by Emma Reynolds Ezell It’s raining, it’s pouring the old man is snoring… I am all most certain that is how the rhyme starts out as I remember from being a kid. As I am typing this letter it is currently absolutely deluging outside the office, and I say “come on raymon’.” I borrowed that last saying from one of our long time employees. As the weather warms up, I find myself saying it more and more days about 4 o’clock in the afternoon when it so hot and sticky outside that it almost has to rain. Rain is a good thing. There is nothing quite like it. We can run irrigation every day to keep the trees growing, but after a good rain, you can almost hear how happy the trees are. Everything feels refreshed and renewed, green and growing; and it is good for the soul. Thank you Lord for the rain! The timing of the rain this year seems to be doing great things for the crop this year as well. I feel like there seems to be more good sized fruit on the tree at this time of year than in previous years. Now that we have wrapped up the 2014/2015 fruit season and having to work around the harvesting, spray limitations, and bees; it feels like we are running wide open to stay ahead of the rainy season (June 15th to Sept. 15th according to BMPs) fertilizing, herbiciding, summer sprays, maybe even a little tree planting in the mornings before it gets too hot. There is always something to do in the groves. Looking ahead to the 2015/2016 season; another saying that I have borrowed from some folks that having been growing citrus a lot longer than I have is “Hope”. I see new plantings and resets going in the ground, and some less well maintained groves being shaped up or taken out; meaning investment in our industry is being made. All this effort to grow citrus for the next generation of fruit and juice amid continuously declining box estimates, government vetoes, raising prices in the store and falling demand gives me hope.

JUNE 2015

• Citrus Leaf & Soil Sampling • HCCGA Social Media Presence • FireWall Sect. 18 Re-approved for Fresh Grapefruit • Ag Sales Tax Exemption • Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference • FSA County Committee Nominations • Rootstock Selection Guide • Citrus Expo 2015 • 2015 Calendar of Events • Info Notes

Just like the rains refresh and awaken the environment and plants around us, each new season brings with it hope and a renewed sense of expectations that this new season will be better than the last. A little tweak here, a new idea there and we are off and running. That ‘Greening’ word is still around, but so are new words like “premiumization,” an idea to make orange juice more attractive in the trendy health and wellness market instead of just a breakfast juice. Good things are coming I feel for those who are just stubborn enough to hold on for a few more seasons, have a little faith and hope and just keep growing. It’s what we do, we are growers. In closing I’d just like to say, ‘come on raymon’, I could use a little nap in my truck to reflect on growing this wonderful Florida citrus before the boss comes to check on me.

Emma

2015 Calendar of Events July 23rd

HCCGA Board of Directors Meeting @ 3:00 PM 6419 US Hwy 27 South Sebring, FL 33876-5712 863.385.8091 www.hccga.com [email protected] BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emma Reynolds Ezell, President Billy Barben, Vice-President Andrew Fells, Treasurer Ned Hancock, Secretary Kyle Bentley Pat Hargaden George Laurent Francisco Pines Andy Russell Darin Simmons Jim Snively Jay Whitaker Jeff Williams Tony Williams Darryl Wirick

STAFF Ray Royce, Executive Director Debbie Chavis, Administrative Assistant

July 24th - 26th

Caladium Festival - Downtown Lake Placid

August 19th & 20th

Citrus Expo @ Lee County Civic Center

August 27th & 28th

Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

September 10th & 11th

FFVA Agricultural Labor Relations Forum Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando

November 3rd - 5th

Ag-Venture @ Highlands County Fairgrounds

November 4th

Florida Ag Expo @ UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center - Balm

December 12th

2015 HCCGA Citrus Fun Shoot @ Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee

For additional information about any of these meetings or events, contact Ray at the HCCGA office

Start each day the citrus way!

CUTRALE 602 McKean Street Auburndale, FL 33823 Office (863) 965-5302 Fax (863) 965-5966

Dean Evans (863) 287-2251 Keith Hinkle (863) 381-1735 Mike Whitney (863) 581-3674

I get quite a few calls about where things stand with the exploration of the Federal Research & Promotion Order issue that is being studied by the Florida Citrus Commission. It is important to recognize that this is an extremely complex situation and one’s perspective is probably greatly affected by which segment of the citrus or orange juice industry one is currently engaged within, or believes they will derive most of their income from in the future. The position your Board of Directors has continually taken is that they are primarily, if not solely, concerned with what actions will bring the best value to the product (mainly oranges grown for use in NFC) that is produced in the groves of Highlands County. Below are some brief excerpts from Citrus Commission Chairman Marty McKenna’s address at Citrus Mutual’s Annual Citrus Conference for your consideration as the investigation of this important issue probably draws very close to conclusion. "The Department of Citrus has been studying the Federal marketing concept since January of this year. This industry is extremely challenged in the marketplace today. In a recent presentation to the Department of Citrus by Dr. Ron Ward, he referred to the Department of Citrus as the granddaddy of all programs and suggested that we do everything that protects what we have. Low production and the high cost of inputs have driven fruit costs high. Brands are trying to source quality fruit at prices that allow them to be competitive in the marketplace. This situation has caused imports to rise. While retail prices have risen, consumption has declined. Florida growers are caught financing the entire generic marketing campaign even though there's a mechanism in which all importers could contribute to this program; they choose not to. Essentially a federal program would require Florida growers to participate in promoting imported juice while diverting dollars that should be devoted to marketing 100% Florida orange juice. Dr. Ward's definition of generic advertising is: "Cooperation among a group of producers of a homogeneous product for the purpose of disseminating information to enhance the demand of the commodity." Does the North American consumer believe OJ is a homogeneous product? Florida growers need to answer the question: Are we producers of a homogeneous product? Florida orange juice continues to be the gold standard among the growing portfolio of fruit juices available to the consumer. Does the Florida grower want to take steps to ensure that he will be a producer of a world-wide commodity? Can we in Florida maintain our quality in the face of HLB and differentiate our product? In a commodity market, production of a product becomes concentrated only in areas that have low cost production. If our actions lead to Florida growers simply being a commodity producer, have we served future growers in the Florida industry well? If Florida follows a different path and is successful in differentiating our product, we can pass the ability to receive higher than commodity prices for our oranges to the next generation. We should ask ourselves: Do we want to race toward a Federal marketing order that will ensure the commoditization of orange juice where the low cost producer will survive; or should we race toward rebuilding our industry with new cultivars delivered here in Florida by IFAS that would solidify Florida as the premier orange juice grower in the world?" Please let me, HCCGA Board members, Chairman McKenna, or other Citrus Commissioners know if you have any strong feelings, thoughts, or opinions on this issue. Just want to remind everyone that a really good set of citrus industry educational seminar sessions are coming up in mid August as part of Citrus Expo. Please save August 19th & 20th on your calendar for Citrus Expo, and you can pre-register now at www.CitrusExpo.net. I know that this year’s Citrus Expo, now in its 24th year, is going to have some great information to share about disease management. A detailed schedule of Citrus Expo’s educational programming will be available very soon and sent out to our membership. You will notice a story again in this month’s newsletter about how the Association is stepping up its social media presence utilizing Facebook, Twitter and a blog. Please take advantage of these venues to keep you to date on a wide range of topics associated with citrus and agriculture in Florida. Please also encourage your friends and neighbors to follow us on these sites – we are trying to expand our reach and communicate the good stories that our industry has to share. While we strive to keep our members as informed as possible on a wide range of local issues, please never hesitate in contacting me day or night (cell phone: 863-381-8551) for additional information if you need it; or if I can be of any assistance on any matter, large or small. Remember that if you are not getting regular e-mail updates from us (usually several a week plus this newsletter every month) then we do not have a good e-mail address for you – so please let us know.

2015

Mark Your Calendar Now! August 19–20

sm

Lee Civic Center North Fort Myers, Florida

MEETING CHALLENGES. MOVING FORWARD. Pre-registration is now open! Register today on our website, by e-mail or by phone: www.CitrusExpo.net | [email protected] | 352-671-1909 You spoke, and we listened. Revamped and timely seminars for citrus growers: u Grower perspectives

and applications u Practical updates and

late-breaking research critical for citrus growers u Grower panel and

presentations

IT’S BACK! Pre-registered growers will be entered into the annual drawing to win a John Deere gun safe from Everglades Farm Equipment.

Showcase your business at the world’s premiere citrus trade show! Limited number of booths and sponsorships available. Contact Bob Guerriere at [email protected] for details.

ANNOUNCING

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contact Your LocaL representative For More inForMation: Jared Revell Kevin Updike Steve Smith

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Info Notes Psyllid Biological Control

The Florida Department of Agriculture is raising and providing the parasitic wasp, Tamarixia radiata to growers on a limited basis to aid in the suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid. Tamarixia radiata could be used in areas that receive very limited pesticide applications or in or around abandoned groves. If you are interested in securing the parasitic wasp for release in your area, please contact Dr. Robin Stuart at the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) at 863-438-9222 or by email at [email protected].

Ag Labor Relations Forum

Registration is now open for the 2015 Agricultural Labor Relations Forum scheduled for September 10th & 11th at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. The forum, presented by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, is designed especially for agricultural employers and offers a variety of timely workshops. This year's agenda includes transportation, Wage and Hour audits, the H-2A guest-worker visa program, the Affordable Care Act, and more. Dr. David Weil, administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, has been invited to be the keynote speaker. You can get additional information about registration by contacting Mike Carlton at FFVA at (321) 214-5233.

2015 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute Videos

The presentation videos from the 2015 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute (as well as all of the Institutes since 2008) are now available for viewing on the UF/IFAS Citrus Agents website: http://citrusagents.ifas.ufl.edu/ events/GrowersInstitute2015/ . This site has both recorded presentations as well as a copy of the displayed presentations available to view from your computer.

Citrus Pest Management Guides

The 2015 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide is available at the county extension office in Sebring. If you need a copy, stop by the office and pick up your free copy. The office will not mail copies due to mailing costs. There are also currently some copies available at the HCCGA office.

Core CEUs

Agricultural restricted use pesticide license holders can obtain Core CEUs by reading articles written by Extension agents and published in Citrus Industry magazine. The articles are published on a quarterly basis (February, May, August, and November) and can also be found at the “Citrus Agents” website at http:// citrusagents.ifas.ufl.edu/info/CEU%20Testing.htm. CEUs can be requested by completing the test set and submitting online or by sending the answer sheet by mail as noted at the bottom of the article.

CHMA Activity

The IFAS CHMA website: www.flchma.org, facilitated by Dr. Michael Rogers, provides growers with up to date information on the activities within CHMA’s statewide. The 7 Highlands County CHMA’s and their Area Captains are: Avon Park/Lake Letta CHMA, South Lake Placid/ Bairs Den CHMA and Central Sebring CHMA Area Captain: Steve Farr Ben Hill Griffin (863) 635-2251 [email protected] Central Highlands 17/27 CHMA Area Captain: John Gose Lykes Citrus (863) 465-4127 [email protected] East SR 70 Flatwoods CHMA and Lorida CHMA Area Captain: Doug Schobert Premier Citrus (772) 562-5030 [email protected] Kissimmee River Basin CHMA Area Captain: Lykes Citrus (863) 467-1384

Citrus Health Management Area Sectional Mapping Program

The CHMA working group has developed a sectional mapping program to allow an interactive perspective of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) pressure throughout the state. Data generated from the 6,000+ blocks that are scouted every three weeks is posted to site. The data is displayed and averaged using the Township, Range and Section (TRS) for all groves scouted within that TRS. Interested individuals can access the sectional mapping program by visiting the CHMA website (www.flchma. org.) and clicking on the banner that says “CHMA Sectional Mapping Program.” Growers are asked to sign up for the program by providing their name, email address, and creating a username and password. Once a grower is logged into the program, they have two options to choose from: the cycle data page and the presentation page. These options will indicate average psyllid numbers and if these are an increase or decrease from previous scouting cycles. The CHMA website contains video tutorials about each aspect of the program.

Introducing

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Roland Bishop

J.C. Shoop

Adam Youmans

(863) 385-5171 www.HEACOCK.com 1105 US HWY 27 North • Sebring, FL

Citrus Leaf and Soil Sampling Courtesy of Citrus Extension Agent Chris Oswalt It is approaching the optimum time of the year to collect citrus soil and leaf samples for analysis. As a quick review I have included the basics of soil and leaf sampling for citrus trees. Select representative trees from an operational unit that you intend to manage nutritionally the same. Typically 15 to 20 trees are selected over this management unit for sampling. Collect your leaf and soil samples from these trees. You could further reduce the year to year variability in interpreting your analysis results by sampling the same trees from one year to the next. Today, GPS technology is everywhere from a portable unit in your truck to most smart phones. Even handheld units have become very affordable over the past few years. Use this technology to sample the same areas (trees) year after year. Soil analysis is limited to providing very specific information that you, as a grove manager, can use in your production decisions. This information includes soil pH, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and copper (if you specifically request the copper analysis). From these 15 to 20 trees take a single soil core of an 8 inch depth from within the irrigation pattern of each tree. Place the cores in a clean bucket for collection. When you have collected all the necessary cores from a production unit, thoroughly mix the sample cores together. Take approximately one pint of the soil from the mixed sample for analysis. Also don’t forget that not all soil testing laboratories use the same extraction procedures to determine soil nutrient levels. Make sure, if you change soil testing labs from one year to the next, that you understand how to interpret the results. Leaf analysis can be used for all essential elements including those determined in the soil analysis. As mentioned above, leaf samples can and should be collected from the same trees as the soil samples. One hundred healthy leaves from the 15 to 20 trees should be collected. These leaves should be 4 to 6 months old from non-fruiting twigs. This time frame will generally be between the months of July to September. In handling the leaf samples, keep the collected leaves out of the heat. If they cannot be sent out immediately, place in a refrigerator for overnight storage. For macronutrient analysis, the leaves need not be washed. If micronutrient analysis is desired, then the leaves will need to be washed to remove surface contamination. Washing of leaves can be done by soaking the leaves in a mild detergent solution and rubbing them between your thumb and forefinger. The washing of leaves should be done as soon as possible after collection. Some micronutrients are exceedingly difficult to remove (copper, manganese and zinc) through surface washing. One final thought on leaf analysis, as it relates to enhanced nutritional spray programs, is that it may be exceedingly difficult to make judgments using leaf analysis if you are applying frequent nutritional sprays to your trees.

Before

After

Feb 12, 2013

Oct 20, 2014

The Performance Citrus Recovery Program uses patented foliar applications and organic soil amendments to revitalize soils and restore trees to productivity. Contact us today to find out how we can help your citrus grove.

Citrus Recovery Program Performance Nutrition • (732) 888-8000 • [email protected] • www.PNfertilizers.com • © 2014 LidoChem, Inc.

Randy White Branch Manager

NEWTON CROUCH INC.

6353 US Hwy 27 South • Sebring, FL 33876

5427 DeSoto City Road Sebring, FL 33870 1-877-605-0273 • 863-471-0105 Cell 863-990-0617 • Fax 863-471-0057 E-mail: [email protected] www.newtoncrouch.com

James E. Somers "Jim" [email protected]

Office 863-385-0600 Fax 863-385-1838 Mobile 863-381-3362 Jimmy 863-214-7867

Serving the Agricultural Community Since 1986.

HEDGING • TOPPING • SKIRTING

SPECIALISTS IN LIQUID HANDLING PRODUCTS Sales • Service • Custom Design • Repair Sprayers • Fertigation • Herbicide Systems

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Frank & Rita Youngman Fax 699-9851 • Cell 441-1164 403 Bear Lane • Lake Placid, FL 33852

Chris Wilson

413 ABC Rd • Lake Wales, FL 33859

1-800-346-7867

STOP the spread of CITRUS GREENING

Fleet Sales Manager [email protected]

Direct:(863) (863)402-4234 402-4234 Main: Fax: (863) (863) 402-4221 402-4221 Cell: (863) Cell: (863) 381-3411 381-3411

5330 US27Hwy 441 US N 27, S P.O. Box 9200 Sebring, FL 33871

HARVESTING CO. (863)

699

LLC

9852

Frank & Rita Youngman Fax 699-9851 • Cell 441-1164 403 Bear Lane • Lake Placid, FL 33852

...ENOUGH SAID

LICENSED CITRUS FRUIT DEALER

CHARLES J. WILSON, III

Off: (863) 699-5511 • Res: (863) 465-0298 • Mob: (863) 441-8323 Fax: (863) 699-2793 e-mail: [email protected] Post Office Box 2290 • Lake Placid, Florida 33862-2290

2015 Citrus Expo 2015 is set for August 19th & 20th at the Lee County Civic Center in north Ft. Myers, so please reserve these dates on your calendar. Since its inception in 1992, Citrus Expo has grown to become the world’s premier seminar and trade show program for citrus growers and industry professionals. Its primary goal is to provide unequalled education and industry fellowship opportunities annually for growers, industry leaders, decision-makers and vendors. Complimentary attendance and hot lunch is provided both days to bona-fide grove owners & managers, citrus production managers, professional crop advisors, association executives & board members, government & legislative officials & the citrus research community. The two-day Citrus Expo is organized and operated by Southeast AgNet/Citrus Industry Magazine, with solicited input from numerous growers, researchers and industry organizations. Registration is now open, so go to: http://www.citrusexpo.net. for additional information and/or to pre-register for this incredibly educational event.

TM

WHEN QUICK RELEASE NITROGEN RELEASES TOO QUICKLY LOW SALT INDEX!

Quick Release Nitrogen Curve

Methylene nitrogen adheres to leaves Thicker denser canopy Healthier tree Get the Upper Hand over HLB with SRN! Choosing the right products is your key to surviving Greening. With that in mind, the nitrogen source you choose to apply is vital but often overlooked. G.P. Solutions Nitro products contain slow release methylene nitrogen that release steadily over 6 weeks, feeding citrus trees consistently, then tapering off without sudden spikes or drops. The next application creates a gentle wave of feeding, overlapping with the previous, delivering a “rolling effect” of continuous nitrogen release, reducing stress and thus producing a healthier tree. Be victorious in your battle with HLB by using G.P. Solutions!

Less nitrogen molecules on leaves Yellow leaves attract Asian Psyllid A stressed unhealthy tree

Bare branches reduce yield

LEACHING: Florida’s sandy soil quickly washes N out

Methylene nitrogen resists leaching More roots

TM

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YaraLiva™ Tropicote™ YaraLiva CN-9 Liquid™ Aquatic Management Services Aquatic Weed Control • Weed-Tech Aquatic Management Services Terrestrial WeedAquatic ControlWeed • Industrial Control& Right-of-Way (863) 533-8882 • (800) 408-8882 Weed-Tech P.O. Box 1469 • Eagle Weed Lake, Florida Terrestrial Control33839-1469 Fax (863) 534-3322

Industrial and Right-of-Way

Eric Waldo Regional Manager / Certified Crop Advisor Yara North America, Inc. 100 N. Tampa St, #3200 Tampa, FL 33602 www.yara.com

GLADE & GROVE (863) 533-8882 SUPPLY CO Sales - Rental - Service - Parts (800) 408-8882 305 CR 17A West, Avon Park, FL 33825

513-8182

P.O. Box 1469 (877) Eagle Lake, Florida 33839-1469 Fax (863) 534-3322

SALES, INC.

Direct: 352-215-8480 Mobile: 863-781-1272 Fax: 863-773-5088 [email protected]

www.heartlandnb.com

POWER CORP • Engines • Pump Sets • Power Units • Generator Sets • Automatic Engine Controls

Curt Missall - General Manager

800-206-2224 • Tel 863-382-2166 • Fax 863-382-1206 Cell 352-427-1489 • www.tradewindspower.com Email: [email protected] 600 State Rd 66 • Sebring, FL 33875

Office (863) 638-1481 Watts (800) 432-5221 Fax (863) 638-2312 Mobile (863) 287-2925 [email protected]

DONALD ALLEN Certified Crop Advisor

PO Box 60 Babson Park, FL 33827-9549 www.aglimesales.com

Dolomitic Limestone, Hi-Calcium Limestone, Gypsum, Soil Sulfur

"Our business is to help you grow" Citrosuco North America Inc. (863) 696-2847 5937 Hwy 60 E • Lake Wales, FL 33898

Dewayne Cliett Fruit Procurement Manager (863) 528-4703 Mobile Citrosuco is a leading International Producer of Citrus Juices and By-Products.

NURSERY, LLC

Certified • Registered

Quality Containerized Citrus Trees DAVE GOODWIN, MANAGER Ph 352-472-9185 • Fx 352-472-9187 [email protected] 3620 SE 37th Ave • Trenton, FL 32693

JUSTIN CAIN Sales Representative, CCA Business: 813-752-4950 • Mobile: 863-632-0498 Post Office Box 486 Plant City, Florida 33564-0486

HCCGA Social Media Presence Our Association has recently expanded its social media presence not only help keep our members better informed in a timely fashion, but to also increase our “reach” to non members in order to provide assistance with “demand enhancing efforts” for the products that our growers produce as well. HCCGA has created, and is providing regular material to, a Facebook page, a twitter account and a subscription based blog to help disseminate information and promotional material. Having a page on Facebook allows the Association to have a “reach” well beyond our membership, and this social media venue will not only be utilized for informational sharing, but for citrus related promotional activities as well. We have been making at least several posts a day on our page with new and interesting material and stories from a wide range of sources. I not only encourage our members to “like and follow” our page at: https://www.facebook.com/hccga, but invite and encourage their Facebook friends, family members, etc. to do likewise in order to expand our promotional reach as far as possible. You are also encouraged to “share” our posts on your individual or company pages and send us material that you feel may be helpful to our industry or perhaps your agriculturally related company. The HCCGA Blog can be found at www.hccga.wordpress.com where you will be asked to subscribe in order to receive e-mail notifications when new material is posted. This venue will be utilized primarily for informational sharing purposes and new material will provide on this site when appropriate in a timely (4-5 times week probably) fashion. That is why “subscribing” to the site allows you to be notified when a new entry is made without having to check the site on a daily basis. Our Twitter account @hccitrusgrowers (https:www.twitter.com/hccitrusgrowers) will be venue that we will also share industry news, quick informational bits and links to stories or articles of interest for our followers. The twitter feed will often provide you a link to a more complete set of information on our blog page. Again, we welcome suggested material that you think would be appropriate to share with others and encourage you to “retweet” what you may see on our twitter feed. Social media is certainly a venue where many folks seek information and receive their news today, and our goal is to be a respected and dependable provider of such. We will work with other industry organizations such as the Florida Department of Citrus, Citrus Mutual, other regional citrus organizations and a wide range of agricultural commodity groups to help spread our positive messaging on how important the agricultural community and the products we produce are to our local community, state, nation and the world. Please assist us in this process by checking out these three venues, offering your feedback, suggesting content and encouraging those you interact with on social media to do likewise.

FireWall Section 18 Re-approved for Fresh Grapefruit The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has re-issued a specific exemption under the provisions of Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS) for the use of FireWall™ 50 WP to control citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) on up to 54,000 acres of fresh market grapefruit grown in the state of Florida. The exemption approval allows for the use of the product until July 1, 2016. The label does not permit application to other citrus varieties. Growers can make a maximum of two applications per season with a minimum of 21 days between applications. The label states a 60 day pre harvest interval. If applying the material, be sure to have a Section 18 Emergency Exemption label for your records prior to application that list your intended use. All applicable directions, restrictions, and precautions on the EPA-registered label for FireWall™ 50 WP must be followed as well as those on the Section 18 label for FireWall™ 50 WP. Refer to the FireWall™ 50 WP Section 18 label for additional information and/or restrictions regarding its application to Florida grapefruit. Always read and follow label instructions. Independent field trials using FireWall have been conducted in the past by Dr. James Graham of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Citrus Research and Education Center (UF, IFAS-CREC). Graham reports these trials have demonstrated that “alternation of FireWall with a reduced rate of copper provided a similar reduction in diseased fruit with less copper burn (phytotoxicity) than the full rate of copper and that the residual activity of FireWall is greater than copper under tropical weather conditions.” There have been “antidotal” observations of positive impacts on Greening symptomatic trees associated with the use of Fire Wall within its permitted use for canker control, and there is ongoing research work at this time to collect the necessary data to seek a Section 18 exemption for the use of the product on oranges. However, please be aware and mindful that the use of this product on oranges at this time in any manner is not consistent with the current Section 18 Exemption or the product’s label and is illegal. For more information about FireWall™, contact AgroSource at (908) 931- 9001, or email at sales@ agrosource.net; or visit them on the web at www.agrosource.net.

People...Products...Knowledge... Helena Chemical Company [email protected] [email protected] www.helenachemical.com www.helenachemical.com

Ryan W. W.Edmonds Cornell 863-781-0340 863-781-0340

Charles Lanfier Sales Manager Central & South Florida Tel 863 453 6450 Cell 863 443 1122 Fax 863 452 5310

FREE SERVICE

[email protected] Brandt Consolidated Inc 959 South Angelo Lake Road Avon Park Florida 33825 USA www.brandt.co

Recycling Specializing in Recycling Plastic Agriculture Containers

Call or Visit us at:

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KNOCK OUT PATHOGENS ABOVE & BELOW THE GROUND. THE ONE, TWO PUNCH

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Barney Cherry LakeFricke Placid OfficeKevin Sanders Skip Dwight Meeker 863-441-1482863-673-3013 800-775-5594 863-368-1926 863-441-3003 Skip Fricke Lake Placid Office 863-441-3003

Dwight Meeker Barney Cherry 863-673-3013

863-465-5203 863-441-1482 www.AndersonsSouthernRegion.com

www.AndersonsSouthernRegion.com www.AndersonsSouthernRegion.com

Gillie Russell

Phone (863) 465-2821 • Fax (863) 699-1162 Mobile (863) 441-5096 • Email offi[email protected] 109 Arron Drive • Lake Placid, FL 33852

COMPLETE CITRUS MANAGMENT

Darryl’s Family Citrus Nursery, Inc. CROP | FARM | LIFE | AUTO | HOME | HEALTH Chad McWaters, CFP , ChFC , CASL , CLU ®

®

®

®

Agency Manager Email [email protected]

Office 863.385.5141 Fax 863.385.5356 Claims 800.330.3327

PO Box 944 808 Apthorp Ave. Lake Placid, FL 33862 Reg. No 47227470

Office 863-465-1102 Darryl Wirick 863-441-5092 Dan Wirick 863-381-6594

w w w. k a h n g r o v e . c o m

863.385.6136

E x p E r i E n c E . c o m m i t m E n t. i n n o vat i o n .

Quality Lubricants and Fuels 863-441-1244 M

[email protected] www.ruckscitrusnursery.com

Steve Shumard, Operations [email protected] • www.bvoil.com 3461 NE Hwy. 17, Arcadia, FL 34266 P.O. Box 1018, Arcadia, FL 34265 (863) 494-3246 (863) 494-7852 fax

703 N. Sixth Avenue Wauchula, Fl. 33873 (863) 773-3590 (863) 773-3628 fax

“Service is our Priority”

Ag Sales Tax Exemption Effective July 1, 2015, the sale, rental, lease, use, consumption, repair, and storage for use in Florida of power farm equipment or irrigation equipment, including replacement parts and accessories for power farm equipment or irrigation equipment are exempt from sales tax. The exemption includes power farm equipment used in the storage of raw products on a farm. Examples of qualifying “power farm equipment” include, but are not limited to: augers, combines, conveyors, disks, dozers, feeding systems, forklifts, generators, harrows, hay balers, irrigation motors, mowers, plows, power units, pumps, refrigeration equipment, skidders, and tractors. Examples of qualifying parts and accessories include, but are not limited to: tires, batteries, radios, global positioning systems, replacement parts, blades, disks, hoses, pumps, sprinkler heads, conveyor belts, lubricants, and gauges. In order for the exemption to apply, the power farm equipment must be used exclusively on a farm or in a forest in the agricultural production of crops or products as produced by agricultural industries included in Section (s.) 570.02(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), or for fire prevention and suppression work with respect to such crops or products. The exemption will not be allowed unless the purchaser furnishes the seller a written certificate that the purchased items qualify for the exemption under s. 212.08(3), F.S. For the appropriate forms and/or additional information, visit the www.myflorida.com/dor website or call the Florida Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services, Monday through Friday (8:00 AM to 7:00 PM) excluding holidays at 800-352-3671. A suggested exemption certificate may also be obtained through the HCCGA office.

Charlie Brown - 239-849-1041

Mark Robbins - 239-214-4899

Florida Agriculture

Financial Management Conference Mark your calendar for August 27 & 28, 2015 for the fifth annual Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference (FAFMC) at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Some of the nation’s leading agricultural and economic experts will be in Orlando to address financial strategies impacting one of Florida’s top industries. Growers and producers will be provided with the latest trends and tools to assess and manage the overall financial health of their business, including budgeting, insurance, marketing and investment strategies. Back by popular demand, Dr. Edmond J. Seifried, keynote speaker and Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business at Lafayette College, will share his simplified approach to cope with the changing economic environment. He will lead participants through the maze of economic indicators and financial news to help them create a strategy for spotting trends and maximizing profits. FAFMC is a collaborative effort to enhance Florida’s specialty crop industry. A portion of the funding for the conference is provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. Year after year, the partnership with FDACS has continued to elevate professional development, technology and networking benefits for attendees. Event organizers have maintained their commitment to offer a high-quality experience and affordable pricing for farmers and agricultural producers at one of central Florida’s premier resorts. Regina Thomas, co-chair of the conference noted, “Our focus is on mentoring agribusinesses to grow in an industry that has seen rapid change. We want to help them diversify and stay ahead of the curve.” Industry leaders will share information to help business owners increase their bottom line. Attendees can expect to receive key take-aways they can implement immediately including: • Examine cash flow analyses, custom reports and real-time technology for a 360 degree look at financial performance. • Evaluate the impact of dash boards, benchmarking and cash vs. accrual accounting on business strategy. • Maximize daily operations and financial results by utilizing economic indicators and performance metrics. • Enhance understanding of financial markets, income tax planning and overall business management and marketing. • Educational sessions benefit everyone from farm owners and managers, to chief financial officers, controllers and other allied professionals such as lenders, accountants and attorneys.

Rootstock Selection Guide This 3rd edition of the Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide is a revision of the 2006 publication. The guide is a convenient, easy-to-use reference to 20 characteristics of 45 rootstocks. Of those, 12 are time-honored commercial rootstocks, which are the most reliably characterized. The next 12 rootstocks are minor commercial ones that are less frequently used today in Florida but may have been prominent at one time. The third group consists of the most recently released 21 rootstocks for which there is limited commercial experience. Much within the Florida citrus industry has changed since the discovery and spread of the presumed bacterial-caused disease, Huanglongbing (HLB). Rootstocks were not initially part of the discussion related to managing HLB, but that, too, has changed, particularly given the accumulating evidence that trees on various rootstocks may differ in the incidence or tolerance of the disease. Therefore, the authors have prepared this timely and necessary update of the former editions and considerably expanded the list of rootstocks to include many that have not yet undergone the usual extensive field evaluation in Florida. These new rootstocks offer improvements of many meaningful traits that appear essential to the future of our citrus industry, among them tree size control, high yield and juice quality, and possible HLB tolerance.

Interactive Web Version

The revised Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide is also available on the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center website (www.flrootstockselectionguide.org). Interested parties are strongly encouraged to visit the website because the version posted there offers a considerably expanded opportunity to interact with the rootstock information. The Selection Guide is supported by 105 downloadable citations related to each rootstock and trait. Furthermore, users of the website version can query the tabulated and background information via customized searches. Users can search for answers to specific questions. The rootstock selection guide can be found at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1260.

FLORIDA’S LARGESTCITRUS CITRUS CROP PROVIDER FLORIDA’S LARGEST CROPINSURANCE INSURANCE PROVIDER FLORIDA’S LARGEST CITRUS CROP INSURANCE PROVIDER

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Serving the insurance needs of agriculture since 1983. • Groves • Farms • Harvesters • Packing Houses • Caretakers • Nurseries • Ranches • Agra-related businesses

Call us for a quote at (863)465-7155.

Farm Service Agency

County Committee Nominations The local Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees nomination period began on Monday, June 15, 2015 and runs through Monday August 3, 2015. “Through the County Committees, farmers and ranchers have a voice. Their opinions and ideas get to be heard on federal farm programs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It is important for County Committees to reflect America's diversity, so I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, to get involved in this year's elections. We’ve seen an increase in the number of nominations for qualified candidates, especially among women and minorities, and I hope that trend continues.” To be eligible to serve on a FSA County Committee, a person must be eligible to participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area (LAA) where they are nominated. Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign a FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA County Committee elections are available at www.fsa. usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2015 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 3, 2015.

issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA County Committees. There are currently 5 members representing 5 LAA’s on the Okeechobee/Highlands County Committee. Okeechobee and Highlands County Election Boundaries – 2 LAAs (LAA1 and LAA5) are up for election this year. The LAA Boundary Descriptions are as follows: Highlands County – LAA1 (North Highlands County): North boundary is the Polk County line, west boundary is the Hardee County line, east boundary is the Okeechobee County line, south boundary starts at the Okeechobee County line and moves west along the dividing line of townships 35 and 36 until it reaches Lake Istokpoga. It follows Lake Istokpoga’s northern shore to Arbuckle Creek and moves north at Arbuckle Creek. It then moves along Arbuckle Creek until it reaches Arbuckle Creek Road and moves west along Arbuckle Creek Road. Finally, it reaches Schumacher Road and moves west to Hardee County. Okeechobee County – LAA5 (South Okeechobee County): Northern boundary is Highway 68 heading east to Highway 441, North to Highway 68, and back heading east on Highway 68 to the County line; Western boundary is the County line; Eastern boundary is the County line; Southern boundary is the County line.

FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 9, 2015. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 7, 2015. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

For further boundary details a 2015 COC Election Boundary Map is posted in the Okeechobee/ Highlands County FSA Office. Copies of the boundary map are available upon request by visiting or contacting the FSA Office at 863-7633345.

While FSA County Committees do not approve or deny farm ownership or operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural

The next scheduled Okeechobee/Highlands County Committee Meeting will take place on July 23, 2015 at 9:00 am at the FSA County Office.

CS2005 Canker Suppressant & Disease Control EFFECTIVE AGAINST:

CITRUS CANKER

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PINK PITTING SCAB MELANOSE

ALSO CURRENTLY TESTING FOR HLB/ GREENING

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Call Us, We Can Help!

Phone: 800-845-1357 Fax: 863-357-1083 Available For Purchase Through These Distributors: Helena Chemical: Growers Fertilizer: Winfield Solution: Triangle Chemical:

863-773-3187 800-343-1101 863-581-1120 863-699-5680

Ag Sales & Associates: Perkins Enterprises: Howard Fertilizer: Diamond R:

LEARN MORE AT: WWW.MAGNABON.COM

772-473-4142 863-528-7205 863-214-3027

EXTINGUISH ANTS IN YOUR GROVES Get proven results at a great cost per acre when controlling fire ants with Extinguish baits. Extinguish Professional Fire Ant Bait has a grower friendly label that makes control easy and convenient because it can be used everywhere fire ants colonize. Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait combines an insecticide with an insect growth regulator for use around non-bearing fruit trees. ®

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Always read and follow label directions. Extinguish is a registered trademark of Wellmark International. © 2013 Wellmark International.

Associate Members Please Support Associate Members Who Support HCCGA.

Advantage Hedging & Topping, Inc. AgAmerica Lending, LLC Ag Flying Services, Inc. Aglime Sales, Inc. Agribasics, Inc. Agricultural Services International Agri-Del, Inc. Agri-Flow, Inc. AgroSource, Inc. Ag Nutrients Ag-Tronix AgXplore International Alan Jay Automotive Network, Inc. Albrittion Insurance Applied Aquatic Management, Inc. Bagwell Lumber Company Barben Fruit Company, Inc. BASF Bayer CropScience Benny Albritton Grove Service, Inc. Big T Tire Bill Jarrett Ford BioSafe Systems, LLC Blue Goose Growers Bob Germaine - HC Clerk of Courts Bowsmith, Inc. Brandt Consolidated, Inc. Buck-Eye Automotive, Inc. BV Oil Company, Inc. Carden & Associates, Inc. Cary Pigman, State Representative Cauffield and Sons, Inc. Center Ridge Caretaking, Inc. Center State Bank Central Florida Ag Service, Inc. Central Florida Media Group Central Florida Soil Lab Chateau Elan Hotel & Conference Center Chemical Containers, Inc. Chemical Dynamics CitroSuco North America, Inc. Citrus Solutions, LLC Clark, Campbell & Lancaster, PA CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC Cohan Radio Group, Inc. Coker Fuel Coldwell Banker Highlands Properties Consolidated Ag Pilot Services Creative Printing Crop Production Services, Inc. Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP Crutchfield Groves, Inc. Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. Dallas E. Duppenthaler, Jr. Darryls Family Citrus Nursery, Inc. David Cannon Well Drilling, Inc. DeMott Auction Co., Inc. Denise Grimsley/FL Senator Diamond R Fertilizer Co., Inc. DLF International Inc. Don Elwell Duke Citrus, Inc. Duke Energy Dundee Citrus Growers Association Dunson Harvesting, Inc. Dupont Crop Protection Edward Jones Elizabeth C. Pines, P.A. Eric Zwayer-HC Tax Collector Everglades Farm Equipment Co., Inc.

Everglades Harvesting & Hauling, Inc. Farkas Citrus Nursery Farm Credit of Florida Fields Equipment Co., Inc. Fleet Products Flo-Tec Florida Citrus Mutual Florida Coast Equipment Florida Fertilizer Company, Inc. Florida Grove Foggers, LLC Florida Grove Hedgers, Inc. Florida Grower Magazine Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Florida Orange Marketers, Inc. Florida Sod of Highlands County, Inc. Florida Southern College Florida’s Natural Growers Florikan ESA Floyd & Associates Citrus Nursery Frostproof Growers Supply, Inc. Gator Ag Group, Inc. GeoAg Solutions George Cheshire, Realtor Glade & Grove Supply Co., Inc. Glades Electric Cooperative, Inc. GP Solutions Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Griffin Fertilizer Company Grove Crafters, Inc. Growers Fertilizer Corporation H. C. Economic Development Comm. Hancock Citrus, Inc. Heacock Insurance Heartland National Bank Heartland Real Estate Corp. Helena Chemical Company Hicks Oil Co., Inc Highlands County Cattlemans Assoc., Inc. Highlands County Farm Bureau Harbor Community Bank Highlands Today Himrod Citrus Nursery Home & Commercial Irrigation, Inc. Hood Citrus Caretaking Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Company, Inc. Jacqueline Fauls Jessica Howard/Edward Jones Investments Joe L. Davis, Inc. Realtors John F. Smoak and Sons Johnson Engineering Johnson Harvesting, Inc. June Fisher, H.C. Administrator Kahn Citrus Management, LLC KeyPlex Krause Grove Service, Inc. L. Dicks, Inc. Lake Placid Caretakers, Inc. Lake Placid Citrus Cooperative Land Shapes, Inc. Laye's Tire Service LidoChem, Inc. Lisa Sherman, CPA, PA Living Water Services, Inc. Locher Environmental Technology, LLC Louis Dreyfus Citrus, Inc. Lubear Futures Partnership Magna-Bon II, LLC Marrone Bio Innovations Maxijet, Inc. M.E. Stephens & Sons Fruit Co., Inc. MetLife Agricultural Investments

MidFlorida Credit Union Mid State Fire Equipment, Inc. M.K. Harvesting, Inc. Monsanto BioAg Monsanto Chemical Company Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Murphy Citrus Nursery Natural Ag Solutions, LLC Newton Crouch, Inc. Ole South Auto Salvage, Inc. Orchid Island Juice Company ORO-Agri, Inc. Paramount Chemicals & Plastics Pathway Biologic Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc. Plant Food Systems Progressive Water Resources, LLC Prudential Agricultural Investments, Inc. Quail Creek Plantation, Inc. Rabo Agri Finance Ridge Equipment Company Rotor Group, LLC Russell Realty, Inc. SE Ag & Turf, Inc. Seminole Tire Co., Inc. Shutts & Bowen, LLP Somers Irrigation, Inc. Southeast AgNet/Citrus Industry Magazine South Florida State College South Ridge Abstract and Title Co., Inc. Southern Citrus Nurseries Southern Gardens Citrus Processing Southridge Citrus Nursery, Inc. Stallings Crop Insurance Corporation SunRidge Harvesting Company SunTrust Bank Syngenta SW Florida Safety Consulting Taylor Oil Company, Inc. The Andersons, Inc. The Avanti Company The Carol Group The Crockett Group The Lovett's Real Estate The Story Companies Tim Hurner TKI NovaSource TIMAC Agro USA, Inc. Tradewinds Power Corp. Triangle Chemical Co. Triangle Hardware Tropicana Products, Inc. Turimex LLC United Irrigation Supply USAg Recycling W. A. Williams Citrus Nursery Wards Nursery, Inc. Wauchula State Bank Waypoints Financial Wedgworth’s, Inc. Wellmark International Wells and Associates Insurance Wells Motor Company Wheeler Brothers, Inc. Wicks, Brown, Williams and Co., CPAs Willis of Florida WinField Solutions Yara North America, Inc

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Ag Flying Service We spray it like we own it.

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Jerry Wise, Owner/Operator 1201W. Bell Street Avon Park, FL 33825

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For All Your Agricultural Aviation Needs