A Way of Life. Fresh - Local -Organic Worden Farm

Transcription

APR 2013
HEARTL AAND
Way of Life.
COVER STORY:
Fresh - Local -Organic
Worden Farm
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April 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
3
4
April 2013
Hot new ag products.
Bold new ideas.
Time-critical issues!
Welcome to the event that pulls ’em all together.
The All Florida Ag Show
It’s the only event dedicated to
bringing ag decision makers from
across the Sunshine State together
to exchange ideas, share best
practices, see new products and
services, and get up-to-date on
the latest technology.
The All Florida Ag Show includes more than 100
exhibits and an educational program featuring
industry thought leaders who will share their insights
into the issues that affect your business every day –
Register NOW at AllFloridaAg.com
■ Citrus: Pests, disease (greening) and fruit drop
■ Healthcare: The impacts of the Affordable Care Act
on your employees and your bottom line
■ Water: Regulations, BMPs, BMAPs and mitigating
bicarbonates in well water
■ Labor: Farm labor and immigration reform
■ Emerging Trends & Technology:
• Fruits and vegetables that look, smell, taste better
• The future of protected ag, featuring
William “Skeeter” Bethea
• Bio-AG: Beyond biofuels
PLUS An exclusive video message
from Senator Marco Rubio
April 24-25
Highlands Today Center, Sebring
Presented by:
AllFloridaAg.com
Highlands County
APR 2013
HEARTL AAND
Way of Life.
Departments
14 16
Heartland’s Fishing Report
By Capt. Mark King
18
April Hunting Spotlight: Cavin Turner
20
46
Traits of a Winning Producer-Lender
Team, By Dr. David M. Kohl
26
28
Solar Pumps for Watering Cattle
By Matt Warren
Florida Farming
By Ron Lambert
Citrus Update: What’s In Your Tank?
By Justin Smith
April Features
22
Raising Backyard Chicks, By Dr. Mikelle Roeder
34 Lakes Park Farmer’s Market, By Brady Vogt
Farmer & Rancher: Nick John
By Brian Norris
36 Affordable Organics, By Joanna Glisson Lamarra
48
In Season Now: Florida Potatoes
42 Fresh-Local-Organic: Worden Farm, By Robbi Sumner
30
32
50
Woman In Ag: Hilary Swain, Ph. D.
By Robbi Sumner
Florida Cattlewomen’s Recipe:
Asian Barbequed Skirt Steak
52 Donald “Don” Sellers, By Robbi Sumner
54 Adams Ranch Genuine Ranch Rodeo
Turning Over Rocks in the Sinai Part II
By Pfc. Levi Lambert
58 Heartland Fair Updates
73
Ag Calendar
70
22
36
6
52
54
April 2013
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Polk County Distributor
Frostproof Growers Supply
512 N Scenic Highway
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863-635-3620
April 2013
Johnny Georges 863-990-2095
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7
HEARTLAND
A Way of Life.
Publisher
Rhonda Glisson
[email protected]
Karen Berry
[email protected]
Executive Editor
Morgan Taylor Norris
[email protected]
Business Manager
Nadine Glisson
Lizette Sarria
Art Directors
Carrie Evans
Olivia Fryer
Graphics Intern
Lauren Taylor
Staff Writers
Cindy Cutright
Ron Lambert
Brian Norris
Justin Smith
Robbi Sumner
Contributing Writers
Dr. Mikelle Roeder
Joanna Glisson Lamarra
Capt. Mark King,
Pfc. Levi Lambert
Dr. David M. Kohl
Rusty Hartline
Nell McAuley
Brady Vogt
Matt Warren
Lindsey Wiggins
Social Media Director
Brian Norris
Photography
Sharon Glisson
Kathy Gregg
Russell Hancock
Nell McAuley
Brian Norris
Lauren Taylor
Holly Taylor
Editor’s Note
There is a new trend in society that has benefitted the agricultural industry like never before.
Everyone wants to eat locally grown, fresh foods. Every new mother wants to know where the
food she is feeding her child is coming from. And everyone is always starting a new diet of fresh
fruit and vegetables, “on Monday”, of course. Whatever the reason, Americans want good food
and seem to like it even more when associated with the words ‘fresh’ and ‘local.’ More than ever,
I have noticed Farmer’s Markets on every corner and fruit and vegetable stands all along the
back roads as I drive throughout the Heartland.
For the cover story this month, I took a trip to visit Worden Farms in Punta Gorda. From the
minute I stepped out of my car, all 5 senses were awakened. Immediately I saw the bright
yellow sunflowers to welcome visitors pulling in. I could smell the fresh produce as if standing
in my own kitchen making a salad. I could hear the sound of children playing as their parents
picked out their groceries for the week. As I stopped to check out the ‘Chat and Chop’ station, I
could feel the fresh cut vegetables as staff from the farm helped members prepare their food for
the week. And my favorite sense was the taste of Vicki’s Veggies-a vegan chef that cooks on site
and prepared a delicious Cabbage Salad with Apples and Dill the day I visited. Ready to jump
in your car and head there? Read the story about this organic farm on page 42 to find out how
you can become a member and start awakening your senses!
Even if you don’t want to commit to a membership program like Worden Farm offers, you
should check out the local farmer’s markets in your area. We feature Lakes Park Farmer’s
Market in Ft. Myers this month. Wherever you choose to buy your food, try to support your
local farmers and community.
Our Farmer and Rancher this month is new to the farming world but has a passion that is sure
to take him far. With an experienced business partner in Ben Mayworth, Nick John has started
farming for the first time at age 31. As many farmers come from multi-generation agricultural
families, Nick is starting a new tradition. As our population continues to grow and the food
demand increases as well, we will need more farmers like Nick to feed our world. You can read
more about how he got started on page 32.
There is another full Ag Calendar this month so don’t miss out on any events in our area! If you
couldn’t make it to any of the county fairs, we have an entire Special Section starting on page 58
with Heartland Fair Updates.
We love to hear from our readers and if you have a story idea or an event you think we should
be covering, please let us know! E-mail me at
[email protected] or give me a call
863-381-8014. You can also join in on the conversation
at facebook.com/HeartlandMagazine or twitter.com/
HeartlandITFMag
We’ll see y’all In the Field,
Morgan Taylor Norris
Please send any comments or questions
to [email protected]
Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands,
DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Okeechobee Counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of the Farm
Bureau and those with ag classification on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant
City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to [email protected] or call 813-708-3661.
Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility
for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use
or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five.
All contents Copyright 2013. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher.
Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please
call 813-708-3661 or email [email protected]. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2009.
8
April 2013
Put the Power of
“Fresh From Florida”
Behind Your
Product.
Join the program
that will maximize
your marketing efforts.
The Florida Agricultural
Promotional Campaign (FAPC)
provides the marketing
resources and advertising
awareness of a well
established brand.
Put “Fresh From Florida”
to work for you.
To find out how your business can
benefit from this program, visit
FreshFromFlorida.com
or call 850.617.7330.
April 2013
9
APR 2013
HEARTL AAND
Way of Life.
Index of Advertisers
27 17 4
15
51
21 75 49 55 39
3, 60 72 72 40 15 17 55 9
47 25 75 39 19 19 29 69 13 78 79 11 75 35 Agro Culture
Airboat Wildlife Adventures
All Florida Ag Expo
Andy Thornal
Arcadia Stockyard
B & B Construction
Benchrest Shooters Supply
Big T Tire
Buck Daniels Horse Sale
Center State Bank
Creel Tractor
Daniels Deceivers
DeSoto Machine Shop
Everglades Farm Equipment
Farm Credit
Fields Equipment
Florida Fence Post
Florida Department of Ag
Glade and Grove
Glisson’s Animal Supply
Goin’ Postal
Griffin’s Carpet Mart
Half Acre Construction
Heartland Friends of the NRA
Helena Chemical
Hicks Oil Company
Highlands County Farm Bureau
Highlands County Farm Bureau Cracker Shoot
Kelly Tractor
KeyPlex
Labelle Feed
Laye’s Tire
4
Lee & Associates
46 Log Cabin BBQ & Seafood Restaurant
75 Marlin Marble
75 Michael G. Kirsch
47, 58 Mosaic
37 Natalies Juice
37 Newton Crouch
2
Pathway Agriculture
28 Peace River Citrus
21 River Pasture Metal Art
53 Seedway
19 Smith Farms
72 Spring Lake Hardware
72 Southern Excavation
18 Spurlows Outdoor
51 St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association
Adams Ranch Rodeo
62 Strickland Ranch & Exports
75 Superior Muffler
77 Tater Hill Fun Shoot
21 Taylor Oil Company
63 TD Bank
72 The Andersons
51 The Timbers
7
Tree T Pee
75
Triangle Hardware
74
Trinkle Redman Coton
66
US Sugar Corporation
80
Watering Hole
74
Wauchula State Bank
19
Wicks Brown Williams CPA
75
Winfield Solutions
Sales Team
Highlands
Manatee
Morgan Norris
Morgan Norris
[email protected]
[email protected]
Hardee & Desoto
Charlotte
Robbi Sumner
Morgan Norris
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ron Brown
[email protected]
10 Heartland InThe Field Magazine
Lee and Hendry
Corporate, Polk
& Hillsborough
Cindy Cutright
[email protected]
Danny Crampton
[email protected]
Morgan Norris
Okeechobee, Glades
& St. Lucie
[email protected]
Rhonda Glisson
Robbi Sumner
[email protected]
[email protected]
April 2013
April 2013
11
CHARLOTTE/DESOTO
COUNTY FARM BUREAU
HARDEE COUNTY
FARM BUREAU
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
FARM BUREAU
1278 SE US Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
1017 US Highway 17 N
Wauchula, FL. 33873
6419 US Highway 27 S.
Sebring, FL 33876
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone:
Phone:
863. 773. 3117
Fax:
863. 773. 2369
Phone:
863. 385. 5141
Fax:
863. 385. 5356
863.494.3636
Charlotte Line:
941.624.3981
Fax:
863.494.4332
Web site:
www.highlandsfarmbureau.com
OFFICERS AND
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND
OFFICERS AND
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President…………....Jim Selph
President……David B. Royal
President………Scott Kirouac
Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams
Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford
Sec./Treasurer......Bryan K. Beswick
Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich
Secretary………..Carey Howerton
DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012
Jim Brewer John Burtscher
Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert
Sam Bronson Steve Farr
Mike Carter
Daniel H. Smith Steve A. Johnson
Charles Guerndt Charles Lanfier
Bill Hodge David B. Royal
Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds
Steve Fussell
Lindsay Harrington
Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals
Greg L. Shackelford
Bo Rich
Vice President…Doug Miller
Treasurer……..Frank Youngman
Lindsey Sebring Trey Whitehurst
Scott Henderson
Jeff Williams Marty Wohl
Federation Secretary
Mary Jo Spicer
Rhonda Willis
Janet Menges
Farm Bureau
Insurance
Special Agents
Farm Bureau
Insurance
Special Agents
Farm Bureau
Insurance
Special Agents
Agency Manager
Cameron N. Jolly
Agency Manager
N. Jay Bryan
Agency Manager
Chad D. McWaters
Agents
Dawn A. Hines
Clint Brown
Agents
George L. Wadsworth, Jr.
Agents
Joseph W. Bullington
1017 US Hwy 17 N.
Wauchula, FL 33873
(863) 773-3117
6419 US Highway 27 S.
Sebring, FL 33876
(863) 385-5141
Mac Turner
Matt Harrison
Ken Harrison
1278 SE US Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3636
April 2013
District 6 Update
From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer
On March 18th and 19th, hundreds of
Farm Bureau members from across the
state went to Tallahassee to discuss
important issues with their respective
legislators.
On the evening of
Monday the 18th, members
attended the legislative briefing
dinner in order to be updated on
the issues affecting agriculture.
On Tuesday the 19th, the members met with their
political leaders at the Capitol to present Farm Bureau
policy on the various issues. A reception was held
Tuesday evening capping the grand and productive day.
Nearly 700 members, policy makers and staff members
representing various agencies attended the reception.
The issues discussed and summarized by members with
their elected officials during the two day trip included
Agritourism. Senate Bill 1106 and House Bill 927 will
help eliminate barriers for farming businesses to start
such a business on their farm to increase revenues
and to help the non-farm population understand the
production of their food. These bills are supported by
Farm Bureau.
Agricultural Assessment more commonly known as
Greenbelt classification is open for discussion with the
goal of strengthening the law in favor of agricultural
producers. SB 1200 and HB 1193 are being supported
by Farm Bureau.
SB 1190 and HB 203 deal with Agricultural lands and
duplication of regulations particularly as they pertain to
farms that have been annexed within city limits. Farm
Bureau supports these bills.
SB 948 and HB 1063 seek to provide balance between
the needs of competing interests for water by formally
making the Florida Dept. of Agriculture a part of the
regional water supply planning process. Farm Bureau
supports this effort.
Farm Bureau also supports the efforts of farmers to
continue doing business in the Everglades Agricultural
Area. HB 7065 and SB 768 will help by the application
of negotiated regulations vs. an endless string of
environmental lawsuits. We also wish to see an increase
in water supply for producers in the region.
If you wish to be kept abreast of the issues affecting
agriculture, please contact me at andy.neuhofer@ffbf.
org. I will get your e-mail on the electronic mailing list
so you can receive the weekly Ag-Watch update.
Andy Neuhofer
Florida Farm Bureau District 6
352.318.2506
[email protected]
www.floridafarmbureau.org
April 2013
13
Traits of a Winning
Producer-Lender Team
By: Dr. David M. Kohl
Over the years working with producers and ag
lenders, I have observed a wide range of producer-lender
relationships. The other day, a group asked me if I could
discuss the effective traits of a winning producer- lender
team. I have had numerous ag lenders state that the most
enjoyable part of their job is working with producers and
watching their business, family and personal goals being
met. On the other side, producers have told me that without
their lender being there in good times and challenging times,
they would not be where they are today.
Whether it is a young farmer or rancher starting from
scratch, a growing and expanding business, a business in
transition, or a business that is scaling down or exiting, a
team approach between the borrower and lender is a vital
element for success. Let us examine the attributes of a “cut
above” producer-lender team.
Both the borrower and lender bear the responsibility
of assuring sound use of agricultural credit. One of the
traits of a winning team is that the individuals seeking
credit must approach the lender prepared to demonstrate
that the proposed financing is feasible and consistent
with business, family and personal goals. This usually
requires some semblance of a written business plan and
reasonably well-thought-out proposed financial plan. For
an existing business, accurate past financial and production
performance records may be necessary to provide a baseline
for expectations. The lender, on the other hand, needs to
complete an analysis of financial and business information
in order to present an informed, timely, customized financial
package to the producer. The lender can provide the valueadded service of financial and management benchmarking
to internal or external databases. This gives a producer a
sense of the financial health of their operation, allows them
to see how they stack up to peers, and shows how they can
improve performance.
Another trait of an effective team relationship is that
the lender is not a “yes or no” lender, but a “but what if”
lender. A key attribute of the lender is being a good listener,
understanding the goals and motivation of the borrower, and
asking the tough “but what if” questions to find the strengths
and the blind spots of the business. The lender can provide
options and alternatives, but not specific advice or actions
because of legal limitations. On the other side, the borrower
must follow through using the HUT principle. That is, hear
what is being said, understand how it impacts their situation,
and, most importantly, take action, monitor results, and be
accountable for decisions. The producer must select the
option best suited for their situation in a negotiated action.
Another trait of an effective winning team is a “two-way
street” learning environment. Many associations provide
educational opportunities for producers by sponsoring
seminars with experts in the fields of production, financial,
legal, and risk management, as well as other pertinent topics.
On the other side, lenders, even experienced ones, will say
that certain producers have been invaluable in keeping them
current on the latest changes and trends in the industry. I
find some of the greatest gratification and reward comes
in sessions such as the Ag Leadership Institutes and the Ag
Biz Planner sessions, watching lenders and producers work
side-by side in a learning environment developing business
plans, conducting analysis of the business or personal
financial situation, and assessing different communication
styles.
The final attribute of a successful team is open
communications. Both borrowers and lenders do not like
surprises. From a borrower’s standpoint, do not inform your
lender of a major decision after the fact. Allow your lender
time to analyze your requests, inform them about changes
or problems, and be honest and straightforward all the time.
Inaccurate information and failure to honor commitments
jeopardizes the producer-lender relationship. On the other
hand, a lender should have a reputation of honesty, maintain
confidentiality of information, and objectively evaluate
situations.
In today’s volatile, uncertain global environment, the
cooperative spirit and bond is vital for success. Collaborative
effort between the lender, with a role as a teacher, coach, and
facilitator, and the producer, who implements a business
game plan, working side-by-side can make dreams come
true.
April 2013
David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D.
degrees in Agricultural Economics from
Cornell University. For 25 years, Kohl was
Professor of Agricultural Finance and Small
Business Management and Entrepreneurship
in the Department of Agricultural and Applied
Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg,
Virginia. He was on special leave with the
Royal Bank of Canada working on advanced
initiatives for two years, and also assisted
in the launch of the successful entrepreneurship program at Cornell
University. Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the AAEC Department at Virginia
Tech and has traveled over 8 million miles throughout his professional
career; has conducted more than 6,000 workshops and seminars for
agricultural groups. He has published four books and over 1,000 articles
on financial and business-related topics in journals, extension, and other
popular publications. Kohl regularly writes for Ag Lender and Corn and
Soybean Digest.
Loans to fit
your lifestyle.
Kohl is currently President of AgriVisions, LLC, a knowledge-based
consulting business providing cutting-edge programs to leading
agricultural organizations worldwide. He is also a business coach and part
owner of Homestead Creamery, a value added dairy business in the Blue
Ridge Mountains.
If you would like to keep up with Kohl’s information and perspectives,
you can find his weekly columns on the following websites:Ag Globe
Trotter: www.farm-credit.com/ and Road Warrior of Agriculture: www.
cornandsoybeandigest.com
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April 2013
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15
Heartland’s
FISHING REPORT
March has been a great month here on
Okeechobee to catch bass and April
should be even better as more bass
move in to spawn and all of the cold
fronts should be gone. The water level
is slowly going down and the water
is really clearing up in most areas.
April is the month that the artificial
lure bite should get as good as the
wild shiner bite, the live bait choice
of Okeechobee. We have been
catching a lot of bass almost every
day and we are starting to catch
some really big ones on a more
consistent basis. Another great
thing about April is that the bluegill
start to spawn which means there
will be a lot of bass eating bluegill
and there will be bluegill to catch.
Cliff and his dog Alto from New York
Captain Mark King
is a
full time guide and tournament angler
guiding out of the world famous Roland
Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston
Florida and also in the Florida Keys
out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA
Certified Captain, active member of the
Florida Guide Association and the Florida
Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark
is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude
Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center,
Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors,
Gambler Lures, Okuma Fishing, Mojo
Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection
Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic
Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.
Mark can be contacted to book a guide
trip, seminars, personal appearances, test
rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or
to fish a tournament with him at 863-6770983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and
www.tarponinthekeys.com
I have been fishing from the North
Shore area to Pelican Bay and the
wind is the only deciding factor as
to where I go. There will still be a lot of
spawning bass in April and the weather
will finally start to get warmer; it will be
a lot more fun to fish in shorts and flip
flops than what it has been in stocking
caps and gloves. Now is a great time
to fish top water lures like a Gambler
Buzz’n Cane Toad in the grass or a Zara
Super Spook in open water and have
some explosive top water strikes. This
will also be a great time of the year to
start fishing big 10” worms along the
outside grass line closest to open water.
I like to fish a Gambler 10” Junebugcolored worm, Texas rigged with a
1/16-ounce weight. We have had some
schooling bass around all winter and
this action should continue, look for the
birds diving on bait and throw a lipless
crankbait or spinnerbait for some fast
paced action. As I mentioned earlier the
bluegill will be spawning in April and
bluegill pattern crankbaits will work
great, especially around the bluegill
beds.
The bluegill bite should be on this month
and live crickets fished under a cork
float should do the trick to catch a limit.
Bettle Spins will also work if live bait
isn’t your thing. I am still booking for
the 2013 tarpon season in the Florida
Keys for the months of May and June. If
catching a fish of a lifetime in some of
the most beautiful water in the world
sounds like fun, give me a call. Until next
time, good luck, tight lines and I hope to
see everyone on the water soon.
Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top
service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you
already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the
story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your
boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat
back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a
one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world
famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.
April 2013
April 2013
17
April’s Hunting Spotlight
brought to you by
Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters
1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 [email protected]
863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com
Cavin Turner
Cavin Turner is 9 vears old and in the 3rd grade at
Cracker Trail Elementary. He is actively involved in the
Highlands County Shooting Sports 4-H Club where he
shoots competitive archery and Air guns. He plays Upward
Basketball, loves riding his 4-wheeler, and building and
creating things.
Cavin has loved the outdoors and hunting for as long as
he can remember. His family leases 1500 acres in South
Carolina, and this is where the LOVE of hunting began.
Since he was little, he would sit in the tree stands with his
mom, Chanea Turner and his dad, Shad Turner. Even if he
wasn’t able to actually hold the rifle, he still LOVED to go.
Cavin shot his first deer when he was 7 years old. It was
on doe day while on a family trip to SC. The Turner family
believes strongly in quality deer management, and they
have a certain criteria of the deer that are harvested on
their lease. Because of this, Cavin ended up waiting until
the next hunting season and in October of 2012 he shot a
nice mature 8-point, his first buck! He said it was worth
the wait!
Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight
to [email protected]
April 2013
Heartland Friends of
NRA
8th annual Banquet and
Auction
Saturday April 27, 2013
5:30pm
Sebring International Raceway
Hall of Fame building
113 Midway Drive Sebring, Fl 33870
Tickets $50 per person
Smith Farms
Citrus Caretaking
Low Volume Spraying
Contact Justin Smith 863-781-3432
[email protected]
Pre- Event Raffle
Armalite AR- 10 .308
Tickets $20 each or 3 for $50
Tickets available at
Triangle Hardware
All star Gun and Pawn
Avon Park Gun Smoke
Glissons Animal Supply
For more information call
Barb Lipscomb 863-253-3985
April 2013
19
Solar Pumps - More
Convenience, Less Cost
Solar pumps have become of major
interest in enhancing water quality best
management practices. They make it
possible to place water tanks and troughs
in more areas because they can be installed
on parts of the property where there is no
power source, without the cost of running
power lines or increasing electricity costs.
Having these additional watering spots
allows for more rotational grazing.
Solar Pumps
for Watering Cattle
By Matt Warren
Water - the Key Nutrient
Water is the nutrient livestock need in the greatest
amount, a fact that is often overlooked. Adequate,
acceptable-quality water is critical to maintaining
high production levels and preventing and treating
stress in animals. Cows can drink up to 15 gallons
of water a day, and even more in certain stages of
pregnancy. Water not only aids in digestion and
improves weight gain but also keeps their body cool
in the hot afternoons.
By installing troughs in shaded areas where
cattle have access to a creeks, streams, or
ponds, it is more likely they will congregate
around the water trough on a hot summer
day instead of standing in a waterbody and
depositing nutrients.
Research even indicates that cattle prefer
water tanks or troughs to ponds or streams.
The tanks or troughs allow cattle access to
fresh, clean water, whereas ponds can be
polluted from animal congregation, which
can lead to waterborne disease. And, as
you might recall, last spring many people
had dry ponds or had to dig them out.
Cows will travel a little farther to drink
fresh, cool water and are likely to consume
more of it than lower-quality water. This
will enhance forage digestibility, and the
calves will walk across the scale with more
pounds on them at weaning.
Installing solar pumps for cattle watering
is a good way to help keep our water
resources clean and improve the efficiency
your operation.
Matt Warren
Florida Department of Agriculture
Office of Agriculture Water Policy
[email protected]
863-773-2164
April 2013
April 2013
21
Dr. Mikelle Roeder has worked with Purina Animal Nutrition LLC since 2001. She
is proud to be working with America’s leader in backyard poultry, helping to bring
your family products supported by more than 85 years of poultry expertise from our
farm to yours. Learn more at www.itsthechickenandtheegg.com.
RAISING BACKYARD CHICKS
By Dr. Mikelle Roeder, Nutritionist, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC.
Backyard poultry have become very popular over
the past few years, and many towns and cities are
now issuing regulations allowing people within
city limits to raise a certain number of these
formerly farmyard-only residents. Whether you
want fresh eggs, healthful meat, 4-H show projects
for your children, or just beautiful birds to watch
and enjoy, you have made the decision to add some
poultry to your family. But how do you get them,
and how do you care for them?
Getting chicks is the easy part. Many feed stores
will sell young chicks at specific times of the year
and will also special order specific breeds for
you. You can also purchase day-old chicks from
reputable hatcheries (hatcheries can be found online or through a feed dealer). They will arrive at
your local post office, and you will be notified when
they arrive, so be sure to schedule the arrival for a
day when you know you will be available to pick
them up. You can order straight-run chicks (a mix
of males and females), or you can purchase either
sex for an additional cost (sexing shortly after
hatch is difficult and not 100% reliable, so you
may get some of the sex you did not want). Given
that many cities are allowing only female birds
within city limits, it is worth paying a bit more to
get only female chicks. Chicks should be of high
quality and should always be from a U.S. PullorumTyphoid Clean hatchery to enhance livability and
decrease potential disease problems. Chicks
should be vaccinated against Marek’s disease at
the hatchery. This vaccination is good for their
entire life.
April 2013
Once you’ve ordered your chicks, you need
to prepare for their arrival. You will need the
following equipment and supplies:
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Safe, clean, draft-free room or building
Heat lamps and/or brooder stove
Litter
Brooder guard
Feeders
Waterers
Sanitizing solution
Cleaning brushes
Rake
Pitchfork or shovel (for large areas)
Egg flats or shallow pans
Purina® Start & Grow®
If all this equipment sounds a bit foreign to you,
your local feed dealer or farm and fleet store can
help you acquire everything you need. Just visit
http://www.purinamills.com/dealerlocator/ to
find a dealer near you.
Housing
Chicks can be brooded and raised in a variety of
housing types. Primary requirements are that
the housing is warm, dry, and ventilated but not
drafty. It should also be easy to clean. While small
numbers of chicks can be warmed adequately
with heat lamps placed about 20 inches above
the litter surface, a larger group of birds in a large
room such as a shed or a garage should have a
supplemental heat source such as a brooder stove.
If you live in a town or city, chances are you are
limited to three to five birds, so a small brooder
with a heat lamp will probably be all you need.
Chicks should not be housed with older birds, as
the mature birds may pass diseases and parasites
to the young chicks, who have not yet developed
immunity.
Before the chicks arrive, thoroughly clean and
disinfect the brooder house and any equipment
the chicks will be using. This is NOT something
you want to be doing while your newly arrived
chicks are getting cold and hungry! Dampness
is a mortal enemy to chicks, resulting in chilling
and encouraging disease such as coccidiosis,
so be sure to allow time for everything to dry
thoroughly after cleaning. When the premises are
dry, place four to six inches of dry litter material
(pine wood shavings or a commercial, absorbent
litter material are good) on the floor. Do not use
cedar shavings – while they smell great to you, the
April 2013
volatile compounds responsible for that lovely
odor are too concentrated at the level where the
chicks breathe and can be hard on their tender
lungs. Adjust the brooder stove and/or heat lamps
24 hours before the chicks arrive so that there is
a comfort zone of 90ºF at the level of the chicks
upon their arrival. That means your thermometer
should be just a few inches above the litter. Use
a brooder guard (a plastic, cardboard or wire
barrier) for a few days to encircle the brooding
area so the chicks don’t wander too far from the
warmth. Once the chicks have learned where the
heat is, remove or expand the guard. This will allow
the chicks to escape the heat if necessary. Chicks
can get overheated, which can be as dangerous
as getting chilled. If you aren’t sure you have the
temperature right, look at the chicks for clues.
Chicks that are huddled under the lamp are too
cold. Chicks that are sprawled along the brooder
guard are too hot. Chicks happily milling around
all portions of the brooder area are comfortable.
The temperature should be gradually reduced
by 5ºF per week to a minimum of 55ºF. This can
be done by simply raising the heat lamp a bit or
adjusting the brooder stove.
Just before the chicks arrive, fill feeders and
waterers with fresh feed and water. Purina® Start
& Grow® is what I recommend for laying chicks
from hatch to laying age (18-20 weeks). It has
18% protein ration which is perfect for raising
layer chicks.
Be sure you have enough feeder and waterer
space so that all chicks can eat and drink at the
same time. Keep the feeders and waterers along
the edges of the comfort zone. This will keep
the water and feed from being overheated and
will help to keep them cleaner, as chicks milling
and sleeping under the warmth source may kick
bedding and feces into them. It also encourages
the chicks to move around and get exercise. Dip
the beaks of several chicks into the water
to help them locate it; they will then show
the rest of the flock what to do. Feeders on
the first day should be clean egg flats, shallow
pans or simple squares of paper with small piles
of feed on them so the chicks can easily find the
feed. Place proper feeders in the pens by the
second day, and remove the messy papers, pans
or egg flats a few days later, after the chicks
have learned to eat from the feeders. Feed
and water should always be clean. Waterers
should be emptied, scrubbed, rinsed and
23
refilled daily. Never let feed get wet or dirty!
Damp feed will get moldy, and chicks will eat less
and may get sick. Be sure to remove any wet,
clumpy feed from the feeders every day. Wet litter
around waterers should be removed as often
as possible, as dampness enhances disease and
parasite transmission. The drier the premises, the
healthier and happier your chicks will be. Feeders
and waterers can be moved outward from the heat
source as the chicks grow, expanding their area
of activity and helping to keep the feeders and
waterers clean and minimize waste. The height of
the feeders and waterers should be adjusted, as the
birds grow, to the height of the back of a standing
bird. This will help prevent fecal contamination of
the feed and water and minimize wastage.
As the birds grow, they will require more space.
From hatch to six weeks of age, birds need about
1 square foot of space per bird. From six to 20
weeks, they need at least 2 square feet/bird,
though most people will give them the run of the
backyard or an enclosed outdoor space by 8 weeks
of age. Be sure to always have a safe place for them
at night that will protect them from predators and
keep them warm. Everything from possums to
raccoons to the neighbor’s cat will be intrigued by
the opportunity for a tasty chicken meal. As your
flock grows you may want to consider a coop. If
you are looking for ideas on coop design visit
www.facebook.com/purinapoultry.
FEED
It is very important to provide chicks with a
well-balanced, fortified complete feed that
is appropriate for their age. While you may
remember your grandparents throwing table
scraps and scratch grains to their chickens,
baby chicks need far better nutrition than that.
Once your birds are adults, you may add some
extraneous foods as treats, but a well-fortified,
high-quality feed should always comprise 85 to
90% of the total diet of the birds.
Baby chicks need a starter diet that is 18 to 20%
protein (turkey and game bird chicks will need
a much higher-protein diet designed for their
unique needs). Purina® Start & Grow® is the first
product to feed your chicks. If you have a mixed
flock of chickens, ducks and geese try Purina®
Flock Raiser® SunFresh® Recipe. Remember
to NEVER feed a layer feed to baby chicks. The
excessive calcium will permanently harm their
kidneys and may even result in their death. You
may opt to use a starter feed that is medicated
with Amprolium, which aids in preventing
the occurrence of coccidiosis, a very common
parasitical disease. If you are feeding fast-growing
broiler chicks, you will want to use Purina® Flock
Raiser® SunFresh® Recipe, as they have higher
nutrient requirements than layer chicks.
Feed Purina® Start & Grow® until about two
weeks before they start laying eggs (most breeds
start laying somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks
of age). Therefore, at about 16 to 18 weeks of
age, they should be gradually transitioned to a
layer feed, such as Purina® Layena® SunFresh®
Recipe, which will have the calcium necessary to
help the birds produce a strong eggshell every day.
At peak production, a hen will lay an egg about
every 25 hours, so she needs a LOT of calcium!
VACCINATIONS
While most chicks arrive vaccinated against
Marek’s disease, there are several other diseases
to which chickens are susceptible and for which
vaccinations are recommended. It is always wise
to establish a relationship with a veterinarian. He
or she can recommend which vaccinations may be
warranted in your area and can help you with any
health issues that may pop up.
If you keep your chicks warm, safe, well fed
with a high-quality fortified feed, and properly
vaccinated, you will enjoy watching your healthy
chicks grow into beautiful adults who will
reward you with healthful eggs to eat and hours
of enjoyment just watching their antics.
Properly cared for birds can easily live
ten or more years and become loved
and endearing pets. They don’t
need a lot of room, they needn’t be
walked, they provide fertilizer,
they eat insect pests in your
garden, they teach children
to be responsible, they
put healthful eggs on your
breakfast plate, and they
make you laugh. They
might just be the
perfect pet!
April 2013
April 2013
25
FLORIDA FARMING
By Ron Lambert
Greetings to all you good folks throughout Florida’s
Heartland. I would like to take a moment to express my
thoughts on the past two years that I have been writing
a short column on these pages. I never suspected that
I would find this little hobby to be so rewarding; I have
thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.
That being said, I would like to share some of the history
of a couple that I have known ever since their son and I got
acquainted at Zolfo Elementary School and we went all
the way through high school together in Hardee County.
John and I are still close friends who have not only raised
children here, but are now enjoying grandkids here in
Hardee County.
On the afternoon of March 21, I visited with John Pershing
and Arleen Platt in their home. They were married in
1948 and have been together in Hardee County some 65
years. Mr. Pershing was born in 1919 in Brevard County
near Melbourne on Florida’s East coast. He was one of
8 children- 4 boys and 4 girls. His siblings were Key,
Buck, Mary, himself, Birdine, Rachel, Wilma and Tom.
Mr. Pershing and sister Wilma are the two living family
members.
This family lived on a small homestead on the headwaters
of the St. Johns River near Melbourne. Due to a tax
assessment by the Crane Creek Drainage District, they
were compelled to move over to Hardee County in
1937. They loaded their possessions in the old truck,
saddled their horses, gathered a herd of 250 head of
cows and headed west. They left Melbourne heading in a
Southwesterly direction headed toward Hardee County.
After arriving at the new homestead, they all worked to
carve a ranch from the Florida flat woods. Pershing’s
father, Marion B. Platt bought 800 acres out near Horse
Creek in western Hardee. The purchase price was $5.00
per acre and property taxes were $32.00 per year.
Due to very hard times, Mr. Pershing signed up to go
to work in the CCCs. This was one of the projects that
helped put America’s young people back to work. If you
take the time to look for it, you can see examples of their
work all throughout our country. Highlands Hammock is
an excellent local example. He also served in the US Navy
in WWII.
After returning from the service, he and Arleen were
married in Arcadia in 1948. Most folks just call him
Pershing (pronounced Persian), but I don’t ever recall
hearing him call her anything but Pud. They had a
daughter, Karen and a son John. They lived on the ranch in
a house that they built in 1960 until 1977. After that, they
moved into a lovely brick home set in an oak hammock
on a ranch that they purchased in 1966.
Today, Grass Valley Ranch is home to Mr. and Mrs. Platt’s
son John and wife Jan, their two daughters and son
in laws, two grandsons, several dogs and horses and
around 300 head of cattle. It has always been a quiet and
restful place to visit for relaxation. I personally have been
fortunate enough to share this experience with my boys
and more recently with grandchildren as well.
I plan to continue with accounts of experiences that these
fine people are willing to share with me. I know that they
have had a very enjoyable and rewarding life together. I
am including a few pictures to go along with this opening
account.
Better Yields, Better Quality,
Safer for the Environment
Available through Jim Dorman of Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc. (813) 601-2540
www.agroliquid.com
FL-Ad.indd 1
9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM
by Justin Smith
CITRUS UPDATE
BY JUSTIN SMITH
What’s In Your Tank?
Ever since greening infested the Sunshine State’s largest
agricultural industry, spraying nutrients has become an
almost non-stop endeavor. There are many concoctions
being put together in an attempt to keep citrus trees in
production. Many of the “cocktails” will include materials
that are not traditionally sprayed, at least not very often in
citrus production. The one thing that is included in every
mixture, no matter who put it together are nutrients, and lots
of them.
Nutritionals in every form are being blasted onto citrus
trees in vast quantities. So far, this approach has proven to
be effective in maintaining production in greening infected
trees. But as with every solution, it has also created a new
question. This question was proposed recently, at a grower’s
breakfast. Has the nutrient threshold actually changed in
citrus trees, due to the introduction of exotic diseases?
Citrus growers have been pulling soil samples and leaf
samples for decades.
The nutritional quantities are
extrapolated via several different methods of the perspective
samples. Growers and/or their managers create spray
plans and fertilizer applications according to the nutrient
content of their groves, verses the ideal percentage or parts
per million of nutrients that has been recommended by the
Citrus Researchers. This is the traditional approach and the
traditional levels of nutrients. However, if citrus growers
have learned one thing in the past few years, it is that
traditions sometimes have to be broken.
Greening is the most complex disease citrus trees are dealing
with, but it is not the only one. There is also Canker, a
dramatic increase in Phytophthora and some Black Spot, just
to name the major ones. When a tree becomes infected with
any of these, its metabolic efficiency is greatly decreased.
The tree can no longer utilize nutrients as efficiently as it
once could, before infection. So far, it has been assumed,
this meant that we needed to give the tree more nutrients in
order for it to maintain optimal levels. But could it also mean
those levels which were traditionally thought of as optimal
have changed?
Boron, for instance, is one of the most under used nutrients in
the World. Most citrus groves in Florida have been very low
in Boron. Recommendations to use Boron have, in the past,
been rather sparing. One of the prime reasons was Boron
April 2013
could go from deficient levels to toxic levels very quickly.
Now, however some of that has changed. Boron is being
used in copious amounts and there is very little or no toxicity
being found. During the above mentioned grower meeting,
leaf sample results were analyzed. The Boron levels were
found to be near the, traditional, toxic level; however the
trees which the samples were taken from were not showing
any sign of Boron Toxicity. This finding gives further strength
to the idea that, citrus trees which are infected with diseases
may require higher levels of optimal nutrient and would not
have the same traditional toxicity points.
Traditional approaches are not bad and don’t need to be
changed on a whim. But it is also a tradition that growers
typically ask a question, from observation, and then
researchers work out the details. The citrus industry may
very well be on the way to setting new nutritional values for
trees.
Now that this question is floating around out there in citrus
production land, it may be an even more important time to
let others know what you use and in turn find out how much
nutrition they use. The real question here is, what’s in your
tank?
April 2013
29
WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
The Frances Archbold Hufty Learning Center on the right and Adrian Archbold Lodge on the left.
Hilary
SWAIN, Ph. D.
BY ROBBI SUMNER
Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland,
Dr. Hilary Swain could be described as part scientist,
part conservationist, and part educator. As you might
imagine, juggling all of those parts requires a great deal
of organizational ability, not to mention having a sincere
passion for her work.
After earning her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Zoology
with a focus on Waterfowl in 1981 from the University
of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Dr. Swain worked for the
government conservation agency in the United Kingdom.
In 1985 she relocated to the United States, joining her
husband Geoffrey who is an Ocean Engineering Professor
at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne.
She became an Associate Professor in the FIT Biology
Department, teaching a wide variety of classes. She was
also involved in extensive research studies of rare and
threatened species on the east coast of Florida, with an
emphasis on the scrub habitat. That research provided
her the opportunity to work with many scientists at the
Archbold Biological Station (ABS) in Venus. Dr. Swain
went on to become Executive Director of ABS in 1995
when John Fitzpatrick left to become Director of the
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Cattle at Buck Island Ranch
Archbold Biological Station is the primary division of
Archbold Expeditions, a non-profit organization founded
by Richard Archbold in 1941. Other divisions include the
MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC) at Buck
Island Ranch which is a 10,500 acre working cattle ranch
and the Archbold Reserve which encompasses 3,648 acres
adjacent to ABS. Dr. Swain explains that although they are a
not-for-profit organization, they still operate as businesses
do, in that they follow their budget, are required to meet
the same types of regulations, and are actively involved in
the community. “With a five to six-million dollar budget
and a staff of 50, we have a huge economic multiplier in
the community.” While much of their funding comes from a
private endowment, Archbold also applies for and receives
various grants, donations, and revenues from the sale of
their own cattle.
The staff includes those responsible for operations as well
as those involved in research and education, including
environmental monitoring, undergraduate and graduate
students and programs for the public, as well as land
management and conservation programs.
“Every day is a surprise,” says Dr. Swain. “There is always
something going on – researchers coming in to study various
birds or insects, summer camps for kids, grant applications.
April 2013
ByKatie
Robbi
Sumner
Former graduate student
Windes
teaching children about different organisms.
I am constantly learning, as I am involved
in administration, agriculture, science
and public relations. I enjoy getting an
idea from one area and applying it in
another.” She also puts her expertise to
work by acting as liaison between local,
state, and federal agencies, and private
landowners when called upon.
“Biology is a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year
operation. Some aspects of biology have
been radically changed by technology,”
Swain shares. “What we do here is
typically field research. We don’t have a
lot of specialized equipment for complex
processing, so we often partner with
others, usually universities, for that type
of research. We do however have cutting
edge GIS (geographical information
systems) mapping equipment and sensor
networks. This allows for weather data
to be transmitted every 15 minutes from
multiple stations. We also collect data
from Lake Annie and measure carbon
fluxes in the atmosphere to determine
whether carbon is being emitted or
absorbed. We are particularly interested
in the carbon cycle at Buck Island Ranch,
and hope our research can positively
impact the cattle industry.”
Archbold Board Member Barbara Stewart, Hilary Swain, and Archbold Researchers
Betsey Boughton and Betsie Rothermel at the WGCU Makers Event.
Science degree and is currently interning
with a veterinarian in Kansas. Son Nick
plays football and is making the most of
his freshman year at FIT.
Dr. Swain is a Fellow of the American
Association for the Advancement of
Science and is past President of the
Organization of Biological Field Stations
(OBFS). Among other appointments,
she currently serves as Board member
for the National Ecological Observation
Network, Inc. (NEON); Board member
for NatureServe; Chairperson of the
Babcock Ranch, Inc. Board of Directors;
and member of the Natural Resources
Advisory Commission (NRAC) for
Highlands County.
Dr. Swain has been included in the highly
acclaimed “Guardians of the Everglades”
conservation and education exhibit and
documentary film presentation.
Swain lives on the ABS property, and
she and Geoffrey have two children who
each enjoyed the benefit of spending
part of their childhoods growing up at
ABS. Their daughter Alex graduated from
the University of Florida with an Animal
April 2013
“Guardians” describes Swain by stating,
A more dedicated woman you will not
find.” “Guardians of the Everglades”
celebrates the lives of prominent
conservationists including photographer
Clyde Butcher and conservation strategist
Joe Browder, among others.
In March, Swain was featured in a segment
on WGCU Public Media naming her a
“MAKER: Women Who Make Southwest
Florida.” She is one of twenty-one women
chosen from over 200 nominees rated
on leaving a legacy, building community,
affecting lasting change, defying social
norms and serving as a first in her field.
Of her work at Archbold Swain humbly
states, “It is an enormous privilege to be
in this position. The work here represents
everything I love – science, conservation,
and education.”
Cattle at Buck Island Ranch
31
FARMER & RANCHER
FARMER & RANCHER NICK JOHN
By Brian Norris
pressure on farmers to produce the food
is also growing.
The Agriculture industry in America is
reaching a critical turning point. The
population of the world is consistently
growing at a rapid rate. In fact, the
world population is predicted to reach 8
billion by 2025, according to the United
Nations. The average farmer today is
feeding 155 people annually, compared
to 139 in 2000. The demand for food
is going to continue to grow so the
Over the past few years, the farming
industry has taken some major hits. The
struggling economy and record drought
conditions have forced many lifelong
farmers to give up the only thing they
have ever known. The reality is, farmers
are needed now more than ever. The
current generation of farmers is aging;
in fact the average age of America’s
farmer is 58. It’s up to their children
to eventually take over the farm if they
choose to, or new people are going to
have to enter into the farming industry.
That is exactly what our featured farmer
is doing.
Growing up in Sebring, Florida, Nick
John was a normal kid raised in a small
town. He didn’t come from an Ag family,
he was never in FFA or 4-H, but like many
of us who grew up in the Heartland, was
surrounded by agriculture wherever he
went. “In high school”, he said, “I always
enjoyed the ag classes.” Nick says he
always had an interest in Ag, but until
recently was never able explore it. After
graduating from Sebring High School
in 2000, Nick started his own hauling
company. Following Hurricane Charley
though, he lost the majority of his work
and had to leave the hauling business.
Since then, he has started his own heavy
equipment brokering company which
has been successful, but in the back of
his mind still had that desire to be more
involved in the Ag industry.
After meeting his wife Amanda, whose
family owns Sherley Hay Inc., a hay farm
in Venus, he began to realize that his
dream to become a farmer was not that
far fetched. Nick said when he started
dating Amanda, he got to spend a lot of
time at her family’s farm and had a lot
of conversations about farming with
her dad. And having that experienced
farmer as his mentor, he decided it was
time to really start looking into what it
would take to begin his own farm.
One night at the Howard Fertilizer Plant
grand opening, Nick ran in to his friend
Ben Mayworth, also from Sebring. They
April 2013
started talking about squash that Ben
was growing and Nick brought up the
fact that he was looking to start his own
farm. By the end of the next few weeks,
Nick and Ben had decided that they
were going to become business partners
and start a farm. Ben is no stranger
to the farming industry though and
brought experience to the table, which
is exactly what Nick needed to get things
moving. Nick said, “I really wanted to
do it, but was apprehensive due to the
large amount of risk involved and lack
of experience I had.” With Ben as his
partner, Nick felt he had everything he
needed to take that leap.
Now that Nick and Ben had made
the decision to start a farm, a lot of
other decisions had to be made, most
importantly where the farm would
be located. One day while looking at a
possible lease to farm on, he stopped by
Spring Lake True Value and spoke with
Bill Bone. Being the owner there and a
successful farmer and cabbage broker,
Nick felt that it would be wise to run
his thoughts through him. Nick and Ben
were looking for about 10 acres to start
on and much to Nick’s surprise, Bill had
10 acres to offer, on his nearby ranch, for
the new farmer to use.
Ben brought his long time friend and
consultant on board to assist them with
their preparation, crop planting and
nutrition plan. They decided that they
would grow Zucchini, Yellow Squash
and Cucumber.
Nick and Ben signed the land lease on
January 14th of this year and started
disking the land that same day. Since
they broke ground, the seeds have been
planted and the crop is growing well.
Nick said, “There is a lot of trial and
error happening right now,” and that he
is learning a lot, some of it the hard way.
When asked about different technologies
that they are using, he stated they are
using many of the traditional methods
of farming, from the plowing to the
seeding. He says that after doing it this
April 2013
way, he can definitely see how newer
technology like GPS guidance can really
make everything much more efficient
and plans to utilize this in the future.
Nick says he is realizing just how much
calculated risk is involved in farming.
He mentioned that the date in which
a farmer chooses to plant could be
the difference between him having a
successful harvest, a major setback or
worse, a complete loss. He says that
they decided to plant about twenty
days earlier than suggested. Due to
the weather and possibility of freezing
temperatures, most sources say to wait
until the last full moon of February to
plant. Knowing the risk for a terrible
set back, they decided to plant early
and pray that the freezing temperatures
would not come. So far, he says, they
have been very fortunate. They utilized
plastic over their beds, which helps with
weed and moisture control as well as
extra warmth at night which has helped
them when the temperatures do drop
near freezing.
Nick says that he is constantly learning.
He’s learning about the farming process
and about himself as well. With the
full support and encouragement of
his family, he is able to dedicate the
necessary time to the farm to make it
successful. He says one of the hardest
things about getting into farming is the
financial risk. Nick says there is a lot of
hoping and praying for a successful crop
and then that people will buy what you
grow.
The rewards far outweigh the risks,
according to Nick. “To be able to control
everything (with the exception of the
weather and a few other things) from
start to finish, you can really take pride
when you look over the field and see
the work you have done.” Furthermore,
“knowing that what you are doing is
going to help people by putting food
on their table is a really rewarding
experience.” Nick says that getting into
farming has really changed him as well.
It has forced him to slow down and
really look at life and his career. He said,
“this experience has taught me to have
patience; you have to have patience to
be a farmer.” It has also had an effect
on his family. His sons now are showing
an interest in Ag. They are going to be
joining 4-H this year and will help their
dad around the farm. Nick is happy
to be a part of the next generation of
American Farmers. He understands that
new people are going to have to enter
into the industry in order for it to keep
up with the demand. “I think about the
people I know in the industry and the
majority of them are about 20-30 years
older than me.”
This also goes to show that you don’t
have to come from generations of
agriculturalists to be a farmer. You
just have to dedicate time, hard work
and take a few risks and you can be
successful. Nick will be the first one
to tell anyone that he could not have
done this on his own though. If it were
not for his friend and business partner,
Ben Mayworth, and the advice and
encouragement from people like his
father-in-law, he would not be farming.
The time to harvest is about here and
Nick is excited to see how their first crop
turns out and hopes and prays that they
will sell well. In the future, Nick would
like to expand his operation to about 40
acres. Eventually, he wants to be able to
do this full time and make a living from
growing food and feeding the people
around him. He said, “When you don’t
feel like you’re working and you really
enjoy it, that’s what I want to be doing.”
33
Lakes Park Farmer’s Market
By Brady Vogt
“Along the first big curve on Gladiolus
there was an abandoned quarry called
the rock pits. They were a group of
man made lakes. Decades before, lime
rock and shell had been excavated,
pulverized, and used as a base for the
asphalt roads being built throughout Lee
County.”
Lakes Regional Park surrounds those
older, more pacified rock pits. It is a truly
sprawling assembly of playgrounds and
pavilions, and splashing entertainments
for toddlers. There are fields for sports
and special events, smooth walkways
that meander in and out of the subtropical canopy of cabbage palms, oaks
and cypress trees. The park is open nearly
every day. Interestingly, it is located not
so far from Hendry Creek and the mouth
of the river and the back bays so that it
is an attraction by itself, to wading birds
and shore birds, to drink of the fresh
water drawn from underground deposits.
The public facility is also home to The
Lakes Park Farmer’s Market. It is a sleek,
glamorous affair despite the humble
origins of onions and red potatoes. The
Farmer’s Market is open every Friday
and held on the western side of the park.
For a country boy, it probably seems less
of a cluster of vegetable stands and more
of a carnival midway. There is excitement
in the air. The assortment of nice food
and nice things is extraordinary. Worldly
tastes, sophisticated scents, a sort of
internationalism
pervades.
Herbs,
orchids, salad stuff and Gulf Of Mexico
shrimp, French loaves and chowder, egg
rolls and sushi, kettle corn and jerky
made from every critter but the nauga
are chewed on location or slipped into
canvas bags for the trip home. There are
as well vendors that sell everything from
worm casings to roses, and from scented
hand made soaps to crunchy peanut
butter. “Hand made” and “organic” are
the key descriptors that draw the crowd.
April 2013
And there are, of course, ribs and shaved
pork and the other expected picnic
lunches and snacks to fortify one to look
those croutons and carrots over carefully.
Into the bags go the things great kitchens
are made of: lettuce and kale, tomatoes
and chilis, guava and pineapple.
A set up like the Lakes Park Farmer’s
Market is indeed a long drive from the
old fruit and vegetable stands that dotted
the two-lane road from Punta Gorda to
Naples. Cut flower growers, like Burdette
Coward’s place, and Tamiami Flowers,
owned some, maybe the better ones. The
farmers drew the travelers in, setting out
troughs by the side of the road, between
the road and the produce. The galvanized
tubs dripped because of the ice-cold
water that held fresh bunches of gladiolus
and chrysanthemums, gyp, baby’s breath
and snapdragons, and cold sodas. As
one left Charlotte County headed south,
signs along U.S. 41 proclaimed them to
be in “Lee County Gladiolus Capital of the
April 2013
World”. The farmer’s fields were fallow
at times, sometimes after a freeze and
always in the summer, after Mother’s
Day. Then they grew okra and squash
and varieties of green beans and greens.
In the winter, a few acres were set aside
for big tomatoes and cucumbers, and
watermelons and strawberries. A few
boards were knocked together and a
sloping tin roof covered the whole affair.
The foreman posted hand-written signs a
hundred yards up and down the highway,
calling attention to Georgia peaches and
sweet onions, salt-water taffy and stuffed
and glazed reptiles, perhaps caymans or
little alligators.
The new vendors are self-contained,
that is they display their products and
produce from the same vehicle that
brought them to the park and will take
them home. They drive and stand in a
kind of traveling roadside attraction.
They benefit from the gathering, so many
drawn together in the same place and
essentially for the same reason…to buy
something.
It is the setting that elevates the Lakes
Park Farmer’s Market from some of
the other open-air conglomerates
of legitimate growers and vegetable
and flower brokers that make a living
throughout this part of the state. A
customer might wander a few hundred
yards from the event and see a pileated
woodpecker and an osprey, a redshouldered hawk or a great blue heron, a
cardinal pair or a belted kingfisher. Gray
squirrels dart and crows flit from palm to
tree, ever on the lookout and overhead,
ever-present buzzards circle the land,
floating in the drafts. The pavilions and
picnic tables offer shade and places to
sit. Bathrooms are easily walked to, and
the price of admission is none. The park
has come a long way; perhaps the sharp
market completes the sound public
venture.
“Around the lakes, Australian pines
had been planted for windbreak, to
keep the sand from blowing away. The
pines crowded the trail that led in from
Gladiolus, they kept it in darkness.
When the sun moved from east to west,
the towering trees threw long shadows
across the water.”
Take a trip to Fort Myers and visit the
Lakes Park Farmer’s Market at 7330
Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers. Florida.
33908. You can call them at 239-6919349 or find them on Facebook for more
information.
The first and last paragraphs are excerpted
from “Gladiolus Drive” (The Novel).
35
Affordable Organics
By Joanna Glisson Lamarra
Have you been looking to make some dietary changes in
your life? Possibly incorporating fresh, organic produce
into your daily meals? I know, you have good intentions
but quantity and variety can be limiting and certainly the
financial commitment can be more than your food budget
allows. And of course your busy schedule doesn’t afford you
the luxury to invent new, healthier recipes, much less travel
to an organic superstore or farmers market.
Kathie Fallon, founder of Affordable Organics, a producebuying club, heard these scenarios again and again. With the
understanding that “most people want to do better, they just
don’t know how to go about it,” she knew there had to be a
better way to provide healthier food options for people. Her
passion for organic produce and mission to spread the word
to others came to be in 2005 when she was diagnosed with
breast cancer. Kathie began an organic, raw, plant-based diet
and was able to heal herself with the power of whole foods.
Fueled by her passion and armed with experience from
having a background in the restaurant business, Affordable
Organics was born in 2010. By developing relationships
with farmers and food brokers, Kathie is able to resource
a wide variety of fresh, organic, fruits and vegetables to
groups of people every week. By buying in bulk, she is able
to offer substantial savings over store prices, which means
“big benefits to our wallets, our health, and the health of the
planet.” Prices are kept low due to the growth of more people
buying organic. “What people don’t realize,” Kathie said, “is
that the more people buying organic in the marketplace will
drive the prices down – creating more selection and better
quality at a lower price!”
Staying local and buying American grown goods are also a
high priority. Kathie emphasized, “it’s important to support
local farmers and the US economy.” When selecting each
week’s shares, first preference is given to items grown in
Florida and on the east coast. Items are only purchased from
farms that are 100% trustworthy and have been Certified
Organic to ensure quality.
All this adds up to a beautiful bounty of goods that are
brought to a neighborhood near you. How does this work you
ask? Member’s monies are pooled together to order a truck
full of mixed fruits and vegetables, about 14-16 different
items. The food is then delivered to the home of the group’s
host where it is equally divided into shares; members then
pickup their shares at a prearranged time and pre-pay for
their next share.
It’s that simple. And to top it off, Kathie has already taken
all the guesswork of preparing your harvest; each member
receives a weekly email with a broad spectrum of recipes,
using the produce you received for the week. The hardest
part is trying to decide what to make first!
Just as the business model is simple, so is her mission. “I just
want to help people get quality organic food. I want people
to be able to teach their young children how to eat well so
they develop a taste for good food at an early age. Your body
will naturally crave what you eat early on.”
Sound like something you wish you could be a part of?
Starting a group in your area is easier than you think. All you
need is 15 people with one of them willing to be a group
host. Being a host does require a commitment; not just to
sort, organize, and distribute, but a commitment of passion,
and love of healthful food and a willingness to share your
knowledge. Prices for shares range from $30 - $45, but be
sure to visit www.affordableorganics4u.com to see the
variety of plans and options.
April 2013
April 2013
37
THE MOSAIC COMPANY NAMED
ONE OF ETHISPHERE’S 2013 WORLD’S
MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES
Mosaic recognized for leadership in ethical practices for second year in a row
The Mosaic Company received its consecutive recognition as
one of Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies.
The coveted honor acknowledges companies that outperform
industry peers through ethical behavior. Mosaic was first
honored in 2012.
According to Ethisphere, a record number of nominations for
the World’s Most Ethical Companies were submitted from
companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries.
The companies selected for 2013 are those that truly
embrace ethical business practices and demonstrate industry
leadership.
“This distinction provides proof that our more than 8,000
employees are successfully translating Mosaic’s promises into
meaningful action globally,” said Jim Prokopanko, President
and CEO of Mosaic. “Our culture of accountability continues
to benefit stakeholders and the communities where we live
and work. With this recognition, we’re honored and inspired
to continue growing our corporate citizenship initiatives—as
we work to help the world grow the food it needs.”
Ethisphere’s methodology for the World’s Most Ethical
Companies list includes reviewing nominations and
examining each company’s code of ethics, litigation and
regulatory infraction histories; investments in innovation
and sustainable business practices; activities designed to
improve corporate citizenship; and nominations from senior
executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.
Learn more about Mosaic’s values, ethical practices and
sustainability at www.mosaicco.com/sustainability.
The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading
producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate
and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single-source
provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed
ingredients for the global agriculture industry. www.
mosaicco.com
The research-based Ethisphere® Institute is a leading
international think-tank dedicated to the creation,
advancement and sharing of best practices in business
ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and
sustainability. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the
globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies
Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute.
Ethisphere provides the only third-party verifications of
compliance programs and ethical cultures that include:
Ethics Inside® Certification, Compliance Leader
Verification™ and Anti-Corruption Program Verification.
More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including
ranking projects and membership, can be found at
http://www.ethisphere.com.
April 2013
April 2013
39
www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com
There is a John Deere 6-Series
tractor waiting for you.
We’re ready to shake your hand.
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Fresh - Local -Organic
Worden Farm
By Robbi Sumner
Punta Gorda is home to 85-acre certified organic
Worden Farm. Founded in 2003 by the husband
and wife team Chris Worden, Ph.D. and Eva Worden,
Ph.D., the farm produces over fifty different varieties
of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
The couple met while each was pursuing their Master’s
degree in Horticulture at the University of Maryland. Each
had grown up with some type of family farming influence, so
it was only natural that they would pursue a similar lifestyle.
Originally from the Coral Gables area, Eva was raised helping
with her family’s avocado grove. Chris grew up on the eastern
shore of Maryland where his parents raised American Dairy
Goat Association certified dairy goats that were sold for
herd improvement. His grandparents were dairy farmers
in northern Pennsylvania where he would spend time in
the summers. He also enjoyed working on a neighboring
vegetable farm, all of which provided him a diverse farming
background.
After completion of their Master’s degrees, Eva and Chris
moved to Connecticut to pursue doctoral studies, she at Yale
April 2013
and he at the University of Connecticut. During their time
there, they leased some land and a home that was part of
a larger locally historic farm where they lived and began a
small farming operation. “Our experiences there affirmed
our desire to continue farming together,” Eva shared.
They moved to south Florida where Eva spent time as a
University of Florida IFAS professor stationed at the Fort
Lauderdale and Homestead Research and Education Centers.
Chris was working to complete his dissertation and they
began a small vegetable farming operation in Homestead,
selling produce at the Farmer’s Market in Coral Gables.
Their current farm property in Punta Gorda was purchased
in 2003. Beginning with just eight acres, they now have
over forty acres in active production growing a variety
that includes arugula, cauliflower, eggplant, kale, mint,
romanesco, sunflowers, and turnips, just to mention a few.
The produce is available to the local community in season
at farmers markets in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Naples.
They also offer a community supported agriculture (CSA)
farm membership program with three options: classic box
April 2013
delivery, on-farm market style, or farmers market credit.
Enrollment each year begins in April and runs until October
1st, unless availability fills up prior to that date. In addition
to providing affordable organic produce, membership
benefits include a weekly farm newsletter with recipes
and farm updates, free farm tours for members and guests
during the season, and discounts on farm workshops and
special events. The annual “Potluck Feast” for members is
always a big hit, as it provides an opportunity for members
to come together in the friendly, relaxed environment of the
43
farm. “Our box delivery members who don’t visit the farm as
often really seem to enjoy the camaraderie,” says Eva.
A number of other events are held at the farm throughout
the year. Topics such as Vegan Cooking, Home Dairying and
Cheese Making, Homemade Health and Beauty Products, and
Food Preservation are covered in their culinary workshops.
Says Eva, “It is exciting to teach people useful skills that are
traditional but aren’t currently well known. Canned products
can remain stable for a year with no need for electricity,
they are convenient to use, and provide healthy produce
when the fresh version is not in season.” Organic gardening
workshops include tips on site selection, irrigation, crop
planning, propagation, soil fertility, composting, and pest
management, and are offered periodically. Worden Farm
is also available for private group events like weddings,
birthday parties, and corporate functions. Visitors can
even make reservations for a guided tractor-drawn wagon
hayride tour in order to become familiarized with the farm.
The remaining property that isn’t used for production also
benefits from the Worden’s conservation and stewardship
efforts. They have partnered with the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Southwest
Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) on various
water conservation projects to improve environmental
quality on the land. Fourteen acres of pine flatwoods that
adjoin the farm were purchased in 2010, and thousands
of additional trees have also been planted to act as wind
breaks, improve soil and water conservation and provide
wildlife habitat.
“We like to encourage farmers and land owners to consider
organic farming as an option – it is very satisfying,” Eva
explains. She and Chris offer consulting services to help
others create successful organic production systems, with a
focus on minimum twenty-acre properties. Whether you are
interested in starting a new organic farm or transitioning
from conventional to organic production, they can assist
with crop selection and rotations, recordkeeping, insect,
weed and disease management, and even marketing for
your operation.
In 2010 the Wordens received the Florida Innovative Farmer
Award which is presented each year during the Florida Small
Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference in Kissimmee.
The goal of the award is to recognize farmers and ranchers
who are leaders and innovators in their industry. Selection of
winners is based on the demonstrated ability to use farming
practices that enhance, rather than harm, natural resources;
leading - or participating in - activities that support viable
communities, either through economic development or
contribution to regional food systems; success in making
farming systems more profitable over the long term; and
effective outreach and/or education about sustainable
agriculture ideas and practices to others, such as producers,
community leaders, agricultural educators and the general
public.
The Wordens are founding members of Slow Food
Southwest Florida, an organization that advocates for
agricultural sustainability and biodiversity through
educational programs, and promotes the consumption and
celebration of seasonal and local foods and the support of
those who produce them. Chris and Eva live on the farm,
and have a collection of animals including beef cattle, dairy
goats, chickens, and pigs. They’ve found it to be a fantastic
atmosphere for raising their two sons, ten-year old Asa and
six-year old Grant.
April 2013
“It has been an amazing ten year journey, and we look forward
to continuing farming together far into the future,” Eva says about
their life on Worden Farm. With over 500 members, the Wordens
are grateful to the community for the support shown of their organic
farming efforts.
To learn more or to sign up for the Worden Farm email newsletter,
visit www.wordenfarm.com
April 2013
45
Personal Chef
at Worden
Farm?
Try Vicki’s
Veggies!
SendMeMissions 5K Run/Walk
May 17, 2013
7pm
Hardee County Court House (courtyard)
417 W. Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
Register online at www.active.com
$20 (pre-registration thru May 10th)
$25 (May 11th thru day of race)
All proceeds support SendMeMission projects & mission trip scholarships. www.sendmemissions5k.com
Every Wednesday at Worden Farm, members can find
delicious, fresh produce, but they may not be sure how to
prepare that new vegetable they just picked up. No fear, Vicki
Chelf will be there to help! With her makeshift kitchen set up in
the barn, Vicki prepares a featured vegetable each week for
visitors to taste and then provides the recipes so they can enjoy
the delicious foods at home.
When I stopped by the Farm, the vegetable was cabbage and
I loved Vicki’s Cabbage Salad with Apples and Dill; I can’t
wait to make my own! My first thought when I was told it was
vegan was a little weary, but I am here to say, don’t knock it
‘till you try it!
To see some of Vicki’s recipes or to even order her
cookbook, visit VickisVeganKitchen.com
April 2013
We’re investing in watershed
science for future generations.
That’s our promise.
At Mosaic, our 3,000-plus Florida employees understand that watersheds are the lifeblood
of our drinking water supply, estuaries and coastal economies. In planning our phosphate
operations, we use state-of-the-art technology and hydrology modelling to verify how
surface and groundwater flows before, during and after mining. Working with regulators,
we can design reclaimed landscapes that provide flow to preserved floodplains — thereby
replenishing flows that may have been impacted decades before mining.
Join in Mosaic’s promise at www.mosaicco.com/promise.
500-Acre Reclaimed Herbaceous Wetland
North Fork Manatee River Watershed
Four Corners Mine, Manatee County
April 2013
47
FLORIDA
Potatoes
In Season Now
www.ffva.com
twitter/ FlaFruitandVeg
Most Floridians have heard of Henry
Flagler, the industrialist and a major
force behind Standard Oil. We know that
he built beautiful hotels and quite a few
miles of railroad tracks. What many people
don’t know is that because the hotels he
built in St. Augustine needed lots of fresh
produces for its upscale guests, a town
called Hastings was born – known as the
“Potato Capital of Florida.”
In 1890, Flagler deployed a cousin,
Thomas Horace Hastings, to establish a
large plantation about 18 miles west of
St. Augustine to provide the hotels with
vegetables. The establishment was very
successful and attracted other growers to
the area. By 1919, Hastings was officially
chartered as a town and potatoes were
king.
Facebook: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Potatoes are also grown in other areas
of the state. The harvest schedule varies
depending on the latitude. Up in St. Johns
County, the harvest runs from late April
through June. South Florida growers
harvest from January through much of
March. The northern growing area is split
between potatoes grown for the chip
industry and fresh, table potatoes. Further
south, growers generally serve the fresh
market.
Florida growers produce the regular,
Idaho-type potatoes, but that’s not all.
Fingerlings are grown in Florida as well as
yellow, white, red, purple and even sweet
potatoes. Each has its own characteristics,
texture and taste.
Potatoes may surprise you with their
nutritional content. They’re high in
Vitamin C and potassium. And they also
provide a good amount of Vitamin B6 and
fiber. A medium-sized potato contains
about 110 calories. (That does not count
anything you add to make it a “loaded”
potato!)
When shopping for potatoes, keep in mind
how you’ll want to prepare them. Smaller
sizes are good for salad, medium sized
potatoes work well in many dishes and
the really large ones are, when baked, a
meal in themselves. Store your potatoes
somewhere cool, dark and ventilated. At
room temperature, they should keep for
about week, longer between 45 and 50
degrees Fahrenheit.
But why are you storing them?
Here are some recipes to try today:
April 2013
Potato leek soup
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Serves 4
• 4 ounces olive oil
• 5 cups chopped leeks
• 2 stalks Florida celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups cubed Florida potatoes
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 2 cups canned skim evaporated milk
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the leeks, celery and
online. Cook slowly for 10 minutes until golden and soft. Do not
let the mixture brown. Add potatoes and chicken stock; cover,
and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 20-40 minutes
or until potatoes are cooked through. Mash the vegetables. Heat
the milk and add to the soup. Salt and pepper to taste.
Classic potato salad
From food.com (contributor: MizzNezz)
• 8 medium potatoes, cooked and diced
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 cup onion, minced
• 5 hard-boiled eggs
• paprika
Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until done. Cool to room
temperature.
Place diced potatoes in large bowl.
Mix mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, garlic
powder, and pepper in another bowl.
Add to potatoes. Add celery and onions and mix well.
Stir in eggs. Sprinkle a little paprika on top.
April 2013
49
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Asian Barbecued
Skirt Steak
Makes 4 servings
Marinade time: 6 hours to overnight
Total recipe time: 25 to 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 beef skirt steak
(about 1-1/2 pounds),
cut into 4 to 6-inch portions
1/3 cup reduced-sodium or regular
soy sauce
1/3 cup dark brown barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 green onions, cut crosswise in
half
Instructions:
Combine soy sauce, barbecue sauce, peanut
butter and garlic powder in small bowl; stir
to combine thoroughly. Place beef steaks and
soy sauce mixture in food-safe plastic bag;
turn to coat steaks. Close bag securely and
marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as
overnight, turning occasionally.
Remove steaks from marinade; discard
marinade. Place steaks on rack of broiler
pan so surface of beef is 2 to 3 inches from
heat. Broil 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare
(145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning
once. During last 3 minutes of broiling top
steaks with green onions.
Carve steaks diagonally across grain into thin
slices. Serve with green onions.
April 2013
Professional hunts
Elk - rifle and archery
Mule deer
Spring turkey
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[email protected]
April 2013
51
Donald “Don” Sellers
By Robbi Sumner
make a living by what
“ weWeget,
but we make a life
by what we give.
”
Winston Churchill
B
orn December 13, 1928, Don Sellers was truly a man
of great character. One of twelve children born to W.E.
and Bernice Sellers, Don was raised to appreciate a
strong work ethic and the importance of education. While he
enlisted in the military his senior year prior to finishing high
school, Don went to college on the G.I. Bill, and earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Chemistry/MicroBiology
from the University of Florida. “Dad was a brilliant man,” says
his oldest daughter Debbie Clements. “He had an IQ of 167
and finished the Soils program in three years even though it
was a five-year program.”
Serving in the U.S. Army during both World War II and the
Korean War, Don trained scout dogs for the 39th platoon, 7th
Infantry division, and was also a paratrooper.
Don met his future wife Clara Stein while they were
students in Gainesville, between his two active duty tours.
Her brother, Fritz, and Don were Lambda Chi fraternity
brothers. The couple married October 17, 1953 and raised
five children: Debbie, Sandy Slocum, Teresa McGehee, Don
Jr., and Benji. Each of their children were influenced by the
work of parents and extended family, with Debbie and Sandy
becoming Extension Agents, Teresa a nurse, Don a farmer,
and Benji works in transportation. Their family grew to also
include ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Don
and Clara had been married 47 years when she passed away
in December 1990.
After his service in Korea, Don farmed vegetables in Belle
Glade for a number of years, working for Billy Rogers, South
Bay Growers, and U.S. Sugar. Extremely knowledgeable about
various pesticides and fertilizers, he was often called upon
as an expert source to identify diseases or answer questions
regarding chemical formulations and best uses.
Don served on the Florida Lettuce Mosaic Committee which
was formed to eradicate mosaic disease, was an Okeechobee
County Farm Bureau Board member, and served on the
Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show Committee. He was
named Florida Agriculturalist of the Year in 1991 and was
an Honorary FFA member. In the 1990s, Don also worked
as Adjunct Professor at Indian River Community College
teaching Soils & Fertilizers, Insects & Diseases, and Marketing
& Processing of Ag Products.
Don founded the Okeechobee Sharp Shooters, a 4-H club
focused on shooting sports, in 1995 and served as its primary
leader until his passing. According to Debbie, the club
struggled initially to maintain the required five members, but
in time grew to become one of the largest clubs
April 2013
in Okeechobee with enrollment of over 60 kids some years.
“Those kids became like extended family to dad – he really
loved them,” Debbie shared.
In 2011, Don was named Volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor
of the Year for the state of Florida. According to Lynne Hawk,
Regional Hunter Safety Coordinator for the Florida Fish &
Wildlife Conservation Commission, Mr. Sellers had been
helping with Hunter Safety classes since 2001, and served as
a Chief Instructor since 2009. “Don was so knowledgeable
and enthusiastic about hunter safety and enjoyed sharing
his knowledge with others. He was one of the strongest
advocates that you could have for passing along the
sportsman’s tradition to the next generation. He was a true
gentleman and will be truly missed.”
Don Sellers passed away January 6, 2013. Services were held
at the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee where he had been
a long-time member. He leaves behind many family members
and friends who cherish their memories of time spent with
him. More importantly, he leaves behind a legacy that others
can only hope to emulate – positively impacting the lives of
others.
April 2013
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53
St. Lucie
OKEECHOBEE
The St. Lucie County Fair hosted its Wide
Open Rodeo in Fort Pierce on March 1st
and 2nd. Frontier Rodeo Company served
as stock contractor and cowboy-turnedrodeo clown Justin Rumford entertained
the crowds with his specialty act.
The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association
hosted its Spring Rodeo at the Agri Civic
Center March 9th – 10th.
Troy Hudson earned the All-around
cowboy title by earning $922 in the team
roping and tie-down roping events.
Other results included:
BAREBACK RIDING
1. Jacoby Johns, 79 points on Frontier
Rodeo’s Showdown, $536; 2. R.J. McCaslin,
58, $402; no other qualified rides.
Spring
Rodeo
Results
March is a busy time for
professional cowboys
and cowgirls in our
area, as three PRCA
sanctioned rodeos were
held over the first two
weekends of the month.
PhotoS by Kathy Gregg
Steer Wrestling
1. Kamry Dymmek, 4.9 seconds, $817;
2. Darby Hunt, 5.4, $613; 3. Justin
Thigpen, 5.7, $409; 4. Ivon Nelson, 7.8,
$204.
Team Roping
1. Hayden Grant/Dalton Edwards, 5.6
seconds, $930 each; 2. (tie) Troy Hudson/
John Hudson and Travis Dorman/Pete
Hays Jr., 6.1, $689 each;
4. Josh Jumper/Naha Jumper, 6.3, 449;
5. Charlie Day/Chad Agner, 9.2, $289;
6. Bradley Massey/Shane Hester, 10.6,
$160.
Saddle Bronc Riding
1. Ryan Bestol, 84 points on Frontier
Rodeo’s Short Cake, $566; 2. Travis
Collinsworth, 77, $425; 3. Mike Johnson,
73, $283; no other qualified rides.
Tie-down Roping
1. Rick Greiner, 11.1 seconds, $931; 2.
Seth Rodriguez, 11.4, $698; 3. Garrett
Beach, 11.6, $466; 4. Troy Hudson, 11.8,
$233.
Barrel Racing
1. Brandy Edwards, 17.01 seconds, $908;
2. Katie Palmer, 17.15, $778; 3. Marilee
Johns, 17.19, $648; 4. Sally Young, 17.35,
$562; 5. Boogie Jumper, 17.37, $432; 6.
Stephanie Lanier, 17.38, $346; 7. Christy
Honsberger, 17.46, $259; 8. Layna Kight,
17.47, $173; 9. (tie) Jamie Rewis, Wendy
Culberson and Haley Patterson, 17.58,
$72 each.
Bull Riding
1. Michael Riggs, Jr., 87 points on Frontier
Rodeo’s Donaldo, $889; 2. Dalton Rice, 85,
$666; 3. Dylan Werner, 80, $444; no other
qualified rides.
Gross, 86, $831; 6. (tie) Elliot Jacoby and
Trent Cormier, 85, $534 each; 8. Rocky
McDonald, 83, $356.
Jordan Thrasher was named All-around
Cowboy after earning $1,121, in the steer
wrestling and tie-down roping events.
Results in each event included:
Bareback Riding
1. Dustin Smith, 76 points on Silver Spurs
Club’s Biggin Gold, $752; 2. (tie) Jon Luse
and Blade Elliott, 75, $470 each; 4. (tie)
Billy Blissett, Colt Bruce and Jacoby Johns,
74, $63 each.
Steer Wrestling
1. Jordan Thrasher, 4.3 seconds, $1,121; 2.
Alan Frierson, 4.7, $841; 3. Ace Campbell,
5.5, $561; 4. Brian Barefoot, 5.8, $280.
Team Roping
1. (tie) Mike Sanders/Jay Holmes and Troy
Hudson/John Hudson, 5.5 seconds, $994
each; 3. Zeb Chapman/Tom Bourne, 5.6,
$713; 4. Brent Aldoff/Kyle Lawrence, 5.9,
$525; 5. Bradley Massey/Shane Hester,
6.0, $337; 6. Nelson Linares/Jerry Wayne
Courson, 6.2, $188.
Saddle Bronc Riding
1. Sam Spreadborough, 82 points on
Silver Spurs Club’s Biggin Gold, $935; 2.
(tie) Bradley Harter and James Greeson,
78, $584 each; 4. (tie) Isaac Diaz, Corey
Fussell, Curtis Garton, Ty Kirkland and
Nickolas LeBlanc, 77, $47 each.
Tie-down Roping
1. Stetson Aldridge, 9.2 seconds, $937; 2.
Glenn Breaux, 9.5, $775; 3. Rick Greiner,
9.8, $614; 4. Slade Bronson, 10.2, $452; 5.
Will Bradley, 10.3, $291; 6. Clint Summers,
10.9, $162.
Barrel Racing
1. Katti Pinnix, 17.66 seconds, $980; 2.
Jennifer Mosley, 17.67, $840; 3. Shawna
Bourne, 17.77, $700; 4. Kristy Carter,
17.80, $606; 5. Christi Torborg, 17.86,
$466; 6. Kaylon Rodriguez, 17.90, $373;
7. Jewels DeNapoli, 17.96, $280; 8. Traci
Walden-Monroe, 18.00, $187; 9. Terry
Tamburino, 18.01, $140; 10. Wendy
Culberson, 18.03, $93.
Bull Riding
1. (tie) Eli Vastbinder, on Silver Spurs
Club’s No. 625, and Bobby Peaden, on
Silver Spurs Club’s No. 2, 83 points, $964
each; 3. Austin Gross, 81, $551; 4. (tie) Cole
Echols and Devonte Lewis, 79, $138 each.
Be sure to check out next month’s issue for
a feature on the 85th Arcadia All-Florida
Championship Rodeo, ‘The Granddaddy of ‘Em
All” and the results from that historical rodeo.
April 2013
April 2013
55
Adams Ranch
Genuine Ranch
By Robbi Sumner
“I wanted to do something for cowboys and the kids,” says
Billy Adams regarding the upcoming Adams Ranch Genuine
Ranch Rodeo. A few years ago, working with then St. Lucie
County Cattlemen’s Association President Wes Carlton,
the idea was taken to the family of Alto “Bud” Adams who
supported the idea and came on as presenting sponsors for
the event. “The reason we stepped in to help with funding
construction of the arena at the Fairgrounds was in order to
foster this type of event in our community,” said Mike Adams,
one of Bud’s sons.
Now in its third year, the event continues to grow, with teams
from across our state making plans to converge on the St.
Lucie Fairgrounds and give it their all in the Adams Arena on
Saturday, April 6th.
“The first two years we limited the entries to 20 teams.
This year we plan to leave it open unless we get more than
29 or 30,” shared Billy. Billy is responsible for coordinating
the rodeo events and other members of the Cattlemen
and Cattlewomen handle coordinating concessions, event
promotion, and other aspects of the event.
The rodeo is a qualifying event for the State Ranch Rodeo held
in Kissimmee in September. In addition to bragging rights, the
rodeo also awards a 100% payback of the $500 entry fee paid
by each team, providing contestants with the opportunity to
pocket a fair chunk of change. The winning team of each event
is awarded $500 and the top three teams at the end of the day
take home additional checks. Championship belt buckles are
also awarded to members of the overall winning team.
The five-person teams must include at least one woman,
with half the teams competing in the first performance at
1:00pm and the others competing in the second performance
at 5:00pm. Events include Bronc Ridin’, Wild Cow Milkin’,
Double Muggin’, Ranch Sortin’ and Trailer Loadin’.
April 2013
Rodeo
Left to right: Denise Helms, Billy Adams, Mike Adams, Chuck Crews
Throughout the day, the top 10 teams in each event earn
points to determine the overall winners, and points are
posted after each event. “This gives everyone a chance to
watch the competition and it builds anticipation throughout
the day,” shares Billy. “Sometimes the leader after the first
performance doesn’t end up winning, depending on how well
teams in the second performance score.”
A Junior Sorting competition will be held in between the two
go-rounds. Contestants in that event must be 15 years old or
younger, and there are no entry fees. Each is given a Rodeo
t-shirt with the winner taking home a $50 gift certificate and
a plaque. Billy says that he hopes to grow the event in the
future to also include an essay contest for youth.
With tickets priced at just $10 and children 12 and under
admitted free, the rodeo is truly a family event. There will
even be a “kiddie section” outside of the arena with a bounce
house, face painting and other children’s activities.
April 2013
According to current St Lucie County Cattlemen’s President
Chuck Cruse, the Ranch Rodeo is their main fundraiser of
the year and all of the workers are volunteers. “This event
helps fund a number of activities that we support, like college
scholarships for graduating high school seniors, donations to
youth judging contests, and youth activities at the Cattlemen’s
convention in Marco Island.”
In addition to Adams Ranch, other sponsors for the event
include Dale’s BBQ West, Diamond R Fertilizer, Everglades
Farm Equipment, Heartland In the Field Magazine, Quail
Creek Plantation, South Florida Spreader Service, Southern
Eagle Distributors, and Women in the Outdoors.
For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit
www.slccattlemen.org
57
Hardee County
Grooming Contest
Dillard Albritton
Kramer Royal
Alyssa Barber,
Cheyenne Pohl
Destiny McCauley
Laina Durrance
Griffin Clark
Brought to you by:
Katie Henderson
Brooke Dixon
Dillard Albritton
Jansen Walker
Gage Gough
Rabbits
www.mosaicinhardee.com
Poultry
1st Place Team
1st Place Team
Steers
Swine
Fair
Grand Champion
Reserve Grand Champion
1st Place Sr. Showmanship
1st Place In. Showmanship
1st Place Jr. Showmanship
Grand Champion
Wyatt Ward
Best of Show
Madison Hilliard Reserve Best of Show
Dylan Lambert Reserve Champion
Johnathan Bishop Showmanship Mini Divison
Jack Driskell Showmanship Junior Division
Tamara Griffis Showmanship Senior Division
Wyatt Ward Best of Breed Mini Rex Tamara Griffis Best of Breed English Lop
J.W. Roberts III Best of Breed Netherland Dwarf
Kale Henderson Best of Breed Dutch
Madison Hilliard Best of Breed Fuzzy Lop
Dylan Lambert
Best of Breed Holland Lop
Christopher Castaldi Best of Breed Chinchilla
Hunter Poucher
Jacob Brandeberry
Sarah Gibson
Hannah Poucher
Garrett Ham
Elizabeth Weeks
Aiden Thomas
Cade Roberts
Sarah Gibson
Ryan Ham
Ryan Ham
Cade Roberts
Cade Roberts
Dalton Bryant
Cade Roberts
Beef Breeding
Griffin Clark
Jhett See
Colton Albritton
Alyssa Barber
Gage Gough
Eric Klein
Avery Bunch
Claudia Klein
Alyssa Barber
Kaylee Barberee
Jhett See
Dean Clark
Abby Clark
Seth Durrance
Shelby Dees
Kaylee Barberee
Griffin Clark
Dean Clark
Dillard Albritton
Morgan Crews
Griffin Clark
Grand Champion Standard
Reserve Champion Standard
Grand Champion Bantam
Reserve Champion Bantam
Sr. Showmanship 1st
Jr Showmanship 1st Place
Mini Showmanship 1st Place
Best of Show
Reserve Best of Show
Grand Champion Ducks
Reserve Champion Ducks
Grand Champion Geese
Reserve Champion Geese
Grand Champion Turkey
Reserve Champion Turkey
Grand Angus Female
Res Angus Female
Grand Angus Bull
Res Angus Bull
Grand Brahman Bull
Res Brahman Bull
Grand Brahman Female
Res Brahman Female
Grand Champion Chianina Female
Grand Champion Limousin Female
Grand Champion Simmental Bull
Grand Commercial Heifer
Res Commercial Heifer
Grand Brahman Influence Heifer
Res Brahman Influence Heifer
Grand Champion Dairy Supreme Grand Heifer
Res Supreme Heifer
Swine Junior Showmanship
1st Place Gage Gough, 2nd Place Cason Gough
Grand Champion Bantam &
Res Best of Show Sarah Gibson
April 2013
Desoto County
Youth Livestock Show
Grand Champion Steer:
Hal Turner – Turner
Cattle
Brought to you by:
www.mosaicindesoto.com
Grand Champion
Swine: CJ Nelson
Reserve Grand Champion Steer:
Krysta Court – Quinn Cattle
April 2013
Reserve Grand Champion Swine:
Will Nelson
59
Lee County
Fair
Supreme Champion
Steer Jillian Deriso
Res. Supreme Champion
Steer Shyann Mann
Supreme Champion
Swine Maddison
Norsworthy
Res Supreme Champion
Swine Shayla Connell
Brought to you by:
3771 Palm Beach Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33916
800-282-7949
Not Pictured:
Supreme Champion
Bull: Shyann Mann
Bull: Shyann Mann
Supreme Champion Steer Jillian Deriso
Supreme Champion
Heifer: Shyann Mann
Heifer: Wyatt Edwards
Grand Lee County Bred
Steer: Braden Hipp
Res. Lee County Bred
Steer: Blake Barley
Res. Supreme Champion Steer Shyann Mann
Supreme Champion Swine Maddison
Norsworthy
Res Supreme Champion Swine Shayla Connell
April 2013
Charlotte County
Fair
Pictures by Tracy Croy
Grand Champion Steer:
Alexis Dunn
Brought to you by:
Cross Ties
Farm &
Garden
crosstiesfarmandgarden.net
4371 Duncan Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
941-575-0909
Res. Grand Champion Steer and Grand Champion Charlotte County Bred and Born
steer: Chelsea Croy. This was also the Charlotte Sr. FFA chapter steer
Res. Grand
Champion HeiferWyatt Edwards
Grand Champion Hog: Dylan Legg
Res. Grand Champion hog: Hunter Pressley
(Not Pictured)
Grand Champion Heifer and Grand Champion
Charlotte County Bred and Born heifer: Katie Goff
This was also the Charlotte Sr. FFA Chapter heifer
April 2013
61
Manatee County
Fair
Brought to you by:
Jim & Reneé Strickland
24615 Oak Knoll Road
Myakka, FL 34251
2013 Res. Grand Champion Swine:
Christopher Abel
www.stricklandranch.com
[email protected]
Jim: 941-812-1785
Reneé: 941-720-2635
Fax: 877-298-8795
2013 Grand Champion Swine:
Spencer Crosby
Grand Champion Steer: Sierra Langston
Res. Grand Champion Steer:
Jessica Embach
April 2013
Highlands County
Rabbits
Grand Champion Buck
Reserve Grand Champion Buck
Cole Bunnell
Jasmine Davis
Overall Grand Champion
Res Overall Grand Champion
Poultry
Megan Stein
Julia VanFleet
Grand Champion Hen
Reserve Grand Champion Hen
Savannah Demeri
Chelsea Feickert
Grand Champion Doe
Reserve Grand Champion Doe
Grand Champion Trio
Reserve Grand Champion Trio
Joshua Orr
Lyndsay Rigdon
Jenna-Leigh LaBarr
Justin Bickman
Grand Champion Rooster
Elisabeth VanFleet
Reserve Grand Champion Rooster Jenna-Leigh LaBarr
Market Swine
Jenna-Leigh LaBarr
Justin Bickman
Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Cale Payne
Res Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Krystal Dombroski
Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Hannah Thompson
Res Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Kiara Slade
Grand Champion Carcass
Res Grand Champion Carcass
Julia VanFleet
Bo Deen
Kayla McMahon
Cheyenne Slade
Grand Champion
Commercial Heifers
Fair
Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Shelby Hill
Res Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Megan Lollis
Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Mason Price
Res Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Seth Canady
Grand Champion Commercial Heifer Shelby Hill
Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Heifer Mason Price
Market Steers
Mason Price
Shelby Hill
Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Shelby Hill
Res Grand Champion Sr Showmanship Garrett Martinez
Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Carli McWaters
Res Grand Champion Jr Showmanship Addyson Gose
Grand Champion Carcass
Res Grand Champion Carcass
James Buice
Amy Brumfield
Grand Champion
Jordan Faucett
Garrett Martinez
Grand Champion Weight Gain
Addyson Gose
Res Grand Champion Weight Gain Maggie Brumfield
Kinley Bennett
Bo Deen
Carli McWaters
Shelby Hill
Brought to you by:
Sebring Store Manager,
Jennifer Williams
1-863-991-1338
Lake Placid Store Manager,
Dawn Lightsey
1-863-532-1560
1-888-751-9000
www.TDBank.com
Kiara Slade Reserve Junior Showmanshp
Photo by MountainTopProductions
Addyson Gose Junior Showmanship
Reserve Champion
April 2013
Garrett Martinez Steer Senior Showmanship
63
2013 Okeechobee
Youth Livestock Show
A long-standing community tradition dating back
to 1969, the 2013 Okeechobee Youth Livestock
Show was held March 9th – 17th at the Okeechobee
County Agri Civic Center.
Brought to you by:
Okeechobee Store Manager,
Diane Davies
1-863-824-6700
1506 South Parrott Ave
1-888-751-9000
www.TDBank.com
The fun kicked off with the Rabbit and Poultry shows.
Over 100 rabbits, chickens, ducks and turkeys were
on display. In the end, Grand Champion Rabbit
honors went to Andrew King and his Satin doe.
Showmanship classes were won by Junior Dylan
Hodges, Intermediate Alexis Muller, and Senior
Selena Bowman.
Patrick Corby’s Bantam Blue hen was chosen as
the Grand Champion Poultry entry. Dylan Hodges
took home his second buckle of the day in Junior
Showmanship, with Matthew Lanning and Todd
Lanning winning the Intermediate and Senior
divisions, respectively.
At Monday’s Lamb and Goat show, Katlynn Lawrence
took home the Grand Champion Lamb buckle and
Carolanne Lundy took Reserve. Carolanne and
Katlynn also won their Showmanship classes,
Intermediate and Senior respectively, while Dylan
Hodges added to his collection by winning the
Junior division.
In the Goat show, Sarah Helen Davis won Grand
Champion and Jessica Humphrey was awarded
Reserve. Showmanship classes were won by Junior
Cody Deloney, Intermediate Tiffani Zeller and Senior
Jessica Humphrey.
In the Dairy show, it was Cady McGehee and her
Jersey cow who won Overall Grand Champion. The
Grand Champion breed winners were: Ayrshire
- Shiloh Anuez; Brown Swiss - Stacy Chambers;
Guernsey - John McGehee; Holstein - Alex Pluskot;
Jersey – Cady McGehee; and Milking Shorthorn –
John McGehee. Winners in the Bred By category were
Junior Cady McGehee and Senior Alex Pluskot, with
Alex taking the Overall win. Dairy Showmanship
winners included Junior Ryan Albers, Intermediate
Caitlyn Albers, and Senior Shiloh Anuez. Cady
McGehee was also named Dairy Herdsman.
With 128 hogs making weight, the Swine judge
had his work cut out for him. In the Showmanship
classes, Blaine Gibson took the Junior class, Emily
Crews Intermediate, and Cheyenne Thibodeau won
Senior Showmanship. At the Swine show, Blaine
Gibson won Grand Champion and Latt Durrance
took Reserve. Cheyenne Thibodeau and Tristan
Anderson were selected as Swine Herdsmen.
Steer Showmanship winners were Junior Patrick
Lehman, Intermediate Shelby Lynn Kirton, and
Senior Sarah Helen Davis. Sarah Helen Davis went
on to win Grand Champion Steer, with Bailey Kirton
taking Reserve. The County Bred Grand Champion
buckle went to Shiloh Anuez and Taylor Pearce won
Reserve. Gavin Beal was chosen as Steer Herdsman.
In Beef Breeding, Patrick Lehman again took the
Junior Showmanship buckle, as did Shelby Kirton in
the Intermediate class. Jessica Humphrey won the
Senior Showmanship and Overall Grand Champion
Female buckles, with Sarah Helen Davis winning for
Overall Grand Champion Bull. The Herdsman award
went to Bailey Harden.
Capping off an outstanding Senior year, Sarah
Helen Davis went on to also win the Triple Crown
buckle by being the high-point winner across three
different categories.
Andrew King
Shiloh Anuez
Sarah Helen Davis
April 2013
2013 St. Lucie
County Fair
The 48th annual St. Lucie County Fair ran from
February 22nd - March 3rd. In the Fair Queen
contest, Chelsea Prestridge was named Fair Queen,
and her court included 1st Runner-up Courtney
Cheatham, 2nd Runner-up Nicolette Smith, and Miss
Congeniality Debra Chabot.
Opening weekend of the Fair hosted the annual
Beef Breeding show and Junior Beef Breeding Show.
Top prizes went to Savannah Yarborough for Grand
Champion Bull, Emma Johnson for Grand Champion
Cow, and Ansley Merritt for Grand Champion Heifer.
In the Junior Beef Breeding Show it was too hard for
the judges to determine a winner and they all took
the top prize!
The small animal show had over 100 exhibits rolling
through the barn. Best of Show Winners included
Cavie: Erika Wimer, Rabbit: Brooke Adams, Poultry:
Korbin Martin and Small Livestock: Haylie Barbour.
Showmanship winners included Clover Bud First
Place Abi Padon, Junior First Place Grace Lamb,
Intermediate First Place Emily Combs and Senior
First Place Kayla Hamm.
Record Book Award winners included First Place
Junior I Daylyn Hutchinson, First Place Junior II
Chloe Padon, First Place Senior I Kayla Hamm and
First Place Senior II Joseph Hall.
Grand Champion Swine
Taylor Pottorff
April 2013
The Swine show Grand Champion was shown by
Taylor Pottorff and Reserve Grand Champion went
to Jacob Phares. A total of 118 swine were shown
and sold with an average price of $6.07 per pound.
Later in the week, the Steers took the stage. The
Grand Champion 1,305-lb. steer went to Dalton
Hedgedus of Beef Builders 4-H Club. The Reserve
Champion was Makayla Keeney of Show Stoppers
4-H, with her steer weighing 1,190. The Quad
County Grand Champion was shown by Savannah
Yarborough. A total of 36 steers ran through the
auction with an average price of $3.57 per pound.
The Horse Show had the following Highpoint
winners: Beginning Speed: Theresa Mueller, Junior
Speed: Addison McKnight, Senior Speed: Chrissy
Long, Western Walk/Trot: Allyson McKenzie, Junior
Western: Morgan Richards, Senior Western: Taylor
Blatchford, Junior English: Landis Knapp, Senior
English: Kirsten Basquez, Junior Versatility: Zoey
Fisher, Senior Versatility: Chelsea Prestridge, and
Dressage: Allison Raymond. Record Book winners
included Senior II First Place: Chelsea Prestridge,
Senior I First Place: McKensey Barnes, Junior II
First Place: Alex Drakulich and Junior I First Place:
Teirna Williams. Herdsman award winners were
1st rotation Tierna Williams, 2nd rotation Angel
Humphreys, and 3rd rotation Shelby Coble. Tori
Lynn Poor won the Special Herdsman award and
Micayla Bragg won the Farm Bureau award.
Poultry Showmanship
demonstrated by
Leif Martin
Brought to you by:
St. Lucie County Locations
Fort Pierce Locations:
1600 S. US1
2211 Okeechobee Rd.
5053 Turnpike Feeder Road
(Lakewood Park)
Port St. Lucie Locations:
475 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd.
8000 S. US Hwy 1
1660 SW St. Lucie West Blvd.
1-888-751-9000
www.TDBank.com
Rabbit Best of Breeds
back to choose a
Best of Show
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Makayla Keeney
65
Hendry County
Fair
The 2013 year started out well for Hendry
County 4-H and FFA members that participated
in the Hendry County Fair and the LaBelle Youth
Livestock Show. The Hendry County Fair was held
at the Clewiston Fairgrounds from February 15th –
February 23rd.
Brought to you by:
In the Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show there
were 5 calves, 3 heifers, 7 steers, 3 goats, 3 rabbits,
and 3 chickens. The highlights for each of the shows:
Sam Morgan was awarded Grand Champion Heifer
and 1st Place Junior Beef Breeding Showmanship,
Fitting and Grooming. Laice Varnum received Res.
Champion Cow and 1st place Senior Beef Breeding
Showmanship, Fitting and Grooming. 2nd Place
Junior Beef Breeding Showmanship, Fitting and
Grooming went to Karlee Lamb. Hunter Abowd won
Grand Champion Steer and 2nd Place Senior Steer
Showmanship and Dylan Abowd was Res. Champion
Steer and 1st place Senior Steer Showmanship.
Brianna Davis was awarded the Hendry County
Bred Grand Champion Steer. In Junior steer
showmanship, 1st place went to Joshua Santiago,
Mason Davis won 2nd and Landon Sutton was 3rd
Place Junior Steer Showmanship.
In the swine division, Grand Champion Swine went to
Seth Walker, while Sara Walker won Res. Champion
Swine. 1st Place Junior Swine Showmanship went
to Aaron Adams, followed by Chloe White in 2nd and
Brooke Jarvis in 3rd. In the Senior Showmanship
division, Weston Rayburn was 1st place, Carley
Morrell 2nd and Dustin Gurganious in 3rd.
Madisyn Thomley won Best of Show Rabbit and
1st Place Junior Rabbit Fitting and Grooming. Luke
Lawson brought home Best of Show Poultry, 1st
Place Poultry Fitting and Grooming, Best of Show
Goat and 3rd Place Junior Goat Showmanship. 1st
Place Junior Goat Showmanship went to Carlie
Lawson followed by Madisyn Thomley in 2nd.
The Fair and Show committee members, parents,
leaders, advisors, as well as show sponsors and
livestock buyers are greatly appreciated. All of
the exhibitors enjoyed their week and the many
memories obtained from participating in the Hendry
County Fair and the LaBelle Youth Livestock Show.
Rabbit Show
Madisyn Tomley-Best of Show,
1st Place Fitting & Grooming
Madeline Carroll-Colverbud, Blue
Gabriel Lumpkin-Colverbud, Blue
Swine Show
Sara Walker—
ReserveChampion
Steer Showmanship
Joshua Santiago—1st Place JR
Beef Breeding Showmanship
Karlee Lamb—2nd Place JR
April 2013
Labelle Youth Livestock
The LaBelle Youth Livestock Show was held at the
LaBelle Rodeo Grounds February 9th –16th. There
were 11 Pet Parade participants, 18 Fashion Revue
participants, 15 Rabbits, 4 Cavies, 29 Poultry, 61
Swine, 21 Calves, 6 Steers, 2 Bulls, 3 Heifers and 12
Goats.
In the Pet Parade, Alisah O’Bern won Cutest Pet,
Savannah Navarro was awarded Most Unusual Name
of Pet and Kensley Tracy was Most Look Alike Child
and Pet. Kenny Tracy won Best Dressed Pet, Best Pet
Trick went to Kaydence Tindall and Happiest Pet
went to Alyssa Jedrykowski.
Justin Mickelsen went home with quite a few awards
including Bantam Breed Best of Show, Waterfowl
Best of Show, Waterfowl Best Opposite, 2nd Place
Junior Poultry Showmanship, 2nd Place Junior Beef
Herdsman, Best Opposite Rabbit and 2nd Place
Junior Rabbit Showmanship, Fitting & Grooming.
Mickelsen also won 1st Place Junior Small Animal
Herdsman followed by Alyssa Jedrykowski in 2nd.
In Fashion Revue, 1st Place Junior was Edilia
Rodriquez and 2nd Place Junior went to Yanabel
Deleon. In the Intermediate division, 1st Place went
to Belani Deleon and 2nd place was Maggie Gacula.
1st Place Senior Fashion Revue was Cassidy Willis.
In Intermediate Poultry Showmanship, Maggie
Gacula won 1st place and Harley Yates took 2nd.
Joseph Rourks was awarded 1st place in Junior
Poultry Showmanship. Gacula also took 1st place
in Junior Small Animal Herdsman and Samantha
Bunting won 1st Place in the senior division.
Harley Yates also won Bantam Breed Best Opposite
and 1st Place Intermediate Rabbit Showmanship,
Fitting and Grooming. Joseph Rourks was awarded
Standard Breed Best of Show and Standard Breed
Best Opposite.
Show
The 1st Place Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship,
Fitting and Grooming went to Hannah Bechtel. She
was also the 2nd Place Junior Dairy Goat Herdsman,
won Best of Show Rabbit and 1st Place Rabbit
Showmanship, Fitting & Grooming. Emilee McNeal
took 2nd Place Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship,
Fitting & Grooming and 1st Place Junior Herdsman.
Kylie Perra won Grand Champion Heifer and Res.
Champion Heifer went to Windall Tindall. Tindall
also won Grand Champion Steer, Grand Champion
Hendry County Bred Steer, 2nd Place Junior Beef
Breeding Showmanship, 1st Place Junior Steer
Showmanship and 2nd Place Steer Average Daily
Gain.
Brought to you by:
The Res. Champion Steer went to Katelyn Steelman
along with 2nd Place in Senior Steer Showmanship.
1st Place Senior Steer Showman was Tristan Mudge
who also won Res. Champion Hendry County Bred
Steer and 1st Place Steer Average Daily Gain.
Blake Crawford won Grand Champion Bull and 1st
Place Junior Beef Breeding Showmanship. 1st Place
Junior Beef Herdsman went to Adam Reinbott,
Micah Murphy was 1st Place Senior Beef Herdsman
and Jordan Lowery was 2nd Place Senior Beef
Herdsman.
Taylor McGill won Grand Champion Swine and
Herod Spangler was the Res. Champion. In Junior
Swine Showmanship, Ethan Cox won 1st followed
by Dillon Powell in 2nd. 1st Place Senior Swine
Showmanship went to Shelby French and 2nd Place
was Shelby O’Bannon. In Swine Herdsman, Dustin
Padgett was 1st Place Junior, Marshall Platt won
2nd Place Junior, 1st Place Senior was Gage Griffin
and 2nd Place Senior was Curtis Dailey. Gage Griffin
also won 1st Place Swine Average Daily Gain with
Amanda Jedrykowski coming in 2nd.
Steer Show
Windall Tindall-Grand
Champion, Hendry Bred
Grand Champion, 1st
Place Showmanship
The Dairy Goat Best of Show went to Mia Herrera. Mia
also won 1st Place Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship,
Fitting & Grooming and 2nd Place Senior Herdsman.
Cassidy Willis was 2nd Place Senior Dairy Goat
Showmanship, Fitting & Grooming and 1st Place
Senior Herdsman.
Swine Showmanship
Ethan Cox-1st Place JR
Dillon Powel-2nd Place JR
Rabbit Show: Justin Mickelsen, Best of Show
Hannah Bechtel, Best Opposite
April 2013
Dairy Goat Show
Cassidy Willis-2nd Place
SR Showmanship, 1st
Place Herdsman
67
Glades County
Submitted by GCLYS, Inc.
Fair
Pictures by Picture This Photography
The Livestock Shows and Sale are part of a busy
week leading up to the Chalo Nitka Festival. This
year will go down as another success for all the
exhibitors involved.
One of the crowd’s favorite events of the week is the
Pee Wee Show, when the Pee Wee exhibitors parade
their animals around the ring for the judge and
all in attendance to see. There were 32 exhibitors
including 4 Chickens, 7 Rabbits, 5 Pigs, 3 Goats, 3
Dairy Calves and 10 Beef Calves.
Brought to you by:
The Dairy Show followed the Pee Wee’s with 11
exhibitors displaying 18 animals. The Jr. Calf Grand
Champion was awarded to Chloe Ahern with her
Holstein, “Beezus” and Kelsey Ahern took Jr. Calf
Reserve with her Brown Swiss, “Disa”. Sr. Calf Grand
Champion was awarded to Kelsey Ahern with her
Holstein “Snickers” and Chloe Ahern took the honor
of Sr. Calf Reserve with her Brown Swiss, “Toodles”.
The Overall Grand Champion was Kelsey Ahern with
“Snickers” and the Overall Reserve Grand Champion
was Chloe Ahern with “Toodles”. Collin Ahern won
Jr. Showmanship and Sr. Showmanship was awarded
to Kelsey Ahern.
The Steer Show was Wednesday night with 20 steer
exhibitors; Ellie Goodwin won Grand Champion
with her 1,205 pound steer and Lacy Green was
awarded Reserve for her 1,100 pound steer. Home
Grown Grand Champion went to Alexis Story with
her Lykes Brothers, Inc. bred steer. Home Grown
Reserve went to Haley Stephens with her steer
bred by Byron Storey. Lacy Green also received the
Jr. Showmanship award, and the Sr. Showmanship
Award went to Kathleen Barfield. Alaina Lee’s steer
had an average daily weight gain of 3.75 pounds,
which earned her the Weight Gain buckle.
The Commercial Heifer Show followed with 6
exhibitors. Grand Champion was awarded to Lacy
Green; Reserve went to Collin Ahern. They also had a
Showmanship competition in the commercial heifer
division and those awards went to Lacy Green for Sr.
Showmanship and Jr. Showmanship went to Jaime
Hingson.
In the swine show, there were 40 entries, including
1 swine for the 4-H Chapter raised by Tanner Mathis
(and shown by Madison Corwin) and 1 swine for the
FFA Chapter raised and exhibited by Kaleb Langdale.
Kyle Hubbard was awarded Grand Champion Swine
with his 271-pound Yorkshire X. Katelynn Barnes
was awarded Reserve for her Yorkshire X weighing in
at 264 pounds. Darcie McRoy won Jr. Showmanship
and Blake Ridgdill received Sr. Showmanship.
Overall Grand Champion Dairy:
Kelsey Ahern & Overall Reserve
Grand Champion: Chloe Ahern
Grand Champion Swine:
Kyle Hubbard
Grand Champion Commercial
Heifer: Lacy Green
Home Grown Grand
Champion Steer: Alexis
Story, Bred by Lykes
Brothers, Inc.
Grand Champion Steer: Ellie Goodwin
Weight Gain Champion Steer
(3.75 ADG): Alaina Lee
April 2013
2013 Chalo Nitka
Royalty
Jesse Lynn Espinosa
Taylor Dane Martin
Amy Kristin Perry
Jesse is 14 years old and in the 8th grade
at Moore Haven Jr. Sr. High School. She is
the daughter of Burney and Tina Espinosa
and is involved in softball, volleyball and
cheerleading. She is a member of the
“Udderly Unique” Dairy Club and the “Youth
Alive” Church Youth Group. She has been
on the Honor Roll since starting school.
After graduating high school, she plans on
attending Florida State University to major
in Sports Medicine and hopes to open her
own practice.
On February 15th Taylor Dane Martin
was crowned the new 2013 Chalo Nitka
Princess. Taylor is the 9-year-old daughter
of Dane and Linda Peeples Martin. She
has two sisters, Haley and Jenna and is in
the 4th grade. Taylor has been a straight A
student since the first grade. She enjoys the
outdoors. Her hobbies include hunting with
her dad, air boating, riding buggies, playing
softball and basketball, and taking road
trips to Gainesville to watch the Florida
Gators play football. She is a member of the
Rooters swine club, 4-H Archery Club and
Kid’s Club at the First United Methodist
Church. She was named 2012 Africian
Safari Club Youth Hunter of the Year. Taylor
is looking forward to her reign as the 2013
Chalo Nitka Princess.
Amy Perry is the 17-year-old daughter of
Carl and Ronda Perry. She has a brother and
a sister, Ross and Ashley. Her hobbies are
diving, fishing, Snow Sking and spending
time with her nieces Emerson and Lily. Amy
attends Moore Haven Jr.- Sr. High School
where she enjoys participating in many
activities. She serves as the Chaplain of
the FFA Chapter and is member of the 4-H.
Amy is a member of Glades Youth Livestock
Show and has received buckles for Jr.
showmanship in the dairy calf show and the
Steer Show. She is a member of the Rooters
Swine Club. She is also a varsity cheerleader,
a member of the Archery Club, participates
on the livestock judging team, an FBLA
member and is invloved in the Methodist
Church TNT Youth Group. Amy loves her
community and is proud to represent them
as the 2013 Chalo Nitka Queen.
2013 Chalo Nitka Junior Miss
April 2013
2013 Chalo Nitka Princess
2013 Chalo Nitka Queen
69
A Heartland Soldier’s Story Abroad
TURNING OVER ROCKS IN THE SINAI
PART II • Beneath the Surface
BY PFC. LEVI LAMBERT
R
elief of duty is en route. Views overlooking Pharaoh’s
Island will soon be dissipating like the morning clouds
that line the fiery orange wind chilled rocks, lying on the
mountaintops. As the Sinai nears its day of liberation, marked
over three decades ago on April 25 when the last of Israeli
forces pulled out of the Sinai; my relief will be topside, ready to
take command over our Outpost. By nightfall the atmospheric
pressure on my ears will be equalized to sea level.
During my journey towards the southern sector of the Sinai,
many thoughts come to mind. Unable to pay my thoughts
much attention due to our mission, I scribbled little notes
into my pocket sized, digital camo-print notebook. This past
month I have talked with many locals to gain insight about the
area and culture. Enlightened as I am with book knowledge,
interviewing locals has taught me much more about Egypt.
My local resources go on to explain how much the Sinai has
been able to grow economically since their liberation. Sharm
el Sheikh, a small tourist town near my main location, was
nothing but sand and rocks 31 years ago. The old Israeli
barracks are now filled with Egyptian workers whom live
far away from their northern homes and travel by bus once
a month to see their family. Over the past 15 years, Egypt’s
attractive locations have flourished with construction of
hotels, swimming pools, gardens surrounded by real grass,
shops, excursion ventures, and restaurants. A trip to town
can lead you to find more than you may have bargained for;
as it resembles what I picture Portobello Road to be. Bargain
is just what you do too. Nothing has a price tag; items are
sold by negotiating a price; trading is welcomed; small gifts
are offered to bring sidewalk customers to the shop around
the corner; the shop owners ask window shoppers for tips;
April 2013
camel owners allow free photos but the camel needs money
for a new blanket. From hookah shops that serve coffee to
little thatch covered booths displaying olive wood carvings
and Bedouin herbs, so much to see within the small city. A
few hundred Egyptian pounds grouped with some persuasive
negotiations and you can take home a small piece of Egypt.
Our route of travel was altered steering our convoy towards a
coastal road, set on a background distinguished by numerous
kilometers of the natural breakwater in the form of a reef.
Downhill travel along the curvy road, we cautiously pass slow
moving tractor trailers, as they echo their Jake brakes off the
walls to slow their descent. As the elevation decreases, the
flies increase. Smells of salty mist linger only for an instance
as it is overcome by smoldering tires. Piles of trash litter the
grounds between the huts to my right. To my left the view is
picture perfect with nicely painted hotels facing the water.
Now we are parallel to Pharaoh’s Island where Castle Salah
ad-Din stands just a few hundred meters off the coast of Taba.
The castle was built in 1115 by the crusaders to control the
trade and pilgrimage routes. Taba heights is a tiny jewel in the
middle of nowhere with its newly built hotels and restaurants.
A “beep beep” from the mini horn of little Toyotas stacked
tall with oversized loads of chicken pens zoom around us. As
we approach the doorstep to our destination, my personal
calendar starts to fill with activities to enjoy once again. Every
little moment of Uncle Sam’s weekend spent with fun in the
sun boost my morale.
April 2013
Since Florida’s navigation beacon lost signal so many clicks
ago, revealing how much of a beach connoisseur I have
become. All I really knew was the endless sunburnt white
sandy shores of the gulf that are within walking distance
of a hotel. Sounds of live music bounce off large umbrellas.
Serenity surrounds me by listening to the strong tide as it
gently washes outward. Waves push the timely motion of
the ocean up the beach erasing the imprints of bare feet as
the foamy sensation retreats. Yes, it is true, you caught me! I
am a Florida boy who loves the beach. Volunteering for this
appealing deployment was not hard.
Hanging up the uniform in exchange for a diving mask,
sunscreen, and a pair of shorts is my kind of day. Down by
the sea, a productive lazy day for me consists of a swim while
my phone rings with the voice of Jimmy Buffet. Beneath the
waves the Red Sea opens my eyes to the ocean of colors.
Frozen flames in the shape of fire coral are cold until touched.
Lionfish hide under coral shelves. Blue-spotted Sting Rays
lie beneath a blanket of sand. Rainbow fish dash away from
nearby strangers. Angelfish linger in the rays of light from
above. Blue Surgeonfish charge after unfamiliar faces. Schools
of glimmering silver fish dart left and right along the murky
wall that limits my exploration.
On the surface or under, sights from the southern tip far into
the mountains of the northern Egypt, my home away from
home is full of experiences and adventures. Till next time,
it has once again been a pleasure to feel closer to Florida’s
Heartland by sharing my views with each one of the readers
from across the big pond.
71
grow
Want to
Your Business?
Call us
today!
863-381-8014
April 2013
AG CALENDAR
April 2nd
2013 Florida Citrus Grower
Institute at SFSC
April 13th
Okeechobee Livestock Market
Ranch Rodeo, Okeechobee
April 3rd
U.S. Horticultural Research
Laboratory Open House at Ft.
Pierce
April 6th
St. Lucie Cattlemen’s Association
Qualifying Adams Ranch
Ranch Rodeo, St. Lucie County
Fairgrounds
April 6th
Spring Farm to table Dinner
and Wine Pairing, Rosa Fiorelli
Winery, Bradenton
April 10th
2013 Florida Dairy Production
Conference, Gainesville
April 12th
Gulf Coast Rhythm & Rib Fest,
Manatee County Fairgrounds,
Palmetto (941) 722-8951
April 12th & 13th
FHSRA Rodeo, Ft.Pierce
April 13th
3rd Annual Dragon Boat Racing
Event, Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
(941) 639-3720
April 30th
Florida Agriculture Literacy Day
April 13th
UF Veterinary School of
Medicine, Open House 10:00am
to 4:00pm
April 18th
Seminole Heritage Day Luncheon
& Program (863) 983-2870
May 15th
Cogongrass Workshop, Indian
River Research and Education
Center. Registration deadline May
3rd
April 20th
Highlands County Farm Bureau
Cracker Shoot, Quail Creek
Plantation, Okeechobee
April 20th-27th
Annual Sugar Festival, 8:00am to
Dusk, Clewiston (863) 983-7979
April 24th-25th
All Florida Ag Expo, Highlands
County Fair Convention Center,
Sebring
April 2013
May 8th-10th
62nd Annual Florida Beef
Cattle Short Course, Alto &
Patricia Straughn IFAS Extension
Professional Development Center,
Gainesville
April 20th
Sebring High School FFA War
Wash, Glisson’s Animal Supply,
Sebring
April 13th
Highlands County Cattlewomen &
TLC Therapy Hooves, Big Game
Safari Dinner & Tour, Triple C
Stables
April 13th
Bird Watching Tours @ STA5 led
by Hendry & Glades Audubon
Society, Clewiston
(863) 674-0695
April 27th
4th Annual Tater Hill Fun Shoot
8:30 am, Square One Sporting
Clays
May 16th
2013 Herd Health &
Management School, Polk County
Extension Brenneman Auditorium
sponsored by South Florida Beef
Forage Program UF/IFAS
May 17th
SendMeMissions 5k Run/
Walk 7:00pm, Hardee
County Courthouse
Courtyard, Wauchula, www.
sendmemissions5k.com
April 26th-27th
NWTF Women in the Outdoors,
Quail Creek Plantation,
Okeechobee
April 27th
NRA Annual Banquet & Auction,
5:30pm, Sebring Int’l Raceway
Hall of Fame Building
May 21st
2013 Vegetable Crop Health
Management Workshop, Balm, FL
73
Six convenient locations throughout
Highlands and Hardee Counties
www.wauchulastatebank.com
April 2013
Heartland’s Growing Businesses
B
ENCHREST
SHOOTERS SUPPLY
863-735-0979
ALLEN WIDENER
5276 JOHNSTON RD.
ZOLFO SPRINGS, FL 33890
April 2013
Benchrest Shooters Supply BC.indd 1
75
12/16/11 9:55 AM
P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563
PH. (813)708.3661 OR (863)381.8014
FAX (813) 283-4978
HEARTLAND
A Way of Life.
ORDER YOUR
SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS CARD
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for only $25.00
First Issue to Begin in
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Heartland In the Field Magazine
P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL 33563
April 2013
DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce
With Title Sponsors
MOSAIC &
SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK
Present the 4th Annual
Tater Hill Fun Shoot
PARTICIPATION LEVELS:
GOLD Sponsorship………….$500
Includes up to 6 shooters, lunch, use of a
shooting cart, Gold Sponsorship signage
& recognition during awards ceremony
Saturday, April 27, 2013 8:30 am
Square One Sporting Clays
7500 SR 70 West
(7 mi. east of DeSoto/Highlands County line)
TEAM Sponsorship………….$325
Includes 4 shooters, lunch and a station
sponsorship sign on course.
STATION Sponsorship……..$ 50
Includes business sign on a station
Individual Shooters………….$ 65
Includes 100 target shooting round and
lunch.
Youth under 18…..$ 50
Lunch Only …………………...$ 20
All levels include one raffle ticket
per registered shooter.
Mail form to DeSoto Co. Chamber, 16 S. Volusia Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266 OR Fax to: 863-494-3312
For additional info call the Chamber at 863-494-4033 or
Email: [email protected]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please sign me up for the following level:
__GOLD __TEAM __STATION __INDIVIDUAL
__YOUTH __LUNCH ONLY
Payment by: ___CHECK - Payable to DeSoto Co. Chamber
___ Bill me
___ Credit Card (Call 863-494-4033)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sponsor Name
Name(s)
Address
Phone
Email
April 2013
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_____________________ Fax ________________
__________________________________________
Fantastic Lunch!!!
BBQ Ribs/Chicken & all the
fixings sponsored by
Sweetbay Supermarket
Great Shooting & Fellowship
Exciting Prizes &
Raffle Items!
(Additional raffle tickets for sale during
event)
All proceeds benefit the
Chamber’s mission …
to promote and enhance
growth and prosperity.
77
HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU
2013 Cracker Shoot
presented by
HIGHLANDS
Saturday, April 20, 2013 - 8:30 am
Quail Creek Plantation -Okeechobee, FL
PARTICIPATION LEVELS
• GOLD SPONSORSHIP 600.00
$
Includes up to 6 shooters, lunches, use of
shooting cart, Gold Sponsorship signage
and recognition during awards ceremony
• TEAM SPONSORSHIP $400.00
Includes 4 shooters, lunches & a station
sponsorship sign on course
• STATION SPONSORSHIP $100.00
Includes sign on a course station
• INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING $100.00
Includes 100 target shooting round & lunch
RESERVATION FORM
Please sign me up for:
13TH ANNUAL
SPORTING CLAYS
TOURNAMENT
100 Target Clay Shoot
• Great Shooting
• Fellowship
• Lunch
• Exciting Prizes
• Raffle
Additional raffle tickets will be sold during event.
o Gold o Team o Station o Individual - Additional Lunches $25.00
o Enclosed is my check for $ __________________________ or o Bill me $ _______________________________
Sponsor name _______________________________________Contact name ________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________Fax _________________________________________
Please include team member names on the back of this form. For additional info call 863-385-5141
Mail or Fax form to HC Farm Bureau, 6419 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33876, Fax 863-385-5356
SHOOT PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO FIRST 300 PAID ENTRANTS
April 2013

A Way of Life. Fresh - Local -Organic Worden Farm

Transcription

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