animal bites yourpet and your pet is not currently vaccinated, the onlyoptions are euthanasia or a strict quarantine.

On May 22 a case of rabies was reported in a raccoon inFort Meade. Previously, a horse in North Ft. Myers wasconfirmed as the first livestock or domestic animalrabies case in two years.

Know the signs. Rabies is always a threat to unvaccinat-ed animals but it can be prevented with good manage-ment and vaccination. Check with your veterinarian ifyou have questions or concerns.

Until Next Month,

Sarah

Ag Technologies.............................................................100Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.......................................29Amazing Autos.................................................................69Aquarius Water Refining.................................................98Astin Strawberry Exchange ............................................85Berry Blue Farm & Nursery, LLC.................................69Bill’s Transmissions ..........................................................12Bingham............................................................................89Brandon Auto Services, Inc.............................................63 Brenda Simmons Horse Boarding..................................63Broke & Poor...................................................................93Byrd & Barnhill, P.L........................................................77C&C Services of Tampa.................................................78Cecil Breeding Farm ........................................................44CF Industries, Inc.............................................................80 Chemical Containers .......................................................36Choo Choo Lawn Equipment .......................................48Chris Mink.......................................................................74Chuck’s Tire & Automotive ............................................2Circle “R”.........................................................................38County Line Road Auction............................................59Cowboys Steakhouse & Saloon ....................................42Cowboys Western World................................................13Crescent Jewelers................................................................7Dad’s Towing....................................................................79Discount Metals...............................................................40Dr. Barry Gaffney O.D. PA.............................................56Driscoll’s............................................................................90Farm Bureau Insurance...................................................96Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner..............................95Farm Credit.........................................................................9Felton’s ..............................................................................51Fischbach Land Company..............................................71Florida Salt and Mineral .................................................41Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc................................37Fluid Measurements ........................................................35Forbes Road Produce......................................................12Fred’s Market......................................................................9Gator Ford........................................................................87Gerald Keene Plumbing ..................................................47Gladstone Land................................................................79Grove Equipment Service ..............................29, 42 & 97Guthrie’s............................................................................63Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply .....................3, 25, 57 & 65Harrell’s Nursery, Inc.......................................................85Haught Funeral Home....................................................31Helena Chemical-Tampa ................................................40Higgenbotham Auctioneers............................................82Hillsboro State Bank........................................................77Hillsborough County Farm Bureau.................................4Hinton Farms Produce, Inc.............................................36Home Protection Pest Control .......................................68I-4 Power Equipment ......................................................52IHOP.................................................................................39Johnson’s Barbeque..........................................................87Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................................85Keel & Curley Winery.......................................................5Key Plex..........................................................................101Loetscher Auto Parts .......................................................77Malissa Crawford............................................................59Mark Smith Excavating..................................................19Mosaic...............................................................................26Myers Cleaners.................................................................60Parkesdale.........................................................................23Pathway BioLogic............................................................32Pool Masters.....................................................................11Product Consultants Unlimited (PCU)..........................61Rick’s Custom Meats ......................................................69Ring Power Corporation ................................................26Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic......................................104Savich & Lee Wholesale .................................................16Seedway ............................................................................59Southern Water & Soil....................................................93Southside Farm & Pet Supply........................................17Southwestern Produce.....................................................27Stephanine Humprey.......................................................41Stingray Chevrolet............................................................21Super Service Tire & Auto..............................................72The Catering Company.....................................................7The Hay Depot................................................................87Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort................................41Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton,Davis & Smith .................................................................75Walden Lake Car Wash..................................................23Wells Memorial................................................................75Willie’s ...............................................................................77Woodside Dental..............................................................15Zaxby’s ...........................................................................103

New Location!

We have moved our main officeto better serve you. Our newaddress is: 1501 S. AlexanderStreet, Suite 102 • Plant City,

Florida 33563Our phone number is still the

same - 813.759.6909

Please note that the ShrimpWarehouse and Shrimp & COExpress are not affiliated in anyway. We regret any confusionfrom the Grub Station printedin the last issue of In The Field.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHYKaren Berry

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAl Berry

SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sarah Holt

EDITORPatsy Berry

OFFICE MANAGERBob Hughens

SALES MANAGERDanny Crampton

SALESAl Berry

Tina RichmondDanny CramptonJosé Mendoza

CREATIVE DIRECTORMona Jackson

PHOTOGRAPHYKaren BerryAl Berry

Stephanie Humphrey

STAFF WRITERSAl Berry

Sandy KasterJames Frankwoiak

Sean GreenGinny Mink

Libby Hopkins

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSWoody GoreLes McDowell

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local HillsboroughCounty businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail toa target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of theHillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042or you are welcome to email them to: iinnffoo@@iinntthheeffiieellddmmaaggaazziinnee..ccoomm or call 813-759-6909

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

The Lord make His face shine upon you andbe gracious to you.–Numbers 6:25

Dag-burnit

You Too, Can Be A WinnerHey Readers, hidden somewhere inthe magazine is a No Farmers, NoFood logo. Hunt for the logo and onceyou find the hidden logo you will beeligible for a drawing to win a FREEInTheField® T-Shirt. Send us yourbusiness card or an index card withyour name and telephone number, the

number of the page which you foundthe logo and where on that page youlocated the logo to:

InTheField® MagazineP.O. Box 5377

Plant City, FL 33566-0042

Winners will be notified by phone.You Too Can Be A Winner!Search for the logo below and enternow!



Dear Reader:

This is a special edition of IN THE FIELD for Hillsborough County Farm Bureau since it highlights twoimportant activities that we have supported for many years. I am willing to bet, however, that most ofyou are not aware of either of them and how important they each are.

Ag-Abilities is a special and highly rewarding program that we have organized and supported for thelast 12 years. It was originally designed to respond to a request from a learning disabled high schoolstudent for a program he could participate in that was similar to FFA or 4-H activities. Ag-Abilities hassince grown into a yearlong agricultural learning program for Exceptional Student Education Studentsthat is capped with an event at the Fairgrounds where these young people get to experience what manyof our young people take for granted. I would add my thanks to the great volunteers who help makeAg-Abilities what it has become.

This issue also details another ongoing program of Farm Bureau here in Hillsborough County, Floridaand the nation. It is the annual “Field to the Hill” trip to Washington, D.C. during which ourExecutive Director Judi Whitson and Director Michelle Williamson had personal visits with our electedrepresentatives in the nation’s capitol. This is an important opportunity to tell our representatives andsenators what is important to all of us who belong to Farm Bureau and where we stand on issues thatwill come before those elected officials in short order. Farm Bureau members from throughout Floridaand the nation travel to Washington throughout the year helping to keep the Voice of Agriculture loudand strong with all of our elected officials.

I sincerely hope you will pay particular attention to these two articles as you read this edition of INTHE FIELD. Should you have an interest in participating in either Ag-Abilities or the next “Field to theHill” trip, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You will find both particularly rewarding.

As with all Farm Bureau activities, you don’t have to be farmer or rancher to get involved. I would wel-come your call or email to volunteer or to learn more about our programs. Please call 813/685-9121 oremail me at [email protected].

Thank you,

DannyDanny AprilePresident

SERVING OUR MEMBERSAND THE COMMUNITY

Board of DirectorsPresident: Danny Aprile, Vice-President: Jerry Hinton, Treasurer: George Coleman, Secretary: Glenn Harrell, Member-At-Large: Bill Burnette,Jake Raburn, Patrick Thomas, Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Carl Little, Lance Ham,

Michelle Williamson and John Stickles, Executive Director: Judi Whitson

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


• Florida means “Feast of Flowers” in Spanish.• Haines City is known as ʻThe Heart of Florida.ʼ• More than 150 life-sized dinosaurs live in Plant City at an

outdoor dinosaur museum called Dinosaur World.• Florida is home to the largest breeding population of bald

eagles in the lower 48 states.• Floridaʼs State Wildflower, the Coreopsis, is planted on Florida

roadsides for highway beautification. It is found in a variety ofcolors ranging from gold to pink.

• A museum in Sanibel claims to be the only museum in theworld that is dedicated to mollusks. It houses 2 millionshells.

• DeFuniak Springs has one of the two naturally round lakesin the world.

• Beef is a nutrient-dense food and is the #1 source of protein,vitamin B12 and zinc.

• Hearty seafarers – goats were kept by sailors for milk.• The gestation period of a sow is 114 days (3 months,

3 weeks and 3 days).• The fear of chickens is called 'Alektorophobia'.• Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.• Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75% of

the nations wildlife.• Americans consume 1.12 billion pounds of popcorn a year.• Archeologists have found evidence that humans have enjoyed

eating apples since 6500 B.C.


If you’re 16 or older and reading this,chances are you have a car or someform of transportation. That said, it is

equally probable that at some point in thelife of that vehicle, you will need repairwork done. If you’ve any age on you at allthen you are definitely aware of how diffi-cult it is to find an honest repair shop.Well, that’s exactly what Sam Museitef,new owner of Chuck’s Tire and Auto,claims about his business.

Sam isn’t from around here. He says, “Igrew up in Chicago. We started in the gro-cery store business actually. I always had apassion for repairing cars though. Ourfamily business was grocery stores so itwas a normal transition to go from servicein the grocery store to servicing customersby fixing their cars. When I first decided toget into the auto repair business we moved

from Chicago to Tampa and I had a placeout on Nebraska where we did auto repair,body work and auto sales. We did that fora number of years until the economy tooka downturn and we had to close our doorsand we moved back to Chicago and wentback into the family business, but I wasnever comfortable doing that.” Certainlythere’s a huge difference between produceand pistons.

Though he did not enjoy the family busi-ness, he endured it until, he says, “I hadthe opportunity to sell my business inChicago so I sold it and came back toTampa and that’s when I found out Chuckwas selling his business, so I took myopportunity to get back into the business.”Sam bought the well known Chuck’s Tireand Auto in January of this year. Heexplains, “From there we’ve are maintain-

ing the same level of integrity that Chuckhad because he had a good reputation inthe community. I tried to learn as much asI could from Chuck about how he ran hisbusiness and his customer service so that Icould maintain his reputation.”

Sam continues, “Everybody loved Chuck,and the way he ran his business was ashonest as possible and that’s how I run mybusiness. We do not do any unnecessaryrepairs. A lot of shops have a tendency totell the customers that they need a lot ofrepairs that really aren’t necessary. When acustomer comes in, we’ll tell them what iswrong and give them the best possibleprice.” Sam thinks that one of the ways tomaintain that integrity is, “not only learn-ing from Chuck, himself, but retaining asmany employees as Chuck had. We keptthe same employees that Chuck had.” Thisway, old customers are still seeing familiarand trusted faces.

In the purchasing of the business Sam says,“We kept all his commercial accounts thathe had so we do tires for farmers. Tino, mycommercial sales rep, he’s been in theindustry for 15 years; a lot of the farmersknow him. We kept the 24-hour service,too.” In addition Sam explains, “I’d like tothink that we can obtain or find tires thata lot of our competitors have difficultyfinding. We try to help our farmers have aslittle down time as possible. We are reallyhonest about our time frames. If we tell

Business Up Front

CHUCK’S TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE

By Ginny Mink

Sam


you we’ll be there in half-an-hour, then we’llbe there. It’s better for commercial accountsto know when they’ll be operational againand by me telling them when exactly we’llbe there it helps them figure out what to doin the mean time.” No doubt that’s betterthan the cable companies’, ‘we’ll be therebetween twelve and four!’

Having come from Chicago and establish-ing residence in Tampa certainly didn’tprepare Sam for the unique bond that isPlant City. However, he says, “I like PlantCity because of the closeness of communi-ty. In our business, word of mouth is essen-tial. When you’re in a big city, there’s somany shops out there it’s hard to get agood customer base.” So long as he keepsup Chuck’s tradition of service it seems

highly likely that he’ll maintain an alreadywell established customer base here. Yet,he goes above and beyond that. He says,“We try to do as much for the communityas possible. It’s a beautiful town. I love it!We had a lot of add-ons for the steer show.I can’t afford to buy a steer and I wouldn’tknow what to do with it, but in order tohelp out we would put some moneytoward their steer. Whatever I can do tohelp out our community and my customersI try to do as much as I can. I think wedonated somewhere around $1700between the hogs and steers during theFestival.” That’s more than a lot of busi-nesses would be willing to do.

In closing he gives an example of the typeof integrity he wants to portray and

uphold. He explains, “One of our com-mercial accounts had a vehicle go downabout 30 to 40 miles away. The shop outthere told him $1200. I told him $500 lessbased on what he said was wrong, so itwas cheaper to have it towed. When allwas said and done, it really only needed$440 worth. He was thrilled!” Anybodywith any brain would be thrilled aboutthat kind of savings. If that’s a true represen-tation of the veracity Sam has, then perhapsthis is a repair shop to check out. •

Sam has been married for eight years andhas a six year old son. His shop, Chuck’s

Tire and Auto, is located at 600 S.Collins. You can reach him by email at:

[email protected] by phone: 813 752 6283.


13


KNOW THE SIGNS: unconsciousness,seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion,vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat,and hot, dry flushed skin withoutsweating.

These are all symptoms of one of the mostcommon problems facing boaters andanglers during the summer. If you or some-one close to you exhibits any of thesesymptoms take immediate action.

Cooling and rehydration are the corner-stones for treating heat exhaustion. Theaffected individual should stop their activ-ity and try to move to a cooler environ-ment. The person may be placed in theshade or, if in a boat, it can be started anddriven to create a breeze. Clothes may beremoved to help with air circulation acrossthe body. Misting the skin with cool wateralso helps by stimulating evaporation andcooling the body.

Rehydration is the next important step intreating heat exhaustion. This may be achallenge if the person begins to sufferfrom nausea and vomiting. Small sips ofwater, a mouthful at a time, might be tol-erated even if some vomiting persists.Water, sports drink and other electrolytereplacement drinks are reasonable options.Keep in mind these hot days can reallydehydrate your body, often to the dangerpoint before you realize what is happen-ing. Most heat-related illnesses are pre-ventable by keeping the body cool andavoiding dehydration. So, remember todrink plenty of fluids, like water andsports drinks, to re-hydrate the body.

However, consider that fluids containingalcohol impair your decision-makingprocess and also imposes safety issues toyourself and others. If you drink… do it“Responsibly.” Operating your watercraftand drinking alcohol equates to trouble.BUI or Boating under the influence carriesstiff fines, confinement or both.

Expect good fishing this month butgood fishing has a price… heat.Everything will be eating this month soplan your trips now and take advan-tage of good summertime fishing.

Snook (Season Closed)Snook fishing in the summer is almost agiven. Practically every angler is looking tocatch them and given the amount of fish-ing pressure, especially during weekends, itis a wonder they bite at all. Practically anymangrove shoreline holds snook providedthere is bait and structure. Terrific ambushfeeders, Snook love lying in wait alongshady mangrove root systems. Rockyshores and adjacent sand bars are alsogood places to investigate when lookingfor snook. Early morning flats producewell using topwater lures, but rememberlive greenbacks always produce.

RedfishJune produces some good redfish daysaround the flats. Heavy pushes and mulletschools are key factors in finding movingor feeding redfish. Finding redfish meanscovering plenty of water but once located

by Captain Woody Gore

Summertime MeansHot & Humid Fishing

Tampa Bay’sFishing Report


they do not venture too far if there is food present. Keep inmind as long as there is food there are fish. Live greenbacks anddollar-size pinfish work and are good choices. Do not forgetthe old standby… live shrimp and cut bait.

Spotted Sea TroutTrout fishing remains strong through the summer. Search outdeep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of brokenbottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing areas usinglive shrimp and greenbacks free lined or under popping corks.The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce largerfish and an occasional flounder.

There are also plenty of silver trout, some topping the scale ata pound and a half to two pounds. These are great eating andawesome fun for the kids to catch.

CobiaMarkers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia, especiallythose markers holding bait, and cruise the flats, usually follow-ing large rays.

TarponTarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhereand they are hungry, from the beach to the bay, these fish offerthe catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, andcrabs, found abundantly in the Bay, are excellent choices forbait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good throughthe summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway.

Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, and Ladyfish offer diversityduring the summer and continue to be strong on moving tides.Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good startingplaces.

Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing813-477-3817

If you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhapslearning some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in groupor multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me.Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing andteaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater,Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. If you’re interested in booking atrip, please visit www.CaptainWoodyGore.comsend me an email at [email protected] or call me at: 813-477-3814.

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In the early years The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commercefeatured its annual ““TThhee TTaassttee ooff BBrraannddoonn”” to highlight howrestaurants and businesses were moving into Brandon as

Greater Brandon became, well, greater with a population jump ofbetween 1,500 and 3,000 new residents annually.

Increasing business and public attendance necessitated a moveinto the Florida State Fairgrounds and the event title became “TheBrandon Business Expo and Taste of Brandon” in order to bettershowcase the greater number of chamber members while provid-ing more opportunities for marketing and networking. The expoand taste event was held for the 24th successful consecutive yearlast month.

In addition to great food vendors, there were plenty of other inter-esting businesses represented, from personal greetings and infor-mation from David Hudson branch manager of the newest bank(PNC) in town, to the Ed Morse Cadillac dealer with all thelatest models on display. The Tampa Bay Rays and other organi-zations donated door prizes for periodic drawings.

Of course, for your intrepid restaurant reviewer food is always themain issue.

Both small and large restaurants represented offered a sampling ofthe food they serve in order to entice the public into a visit to theirestablishments. After food was sampled, people were given ballotsand asked to vote for their choices in the competition for bestTaste of Brandon.

Some of the restaurants kept food they had brought in the righttemperature through the use of warming trays and insulatedportable containers, while others made freshly prepared items onportable burners and hot plates. Anyone who has tried to executefood in this fashion understands how hard it is to turn out a goodproduct. It is beyond imagination to think of successfully servinghundreds of people this way.

There were highly decorated and plain booths and some whothought good-looking women could take your mind off mediocreofferings. Models do not make my food taste better but smart,pretty women who can talk about their food in a charming andknowledgeable fashion, like the ones from BBuuffffaalloo WWiilldd WWiinnggssGGrriillll && BBaarr and their savvy Marketing Coordinator Holly Smith,are assets to the sales of an already good product.

CChhiicckk--ffiill--AA of Lake Brandon Village on Causeway Boulevard isowned by community-spirited Paul and Tammy Holmberg. Theirgenerosity to worthy causes is felt in their food. Yes, it’s fast food,

but with TLC, as evident in the lines of children anxious to havea container of those famous chicken nuggets.

Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be room for anotherpizza place, along comes some new entries into the market,AAnntthhoonnyy’’ss CCooaall FFiirreedd PPiizzzzaa on Brandon Boulevard, the coal firinggives the pizza a delicious and interesting flavor that’s definitelyworth a try, and MMII –– MMoorree IIttaalliiaann BBiissttrroo && PPiizzzzeerriiaa on WestBrandon Boulevard (next to AMC Theatres), put out a drool-worthy example of the fresh ingredients they use in their bistro,making you want to try more of their Italian fare.

CCaallii VViieejjoo CCoolluummbbiiaann RReessttaauurraanntt located on Brandon Boulevard,put out some wonderful regionally traditional yellow rice andbeans while Tres Amigos (also on Brandon Boulevard by Sam’sClub) touts their fresh ingredients with all menu items made freshdaily.

The SSuummaattrraa BBiissttrroo CCaafféé && BBaakkeerryy caught my attention since theyhave a large selection of organic, preservative, gluten-free andvegetarian options at their location on Oakfield Drive. Theyfeature free-range poultry, organic eggs and all veggies are grownlocally in Plant City.

Now, here are the voting results: Voted Taste of Brandon Winner,CChheeddddaarr‘‘ss CCaassuuaall CChhiicc CCaatteerriinngg; Cheddars Casual Cafe, 11135Causeway Boulevard. Please note that the catering branch ofCheddars is a separate entity under different management.

Director of Operations Andy Dennis drew crowds with thepublic favorite, very healthy servings of meaty, tender, slow-cooked barbecued pork ribs finished with their homemade tangybarbeque glaze. Side dishes filled with marvelous spinach dip,homemade salsa and tortilla chips accompanied the ribs. The foodserved at this booth was generously meal-sized and could not beconsidered mere samples.

In second place was TThhee CCooppppeerr BBeellll CCaafféé, which had received thetop awards for the past two years-in-a-row.

The Brandon Café is owned and operated by Darren Denington,who has become the chamber of commerce board of director’schair-elect. He is also an owner of Service with Style, a companythat coaches’ restaurant staff, does employee evaluations, etc. andco-owner of The Copper Bell in Riverview. The café’s presentationwas exceptional, covering the space of three booths where his chefcooked macaroni and cheese, similar to a buffet omelet station,and people selected the different ingredients they wished to haveadded, ham, bacon, green pepper, additional cheeses, onions, etc.

By Cheryl Kuck


It is interesting that the top two restaurants voted as Taste ofBrandon winners in the dessert category both served bread pud-ding, an old-fashioned warmly spiced baked dessert reminiscentof another era is made of day-old Italian bread cubes soaked withrich ingredients including eggs, sugars, milk or half and half.

The top Taste of Brandon Dessert Winner, JJaayymmeerr-- QQ BBBBQQ, onLithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico, won best dessert for the secondyear in a row with their homemade bread pudding with caramelsauce. The Jaymer-Q booth is framed by a helium-inflated bal-loon-like checkered arch topped by the head of an inflated pinkpig. Hard to miss.

Approaching the booth, co-owner (with her husband Jaymer)Cyndi immediately handed me a cup of hot bread pudding withcaramel and said, “We won for our dessert last year and we’regoing to win again this year.”

The dessert offering of the second place winner, MMiimmii’’ss CCaafféé,Providence Road near Lumsden, presented the more traditionalFrench version of bread pudding (recipe is available on their website).

The real puzzler is why a well-known BBQ restaurant would fea-ture a dessert but not their savory specialties like the advertised,

“best baby-back ribs in town,” and Mimi’s, known for their blue-cheese, walnut and strawberry salad, would not make that thestar competitive attraction.

Although, I must add that it only takes about 45 minutes to bakea bread pudding while it takes Jaymer anywhere from five and ahalf to 12 hours to create a tender well-smoked piece of meat, sothat might have something to do with it. Regardless, the bestadvice is to stay with a proven winner. The two-time award for abread pudding recipe given to Jaymer and Cyndi 10 years agofrom a friend at church is definitely something special.

CEO and President of the Greater Brandon Chamber of CommerceTammy Bracewell tells me that there were more than 130 partici-pating expo vendors who attracted a crowd of approximately1,300 event visitors. “We plan to continue showcasing and helpingto market and grow Greater Brandon area businesses. I know oursilver anniversary year 2013, will be even bigger and better becauseof our many volunteers who make it all happen. Our selflessvolunteers are the life and heart of our chamber. They are hard-working small business people who provide services that enrichour lives, bringing new ideas and inventiveness that will help ourcommunity to continue to evolve and prosper.” •

A Taste of BrandonBrandon Business Expo & Taste of Brandon

330 Pauls Drive, suite 100, Brandon(813) 689- 9440

Website: www.brandonchamber.com



F or the last 35 years Nancy West has been an importantmember of the team at the Gulf Coast Research andEducation Center (GCREC). She joined GCREC in

1977, when it was located in Manatee County, after moving southfrom Michigan with her family. Nancy is one of seven children.

Now, some 35 years later, she has retired as a biological scientistworking in the ornamental horticulture area of GCREC. Nancyconsiders her duties at the center to be that of a facilitator ofexperiments created and undertaken by faculty members. “Thatmeans I have helped with growing, sowing, fertilizing, pesticidespraying, data entry, purchasing, as well as irrigation for severaldifferent crops over the years,” she said. Those crops have includ-ed caladiums, chrysanthemums, poinsettias and lisianthus.

“I enjoyed the variety of responsibilities in my position and theindependence that I was given to get the job done,” she said. “Thefaculty members that I worked for recognized that I understoodthe priorities of the various experiments I was involved in and didnot micro-manage me. This independence coupled with a wonder-ful team of co-workers made my work very enjoyable.”

An alumna of Michigan State University, Nancy was a biologymajor in college and has developed a keen appreciation forFlorida’s native plants and the opportunity to bird watch. She hasserved the Manatee County chapter of the Florida Native PlantSociety in many different capacities from board member to officer.“Promoting the use of Florida native plants in urban landscapingis something that I enjoy doing and will continue doing during myretirement,” she said. “There are also a number of tasks that needto be undertaken at my home, places to go and see and mid weekevents that I could not attend because of my work.”

Travel has also been a popular hobby for Nancy. Shortly afterreceiving her degree from Michigan State, Nancy traveled toKenya for a two year stint with the Peace Corps. “I taught biolo-gy for two years at the high school level,” she said. Her trips haveincluded destinations throughout the world, among them NewZealand, Turkey and Armenia to visit a relative serving in thePeace Corps and various stops in Central and South America.

There is one trip taking place this month that she is looking for-ward to and that’s a family reunion at Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.“That location works well for my scattered family and I can’twait,” she said. Nancy also plans to expand her volunteer work“either at a local park or with a conservation organization.”

Though Nancy thoroughly enjoyed her assignments and co-work-ers at GCREC, she will not miss the majority of conversationsthat took place during her last seven years of car pooling. Thosedaily trips were initially within Manatee County and then fromManatee to Hillsborough County after the GCREC was relocatedin 2005. “I carpooled with various people over the whole 35years, but the last seven years carpooling to Balm was with fourmen who loved to talk sports. Thankfully, we also all talked aboutfood on the way home.”

“I appreciated the savings in fuel and auto wear and tear, but Iwas the only woman among our five member car pool and the dis-cussions always seemed to focus on sports. That was an hour ofsports talk coming to work,” she said. “I will miss the men, butnot the sports talk.”

GCREC Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl sums it up it best when it comesto Nancy and her tenure at the Center. “Nancy has been a very hardworking, dedicated employee who truly cares about what she does.She has been well liked by her fellow employees and will be missedby all of us. We wish her all the best in retirement.” •

Nancy WestRETIRES FROM GULF COAST RESEARCHAND EDUCATION CENTERBy Jim Frankowiak

Nancy, Dr. Brent Harbaugh and Gail Brown

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

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Idon’t think I have met a more colorfulman than my friend, Ed Dees, who livesin Springhead, located just a stones

throw southeast of Plant City.

A few months back, while having lunch atthe Red Rose Inn and Suites Dining Roomwith his boss, Bill Morrow of MorrowSteel, Ed reminded me of the time hismother’s house burned down, and mygood partner, Ercelle Smith and I, lead acampaign on our morning radio show onWPLA “This’n That” to get her some helpin rebuilding her house. The result wasoverwhelming Ed recalls. Everybody in thecommunity pitched in. “I recall we had somuch roofing supplies donated that wehad to return some of it,” Ed said. Some ofyou locals I am sure remember the show,and recall that we were always ready tohelp in any needy situation.

I asked Ed Dees to tell me about some ofhis experiences growing up in Springhead.He smiled and said, “Al, it seems I wasalways getting in trouble, and mamawould beat me into the middle of nextweek with her hoe handle. I recall AuntJetty would always make a trip to our out-house everyday around 4 pm. I figured Iwould have a little fun, so I wired a littlespeaker underneath the seat of the twohole’er, and then ran the wire from thespeaker out the back side of the outhouseto the barn where I had a small PA systemthat Ercelle Smith loaned me from WPLARadio Station. There she was right ontime, 4 pm. I gave her a few seconds to getsettled. Then I picked up the microphoneand said ‘Aunt Jetty would you mind mov-ing over to the other hole, I’m workingdown here!’ She tore the hinges off the out-house door getting out. I have neverlaughed so hard in my life,” Ed recalls.“There she was standing in front of theouthouse with her drawers down aroundher knees, “holler’n so loud you could hearher as far as the Coronet Mine!”

“Mama saw me over by the side of thehouse laughing, and knew full well I hadbeen up to something. She grabbed her hoeand set out for me. I knew I was in for agood beating, so I headed south as fast asI could. After about an hour mess’naround the swings at Coronet grammarschool, I slipped in the front door of thehouse. Closed the door quietly, and mademy way to the bedroom. And there shestood! I know she was bigger than “KingKong” holding that hoe handle, and withone fast lick she knocked me up against thewall, and I went out like a light. Boy, Ilearned to leave Aunt Jetty alone afterthat.”

“About a year later my cousin, CharlieDees came over and we decided to play ajoke on my Uncle Tom. We knew he couldtake it. After all he was always up to somekind of mischief himself. From the orangegrove we saw him head to the outhouse.Forgetting the structure had seen it’s bestdays, and was just about to fall down, wequietly eased up to the back of it andhollered, at the same time giving it a push.We thought it would just rock a little andUncle Tom would be surprised, but thewhole thing went over and the two-holerhe was sitting on collapsed, and downwent Uncle Tom. I knew we were in trou-ble. Charlie and I both ran over to himas fast we could. We looked down in thetoilet hole and there he was with only hishead and feet showing. Charlie ran to thebarn and grabbed a stepladder. We helpedhim out, and washed him down with thegarden hose. He stripped down buck-naked, and I ran to the house to get him apair of my pants and a shirt, but by thetime I returned here comes Mama aroundthe house swinging her hoe handle. I ranby Charlie and Uncle Tom, threw them theclothes and took off for the woods.”

We cut our conversation short as they hadan appointment, but Ed invited me out tohis house so we could continue the inter-

view. The following week I went to Ed’shouse in Springhead. He and his wife,Karen, met me at the front door leadinginto the living room. The first thing tocatch my eye was a large #2 galvanizedwashtub hanging over the couch with apicture of Aunt Jetty on one side and apicture of Uncle Tom on the other. “Ed,”I asked, “I can understand the pictures ofyour aunt and uncle on the wall, but whyin the world is that washtub hanging inyour living room?” Immediately his wifeKaren scurried out of the room. I cannottell you this washtub story, but it had to dowith Ed and his growth into man-hood! Isuggest you ask him about the washtubincident the next time you see him.

After a few minutes Karen returned fromthe kitchen with two glasses of fresh icedtea, and said, “Ed, why don’t you tell Alabout the time you and some of yourfriends got in trouble at Howell Creek?”She turned and left the room laughing!


“Well, what about (a small creek that runsthrough Springhead) Howell Creek, Ed?”

“Al, back when I was growing up the onlyplace to go swimming was Robinson’s Poolon highway 92 west of town. From ourhouse to the pool was about 10 miles,much too far to ride our bicycles. Duringthe month of March we had about a 10-inch rainfall, and the creek was runningdeep. Billy and Tommy Heard, PerryBradford and myself decided to dam upthe creek just a little north of our house.After about five hours we had it made. Thewater backed up and made a nice pond

about a quarter acre in size. The next dayafter school the four of us were having agood time skinny dippin in the pond, whenup walks the sheriff.”

“Boys, he said, did you make this dam?”he asked.

Perry Bradford spoke up, “Yes sir we dunit, but we ain’t bother’n no body!”

“What do you mean bother’n nobody,”the sheriff replied. “Why there’s abouttwo dozen houses back there with watercoming in their front door. Unless you fel-

lows want to go to jail right now, I suggestyou four start tearing that dam down rightnow.”

“What took us five hours to build onlytook one hour to tear down. Word gotaround that we were the culprits thatcaused the flooding. Needless to say wewere not too popular around Springheadfor a few months,” Ed recalled.

I still have some more stories to tell aboutEd’s “Springhead Adventures,” but theywill have to wait until another edition ofIn The Field. •

Landscapes are a wonderful thing.They beautify our surroundings,attract wildlife and influence the

health of our water bodies. All of ouryards and neighborhoods are ultimatelyconnected to our water resources. Howeach of us decides to manage our land-scapes impacts our water resourcesbecause groundwater in Florida is veryclose to the surface.

Our surface waters (lakes, rivers, etc.) areconnected to our groundwater by springs,sinkholes and drainage basins. We usegroundwater inside our homes and outsidein our landscapes. When it rains, waterruns off our roofs, streets and landscapesinto water bodies. This flow of water picksup whatever it can that is in its path: fertil-izer, grass clippings, pesticides, pet wasteand much more. These pollutants causealgae growth, remove oxygen from thewater and cause fish kill.

By having a Florida-Friendly Landscape,stormwater runoff is filtered and/orabsorbed which protects our watersources. There are some simple things eachof us can do to reduce stormwater runoffand its negative effects on the environ-ment. These include using pervious(porous) surfaces, installing a rain barrelor cistern, creating a rain garden, bermsand swales and positioning downspouts.

PERVIOUS SURFACES – Use materialsfor sidewalks, patios and driveways thatallow water to percolate into the ground.These materials include: mulch, bricks,pavers, gravel. All provide filtering of pol-lutants, recharge groundwater suppliesand decrease the amount of runoff.

RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN – If youhaven’t attended a rain barrel workshop atthe Hillsborough County ExtensionService, you should! Each county house-hold that attends for the first time receivesa free rain barrel that has been drilled andspigoted by staff and Master Gardener vol-unteers. Rain barrels/cisterns reducestormwater runoff because they catch it;they decrease erosion for the same reasonand they decrease the amount of potablewater used for landscape irrigationbecause you use the water you capture toirrigate your plants. One inch of rain on a1,000 square foot roof will yield 625gallons of water. Considering we receive50-52 inches of rain per year, we couldeach save greater than 31,000 gallons.You can sign up for our workshops at:http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/HomeGardening/event-calendar.html

RAIN GARDENS – These shallow gardensdecrease and filter stormwater before itseeps into the ground. The water does notrunoff and helps add to our water supply.If you have an area in your landscape thatis lower than the rest or under a down-spout, that’s a good area to create a raingarden. The plants you select should toler-ate wet feet during the rainy season and bedrought tolerance between rainfalls.Marina D’Abreau, former HorticultureAgent here, created a Rain Garden Manualwhich you can pick up for free at theExtension Service. Please stop by to getyours.

BERMS AND SWALES – You can create araised area or indentation in the groundperpendicular to the slope to capture orslow down runoff. You need to contact theFlorida Department of EnvironmentalProtection and other local governmentalagencies before changing shorelines. If thechanges you make are significant, youshould consult a professional and a regula-tory review may be required.

DOWNSPOUTS – If you have a gutteringsystem, downspouts should be directedinto pervious areas so the water can seepinto the soil. Positioning downspouts ontodriveways or sidewalks creates stormwaterrunoff. You can use a flexible downspoutor rain drain to move water from yourdownspout into your landscape and awayfrom your foundation.

The information contained in this articlewas adapted from the Florida Yards &Neighborhoods Handbook 2009, which isavailable for free at our office. If you livein a deed restricted community, check withyour landscape or architectural controlcommittee as required before making land-scape changes.

Visit our demonstration gardens at theHillsborough County Extension Service,

5339 County Road 579, Seffner.For assistance with horticultural

questions, call: 813-744-5519 Extension 4.More gardening information is availableat: http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu

and http://edis.ifas.ufl.eduRemember to reuse, reduce and recycle.

ReducingStormwaterRunoff

The 8thof 9 Steps to aFlorida-FriendlyLandscape

Lynn BarberFlorida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent • Hillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension


813-689-1570Full Line of FeedsFull Line of FeedsFull Line of Feeds

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Foodhooks.........................................$22Baby Butter Beans............................$14Green Beans.......................................$14Pole Beans .........................................$14Speckled Butter Beans.....................$14Blackeye Peas....................................$14Butter Peas ........................................$14Conk Peas .........................................$22Crowder Peas ....................................$14Pinkeye Peas......................................$14White Acre Peas................................$14Sugar Snap Peas ...............................$15Zipper Peas........................................$14Green Peas .........................................$14

White Corn.........................................$13Yellow Corn ........................................$13Cream White Corn 4#........................$6Cream Yellow Corn 4#.......................$6Collard Greens...................................$13Mustard Greens..................................$13

Turnip Greens ....................................$13Spinach ...............................................$13Cut Okra .............................................$13Breaded Okra.....................................$13Whole Okra ........................................$13Sliced Yellow Squash........................$13Sliced Zucchini ..................................$13Brussel Sprouts..................................$13Baby Carrots ......................................$13Broccoli...............................................$13Cauliflower .........................................$13Mixed Vegetables..............................$13Soup Blend.........................................$13

Blueberries 5# ...................................$15Blackberries 5# .................................$15Mango Chunks 5# .............................$15Pineapple Chunks 5#........................$15Whole Strawberries 5# ....................$15Rhubarb 5# ........................................$13Peaches...............................................$15

GEORGIA PECANS HALVES

1 lb bag . . . . . . . . . . $102.5 lbs bag . . . . . . . $255 lbs bag . . . . . . . . . $4910 lbs bag . . . . . . . . $97

*** All Items Are 8 lbs. Unless Otherwise Noted.***

WALK-INS WELCOMECall – or go on-line to place your order today and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up!

www.SouthwesternProduce.comINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 27W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M AG A Z I N E .C O M

28 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

Supermarket tomatoes that taste likeheirloom tomatoes are closer to reach-ing grocery aisles as a result of a discov-

ery from the University of Florida.

A team of researchers, including members ofUF’s Institute of Food and AgriculturalSciences, have identified the chemicalsinside heirloom tomatoes that make peopleenjoy their taste, and the discovery isexpected to enable them to create better-tasting tomatoes for the commercial market.

Heirloom tomatoes are old varieties notbred for large-scale production and prizedfor their true tomato taste, something thatmany believe has been lost in commercialtomatoes. The research is detailed online inthe May 24 issue of Current Biology.

“A big problem with the modern, commer-cial tomato is that growers are not paid toproduce a tomato that tastes good,” saidHarry Klee, an eminent scholar and profes-sor in the UF/IFAS horticultural sciencesdepartment. “They are paid purely on howmany pounds of tomatoes they put intoboxes.”

Florida is a top producer of fresh tomatoes,and the state’s crop for 2010-2011 was val-ued at $431 million.

To make the discovery, Klee and a team ofresearchers determined the chemical compo-nents of nearly 100 tomato varieties, includ-ing many heirlooms, calculated the levelspresent of each chemical identified, and then

subjected the tomatoes to taste tests. Thetaste tests were comprised of 13 panels of100 people who rated each tomato’s taste.

The researchers then statistically analyzedtheir data to ascertain the chemicals thatwere most abundant in tomatoes peopleliked the most and the least.

The research showed that some chemicalsthat scientists previously thought wereimportant weren’t and some they thoughtweren’t, were.

For example, cis-3-hexenal had long beenconsidered to be important to tomato taste,mostly because it is so abundant in manytomatoes.

“However, it has zero correlation to whatpeople like,” Klee said.

On the other hand, geranial, which was con-sidered less important, correlated stronglywith the highest-rated tomatoes andenhanced sweetness, the research showed.

“We really have to rethink the way that welook at what is the chemistry of flavor,”Klee said.

Klee’s research has begun focusing on waysto transfer the chemicals important to tasteinto commercial tomato varieties that pro-duce higher yields and have better diseaseresistance than heirlooms.

Klee said during the taste panels, adminis-tered by Charles Sims, chairman of the

UF/IFAS food science and human nutritiondepartment, several heirloom varietiesreceived high scores.

These included the cherry tomatoes CherryRoma and Maglia Rosa, the somewhatmedium-sized Ailsa Craig and the largeGerman Queen tomato. These heirloomsare excellent candidates for transfer of goodflavor into commercial varieties, Klee said.

Some of the chemicals uncovered during theresearch also have potential applicationsoutside of tomato breeding, said team mem-ber Linda Bartoshuk, Bushnell Professor inthe UF College of Dentistry and director ofhuman research at UF’s Center for Smelland Taste.

“Using statistical analysis, we found volatilechemicals that are contributing to sweetindependent of sugar,” Bartoshuk said.

This could be important to the food indus-try, she said, as foods, such as fruit juices,can be made to taste sweeter without addedsugar or artificial sweeteners. UF hasapplied for a patent on the chemicals.

Eating tomatoes can be part of a healthylifestyle as they are high in vitamins C andA, are a good source of potassium, containno cholesterol or fat, have few calories andsodium, and are high in the antioxidantlycopene.

The research was funded by the NationalScience Foundation, IFAS and SeminisVegetable Seeds Inc. •

Harry Klee, an eminent scholar and professor in the UF/IFAShorticultural sciences department, is pictured in the greenhousewith hybrid tomatoes derived from heirlooms. The tomatoes arepart of a tomato flavor improvement project that is looking atproducing hybrids that have great taste like heirlooms butbetter performance. The project is also looking at transferringthe enjoyable taste of heirlooms into supermarket tomatoes.

UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler JonesBy Robert H. Wells

UF Researchers Uncover

SECRETRECIPEFrom Nature For AGreat-tasting Tomato


The Tampa Terminal and Warehouseare fully integrated and importantelements of CF Industries’ Central

Florida operations, which also include aphosphate mine in Hardee County andproduction facility in Plant City. Together,these facilities produce and distribute phos-phate based plant nutrients that help farm-ers in North America and around theworld enhance crop yields.

“Our Port of Tampa presence began in1972 with a 21-acre storage and shippingcomplex and expanded in 1992 to includean 18-acre ammonia terminal,” said LynneVadelund, Manager of Operations. “Ourstorage and shipping facility gives us accessto Gulf Coast, Corn Belt and export mar-kets for CF Industries’ plant nutrient prod-ucts.” Bulk fertilizer is shipped by bargeand ship. “Large barges typically offload tosmaller barges for shipment up theMississippi River to Corn Belt distributionfacilities and other customers.” The com-pany also exports “significant tonnages” inconjunction with its partnership with glob-al fertilizer trading company KEYTRADEAG. Ocean-going shipments serve marketsin South and Latin America, as well asAfrica.

Anhydrous ammonia and sulfur are tworaw materials that are important to theproduction of fertilizer. CF Industries pro-duces both diammonium phosphate (DAP)

and monoammonium phosphate (MAP)fertilizer at the Plant City PhosphateComplex. Both DAP and MAP are shippedto the Port of Tampa complex by truck andrail from the Plant City manufacturingfacility located approximately 30 milesaway.

“Many of the fertilizer trucks are dual haultrailers,” said Vadelund, “which allowstransport of raw materials to the plant andthen the trucks return with bulk fertilizerto our warehouse at the Port. These vehi-cles bring greater efficiency and lessentruck traffic.”

“In 2011 CF’s Port operations had athroughput of approximately two milliontons,” she said. CF has 40 employees at thePort to meet the demands of both the ter-minal and storage/shipping complex. Themajority of the personnel are trained inboth operations and maintenance. “Thisgives us the flexibility to optimize our staffresources in a very cost-effective fashionwhile helping our employees build andmaintain their skills through varied assign-ments,” said Vadelund.

“We are more than just a substantial busi-ness operation here at the port. Our staffis like an extended family focused on main-taining a safe, efficient workplace and pro-tecting the environment.” Long termemployees and multiple family members

are readily evident among the CFIndustries’ employees at the port. “Therealso is a very strong sense of pride in ourwork here,” she said. “We always strive toalways do the right thing.” That, too, isevident from the carefully maintainedoffice areas, terminal and warehouse.

Vadelund, a chemical engineer by training,has spent the majority of her career withCF Industries in various environmentalhealth and safety roles. She has served asManager of Operations at the Port ofTampa for two years. Her prior assign-ments with the company have includedprocess engineering and environmentalposts, including an over a decade-long stintassociated with the closing of a gypsumstack at CF’s former chemical operationnear Bartow. Vadelund also was a partici-pant in a CF Industries’ employee develop-ment program over a two-year period dur-ing which she was involved in environmen-tal and safety audits at different companyfacilities.

“When it comes to genuine concern for theenvironment and the well-being of ouremployees, we all not only talk the talk,but walk the walk as we support CFIndustries’ business operations every dayhere at the Port of Tampa.” •

CRITICAL TOCF INDUSTRIES’CENTRAL FLORIDAMINING AND PRODUCTIONOPERATIONS

TAMPA TERMINAL AND WAREHOUSECRITICAL TOCF INDUSTRIES’CENTRAL FLORIDAMINING AND PRODUCTIONOPERATIONS

By Jim Frankowiak


WILLIAM MARION HUNTSMAN, 82, of Plant City, devoted husband,father and grandfather, passed away on May 28, 2012. He was wornDecember15, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio. Survived by his wife of 61 years,Juanita Curtis Huntsman, three daughters Cathy (Jerry) Stein of PlantCity, Anna (Bill) Phillips of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and Sara (Jeff)Leonard of Tampa; grandchildren Josh (Theresa), Steven, and KaylynStein, Holly (James) Collins; Andy, Rebecca, and Charles Phillips;Emma and Will Leonard; great grand children Joshua and JulianneStein; brothers Jim and Tim Huntsman. He was preceded in death by hisparents Mac and Rose Huntsman, brother Richard and sister Susanne.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shiloh BaptistChurch Scholarship Fund, 905 West Terrace Drive, Plant City, Fl. 33563,or, USF Foundation Florida Coalition to Cure Parkinsonʼs Disease Fund,4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC 100, Attn: Laura Bolduc, Office of DonorRelations Tampa, FL. 33620

LILLIE LUCILLE CARMON, 80 of Zephyrhills, Florida died May 31,2012, at her daughterʼs home in Plant City. She was born May 6, 1932in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of the late HarrisonHurst and the lat Prudence Seay Hurst. Lillie Lucille was the wife of thelat Jimmie Carmon. Surviving sons are, Jack Wilson, James MichaelCarmon and Jimmie Lee Carmon; 17 grand children, 22 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by sons, Larry Wilson and Craig Wilson,daughter, Sherri Carmon.

FAIRY NELL HANCOCK, 72 of Plant City, Florida died on Tuesday, May29, 2012. Born Friday, November 24, 1939 in Golden, Mississippi, shewas the daughter of the late Floyd Brown and Ola PharrBrown. Surviving are daughter, Darlene Hancock of Plant City, FL,sister, Eva Faye Price. Granddaughter Crystal Hancock and great grand-son Hunter Vosburg, Nell had been a cashier for years at Felton'sworked at Mayfran Metal Fabricators, and was a baker with PublixBakeries. Funeral service was held at 10:00 AM on Monday at HaughtFuneral Home Chapel located at 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. Plant City,Florida 33563.

FRANK ANTHONY MORRIS, Jr., 80 of Lakeland, Florida died onWednesday, June 6, 2012. Born Sunday, July 26, 1931 in Pawtucket,Rhode Island. He served in the U.S. Navy. Surviving are daughter, KarenMarie Ayers, sister, Geneviève Hervieux. Grandchildren: KimberlyPowell, Jody Healey, Rachel Healey, Woodrow Ayers III, Harrison CodyAyers, Emily Lemons, and Robert Ayers.

CRECENCIANO SAPIEN-VALDOVINOS, 74 of Plant City died June 8,2012, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Tampa. Born Saturday, October 9, 1937in Mexico. The Funeral service was held Thursday, June 14, 2012 atHaught Funeral Home Chapel located at 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. PlantCity, Florida 33563. Interment at Mt. Enon Cemetery, Plant City, FL.

g



Kallee Cook ExplainsBy Ginny Mink

When it comes to cattle shows, the money is in the steers.People aren’t paying big bucks for the heifers, one -because they usually aren’t for sale, but two - because

their purpose isn’t served in the form of sirloin and ribeye. So whyin the world would anyone invest in showing heifers? PerhapsKallee Cook can shed some light on the subject since her heifersare award-winning.

Kallee isn’t new to the realm of agriculture. She explains, “Mymom always showed steers at the Strawberry Festival when shewas growing up. My Papa, my dad’s dad, they were always from

a Southern background also. They were farmers but they weren’tbig farmers, they weren’t known, they had their own crops athome. My granddaddy, my Papa’s dad, had a watermelon fieldand that’s where my cows are. We live in my great grandparents’house. When he passed away the watermelon field got turned intoa pasture.”

So, given her heritage, her current endeavors shouldn’t be theslightest bit shocking. She says, “Growing up, I always wanted tobe in FFA and agriculture. My brother was the first one, heshowed steers at the Strawberry Festival. He did it to make


money. It was a lot of fun for the family. My dad alwaystold me he couldn’t wait ‘til I could show and my chancefinally came when I entered FFA in the sixth grade. Fromthere I started showing commercial heifers sixth, seventhand the beginning of eighth grade.” Things changedafter that.

Kallee continues, “Then I got introduced into the Angusindustry by a man from Lakeland, his name is DaleLocke and he owns Locke N Load Cattle Company.They’ve been showing Angus heifers for a very longtime. When I got introduced to him he gave me my firstAngus heifer and helped me go to shows, get prepared,and showed me what to do. My first Angus heifer, hername was Rio Uno 721, but we called her Maggie, Ishowed her every show possible. I always did well withevery cow I got from Dale, never had a bad one. Withone of the heifers I got from him I went to the Nationals,which is the National Junior Angus Association Showhosted in Perry, Georgia. I only had one cow, there werepeople who had a dozen cows each. It was an honor togo there and get eighth in my class.”

Eventually, Kallee decided that she wanted to start herown ranch and thusly she bred Maggie. Maggie pro-duced a heifer. Kallee adds, “We call her Panzi, whichmeans young girl in Indian, but her registered name isKallee’s Royal Pain. After her we purchased Snooki.That’s when Snooki came into the picture. From thestart we knew she was going to be a champion! Weraised her, took her to over a dozen shows and she neverlost, she always placed first in her class, GrandChampion, or Reserve Champion. She’s always beenphenomenal!”

Snooki is by far the pride and joy of Kallee’s five cowAngus Ranch. “In 2010 she got, at the StrawberryFestival (which is a big show for us), Reserve Championand then last year in 2011 she got Reserve in the Angusdivision. Then, 2011 at the State Fair she got DivisionChampion for Bred and Owned heifers and then thisyear at the Strawberry Festival she took home GrandChampion Angus Heifer. Then she got Grand ChampionOverall Heifer, which is over every cow in the barn. Andat the State Fair she got Grand Champion OverallHeifer. Those have been her biggest shows and now shehas gone into the pasture to be bred to where she willhave a champion of her own, hopefully.”

Kallee admits, “A heifer show is basically a pageant forcows. You don’t get as much money as you put into it,but you get paid per pound, which is pretty good. Themoney that we get is just helping us with our produc-tion. Heifers are just used for breeding cows. My Anguscows are high quality, just for breeding to make a goodcow. The steers are created to make the best beef, ribeyeand sirloin. I showed steers all four years of high schoolat the Strawberry Festival.”

Kallee’s cattle aren’t the only ones’ winning awards.Kallee adds, “In 2010 I was elected Princess of theJunior Angus Association, you get voted in. This year Iwas lucky enough to be elected the Queen. It’s mainly avoting thing, pretty much a popularity contest. I had to

Before haircut

With Mom and Dad

In the Ring34 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 WWW. INTHEF I E LDMAGAZ INE .COM

give a speech, tell how long I’ve been showing and what the Angusindustry means to me and then all the Junior Angus Associationtook a vote, so knowing a lot of people helps.” There’s morethough. “In 2010, in showmanship, where they judge you and notyour cow, I got Reserve Champion. In 2011 and 2012 I got beltbuckles for getting Grand Champion at Strawberry Festival. Thisyear I actually got second runner-up at the FFA Sweetheart atDurant, it’s a scholarship pageant. I got a $150 scholarship.”

Kallee is going to need that scholarship and the others she hasreceived because she is completing her senior year and says,“I plan to go to HCC for two years and do the University ofFlorida transfer plan and then go to UF to become an ultrasoundtechnician for large animals.” Thankfully, she has a $500 Ag Hallof Fame Scholarship from the State Fair and a $1000 scholarshipfrom the Strawberry Festival, which she says is “somethingI always dreamed of. It’s a great honor.”

She closes by saying, “Without my dad I probably would not beshowing. He does the feedings in the morning so I don’t have toget up at the crack of dawn. My dad kinda puts it all together.He helps me groom them before shows and I work every dayso if I don’t make it home in time he’s the one out in the pasture.My mom contributes, too. She’s always willing to take off workand help at one of my shows. She likes washing them and helpingme fit, which is basically making their hair pretty.” Kallee isdefinitely appreciative of her family and she’s looking forward toa career in the agriculture field while steadily building up her ownAngus ranch. •




NAMED TO FLORIDA FEDERATION HALL OF FAME

EEllllaannyy JJoohhnnssoonnSurprised was her expression Saturday Evening, May 19, 2012 atthe Florida Federation of Fairs Convention in St. Augustine,Florida, when Ms. Ellany Johnson of the Florida StrawberryFestival was inducted into the Florida Federation Hall of Fame.More than 30 members of the Festival’s Board of Directors, staff,family and friends of Ellany were present as she was presentedwith the award.

The induction into the Florida Federation Hall of Fame is anhonor like no other in the fair industry. The recipients of thisaward are recognized for their leadership in their fair, communityand making a difference in the industry. Withcredentials like Ellany’s, there was no doubtthat she was the perfect nomination for thisprestigious award.

“Ellany Johnson is the heart and soul of TheFlorida Strawberry Festival. Her commitmentto the success of this organization, our Board

of Directors, staff, vendors and entertainers is unparalleled,” saysFestival General Manager, Paul Davis.

Ellany Johnson has been affiliated with the Florida StrawberryFestival since 1972 when she participated as a vendor to show-case the bookstore she owned in town. In 1975, she was asked tooversee the Show Tent, which she ran as a volunteer for severalyears. During that time, she originated the Shoe Box FloatContest for 25 years. The Contest is now beginning its 36th year.

In 1989, Ellany’s dedication to the Festival was so evident that shewas asked to join the staff. Her first position was working in theticket office where she was promoted to Ticket Office Manager in1991. By 1996, she was given the additional responsibility ofmanaging all exhibitors and concessions, which she is still con-ducting. Because of her extensive Festival knowledge and experi-ence, she was promoted to Office Manager in 2009 and continuesin this position today.

“Her humble personality, care for others, pride for her own workand love for this community and the fair industry has helpedmold her into the devoted leader she is today,” says Paul Davis.

Ellany has also been active in the Florida Federation of Fairs formany years. She served on the organization’s Board of Directors,then worked her way up the ranks where she served two terms asSecretary, Treasurer and Vice President.

“Integrity, trustworthiness, dedication and leader are all words Iassociate with Ellany Johnson. She applies high standards to herwork as well as her interpersonal relationships while also puttinggreat dedication to the pursuit of perfection in her work. Sheposses a calm demeanor, a sweet personality and a wicked senseof humor. She is an individual who cares about the success of oth-ers as well as taking pride in her own accomplishments,” saidMartha Leverock, CFE, President/CEO of the GreaterJacksonville Fair.

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Florida StrawberryFestival are honored to celebrate Ellany Johnson and her out-standing achievements as the newest inductee of the FloridaFederation of Fairs Hall of Fame. •

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 39W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E .C O M

The East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Association heldtheir 50th Anniversary East Hillsborough Law EnforcementAppreciation Dinner at the Florida Strawberry Festival ExhibitionHall on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

Since 1962, one officer from the Florida Highway Patrol,Hillsborough County’s Sheriff’s office, Plant City PoliceDepartment and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionare recognized for their outstanding performance.

This year Investigator Dieter Iten was honored for his work withthe Game Commission. This past year he was the lead investigatorfor 13 boating accidents in the greater Tampa Bay area, nine ofwhich involved fatalities and two with serious bodily injury. He isalso active in investigating hunting incidents, resource violations,Internet crimes and title fraud cases.

Investigator Dieter Iten has been with the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission since 2005.

Others receiving awards included detective John McDowell, PlantCity Police Department; Trooper Michael Wilder, FloridaHighway Patrol; and Deputy Michael Hannaford, HillsboroughCounty Sheriff’s Department.

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THE LITTLE SHOW THAT COULD

Dry CreekDry Creek

Iremember as a child my mother reading to me THE LITTLEENGINE THAT COULD. Seems at one point or other we allhad rooted for that little train engine to huff and puff and

make it up that hill.

I ran my life fast forward to today and as the creator of DryCreek, the little TV show that could, I have to ponder, I have togo back to that thin little children’s book and say it was thebook that shaped Dry Creek.

You see Dry Creek was only dreamed up a couple of years agoon a small ranch in Manatee County. Yes, it was me that firstgot the idea, but people from everywhere started showing upand adding to it. Those folks are called The Dry Creek family.The Dry Creek family is THE LITTLE ENGINE THATCOULD. Folks that believe that even in today’s fast pacedworld it’s the simple things that don’t cost a dime that areimportant. Your word, family, friends and common sense, did Imention faith? All these things guided by our Creator haveadded the steam power to make the climb.

Episodes with those principles and values were produced andDry Creek ended up on Dish, BlueHighways TV and Direct TVand added folks from across America rooting for the little showthat could.

It is said on your climb, always remember to stop and smell theroses. In our story of Dry Creek, the little show that could, wedid just that. It was an episode called My Rose. It dealt with thefact that there are really no strangers, just friends you haven’tmet yet. How a simple rose could stop a person that had beenchasing ghosts from their past.

Country Music great Confederate Railroad wrote a theme songfor Dry Creek called “My Rose.” That added more coal to ourlittle engine. Then BlueHighways TV entered the “My Rose”episode for The Cable Awards in NYC in September. Dry Creekwill be up against all the big engines in the industry.

Dry Creek, the little show that could, has a long climb left andour story is not over yet. But thanks to The Dry Creek familyand people who grew up having THE LITTLE ENGINE THATCOULD read to them know all things are possible. •

To find us turn on your TV and go tohhttttppss::// //bblluueehhiigghhwwaayyssttvv..ccoomm for times and listings or you can

find us on Facebook at hhttttppss::// //wwwwww..ffaacceebbooookk..ccoomm//ppaaggeess//DDrryy--CCrreeeekk//115511112266228844992299338877??rreeff==ttss or on DDrryyccrreeeekkttvv..ccoomm

Everybody knows where Dry Creek is...cause “it’s inside each and everyone of us”!

By Les McDowellPhotos courtesy of Linda Constant


44

Whether starting anew or thinkingabout changes to your home’slandscape, the Florida Native

Plant Society suggests you consider usingplants native to this area and taking a freshlook at your overall landscape plan. Thereare some very good reasons for doing soand they benefit you, the environment andour wildlife.

“We are not suggesting a wholesalerevamping of your existing landscape,”said Suncoast Chapter Vice PresidentDevon Higginbotham at the Society’srecent, 32nd annual state conference atPlant City. “Gradual is good and begin byreplacing or interspersing natives amongyour existing landscape. If you’re justbeginning on your landscape plan, consid-er a mix of native and non-native.”

Those interested in learning more aboutnative plants are encouraged to visit

wwwwww..ffnnppss..oorrgg, the state society’s website,or wwwwww..ssuunnccooaassttnnppss..oorrgg, the

Hillsborough County chapter’s website, aswell as the county Extension office’s web

presence at hhttttpp::////hhiillllssbboorroouugghh.. eexxtteennssiioonn..uuffll..eedduu. The sites are full of

detailed information, including member-ship information. “Local chapter meet-

ings include a plant auction with prices of

$2 - $3 per plant,” she said. “We alsotake fieldtrips to wilderness areas to seewhat is growing in the wild. Chapter

membership is a great way to learn aboutnatives and buy the ones that strike yourfancy. The Suncoast Native Plant Societymeets the third Wednesday of each monthat 7 p.m. at the Hillsborough CountyExtension Office, 5339 County Road

579, Seffner.

“When xeriscaping was first introduced,it gave natives a bad name,” saidHigginbotham. “It was ugly, just mulchand an occasional shrub, but Florida’snatural landscape is beautiful and we aresuggesting that you mimic what nature hasalready provided by going native.”

There are a number of myths and misun-derstandings that often cloud the discus-sion of native plants and their use in ourlandscape. “Some think bugs are bad, butthey are vital to wildlife and natives pro-vide nourishment for native wildlife andthat’s a good thing,” said Higginbotham.Litter and mower cuttings must be raked,bagged and removed. “Not true, leavethem be. To go native, it isn’t necessary toeliminate mowed areas in your landscape,just reduce them somewhat.”

“Cost is another issue. Natives are compa-rable in cost to non-natives and you canfind out where to buy them by visiting thewebsites listed previously or visitingfloridanativenurseries.org,” she said.There are also the University of SouthFlorida (USF) spring and fall plant salesat their Botanical Gardens, hhttttpp::// //ggaarrddeennss..uussff..eedduu//.

“We have to be honest and recognize thata yard is more than something to just lookat. Government can’t keep buying moreland for conservation, especially in thesedays of tight dollars, but each of us canturn our yards into parks and wildlife cor-ridors. That will certainly help reestablishsome of the wilderness areas lost to devel-opment and we can all help,”Higginbotham added. Doing that willallow wildlife to flow through rather thanaround our cities and towns “if all homeswould plant more trees, under story andshrubs and reduce mowed lawns and plantmore natives. Let’s face it, a mowed lawnis equal to a desert in terms of wildlife andthe average yard is 92 percent mowedgrass.”

“Central Florida should not try to looklike Atlanta, California or England. Wehave plants that are site specific to our

By Jim Frankowiak Photos courtesy of Vince Lamb, FNPS Conradina Chapter member


area. Miami and Tallahassee don’t look anything likeCentral Florida and our yards shouldn’t either,” shesaid.

“Native plants are specific to our wildlife which hasevolved to fit together. People love butterflies, butcaterpillars are very picky eaters. Female butterflies flitfrom plant to plant looking for those specific ones thattheir hatchlings can eat. If she lays her eggs on thewrong plant, her eggs will die. Homeowners need torealize this and not to spray caterpillars with insecticidewhen they find them because that just kills the nextgeneration of butterflies.”

For a keen insight into the importance of bugs,Higginbotham suggests reading Doug Tallamy’s book,“Bringing Nature Home – How You Can SustainWildlife with Native Plants.”

“It takes 4,800 caterpillars to raise one Chickadeehatchling since baby birds eat bugs not seeds. The onlybugs mowed lawns support are chinch bugs,” saidHigginbotham. “Putting up a bird feeder with seed is agreat way to see birds, but it does nothing to help thebabies. Birds also need cover to keep from being eatenby other wildlife. Nesting habitat is another need wecan all help to fulfill along with care and conservationof our water supply.

“You might also want to think about your yard and itspotential importance to migrating birds. Consider youryard as a fast food stop for migrating birds. Give themthe food they desperately need in their migrations,” shesaid. “They want to drive-thru your yard, grab a biteto eat and keep going. Eighty per cent of bird mortali-ty takes place during migration. Many bird speciesmigrate from South America during the spring. Nativehollies like the Dahoon have red berries that birds canspot. Red Mulberry also provides berries in the spring.

“It’s good to go native. There’s no premium cost andthere are many benefits that far outweigh our normaltendency to overlook species that are truly home,” saidHigginbotham.

“A special thanks to the following for their role inmaking the Florida Native Plant Society’s 32nd AnnualConference great:

Red Rose Inn & SuitesSouthern Gourmet Catering (Fred’s MarketRestaurant)The Corner StoreGigi’s GardenCrystal Springs PreserveUniversity of Florida/.Institute of Food andAgricultural Sciences

The Suncoast and Hernando Chapters of the FloridaNative Plant Society and all of their volunteers and theendless hours they devoted to making this conference asuccess.” •



It's hard to believe that my year is coming to an end in just a fewshort weeks. This year has flown by and I am going to treasureevery memory, lesson, and friendship I have made. The year hasbrought so many new experiences into my life. I have been toChina and back, was able to attend the 82nd Washington FFAState Convention, spent the year serving Florida FFA and somany more. As it gets closer and closer to the 84th Florida FFAState Convention, I sit and wonder what comes next in my life. Ihave worked my whole middle and high school career trying tobecome a state officer. I remember it was the second week afterbeing elected last June and felt I had no more goals or dreams. Ithought and thought about what would be my next goal in life.After a couple of days, I figured out I would be attendingHillsborough Community College then transfer to a university inFlorida. We have to have motivation in our lives if we are evergoing to get anywhere.

TIME...SURE DOES FLY

I have found that as we go about our daily lives, there are manyobstacles we must overcome. Many could be small but some couldbe large, it is a matter of how we handle them. We have to go in toevery obstacle with an open mind. We have to assess all the optionsif we are ever going to come out on top. Through my experiencesas a state officer, I have noticed that when we analyze what acertain outcome could be, you can better understand the situationto the fullest.

During the first week of May, the state officers and staff were inOrlando for convention planning where we were able to sit andplan everything that was going to happen the last week of June.We were able to decide the fun activities we will have during ourconvention, establish who the keynote speakers will be, what thedance is going to look like, as well as, get all of our scripts done foreach of the sessions. I cannot wait to see each and every one of youat the 84th Florida FFA Convention in Orlando, June 25-29. Wehave a couple of tricks up our sleeves as we celebrate all of ourachievements in Florida and see how we are truly For The Future!

I would like to leave you with this quote, "When it comes to thefuture, there are three types of people: those who let it happen,those who make it happen, and those who wondered whathappened." Which are you going to be over the next year?I challenge you to take control of your life and live it to the fullest.

Many thanks!

JohnJohn Modrow Jr. – Area 5 State Vice President

48 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012

49

Firecracker SaladGarlic Prime Rib

Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agricluture

INGREDIENTS2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1 small jalapeño, seeded and coarsely chopped1 1/2 teaspoons honey1/4 teaspoon cumin1/4 cup vegetable oilkosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 ears)6 medium radishes, halved andthinly sliced crosswise

1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

PREPARATION

To make the dressing, purée the lime juice,jalapeño, honey and cumin in a blender. With themachine on, add the oil. Season with salt andpepper to taste; set aside. In a large bowl, tossthe corn with the radishes, parsley, red onion anddressing. Season the salad with salt and pepper,transfer to plates and serve. Tip: For a roastedtaste, lightly season and oil the whole corn cobsand then roast in a 375-degree F oven until lightlybrowned. When cool, slice the corn off the coband add to the salad.

Yield – 4 servings

PREPARATION

Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fatty sideup. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil,salt, pepper and thyme. Spread the mixture over thefatty layer of the roast, and let the roast sit out untilit is at room temperature, no longer than 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Bake the roastfor 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then reducethe temperature to 325 degrees F and continueroasting for an additional 60 to 75 minutes. Theinternal temperature of the roast should be at 145degrees F for medium rare. Allow the roast to restfor 10 or 15 minutes before carving so the meat canretain its juices.

Yield – 10 servings

INGREDIENTS1 10-pound prime rib roast10 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons olive oil2 teaspoons salt2 teaspoons ground black pepper2 teaspoons dried thyme

RECIPES



The Catch-A-Dream Foundation recently received legislativepermission to offer a new license plate to raise funds for itsmission of fulfilling the hunting – and fishing-related wishes ofchildren with life-threatening illnesses.

The new specialty tag features the Catch-A-Dream Foundationlogo. The tag fee is $31 annually in addition to the regular tagcost, $24 of which will go to the foundation.

“We must pre-order a minimum of 300 tags before the state willprint,” said Marty Brunson, executive director of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation. “Funds generated through the specialty tagprogram provide once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing experi-ences for young people diagnosed with life-threatening conditionssuch as cancer and cystic fibrosis.”

To pre-order a tag, download the application athhttttpp::// //wwwwww..ccaattcchhaaddrreeaamm..oorrgg//wwpp--ccoonn--

tteenntt//uuppllooaaddss//22001111//1100//CCAADDFF--SSppeecciiaallttyy--LLiicceennssee--PPllaattee..ppddffComplete the form and send with payment to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation or contact the

foundation office for details.The foundation will notify applicants when the tags can be

picked up at their local tax collector’s office.For more information, or a copy of the application form, contact the foundation office at (662) 325-8149 or

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Specialty TagRaises FundsFor Foundation

52


Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Board of Directors has elect-ed a new chairman for the first time since 1978. DavidJ. Stanford, a Winter Garden citrus grower, was chosen to

succeed Al Bellotto, Sr., a Lakeland cattle rancher and citrus grow-er, who came on the board in 1977 and served as chairman since1978. Mr. Bellotto chose to step down to attend to family matters,but was honored by the board with the title Chairman Emeritus,and will continue to serve as a board member.

Mr. Bellotto, along with Seminole County citrus grower, W. RexClonts, Jr. and Lakeland realtor and citrus grower, John S.Langford, were re-elected by the cooperative’s membership to newthree-year terms. Mr. Clonts, a third generation Farm creditDirector, was elected by the board as Vice Chairman. Mr.Langford is a second generation Farm Credit Director and alsoserves on the AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Board.

“The board bestowed the title of Chairman Emeritus upon AlBellotto in recognition of his 35 years of dedicated service to themembers, staff, and board of this association. He has been a solid,consistent leader of this association and we look forward totaking the cooperative to even greater heights in the near future,”said Chairman Stanford.

David Stanford represents the sixth generation of his family to beinvolved in Orange County agriculture. He was an executiveof Winter Garden Citrus Products, overseeing their orange juiceconcentrate operation, which at the time was the state’s secondlargest. “Dave Stanford has been a critical member of thisassociations board for over 20 years. He offers a diverse skill set,having been a grower, processor, and a director of commercialbanks and savings loan associations,” said Farm Credit of CentralFlorida President & CEO, Reggie Holt. Mr. Stanford was electedVice Chairman of the Board in 1997.

Farm Credit of Central Florida is a member-owned agriculturallending cooperative providing funds for agricultural operations,residential mortgages, as well as selling crop insurance. Theassociation serves 13 central Florida counties, including Citrus,Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Orange, Osceola,Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Volusia and Brevard. It has outstandingloan volume, exceeding $800 million serving almost 1,100member/borrowers.

Farm Credit of Central Florida is part of the nationwide FarmCredit System created in 1916 to provide a stable, reliable sourceof credit to America’s ranchers, farmers, and growers. The FarmCredit System celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2011. •

Farm Credit of CentralFlorida AnnouncesDavid J. Stanford asChairman of the Board

David J. Stanford

Clonts, Bellotto and Langford


By Jim Frankowiak

Their relationship began in afreshman chemistry class atthe University of Florida in

the mid 60s and has grown into arelationship with a special syner-gism that has and continues tobenefit Florida agriculture and thecommunity in a variety of ways.

That class meeting in Gainesville involvedJemy West, the daughter of formerLakeland mayor and physician JamesRobert West, and a Gator football playerfrom Pensacola, Charles F. Hinton III,known by most as “Chip.” The youngestof three West girls, Jemy grew up amidgoats, chickens, rabbits and horses. “Whilewe lived near Florida Southern College, wedid have some farm animals at our homethere,” said Jemy. “Our other animals,

including our horses, were located at ourplace in near Kathleen, northwest ofLakeland.”

Jemy enrolled at the University of Floridawith an eye to becoming a veterinarian,but that changed after meeting Chip. “Wegot married and had the first of our threechildren while we were in college. Chipcontinued to play football and after havingour first child I went to work at UF andpursued my AA degree. “Though ourparents were very supportive, completingcollege with a child was a challenge,especially when you consider our monthlyhousing allowance under my footballscholarship was $132.50, but we did it,”he said. Chip and Jemy have three daugh-ters. Each is married and they havegiven the Hinton’s seven wonderful grand-children.

A self-described sand crab from the water’sedge in the Panhandle, Chip’s parents grewup on farms, but both enlisted in the Navy.He has a sister 14 years his junior.

“I honestly thought I would become eithera commercial fisherman or game wardenafter spending summers working at aPensacola area fish camp and the coolermonths hunting at Eglin Air Force Base.”That all changed after meeting Jemy andher introduction of agriculture to Chip.

He had been on the UF Arts and Scienceroute to veterinary medicine but changedmajors to poultry. Chip suffered a debili-tating knee injury his junior year anddespite surgery and a comprehensiverehabilitation program, the knee gave outin the day of the summer two-a-daypractices. That put an end to thoughts of aprofessional football career.

Though his UF football career endedprematurely, he did enjoy some specialtime playing as a Gator. For example,Florida played and defeated highly toutedGeorgia Tech in the Orange Bowl withquarterback Steve Spurrier during hisHeisman award-winning season. When theGators won and Tech’s coach felt the

Gators had an unfair advantage with the Gatorade they weredrinking that led to an interesting aspect of Chip’s career on thegridiron for UF. “I was one of the first guinea pigs for Gatorade.Seeing how the scientific method was applied to solving the prob-lems of heat stress and cramps during the heat of the early footballseason intrigued me. When all is said and done, my legacy toFlorida football was that I sweat a lot!” After earning his bache-lors degree, Chip received an academic special merit fellowshipfrom the UF Provost of Agriculture and earned his masters doctor-ate in Poultry Products and Nutrition.

He became the first multi-county UF Extension Agent as a PoultrySpecialist based in Hillsborough County. “At that time two andone half percent of all eggs produced in the U.S. were producedwithin 50 miles of Tampa. The next seven years were great forme with educational programs, youth work and wonderfulinvolvement with the industry,” said Chip. “We had the largestcounty poultry association in the nation at that time.” However,the industry was undergoing an evolution and “I could see my rolewas going to diminish and be limited.” As a consequence, Chiptook a sabbatical from UF in 1978 and began to pursue anotherdoctorate… this one in Education Administration. While a fulltimedoctoral student at North Carolina State University, Chip taughttwo classes and Jemy worked in the Entomology Department.

After his sabbatical, in which he completed all aspects of hisdoctoral program except his dissertation, he returned to Tampaand Extension. During that period in North Carolina, Jemy’sfather became terminally ill.

“After returning to Extension I lost my patience while waiting forsomeone’s death or retirement for promotion,” said Chip laughing.He left Extension and spent the next few years working withvarious industries in Florida and their use of processed chickenmanure as a potential food source for various livestock and even anutrient used to help grow mushrooms. “We even came up with abagged product we named Ka Ka Doodle Doo.”

In 1982 Chip was presented with an opportunity that he could justnot pass, it was the Executive Director’s position for the newlyformed Florida Strawberry Growers Association, an organizationhe serve for nearly 25 years, during which time annual sales grewfrom $38 million to more than $350 million. “That was really ablessing,” said Chip. “That position allowed me to expand myactivities to benefit agriculture at large while guiding the strawber-ry industry through the essential steps for a successful industry.”

Currently, Chip is a consultant to an organization that is helpingto feed the hungry through an endorsed agricultural program thatis affiliated with the nationwide program Feeding America. “I havebeen able to apply my organizational skills together with mydiverse contacts in the industry to help feed the hungry.” WhenChip began his relationship with the organization it was providing53 million pounds of food to the hungry. Last year, the figure hadgrown to 145 million pounds. “Our goal is to move toward agrower incentive initiative that becomes part of the daily manage-ment decision-making process relating to crops that are whole-some, but unmarketable. Agriculture’s mission is to feed people,our endeavor is to expand their mission into a ministry to feed thehungry. We are providing assistance to make it easy for the alreadygenerous agricultural community to help feed the hungry.”

Since receiving her associates degree from UF, Jemy went on toearn a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from FloridaSouthern College and worked toward a Masters of Environmental



Education at UF. When the family movedto Hillsborough County in 1972, she tooka job at the UF/IFAS Strawberry Lab inDover as the Center’s first biologist. Shelater co-owned and operated a productionplant nursery. When the family returnedfrom North Carolina, she joined Extensionin Hillsborough County as a HomeEnvironmental Specialist, helping farmersand homeowners to resolve common prob-lems. After nine years in that position,Jemy became a 4-H Extension agent for thenext four years.

“During my years withExtension, it becamevery clear to me thatthere was a need for alink between farmersand the various regula-tory agencies,” she said.The process of workingwith regulatory agen-cies is often complicat-ed, difficult and evenfrustrating. Plus, there’sa good deal at stake,even the future of thefarmer’s operation.When an opportunityarose for her to join theFlorida Department of EnvironmentalProtection as an Environmental Specialistand Agricultural Liaison with the newlyformed Ecosystem Management Program,it was an opportunity to serve as that link,assisting farmers with questions and con-cerns they had about regulations and pro-cedures.

In 2006, Jemy had the chance to enhanceher service to farmers in west centralFlorida as a team member of the Universityof Florida/IFAS Agricultural BestManagement Practices Program. Her teamis under contract to the Florida Departmentof Agriculture and Consumer ServicesOffice of AG Water Policy that overseesstatewide Water Quality and WaterQuantity Best Management Practices.

Jemy used her knowledge of agriculture toencourage reason in the regulatory com-munity and diminish “urban bias” thatproduced unanticipated impacts on agri-culture through environmental regulations.“That proved to be helpful and valuable tous as we were able to meet the needs of thecommunity at large while serving the bestinterests of agriculture,” said Chip. Jemy’sproblem-solving skills have originated inpart from her mother who told her, “Neveraccept a ‘no’ from someone without theauthority to say ‘yes’.” She uses that con-cept in every facet of her everyday life.

“Whatever it is, Jemy is known for herproblem-solving abilities,” said Chip. Andthose skills are not just limited to the careerpaths the Hinton’s have chosen.

“There is no question, we both love agri-culture and Florida,” said Jemy. “And webelieve strongly in the responsibility to giveback.” In the mid 1980s the Hinton’sdecided to become involved in a programfor refugees whose lives were at risk intheir homelands. “We offered our home so

immigrant families hada place to stay andtransition from a life-threatening situation toone with a future,” saidJemy. “That is part ofour desire to make ourcorner of the world anicer place.” Today,many of these refugesare American citizensand are living the“American Dream.”

Their love of and serv-ice to agriculture, par-ticularly here inFlorida, has not goneunnoticed. Chip has

numerous honors and awards, includingthe UF Distinguished Alumnus Award,Florida Blue Key and NAADA NationalAgricultural Award for Service andLeadership. He is also the CharterPresident of the UF/CALS Alumni andFriends Association. Locally, he has servedon the Planning Commission, theHillsborough County Citizen’s AdvisoryCommittee, the Hillsborough CountyEnvironmental Committee and was thefirst chairman of the county’s AgriculturalEconomic Development Council. Jemy hasbeen recognized by RCMA, was a HarvestAward Ag Woman of the Year inHillsborough County, HillsboroughCounty 4-H Leader of the Year and hasreceived several awards for outstandingservice wherever she worked. Both Chipand Jemy have been active in various youthagricultural programs, as well as FarmBureau initiatives. Jemy has been a memberof the Hillsborough County Farm BureauBoard on and off for over 20 years.

“We appreciate that recognition, but that’snot what’s important. We have only want-ed to be helpful to the industry we love andpeople in need,” they said.

For Chip and Jemy it’s all about lovingGod and loving your neighbor whethernext door or from around the world. TheHinton’s always stand ready to serve. •

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The State of Florida’s popular MasterGardener program is overseen bythe University of Florida/IFAS

Cooperative Extension Service whichtrains and maintains horticulture volun-teers for this program throughout thestate.

To give you an idea of the program’s pop-ularity, here in Hillsborough County,“more than 200 applicants have expressedinterest in the next class which is limited to20 participants,” said Urban HorticultureAgent and Master Gardener ProgramCoordinator Nicole Pinson. This high levelof interest for the program is not unusualand has prompted Pinson and her col-leagues to suggest planning well ahead ifyou want to be considered for the pro-gram. “We would suggest potential candi-dates for our 2013 class make applicationnow,” she said.

To understand why the program is so pop-ular, it’s important to recognize its scopeand substance, which is dynamic and con-tinually changing to meet the needs of thecommunity. “One example of that is thegrowing popularity of urban gardeningand the establishment of urban communi-ty gardens,” noted Pinson. “To be effectivewith our county programs, we must besensitive to emerging trends and adjust ourprograms accordingly,” she said.

Program goals are to increase the availabil-ity of horticultural information for thecommunity at large and to improve thequality of life for the residents of eachcounty in Florida through horticulture

volunteer activities. Each county Extensionoffice in the state determines the focus andstructure of the program locally. Thevolunteers undertake a variety of outreachtasks as determined by the county coordi-nator. Here in Hillsborough County, thosetasks include answering horticultural ques-tions over the phone and in person at theExtension office. They also participate ineducational outreach activities. This mayinclude research assistance, providing gar-dening presentations and helping to spreadinformation via emerging techniques suchas the use of new media.

“While our Master Gardener volunteersshare a common love for horticulture, weappreciate and try to utilize the othertalents they bring to the program such assubject area expertise, managementexpertise and outreach skills like writing,public speaking and dealing with themedia,” said Pinson.

If you have an interest in becoming acertified Florida Master Gardener, you arerequired to attend the prescribed hoursof instruction and pass an exam. InHillsborough County, the course is 10weeks, typically one five-hour day eachweek of the course. While specific dateshave yet to be determined, this year’sschedule will be late summer through earlyfall.

The cost for the course, which primarilycovers the expense for materials, includingthree substantial handbooks, is $175.Upon successful completion of the courseand examination, you receive a one-year

certificate. After the initial year of certifi-cation, new Master Gardeners are requiredto volunteer for 75 hours during the yearand undertake 10 hours of continuing edu-cation. In subsequent years the annualservice requirement is 35 hours and the 10hour continuing education requirementcontinues unchanged.

“We currently have just over 120 activeMaster Gardeners ranging in each from the30’s to 80’s and many of our volunteersserve well above the required 35 hours,”said Pinson. “We also have a group ofemeritus Master Gardeners who continueto participate in our program.”

The county’s Master Gardeners have acore group that coordinate libraryprograms and oversee the Speakers Bureauprogram. “Many also co-teach,” saidPinson. “We are really talking aboutan extension of Extension through theactivities of our Master Gardeners both atour offices and throughout communityoutreach.” •

For additional information andan application to participate in theFlorida Master Gardener Program in

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Please keep in mind that Extension isaccepting applications for the 2013 Master Gardener class. The 2012 class is closed.



By Sean Green

With Independence Day less than a few weeks away, I findmyself thinking of what we have gained Independencefrom as a nation. Independence from British rule is an

obvious starting point for the thought process. More importantly,however, is our independence from any subjection that denies orlimits our natural rights. Much of our independence is seeded inour agriculture industry and I encourage our readers to acknowl-edge the significance of America’s agricultural roots as we cele-brate the spirit of Independence this July. This month we will takea closer look at how agriculture has contributed to AmericanIndependence.

Farming characterized the band of adventurers, tradesman, andsoldiers that comprised early colonial settlers. In fact, almost 90percent of the population in the early colonial period owned andoperated a family farm for their personal livelihood. By 1850 thedomestic farming market was 1.4 million strong, and grew to4 million in the next 30 years, topping off at 6.4 million by1910. Sadly, the agricultural tradition that bought our independ-ence in the earliest days of our nation began a continuing declinein the mid 1900s and as of 2008 the U.S census reports only2.2 million strong, less than 30 percent of our current population.Ironically, the reduction in the number of farms has not created areduction in the overall American agricultural production.In fact, we remain one of the largest agricultural producers andexporters in the world. The disturbing inference is that we may beworking our way back into dependence rather than maintainingour independence.

These figures do not indicate a shift in agricultural demand.Economics at its most fundamental level would lead one to con-clude that a growing world population will require a growing sup-ply of food. What is left to consider is the shift in supply. Once anAmerican tradition, farming has become a corporate enterprise.The world’s agricultural supply is largely dominated by mecha-nized corporate agriculture rather than our community neighbors.Politicians will persuade us into believing that the globalization ofagriculture is an impeccable solution to the world’s demand forfood, energy, and economic abundance. While it’s difficult to refutethe production capacity of mechanized corporate agriculture andits theoretical benefit as an export commodity, many are becomingmore critical of the net benefits of globalizing agriculture.

A Closer LookIndependence – The American Farmer


Before agriculture was handed over to largemulti-national corporate entities long-termsoil quality was maintained through practicesthat replenished soil nutrients withoutdepending on non-renewable sources such asfossil fuels. Traditional farming practicesensured sustainability. Instead of depleting thesoil of its nutrients and continually amendingit with synthetic fertilizers, early Americanfarmers avoided soil depletion all together byengaging in practices that provided for thenatural recovery of the soil such as shiftingcultivation and crop rotation. America stillhas more arable land than any country in theworld, arguably because the early Americanfarmer found more efficiency in soil conserva-tion than in today’s trend of soil capitaliza-tion. Political and bureaucratic motives haveliterally created mutations in not only thenucleus of farming (the seed), but also thespirit of farming itself.

Somewhere along the line, farming hasbecome weaved into the corporate and politi-cal web of the energy cartel. The independ-ence it once represented seemingly fades withmemories of partnering with the land tohomestead our freedom. Farmers once shareda sacred calling to be stewards of the land andits animals, to bring forth wholesomenourishment for their fellow man.Community values were centered in thepersonal responsibility of hard work, family

life and helping your neighbor. The cherishedtradition of the American farmer is embodiedin a quote by Thomas Jefferson; “Cultivatorsof the earth are the most valuable citizens.They are the most vigorous, the mostindependent, the most virtuous, and they aretied to their country and wedded to its libertyand interests by the most lasting bands.

Our soil is the most significant naturalresource we have. Of all our renewableresources our soil provides the greatestcompetitive advantage in assuring ourindependence of other nations. Globalizationand mechanized agriculture may have cost usthe loss of farm land in the United States butit does not have to continue costing us ourindependence.

The renewed interest in local farmers marketsand food coalitions are evidence thatconsumers understand the economic value ofsustainable production and consumption offood on a local level. Though the low retailprice of imported crops may be difficult tooverlook, many Americans will agree that thecosts of relying on a foreign country for foodare a greater threat to our independence. Thismonth, I encourage our readers to celebrateour independence with a visit to the localfarmers market. •

On April 27, Durant FFA traveled to theUniversity of Florida campus to competein the state Ornamental HorticultureDemonstration Contest. Students in thiscontest were asked to create a 7 to 10minute presentation about some facetof the horticulture industry. Participantswere judged on their speaking ability,ability to work together as a team,knowledge of the subject and overallpoise. Durant students competed againstarea winners from around the stateand will be recognized at State FFAConvention in June.

State Winners Artistic Arrangement -Tiffany Tucker and Bailey Harrellwith their presentation on constructing aBetta Fish Planter.

2nd Place Consumer Use - SydneyRobinson and Madison Astin with theirpresentation on making StrawberryTarts.

While in Gainesville, the students werealso able to meet with some of theUniversity of Florida Football players.


Durant FFA members in the Trophy room at the athletic facility.

Gainesville Opens The Door For Durant Contestants


FFAcompetitions and programs are very popular,but up until 12 years ago not all students wereable to participate. A request from a student

who was unable to participate in regular FFA competitions due toa learning disability led to the creation of Ag-Abilities byHillsborough County Farm Bureau, and the rest, as they often say,is history.

Originally designed for students with learning disabilities, the pro-gram has turned into a yearlong project for Exceptional StudentEducation (ESE) students, some with severe learning, physical,social and health disabilities. “Our program was held in mid Mayat the Florida State Fairgrounds and we set a new record for par-ticipants with 116 students from six District schools,” saidHillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director JudiWhitson. “I am most appreciative for the assistance we receivedfrom 15 wonderful volunteers.”

TThhoossee vvoolluunntteeeerrss wweerree:: Glenn Harrell and his daughter Taylor;Jemy Hinton; George Coleman; Kenneth Parker; Sheri Ray andson Yancy; Natalie Rayburn and her daughter KathleenO'Connell; John Lawson – Hydro Harvest Farms donated all ofthe strawberry shortcake; Alan May; Michelle Williamson; TerriZelzenock and her son Caleb; Pam Walden and Darren Cole.

During the school year, Ag-Abilities students learn plant and toolidentification, the use of certain plants, uses for animal products,nutrients required by plants for proper growth, a hands-on lab formaking butter, fruit and vegetable identification and various otheractivities. The Fairgrounds event is the culmination of the programwhen participants are “tested” on lawn tractor driving. “The testis an awesome experience for these students since many of themhave never been on a bike let alone driven a garden tractor,” saidWhitson.

“The opportunity to take my kids to Ag-Abilities is comparable totaking them to Special Olympics,” said King High School Teacherand FFA Advisor Cassie Miles. “While Special Olympics focuseson ESE students competing in more physical tasks, the experienceoffered by the Ag-Abilities day allows the students to show othersin their community that they are aware of the impact agriculturehas on their lives.

“Traditional FFA members and agriculture students compete inDistrict, State and National Career Development Events. The Ag-Abilities program has given my special needs students the opportu-nity to showcase what they have learned in my ESE agricultureclass through the year.”

“The Fairgrounds setting is very open and friendly, which gives thekids the opportunity to see teachers who they might have had atanother school as well as run into former classmates,” said Miles.“After a delicious hot dog, Cuban and strawberry shortcake, all ofthe students proudly took the stage to receive their two ribbons forparticipating in all of the activities of the day. I hope Ag-Abilitieswill be available for my ESE students for years to come.”

Caminiti Exception Center Agriculture Teacher Juan Guevaraechoed the sentiments of Cassie Miles and noted that Ag-Abilitiesyearlong program “is a great opportunity to teach our ESEstudents with a purpose, it gives them a goal to study for, they

AG-ABILIITIES SETSRECORD FOR PARTICIPANTSA Very Special Competitionfor Students and Teachers

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actually enjoy it while learning. It’s important toremember FFA and 4-H students participate in dozensof competitions all year long, our ESE students only getit once a year. It’s great to see their faces as they showoff the ribbons, it is wonderful for their confidence andto boost their self esteem,” said Guevara.

Turkey Creek Middle School Agriculture TeacherBuddy Coleman promotes the team concept for his Ag-Abilities competitors. “We go to the Fairgrounds allwearing dark blue T-shirts with our team name. It givesmy students a very positive feeling for the opportunityto compete and participate in an activity that’s just liketheir fellow classmates,” said Coleman. “I hope theprogram continues to grow. It‘s a rare opportunity formy students to participate and to be able to learn.”

“Watching my students compete and enjoy everyaspect of Ag-Abilities puts a very big smile on myface,” said Agriculture Teacher Aaron Davis from theLavoy Exceptional Center. “Having some of my blindstudents drive a tractor is a new and tremendous expe-rience for them. I’m genuinely overwhelmed and excit-ed for my kids and all they get to do at Ag-Abilities. Ithelps each of them become highly absorbed andfocused on their agriculture lessons as they look for-ward to the competition and the special day Ag-Abilities has become for each of them.”

Special Thanks to Hillsborough County Farm Bureau,The Florida State Fair, CF Industries, Hydro HarvestFarms, Farm Credit of Central Florida and the volun-teers who all help make Ag-Abilities a very specialprogram for a group of deserving students. •



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Florida Farm Bureau Federation, theFlorida Department of Agriculture andConsumers Services and Florida Fruit

and Vegetable Association recently partneredto host the first of what is planned to be aseries of Regional Ag Water meetings.Organizers brought in guest speakers fromseveral state departments, the water manage-ment district and the University ofFlorida/Institute of Food and AgriculturalSciences (UF/IFAS) in a forum setting.

“It is our vision to provide an opportunityfor agricultural producers from across thestate to improve their knowledge of regulato-ry issues that affect agriculture, update themon Best Management Practice manuals, cost-share opportunities, Environmental ResourcePermit and Consumptive Use Permitupdates,” the organizers said. “These gather-ings will also provide an opportunity for theagricultural community to give feedback tothese organizations on what works well, andwhat programs need improvement.” The ini-tial session was held at the James R. TrinkleCenter on the campus of HillsboroughCommunity College at Plant City. More than60 attended with about half representing var-ious agricultural interests of west centralFlorida and the balance from the agencies ordepartments that presented.

Kickoff speaker Mark Hammond, ResourceManagement Director for the SouthwestFlorida Water Management District,discussed the consolidation of permittingfrom the district’s four service offices to theTampa Service Office. He noted water

consumption in the district currently totalsapproximately 1,293 million gallons per day(mgd) “with the highest agricultural use inthe southern portion of the district at 415mgd. Throughout the district, the combina-tion of public and agricultural consumptionaverages 75 percent of total use,” Hammondsaid. “With Agriculture as the second largestwater user in the district, we want to workclosely with this stakeholder on water supplyissues now and into the future.”

The District offers a number of programsgeared to agriculture in two generalcategories: Ag Permitting and TechnicalAssistance and Ag Cost-Share Programs.Under the Ag Permitting category there arefour assistance areas. The first comes fromRegulation Ag Team permitting staff thatfocus on understanding and integratingagricultural production practices with thepermitting process to assist growers withtheir permits. “The Ag Team can offer theassistance of a Certified Soil Scientist to actas a mediator in wetland or seasonal highwater table disputes,” said Hammond.Under Ag Ground and Surface WaterManagement (AGSWM), the district workswith the U.S. Department of Agriculture’sNatural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS) in a permit exemption confirmationprogram that provides surveying assistance,drainage/irrigation assistance, ConservationPlan and Permit Exemption letter. “OurMobile Irrigation Lab helps growers reducewater use through on-site efficiency improve-ments and we continue to support Universityof Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural

Sciences research to establish proper sciencefor water use decisions and other programslike the Florida Automated WeatherNetwork (FAWN) and the Best ManagementPractices (BMP) Teams,” said Hammond.“We historically have provided approximately$1,000,000 annually to support IFASresearch on issues that are key to the Districtand to growers.”

The District remains committed to Ag-CostShare Programs such as the FacilitatingAgricultural Resource Management Systems(FARMS) initiative, which is a BestManagement Practices (BMP) cost-sharereimbursement program for Ag projects liketailwater recovery systems. “Thus far, the135 Governing Board approved projectshave a projected offset of over 22 MGD inthe District,” he said. “The District willincrease funding for the FARMS Programmoving into our next fiscal year and will alsocontinue to support the Mini-FARMSProgram which is geared to small Ag opera-tions and is administered by the FloridaDepartment of Agriculture and ConsumerServices (FDACS).” Additional informationabout District Ag programs is available atwww.WaterMatters.org/agriculture.

John Abendroth, Environmental Administratorfor the Watershed Planning and coordinationSection of the Florida Department ofEnvironmental Protection (FDEP), reported,“the numeric nutrient criteria issue is not yetresolved as we wait on the final order comingfrom the Administrative Hearing Officer onthe challenge to the adopted FDEP rule and

From Sticks to Carrots

Agencies Update Agricultural Interests On Water Issues At Regional MeetingBy Jim Frankowiak


then the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision onthe FDEP rule.”

“FDEP is also undergoing its Triennial Review of state water qualitystandards and is considering updates to our human health criteria andour Dissolved Oxygen standards,” said Abendroth. “We continue todevelop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and the BasinManagement Action Plans (BMAPs) and lastly we are encouragingagricultural interests to sign the FDACS Notice of Intent (NOI) andbegin implementing Best Management Practices.”

Abendroth said information on the Numeric Nutrient Criteria and theTriennial Review can be found at:

hhttttpp::// //wwwwww..ddeepp..ssttaattee..ffll..uuss//wwqqsssspp// iinnddeexx..hhttmmwhile information on TMDLs and BMAPs is available at:

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Dr. Ann Shortelle, Director of FDEP’s Office of Water Policy, beganher presentation by telling attendees she and her colleagues recognizeConsumptive Use Permitting (CUP), though based on the same Floridastatute have developed differently over time within the WaterManagement Districts “and this has become confusing for applicantsand problematic at borders between Water Management Districts. Wewant to make the program less confusing for applicants, particularlythose who work in more than one District.”

“Our Cup consistency review goals also include treating applicantsequitably statewide, consistent protection of the environment, stream-lining of the process and incentivizing behavior that protects waterresources, including conservation. Essentially, we want to use thecarrot and not the stick,” she said.

She said that sorting out the various CUPcon issues involves severallayers of complexity and “the more complex the issue, the greater theneed for stakeholder participation.” She went on to detail the sched-ule of sessions statewide and makeup of workgroups engaged in theprocess.

“Our permitting threshold concepts include a common permittingframework in each district and the identification of thresholds suchthat the level of review is appropriate to the risk to the resources,” saidShortelle. “Allocation flexibility concepts include recognition of fluc-tuations in growth and/or economic conditions permit agriculture tomost water intensive rotational crop plan submitted and allow agricul-tural users to respond to market conditions.”

“Compliance monitoring concepts involve monitoring only to ensurethat permitting criteria and conditions for issuance are being met witha consistent submittal format and frequency,” she said. “Conservationobjectives include consistent requirements, flexible implementation,incentives and an appropriate level of effort. Concepts in that regardare designed to reward and not penalize for those who comply.”With a specific eye to attendees, Dr. Shortelle noted the Ag outreachobjectives include:

• Creation of a single point of contact in each District• Quick connection of Ag clients with the right staff member

• A knowledgeable and service-oriented staff to facilitate successful outcomes

• Integration of Ag programs for a one-stop-type approach• A streamlined process that avoids duplication and provides

timely decisions• With all of this effectively marketed to Ag clients

“This Ag outreach will have an organizational structure that promotesprogram integration and interaction with a staff grounded in agricul-


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ture,” she said. “We will train staff, utilizeinformation management techniques andutilize pre-application meetings and on-sitevisits.”

She concluded her comments with a discus-sion of the timetable for rulemaking and ruledevelopment and a request to Ag clients andprospective clients “to become involved byworking collaboratively with the variousentities engaged in the process.”

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Director Rich Budell of FDACS Office ofAgricultural Water Policy then discussedBMPs, Payment for Environmental Servicesand the Central Florida Water Initiative.“Water is a limited resource in Florida andwe are consuming it rapidly,” he said. “In2010, Floridians used 6.9 billion gallons offresh water per day, and by 2030 Florida isexpected to use 8.2 billion gallons each daywhich is a 19 percent increase over the nexttwo decades.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner AdamPutnam considers “water the most significantchallenge facing the state of Florida,” Budellsaid. “Since 1999 FDACS has been workingwith the industry to help producers imple-ment Best Management Practices designed toprotect water quality by reducing the runoffand leaching of nutrients into Florida’ssurface and ground waters and to enhancewater conservation.”

More than 7 million acres of Florida agricul-tural lands are enrolled in BMP programs,including 826,840 acres enrolled during lastyear. FDACS Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL)program, which is implemented locally incooperation with the Water ManagementDistrict, has done more than 4,000 evalua-tions during the last seven years. “The MILhas saved producers approximately 1 billiongallons of water last year alone,” he said. “Ifresources were available to fully implementMIL recommendations, farmers could savemore than 2 billion gallons of water per year.”

Given the success of BMP initiatives, FDACSis proceeding with revisions and consolida-tions are taking place. “We continue to workwith farmers and Ag representatives to assistthem in understanding and implementingBMPs,” said Budell. “We are continuing ourcontracts with UF/IFAS, Water ManagementDistricts, the Soil and Water ConservationDistricts and private sector entities to providecost-share, educational and technical assis-tance, and as funding allows we will work tomonitor the effectiveness of BMPs in protect-ing water quality.”

“It is important for producers to recognizethat in areas with FDEP-adopted BMAPs thatinclude agriculture, farmers must implementBMPs or conduct water quality monitoring,”he said. “Also, implementation of FDACS-adopted BMPs provides a presumption ofcompliance with state water quality stan-dards.”

Budell also noted that work continues on theCentral Florida Water Initiative, which isfocused on the three largest WaterManagement Districts in the state to deter-mine if there is a better way to create a watersupply for this area. “We are looking at pos-sibly a new model for water supply planningand while doing so have recognized that thisis more art than science as we work to pro-tect the resource while providing sufficientwater for users.”

He went on to discuss Payment forEnvironmental Services, a concept that wasdeveloped over the last six years wherebylandowners are rewarded for land use thatprovides benefits to the general public,wildlife habitat and groundwater recharge.The landowner enjoys a predictable incomestream over the term of the contract and mayreturn the land to its former footprint at theend of the contract without penalty, if thedecision is made not to enter into anothercontract.

“This innovative program is limited to thenorthern Everglades area at this time, but ournext goal is 400,000 acres north of LakeOkeechobee, but there are challenges thathave to be overcome.”

For additional information from FDACSOffice of Agricultural Policy, visit:

hhttttpp::// //wwwwww..fflloorriiddaaaaggwwaatteerrppoolliiccyy..ccoomm//BBMMPP..hhttmmll..

Dr. Joan Dusky, Associate Dean forExtension with UF/IFAS, explained howUF/IFAS is focused on giving growers andregulators the science needed “to makeinformed policy decisions.” She also named anumber of ongoing research projects current-ly underway that include:

• reduced nursery water use• soil moisture sensors

• alternatives to water use for freeze protection

• center pivot irrigation systems• automatic citrus irrigation

• reduced irrigation for strawberries

She also noted the continued interactionbetween scientists and growers as vital tooptimize the use of research findings byend users. “We appreciate the researchsupport that you have given UF/IFAS,” sheconcluded.

With the conclusion of presentations,attendees were given the opportunity to posequestions or provide comment. There werefew with general agreement that the “carrotversus stick” approach was appreciated alongwith the perception that the presentingagencies and department were open toconsidering new approaches and recognizedshortcomings and difficulties associated withsome past practices.•

Looking for us?

Find us in yourneighborhood...

Southside Farm & Pet Supply3014 Jim Redman Pkwy.

Plant City, FLPhone: 813.752.2379

Note: This is just a sample of our distribution points. We’ll list di�erent locations each month.

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Crescent Jewelers1514 S. Alexander St.


Johnson’s BBQ1407 MLK Blvd.


Sisters & Company104 E. Reynolds St.


The Hay Depot1001 S. Alexander St.


The Catering Company115. E. Reynolds St.


Cowboys Western World120 S.R. 60 E.Plant City, FL

Phone: 813.650.3888

Rick’s Meats10252 S.R. 39 South

Lithia, FLPhone: 813.737.6776

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 71


By Mickie Anderson

UF/IFAS RESEARCHLOOKS AT IMPACT ON

HONEYBEESFROM CHEMICALS AND MITES

University of Florida honeybeeresearcher Jamie Ellis is interestedin what happens to bees that

encounter chemicals and Varroa mites —but he’s even more interested in howyounger bees fare long-term after facingthose challenges.

Scientists have been trying to explain thebee-killing malady known as ColonyCollapse Disorder, which causes honeybeesto abandon their hives, become ill and die.Ellis’ lab has been studying how combina-tions of environmental factors — chemi-cals, pathogens, natural enemies — affectbees.

Since widespread honeybee die-offs beganto be reported around the U.S. in 2006,researchers have been working to pindown a cause. Bee pollination is critical formuch of the food we eat and some esti-mates suggest the U.S. bee industry isresponsible for pollinating as much as $15billion worth of crops every year.

In the Ellis lab’s most recent study, out-lined recently in the Journal of InsectPhysiology, researchers reared honey beesfrom young larvae to the pupal stage.

The UF researchers then exposed theimmature bees to a variety of chemicalsused in agriculture and beekeeping, includ-ing two fungicides, two herbicides and fiveinsecticides. They also exposed them toVarroa mites, which weaken bee colonies.

During the experiment, a control group ofbees wasn’t exposed to anything, otherswere exposed only to the chemicals, oronly to mites, and some of the bees wereexposed to a combination of chemicals andmites.

The researchers gauged the effects on lar-vae by analyzing the activity of about 50genes associated with stress, immuneresponse and bee development.

Ellis, an assistant professor of entomologyin UF’s Institute of Food and AgriculturalSciences, stressed that the scientists wereonly able to screen for expression in some

— but not all — genes. They had expectedthat exposing the bees to the combinationof mites and chemicals might produce amore pronounced negative impact, butthey didn’t find any.

But their results did suggest, among otherthings, that two common fungicides —chemicals used to protect crops from fun-gal infections — apparently have moreinfluence on bees than previously believed.By examining the selected genes,researchers found the fungicides had pro-nounced effects on the larvae, althoughthey are generally considered non-toxic tobees.

“The data suggest that fungicides are notinnocuous to bees,” he said.

Ellis’ next study will go much further, withscientists preparing to raise the bees fromlarvae to adulthood, labeling and follow-ing each individual bee.

“In most studies, investigators treat a fieldwith a product, put bee colonies adjacentto the field and then sample whole colonystrength after pesticide exposure. At theend of the day, all you are able to say is‘this colony is responding in this way tothe field treatment.’ You don’t know whyit’s responding in that way. When we beginto label bees, it will permit us to investigatean area that has yet to be studied. We’ll beable to follow individual bees throughouttheir entire lives, thus allowing us to deter-mine long-term impacts of pesticides onbees.” Besides Ellis, the research teammembers included former UF postdoctoralresearch fellow Aleš Gregorc; MichaelScharf, a former UF entomologist and nowthe O. Wayne Rollins/Orkin EndowedChair in Urban Entomology at PurdueUniversity, and Jay D. Evans, researchentomologist with the USDA’s AgriculturalResearch Service in Beltsville, Md. •

The study was funded by the NationalHoney Board, the North American

Pollinator Protection Campaign and theFlorida Department of Agriculture and

Consumer Services.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JUNE 2012 73WWW. INTHEF I E LDMAGAZ INE .COM


Future Top ShotContestants…On Target 4H ClubBy Ginny Mink

If you have ever watched the show, TopShot, then perhaps you have wonderedwhere those impressive marksmen got

their beginnings. Might it have been in4H? Certainly that thought might throwyou off a little, but not if you are aware ofthe On Target 4H club in Lithia. Joe andNancy Squitieri are the leaders of the club.Joe grew up in the suburbs, so without ahistory in agriculture it seems quite inter-esting that he would end up leading a 4Hgroup. He explains how that occurred.“Really it wasn’t until I moved my familyto Florida. My older kids got to be 4H age

and they joined Hoofprinters. It was most-ly an agriculture club. We did a lot of thetraditional 4H activities: sewing, cooking,bugs, animals, it was a fairly large club,kids did a lot of different things.” Whichwas great for a while, but eventually somethings had to change.

He continues, “What we realized was thatas the kids got older, particularly the boys,they lost interest in bugs and bunnies. Sowe started looking for something to keepthe teenage boys engaged and right aboutthat time my wife and I became the leadersof the Hoofprinters so we started addingrifle programs with our activities. I gotcertified as a rifle instructor through 4H,that’s a requirement for becoming aninstructor in the shooting sports, you haveto go through the training.” Havingachieved his instructor certification, hisgroup and another group began shootingtogether.

Ultimately he says, “We joined forces tohave more leaders, to get more parentstrained in other shooting sports disciplinessuch as archery, shotgun, and black pow-der. We morphed the two clubs into the OnTarget 4H Club. We focus on the shootingsports but the kids do a lot of the tradition-al 4H activities. They still participate in alot of the activities that 4H offers. Theyshow animals at Strawberry Festival andState Fair and participate in county events:ecology, forestry, small engine repair, itreally runs the gamut, shooting, cooking.The nice thing about 4H is that boysand girls can participate side by side.I heard once that 4H is the best kept secretof youth development. It spans a largeage group, 6 to 18. Kids from 6 to 18 arein the same 4H club and can participate inactivities side by side.”

While allowing for the traditional 4H stuffis certainly a positive aspect of the club,

the unique facet of the shooting sports iswhat really captures a kid’s attention. Joesays, “We have certified instructors. Weteach kids the basics of each one of thosedisciplines: rifle, shotgun, archery andblack powder. The parts, gun safety, wecover range commands; we teach the kidshow to shoot, load, some basic care ofwhat they’re shooting. If kids are reallyinterested we encourage them to get theirown equipment. Our club has a fairamount of equipment for the kids to learnthe basics. We tend to be more of a funclub, but there are opportunities for kidsto enter into competitions both through4H and other organizations.”

Joe says that 4H’s job is “to promote lifeskills, leadership, discipline, public speak-ing and respect. It’s to develop leaders fortomorrow. You put them into leadershiproles and give them help and direction.”Though he recognizes the import therein,and though he classifies his club as a “fun”one, there have certainly been someimpressive accomplishments. He says, “Wehad the third place team in the statearchery competition this year. One of ourgirls ranked in the top 20 for the countryin archery. We won the state competition afew years ago in muzzle loader and we sentsome kids to Nationals.”

Even with those honors, Joe says, “Ourreal accomplishments are in teaching kidsa life sport, basic skills and safety. There’snot a lot of opportunity for kids whosefamilies aren’t into shooting sports toget a lot of exposure. We don’t push thekids too hard to go into competition.Shoot, have a good time and fellowship,that’s what 4H is.” He adds, “We’ve got35 kids in the club. We’re open to morekids, not everybody comes on the sameday. We break up into the disciplines. Wehave multiple instructors so we can runmultiple ranges at once. We shoot out inLithia; we’ve got a big open field.” Anyoneinterested in joining the On Target4H Club, which is on hiatus for thesummer, can contact the Squitieri’s at:ssqquuiittiieerrii66@@hhoottmmaaiill..ccoomm.

In closing, since the On Target 4H Clubprovides kids with the equipment to learnthe different shooting sports, they wantto acknowledge the organizations thathave helped them. Joe says, “We got aPhase One NRA Grant which really helpedus with equipment. The Safari ClubInternational Tampa Bay Chapter hasreally been very helpful by providing fundsto get equipment.” •



There are many types of traps that are used forcapturing insects and the funnel trap is arguablythe simplest and most versatile of traps. I mademy first funnel trap years ago when I needed tocatch small fruit flies to feed my Jumping Spider(Salticidae). I modeled my trap after a similartrap described in The Goodman of Paris, a Frenchmedieval guidebook. The idea is for the insects tobe lured through an opening in a funnel and onceinside, the task of navigating back out is generallytoo difficult for the insect and it remains contained,unable to navigate through the entrance fromwhich it came. This is great if you want to collectinsects just for observation because the insects canbe released unharmed later. When used for pestcontrol, the funnel trap offers a quarantined spacein which a toxin can be used, thus protecting bene-ficial insects and the environment. Although thetrap described below resembles many found on theinternet, the origins of this type of trap are ancientand likely evolved from the observation of natureitself.

This type of trap can be modified for a large varietyof insects, however, this month we will utilize thefunnel trap specifically for stink bugs. The numberof insects that are attracted to light is astonishingand in Florida, we witness this behavior at theporch light. Different insect species are attracted todifferent wavelengths of light, some are attractedto fluorescent while others are attracted to UV(black lights), this is also why certain species onlycome out during specific times of the day, when thelight signals them to become active. For thisproject we can use an inexpensive LED light,the Sylvania DOT-it series seems to be the mostpopular for this project.

Supplies Needed:

2 Liter Soda BottleBlack TapeTouch Activated LED LightBox Knife

Naturally Amazing Activities

Simple Funnel TrapBy Sean Green

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

Step 5Step 4

Remove the top from a 2 LiterBottle by cutting along thetop edge of the bottle label.

Tape the edges of the bottletop and bottom to secure

them to each other.

Turn the LED light on with along object (such as a pencil)that will fit through the funnel.

TIP:Insects may be attracted to the bottom sides of the bottleif they can see light through it.

The sides of the bottle can be covered with anything that willprevent light from showing through, such as tape or even atube made of dark construction paper.

Place the top of the (now separated) bottleupside down into the bottom of the bottle tocreate a funnel that leads into the bottle.

Place the LED light intothe bottom half of the

2 liter bottle.





One of the biggest fruits out there,jackfruit can weigh anywherefrom 10 to 100 pounds! The fruit

is delicious and sweet, like a cross betweenpineapple and banana. A member of thesame family as breadfruit, fig, and mulber-ry, jackfruit in the United States is grownonly in Florida and Hawaii. This tropicalfruit is native to India, but has been culti-vated in Florida for more than a century.Beneath the green-yellow skin is sweetorange pulp surrounding starchy seeds.The fruit can be enjoyed raw or cooked.The flowers, pulp, and seeds are all edible.Florida jackfruit is at its peak now in thesummer months!

NUTRITIONAL PROFILEThis sweet, tropical fruit is an excellentnutritional source of dietary fiber, vita-mins, and antioxidants, and is naturallyfat and cholesterol free. According to theUnited States Department of Agriculture(USDA) National Nutrient Database forStandard Reference, one cup of rawchopped jackfruit (151 g) contains 143calories, 2.60 g of protein, 0.97 g of fat,35.1 g of carbohydrate, and 2.3 g of fiber.It also provides 18% of the DailyRecommended Value (% DV) for VitaminC, 16% for manganese, 15% for bothmagnesium and copper, and 14% forpotassium, as well as significant amountsof vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B6, calci-um, and iron.

VITAMIN C:FOR A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEMVitamin C is an important antioxidant,supporting the body’s immune system inits ability to fight infections and viruses.This vitamin is also involved in keepingcapillaries, gums, and skin healthy andsupple. The vitamin C in jackfruit also

enhances iron absorption from otherfoods, which reduces the risk of anemia.Jackfruit is a good source of iron as well.

VITAMIN A: FOR GOOD EYESIGHTVitamin A is essential for optimal eyehealth and can help prevent night-blind-ness. It also plays a role in immunity bysupporting the white blood cells in fight-ing infections. This vitamin is alsoinvolved in hearing, taste, and normalfetal development.

POTASSIUM: FOR BLOOD

PRESSURE CONTROLLike many other fruits and veggies, jack-fruit is high in potassium, a mineral whichpromotes healthy heart functioning andprotects against high blood pressure.Potassium helps regulate fluids and miner-al balance, aids in muscle contraction, andhelps transmit nerve impulses. People withlow potassium levels are more prone tomuscle cramps.

IRON: FOR BLOOD AND MOREAn important mineral found in every cellin the body, iron is essential for synthesisof hemoglobin and myoglobin. Thesecompounds carry oxygen around thebody. Iron is also an essential componentof many other proteins in the body.Florida jackfruit is a fantastic source ofthis mineral.

HOW TO SELECT AND STOREChoose ripe jackfruit that has a sweetsmell and feels moderately soft whensqueezed. Jackfruit can be refrigerated forup to one week or frozen for severalmonths. Jackfruit can also be eaten whengreen and immature, but it should becooked first.

HOW TO ENJOYJackfruit can be sliced and eaten out ofhand. The large seeds surrounding the cen-ter core are the bulbs, and are sweet, like across of bananas, pineapples, and can-taloupe. The pulp can be enjoyed fresh,dried, or canned in syrup, as well as madeinto ice cream or jam. It can also be addedto fruit salads, soups, stews, and anydessert. The seeds, much like chestnuts,can be roasted or boiled. Even the leavesand flowers of jackfruit can be cooked andeaten as a vegetable.

Enjoy this delicious tropical fruit duringFlorida’s peak jackfruit season. Eat it outof hand or cook it, and enjoy all the greatnutrition that this sweet fruit provides.

Selected Referenceshttp://www.hort.purdue.edu

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

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

Delicious and Sweet


By Jim Frankowiak

Florida Farm Bureau membershipdollars work in many differentways to advocate on behalf of itsmembership at the local, state and

national levels. The annual “Field to theHill” trip is one of them. It is an opportu-nity for Hillsborough County Farm Bureaumembers to visit our elected officials inWashington, D.C. to tell them personallywhat the organization’s positions are onmany different important matters that willcome before them. The program alsoenables Farm Bureau representatives toshare membership concerns on variousitems that may or currently have an impacton the way of life that is important to themore than 144,000 families in Florida thatcomprise its membership.

Though “Field to the Hill” is Florida FarmBureau’s annual effort, other state federa-tions have similar initiatives they annuallyundertake with the net result being a con-stant flow of Farm Bureau members fromthroughout the U.S. meeting with theirelected representatives and senators onbehalf of agriculture and the way of life inrural America.

Each state Farm Bureau organizationannually follows a methodology for identi-fying the issues and concerns of impor-tance to its members. Theses member-driven policies then become part of anannual focus in dealings with elected offi-cials at all levels. This process is guided byFarm Bureau’s Agricultural Contact Team,the American Farm Bureau Federation’sgrassroots action network. Reaching outto Congress in this manner, among others,has an impact on the decisions made bythese officials. The team advances agricul-

tural and rural interests by connectingmembers of Congress to their constituents.

Florida Farm Bureau staff and leaders gettheir “marching orders” from the policybook. Policies are adopted annuallythrough a process that is designed toreflect and act upon concerns and issuesthat affect producers throughout Florida.Issues are introduced in resolutions devel-oped by Florida Farm Bureau FederationAdvisory Committees and county FarmBureaus. These resolutions are compiledinto a workbook that is mailed to all coun-ty Farm Bureaus several weeks before thestate convention. At the convention, votingdelegates meet and discuss the workbookduring resolutions sessions. Finally, the res-olutions are voted into policies.

Advisory Committees represent 11 majorcommodities produced in Florida and fourmajor general issue areas that have a major

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU REPRESENTATIVES MEETWITH CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Having Your Voice Heard Where it Counts

impact on production agriculture. The purpose of each committeeis to develop communication among Farm Bureau members and toserve in an advisory capacity for the president, board of directorsand staff.

Last month Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive DirectorJudi Whitson and Board Member Michelle Williamson traveled toWashington as our local participants in “Field to the Hill.” Theymet with Congressmen Dennis Ross, Kathy Castor, Gus Bilirakis,Steve Southerland and Tom Rooney. Representative Rooney willbe representing portions of Hillsborough County as a result ofredistricting. Both he and Rep. Southerland are also members ofHouse Agriculture Committee

The trip began with an American Farm Bureau briefing sessionon the various issues that would soon be acted upon and theorganization’s position. Top priorities during this session are the2013 Farm Bill, immigration and estate tax reform along withwater and budget issues.

“In each of our congressional meetings, we were warmly welcomedand felt a genuine interest in each of our areas of discussion withthe congressmen,” said Williamson. “While they may not all beexperts or strongly familiar with all aspects of agriculture, each hasan appreciation for the importance of agriculture to Farm Bureauand its members, as well as Florida’s economy.”

“I would encourage any interested Farm Bureau members toconsider participation in this annual event or our yearly trip toTallahassee,” said Whitson. “This type of involvement is vitalto continually having the voice of agriculture heard by our electedofficials.”•

Farm Bureau group with Rep. Castor. From left: Scot Eubanks, FFB assistant director ofAg Policy; Richard Carroll, a director of the Pinellas County Farm Bureau; Judi Whitson,Hillsborough County Executive Director; Congresswoman Castor, Michelle Williamson,Deb Laramy and G.B. Crawford, FFB manager of communications.

Farm Bureau group with Dennis Ross in Washington

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Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort has teamed up with In The Field magazineto bring you a new Ask A Vet column. Submit your questions toAAsskkAAVVeett@@iinntthheeffiieellddmmaaggaazziinnee..ccoomm. If selected, your question may beanswered in an upcoming issue of In The Field.It is our goal to help you improve the knowledge of your pet’s needs andhealth care. Please remember, if you suspect your pet is sick and it is an emer-gency, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Christy Layton, the owner and operator of Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort,graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in AnimalBiology and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree. A Plant City native, shelives with her menagerie of pets including Appaloosa horses that she rides and showsin her time off work.

Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort 1704 Walden Village Court • Plant City, FL 33566813-754- PETS (7387) • www.timberlanevet.com

Ask A Vet


86 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE MAY 2012 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M AG A Z I N E .C O M

What happens to FFA and agricul-ture students after high school?Do they pursue their agriculture

interests or matriculate into other pro-grams completely unrelated to the field?Certainly there are some that lose thatfocus once the cornucopia of college cours-es envelopes them. For some, that loss offocus remains and they continue down awholly different path. Yet, for others, likeSarah Dwyer, that path of multiple choicessomehow brings them back to their firstlove, agriculture. This is her story.

Sarah says, “When I got to high school inninth grade, I started out in the orchestraand I decided that I didn’t want to do theorchestra anymore. And in the tenth gradeat Armwood High School, I got into the agprogram. Right away I just decided I lovedit! In October was the National FFA con-vention and I got my mom to buy us tick-ets. That was my first event with FFA,going to National Convention inLouisville, Kentucky. When I went there I

realized how huge the program was andhow much you can do. It wasn’t just farm-ing, it was leadership, team-building, pub-lic speaking and a lot of other activitiesthat taught responsibility and time man-agement skills.” At that time she had noidea just how significant and beneficial theFFA would be to her life.

She continues, “Once we got back fromNational Convention, our ag teacher, Mr.Edgar Watkins, had some dairy heifers thathe purchased at the auction and I got to gowith him to the auction. I fell in love withone immediately when I saw her. Theheifers were for the school program but Ikept on him for wanting to name her firstand I asked him if I could show her andfinally he let me show her for the remain-der of my FFA career and when I graduat-ed I bought her from the school and nowshe’s my pet cow, Hannah. She was justborn that day (at the auction) and I got tobottle feed her and raise her since the dayshe was born. I’ve had her since that day.”

Hannah wasn’t the only thing Sarah dedi-cated her time to with regards to her FFAcareer. She says, “I was very into the FFAprogram. I held office as reporter, VicePresident and then President my senioryear. I participated in almost every FFAevent that Armwood went to. I did parlia-mentary procedures, opening ceremonycompetition, forestry, land judging, dairyjudging, dairy showing, public speaking. Ialso showed a rabbit in the FFA.” Shepauses there and then reveals, “I have tosay, I started out really shy when I wentinto the program. The FFA helped meovercome that. It taught me how to speakto a large crowd and communicate myideas. It helped me to become more outgo-ing. It made it easier to talk to people.”

She says that her biggest moment in FFAwas during her senior year when the groupcame in second place in the state for dairyjudging. Then she graduated and that’swhere she got a little lost with regards toher life goals. She says, “Once I graduated


88 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE MAY 2012 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M AG A Z I N E .C O M

high school I went into community college.I started out in theatre and then as I wasfinishing my AA degree I decided to gointo geology instead. So, I got an AA inliberal arts from Hillsborough CommunityCollege. I attended University of SouthFlorida for a semester, going after geolo-gy.” Theatre to geology seems like quite anodd jump, and yet, that’s not where hereducational vacillation stops either.

In fact, she says, “Then Mr. Watkins toldme that the University of Florida had start-ed an agriculture education program at theHCC, Plant City campus. So, I worked onthat and then the following year I had theopportunity to move up to Gainesville. SoI moved up here to continue working onmy education degree. My second semesterup here, I took an elective course for Agconstruction with Dr. Wendell Porter. It’skind of an introductory course for theAgriculture Operations Management(AOM) Program. And once I took thatcourse I decided to switch my degree toAOM.” Keep in mind that she will nowhave switched majors four times!

She continues, “Dr. Porter is the advisor soit was an easy switch over because he knewme and helped me get into the programbecause at that point I had a lot of credithours towards my degree, so they werereluctant, but he got them to let me switchover. So, I graduated in 2010 with myBachelors of Science with my AOMspecializing in construction.” Here’s whereshe acknowledges how advantageous FFAwas for her. “Through my college careerthe FFA prepared me more than anythingelse because I’d written so much for all thecompetitions I was in, it was easy for me towork in teams. I aced my public speakingcourse. A lot of kids come to college andafter the first year they drop out becausethey can’t handle it on their own.”

After finishing her BS she decided to con-tinue on through an MS and a PhD.However, she was in need of funding. Shesought out assistance from Dr. Porter. Hefound her an Assistantship with Dr. PierceJones at the Energy Extension Office inGainesville. She’s doing her thesis workwith him. It’s on the WeatherizationAssistance Program, which is the state runprogram that has funding available forlow-income families who have high energybills. The program goes into their homes,caulks windows, weather-strips doors,adds insulation and/or puts in energy effi-cient appliances and HVAC systems. Herresearch focuses on the effectiveness of theprogram. She’ll be finishing that thesis thissummer and then immediately starting herPhD program.

She adds, “For my PhD work I may bedoing work on sustainable agriculture. I’vekind of come full circle starting with ag

and going all over the place and endingback in Ag. If I get the chance to work onthe sustainable agriculture grant then I’llhave background in sustainable construc-tion and sustainable agriculture!” She doeshave an additional Assistantship withDr. Sherry Ahrentzen focusing on thehealth of the occupants whose homes areretrofit for energy efficiency. She says,“One thing I’ve learned in the collegeworld is that funding is very important soI’m very thankful for Dr. Jones and Dr.Ahrentzen for funding my graduatecareer!”

Sarah may end up at an Extension officeupon graduation, or perhaps she’ll becomea professor, but one thing’s for sure, she’llknow a whole lot about green constructionand agriculture sustainability when she’sdone! •



On May 11, 2012We held a luncheon with Driscoll’s Growers and our employees

to celebrate our successful Strawberry Season.The growers were given awards for recognition of

their excellence in the following categories.

Most Accurate Forecastof the Year and Highest

Scoring Ranch forYields and Quality

Pictured right to left is

Arturo Rodriguezof

Sam Williamson Farms,with Mark Greeff,

Driscoll’s Vice PresidentEastern Region

HighestOverall Quality


Alejandro Jimenezof

Florida Pacific Farms,with Mark Greeff,



Growerof the Year

(for the second year in a row)


Sam Williamsonof

Sam Williamson Farms,with Mark Greeff,


In addition to theGrowers receiving theirAwards they were treatedto a day with the TampaBay Rays with theirfamilies in sky boxseating to enjoy

the game.

In The Field magazine participated inthe Florida Strawberry GrowersAssociation’s first Berry Brawl.The ‘In The Field Avengers’ placedsecond in the competition.Team members were:Danny Crampton,Brandi Crampton, Sarah Holt, Karen Berry,Jose Mendoza and Dave Davenport.


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“A branch campus of theUniversity of Florida’s Institute ofFood and Agricultural Sciencesshould be established in East

Hillsborough County,” said then-State Representative Johnnie Byrdin a local newspaper article in the

spring of 1999.

East Hillsborough, said Byrd, was amajor center for much agriculturalactivity. UF/IFAS could be a spur to

further growth in the region.

New Hillsborough Community CollegePlant City Campus President Felix Haynesread the article and was in Byrd’s office inPlant City the next morning, where thetwo discussed how they might worktogether to bring an IFAS branch campusto fruition in East Hillsborough. Haynesproposed that the campus should bebuilt on the Plant City Campus of HCC,where a number of agriculturally-relatededucation and training programs werealready located.

Haynes had background in similar types ofUniversity of Florida branch campuses,because he had earned a UF doctorate atjust such a branch campus housed at theUniversity of Central Florida in Orlando.

Byrd urged Haynes to contact UF/IFASofficials in Gainesville and said that hewould support Haynes’ efforts. That after-noon, Haynes was on the telephonewith then UF Dean of the College ofAgricultural and Life Sciences JimmyCheek. Cheek and Haynes discussed theproposal to build a UF/IFAS branch cam-pus on the HCC Plant City Campus. Giventhe campus’ location and the agriculturallyrelated programs already offered there,Cheek agreed that the campus would be anexcellent location. Cheek and Haynesagreed to work together on a written pro-

posal to establish the branch campus atHCC Plant City.

Cheek also encouraged Haynes to travel tothe Milton Campus of then-PensacolaJunior College to view UF/IFAS’ operationthere, which Cheek said could serve as amodel for a HCC Plant City IFAS branch.Haynes made the trip and discovered howsuccessful that IFAS operation was, that thestate of Florida had constructed a new joint-use building on the campus to house theUF/IFAS branch campus there, and that theoperation included a large teaching andcommunity garden. These concepts wereincorporated in the Cheek/Haynes proposal.

Once the 25-page proposal was written,Haynes and Cheek agreed that the effortnow had to shift to the political realmin order to steer the project through theFlorida legislature. They began a campaignto build a broad local coalition ofPlant City organizations to support thepolitical effort. The City Commission ofPlant City’s support was immediatelyenlisted, with Commissioners Mary YvetteThomas-Mathis, Mike Sparkman, JohnDicks, Randy Larson, and Bill Dodson allsigning on.

The Greater Plant City Chamber ofCommerce Board of Directors was thenext organization to agree to join thecoalition. This was followed closely by thePlant City Strawberry Festival, the FloridaStrawberry Growers Association, and theTampa Bay Wholesale Growers. ChipHinton and Hugh Gramling, alreadyskilled and successful lobbyists from agri-cultural organizations, were particularlyhelpful in forging the coalition.

Representative Byrd took the proposal tothe next annual legislative session, in thespring of 2000. Despite major lobbyingefforts in Tallahassee by all the groups andindividuals in the coalition, success wasnot achieved.

Over the next 12 months, organizingefforts in Plant City continued, and by thetime the 2001 legislative session began,Plant City was able to mount a formidableeffort behind Representative Byrd inTallahassee. This effort proved successfulwhen the House of Representatives andSenate both passed the legislation.

At this point Plant City faced the lasthurdle, obtaining then Governor Jeb Bush’signature on the bill. Initially, the messagecame down from the Governor’s officethat, while the Governor was in agreementwith the concept, he was unwilling to funda new building on the HCC Plant CityCampus to house the branch campus.

At that time, the HCC Plant City Campuscontained a 29,000-square-foot buildingknown as the Florida Studies Center. Thisbuilding, which was the former Felton’sGrocery Market, had been purchased andremodeled by HCC in 1989. However,growth on the campus had not caught upto this available space yet, and only about20 percent of the building was utilized foradministrative, classroom, and laboratoryspace. Then HCC District PresidentGwendolyn Stephenson had chargedHaynes with greatly increasing the utiliza-tion of the Florida Studies Center, soHaynes proposed that the Center be desig-nated as joint-use space to house a newUF/IFAS branch campus.

This proposal created a new set of majorquestions. Since the state would not bebuilding a new joint-use building to housethe IFAS branch campus, how wouldthe University of Florida reimburseHillsborough Community College for theuse of space in the HCC-owned FloridaStudies Building? Neither UF nor HCCwanted to base this reimbursement on asimple rental, because they both wantedthe partnership to be based on a higherlevel of integration than a rental concept.Haynes proposed that UF invest in the

UF/IFAS in Plant CityIFAS Branch Campusat Plant City HistoryBy Felix Haynes


HCC campus by funding joint use facilities and activities, with HCCbeing the final decider of whether a UF expenditure was funding a truejoint-use function. Creating a new office for a UF/IFAS faculty mem-ber or building a science laboratory that would only be used by UFwould not qualify as a joint-use expenditure. Constructing a new out-door teaching garden, which both UF and HCC instructional pro-grams would use, would count as joint-use.

The final question was, how much should UF invest in joint-usefacilities and activities on the HCC campus over the course of the firstfive-year agreement? To answer that question, Cheek had to bring hisboss, then IFAS Vice President Mike Martin, into the discussions. In amemorable meeting in a Gainesville restaurant, Martin answered thequestion in a voice loud enough for all the restaurant’s patrons to hear:“How does $300,000 sound?” With that, the question of UF’spayment to HCC was answered and the action returned to GovernorBush’s desk.

In close consultation with the City of Plant City, the College agreedthat the possibility of obtaining gubernatorial approval for a UF/IFASbranch campus was sufficiently important to offer the non-used por-tion of the Florida Studies Center as a joint-use facility to house theUF/IFAS branch campus.

With an agreement of all involved organizations in place, a flurry oflast-minute lobbying of Governor Bush on the part of all the localorganizations in the Plant City coalition ensued. With the overwhelm-ing support of the Plant City coalition and without the need tosupport the construction of a new building, Governor Bush immedi-ately approved the legislation to establish the UF/IFAS branch campuson the HCC Plant City Campus.

With the approval of all branches of Florida’s government in just thesecond year of the community’s pursuit of the project, Plant City hadits new UF/IFAS branch campus.

The five-year UF/HCC agreement on which the branch campus isbased has been renewed once, in 2006, and the two organizations arein negotiations to continue the program into the future. •

Felix Haynes





The Durant FFA Alumni and the Durant FFA Chapter held their6th annual FFA Sweetheart Pageant on March 24 with 16 youngladies taking part in the event. Durant Alumni member, TonyaMayo chaired the event where the young ladies were scored in theareas of evening wear, and questions dealing with the agricultureindustry and the FFA. Scholarships were awarded to the top threewinners at the Durant FFA Banquet that was held on May 17. TheScholarship funds were obtained through sponsorships of thecontestants from local business in the community. Court memberswere as follows: second runner up Kallee Cook, first runner upCeleste Lewis and the 2011-2012 FFA Sweetheart was HaleySmith. Darby Hasting was awarded the top award for obtainingthe most sponsors. The Durant FFA Alumni and FFA Chapterwould like to congratulate all of the young ladies for an outstand-ing job. •

The Durant Agriculture mechanics team took part in the 2011-2012 State Contest that was held in Haines City on May 5 at thePolk County Technical Training Center. Each member took part insix different tasks, plus a team event during the contest. Teammembers were Alex Fernandez, Konnore Long, Cole Ebdrup andKody Aubel. Cole Edbrup was tenth high individual in the stateand each member won a $6000 scholarship to attend theUniversity of Northwestern Ohio. The team will be recognized atthe State FFA Convention held in June in Orlando. •

Durant FFA Agriculture Mechanics TeamPlaces 2nd in State

Haley Smith Crowned FFA Sweetheart




ANIMALS & NEEDSANIMAL & BIRDCAGESAdd living microbes to improve your soil, equip-ment serving the fur-bearing and exotic bird indus-try. Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot.813-752-2230 • www.ammermans.comSwap July 15, 2012 and Nov. 25, 2012

HORSE BOARDINGStalls and individual turnout, lighted arena andround pen. Owners on property.$325 full care. Call 813-610-4416

1998 HART HORSE TRAILERAll aluminum gooseneck trailer. Two horse slantload with dressing room. Original one owner.Call Today! $9,500

CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALEDry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford orDanny Thibodeau 863-439-3232

AUTOMOTIVE97 NISSAN PICKUPShort bed regular cab, 5 spd, gas saver 4 cylinder,ice cold AC, runs good, looks good, cash price$3988. Ask for Bill - 813-650-0535. O'ConnorAutomotive, Plant City

99 TOYOTA TACOMARegular cab, short bed, 5 spd, 4 cyl, cold AC, gassaver pickup. Excellent Cond, Looks Good, RunsGood - $3950 Cash. Ask for Bill - 813-650-0535.O'Connor Automotive, Plant City

02 FORD F150 XL SUPERCAB4dr 4x4 lift pkg, oversize whls & tires, excellentcond, runds & looks good. $9850/FinancingAvailable. O'Connor Automotive, Plant City813-650-0535

87 FORD F250 XCABRuns good, built to pull trailer 7.5 V*, goose neck,5th whl cradle in bed. Cash $1950. O'ConnorAutomotive, Plant City 813-650-0535

99 DODGE RAM 3500Turbo Diesel Dually, Quad Cab 4 dr, cumminsDiesel, loaded, low miles, great shape, tow pkg,$11,988. Financing available. 813-650-0535O'Connor Automotive, Plant City

1997 FORD F-2504X2 Lariat Super Cab. This is a very low mileage(83,000) original one owner (non smoker) vehiclethat has been professionally maintained and garagekept since new! Call 813-650-3173 $7,000

MAZDA 626Ice Cold A/C, touch screen stereo, brand newRims & Tires! Runs Perfect. Call Greg @Amazing Autos today 813-759-1975

RANCH HAND GRILL GUARDFits Ford F150 2004-2008 $250Call (561)329-4051

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8 X 8 X 16 ALLUMINUMSTORAGE BUILDINGRoll up door. $3,395. Call Alvie TODAY813-749-8722 Limited supply!

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TILL 4 X 8 SHEETB-grade $17.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378

NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!!$75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378

MOBILE HOME TUBSMetal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs.Call Ted 813-752-3378

COUPONSSAVICH & LEE/STALNAKERHorse Fence 200’x4’, Sheep & Goat Fence330’ x 4’ 1 to 3 rolls - $2.50 off, 4 or more -$5 off, 10 piece limit. Field fence 47” 1-8 -$2.50 off, 9 or more - $5 off, 10 piece limit.Barbed Wire - 5 or more - $1 off 10 piecelimit. Pick up ONLY while supplies last.See our ad on page 101 for pricing.

FARM EQUIPMENT2008 MASSEY FERGUSON1533LC, 33hp with loader, cab, ac,1367 hrs.$16,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

MASSEY FERGUSON 245Diesel tractor. Good condition.$5,500Call Alvie 813-759-8722

KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722

MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR1980 Massey Ferguson 230. 34pto hp,power steering. $4,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

HEAVY DUTY TRAILER14’ Shop built, heavy duty trailer, 2 axel withramps. $750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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3PT LIFT3 row hole punch. Very good condition. $500.00Call Alvie 813-759-8722

CROP SPRAYER60 gal, 3 pt hitch, 3 row, crop sprayer. 1 year old.Hypro pump and custom remote control valve.$750.00. Call Steve 813-299-8358

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MASSEY FERGUSONGC2300 4 X 4 hydro stat transmission,2702 hrs. $4,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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FOR SALETRAILER FOR SALE44x12 single wide trailer in WintersMobile Home Park. Zephyrhills 5k orbest offer. Call (813)967-4515

MUSCADINE AND SCUPPERNONG, GRAPEPLANTS,VINESSeffner, Fl. 33584. Call 813-857-4586

ALL A BLOOM FLORISTRoses $19.95 a dozen. 813-567-5735116 N. Collins – Downtown Plant City.www.allabloomtampa.com

LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

RUBBER MULCHAll colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE!$8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378

NEW HUSTLER SPORT ZERO TURN48" cut, 16hp. Honda engine. Special Price!$3,500 with 3yr. warranty. Call Alvie813-759-8722

TSG50 WOODS3pt. stump grinder. Clearance Sale!$3,381. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

REAL ESTATEBEAUTIFUL PLANT CITY 1 ACRE LOTWith well. Private one street subdivision frontage 290x 145 depth. 4521 Highland Creek Drive. $45,900.Call Today! 813-655-6769

FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND(Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gentlyrolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A greatsetting for residential development. To the east of theproperty is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that addssignificant aesthetic value to the 45 acres.Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural)Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620

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

A SLICE OF HEAVEN2.03 acres lot on Hare Mtn. Estates inFranklin NC. Breath-taking views. Purchased10/08 for $73,400. Yours today for $32,900GREAT INVESTMENT! Call 813-655-6769

Classifieds Tel: 813.759.6909 [email protected]


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In The Field Hillsborough