Cattle Industry Preconvention Tour Highlights Florida Agriculture
News release by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association
TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2013) – Cattlemen and women from across the country enjoyed beautiful weather and warm Florida hospitality during the 2013 Cattle Industry Preconvention Agricultural Tour, sponsored by SFP. The tour was one of the opening events of the convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show.
On Monday evening guests were welcomed with a dinner at the Florida State Fairgrounds along with a tour of the Florida Cattlemen’s Museum Exhibit and Cracker Country, a living-history museum recreating rural pioneer Florida history and folk life during 1870-1912. The tour wrapped up Tuesday with a full day of visits to agricultural operations in and around the Tampa area.
Participants on the tour had the opportunity to visit Barthle Brothers Ranch, a diversified cattle operation. The Barthle family breeds purebred American Brahman cattle, raises American Quarter horses, produces crossbred calves and offers guided quail and turkey hunts at the ranch. Crystal Springs Preserve at Two Rivers Ranch was the next stop on the tour. Guests were treated to a tour of a 525-acre sanctuary devoted to environmental education and the preservation of Florida’s natural environment. Crystal Springs is a natural Florida spring that discharges 40 million gallons of water per day. Following a tour of the unique facility, attendees were treated to an outstanding lunch at Two Rivers Ranch co-sponsored by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Beef Council.
With temperatures in the 70s, Florida’s weather is not only perfect for convention attendees, but also benefits Florida’s strong fruit and vegetable industry. The group had an opportunity to visit one of the area’s largest growers during a stop at Wishnatski Strawberry Farms in nearby Plant City, where they harvested fresh strawberries, a treat available nearly year-round in Florida. Wishnatski Farms, which takes quality and food safety seriously, has taken the lead on developing a program to ensure the highest standards in food safety and traceability.
The last stop of the day featured Keel and Curley Winery, which was founded in the kitchen of owner Joe Keel. Keel, a central Florida blueberry farmer, wanted to find something to do with his end-of-crop blueberries and decided blueberry wine would be an excellent choice. That decision led to the founding of the award-winning winery, which allowed guests to taste a variety of their most popular vintages during a private tasting.
The preconvention tour helped kick off a strong start to the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. For more information visit www.BeefUSA.org and follow NCBA on Facebook and Twitter.
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Editor's Note: This article is adapted from a news release provided by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). The organization has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions.
For a copy of the original release and others provided by NCBA, visit www.beefusa.org/newsreleases1.aspx.