Miss America Advocates for Farmers - Doctors in Agriculture Al Bellotto, Sr., Recognized by SWFWD Visionary of Disneyesque Proportions
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
August 2011
Miss America
Advocates for
Farmers
Doctors in Agriculture
Al Bellotto, Sr.,
Recognized by SWFWD
Visionary of Disneyesque
Proportions
Features
Leader
is published quarterly for stockholders,
directors and friends of Farm Credit of
Central Florida.
President
Reginald T. Holt
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Al Bellotto, Chairman
David J. Stanford, Vice Chairman
C. Dennis Carlton
L. Baylis Carnes III
W. Rex Clonts, Jr.
8
Homer E. Hunnicutt, Jr.
John S. Langford
Robert R. Roberson
Lewis S. Stidham
Ronald R. Wetherington
EDITOR
Ron O’Connor, Director of Marketing &
Governmental Affairs
PUblisher
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
PUblishing director
Donna Camacho
designers
Athina Eargle
16
Darren Hill
Amanda Simpson
Travis Taylor
PRINTER
Dr. Luis Garda (left) and Farm Credit of Central Florida Apopka Loan Officer, David McDonald (right) Spectra True Colour
at the Tropical Plant Industry Expo (TPIE).
Circulation
Kathi DeFlorio
Address changes, questions, comments or
requests for copies of our financial reports
should be directed to Farm Credit of Central
Florida by writing P.O. Box 8009, Lakeland,
FL 33802-8009 or calling 863-682-4117.
Our quarterly financial report can also be
obtained on our Web site:
www.FarmCreditCFL.com
18
The John Arnold, Jr. Family
Table of Contents
INDUSTRY NEWS
The Spring Air is Always Full of Hope
Back Home in Gering, Nebraska—Miss America 4
Understanding Diseases on your Turf and Ornamentals 5
Scenes from the Florida Citrus Industry Conference 17
Scenes from the Florida Nursery Growers and
Landscape Association Convention 20
Former Farm Credit Director Wins Award
at Citrus Conference 24
Fred Dietrich Wins Farm Credit/FCA Award
at Cattlemen’s Convention 24
Jennifer Parrish Wins Farm Credit/FNGLA
Young Nursery Professional Award 25
James M. Knox, Jr., Inducted into FNGLA Hall of Fame 25
Government and Agriculture: Partners in Progress 26
Scenes from the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention 27
Scenes from the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
Ranch Rodeo 28
Central Florida Nurseries Recognized by
Greenhouse Grower Magazine 30
Spring Fever in the Garden 31
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Employee Retirements—Bencinic & Roberts 6
Thomas Dalton Takes the Reins as Brooksville’s Loan Officer 6
Carrie Clinard Chosen to Represent Rotary 6
Honors Grad! 7
Baby News 7
Joy Register is a Graduate! 7
New Employees 7
Three Directors Re-Elected to Farm Credit
of Central Florida Board 22
Farm Credit Supports Wedgworth Leadership Program 23
FEATURE
Al Bellotto, Sr., Recognized by SWFWD 8
Doctors in Agriculture 14
Visionary of Disneyesque Proportions 18
FINANCIAL NEWS
Temporary Tax Relief Provides Significant Planning
Opportunities for Small Business Owners 10
Tax Notes 30
Farm Credit to Offer QuickBooks Seminar 31
Second Quarter 2011 Consolidated Financial Reports 31
MEMBER NEWS
Farm Credit Members Inform Legislators about Agriculture 12
Congratulations to Farm Credit Members Re-Elected
to Citrus Mutual Board 13
Congratulations to Quarterly Drawing Winners
Photo taken by of a $100 Gift Card 13
John Langford Another Innovative Arnold 21
at the Circle B Bar Birds of a Feather Hunt Together 29
Reserve.
August 2011 | 3
Industry News
The Spring Air is Always Full of Hope Back
Home in Gering, Nebraska—Miss America
T
his time of year, farmers plant ral disasters in other parts of the world have Of course, if years of involvement in
seeds in hopes for Mother Nature’s wreaked havoc on food supplies. theater and pageants have taught me any-
cooperation and a successful har- While considering ways to help these thing, it’s that things rarely go as planned.
vest. Ranchers help birth the next genera- circumstances, we end up right back on the U.S. producers will need more than a couple
tion of their herds and hope for fair market farm, and those tiny seeds that farmers are of good harvests to make a difference glob-
prices. And workers at the local sugar plant currently planting suddenly seem to carry a ally because population is exploding—pre-
catch their breath after a busy winter and lot more weight. dicted to grow by 2 billion people in the next
hope for a bumper crop this fall so they can This year’s crop has the potential to be 40 years—and U.S. farm output will need to
do it all over again. the most valuable in U.S. history, and that expand substantially just to keep pace.
The Miss America crown that I’m so translates to more jobs and stimulus for our Can we feed a growing world popula-
honored to wear is a symbol of the hope and hurting economy. Further, the Federal Reserve tion, fuel our economy, and still offer whole-
optimism that gets us through each day. But recently credited agricultural production with some food choices to Americans? Sure, just
it also bears a responsibility to help people helping lead the nation’s recession recovery, so as long as we avoid weakening the very
who have so little of those things—not just whether we live in New York’s Manhattan or infrastructure that makes it all possible.
in the U.S., but abroad as well. Manhattan, Kansas, we should all be rooting As I write this, America has just
Unfortunately, there are far too many for a good growing season. 210,000 full-time farms. That’s it. And being
with far too little right now. Families con- Increased U.S. production would also from an agricultural community, I know
tinue to battle a slow-moving economy here help ease the political instability and tensions these aren’t large corporations with giant
in America, wondering if they can give their aided by food shortages in other parts of the bank accounts. These are small businesses
children a chance at a better future while world. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with huge overhead expenses and a history
they struggle just to pay their monthly bills. told Congress a few weeks ago that farming of modest profits.
Meanwhile, our friends overseas strug- and ranching will take the crown in record Farming and ranching is expensive, and
gle to simply put food on the table after natu- exports this year if things go as planned. the risks associated with it are unlike any
other profession, which is why we’re faced
with fewer and fewer U.S. producers to sup-
If a small town girl from the Midwest can make it all port more and more people.
Retired Army General Wesley Clark
the way to Miss America, maybe she can help bring recently called these men and women a “thin
green line standing between prosperity and
America back to the Midwest. disaster.” This line, he said, must be held and
not weakened any further if America stands a
chance to combat the challenges ahead of us.
But, to do so will require a shift in thinking.
Modern-day agriculture has to do its
part in reaching out and teaching us about
what they do and how they do it. Educational
groups like The Hand That Feeds U.S. and
the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association are a good
start, but it’s not enough.
The rest of us must reconnect with our
rural roots and understand that we all have
a stake in the success of farmers and ranch-
ers. Urban and rural America need to come
together, and I plan to spend my time as
Miss America to make that happen.
After all, I was Miss Nebraska first.
And if a small town girl from the Midwest
can make it all the way to Miss America,
maybe she can help bring America back to
Teresa Scanlan is Miss America 2011. the Midwest. ■
4 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central Florida
Industry News
Understanding Diseases on your
Turf and Ornamentals
By Matt Lenhardt, UF/IFAS Citrus County Horticulture Extension Agent
T
he summertime in Central Florida and are beneficial, if not crucial to our • Avoid overnight watering of turf if
is generally hot and humid, making existence, acting as decomposers of possible. Irrigation combined with
it the perfect weather for many dis- organic matter in our environment. dew on turf keeps turf foliage wet for
ease pathogens to cause a lot of damage Bacteria are simple one-celled organ- several hours, creating a good envi-
to our turf and ornamentals. According to isms that can only be seen with a micro- ronment for disease development.
University of Florida research, there are scope. Not all bacteria are pathogens, but Irrigate turf starting in the early morn-
generally three main factors that contribute the ones that are get their food from the ing hours if possible.
to turf and ornamental disease outbreaks. plants they infect through natural open- • Put the “right plant in the right place”.
They are the environment, the host plant, ings or wounds and can be very difficult This term refers to creating a land-
and the pathogen which causes the disease. to control. Splashing water from overhead scape that has Florida Friendly plants
Environmental conditions include the right irrigation or rain water is one of the main that are better adapted to your areas
temperature and moisture for pathogens to ways bacteria are spread. Bacteria can natural conditions.
thrive. The host is a susceptible plant that also spread pruning an infected plant, • Apply fertilizer at recommended rates.
will provide the food for that pathogen to then pruning a healthy plant with infected Over fertilization can increase insect
live. When the environmental conditions pruning shears and disease populations.
are right and a suitable host is present for Viruses are much smaller than fungi • It can be difficult to identify the
a particular pathogen, a “disease pyramid” or bacteria and require a microscope to cause of unhealthy turf or ornamen-
is created allowing the pathogen to spring be seen. They cause more damage to food tals. Proper identification of a dis-
into action infecting our turf, ornamentals, crops than ornamentals. Viruses depend on ease is critical before treatment. If
fruits, and vegetables. insects like aphids, thrips, or other vectors help is needed, refer to your County
The three main types of pathogens such as mites and nematodes to invade or Extension Agent for assistance and
include f ungi, bacteria, and vir uses. feed on a host plant, thus transmitting the recommendations. ■
Fungi cause more turf and ornamental virus into that plant.
disease than any other pathogen. Fungi In general, using proper cultural All programs and related activities spon-
are simple organisms that obtain their practices to maintain a healthy plant is sored for, or assisted by, the Institute of
food by breaking down plant material. the best way to help prevent and manage Food and Agricultural Sciences are open
Some fungi can be seen by the naked eye disease outbreaks. Here are some tips from to all persons with non-discrimination with
as mold, spores, or mildews. For example, the University of Florida to help reduce respect to race, creed, color, religion, age,
if you’ve ever stepped on those brown pathogen problems: disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital
“puff balls” when you were little, the • Many pathogens are found naturally in status, national origin, political opinions,
brown “puff” you created was actually a the soil, so avoid irrigation that causes or affiliations.
multitude of fungal spores being released water to splash up from the soil. Try
into the air. It is important to note that micro-irrigation as an alternative to
not all fungi cause diseases. In fact, most overhead watering.
fungi exist naturally in our environment
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 5
Association News
Employee Retirements Thomas Dalton
Kathleen Bencinic Michele Roberts
Takes the Reins
Retires After More Than Retires After 25 Years
as Brooksville’s
13 Years of Service of Service Loan Officer
Michele Rober ts retired on June 30, Thomas Dalton, a Farm Credit of Central
2011 as Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Florida Credit Analyst since 2007, has been
Controller after 25 years of dedicated ser- named Commercial Loan Officer/Assistant
vice. “Michele proved herself as a reliable Vice President in the Brooksville Service
and valuable employee and steadily moved Center. “I enjoyed my time as a credit ana-
up the Farm Credit ladder after joining the lyst, but relish the opportunity to interact
association as an Office Assistant,” said on a personal level with our Customers.
Reggie Holt, President and CEO of Farm The experience I gained in my previous
Credit of Central Florida. ■ position will allow me to better understand
how to expedite the underwriting process
and help Members receive their loan pro-
ceeds faster. I can help them in submitting
their financial information in a concise
manner which will greatly expedite the
loan process,” Thomas said.
Farm Credit of Central Florida Executive
Thomas is married to Maggie and the
Assistant, Kathleen Bencinic has decided
couple has two children, Kristine, 4 and
to retire after more than 13 years of loyal
Michael 3. He is a native Floridian, born in
and devoted service to the association. She
Eustis, and served our country in the U.S.
began her career as the Receptionist and
Navy from 1992-1998. He earned his B.A.
earned promotions to her current position
degree from the University of South Florida
through hard work and consistently supe-
in 2002 in Management with a Minor in
rior work.
Economics, and his MBA in 2004. In his
“Thirteen plus years ago I re-entered
spare time Thomas enjoys golf and fishing.
the workforce out of boredom. I was look-
Thomas can be reached at (352) 544-
ing for something simple and easy to fill
5553, or E-Mail TDalton@FarmCreditCFL.
my time after retiring from collecting real
com. The Brooksville ser vice center
Carrie Clinard
estate and wage taxes in Pennsylvania.
is located at 31081 Cor tez Blvd. i n
Interviewing for a receptionist job at Farm
Brooksville, Florida 34602. ■
Credit was one of the best decisions I could
have made.
I was hired in December of 1997 and
Chosen to
soon found I was working with a very
warm and friendly group of dedicated and
Represent Rotary
caring people. I also found I was a little Fa r m C r e d it of
bored again just answering the phone so Central Florida
I began looking for more to fill my time. Commerical Credit
Over the years I acquired quite a number Analyst, Car rie
of responsibilities and was eventually pro- Clinard, was chosen
moted to Administrative Assistant and then from entries around
Executive Assistant. Through the years I the Rotary District to
have assisted the administrative, auditing, have her image and Jillian Green (Left), daughter of Andrea, & step
marketing and special assets departments. bio used in ads pro- daughter of Ron O’Connor is congratulated
I have been fortunate to have worked with moting the civicMaster’s
club. Carrie is a member by Dr. Deborah German (Right), Dean of
Degree.
some very special and exceptional people of the LakelandFinancial
Rotary Club Analyst.and played a the University of Central Florida’s College
Studied in France.
in each of those departments. I feel truly vital role in successfully starting
Rotary is 1.2 million ordinary menthe club’s of Medicine after receiving her white coat,
and women working together to
blessed to be a part of the Farm Credit latest fundraiser.
accomplish extraordinary things. symbolizing acceptance into UCF’s Medical
Rotary clubs are dedicated to
Family,” Kathleen said. ■ Congratulations School. Jillian graduated with high honors with a
the world. to Carrie! ■
fighting hunger and poverty around
degree in biology from the University of Florida.
Learn more at rotary.org.
Carrie Clinard is a third generation
6 | August 2011 Rotarian and a member of
Lakeland Rotary Club Farm Credit of Central Florida
Honors Grad! Baby News
Congratulations to all
of our new parents!
J
Jay and Jessica Slaughter are pleased
Joy Register is
osey Marie Brown, the daughter of to announce the arrival of their newest
Rick and Bryna Brown, has achieved family addition, James Liam Slaughter on
the first major milestone in her life, March 24, 2011 at 11:43 p.m. He weighed
her High School Graduation. She gradu-
ated from Lakeland’s Tenoroc Senior High
School on June 7, 2011. She graduated in
3 lbs 14 oz.
a Graduate!
J
the top 20 of her class with National Honor
oy Register received her AA degree
Society, Science, and Student Government
from Pasco Hernando Community
Association cords. In addition, she was
College and Graduated with honors on
a Silver Garland nominee in the science
May 4, 2011. “Thank You!!! To my family
category. She has participated in the dual
for your encouragement and for being so
enrollment program with Polk State College
supportive while I was working toward my
and was a cheerleader at Tenoroc Senior
degree, with many late nights and week-
High and is now the Student Government
ends studying, along with working full time
Association vice president there. Josey
didn’t leave much time for anything else. I
has plans to further her education at The
always loved getting the call from my par-
University of Southern Mississippi and
ents to stop by their house to pickup dinner.
become a trauma nurse to help those in
There were many times I thought I just
need. Josey has made her parents and all of
don’t have the time for this, but I managed
us at Farm Credit extremely proud of her
to make it through,” said the new graduate.
by her successes and the dreams she has Michael and Brittany Lopez welcomed their
Congratulations, Joy! ■
for her future. little bundle of joy, Gracie Lynn Lopez into
Rick Brown is the Collateral Evaluator the world on April 20, 2011. She weighed
for Farm Credit of Central Florida. ■ 6lbs, 13 oz. and measured 20.25 inches.
New Employees
Grant Handley Alvaro Puyo Annie Sullivan Judy Waters Jeremy Williams
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 7
Feature
(From the left) Grandson Al Bellotto III, known as Trey, Daughter-in-Law, Chanel Bellotto, Daughter, Chere Campbell, and wife, Betty (Right), enjoy the
natural beauty of the Circle B Bar with Al Bellotto, Sr. (second from right).
Al Bellotto, Sr., Recognized by SWFWD
T
he Pol k C ou nt y C at t le me n’s down US 27 and the Highway Patrol would assuming a leadership role, sacrificing per-
Association and the Southwest stop traffic until we got by,” Bellotto said. sonal goals and time for the greater good, in
Florida Water Management District His motto is, “You can be a cowboy, various agricultural organizations. Bellotto
(SWFWMD) recently recognized Farm but you still have to go to town.” He is has certainly adhered to his motto. He is
Credit of Central Florida’s Chairman of the alluding to the need to be involved in the past President of the Florida Cattlemen’s
Board, Al Bellotto, Sr., for his long time political process and to be unafraid of Association; the Polk County Cattlemen’s
support of conservation. Bellotto, a Polk
County cattleman, and citrus grower, sold
part of his Circle B Bar Ranch in 2000 to
Polk County and SWFWMD. Today the
property is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts
and is known as the Circle B Bar Reserve.
The property includes 1,275 acres on
Lake Hancock and is home to a plethora
of wildlife including, alligators, wading
birds, eagles, and otters. “Agriculture and
conservation go hand in hand. The land is
the most valuable asset a rancher or grower
has and to spoil it in any way would be
foolish,” Bellotto said.
Bellotto, a World War II veteran, has
been involved in agriculture most of his
life. “I began with one cow I bought from
my Dad with money I earned working in
a local nursery on weekends. With the
expanding population of Polk County and
our country in general, things have changed (From the left) Charles Cook, President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and Albert
dramatically. I can remember driving cattle Joerger, a member of the SWFWMD’s District Governing Board congratulate, Al Bellotto, Sr.
(center) on his recognition.
8 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central Florida
“Agriculture and conservation go hand in hand. The land is the most valuable
asset a rancher or grower has and to spoil it in any way would be foolish,”
Association and has twice chaired the While there, he visited Central Park and
Florida Beef Council board. He served was struck by the beauty and accessibility
as chairman and director on the board of it. That urban masterpiece inspired Al to
of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and is still imagine that his Circle B Bar Ranch, this
Chairman of the Farm Credit of Central magnificent collection of ecosystems and
Florida Board of Directors. wildlife, could serve similarly the rapidly
He was President and a Director of the urbanizing Polk County. Within a few min-
Polk County Farm Bureau Board, a Director utes drive of the main population centers of
of the Citrus Showcase Board and a trustee the County now lies this park. Al tells me
of the Florida Agricultural Museum. He also that it was a tough thing to convince every-
served as Vice President of the Farm Credit one of his vision, but through the determina-
Funding Corporation Board. tion and perseverance that Al is known for,
He is known as a pioneer in the cattle he got his point across, he said.”
industry having been an early adopter of “My wife, Mary K, and I come here
freeze branding and invented the double- about once a week. I have taken thousands
decker cattle trailer to maximize capacity of photos of dozens and dozens of species
in transporting cattle, while reducing traf- of birds, otters, pigs, snakes and turtles,”
fic on our roads. All of these achievements John said.
pale in comparison to his leadership in “We meet other photo enthusiasts,
garnering support for the Beef Checkoff families on bikes, couples with binoculars,
Program. The initiative had failed twice and school children on field trips. All come
previously, but Bellotto, seeing the benefit here to see the truly phenomenal mix of
to using the money to promote beef, trav- wildlife, and experience the serenity of this
eled the state tirelessly to convince his piece of old Florida,” Langford observed..
peers to approve the measure. It passed “We have traveled over five continents
and today generates the necessary funds to photographing wildlife. No place is better
promote Florida’s vital beef industry. than the Circle B Bar for variety, consis-
“The District’s Basin Board Land tency and surprise. We read a recent Ledger
resources Committee wanted to recog- article that says people have come here
nize Al Bellotto for supporting land pres- from as far away as Australia specifically
ervation,” said Albert Joerger, District to see what’s here,” he said.
Governing Board member. “Thanks to his “Thanks to the SWFWMD Board and
support, the Circle B Bar Reserve is an to Polk County for developing and manag-
important environmental asset that serves ing this marvelous resource. Most of all,
as a popular recreation area for the residents thanks to you Al, to you and your family
of Polk County, and it will be preserved and for having the foresight and the generos-
protected for future generations.” ity to part with your beloved ranch so that
John Langford, a Farm Credit of my family and all families could enjoy its
Central Florida Director and a connois- unique features,” Mr. Langford said.
seur of natural beauty, addressed the The buildings comprising Polk’s
SWFWD Board at the ceremony to honor Nature Discovery Center are open Tuesday
Mr. Bellotto. Here are his comments on Al through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,
Bellotto’s award. but the nature trails are open from dawn to
“I want to than k the SW FW MD dusk. For more information on the Circle B
Board for allowing me a few sentences Bar call (863) 668-4673 Ext. 203.
before you today. John Langford agreed to share some of
My good friend Al Bellotto offered me his most impressive photography, all taken
the opportunity to thank all of you publicly at the Circle B Bar Reserve. At the right
for developing his treasure into the park that are some of the stunning photos captured
it is today. Al told me that he made numer- by John Langford’s keen eye and are repre-
ous trips to New York City to serve on the sentative of the diversity of wildlife at the
Funding Board for the Farm Credit System. Circle B Bar. ■
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 9
Financial News
Temporary Tax Relief Provides
Significant Planning Opportunities
for Small Business Owners
By Richard I. Withers, Esq.; Robert J. Naberhaus, Esq.; and Michael D. Minton, Esq.
J
ust when it looked like a return to qualified dividend tax rates (maximum of January 1, 2013. This means that the gift
the tax laws in effect prior to the 15%) through 2012. and estate tax exemptions will revert to
enactment of the so-called “Bush Transfer Tax Provisions. The 2010 only $1 million, the generation-skipping
Tax Cuts” was inevitable (see Back to Act provides for a combined $5 million transfer tax exemption will decrease to $1
the Future for Estate Tax Planning, Farm exemption from gift and estate tax, and million, but will be indexed for inflation
Credit Leader, December 2010, at 14-15), provides a $5 million exemption that can be since 1997, and the maximum tax rates will
Congress and the President gave taxpayers allocated to generation-skipping transfers increase to 55%.
an early Christmas present. On December (transfers made during life or at death that Bonus Depreciation. Under the 2010
17, 2010, President Obama signed into law are to or for the benefit of a person more Act, bonus depreciation was increased
the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance than one generation below the generation from 50% to 100% for qualifying assets
Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of of the donor). Additionally, the 2010 Act placed in service between September 9,
2010 (the “2010 Act”), which extends the reduces the tax rate applicable to transfers in 2010 and December 31, 2011. Qualifying
benefits of the Bush Tax Cuts through 2012 excess of the $5 million exemption to 35%. property generally includes property eli-
and provides significant estate planning The 2010 Act also introduces a new gible for depreciation with an applicable
opportunities for owners of family busi- planning opportunity referred to as “por- recovery period of 20 years or less, com-
nesses (especially those in agriculture). tability.” Portability allows the personal puter software covered by Section 197, and
These opportunities, however, are only representative of a deceased spouse’s estate qualified leasehold improvement property.
available for a short time because the pro- to make an election on a timely filed federal For qualifying property placed in service
visions of the 2010 Act are set to expire on estate tax return to transfer the deceased during 2012, the 50% depreciation rules
December 31, 2012, at which time the tax spouse’s unused estate tax exemption to will again apply.
laws in effect prior to the Bush Tax Cuts the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse Energy Incentive Credits. The 2010
will be resurrected (absent further action by can then use the unused exemption of the Act extended a number of energy incentive
Congress). This article describes the more deceased spouse to make additional gifts credits for businesses, including credits for
significant tax changes effected or contin- during life or at death that are exempt from biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel, cred-
ued by the 2010 Act and briefly discusses gift or estate tax. The deceased spouse’s its for refined coal facilities, new energy
some of the ways in which small businesses exemption from generation-skipping trans- efficient home credit, excise tax credits/
can take advantage of these changes. fer tax, however, is not portable. outlay payments for alternative fuel and
Extension of 2010 Tax Rates. The Without further action by Congress, fuel mixtures, and grants for certain energy
2010 Act extends the lower income tax rates the 2010 Act will sunset and the exemp- property in lieu of tax credits.
(10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35%), capi- tions and rates in effect prior to the Bush Pay rol l Tax Hol iday. I n 2011,
tal gains tax rates (maximum of 15%), and Tax Cuts will again become effective on employees would have been required to
pay a social security tax of 6.2% of their
wages up to $106,800 and a Medicare tax
of 1.45% on an unlimited amount of tax-
able earnings. The employer is required to
pay a matching amount. Under the 2010
Act, the employee (not employer) portion
of the social security tax is temporarily
reduced from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011 only.
Individuals subject to the self-employment
tax will also receive the 2% tax reduction
(their rate will be a combined 13.3% instead
of 15.3%).
Increase of Section 179 Expensing
and Expansion to Certain Real Property.
The tax changes effected by the 2010 Act
are in addition to those enacted in the
10 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central FloridaSmall Business Jobs Act of 2010, which single individuals can transfer up to $5 About the Authors:
was signed into law on September 27, 2010 million in assets and married couples can Michael D. Minton
(the “2010 Small Business Act”). Under the transfer up to $10 million in assets without is president and a
2010 Small Business Act, for taxable years incurring gift or estate tax. Additionally, shareholder of Dean
beginning in 2010 and 2011, taxpayers may if such transfers are made to trusts, then Mead. He practices
write off up to $500,000 of the cost of qual- generation-skipping transfer tax exemp- in the area of Federal
ifying property placed in service during tion can be allocated to the transfers and income, estate, and
those taxable years, subject to a phase-out the trust can survive exempt from transfer gif t t ax law and
once these expenditures exceed $2 million. tax for up to 360 years. family business
Additionally, the definition of qualifying Furthermore, the increased exemp- succession planning. In addition, he has
property was expanded so that taxpayers tions and reduced rates can be coupled with developed a particular interest and special
may expense up to $250,000 of the cost of other estate planning techniques to further knowledge in agricultural and resource
qualified leasehold improvement property, minimize the transfer tax liability of family management law. Mr. Minton is the Past
qualified restaurant property, and quali- business owners. For example, a decedent’s Vice Chairman of the Governing Board
fied retail improvement property placed estate may elect to value real property used for the South Florida Water Management
in service during 2010 and 2011. The 2010 in farming operations or other closely-held District. He may be reached at mminton@
Act also extends Section 179 expensing for small businesses at its special use valua- deanmead.com.
2012, but reduced the deduction limita- tion (rather than at its highest and best
tion to $125,000 of the cost of qualifying use value). Providing that a farming or Robert J. Naberhaus
property placed in service during 2012, closely-held small business qualifies, this III is Of Counsel at
subject to a phase out once the expenditures election allows for a reduction in the valu- Dean Mead where
exceed $500,000. In 2013, the Section 179 ation of qualified real property included in he practices in trust
expensing limitations will revert back to a the decedent’s gross estate by a maximum and estate planning
$25,000 maximum deduction with a phase- amount of $1,020,000 for 2011 (indexed and administration.
out beginning at $200,000. annually for inflation). Additionally, qual- He is board certified
Opportunities. The 2010 Act has ifying small business owners may take in wills, trusts and
ushered in a new era of tax planning advantage of valuation discounts (e.g. dis- estates law. Mr. Naberhaus also concen-
opportunities for small business owners counts for lack of control and lack of mar- trates his practice in the areas of fiduciary
that are positioned to take advantage ketability) when transferring interests in representation, business succession plan-
of the temporary tax relief provisions their business either during life or at death. ning, generational planning, charitable
in the next two years. Business owners Such discounts can result in the transfer of planning, guardianship and probate litiga-
should consider ways to accelerate the a family business at values greatly reduced tion. He may be reached at RNaberhaus@
recognition of income, capital gains and from the value of the underlying assets of deanmead.com.
dividends, where possible, before the tax the business. As an added benefit, recent
rates increase in 2013. Additionally, busi- case law and Private Letter Rulings show Richard I. Withers is
ness owners who have been holding off that the special use valuation is calculated an Associate at Dean
on purchasing qualifying property should after considering any applicable valua- Mead. He practices in
consider making those capital expenditures tion discounts. This allows for layering of the area of estate plan-
in the next two years and taking advantage discounts and deductions by first taking ning, business succes-
of the opportunity to fully depreciate or into account valuation discounts and then sion planning, probate
expense those costs in the year of purchase. further reducing the value of the estate by and trust administra-
Furthermore, business owners considering any reduction attributable to a special use tion and tax planning
making investments in energy production valuation. A properly structured estate and for businesses and individuals. He may be
should consider how they might structure business plan that takes advantage of the reached at rwithers@deanmead.com.
those investments to take advantage of the 2010 Act, and the other planning techniques
myriad energy incentive credits that have described above, can achieve the transfer
been extended through 2012. of a family business with a value in excess
Probably the greatest opportunities of $20 million to subsequent generations
can be found in the increased exemptions with little, if any, estate, gift or generation-
and reduced rates provided with respect skipping transfer tax.
to the gift, estate and generation-skipping The window of opportunity to take
transfer taxes. The increased gift and advantage of these planning techniques
estate tax exemption gives family business and the increased exemptions is only two
owners a unique opportunity to make sig- (2) years, so it would be prudent to review
nificant transfers either outright or in trust your current estate and tax plans now
to subsequent generations without incur- with a qualified estate and tax attorney
ring any transfer tax. As discussed above, or accountant. ■
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 11Member News Farm Credit Members Inform Legislators about Agriculture Farm Credit and Florida agriculture have been partners in progress its needs. Farm Credit of Central Florida can be proud of the high for almost a century. Now, more than ever, it is critical to explain level of involvement its Members have with elected officials from to our mostly urban legislators at every level, about agriculture and local to national. Here are some photos to illustrate their travels. ■ (From the left) Farm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie (From the left) Farm Credit of Central Florida Member, Jerry Shoop, State Holt; Director Rex Clonts, Jr.; Senator Bill Nelson; and Board Vice Senator Jim Norman, Billy Kempfer, State Representative Greg Steube Chairman, David Stanford (From the left) Sumter County Ag Alliance Chairman, James Sutton; Ed (From the left) Cary Lightsey, Representative Joe Gibbons, Farm Credit of Dillard; Congressman Rich Nugent; and Farm Credit Member, Dale McClellan Central Florida Member, Herb Harbin Farm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie Holt (left) and (From the left) Past Florida Cattlemen’s President Mike Milicevic; Florida Director Homer Hunnicutt, Jr. (right) present a PAC check to Congressman Senate Ag Committee Chairman, Gary Siplin; Past FCA President, Wade Rich Nugent (center). Grigsby; Dr. Geoffrey Dahl, IFAS 12 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central Florida
Congratulations to
Farm Credit Members
Re-Elected to Citrus
Mutual Board
Farm Credit of Central Florida Director, W.
Rex Clonts, Jr. along with fellow Farm Credit
(From the left) Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam;
Members, David Evans , Oviedo, George
Farm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie Holt;
Congressman Dennis Ross; State Representative, Rich Glorioso of Neukom, III of Zephyrhills, Richard “Ric”
Plant City; and State Representative Seth McKeel of Lakeland Freeman of Winter Garden, Raymond “Bo”
Bentley, Jr. of Winter Haven, and Victor Story,
Jr. of Lake Wales were re-elected to the Citrus
Mutual board for the 2011-2012 season. ■
Rex Clonts, Jr.
Congratulations to
Quarterly Drawing
(From the left) UF-IFAS Vice President, Jack Payne; Brevard County
cattleman, Billy Kempfer; State Senator, Thad Altman of Melbourne; and
Brevard County Commissioner, Robin Fisher
Winners of a
$100 Gift Card
K
udos to Frank Drury of DeLand, and Terrence Schrader
of San Antonio, Fla. for having their names drawn as the
past two winners of a $100 gift card from the associa-
tion. Farm Credit
of Central Florida
Customers receive
a survey following
Customer Satisfaction Survey
This customer satisfaction survey is provided to help us better meet the needs of our customers. Your input
loan closings. Each
is very important to us. Please return this survey using the enclosed envelope so that we can better evaluate
and improve our services.
You can also respond electronically to this survey at www.FarmCreditCFL.com/customersurvey.htm
1. Are you a new, existing or previous Farm Credit customer?
❑ new ❑ existing ❑ previous
quarter a drawing
6. Did your loan officer discuss Farm Credit’s crop
insurance and AccountAccess programs with you?
❑ Crop Insurance ❑ AccountAccess ❑ N/A
2. How did you hear about Farm Credit?
❑ Farm Credit Member ❑ Internet is held from the
7. What was your main reason for choosing Farm Credit?
❑ Rate ❑ Loan product selection
completed surveys
❑ Farm Credit Employee ❑ Farm Credit Director
❑ Easy/quick application process ❑ Confidence in originator
Congressman Ross (center) at the association’s Lakeland office receiving ❑ Farm Credit Meeting
❑ Newspaper
❑ Realtor
❑ Magazine ❑ Existing member ❑ Referral recommendation
to determine the
❑ Other ❑ Other
a Farm Credit PAC check. (From the left) Farm Credit of Central Florida 3. How would you rate the Farm Credit employees you dealt
8. Will you recommend Farm Credit to others?
winner. It pays to
with in terms of knowledge about our products and ❑ Yes ❑ No
Directors, Baylis Carnes III; John Langford; Al Bellotto; Ron Wetherington; service to you?
Loan Officers:
If no, please explain: ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Dennis Carlton; and CEO, Reggie Holt participate! ■
_____________________________________________________
❑ Above Avg. ❑ Average ❑ Below Avg. ❑ N/A _____________________________________________________
Loan Assistant/Analyst: 9. Do you have any comments or suggestions to improve
❑ Above Avg. ❑ Average ❑ Below Avg. ❑ N/A our services? ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Receptionist:
_____________________________________________________
❑ Above Avg. ❑ Average ❑ Below Avg. ❑ N/A _____________________________________________________
4. Was your loan officer prompt in dealing with your requests 10. Do you know of someone in need of financing at
or concerns? this time?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Yes ❑ No
Comments: ___________________________________________ If yes, please provide name and phone number: ___________
_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
5. Your loan closed:
Loan Officer’s Name (optional): _______________________
❑ Sooner than expected
❑ When expected Your Name (optional): _______________________________
❑ Later than expected
Your email address (optional): _________________________
Comments: ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________ Thank you for helping us improve our services to you. We
_____________________________________________________ appreciate your cooperation and your business.
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 13Feature
Doctors in Agriculture
Dr. Faisal Fakih
Farm Credit of Central Florida Member,
Dr. Faisal Fakih, is an accomplished phy-
sician who is the Medical Director for
Florida Pulmonary Consultants and Sleep
Disorder Center in Winter Park. Inspired
by his friend and fellow physician, Dr.
John Arnold, Dr. Fakih bought a frozen
out grove near Groveland, Florida, in 1993.
He immediately began to apply his healing
touch to restoring the grove to a productive
and profitable operation. He also acquired
an adjacent parcel of land to expand his
holdings to the current 120 acres.
Dr. Fakih was introduced to agricul-
ture at an early age by his parents. His father
was born in a tiny village in Lebanon where
his family grew food for their own needs
and sold the remainder of their crop. The
family moved to Barranquilla, Colombia,
in Central America, where Dr. Fakih was
born, and where his father often told him
stories of the family farm in Lebanon. Dr.
Fakih earned his B.A. from the Universidad
de Zaragoza in Spain, and then served Dr. Faisal Fakih
his residency and fellowship at Tulane
University in New Orleans. He moved to winters, escaping even sub-freezing tem- ommending Farm Credit of Central Florida
central Florida in 1979 and has never left. peratures for hours. “We have found the to her clients: “I have used Farm Credit in
He sees parallels between medicine tall stand of red cedar trees lining my the past and have never hesitated in recom-
and raising citrus, “Taking care of trees grove help protect our citrus trees from mending them to any of my customers and
is like treating patients in as much as both freezes,” said Dr. Fakih. Additionally, he friends. They have excellent programs,
need certain nutrients, and you have to has cleverly employed extended microjet competitive rates and their stock/participa-
fight diseases.” Dr. Fakih firmly believes irrigation to protect the trees’ canopies tion program is an extra bonus. Most impor-
good planning and proper treatment is during freezing temperatures. tant is the knowledge and desire of the staff
essential to grow a healthy and productive “Dr. Fakih, has been a Farm Credit to help each individual in their specific
grove. “If you skimp on caretaking of your Member for approximately six years and needs and following tit through to the end.
grove it will eventually cost you,” he said. he is a pleasure to work with,” said David I cannot say enough “good things” about
Just as a doctor would consult medi- McDonald, Dr. Fakih’s Loan Officer. Dr. Farm Credit and was most happy, together
cal journals to cure an illness in a patient, Fakih move to central Florida in 1979. with my right-hand associate Elaine Vick, to
Dr. Fakih read voraciously and gathered “My realtors, Julia Faye Rogers and Elaine recommend it to Dr. Faisal Fakih.”
volumes of k nowledge on the cit r us Vick, recommended Farm Credit of Central As a man who earns his living in a
industry before investing in his grove. Florida for financing,” he said. very stressful environment making daily
He has even pioneered a creative method Julia Fay Rogers, owner of Julia Faye life and death decisions, Dr. Fakih finds
to help his trees survive some very harsh Rogers Realty, Inc., had this to say about rec- working in his grove relaxing and often
invites friends out to his property to
unwind. He is also a man with a positive
“Taking care of trees is like treating patients in outlook. “History has shown agriculture
will find a way to survive. I believe even-
as much as both need certain nutrients, and you tually a cure for the various citrus diseases
will be found,” he said.
have to fight diseases.”
14 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central FloridaDr. John Arnold, a
Lifelong Pioneer
As they say in the citrus industry, “The
Valencia doesn’t fall far from the tree!” In
other articles, we outline the innovative
genius of John Arnold, Jr., and his brother,
Rob. Interviewing their dad, Dr. John
Arnold, a retired interventional cardiolo-
gist, it is clearly evident where John, Jr.,
and Rob got their inspiration and knack for
innovation.
Dr. John Arnold was born in Winter
Garden, obtained his B.A. from Emory
University in Atlanta, GA. Subsequently, he
graduated from Emory University School
of Medicine, served a three-year internship
and residency at Grady Memorial Hospital
in Atlanta, followed by a fellowship in
clinical cardiology at Emory Hospital, then
was senior fellow in cardiology at Jackson
Memorial Hospital in Miami for training in
the cardiac catheterization lab.
The science of interventional cardiol-
ogy allows heart patients to live normal, Dr. John Arnold
productive lives by installing pacemakers,
stints, and cardiac catheters eventually “Agriculture has been my most satisfying hobby
leading to open heart surgery. The original
mercury-zinc batteries that powered the and has turned into an enterprise and bonding
pacemakers had a productive life of about
experience for future generations.”
two years necessitating additional surgi-
cal procedures to replace the spent power
source. Dr. Arnold had observed lithium- ago. He was on the staff of several local of sand was inherited,” he says proudly.
iodide batteries, that were used to light hospitals, but most of his work was at “Good nutrition combined with early and
remote Pacific runways for our military Florida Hospital in Orlando. “My dad was accurate diagnosis prolong life. Agriculture
planes in WWII lasted up to five times a dentist who grew up in a small farming has been my most satisfying hobby and has
longer. “I appealed to the pacemaker man- community in Northern Kentucky. He tried turned into an enterprise and bonding expe-
ufacturers my discovery and encouraged various forms of agriculture as a hobby rience for future generations,” he said. He
them to use the longer lasting batteries,” without success until he became involved used Farm Credit to purchase some of his
Dr. Arnold said. He could have obtained in citrus. I helped him on the farm and it holdings. There are currently no remaining
a patent on his discovery, but rather than became a contagion, but it helped build my mortgages on any of his properties.
delay implementation of his innovation, work ethic, which I have been able to pass Dr. Arnold’s background in chemis-
he donated it to science so patients could on to my family,” he said. try combined with his research into the
benefit immediately. “I really didn’t have Dr. Arnold also sees similarities citrus industry led him and John, Jr., to
to think about it, I just believed it was the between nurturing his citrus trees and create and patent an irrigation system with
right thing to do, to help patients,” he said. livestock to his career extending the lives micro-jet emitters in 1990 that is still in
That was just the first of his ground- of ailing patients. He has observed certain use today for cold protection and irriga-
breaking discoveries. Dr. Arnold designed professionals entering the agricultural arena tion. “Understanding the physical chemis-
and patented the Left Ventricular Assist and then exiting because it doesn’t provide try of water was the key to inventing this
device, or L-Vad, which replaced heart immediate gratification such as stocks, gold system,” he said.
transplants. “It eliminated the rejection or other investments. “Citrus takes seven Like his good friend Dr. Fakih, Dr.
factor that often plagued transplant patients, years to pay its way and as many as 10 years Arnold and wife, Susan, still find visiting
and required no steroids. “Former Vice to really make a profit,” he said. and participating in the rural setting of his
President Dick Cheney has one,” he said. Today, Dr. Arnold’s holdings include citrus and cattle operation relaxing when
Dr. Arnold practiced medicine for 41 almost 3,000 acres of citrus and cattle they want to get away from urban living.
years before retiring four and half years land. “I built it all I myself, not one grain
Continued on next page
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 15Feature
Restoring People,
Plants, and
Automobiles
Dr. Luis Guarda, born in Viña del Mar,
Chile, and educated at the University of
Chile at Valparaiso, has been involved in
pathology and laboratory medicine for 29
of his 32-year career at Florida Hospital in
Orlando. In the past he occupied the posi-
tion of Head of the Pathology Department
at Florida Hospital; currently, he is a senior
pathologist. He is also Associate Professor
of Pathology at the University of Central
Florida Medical School. The respect he has
garnered from his peers has resulted in sev-
eral guest speaker invitations to scientific
meetings in Latin-American.
Pathology is the study of the essential
nature of diseases and especially of the
structural and functional changes produced
by them. He and his wife, Aurora, own Dr. Luis Garda
and operate Tropical Plants and Foliage
in Apopka which occupies about five of nursery for a retirement investment, enter- operations at the greenhouses. The nursery
a 15-acre site. Aurora’s experienced eye tainment, and potentially as income pro- specializes in container tropical foliage and
developed as an interior design consultant ducing property,” he said. His skills as a sells to customers, brokers, direct wholesal-
is a critical asset in developing marketable doctor have served him well in his nursery ers and local flower shops.
material from the nursery. incorporating some of the same safety and The keen mind and manual dexter-
Dr. Guarda recognizes some similari- handling procedures he learned in medicine ity that are prerequisites for Dr. Guarda to
ties in raising quality plant material and the for handling pesticides and fertilizers. excel at his chosen profession also serve
practice of medicine. “Nutrition, growth, His hospital schedule allows Dr. him well in pursuing his hobby of restor-
and metabolic principles are similar in Guarda to be present at the nursery most ing classic Ford Model A automobiles from
medicine and plants. When my son came afternoons and weekends. His wife, Aurora 1928, 1929, and 1930. “I was inspired from
back from serving in Iraq, we bought the handles the invoicing and oversees the daily seeing a lot of those cars as a child in Chile.
My aunt drove a 1928 Ford Model A,”
Dr. Guarda said.
Dr. Guarda and Mrs. Guarda have two
children and four grandchildren, ranging in
ages from one to 15 years. ■
“Nutrition, growth, and
metabolic principles are
similar in medicine and
plants.”
Dr. Luis Garda with his restored Model A Ford
16 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central FloridaFlorida Citrus Industry Conference • June 15–17 • Bonita Springs, FL
Farm Credit of Central Florida
August 2011 | 17
Industry NewsFeature
The Arnold Family—(from the left) Julie; sons, Jason, Jackson, John Forrest, and Josh; and Dad, John, Jr., at Showcase of Citrus on Highway 27 near Clermont.
Visionary of Disneyesque Proportions
L
ocated, virtually in the shadow of eral kinds of sherbet. During season they Their business plan is to create a compre-
the House of the Mouse, 15 min- also have citrus breads and baked goods. hensive, 1-stop-shopping entertainment and
utes West on U.S. Highway 27, the For the more advent u rous, the retail venue.
Showcase of Citrus appears to passersby to Showcase of Citrus also offers one-hour The Arnold’s agricultural operation
be a typical roadside citrus stand. Au con- safaris across the 2,500-acre ranch on the includes 250 acres of citrus groves for the
traire, my friend! Owned by John Arnold, World’s Largest Monster Trucks. Riding in juice market; the fruit stand, U-Pick, and
Jr., you can certainly purchase the luscious converted school buses, up to 60 guests can Recently Picked grove operation; and Agri-
traditional citrus products Florida is known climb the 12-foot staircase to a ringside seat Tourism offering regularly scheduled edu-
for, but the Showcase of Citrus offers an to take in the natural beauty of the Arnold cational tours of the ranch on two “Monster
interactive, one-stop entertainment venue family’s ranch and wildlife including a pair Swamp Buggys,” which are modified school
for kids from 3-103, for a fraction of the of water buffalo. John’s future vision for bus bodies mounted on soft, giant tires.
cost of feeding the Mouse! the Showcase includes an alligator pit with To that end, the family embarked upon
The 40-acre, U-Pick grove offers some regular feedings and a chance to see these a two-month, 21-state, sojourn last summer,
50 varieties for guests to choose from as giant reptiles as close as most want to get. to find the best possible values in artisanal-
they select and pick their own fruit. In the John, wife, Julie, and their four sons produced products for their retail operation
shop itself, summer visitors can refresh work hand-in-hand as a team to operate the and compare operational strategies. They
with a tonsil-tingling orange juice slushy, multi-faceted facility. Each brings a special visited 11 national parks and even climbed
enjoy fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit talent to the table—Josh, 14, Jason, 13, Mt. Whitney. Famed comedian, Larry the
juice, or pour their own raw local varieties Jackson, 8, and John Forrest, 7. The boys Cable Guy, even filmed a hog hunt on the
of honey on tap in huge drums. If ice cream perform duties ranging from cutting fruit Arnold’s ranch for his History Channel
is your passion the staff can hand-dip your samples, carrying fruit to customer’s cars, show, “Only in America.” Martha Stewart’s
choice or you can choose one of their sev- to grove care and prepping the tour buses. mention of the Showcase of Citrus started
18 | August 2011 Farm Credit of Central FloridaIndustry News
an avalanche of phone calls, so the Arnold’s
fame has spread nationwide.
A 1986 graduate of Emory University,
John, once had former President Jimmy
Carter as an adjunct professor in one of his
classes. During his college days he began to
visualize a retail store with a direct to retail
relationship between producer and cus-
tomer. The store offers a plethora of prod-
ucts, most of which are homemade. “The
retail store furnishes a platform to bring
the public Florida-produced artisanal, small
batch products, with absolutely no artifi-
cial ingredients,” John said. John and his
family have traveled extensively to seek out
the tastiest products they can find including
The Arnold family on the Swamp Safari vehicle which is a converted school bus requiring a
a wide variety of jellies, marmalades, and 12-foot ladder to board!
sauces to stock their store shelves.
Fa r m Credit of Cent ral Flor id a
Apopka Loan Officer Clay Wiggins said,
“John and Julie truly have a passion and
commitment to Florida agriculture. Their
innovative business model bringing agri-
culture and tourism together to educate
others about the benefits and importance of
Florida’s second-largest industry is not only
refreshing, but vital to the overall economy
of our state. It’s truly a pleasure to work
with the Arnold family and be a part of the
success of the Showcase of Citrus.”
Bio-Solids and
Composting
John’s innovation and vision is not lim-
ited to the retail store. He is currently (From the left) John Arnold, Jr., his wife, Julie, and Farm Credit of Central Florida Apopka
working on a significant project unrelated Loan Officer, Clay Wiggins
to the retail store, but with the possibil-
ity of adding additional revenue streams City of Orlando. John has a patent pending another revenue stream to maintain the
and solving some pressing environmental on a solar process to convert the residuals viability of the agricultural operation.
challenges for the disposal of wastewa- from the wastewater into a product similar An offshoot of the BTF is the ability
ter and the residual solids. When fully to Milorganite, which is produced from to eventually accept shipments of expired
operational, a BTF (Biosolids Treatment the sewage of the City of Milwaukee, WI. food wastes from retail food stores that will
Facility) will be an integral part of the That company is called Solorganics LLC be processed into ethanol. Once again, a
farming operation. The project will clarify and produces activated sewage sludge. By huge challenge is turned into a potentially
and recycle wastewater for citrus irriga- drying the bio-solid using solar heat instead lucrative revenue stream from a product
tion, reducing the need to pump irrigation of burning fossil fuels to generate heat cre- retailers will pay to dispose of.
water for the citrus from either the aquifer, ates a tremendous energy savings that can Having been a Farm Credit Member
or surface water. be passed on to the farmer. for years, John had this to say about his
The BTF plant will also produce Once dry the sludge is brought up relationship with the cooperative,” Farm
a bio-solids based, registered fertilizer to 170 degrees without any external heat Credit, unlike commercial banks, under-
with the USDA displacing dependence on source to stimulate microbial activity stands the complexities of my operation.
commercially produced synthetic fertil- and end up with an AA rated fertilizer Farm Credit comes to visit me and see my
izers. Since 1986, the ranch has accepted product with 6%-10% Nitrogen content. operation firsthand. The commercial banks
wastewater residuals from various munici- Additionally, the cities supplying the sludge can’t beat their rates and the staff seems to
palities in central Florida including the pay a tipping fee to Solorganics creating have similar backgrounds to mine.” ■
Farm Credit of Central Florida August 2011 | 19You can also read
