' ' Gardens for the Greater Good The Re-Emergenceof the VictoryGarden &re.at1Aields from:Y 1'-oflerds

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1 The View From Here View From Here Our frst issue in a few years brings a picture of good times still to come...... 3 LandViews I is published for stockholders, directors and friends of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida PRESIDENT & CEO The Landing Zone Rick Bitner BOARD OF DIRECTORS Great Yields From No Fields Richard Terry, Chairman No room for a full-fedged garden where you live? Container Melvin Adams, Vice Chairman gardening is a great way to grow your own produce in small spaces...... James G Ditty 4 Fred Beshears Tales From The Peanut Gallery Cindy Eade From a largely ignored food item to a staple of the American M Copeland Griswold James Marshall diet, learn how innovations by George Washington Carver and T Butler Walker simple practicality ignited the popularity of this legume...... 8 Robert A Calvert (Outside Director) James R Dean (Outside Director) D Mark Fletcher (Outside Director) Greener Acres EDITOR–IN–CHIEF/MARKETING MANAGER Lesia Andrews Country Miles of Produce Aisles ASSISTANT EDITOR/MARKETING SPECIALIST U-pick farms are wonderful options for fresh produce. What does Debbie Shuler Iit take to start one of your own?...... 11 PUBLISHER Perpetual Harvest Southern Solutions, Inc Get long-term use out of your fruits, vegetables and herbs PUBLISHING EDITOR utilizing these time-tested preservation techniques...... 13 Mary Donovan McClellan CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Wild Things Philip Sasser PRINTER Critter Control Wells Printing Company Pesky critters? Put away that toxic pesticide. Try these safer, natural options...... 17 THANKS FOR OUR COMMENTS! I We hope you’re enjoying your LandViews from Farm Credit of Northwest F orida. P ease contact Lesia Andrews (contact information be ow) to eave comments or suggestions or if you wou d ike to write Land Views an artic e. You may a so contact us to report an address change or or request copies of our fnancia reports: Ms. McDonald Had a Dairy Farm P.O. Box 7000 • Marianna, FL 32447-7000 Cindy Eade and husband Dale, owners of Cindale Farms, 1-800-527-0647 • [email protected]. experienced the path from farm rental to farm ownership with FARM CREDIT OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA the help of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida...... 20 BRANCH OFFICES Barnyard Basics Marianna Offce a so Administrative Offce 5052 Highway 90 East • Marianna, FL 32446 I Thinking of starting your own produce garden? Check out these great tips.....23 Mail To: P O Box 7000 • Marianna, FL 32447 (850) 526-4910 • Toll free: 1-800-527-0647 Fax: (850) 482-6597 • Email: Marianna@farmcredit-f com outhern Legacy Milton Offce 5336 Stewart St • Milton, FL 32570 Mail To: P O Box 778 • Milton, FL 32572 Gardens for the Greater Good (850) 623-0407 • Toll free: 1-800-527-0647 Fax: (850) 623-4993 • Email: Milton@farmcredit-f com Learn about the legacy of victory gardens in the World War II era and how they are making a comeback today...... Monticello Offce 25 925 W Washington St • Monticello, FL 32344 Mail To: P O Box 429 • Monticello, FL 32345 (850) 997-3545 • Toll free: 1-800-527-0647 Off Our Rocker Fax: (850) 997-5039 • Email: Monticello@farmcredit-f com Tallahassee Offce A Bug’s Life 2015 Centre Pointe Blvd , Suite 104 • Tallahassee, FL 32308 Mail To: 2015 Centre Pointe Blvd , Suite 104 • Tallahassee, FL 32308 I Sometimes it takes some extraordinary measures to fght the war on bugs...... 22 (850) 656-2920 • Toll free: 1-800-527-0647 Fax: (850) 656-3272 • Email: Tallahassee@farmcredit-f com Ask the Expert Cover: Derived from a Victory Gardens poster campaign, image courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture UF-IFAS professor Jeff Mullahey, Ph.D., on hydroponics...... 23 (USDA) Also page 25 The View From Here LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1 Dark Clouds and Silver Linings No matter your station in life – whether you are working for a large corporation or doing business as a small roadside farmer, the poor health of our economy over these last few years has most likely left its mark on you and yours in some impactful way. For some, it may be that you’ve had to cut back on your discretionary spending. For others, it may be something much more serious, like a job layoff or lowered income and benefts. Whatever your individual situation, we at Farm Credit of Northwest Florida want you to know that we understand your plight, because like you, we’ve taken our lumps, too.

So, in this issue of LandViews Magazine – our frst in a few years, we will attempt to offer some homegrown, tried-and-true methods to boost self-sustainability using your own little patch of green. Whether LandViews editor Lesia Andrews befriends 3-year-old Jackie at you claim stake to several thousand acres of farmland or to a tiny pad Cindale Farms. (See story “Ms. McDonald Had a Dairy Farm,” page 20.) of concrete roof atop your apartment building, you’ll fnd something in this issue just for you. mom and dairy farmer! Make sure to read more about her and her The Landing Zone brings some common sense approaches to industry in “Ms. McDonald Had a Dairy Farm.” Also in Land Views, container gardening for the non-farmer in “Great Yields from No you’ll get the essential list of farm equipment for the backyard farmer Fields.” We’ll then give you an historical accounting of one of the in “Barnyard Basics.” Southeast’s most prolifc crops in “Tales from the Peanut Gallery.” Southern Legacy provides some insightful history and recent Once shunned because of its reputation as the ‘poor man’s’ food, the resurgence surrounding the victory gardens of World War II, in little legume has traveled a long way addition to helpful how-to advice for establishing one of your own. from its humble beginnings to All that can be found in “Gardens for the Greater Good.” its popular standing of Finally, if you’re just looking for some comedic respite from your today. daily grind, check out our regular feature piece in Off Our Rocker. Look to University Greener Acres “A Bug’s Life: Not Too Fly Back in the Day” is Jim McClellan’s of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural fnds us bringing humorous account of life on the “family farm” and will, at the very Sciences for all your farming and land-related least, put a smile in your heart. queries. IFAS is the major contributing resource the u-pick farm to LandViews Magazine, as well as the sensation to you in We hope that you’ll enjoy this issue of LandViews Magazine as consultant panel for our new regular “Country Miles of much as we’ve enjoyed creating it, because, in the grand scheme of column, Ask the Expert. Produce Aisles,” and then, things, we all are in this together, and together we all will survive. in “Perpetual Harvest,” offers Perspective is everything. some great ideas about preserving your pickings with canning and dehydration methods. InWild Things, we’ll help you avoid having to purchase costly and toxic pest control products with some unique do-it-yourself remedies in “Creative Critter Control.” Our Land Views section highlights one Northwest Florida farmer Lesia Andrews who is a rarity in many ways, but especially so because she’s a wife, Editor, LandViews Magazine 3 The Landing Zone

ftrusin~Perusing -thethe ins andand OVl-t5outs of container gardeninggardening by Sarah Hansford “I used to visit and revisit it a dozen times a day, and stand in deep contemplation over my vegetable progeny, with a love that nobody could share or conceive of, who had never taken part in the process of creation.”

This quote – from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s collection of short stories may take some time to learn. Before long, though, you’ll be reaping entitled Mosses from an Old Manse – speaks to the pride one feels from the benefts of your own homegrown treats. growing his own food and taking the earth and all its gifts into his own Once you get the hang of it, container gardening will provide hands. And, it’s a feeling that you, too, can you the same fresh, nutritious, homegrown experience. Whether you have fve feet of vegetables you’d normally plant in the earth, land or fve acres, making the commitment only you’ll be growing them on windowsills, to grow a garden full of nourishing patios, roofs, balconies or porches. Think of it produce is not only possible, but a sure Container as a mini-garden with major results. thing, and the rewards of satisfaction, gardens require more frequent pride and pleasure are exponentially watering than “in ground” Weed It And Reap greater than the size of the land in which landscapes because the exposed The benefts of container gardening are vast, they grow. sides of the containers result in and because the work can be done in almost any more evaporation. Container gardening is an excellent location and in any season, there’s hardly option for big city dwellers, suburbanites anyone who can’t do it. “Container gardens can or those simply trying to incorporate a little variety into their usual be started at any time of year, can be grown indoors under lights, and seasonal crops. Any way you look at it, it’s a great way for those who can be covered up in case of cold weather,” explains Dr. Richard Raid, don’t have ample space to cultivate large tracts of land or surplus time Plant Pathologist, University of Florida/IFAS, Everglades Research & to adequately care for mass quantities of a given crop. However, just Education Center. “They are typically small, require only minor pest like anything else that produces multiple benefts, container gardening continued next page 4 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1 Dirt Chea p The costs of container gardening can add up quickly if you opt to purchase all of your “ingredients” at the lawn and garden store so use these tips below to save some green on your green.

Use anything for a container, from an old laundry basket to a child’s outgrown wagon

Plant perennials like sage and thyme, rather than annuals

Trade or share seeds with neighbors, friends or colleagues

Make your own compost

Buy as many of the supplies as you can on sale or shop yard sales and fea markets

Pick and choose what you plant at frst You don’t need to try everything at once

Buy small plants if you’re not going to start them from seeds The larger the plant, the higher the price Better yet, start your plants from seeds Seeds often sell for less than a buck per packet!

continued from previous page spend less money and know exactly where The legendary management, but may yield abundant your food came from. “People can grow their “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” produce. They can also be grown in the city own produce and not have to worry about how was considered one of the without much space. ANYONE can garden in it was produced or what pesticides might be Seven Wonders of a container.” on it,” adds Dr. Raid. the World. Container gardening can be quite Finally, a major beneft of container economical, because almost anything can be gardening is that you can have fresh do very well in containers, but will require turned into a gardening container. “It doesn’t vegetables all year, no matter the season or more space because of their growth patterns. take a lot of money – just patience and a bit of the crop. Keep your containers outside during Remember that old claw foot tub? Try it for initiative,” Dr. Raid says. If you look around the warm summer months, and bring them vegetables like these that grow in vinelike with a new eye, you’ll be amazed at what you inside once it gets a bit chilly. A sun room patterns. can turn into a garden crib. Your grown son’s or basement can be your container garden’s If you are planning on container gardening childhood Radio Flyer wagon soon could be best friend. If you protect and care for your outside of the home exclusively, you will the home for leafy, green romaine lettuce. container plants, you’ll have a garden-fresh want to check and make sure you’re growing An old laundry basket could double as a lima supply of healthy goodies year round. the ideal crops for each season. Feel free to bean bonanza. The neighbor’s discarded rotate the produce and reuse the containers claw foot tub could instead be laden with red CreamGreaM ofo.f the Crop seasonally as well. peppers galore. If you’re still having trouble So, you may now be asking yourself, “But fnding the perfect “spot” for your garden, try what do I plant?” Growarow Where You'Motlre ’re 'PlantedPlanted shopping at rummage sales, fea markets or Well, Dr. Raid believes that the best crops As mentioned earlier, almost anything can be online, like Craigslist or eBay. The containers for container gardens are high-value vegetables used for container gardening, from bushel don’t even have to be large. They only need to such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, baskets, tubs and wagons to gallon have enough space for what you put in them. strawberries or lettuce. Almost any vegetable cans, steel drums and wooden boxes. It is the For instance, an old lunch tote would be the that will grow in a typical garden can be grown crop you wish to plant that will determine the perfect size for your very own kitchen herb as a container plant. Also consider trying size of the container you should garden. Get creative, and think outside green onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, beans, use. This may take some time to fgure out, and the “box.” radishes or squash. Parsley and cilantro – as sometimes it’s just a matter of trial and error, Speaking of the economical benefts, well as most other herbs – work well, too. but the beauty of container gardening simply living a more sustainable lifestyle can Other produce, such as pole beans, is that if something looks like it may outgrow considerably cut down your grocery bill. You’ll pumpkins, potatoes and cucumbers, can continued next page 5 The Landing Zone

Container gardening is a healthy and compact for your luscious, fresh produce. productive activity for you — and Clay and garden soil have a tendency to dry maybe even fun for the dog! out too quickly and may be too acidic, as well as possibly containing fungal pathogens, weed seeds, insect pests or disease organisms. The wisest choice is to invest in high- quality potting soil from a local nursery or gardening store. (See Tip #2, below) TIP #2 Many experienced container gardeners use mulch to help keep plants moist. Apply a light layer of mulch on top of the container. This will aid in slowing continued from previous page are recommended for the bottom of each evaporation, as well as help to keep its home, you can always just replant it into a container you use. If you are not using a the soil’s surface cooler. Certain larger (or smaller) one. The important thing container specifcally designed for gardening, plants with small, fbrous roots, like to remember is to be fexible and not to get you may need to drill them yourself. (See Tip tomatoes, can dry quickly and die if discouraged if you fnd the need to switch #1, below) the soil is too hot. things up a bit. Smaller pots, from six to 10 inches, are great for items like green onions, herbs, TIP #1 lettuce, radishes and parsley. Windowsill If drilling the holes yourself, Water, Water Everywhere boxes will typically fall into this size category. “Since root growth may be somewhat run them along the side of the The larger ones – around fve gallons and constricted in container gardening, suffcient up – are best for vegetables such as tomatoes, container, about ¼ to ½ inch from the watering is key,” Dr. Raid says. Vegetables eggplant and peppers. Look at using slightly bottom. Try adding one inch of coarse grown in containers are far more likely to dry smaller containers for plants like chard and gravel in the bottom of each container. out quickly in hot conditions, so make sure dwarf tomatoes. Whichever size you choose, This will improve the drainage and you provide them additional attention and you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of allow the drain holes to work at their keep them well-watered. Plants’ root systems space for root growth. optimal best. are restricted in containers, so if they’re not No matter the type or size of container you properly hydrated, they can often die or will use, ensure that it is draining adequately for just “fruit” poorly. successful yields. TheThe OirtDirt on Oirt Dirt Potting soil is lighter and less compact Consider whether your container material It doesn’t matter if you’re growing your than the regular gardening soil you might is porous or nonporous. Glazed, metal, plastic plants indoors or outdoors – when planting continued next page and glass containers are nonporous. Clay is herbs, veggies or fruit, your choice of soil is the primary material of porous containers. extremely important. Pressed fber and wood pots are considered If your soil isn’t up semi-porous. At least four drainage holes to par, your crops won’t be either. When determining which Tools of the Trade soil to use, you’ll want containers, fertilizer, seeds, water, plenty of sunlight to look for a container If you’re bored potting mix that will multi-purpose garden knife/scoop to tears with your containers, provide nutrients, water try painting them! Choose a and support for your plant ties (for vine-patterned growth items) non-toxic, waterproof paint produce. Do not use mulch (optional), compost (optional) and colors that will hold up 100 percent garden in the sun. soil or clay soil. It is other optional gardening items like: gloves, knee pads, too heavy, dense and watering can and a wide-brimmed hat 6 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1 continued from previous page buy, so you’ll want to water your container- grown produce more often. To make sure your soil hasn’t dried out, try the fnger test. Press a fnger at least two inches into your potting soil (do this step before you add the mulch if you choose to do so). If your soil feels slightly damp to the touch and has a bit of spring, it’s perfect; if the dirt is dry, then it’s time to water. If you keep your containers outdoors, remember to check the moisture levels often, as plants tend to dry out in intense sun and wind. Whatever you choose to plant and whatever you choose to plant it in, container gardening is food for the soul, and Nathaniel Hawthorne knew this better than anyone, when he journaled more about his garden, “I felt that by my agency, something worth living for had been done… which the mind could seize hold of and rejoice in.” Ga rd e ning in a Bag This step-by-step guide puts a very creative twist on our topic of container gardening!

WHAT YOU NEED: Pint- or quart-size heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bags, Bag of potting soil, Easy-to-grow seeds (basil, chives, garlic chives, lettuce), Water

HOW YOU DO IT: Fill bags to within a couple of inches from the top with potting soil, making sure it provides stability by pushing it all the way into the bottom corners of the bag. (Make sure the bag is closeable. Remove some of the soil if you can’t zip the bag shut.) Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with more soil. Water so the top few inches of soil are moist. Zip the bag shut and place in a sunny window. (Now, you have your own mini-greenhouse!) Check it every few days for growth. When you notice green shoots emerging, unzip the bag. Water the soil when it gets dry, but be careful not to overwater. Without any drainage holes at the bottom, the soil can deteriorate if it stays too wet all of the time. Once the plant has taken root, you can then transfer it to a pot or other suitable container.

Source: www.TheGardeningGeeks.com

7 The Landing Zone

“I would do almost anything for boiled peanuts,” iceville local Alex Martinez confesses outside of a convenience store. “I would leave everything I own to this place if they would accept it as legal tender for boiled peanuts every day.” Astronaut Martinez, while a bit fanatical about his boiled peanuts, is what one might refer Allen B. Shepard brought to as a self-proclaimed “boiled peanut enthusiast” who can’t imagine life without a peanut with him the delicious snack. His sentiments echo those of many orth Floridians who feel to the moon. the same way, not just about boiled peanuts, but anything peanut-related.

WORKINGFOR PEANUTS its way into North America via African slave trade ships in the 1700s. However, peanuts weren’t always such a popular food. In fact, before Spanish traders had introduced the peanut to Asia and Africa after the 1700s, peanuts weren’t even available in the United States, and discovering it during explorations of the South American continent. didn’t become popular until the years of the Civil War. Now, in the Not quite the grand entrance today’s peanut lovers would expect. Even United States alone, peanuts generate about $4 billion to the economy. after it touched on American soil, though, the peanut’s demand was So, just how did peanuts go from being a barely-consumed food to low and not increasing. When the Civil War broke out, however, people a common staple in the American diet? Well, there’s quite a history began to realize the important benefts to having a stockpile of peanuts behind this illustrious little legume — and it is a legume, not a nut! It’s on hand in times of need. Their most prized value was that they were interesting to know that they’ve been around for quite a long time, just discovered to be the perfect sustenance for soldiers at war. The high not on the shelves of your neighborhood grocery store. fat content, even higher carbohydrate load and recognition as an Peanuts were likely grown thousands of years ago by the Aztecs in effective protein source signifcantly improved the standing of the Brazil. They were used as sacrifcial offerings to aid in the spiritual peanut from being a poor man’s cashew to the place of prominence life of the deceased. Even more interesting is that even though their it occupies today. “roots” began in the tropics of South America, the peanut happened continued next page

8 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

continued from previous page After the Civil War was over, soldiers returning home brought the tasty peanuts along with them to share with their families and friends. Since there were now new processing methods being developed that made it easier to harvest a peanut crop, the George Washington Carver demand began to slowly creep upward. catapulted the peanut from It wasn’t until the turn of the 20th Century, a “poor man’s cashew” to a however, that their popularity really soared. high demand crop. Carver That was when George Washington Carver discovered more than 300 famously began his study of peanuts at uses for peanuts and is Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute, and catapulted responsible for the sudden the peanut into its current position of high demand. In fact, many attribute the peanut popularity of peanut butter continued next page in the early 20th century. CARVER'S CONTRIBUTIONS Some of the 300 uses for peanuts The answer is a discovered by George Washington Carver: LEGUMES resounding NO! UTS Respiratory disease Goiter treatment medications SEEDS One or two Multiple Wood stains at most Antiseptic hair dressing Soap Attached to Rubbing oil Linoleum SEED Not attached walls of ATTACHME T to walls of the shell Cosmetics Axle grease the pod Dyes and paints Cooking oil Burst open OPE I G Indehiscent on their own Gasoline Castor oil substitute (have to be naturally cracked open) Plastics Printer’s ink Nitroglycerin High in fat, Low fat Charcoal (from shells) FAT CO TE T low in content Cheeses Glue saturated fats Facial bleach Insecticide More than COST Less than nuts Coffee Paper (from skins) legumes Milk Wood fller A case of mistaken identity: Peanuts are generally thought of as nuts, Suntan remover Leather backing because they have more characteristics of nuts than legumes But peanuts Flour Laxatives grow underground, as opposed to nuts, which grow on trees In fact, peanuts belong to the family Leguminosae, which includes beans and peas Legumes are remarkable sources of concentrated protein and replenish And our favorite… nitorgen in soil — also characteristics of peanuts So while it may look like Fat producing cream! a nut and function as a nut in cuisine, the peanut is a legume

9 The Landing Zone

continued from previous page industry’s overall success to Carver and his discovery of over 300 uses for the peanut. It should be noted, though, that not one of those uses was as a spread to use with jelly between two slices of bread!

An average Four of the top 10 peanut farm is approximately 100 acres. candy bars contain To give an idea of how many peanuts this peanuts is, it is estimated that there are enough peanuts in one acre alone to make Chocolate manufacturers 30,000 peanut butter use 20 percent of the world’s peanuts sandwiches. Adults consume more peanut butter than kids No, the invention of peanut butter has a more indefnite origin. Some say that the ancient Aztecs ground a paste An 18-ounce jar of peanut butter requires more than made of peanuts, while others attribute its invention to John 850 peanuts Harvey Kellogg in 1895, when he fed peanut butter to the patients in his sanitarium. By 1922, it was being promoted Two of our U S presidents were as a health food! Whoever the inventor, though, George peanut farmers: Jimmy Carter Washington Carver is defnitely responsible for and Thomas Jefferson the explosive popularization of peanut butter, along with its other uses in oils, cosmetics and peanut butter cookies. The world’s largest peanut is 20 feet tall, and it’s currently INA NUTSHELL kept in Turner County, Georgia So, Carver’s studies basically resulted in building an entire agricultural industry. The cotton crop that had sustained the One acre of peanut crop yields enough peanuts to make South for years was being destroyed by boll weevils, tiny little 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches bugs that fed on cotton buds and fowers. With its chief export What is Arachibutyrophobia? It’s the fear of having peanut under fre, many Southern butter stuck to the roof of your mouth farmers took advantage of the opportunity and began peanut The reason peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth is harvesting. Armed with because its high protein content absorbs moisture Carver’s discovery that legume Creamy peanut butter can be used to remove chewing gum plants can refortify soil with from clothes and hair nitrogen necessary for cotton growth and his subsequent The local name for peanut butter in Holland is “pinkdakaas,” suggestion to rotate cotton and which means “peanut cheese ” peanut harvests, the peanut growing business soon became The average American boy eats 1,500 peanut butter widely popular. Today, the U.S. sandwiches before reaching his 18th birthday is the third largest producer of peanuts, following closely behind Unshelled raw peanuts should not rattle when shaken China and India, with an industry count of over 25,000 American Other names for peanuts are goobers, earth nuts, grass nuts farmers. Of all the peanuts grown in the U.S. each year, and monkey nuts 68 percent of them come from farms in the Southeast. Mr Peanut, of Planters fame, was created in 1916 by a To the peanut enthusiasts of North Florida, we say, 13-year-old boy who drew up the concept for a logo contest “Join your friends in the peanut gallery.” We may not be held by the company legumes, but we’re all a little nuts…for peanuts, that is.

10 Greener Acres LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

by Mary Donovan McClellan

Picking your own produce may seem like drudgery for anyone who does it for a living, but for everyone else, it’s entertainment for the whole family. In fact, participating in u-pick activities is one of oldest forms of agritourism. Akers of Strawberries Baker, Fla. BREAKING NEW GROUND In 19th Century Great Britain, gardeners would often play host to London city dwellers who yearned for relaxing ways to rejuvenate themselves by offering groups an entire day’s worth of picking, preserving and picnicking. During that same time period, apple growers in New Jersey and New York would lure urbanites into their groves for an entertaining outing of plucking apples from the trees and enjoying the benefts of the country life. Interest in u-pick farming increased in the 1950s when the population began to boom, and suburbs sprouted to alleviate the bulging confnes of large cities. Those changes also brought about the concept of gleaning, the practice of paying a fee to scavenge a farm after the main harvesting had been completed. And while some charitable organizations still continue the practice today, the “fun factor” became dulled in the 1960s, mostly due to an awareness of pesticide toxicity. However, interest again began to rise in the 1980s when American farmers found themselves strapped for funds by the recession and looked for other revenue-producing avenues. Today, u-pick farms have become extremely popular for many reasons, mostly due to a nostalgic connection to our forefathers, but because it is economically sound and a worthwhile way to put food on the dinner table. continued next page Visitors to Gainer Blueberry Farm in Chipley gather fresh, plump blueberries starting in early June. 11 Greener Acres

continued from previous page Baker is home to the FROM THE GROUND UP popular Akers of The question you may now wonder is, Strawberries, where “Could I start a u-pick farm of my own?” visitors pick delicious The frst thing to consider in answering that local strawberries question is if you have what it takes. For one, along with a selection you must love the work. Hate long hours, of other produce. The farm serves feeling sweaty or just people in general? strawberry ice cream Then, this business may not be for you. It and shakes, in requires many long hours – especially in the addition to strawberry beginning – and there is just no way of getting shortcake. around that fact. In addition to the elbow grease, you will probably also have to put some fnancial backing into it, but once the farm is up and running, the rewards Separating Apples will greatly exceed the initial startup costs. from Oranges Once you’ve determined that this is something you still wish to pursue, the real Before you begin, make sure fun begins because your farm can be as you’ve covered all your bases: unique and original as you are! To understand Contact local county offce for zoning what needs to be accomplished in getting laws and other regulations. your farm started, take a look at this article’s sidebar, “Don’t Jump the Gun.” If nothing Understand government weight and else, this will start you off on the right foot measure regulations. as you build a very fulflling and worthwhile Contact health department for health hobby or career. Whatever you decide and sanitation codes. though, the u-pick farm is an enjoyable escape from today’s hurried world. When Secure an insurance agent to determine you explore the options outside of our modern necessary/required coverages. diversions, nothing comes closer than a At Cypress Cattle and Produce in Contact local co-op extension offce for u-pick farm for quality, wholesome family Ponce de Leon, you can pick a wide guidance. fun…unless, of course, you decide to start one variety of produce or purchase already of your very own. picked items like these fresh turnips. Determine accounting, payroll and The farm also offers ranch-raised beef. human resource practices. The only thing left is the cornbread!

Betting the Farm Top Tips for U-Picks Various ways a u-pick farm can create Start with a small area and begin with a popular additional revenue: u-pick produce.

On-site gift shop One-day workshops Research and understand how to work with small crowds. (canning, fower arranging, School tours produce preparation, Limit customer access in the beginning by setting specifc composting) hours or limitations (i.e. kids 12-and-under welcome during On-site activities (making these hours, pick by appointment, etc.) applesauce, corn mazes) Property rental for gatherings Let no produce go to waste. Harvest what hasn’t been “Your Farm” specialty picked, and package for sale. cookbooks Strategic partnerships with neighboring businesses (i.e. Mark off sections for parking. Special events, open houses, local recreation, other local tours, occasion destination destinations of interest, bed Invite smaller groups to be your farm’s frst guinea pigs. (i.e. wedding, pumpkin and breakfast inns, tourism patch, haunted house) businesses) Brainstorm ways to be unique and stand out from the rest. 12 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

Resurrecting traditions of preserving, canning and dehydrating by Thalia Aurinko-Mostow Bruehl

ost crops usually hold high moisture content in their fresh Food preserving dates back long forms, making them susceptible to biological or microbial decays. MThey are therefore known as perishable or semi-perishable. “Post-harvest before recorded history, when processing and preservation like refrigeration, dehydration and canning ancient people dried herbs, meats, can make the crops last for an extended period of time by minimizing the enzymatic and microbial activities by adding or removing heat, or fruits and vegetables under the sun. reducing the water activity of the crop,” explains Wade Yang, Food Preservation Specialist at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Many historians even believe that University of Florida. this concept led to the first advances Read on as we explore the basic principles of preserving food, whether it be through canning or dehydrating, or other ways in which to push toward civilization. Preserving food back your crop’s expiration date. is still a viable – yet refined – option Food Preservation: Nuts & Bolts today and can help you maintain “The key beneft of canning and preserving is shelf life extension, but there are also other benefts,” says Yang. “For example, blanching edibility and nutrition well past the (cooking briefy in boiling water) can signifcantly enhance the green color of leafy vegetables like spinach, while dehydration (removing water from produce’s normal lifespan. foods) can dramatically reduce the volume and weight of fresh produce.” continued next page 13 Greener Acres

fruits like apples, pears, cherries and plums, as well as vegetables like beans, corn, tomatoes and collard greens. If you are interested in canning, it is best to begin with foods that are high in acidity. Garden produce that is high in acid, like tomatoes and most fruits, can be safely preserved with the less-complicated boiling water method of canning. This simple way to preserve food can be done using your kitchen stovetop and some inexpensive canning equipment. Most vegetables are low in acid, but some may be effciently canned using the boiling water method if they have been pickled frst. The acid in the vinegar used for pickling makes them more like their high-acid counterparts and makes your job a lot easier! Canning of cucumbers, okra and beets in this manner produce some highly favorful results. Because vegetables with low acid, like peas, carrots, beans and corn, need to reach a continued from previous page extremely hot or cold places to prevent them temperature of 240 degrees to kill all bacteria, Whether you’re working with fruits or from expansion or freezing. preserving them can be a bit trickier. You’ll vegetables, canning (which includes jellying It should be noted that when preserving need to cook these in a pressure canner to and pickling) is the most common method of foods, nutrient loss can occur depending on allow them to reach the high temperature preserving. Other methods include: the method and product. “There is a they need for safe preservation. This method – varied degree of nutrient loss during the because of the special equipment – is a bit Dehydrating (sun-drying, air-drying, preservation process,” explains Yang. “In more complicated and expensive, but well electric or oven dehydrator) canned green beans, about 63 percent of worth the cost, especially if you plan to use it Curing (salt, sugar, nitrates, smoking) Vitamin C and 17 percent of beta-carotene exclusively. Baking are lost.” New and emerging processing and No matter your choice of high- or low-acid Vacuum Sealing preservation methods, such as ultrahigh produce, you’ll need to invest in canning jars, Freezing pressure and pulsed electric felds, have aided like Ball or Kerr. These are especially designed in this dilemma and have been shown to for canning and will include both the heavy Canned foods are generally good for one extend the life of home-canned foods without glass jars and the two-piece lids necessary for year or a bit longer, though highly acidic causing a signifcant loss in nutrients. safe preserving. The beauty of this investment canned foods, like tomatoes, have a slightly is that the jars can be reused over and over shorter shelf life. Canning techniques will Canning: In Hot Water again for many years to come; however, new change depending on the acidity of the fruit Canning is thought to have been discovered lids must be purchased for each new canning. or vegetable being preserved. in 1810 by Nicolas Appert, a Paris Canning jars come in many sizes, and you’ll You can help your preserved foods last confectioner and chef who was ultimately want to pick out the size based on what you’re longer by storing them properly. “Careful dubbed the “father of canning.” Once the preserving. Most people use pint and quart storage will enable you to get the most process was established, it was immediately sizes for items like applesauce, whole or out of the preserved foods,” Yang adds. implemented for various uses in the sliced fruits, tomatoes or pickled vegetables. “For example, for dehydrated foods, it is French military. continued next page crucial to store them in cool, low-humidity Fruits and vegetables environments to avoid moisture rebound. that hold up in high heat Also, you’ll want to track the expiration environments (i.e. foods that dates of your canned foods.” Cupboards do not become mushy) are and shelves at home make ideal places for preferable for canning. Produce storage; however, avoid storing them in that can pass that test include

1414 Volume 12 Issue 1 continued from previous page are best for pickles, as well as large or sliced Most often, whatever jar size you choose will Pint-size and quart-size jars can be purchased pieces of fruit. The smaller eight-ounce jars be sold in boxes of one dozen each and are in both regular and wide mouth styles, which can be used for jams, jellies or even relishes. continued next page

Basic Canning Step-by-Step (high acid foods) Begin by checking the jars for cracks, nicks or neven rims. Clean rim of jar. These can inf ence sealing, and yo r canned goods will be no good if they’re not sealed properly. Remove lids from hot water with a magnetic lid lifter.

Wash the bands, lids and jars in hot, soapy water. Center the hot lid on yo r jar. Allow the sealing compo nd to come in contact with the jar’s rim. Rinse all items, and dry the bands. Apply the clean, dry band, and adj st ntil ft is tight. Heat the jars and lids in hot – b t not boiling – water. Ret rn flled jars to canner. (You can use a large stock ot or sauce an for this task.) Place lid on canner, and t rn p heat till water is at a f ll rolling boil. Bring water to a simmer. Let jars sit for the time designated in yo r recipe. Keep jars in hot water ntil yo ’re ready to se them. When the time is p, take off lid, and let jars sit as they adj st Fill yo r boiling-water canner halfway p with water, and rest to the temperat re. the rack on the rim of the canner. Remove jars from canner, and set pright on a towel to prevent Prepare yo r preserving recipe. (see IFAS website address at the jar breakage that can occ r from the temperat re difference of end of this article) a cold co nter.

Using a jar lifter, remove one hot jar from the hot water. Do not to ch for 12 to 24 ho rs. Empty the water inside the jar. After a day, check the lids. If the lid cannot be lifted off, then it Fill jars, one at a time, with prepared food sing a jar f nnel. has a good seal. (Make sure to leave whatever heads ace is recommended in your reci e.) Store and enjoy as needed.

Remove air b bbles by sliding spat la between the inside of jar *The rocess is almost the same for low acid foods, exce t that you and the prepared food. Repeat 3 times. will switch out the boiling water canner with a ressure canner, and follow your ressure canner manufacturer’s instructions.

What you’ll need: boiling water canner* (for high-acid foods) or press re canner and lid (for low-acid foods) canning rack (usually comes with your boiling water canner, but must be urchased se arately if you’re choosing the makeshift route*) 8- to 12-q art pot plastic spat la timer canning jars jar lifter NEW lids and bands (reuse of the glass jars is fne, but lids must cooking thermometer be re laced each time you can to jar f nnel achieve seal erfection) lid wand prod ce

*If you don’t have a boiling water canner, you may be able to create a makeshift one out of items you already have. Try substituting a dee sauce an or stock ot. The ot needs to be large enough that you can immerse the jars in water with one to two inches over the to and boil ra idly with the lid on. With this o tion, you will still need to urchase a rack.

15 Greener Acres How to Make a Solar Food Dehydrator IMPORTANT: As this homemade dehydrator is built from cardboard, make sure to kee it away from water sources.

Prepare food for dehydration by washing the prod ce and blanching it (cooking it in boiling water for j st a little while). For the heat-catcher, take a long, shallow cardboard box and c t a few holes in the narrow sides. Line the bottom of the heat-catcher with black plastic and d ct tape and adhere clear plastic across the top. Make s re not to cover the holes! For the main compartment of the dehydrator, se a larger cardboard box and c t a hole in the side. Connect it to the heat-catcher. Place food on a non-galvanized screen on top Dehydrating fruits and vegetables of the box. Yo can also stretch cheesecloth like these peppers eliminates the need for across the top and place the prod ce on that. refrigeration while preserving their nutrients. Place the main box on a stool in the direct sunlight, positioning the heat-catcher at an continued from previous page angle where the s n will hit it the hardest. relatively inexpensive, especially when you Along with the money you’ll save by extending Use scrap cardboard to make an air duct consider their long-term use and the other the life of your produce, dried foods can make between the heat-catcher and the drying box. benefts provided by them. great snacks. Dried foods weigh very little and It may take several days to dry the prod ce take up hardly any space. They require nothing completely, b t after the food is dry, p t the Dehydrating: special about their storage except a cool, dry dried food in the freezer for a few days to cabinet. No refrigeration is required. Pack kill any insect eggs. Here Comes the Sun them in your kids’ lunches or take a handful Store in a cool dry place in an airtight “Most fruits and vegetables can be subjected with you hiking or backpacking. However you container. to dehydration as a preservation option,” choose to enjoy these delicacies, know that For more information on canning, dehydrating says Yang, of one of the oldest methods of each morsel is packed with all the nutrients and food reservation, lease visit the IFAS preserving food. Microorganisms and bacteria Mother Nature gave them. website at: edis.ifas. f.ed /topic_canning_food. thrive in moisture-rich foods. Dehydrating You can, of course, splurge on a modern is the process of removing water from the food dehydrator and save yourself a bit of product. In this process, hot, dry air circulates time, but making your own is a simple way SCREEN through the food and thereby eliminates the to preserve your food and save some cash. DRYING BOX moisture. Plus, you have the added beneft of the food dehydrating experience! Try dehydrating: There are two types of homemade HEAT dehydrators: electrical and solar. Both will CATCHER Fruits: apples, bananas, grapes (seedless), get you the results you want, but a solar peaches, blueberries food dehydrator requires less pieces and, because it’s controlled Vegetables: carrots, corn, BLACK by the sun, requires PLASTIC green beans, no outside energy, peas, peppers, zucchini, thus saving you mushrooms “green” as well Herbs can be as making you STOOL OR CHAIR SUPPORT dehydrated, too! “green”! CLEAR PLASTIC

AIR FLOW 16 Wild Things LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

by Mary Grace McClellan

We’ve all seen them: those creepy, crawly, slimy — maybe even cute and furry — little pests, feasting like the kings they think they are in a cornucopia of our painstakingly-managed home gardens. So, how do we respond to these assaults? Do we douse them and the precious fruits of our labors with the smelliest, most toxic chemical compounds we can fnd? Do we resort to – egads! – the daddy of all pest control methods: silent-but-deadly toxin-laden pesticides?

Making Matters Worse Now, certain pesticides have their purposes, but more often than not, their use in home gardens should be strictly limited to situations calling for one absolute last-ditch effort. Support for that reasoning is widely understood; however, Larry Williams, an extension agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), gives the soundest of arguments in his article, “Not All Garden Insects Need to Be Killed.” In his discussion about the negative effects of pesticide use, he discloses some interesting information that probably could sway even the most ardent of users. Basically, his hypothesis is that pesticides and insecticides can sometimes make matters worse. continued next page

17 Wild Things

continued from previous page hormone levels throughout all the For most garden pests, the life cycle from various human life stages. creation to death is extremely rapid and Given that overall health of predictable. They reproduce at unimaginable the human population is already rates and die before you know it. Because of partially determined by inherited this quick turnaround of events, exposure genetics of which nothing can to large amounts of pesticides at any given be done, the introduction of point along the life cycle can actually beef up unnecessary chemicals into the pest’s defenses and unwittingly create a our environment is destined to resistant species of that particular pest. So, wreak havoc on our already- basically, all the good intentions in the world compromised immune systems. have done nothing but boomeranged right Not to mention the fact that back into your home garden. not all garden insects are bad. In addition to the strengthening of a pest Some make their livings out of species’ numbers, pesticides also pose a preying on the unsuspecting evil danger to the health of human beings. There insects that are the actual targets are literally dozens of diseases, illnesses and for our pest-ridding efforts. syndromes that can be linked in some way Those efforts are not insect- to the use of these chemical compounds. To specifc in most cases; thereby, begin, incidents of breast cancer, infertility causing the home gardener to and birth defects are higher in prevalence have to use more chemicals due among families living in or near to the fact that he has Chemical pesticides are toxic — posing risks such as cancer, farming areas that use executed the very infertility and Parkinson’s Disease — and should be used pesticides. Other health bugs who where only when other safer and healthier efforts fail. indicators from similar aiding him in his groups include tendencies Most aphids efforts to begin toward Parkinson’s are female, due to asexual with. For lack of a better Mother (Nature) Disease, childhood reproduction, or single explanation, it’s a Catch 22, Knows Best parent cloning. cancers, Non-Hodgkins and the “catch” is the use of Believe it or not, Mother Nature has kept the Lymphoma and weakened chemical compounds. insect community in its place for millions and immune systems. Recently, it has also come So, now that we understand the negative millions of years. Some might even venture to to light that the chemicals in pesticides play effects of these deadly composites, where is a say that she has a few bug-riddance tricks up a role in Endocrine Disruption, the newest of bug-ridden gardener to turn? Sometimes the her sleeve, and in combination with some of the toxicology felds involving its effects on solution has been with us from the start. the ideas mentioned in this article’s sidebar, Mother Nature’s Laws of Common Sense Pest Control, a fourishing bounty is sure to be had. One of the most interesting facts in nature’s tome is that indigenous plants are practically Mother Nature’s Laws immune to indigenous pests. That may seem a bit basic, but the logic behind it is priceless. of Common Sense Plants native to a specifc area are well- established survivors; otherwise, they would Pest Management have become extinct long ago. Having existed side-by-side for so many eons, plants have strengthened their defenses with every Most pests only feed on certain types of plants. Try “companion planting,” a method of seed they bear. The genetic code in the Keep a wide array of plants in your garden. planting pest-resistant crops, like garlic, plant population fne-tunes itself with each onions, mint and sage, among those crops that generation, exactly like the Darwinism theory Rotate your plants so that one species doesn’t are more susceptible to infestation. grow in the same location more than once as it applies to the plant kingdom’s animal every three years. Integrate your garden with benefcial insects, counterparts. They also have developed other the natural enemies of the pesky pests that geographic-specifc securities as well, such as Weed thoroughly and often to remove hiding destroy your home garden. Ways of integrating these tiny helpers include releasing adaptation to an area’s environmental and soil places for your garden’s pests. conditions, mechanical protection within the Harvest vegetables as soon as possible to purchased ladybugs or praying mantis eggs continued next page keep rats and mice at bay. into your garden or attracting wasps, bees and birds with pollinating fowering species. 18 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

continued from previous page general make-up of the leaves, seeds and stems, and even the phenomena known as Pesticides generally do not affect the presence mutualism. Mutualism is the plant species’ of potato bugs. They build up quick ability to design an inviting environment immunities to the chemicals and for natural enemies of herbivores; thus are prolifc breeders. establishing an “enemy of my enemy” sort of arrangement. The plants either react to an attack by releasing various odors into the air to alert the hunter that its prey is near, or go on the offensive by providing a favorable lair for the hunter in exchange for protection from the plant species’ own natural enemies. It’s all very fascinating and elaborate. It is also mind- boggling how the power of the survival instinct can manifest itself, even in a plant. Thinking Caps and Such Unfortunately, a plant’s natural adaptations can only go so far, and that’s when the home gardener must take matters into his or her own hands. It is at this crucial time that important decisions must be made about how best to assist the garden varieties in reaching maturity and beyond. Thinking outside the box comes in very handy at this time. In our journey to achieve a pest-free home garden, there are some very inventive The Thinking Gardener’s Guide techniques that can be used along the way. Try any or all of the ideas we’ve discovered to Creative Pest Control in “The Thinking Gardener’s Guide to Pest Cr eative Control Creative Pest Control,” and then come up Cutworms Fit “sleeves” around plant stalks using empty toilet paper with some of your own as well. Your rolls, paper cup cylinders or bottomless coffee cans. Remove imagination is the only limit to the goal of a as plant matures. pest-free home garden. Spidermites Keep garden humid or remove infestations with a jet of water. If All Else Fails Ants Sprinkle garden rows with “hot dust,” a mixture of dried If all of the chemical-free alternatives chili pepper, red pepper or dill weed. Strategically place somehow fail to keep the pest population in cucumber peels along the ant route. your garden contained, then it may be time to resort to the big guns. However, make sure to Cabbage Fit footless pantyhose legs around heads of cabbage, use these products cautiously and sparingly. Worms caulifower or broccoli. You can always go for more later, but it’s very Slugs Scatter used coffee grounds around plant bases. (Starbucks diffcult – and sometimes can involve some gives away their used grounds just for this purpose!) Take a serious consequences – to go back and try to fashlight and salt shaker to your garden in the evening. repair damage done if you use too much right out of the gate. Deer Mount Irish Spring soap bars or unused fabric softener Pesticides or insecticides should always sheets atop stakes and place throughout the garden. be your last line of defense. Why would you Rabbits Spray plants with homemade garlic-pepper spray or want to unnecessarily use them anyway, when purchase the ready-to-spray scents of their predators. there are so many other safe, reliable and creative ways to relieve what’s bugging you Snails Leave vinegar in a shallow pan overnight. Hollow out orange and your garden? or grapefruit halves, and leave them out overnight upside down. Pour salt on the trapped victims. 1919 Land Views Ms. McDona cl

by Mary Donovan McClellan , It was the rural Midwest artist, the late Don t Buy the Farm for the Cow Grant Wood ---a painter famous for his “ The Eades, who have been married for over 30 years, are the owners ,, ,, ,, American Gothic ”depiction of an older and operators of Cindale Farms, located in Marianna, Fla. Prior to their farm’s inception, Dale Eade did a student internship at Bassett farm couple with a pitchfork ---who said it ,, ,, Farm in Monticello, Fla. while fnishing his University of Florida best when he theorized, All the good ideas , Dairy Science degree. The couple eventually went into business with I ve ever had came to me while I was milking the Bassett family, but in the mid-1990s, when the family decided to ,, sell the business, the Eades wanted to start a dairy farm of their own. a cow. Nothing could, be closer to the truth, especially once you ve enjoyed the experience So, they rented established farms that were no longer being operated. , Finally, with the help of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida – yourself. In fact, that s exactly how Cindy an agricultural lending organization located in Marianna, Fla. – Eade and her husband, Dale, came upon the the couple bought the land for Cindale Farms, built the dairy-related notion of making a living out of milking cows, facilities, and moved their cows over from the rented properties in and they tried it out before diving in headfirst. December 2003. continued next page 2020 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1 continued from previous page can account for up to 50 percent of the farm’s “The farm-renting experience really opens gross income, and when you’re managing your eyes to the realities of operating your 400 head of cattle, with intentions of adding own dairy farm,” said Cindy. “It’s a great another 200 or so in the near future, you’ve way to try out the dairy business and, with got to have a reliable way to keep it all the help of institutions like Farm Credit, straight. That’s where their computer comes eventually make it permanent.” Today, as in quite handy, and their co-op arrangement “managing members” of Cindale Farms, as well. the Eades have also brought one of their The cooperative to which Cindale daughters into the fold, cattle veterinarian Farms belongs is called Southeast Milk Meghan Austin and her husband, Brad. Inc. (or SMI). SMI plays a very important This is a perfect ft because Meghan is role in the cycle of milk from cow to cup. already well-acquainted with how a dairy Most importantly, it coordinates the farm operates, and it is anything but transportation, processing and distribution business as usual. of pasteurized milk products on behalf of its , member farmers. Currently, 300-plus Working Til the farms from Florida to Louisiana to Tennessee Cows Come Home are members of SMI. The co-op owns the This cow, affectionately named “Dolly,” was Imagine your workday beginning shortly Gustafson brand and has recently purchased more of a family pet than a milk-producing cash cow. Nonetheless, she milked on past her prime after midnight and going well past late the Winn Dixie processing plants in and became a mother fgure to the young cows. afternoon. It’s probably not your ideal work Hammond, La. and Plant City, Fla. under scenario, but cows will let you know – in very the name Sunshine State Dairy Farm. SMI of Pavlovian response – their milk will begin verbal ways – that they must be milked twice a also provides fuid milk to Publix for its store to descend as they are walking over to the day at 12-hour intervals. Therefore, the days – brand. Furthermore, when the Eades receive milking parlor from the pasture. As they reach every single one of them – begin with the frst their paycheck, it is SMI who pays them after the initial holding area, a simple sprinkler milking at 1:30 a.m., and go until well beyond it has collected payments from the grocers system gently sprays their undersides to the second milking is complete. Between the and deducted the expenses for hauling and prepare their udders for the milking units. milkings, there are the additional responsibil- promotion. Overall, being a member of a After a “drip dry,” they are then guided into ities of feeding, breeding, herd health and cooperative eases the burden of trying to do the milking chamber, one after the other. feed production. Also, if baby calves are everything yourself. But cows – like people – can have their little around, there are twice-a-day bottle feedings idiocyncrasies about all of this. Some will as well. While this schedule may seem Milking, It for only milk at one particular station, some daunting to Average Joe, it was designed by All It s Worth must be frst or last, and some like to stand the Eades with one very important element in In describing the business of the milking around after they are fnished to keep the next mind: family time. When the couple frst dove business itself, the procedure is a beauty to one company. Whatever their taste, they all go into the dairy business, their two daughters behold, and the cows are so well-trained to through the same process: fling into the were both in school and living at home. the process, that oftentimes – in a variation milking stations, having their udders dipped By arranging the milking schedule in this in an iodine solution to prevent the spread of manner, family life could proceed as normally mastitis, hand milking to get the milk fowing, as possible. Now that the girls have moved attaching milking units with “suckers” to on, the routine just fts, and this dairy farming each of the four teats, and another iodine dip family has no intention of changing it. after the milking units are removed. Schedules aside, the business of running a Rarely does a cow have diffculty dairy farm and all its complexities can appear producing milk, unless of course, they are ill to be overwhelming to the outsider. In other or suffer from mastitis. In those instances, words, it’s more than just milking cows, they are milked as usual, but theirs is although that does take a good bit of time and siphoned off in a different direction. After organizational skills. It’s also about fnance, they get their bearings back, their milk will transportation, labor relations, livestock be processed with that of the healthy herd acquisition, and so much more. The Eades once again. have fortunately discovered a nifty computer Once the milk has been collected (on software application, called AgManager, to average, 55 pounds of milk per cow per day), help them track inventory, costs and the like. it is sent through a series of pipes into a It’s a good thing, too, because the feed alone continued next page Cindy Eade prepares milk extraction equipment. 21 Land Views

continued from previous page " A dairy farm life with all of its duties and routines, can be so nearby room, where it is cooled to an rewarding, just by spending your days out in the fresh air and average of 37 degrees and stays until a milk open fields. And nothing beats getting to be surrounded by a truck comes to take it away for processing. It herd of loving mothers. is then distributed to the local grocery stores " and ends up in your family’s refrigerator. conception, pregnancy, birth and milking. At in the pasture to prepare for the delivery Of course, you can’t have milk if you about two years of age, the usual procedure of her calf. There she will give birth to the don’t have babies. And, naturally, cows are is to artifcially or naturally inseminate a calf, at which time the baby will receive its no exception. So, one of the other major heifer (a female cow who has not yet birthed own identifcation number (a combination aspects of dairy farming is making sure a calf). After seven months of gestation, of the calf’s birth year and month and its that female cows are on a constant cycle of the pregnant cow will spend two months mother’s ID number) via ear tag and tattoo. Beginning at two days after the birth, the babies will be bottle-fed, and their mothers will be integrated into the milking process. The frst time she is milked, a frst-calf heifer (a female cow who has given birth but not yet been milked) will go through a type of orientation by following an older, more experienced cow through the milking parlor. She will continue this orientation until she is familiar with the process. Cindy Eade and her daughter, Meghan Austin, know frsthand Moooooooved by how the mothering and nurturing Motherhood instincts of women are great It is probably because of the wonder of benefts to dairy farming. motherhood that women do so well in the dairy business. “This industry is perfect for women,” said Cindy. “We have an innate understanding of what these mothers go through as they birth their calves and provide milk. Who better to relate to these animals?” Meghan had another thought as well, “A lot of producers hire women because they are just more nurturing, and the cows can sense that. It’s relaxing to them, which increases their productivity.” A dairy farm life with all of its duties and routines can be so rewarding, just by spending your days out in the fresh air and open felds. And nothing beats getting to be surrounded by a herd of loving mothers. Just ask Cindy or Meghan about #286. That would be Dolly, who was more of a family pet than a milk-producing cash cow. At six years old, she had seen a lot of other cows come and go, but she did still milk way past her prime and was affectionate to her owners and very motherly to the other cows. Now, she’s been put out to pasture, but in days gone by, sitting beside her, peacefully “milking a cow,” led to a whole new world of Grant Wood’s “great ideas.” It’s as if time stands still for just that instant – at least until These young calves keep the mothers’ milk fowing as they prepare to become the next the milk runs dry. generation of dairy cows at Cindale Farms. 22 LandViews ~ Volume 12 Issue 1

Barnyard Basics by Talia Aurinko-Mostow Bruehl From Garden to Table: Te Personal Farm

So, you want to start a produce garden? Maybe you’ve been dreaming about feeding your family the freshest of food, or maybe you just want to give your green thumb a workout. Maybe it’s the feel-good sensation of self sufcient living – i.e. why pay someone else for what you can do yourself ? Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Getting the Lay of the Land whatever debris and large rocks are covering First things frst: Have you set your goals? the soil. If there are already plants growing How large an area will you be using? How there that you’d like to save, dig them out much produce do you want that land to with your shovel and replant them where yield? Start to plan your dream garden, how you’d like. you’ll design the land, and what you’ll want Whether you hire a professional or do to grow. Remember to keep the seasons it yourself, make sure to test the soil. It in mind, as most items grow better during should have a pH value between fve and certain times of year. (see seasonal produce eight, depending on the items you plan to sidebar) grow. You can pick up a pH meter kit at Once you’ve sectioned off the land you’ll your local hardware store. You might be be using, prepare the land by removing best off choosing plants that thrive with the same pH preferences. For example, cabbage and asparagus both fourish with readings What You’ll Need between 6.2-6.6, while french beans and to Get Started leeks both prefer a pH between 6.5-7.5. SEEDS If you have an offcial survey of the land, can include fowers, corn, beets, this may come in handy as you begin to carrots, squash, potatoes, beans, plot your garden. If not, take a large piece peas, onions of paper and sketch the general shape of your garden. Map out how much growing YOUNG PLANTS space you have and determine to plant Seasonal Produce tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, accordingly. Lettuce can be grown six to melons, peppers, herbs eight inches apart, but pumpkins need Cool-season vegetables: to be at least four feet apart. You COMPOST beets, radishes, kale, purchase or make your own can fnd growing instructions and Swiss chard, broccoli, requirements on seed packets, in For more information, visit this website: caulifower, cabbage, carrots, livinggreen.ifas.uf.edu/waste/composting.html books or by asking an attendant at your nursery. arugula, lettuce, peas, potatoes, ORGANIC FERTILIZER Finally, plan all plantings around two spinach, turnips main growing seasons: the cool-season PICK OR SHOVEL and the warm-season. Research which vegetables will grow best during which Warm-season TILLER crops: (or the “double digging” method if this seasons depending on your location. purchase is too expensive for your budget) corn, cucumbers, Te Dirty Work eggplant, beans, melons, You’ve planned, plotted and prepared. Now, FENCING summer squash, peppers, (optional, but helpful if you have it’s time to get your hands dirty. You’ll want problems with animals) continued next page pumpkins, tomatoes

23 Land Views

continued from previous page planted areas moist until the seeds germinate like a placeholder. A cover crop, which can to start by tilling compost into your prepared and the buds begin to sprout. include such items as beans, lentils and alfalfa soil. Sprinkle your compost onto the soil, and and is also known as “green manure,” will use a tiller just like you would a mower. Start Te Daily Grind help you build strong soil, while suppressing at one end of the garden and, making straight Once your garden is growing strong, make weeds and controlling pesky insects. You can lines, go up and down until all the soil has sure it stays that way. Some plants, like corn, cover the area with thick black plastic cloth to been tilled. Till the compost thoroughly, but may need to be fertilized throughout the solarize the soil when it’s not being used. This be careful not to overtill. You only want to till season, especially if they look like they need also helps to keep the weeds at bay. until the moisture content is just right. The a little kick in the pants to get going. Other As the year goes on, make sure you’re soil should feel loose. Map your layout in the plants, like tomatoes, might need to be staked revisiting your farming goals and resources. soil using a shovel or rake. Stakes and strings as they grow, especially if you notice that This will help you stay on track, and remind can be used to help section off the rows. you’re developing insect problems. you of why you started the project in the frst Just before planting, you may opt to rake in (see article in this issue titled “Creative Critter place, which can be especially helpful on days a light fertilizer so that when the seeds start to Control”) when sticking to it seems a little tougher than grow, they already have nutrients on hand. You may not be using all plots at once, so usual. And trust us, it will get tough, and you Now, it’s time to plant! Place the seeds in to make sure unused plots stay viable and will want to quit, but keeping the dream in rows and cover. Water regularly, keeping the healthy, you can try planting a cover crop— mind always wins out in the end. Harvest Time! Te frst year with your produce garden is kind of a “getting to know you” time. Keep notes on everything you plant, so that next year, you’ll know that your tomatoes grew faster than you planned and your zucchini could have been picked when it reached six inches. Until you sort it all out for yourself, here are a few pointers on when it’s time to eat those gorgeous fruits and veggies: Broccoli & Peppers Leaf Lettuce Beans Peas Caulifower can be eyeballed matures should be and harvested about 40 days harvested when they reach after seeds are should be while the a useable planted. can be eyeballed, picked three heads are size. and can be weeks after still compact, harvested up fowers frst and before buds until the frst appear. start to separate. frost. Head & Romaine Lettuce is ready after about 70 days.

Tomatoes Carrots Corn Pumpkins & Melons are ripe Winter should always be when Squash allowed to ripen they are ready are ready when on the vine, but is ready for change after the rind is hard. will continue to harvest when color about two ripen after they its silks are Summer and feel to three are picked browning Squash frm months. as well. and have should be You can to the harvested turned soft. pick them touch. while young when the and tender, and no longer than core succumbs eight inches to gentle thumb in length. pressure. 24 outhern Legacy Volume 12 Issue 1

by Carie Conner t’s beginning to look a lot like…1944? that nine to 10 million tons of produce were As ridiculous as that idea may sound, harvested in the backyards of American family’s meals and it actually holds more truth than one may citizens, which rivaled that of all commercial formal dinners. assume. Aside from the obvious similarities, production growth of fruits and vegetables. The USDA is like a country that is facing the same perilous Gardening became an endeavor that families promoting a campaign economy of 70 years ago, coupled with and communities took part in to make food similar to the one used in an unpredictable market and a soaring rations go further. Families World War II called, “Know Your Farmer, unemployment rate, 2012 also has seen the in urban areas joined the Know Your Food.” The purpose resurgence of a wartime tradition — the movement by planting of the campaign is to create new return of the victory garden. small gardens on their “Plant more in ’44” economic opportunities by “Victory Gardens” was a campaign rooftops and in public parks. encouraged the planting of victory gardens by nearly making a stronger bond between launched during World War II to get citizens Eleanor Roosevelt even 20 million Americans. consumers and local producers. involved in the war effort by growing their planted a victory garden on The overall goal of the campaign is to own fruits and vegetables. Most produce the White House grounds to support local farmers, strengthen rural markets were limited on both due to a raise awareness and generate press about communities, promote healthy eating, and - ·. shortage of labor and transportation, so homegrown goods. preserve natural resources. ■ Americans were encouraged to plant on After the war ended, so did the campaign Posters, pamphlets, and other propaganda their own property. Almost 20 million to promote victory gardens. Many Americans were used to promote homegrown harvests Americans joined the war effort and began stopped planting crops and began relying on during WWII. Today bloggers, writers, harvesting their own victory gardens. The their supermarket’s produce aisle again. journalists, and even YouTube videos are US Department of Agriculture estimated However, recent interest in local and advocating for a victory garden restoration, organic produce has led citizens and people are taking the bait. back into their backyards and Debbie Conner, Master Gardener, has been growing their own crops. With growing her own plants and vegetables since food safety issues, like occasional she was six years old. Her grandparents owned tomato, lettuce and cantaloupe a farm and made it a family event by picking, salmonella scares, more and shelling and storing the harvest. She even paid more people are reaching out some of her way through college by growing to their local farmers for fresh and selling her own vegetables. Her childhood produce. Paired with the issues memories carried into her adult hobbies, and of a troubled economy, global she now works in her own garden when she can. warming, and fuel conservation, “I grow my own food because I like the a victory garden revival may taste better, and I know what’s going into the come back in full scale. soil,” Debbie says. But there is more behind “A new generation of her personal garden than just knowing she isn’t victory or peace gardens can feeding her family pesticide infused produce. remind us how to reduce our Debbie also admits, “I like seeing something carbon footprint, while teaching grow and knowing I am the cause of it.” valuable lessons in backyard Her garden is now flled with tomatoes, gardening and home economy to cucumbers, onions, peppers, eggplant and American families today,” said herbs that she uses to cook her family’s meals John Forti, curator of historic on a daily basis. Not only is her garden all landscape at Strawbery Banke. natural and packed with healthy vegetation, it Leading the movement is is also economical. For example, one tomato our own First Family. Michelle plant is cheaper than buying two tomatoes. Obama is encouraging the organic Plus, the plant produces more tomatoes, and trend by cultivating a garden on the seeds can be reused. the White House lawn, which is When the weather is warm and the fowers the frst to take root there since are in bloom, get outside and plant a piece of Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden history. Raising your own victory garden will during World War II. The food from not only let you partake in a patriotic tradition, the Presidential garden is being but it also gives your family healthier food and This letter from 1942 to customers of Farm Credit, then known as used in the preparation of the puts extra money in your pocket! Production Credit Association, encouraged planting of victory gardens. 25 Off Our Rocker

by Jim McClellan

here’s a 20-square-foot section It was clear his convictions about the and insisting I pick some vegetables to put of my backyard where no insect issue ran deep. in them. I would return from the garden life exists – and I suspect it never So, year after year, I would dutifully plant defeated, with a reddish-brown tomato that will again. In order to keep bugs a small garden and watch with pride as my was half-rotten and teeming with insect life. out of my vegetable garden plants grew and bore fruit. Then, just as my “That’s okay,” Mama would say. “We’ll last year, I sprayed enough tomatoes were beginning to blush ever so just cut off the bad parts.” Then she would poison on that one small plot to slightly, the invasion would begin. The silent carefully whittle it down until all that create a suburban no-fy zone. dinner bell would ring and the insect armies remained was a mostly bug-free half-inch That’s because I approach the issue of pest would lay siege to my work. chunk of meat. Of course, she would also control like Genghis Khan in Asia – with Every day, I would troop out to my plot make sure that piece wound up on my plate. overwhelming force and no mercy. and literally pull bugs and worms off of Having to actually eat it was like being If that seems a bit over-the-top, then you don’t appreciate how much I hate garden pests. Some people set out simply to In the Great Garden Wars, my tomatoes were discourage bugs from eating their plants. France – fat, delicious and defenseless. Not me. My goal is to write a dark new chapter in the history of their species, to and out of my plants and their fruit. I was punished twice for the same crime. have generations of six-legged vermin telling outnumbered and outwitted, but I gave it Somewhere around age 12, I called it stories about me for centuries to come. my best. quits on the gardening. I was a defeated Before you judge me, understand that The carrots did okay thanks to their general executing a strategic retreat. I knew I didn’t always feel this way. In fact, as a hide-the-good-part survival tactic. Ditto the I would fght again, but it would be on my youngster in Blountstown, I was actually radishes. terms and with a more powerful arsenal. an avid organic gardener. My father was But, God help the tomatoes. In the Great It took more than 30 years, but I did opposed to using poison in the garden, and Garden Wars, my tomatoes were France – it. I got back into gardening and, I’ll have he passed that ethic along to me. I think I fat, delicious and defenseless. And no to say that my chemical warfare strategy was eight when he explained his heartfelt matter how I staked them up, they always worked to perfection. I still didn’t harvest philosophical views on the subject. drooped toward the ground as if they were any vegetables, but at least I take comfort To wit: “If I have to spend money on that surrendering to the buggy horde. knowing my plants died from incompetence garden, I might as well just buy the tomatoes My mother, an eternal optimist, would and neglect instead of bugs and worms. from the store.” try to raise my spirits by making salads I consider it a moral victory. 26 Ask the Expert Volume 12 Issue 1

by Jeff Mullahey, Ph.D.

I don’t really have a green thumb to speak of, but do have a huge interest in doing a little backyard farming. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about hydroponics. What exactly is that, and is it something I could do? (Jen Sullivan, Walton County)

Absolutely, Jen! And thanks for the question. makes the foating system design simple compared to other systems. Hydroponics is a great way to grow your own food, Not only that, but you can grow a crop of lettuce in only four weeks! and it can be done to whatever scale you choose. The The container options are endless depending on available space advantages of hydroponic systems are that no soil (patio, roof top, backyard). Anything from buckets, plastic containers is required, you have the ability to control the nutrient level in and “kiddie pools” to larger plastic lined wood frames or anything the media, the process produces higher yields, and fewer inputs capable of providing about a fve-inch depth may be used. Just make (fertilizer, chemicals) are needed as compared to other systems. sure the container is leak proof and keeps the liquid inside it dark enough The principle behind hydroponics is that crops are grown under to prevent algae growth and to ensure sunlight doesn’t make any chemical changes to the solution. In the case of a glass jar, simply paint an opaque, dark color around the outer glass from the water line down. A complete nutrient solution is created by mixing a water soluble fertilizer (such as 20-20-20 with micro nutrients, available at local garden centers) with water according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Sometimes it is necessary to add salts such as soilless conditions – i.e. in water or a mineral nutrient solution. There magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) to complete the nutrient solution. are many hydroponic systems available today, such as perlite systems After the solution is mixed and poured into the container, the crop is using lay fat-bags or dutch buckets, nutrient flm technique (NFT) placed into the container and no further adjustments with fertilizer systems, vertical systems and foating systems. For the purpose of are needed. this forum, however, we will focus on the foating hydroponic system We do have other more “high tech” options, but this method is due to the simple design. The foating hydroponic system is a great, great for the novice hydroponic gardener. In your case though, keep it low-cost way to grow large amounts of food such as leaf lettuce, simple, and your rewards will be great…in about four to six weeks. greens and herbs. In a nutshell, the plants (these are transplants, not seed) are For additional information on hydroponic gardens, visit our website placed into net pots installed on a styrofoam board that foats in a at edis.ifas.uf.edu/hs184, or you can get other IFAS information at container flled with a premixed nutrient solution (ie. fertilizer). www.ifas.uf.edu. The foam board is usually one-and-a-half to two inches thick, and the net pots are set so that the bottom barely touches the nutrient solution when foating.Transplants are carefully placed into the net Jeff Mullahey, Ph.D. is a Professor at the pots so that the stems, leaves and a portion of the roots are suspended University of Florida and Center Director above the nutrient solution level, allowing new roots to grow into for UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural the solution for uptake of water and nutrients. With some roots Sciences (IFAS), West Florida Research and Education Center. suspended in the air space above the nutrient solution and new roots growing into the solution, there is no need for aeration, which IFAS is your one-stop resource for all things agriculture. Ask your own questions of our IFAS expert at [email protected]. 27 LandViews is different from other magazines because we understand the issues that are important to our readers. We let the experts speak out concerning trends and conditions that will affect the agricultural industry in Northwest Florida. And, we stay in touch with the people who make our region special.

LandViews is a publication of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida. Like our magazine, we go the extra mile by treating our customers with deep regard and providing them with the highest level of professional expertise. Our vision is to be a partner to the farmers of this region so they can thrive and prosper. In essence, the core mission of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida is Helping Rural America Grow. We hope you enjoy reading LandViews as much as we enjoy serving YOU.

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