The Voice of Agriculture

dade-agriculture.org
The Offical Publication of the Dade County Farm Bureau Spring | 2013

Jody Johnson honored at BBQ

on the daily chores of crops, the cycles of planting and harvesting, the dangers of drought or too much rain, the devastation that storm and disease bring, how fickle the market could be. His father was a partner and friend with P.G. Cornelius, Senior, and when Cornelius spoke of coming to Homestead for the winter growing season, Johnson agreed. He determined that Jody was old enough at age thirteen to accompany him, and so it was that Jody began his own cycle of winters in Homestead and summers in North Carolina that he would continue for fifty-eight years. There have been so many changes, Johnson said as we spoke from his home in North Carolina where he finally retired to only last year. Yes, it was 1955 when I first came to Homestead. Krome Avenue was the place to be, the center of town. He remembered going to watch the new movie, Giant, (one of the few films that James Dean made before his untimely death), at the Seminole Theater. He occasionally went to Dicks Drive-Inn, the favorite hangout for young people, but with his (Continued on Page 4)

Dade County Farm Bureau Board of Director, Larry Dunagan presents plaque to Jody. By: Charlie Hudson, South Dade Newsleader

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with originating the phrase, The only thing that is constant is change, and while Jody Johnson has not spent a great deal of his life reading classical Greek literature, what he has witnessed in a lifetime of agricultural work is change. The unique heritage that surrounds Homestead is something that the Dade County Farm Bureau seeks to preserve even as they adapt to changes as they must. That balance strikes a deep chord within the agricultural community, and a personal connection with the fields and the soil is especially strong for those who are literally born into that way of life. The history of the Southeastern United States is tied to agriculture and Jody Johnson, like many adolescents in Hendersonville, North Carolina, learned early 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 Jody Johnson: 2013 Hall of Honor honoree 2 Features and Publishers Note 3 Presidents Message 4 Cover Story: Jody Johnson 5 Pine Island Nursery 6 35th Annual BBQ & FUNRaiser Highlights 7 Harvest Queen 8 Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Days 9 Miami International Ag, Horse & Cattle Show 14 Community Corner

DCFB Staff members Debbie Brady and Sonia Perez visited Peskoe Elementary on April 30th during Ag Literacy Day. Students were read a book entitled Floridas Farm History and taught the importance of agriculture. Photographed are students standing next to their class garden.

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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
Bureau have been a great source of educating legislators on the needs of our industry. We are rich in so many resources and we should share them with others. Have you seen the commercials featuring Fresh from Florida? The marketing campaign promotes buying local and supporting Florida Agriculture. The History of Florida Agriculture was taught to our children during Ag Literacy Day. Our future agriculturists have the opportunity to study agriscience and the programs we have today are generating an interest in our industry. University of Florida/Tropical Research Center here in South Dade has just opened a new state of the art Lab/Research building and also started a partnership with Florida International University. Stay tuned to watch great things grow in South Dade. Our 35th Annual BBQ & FUNraiser and truck raffle were held at DiMare Annex in Florida City. We would not be able to have such a successful event without the support of Paul DiMare and the DiMare Fresh Staff. They accommodate us every year and we are grateful they invite us back each year. Our community support is always appreciated. We hope that you all enjoyed the delicious prime rib, chicken, pork and fresh locally grown vegetables that our members enjoyed serving you. The entertainment highlight this year was Pedro SiFuentes and his Andalusian horse show. Our Hall of Honor recipient Jody Johnson was honored to have family and so many friends present to share the special award presentation. Jody sang karaoke for the crowd and we all loved it. We are always looking for ways to improve the event and the entertainment. I would like to send a message of special thanks, to all the volunteers, we appreciate the time you spent and the dedication you have to our organization. Mothers Day has just passed and we appreciate all of you Moms. Those of us in the nursery industry note that that date has a significant mark on our calendars. We have been busy trying to keep up with making sure that all orders are shipped. Now it is time to plan and grow for next season. Fields are being plowed and tropical fruits are getting ready for harvesting; time to enjoy summer. Sincerely,

Spring is in the Air! That means that many families are looking for opportunities to get outside and connect with nature. During April Earth Day is celebrated each year and many children are creating school gardens, planting trees and observing Gods beauty. Floridas farmers and ranchers take care of our bountiful natural resources. Their livelihoods depend upon the good health of the land and water around them. Across the state farmers, ranchers and nursery plant growers have implemented state-of-theart irrigation systems. These systems have dramatically reduced water use on farm properties. In March our members went to Tallahassee and advocated for many issues that are important to our industry. The Agritourism Bill sponsored by Senator Alan Hays and Representative Holly Raschein passed. This will bring opportunities to many family farms and create a new trend in tourism here in Florida. Immigration Reform continues to be a hot topic and many of our policy makers have been listening to our voices. Congressman Joe Garcia has had several roundtable discussions and he was proud to say the Florida Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau and the Dade County Farm

George Butler President

Jody Johnson

Cover Story

Jody Johnson is a life-long agriculturalist and 2013 Hall of Honor recipient

Jody Johnson pictured with Commission Vice Chair Lynda Bell

early mornings in the fields and at the packing houses, Johnson didnt have much of a night life. Breakfast at the Royal Palm Grill was another matter and of course, when shoes needed to be repaired, there was the shop on Krome to take care of them. The 1950s slipped into the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with Johnson working in or with most of the areas major packing houses in almost every position an individual could hold. His longest stretch was twenty-six years at what is now the Homestead Pole Bean Cooperative. Of all the different crops Johnson worked with, pole beans were his specialty. It was 1986 when after three decades of working for others, he started his own company, Produce Sales of South Florida. There were few farming families in all of South Dade that he didnt know, and his sons, Josiah Johnson IV and Gary, learned the business as he had. When Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992, the family was in North Carolina, and when Johnson returned to Homestead for the winter season, he was stunned at the level of destruction. But the land wasnt hurt, he said, recalling the hard times of so many. For produce, it was a good year, because we didnt have the problems that the groves and palms had. There were diseases we had to worry about though like Golden Mosaic. We battled that. Although Johnson continued to come to Homestead, his oldest son now has his own company, J and S Produce in Georgia, and his daughter, Karen Suzanne Holbert lives in North Carolina. Johnson, who will have been married to his wife, Clara for fifty-nine years in August, is touched by the Farm Bureaus gesture to him. Homestead will always be a part of me. I appreciate everyone that bought from us over

the years. When asked about his advice for young people entering agriculture today, his answer was immediate. They face so many challenges. The expense, constantly increasing government regulations, competition from such big corporations. I would tell them to wake up each morning and listen to that voice inside them, the voice that knows what to do no matter what others say. Listen to that voice and follow it. Im grateful to the young people who are willing to face those challenges. The Dade County Farm Bureau honored Johnson during the 35th Annual Dade County Farm Bureau BBQ and Fun Raiser on Saturday, April 27th.

Pine Island Nursery

Pine Island Nursery is the largest tropical fruit tree nursery operation in the world, with over 75 different plant species and 400 unique varieties. The family owned operation is run by Erik Tietig. Tietig was born and raised in Homestead. He graduated from South Dade Senior High and went on to earn a degree in Political Science at University of Florida in 1998. Tietig had plans to attend law school and worked as a paralegal at his fathers office. After a year as a paralegal Erik was unsure whether he wanted to pursue a career in law so he asked his mother, Colleen Boggs, for a job at the nursery. Colleen started Pine Island Nursery in 1972. She was a biology teacher with a degree in botany. She pursued her passion for plants and opened the nursery. It was named after the upland pine habitat located on the property. Erik began working at the nursery in 1999 and never looked back. I got gratification in the nursery business that I didnt get working in law, he said. Erik helped his mother run the nursery and began repairing and rebuilding the irrigation system. He took over the nursery when his mother retired. The 50 acre farm sells wholesale tropical fruit trees to commercial fruit growers, landscapers, garden centers, and the public directly. I really like supplying a product that people are so excited about. People are excited about tropical fruit, he said. Erik continues to expand by selecting and propagating newer and contemporary varieties of tropical fruit as they come out. Through plant breeding were able to transition varieties that have more benefits like disease resistance and better flavor, he said. Pine Island Nursery is constantly looking for new

I really like supplying a product that people are so excited about.

varieties and Erik even travels to find them. Land conservation is also important to Tietig and his family. Over 2,500 trees were replaced in the upland pine habitat located on the property after Hurricane Andrew destroyed much of them. The property is one of the largest privately owned natural forest communities remaining in Miami-Dade County. Tietig has also started Miracle Fruit Farm with his brother Kris. They grow Miracle Fruit plants for commercial fruit productions. The fruit intensifies sweetness of other food. Tietig hopes to see the plant help chemo patients. Chemo patients loss of appetite can sometimes stem from the metallic bland taste chemo induces. The miracle fruit improves the taste of food so the patients may be able to stomach more meals. As if running two businesses doesnt keep Tietig busy enough, he is also a part of many local organizations. He volunteers his time to Dade County Farm Bureau, FNGLA, Day of the Bay Fishing Tournament board president, Ag Practices Advisory, TREC Advisory Chairman, Community Bank EAC, and the Rotary Club. I get my passion for volunteering from my mom. It comes natural to be a part of these organizations and I cant imagine not volunteering, he said. The enthusiasm Tietig has for the industry and his business may be a factor for the growing success of Pine Island Nursery. There is nowhere else in the United States where you can grow these plants. It makes it very special, Tietig said of tropical fruit plants. South Florida is truly a unique destination for agriculture. From row crops to tropical fruits, residents are fortunate to have growers like Erik Tietig who grow these tasty treasurers.

35th Annual BBQ & FunRaiser Highlights

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The historical Dade County Farm Bureau BBQ and FUNRaiser was held April 27th at the DiMare Annex. This marked the 35th BBQ for DCFB, where members of the community joined together for a night of great food, dancing and conversation. The evening began with dinner which featured succulent prime rib, chicken, pork tenderloin and the finest locally grown vegetables. While dinner was being served Pedro SiFuentes put on an entertaining show with a band, dancers and Andalusion horses. Then Haley Carl, began the program singing the national anthem while the Homestead Air Reserve Base Color Guard presented the colors. Attendees witnessed Hall of Honor inductee, Jody Johnson; sing his favorite songs on karaoke before he received proclamations from the City of Homestead, Miami Dade County and Florida City. After the Hall of Honor presentation, Dade County Farm Bureaus first ever Harvest Queen, Shelby Borek was presented to the community. The program also included the presentation of scholarships awarded to Ian Frenero, a senior at South Dade and FFA president. It then came time to do the truck raffle. Homestead Chevrolet, the truck raffle sponsor, invited Cara Borek onstage to draw the winning ticket. Cara drew the ticket of Dr. Richard Glosser. After the program wrapped up, DJ Leroy played plenty of dance-worthy music while the young and old boogied the night away. The proceeds from the BBQ benefit the Dade County Farm Bureaus efforts to keep agriculture economically viable through educational, promotional and legislative efforts. The Dade County Farm Bureau would like to thank all who supported the event through spponsorships, ticket sales and attendance.

Shelby Borek/ Farm Bureau Legislative Days

7
Shelby is a senior at Robert Morgan Educational Center in the Veterinary Assisting academy. She is also the FFA chapter president. Shelby comes from a four generation farm family. She enjoys teaching her classmates about agriculture and the farming industry. In her free time, Shelby competes in rodeos and barrel races all over the state. She plans on attending college in the fall as an Agribusiness major. Shelby will reign as the Harvest Queen for the year until the next Harvest Queen is crowned. During her reign she will represent the Dade County Farm Bureau at various agricultural related events where she will educate and build awareness of agriculture in our community. To sign-up for 2014 Harvest Queen please fill out application and contact 305-246-5514. 2013 marked the inaugural year of the Harvest Queen Congest. Congratulations to Dade County Farm Bureaus very first Harvest Queen Shelby Borek. Shelby was awarded with a $1,000 scholarship from the Dade County Farm Bureau at the 35th Annual BBQ. She also received an additional $250 from the Soroptimist Club of Homestead. She was surprised with a brand new HP Envy Laptop at the Barbeque sponsored by JVB Farms and Dade County Farm Bureau at the 35th Annual BBQ. Board Member Tom Rieder, Treasurer Kelvin Moreno, Executive Director Debbie Brady and Executive Assistant Sonia Perez attended Florida Farm Bureau Annual Legislative Days in Tallahassee, March 18 20. Farm Bureau members and staff from all over the state were present, meeting legislators, and discussing important issues in regards to agriculture. There were five major issues Farm Bureau were interested in and all five bills passed, said Rieder. One specific bill of interest to DCFB was Representative Holly Rascheins Agritourism bill. The bill helps break down barriers facing agritourism by preventing overregulation by local governments, limiting liability for agritourism operators and by redefining agritourism to explicitly link it to bona fide agriculture. Tom Rieder said Holly Raschein has been a good friend to agriculture. DCFB also spoke with legislators about bills concerning Greenbelt property tax assessment, water supply, agricultural lands, and Everglades improvement and management. DCFB was also an integral part of the Agritourism display at the Legislative Reception March 19th. A display promoting all the Agritourism businesses in Florida was front and center for guests to enjoy. We have more legislators involved in agriculture than ever before, Rieder said.

Miami International Ag & Cattle Show

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Top left: South Dade Students selling grape tomatoes Bottom Left: DCFB board members, Kelvin Moreno, Bob Epling and Phil Marraccini

The 6th Annual Miami International Ag, Horse and Cattle Show took place April 13 and 14th at Ronald Regan Equestrian Center at Tropical Park. The well attended event featured shows, activities and rides for families to enjoy. Kids of all ages were having a good time enjoying the AGventure and animal shows. Undoubtedly, petting and getting up close and personal with mini horses, chicks and cows was a highlight for most families. The event also featured live bands, art & crafts exhibitions, food, animal vendors and plant vendors. The Dade County Farm Bureau helped put together the AGventure along with IFAS, USDA, and 4-H. Families learned to make butter, milk a cow, plant their very own plant, and learn all the byproducts of cows through a game entitled, Beef-O-Bingo. FFA volunteers from South Dade Senior High sold grape tomatoes they grew. The construction of the Tropical Park arenas did not slow down the shows. The biggest of them all was The Magic City Sale. This international live auction for cattle genetics is the most successful live auction in the country. The Magic City Sale is simulcast internationally via the internet. There was also an international equine auction featuring Paso Fino, Andalusian, Quarter Horses and Peruvian Paso Fino Horses. The South Florida Trail Riders, Pedro SiFuentes and Homestead Everglades Posse performed in the arena throughout the weekend, putting on shows that were enjoyed by thousands of spectators. All proceeds from this event benefited the education and therapy for children with Autism.

BBQ Sponsors

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Community Corner
Events Calendar
May 25, 2013 Military Appreciation Day Losner Park June 13, 2013 Ag in the Classroom South Florida Area Workshop Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center August 24, 2013 Florida Farm Bureau District 8 Summer Meeting The Islander Resort

South Dade High School FFA President, Ian Frenero received 3 scholarships at the 35th Annual BBQ and FUNraiser

Visit dade-agriculture.org for all calender events

Florida Farm Bureau members and staff in Washington DC for the FFB Field to Hill.

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 Colon, 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