The Voice of Agriculture

dade-agriculture.org
The Official Publication of the Dade County Farm Bureau Winter | 2013

South Dade High Agriculture Program

of native wetlands. A South Dade alumni himself, Steve Greer works hard to ensure the success of the agriculture program at South Dade. There are two different areas of concentration Greer teaches students: agriculture-technology and horticulture operations. He believes the best way his students gain knowledge is through handson learning. The students do everything. From planting to picking and everything in between, Greer said. The students are currently growing cranberry beans, okra, bok choy, strawberries and other specialty crops. The harvested crops are sold to packing houses. The profits that are made go back into the program. Local grower, Tom Vick, has assisted Greer and his students with their growing. Tom has been a great asset this year, said Greer. Other farmers have been a great help to the students of South Dade. Steven Meeks, Bobby Shekels, Sal Finocchiaro and Leo Talarico have volunteered their knowledge, time and equipment to South Dades agricultural studies. With Steves (Continued on page 4)

Dade County Farm Bureau Board of director, Steve Greer with students.

South Dade Senior High (SDSH) opened its doors 60 years ago. It is nestled in the middle of a traditionally agricultural area. Since its opening, generations of local farm families have walked the halls. South Dade has always prided itself as a school with a thriving agricultural program. The historic program has evolved throughout the years and even with minor setbacks, such as losing precious farming acreage to the new campus in 2008; it has one of South Floridas best agriculture curriculums. Steve Greer, a Dade County Farm Bureau board member, is the teacher in charge of Agricultural Studies. Greer has a strong background in agriculture. He is a 4th generation farmer and owns Swamp Fever Specialties, Inc. where he, along with his father, grow and propagate native aquatic plants that are used in restoration efforts Dade County Farm Bureau 1850 Old Dixie Highway Homestead, Fl 33033 www.dade-agriculture.org Phone (305)246-5514 Fax (305)245-9170

Features and Publishers Note

IN THIS

Issue

1 South Dade Senior High Ag Program 2 Features and Publishers Note 3 Presidents Message 4 Cover Story: South Dade Senior High Ag Program 5 Lee Del Signores Winning Honey 6 Women of Distinction in Agriculture 7 Curbside Market/ Phils Berry Farm 8 Burrs Berry Farm 9 Harvest Queen to be crowned at the 35th Annual BBQ and Fun Raiser 14 Community Corner

Acosta Farms at the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE), January 24, 2013. Local growers were a strong presence at this international show.

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Publishers Note
The Voice of Agriculture is the quarterly publication of the Dade County Farm Bureau, Miami-Dade Countys oldest and largest agricultural organization. The Farm Bureau was established in 1942 to collectively solve agricultural issues in the regulatory, legislative, economic and social arena. For advertising or membership information please contact Debbie Brady at (305) 246-5514.

Presidents Message
busy in the nurseries. Buyers are scrambling to find new products to stock their garden centers in the spring, and by Mothers Day it ends the frenzy. In February the Dade AGRI Council celebrated 50 years as an organization and honored the Rutzke Farm Family, 4th generation growers. Each year a farm tour is held to invite our community to experience South Dade Agriculture. Local government plays a big part of keeping the balance between agriculture, residents and business. Currently a resolution was passed directing the Mayor to conduct a study on the creation of green energy farms in the agricultural areas, including funding sources and tax exemptions to encourage such green energy farms. Charles La Pradd, County Agricultural Manager, was a tour guide and provided, Mayor Gimenez and Miami Dade County Commissioners the Miami Countryside. Agritourism is the new buzz and many farm families have chosen to showcase their farms. The Agritourism Bill is being presented and sponsored by Representative Holly Raschein, (District 120), she and Representative Katie Edwards (District 90) are both members of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. In March 2013 Florida Farm Bureau, Dade County Farm Bureau and members of the industry will travel to Tallahassee. They will visit with legislators and discuss issues that are important to our industry. This is the time to share their concerns and possible solutions that can help keep the industry sustainable. Good luck to all who take time from their families and farms to take the trip and share with us your results. As we move forward into 2013, I think others will agree that our industry serves many and with only 2% of Americans in the Agricultural Industry we have a BIG job to do! April is fast approaching save the date! Saturday April 27, 2013 35th Annual BBQ & Funraiser tickets will be on sale March 1.

As we drive through our town we notice the tractors, irrigation pumps and gondolas transporting tomatoes. There are 10,000 plus acres of bean and squash fields with laborers harvesting the crops that you and I enjoy every day. Most of the produce grown here in South Dade travels north to feed our nation. The immigration issue is on the minds of many, and our legislators are busy at work creating a comprehensive plan for our future. In Miami Dade County, agriculture provides over 20,000 jobs and has an economic impact over $1 Billion dollars each year that circulates right back into our communities. Respectful to all laborers we need a system that can provide an adequate work force to keep our industry growing. In January, the 40th Annual TPIE (Tropical Plant Industry Expo) showcased our horticultural industry and many of our growers participated. Check out our website www.dade-agriculture.org and watch a video created by Sonia Perez. Buyers from around the globe came to Ft. Lauderdale and many of them took time out to visit the local nurseries. Butlers Foliage hosted tours and guided a tour to a couple that I met during my travels to Europe. The winter months are

Sincerely,

George Butler President

South Dade High Agriculture Program

4

Cover Story Toy Give Away was a Success

Federal and state grants funded new equipment for the ag program at South Dade.

extensive knowledge and the help of South Dades growers it is no wonder the program is one of the best. In fact, Ian Frenero, a senior at South Dade, transferred to the school specifically for Ag Studies. Even though Ian accidently got involved with agriculture it has developed into a passion. When I was picking classes, I checked off horticulture not even knowing what it was, said Ian. Now, Ian is the South Dade FFA president, Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) intern, winner of the Sub-district FFA prepared speaking competition and 1st runner-up in the Youth Speech Contest at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. In South Florida if you want to learn about agriculture, go to South Dade, Ian said. The student credits the amount of space to farm and his teacher to the success of the program. He is passionate about what he does, Ian said about Greer. The students also have the opportunity to become certified horticulture professionals and receive pesticide license training through South Dade High School. Recently they acquired a new tractor and planter through state and federal grants. The new equipment has helped broaden their knowledge with many students learning to operate and drive the tractor. It has been a busy and prosperous year for the Ag students of South Dade with many more years to come. While Homestead continues to grow and change, the roots of our strong agricultural history are well planted with each student who continues the tradition.

In the spirit of Christmas, the Dade County Farm Bureau, in conjunction with the benevolent members of Central Bible Baptist Church and the Dade Chapter of FNGLA, collected toys for farm worker children this holiday season for the Toy Give Away. The 6th Annual Toy Give Away event was held at the South Dade Skill Center. Families in need were identified through the Farm worker Jobs and Education Program led by Director Maria Garza and the Dade County Farm Bureau Womens Committee. This year yielding the highest attendance of children and due to many generous donations, children were able to choose 2 toys each. On Thursday, December 20, 2012 the children arrived at the South Dade Skills Center to select toys for Christmas. Students in the culinary program at South Dade Senior High School, under the direction of instructor Lillian Trelles, baked dozens of Christmas cookies for the children to enjoy. The happy children were also able to pick out two books courtesy of the Just 1 Book organization. Thank you to all who donated to this wonderful cause.

Lee Del Signores Winning Honey

(Left) Lee Del Signore with his winning honey. (Right Top) Honey jars from Del Signore. (Right Bottom) A few of Del Signores hives.

We all love honey but how is it made? Bees visit flowers to collect nectar. They bring that nectar back to the hive to evaporate it enough to where it becomes smooth thick honey. How does this help farmers? When a bee visits a flower to forage for nectar, some of the flowers pollen rubs off the stamens on to the bees body. The bee then moves on to another flower and some of the pollen on the bees body is transferred to the stigma, thus pollinating, or fertilizing, the flower. When a bee starts foraging from a particular type of flower, it will visit only that type of flower for as long as it can. This behavior means that pollen is always delivered to the correct variety of flower. Pollination is important because a plant will not develop seeds or fruit if the flower is not pollinated. If the crop plants are not pollinated, the crops will fail. It is said that one out of every three mouthfuls of food we eat and beverages we drink are the result of pollination by bees. If we were to lose the bees, we would go hungry. Thanks to beekeepers like Lee Del Signore, we wont be going hungry anytime soon. Del Signore is a master of his craft, describing beekeeping as a science and an art. Del Signore got into beekeeping many years ago when he stumbled upon an ad in Organic Gardening Magazine. He had an interest in bees and the advertisement read start your own bee hives, so he bought the kit and never looked back. It took some time to get the hang of beekeeping. The first time Lee got stung he had an allergic reaction and his entire arm swelled up. But over time he learned how to

work with the bees. In fact, he works so well with the bees he doesnt even wear protective clothing anymore. He wears his usual attire of a short sleeved t-shirt and jeans. He explained, Bees respond to the same stimuli we do. If we startle them they panic and sting. Lees respect and understanding of the bees may be the reason why his hobby has flourished into a successful business with over 3,000 bee hives on his property. A honey barn, located on his farm, is used to gather the delicious honey. The smell of sweet nectar wafts as employees work an assembly line to gather, filter and package the honey into giant barrels. Lee is very particular about his honey. It doesnt leave the property to be shipped over to Pennsylvania unless it meets his standards. The flavor, moisture content and cleanliness all are taken into account when shipping the sweet golden goo. In November, Lees high standards for his honey were rewarded. At the Florida State Beekeepers Association Conference, November 1st through the 3rd, Lee entered three categories and won 1st place in each of them. He also won best of show for his honey. Lee described his success as something that doesnt happen by accident. There were thirty competing beekeepers and Lee Del Signore came out on top. Judges were looking for the honey with the best color and taste. They also judge the moisture content and if there is any honey on the lid you can forget a first place ribbon. Lees honey had all that and more. Congratulations to Lee Del Signore on his prize winning honey. The passion Lee has for his work shows in his golden prize-winning product. You can buy his honey directly at his farm at 22800 SW 177th Avenue.

2013 Women of Distinction in Agriculture

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(Left) Carolyn Demott (Right) Margie Buster

Margie Buster and Carolyn Demott are both business-savvy, intelligent and have a deep passion for what they do. Dade County Farm Bureau proudly recognizes Margie Buster and Carolyn Demott as Women of Distinction in agriculture. Margie and Carolyn along with their husbands, Chuck Buster and John Demott, partnered to begin Alpha Foliage in 1981. Alpha Foliage has grown into a prospering business with over a million Boston ferns growing at a time. Plants grown at Alpha Foliage can be found at Home Depot and Lowes. We see our plants everywhere; its amazing, Carol said. Both women were introduced to agriculture at a young age. Margie Busters father was a contractor who moved around for his business. He retired and moved his family back to Homestead to plant his own grove of mangos, avocados and leeches. Her mother enjoyed gardening. Margies first job in agriculture was with Sunplot Potatoes. She moved into the marketing side of the business when she began working at United \ Brands where she helped with marketing and promotional campaigns for plants and agriculture. Margie was part of the team who worked on the Chiquita Banana campaign. Margie married her husband Chuck who also had a strong passion for agriculture. The Busters partnered with the Demotts to open Alpha Foliage and Omega Farms. Margie was in charge of the propagational crew and marketing. In 1995 Margie started a nonprofit organization, Redland Tropical Gardens, whose mission is to preserve history and agriculture through eco-tourism. First and foremost my job was to raise my five children. Now my first job is to help preserve agriculture,

We see our plants everywhere its amazing

Margie said. Carolyn Demott was raised in Ohio. Her family was always farming. Her father was a roofer but his true passion was agriculture. Carolyn traveled to Homestead to visit her sister and husband who owned a farm and decided she wanted to move down to South Florida. She met her husband John and they married. After John got out of the army he began growing and landscaping on the side. In 1971 the couple opened Redland Nursery. Carol did the book keeping for their business and then for Alpha Foliage when it opened its doors in 1981. Redland Nursery grows palms from seed. Carolyn spent a lot of time behind the scenes doing the book keeping but began to help collect seed. She left her job at Southern Bell because the nursery became her passion. Carolyn opened her own accounting business that she has since handed down to her son and daughter, Jeffery and Jennifer. John and Carols children also help manage Redland Nursery. It started as a family business and has continued as a family business, said Carol. These two women and their families have made an impact on the agricultural community in Dade County. Their passion for what they do blossomed into many successful businesses that are carrying into the next generation. Dade County Farm Bureau congratulates Margie and Carol for all they have accomplished and thanks them for making a difference in our community.

Curbside Market/ Phils Berry Farm

managed the U-Pick, retired. They decided to give it a shot. Kern would manage growing the Strawberries and vegetables for the U-Pick and Shaun would manage the retail aspect of the business. Since its opening, Curbside has been featuring some of the best local goods around town. This is a 100% local spot, Shaun said. Award-winning honey from Lee Del Signore is one highlight of the market. There are also deep fried peanuts made by Trey Griffin and homemade peanut butter. Fresh local fruit is used to make milkshakes. The milkshakes have no additives, syrups or preservatives. They are simple and fresh made with the sweetest fruit Homestead has to offer. Shaun runs the stand 7 days a week with his family. His three daughters, Cayla, Paton and Devyn, enjoy charming the customers and help bag vegetables. Shaun is passionate about supporting local farmers. He said, I want to emphasize the old hometown feel. I noticed it is getting harder for farmers. I want to keep the history and heritage of local farming around by helping support it. Shauns passion for agriculture is reflected into the quaint market. With a family atmosphere and delicious local produce, Curbside Market is a great spot to pick vegetables, have a shake and unwind in the South Florida sunshine.

Shaun Housh dreamed of opening his own local market featuring the best of Dade Countys fresh produce. He was born and raised in Homestead and has always been a supporter of local agriculture. In 2012, Shauns dream came true. He teamed up with Kern Carpenter to open the Curbside Market on Krome Avenue. The U-Pick has been there for years but Shaun had plans to make it bigger and better by adding a market featuring local goods. Shaun brought the idea to Kern Carpenter when Mr. Kelly, who

Farming and teaching has been the backbone of the Marraccini family for over 60 years. It started with Phillip Sr. and Mary Marraccini in 1950 when they established Summerland Tropical Fish Farms, specializing in ornamental tropical fish. Family interest always included small scale organic farming for family and personal use. In

2012 Phil Marraccini Jr sold the fish farm business to friendly competition, Richard Bandell of Neighborhood Fish Farms. The business still operates at 13955 SW 248th Street in Homestead. This enabled the Marraccini family to develop other agricultural interest on a business and hobby level as they opened Phils Berry Farm in 2011. Phils Berry Farm is offering shakes, pastries, smoothies and light lunches. Its a place where you can come and relax on the weekends and play games, such as Checkers and Dominoes, with your families and friends. Phil Marraccini wants to educate others by giving farm tours to schools and other groups eager to learn about agriculture. He recently started experimenting with hydroponics. Behind the big red barn, you can find rows of delicious hydroponically-grown vegetables. The Marraccinis also offer their beautiful red building for events. The grand structure is perfect for any birthday or wedding celebration. Phil hosts certain community events free of charge. In November, senior citizens visited and had a Thanksgiving meal. Phils Berry Farm is open Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Stop by for a farm tour as you sip on a fresh fruit milkshake.

Burrs Berrry Farm

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Burrs Berry Farm has been family owned and operated since 1965, and has become one of the Jewels of South Florida. On any given day you can find several cars parked along 216th street next to the quaint, white and red stand. Eager patrons wait in line to enjoy their favorite Burrs Berry Farm product. Behind the stand, there is a delectable field of U-pick berries and other produce. It all started when Charlie Burr planted his first crop of berries in 1960. At that time there was no stand but customers flocked to purchase Burrs berries. The stand opened in 1965 and in 1968 Charlie had the idea to start offering milkshakes and ice cream made with their famous berries. My husband loved ice cream and milkshakes. It was his idea to start making them. Our milkshakes are always made with fresh strawberries, said Mary Burr, who still works at the stand today. Charlie Burr passed away in 2001 but his legacy lives on through his family. Mary Burr helps run the stand with her children Kathy and Charles. The children grew up on the farm and helping with the stand. Its been a pleasure, I cant think of a better way to live, said Mary. The Burrs are always thinking of new ways to enhance Burrs Berry Farm for their customers. Last year

they experimented with hydroponics. Marys son, Charles Burr, came up with the idea. He came to me last year and suggested hydroponics. He thought I might not like it, but I loved the idea, said Mary. This year the entire U-pick is hydroponics. Its a clean and easy way for customers to pick their own produce. They no longer need to kneel over in the dirt to pick their favorite berries. The hydroponic set-up allowed the Burrs to grow the strawberries eye-level, making it much easier for customers. Our father was an innovator. He would have loved to see the hydroponics, said Kathy, My brother is an engineer. He is working every day to make sure the system is running properly. Although Burrs Berry Farm is advancing technology it doesnt change its warm family atmosphere. Its a place where patrons come to enjoy milkshakes, sit in the shade and pick fresh strawberries. Mary still produces her outstanding homemade jellies and jams. Youll also find a selection of fresh tomatoes, green beans and other seasonal specialties at the stand. Burrs berry Farm is open now until May. Stop by and have a berry good time.

Burrs Berry Farm is open daily 9:00 am to 5:30 pm from

Harvest Queen to be Crowned at BBQ

It is that time of year again. Planning is underway for the 35th Annual DCFB Barbeque and Fun Raiser. The historic event will take place April 27, 2013. This is the biggest event every year for the Dade County Farm Bureau. It is an event where supporters of our organization get together for a fun-filled evening. Guests enjoy some of the best BBQ in town featuring delicious local produce from our South Dade farmers. This year the Dade County Farm Bureau will be holding a Harvest Queen contest for girls between the ages of 15 and 21. The Harvest Queen will serve as an agricultural representative of the organization and receive a $1,000 scholarship. The Harvest Queen will be crowned at the Barbeque. Each contestant is tasked with raising money for our nonprofit organization through barbeque ticket sales. The money raised will directly benefit the Dade County Farm Bureau Womens Committee scholarship fund. Contestant sign up will take place February 11-15 at the Dade County Farm Bureau (DCFB) office located at 1850 Old Dixie Highway from 8:30 am to 5 pm. A contestant orientation will be held on Monday, February 25 at the DCFB office at 6 pm. Tickets for the event are $100 per couple and can be purchased in advance or on the night of the event. Tickets for children 12 and under are $25. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Event proceeds benefit the Dade County Farm Bureaus efforts to keep agriculture economically viable through educational, promotional and legislative efforts.

Erik Tietig Wins National Award

DCFB board member, Erik Tietig, was nominated for the Outstanding Young Farmer Award by Pal Brooks. Pal Brooks, a past recipent of this award, is a member of the Outstanding Farmers of America which is the organization presenting the award. Farmers all over the country were nominated and Erik made it to the top 10 finalists. At the Outstanding Farmers of America congress 4 farmers were chosen to win the award. Erik traveled to New Mexico with his wife Heather and was awarded the National Young Farmer award.

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Community Corner
Events Calendar
February 19, 2013 AGRI-Council 50th Anniversary Tour February 23, 2013 South Dade Food and Rock Harris Field

Army Staff Sgt. Keesha Dentino, a former South Dade High School graduate, was chosen to dance with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at President Obamas Inauguration.

February 25, 2013 Harvest Queen Contestant Orientation March 14 - 31, 2013 Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo April 12-14, 2013 Miami Ag, Cattle and Horse Show Tropical Park April 27, 2013 35th Annual DCFB Barbeque and Fun Raiser
Visit dade-agriculture.org for all calender events

Discount Fair admission and ride tickets are available at the DCFB office for members. You can also purchase online at www.fairexpo.com with the promo code Farm2013.

Board of Directors
George Butler, III, President Ivonne Alexander, President Elect Phil Marraccini, Secretary Kelvin Moreno, Treasurer Gary Bird Robbie Bishop Teena Borek Kern Carpenter Leonard Cavallaro Angela DelliVeneri Larry Dunagan, Past President Robert Epling Sal Finocchiaro Jerry Frye Steve Greer David Hanck Steve Hoveland David Kaplan Bill Losner Robert Martens Robert McMillan Steven Meeks Robert Moehling Alice Pena, Past President Herb Pierson Tom Rieder Diego Rodriguez Peter Schnebly Erik Tietig Tom Vick Mark Wilson, State Director George Cooper, Director Emeritus John Fredrick, Director Emeritus Kenneth Graves, Director Emeritus Vito Strano, Director Emeritus

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Dade County Farm Bureau Member Services Staff

Ray N. Timmons, Agency Manager Hal Arve, Jr., Agent Dawn L. Baird, Agent Judith M. Fernandez, Office Manager Ronald D. Herbert, Agent Elena Serna, CSR Debbie Brady, Executive Director Ray Timmons Jr, Agent Hilda G. Davila, CSR Eddy Munoz, Agent Donna Alfaro, Receptionist Sonia Perez, Executive Assistant

Important Contact Information

Major Events in Month 2010: Dates and times are subject to change Please check our website for latest information

Homestead, Florida 33033 1850 Old Dixie Highway

Dade County Farm Bureau