January 2011 Issue Neighbors

STRIKING A CHORD Skaggs Sings Farmers’ Praises At Mobile Event A BANNER IDEA Tuscaloosa County Silo Sends Message

A New Chapter in a Long History The Land Bank — it’s a familiar name around rural Alabama, a name that people have come to know and trust. When you need a rural land loan, people turn to the Land Bank for financing. Now the Federal Land Bank Associations of Alabama have new names — Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit.

You might wonder why, after more than 90 years, we’d mess with a good thing. The answer is simple: to make

it better. We’re changing our names because we are expanding our line of loan products to include operating loans, equipment loans and lines of credit. Our customers can now get all their rural and agricultural loans in one place, from the lenders they already know and trust.

We’re excited about all the new options we can offer new and existing customers. Contact us today to ask how we can help you.

Alabama Farm Credit

formerly Federal Land Bank Association of North Alabama

1-888-305-0074 www.AlabamaFarmCredit.com

Alabama Ag Credit

formerly Federal Land Bank Association of South Alabama

1-800-579-5471 www.AlabamaAgCredit.com

Neighbors A Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1

JANUARY 2011

Striking A Chord

Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Skaggs was singing the praises of farmers at a concert held at Saenger Theatre on the opening night of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 89th Annual Meeting. • 16

A Growing Story Governor-elect Dr. Robert Bentley addressed the 89th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation at Mobile’s Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. • 6

Service To Agriculture

ON THE COVER

Dr. John Wheat, founder and creator of the

Singing Praises — Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Ricky Skaggs was singing farmers’ praises during a performance at the Saenger Theatre. In a backstage interview with Neighbors magazine, Skaggs discussed his music, his faith and growing up on a small Kentucky farm.

— Ricky Skaggs Family Entertainment

University of Alabama’s Rural Health Leaders

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

DEPARTMENTS 5

President’s Message

18

Federation Digest

rural Alabama. • 12

26

Alabama Gardener

‘We Care’ For Photos, Too!

28

Country Kitchen

30

Classifieds

Pipeline Programs, received the Federation’s highest award for his work in bringing doctors to

The results are in, and the judges have made their picks in Neighbors magazine’s ‘We Care ...’

Photography Contest. • 22 3

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2011 C ALENDAR JANUARY 9-1 ���������������American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting,

Atlanta 11 �����������������Organizational Session of Alabama Legislature, Montgomery 15 �����������������4H/FFA Alabama Market Hog Show, Montgomery 17 �����������������Inauguration Day, Montgomery 19-21 ���������Gulf States Horticulture Expo, Mobile 22 �����������������State Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting, Montgomery 25-26 ���������Southern Dairy Conference, Atlanta, GA 26-27 ���������New State Board & County President’s Orientation, Montgomery 26-28 ���������International Poultry Expo, Atlanta, GA

FEBRUARY 1-3 ���������������Commodity Organization Conference, Birmingham

3-5 ���������������AFBF National Leadership Conference, Orlando, FL

5-7 ���������������AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference,

Orlando, FL 8-9 ���������������Ag Symposium, Ross Bridge, Birmingham 10 �����������������AL/FL Peanut Trade Show and Annual Meeting, Dothan 11-12 ���������Alabama Cattlemen’s Convention, Montgomery 17-19 ���������Catfish Farmers of American Convention, Mobile 18-19 ���������Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Annual Meeting, Auburn 18-20 ���������Young Farmers Leadership Conference, Embassy Suites, Huntsville 20-26 ���������AFBF Commodity Advisory Meeting, Washington, D.C. 22 �����������������Ag Hall of Honor Induction, Auburn University

MARCH

1 �������������������Regular Legislative Session Begins,

Montgomery 1-3 ���������������ALFA Leaders Class, Montgomery 2 �������������������Farm PAC Annual Meeting, Montgomery 2 �������������������Taste of Alabama Legislative Reception, Montgomery 3-5 ���������������National Pork Forum, Phoenix, AZ 8-9 ���������������Catfish Farmers of America Leadership Conference, Demopolis 15-18 ���������Washington Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C. 15-18 ���������American Peanut Council, Washington, D.C. 21-23 ���������Peanut Leadership Academy, Cordele, GA 31 �����������������Auburn Ag Industry Day, Auburn

11-14 ���������National Institute for Animal Agriculture, San Antonio, TX

13 �����������������Alfa Mutual Insurance Companies Annual

Policyholder Meeting, Montgomery 15-19 ���������National AFBF Women’s Leadership Conference, Baltimore, MD 27-28 ���������Ag Classic, Auburn

M AY 1-3 ���������������Alabama Agribusiness Council Annual Meeting, Gulf Shores,

31-6/3 ���������State FFA Convention, Montgomery JUNE 7-9 ���������������ALFA Leaders Class, Auburn 8-10 �����������World Pork Expo, Des Moines, IA 10-12 ���������Youth Leadership Conference, 4-H Center, Columbiana

12-15 ���������AFBF Southern Region Commodity Conference, Orange Beach

15-17 ���������Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute, Florence 18-22 ���������American Peanut Council, Asheville, NC 22-25 ���������National AITC Conference, Fort Lauderdale J U LY 7-10 �������������County Presidents Conference, TBA 21-23 ���������Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Panama City Beach, FL TBA �������������OYFF Judging TBA �������������Alfa 8th Annual Farm Market Day, Montgomery TBA �������������Agronomy & Soil Turf Field Day, Auburn

AUGUST 4-7 ���������������Commodity Producers Conference, Huntsville 7-10 �������������Peanut Leadership Academy, Lubbock, TX TBA �������������Landscape, Greenhouse & Nursery Conference, Auburn

SEPTEMBER 1 �������������������Heritage Cooking Contest, Montgomery 11-17 ���������Beef Tour, New York 13-15 ���������ALFA Leaders Class, Huntsville OCTOBER 7-16 �������������Alabama National Fair, Montgomery 11-13 ���������Alabama Turfgrass Association Annual

Conference, Auburn 18-20 ���������Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie, GA 19-22 ���������National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN 28-11/6 �����National Peanut Festival, Dothan

Consortium, Fort Lauderdale, FL

NOVEMBER 1-3 ���������������ALFA Leaders Class, Nashville, TN/Western, KY 5 �������������������Auburn Ag Roundup, Auburn DECEMBER 4-6 ���������������Alabama Farmers Federation 90th Annual

Hotel, Birmingham 11 �����������������Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon, Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham

6-7 ���������������Alfa Leaders Graduation, Mobile 13-14 ���������Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, Panama

APRIL 5-8 ���������������Ag In The Classroom Southern Region 10-12 ���������Women’s Leadership Conference, Wynfrey

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Meeting, Mobile

City, FL

4

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1

________________________________________ Darryal Ray, Editor Debra Davis, Associate Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jerry Newby, President, Athens Hal Lee, Vice President/North, Hartselle Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland Ricky Wiggins, Vice President/Southeast, Andalusia Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Joe Dickerson, Lexington Ted Grantland, Somerville Donnie Garrett, Centre Darrel Haynes, Cullman John E. Walker III, Berry Marshall Prickett, Wellington Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dickie Odom, Boligee Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta Sammy Williams, Columbia Debbie Freeland, Grand Bay Ben Haynes, Cullman Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116. For information about member benefits of the Alabama Farmers Federation, visit the Web site www.AlfaFarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices.

Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Paul Hurst, Hurst & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Phone: 800397-8908; Fax: (847) 438-8105. Classified ad and editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Ad­vertise­­­­­­­ ments contained in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation.

EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

ADDRESS editorial, advertising and change of address correspondence to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001. www.AlfaFarmers.org A member of American Farm Bureau Federation NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

President’s Message

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s the Alabama Farmers Federation turns the page on another chapter in Agriculture’s Growing Story, 2010 will be remembered as a year marked by a sluggish economy, challenging weather, legislative victories and organizational changes.

Included in the organizational changes was Paul Pinyan’s appointment to executive director of the Federation. Working to build on the past successes of the organization and promote agriculture to stabilize the farm economy, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position from time served as a field man and director of governmental affairs.

On the farm, cold, wet conditions that brought snow as far south as Covington County lingered well into spring, causing planting to be delayed.

But by late summer, the moisture that had driven the last vestiges of drought from the state evaporated and oncepromising crops wilted in the field.

Despite these challenges, Alabama farmers enjoyed the most productive legislative session in recent history.

Topping the list of accomplishments was passage of the Family Farm Preservation Act. The measure prevents law-abiding farms from being declared a public nuisance and helps safeguard farmers from costly lawsuits.

Another highlight of the session was passage of a bill that ensures livestock care regulations are uniform throughout the state. Other successful legislation included a new law that allows bird-hunting preserves to purchase an annual license to cover hunters on the property and bills that increase penalties for forest arson and timber theft.

Despite tight budgets, agricultural programs fared well. Funding for the Career Technology Initiative remained unchanged at $2.26 million, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management was allocated $277,200 to offset CAFO registration fees for farmers, and the Agriculture Water Enhancement Program received $150,000 in state matching funds to help expand on-farm irrigation.

On the national level, the AmeriNEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

can Farm Bureau Federation led a year-long effort to “Put Death Taxes To Rest,” but by the mid-term elections, Congress had still not reached an agreement about the controversial estate tax. Meanwhile, farmers continued to feel the encroachment of government regulation into their lives, and Federation members shared the country’s frustration over hidden provisions in the complicated health care law that threatened to increase costs for businesses and families.

The Federation’s ability to educate state and national lawmakers about agricultural issues was enhanced this year with the merger of the Commodity and Governmental Affairs Departments into the new Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department.

Now, in addition to Jerry Newby commodity-specific responsibilities, division directors also are the organization’s primary contacts on issues ranging from farm programs and the environment to animal welfare and immigration.

A key to sustaining the growth of the Federation is the development of future leaders, and one of the most promising projects in this area is the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama program. The first class of A.L.F.A. Leaders graduated in December, and the second class of 16 members began the two-year program in March.

The Federation also continues to develop leaders through its Young Farmers and Women’s divisions. This year, the Women’s Leadership Division changed its name to more accurately reflect the role farm women play in the organization. Activities included the food price survey, Food Checkout Week and Ag in the Classroom, which trained 99 teachers during this year’s Summer Institute.

Meanwhile, the Federation held its first-ever Young Farmers Summer Conference. The event brought 125 young farmers to the Federation’s home office in Montgomery for workshops, includ5

ing an inspiring talk by a South Dakota couple challenging farmers to become advocates for agriculture. Other Organization Department accomplishments included the addition of several new member benefits including Stroke Detection Plus, MyRainReport.com, Capstone Long Term Care, The Image Safe and LifeStation. To make it more convenient for members to access these benefits, the Federation unveiled colorful, new plastic membership cards as part of an updated renewal notice.

A series of 10 area organization meetings also were held throughout the state, providing legislative and organizational updates to 1,100 county leaders. In addition, the organization worked to educate members about candidates endorsed by the Federation.

By working with national preferred vendors, the Federation was able to help candidates secure expert campaign services including direct mail, telephone calls and targeted door-todoor lists. These efforts resulted in the majority of Federation-endorsed candidates winning their races.

Public Relations and Communications efforts included a complete overhaul of the Federation’s Web site.

Meanwhile, the Federation’s in-house advertising agency, CCI, spearheaded a new research-based advertising campaign for Alfa Insurance with the theme line of “Right there with you.”

The campaign builds on Alfa’s renewed commitment to be the industry leader in customer service.

While Alfa works to grow its business, the Federation continues to seek better ways to communicate the importance of agriculture to an increasingly urban population. As people become more dependent on pre-packaged food and less connected to the land, farmers must work even harder to educate their neighbors about issues like animal care, food safety and environmental stewardship. We must help them understand that the values instilled by past generations, the accomplishments of today’s producers and the promise of future farmers are all vital parts of Agriculture — A Growing Story. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Annual Meeting

Newby Named To Seventh Term; Bentley, Skaggs Applaud Farmers

By Darryal Ray

A

labama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby was elected to his seventh straight two-year term, and Governor-elect Dr. Robert Bentley and bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs applauded farmers during the organization’s 89th annual meeting in Mobile, Dec. 5-6.

The meeting climaxed with the naming of Josh and Jessica Turner of Sylvania in DeKalb County as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family.

Newby, a Limestone County row crop and cattle farmer, who delivered the annual report to about 1,200 members on opening night, presided over the organization’s business session in which almost 500 voting delegates elected new officers and board members.

Officer positions are for two-year terms, while board members are elected for three-year terms.

Against a backdrop of “Agriculture: A Growing Story,” opening night also saw Bentley tell the state’s farm families “… you live by faith because you have so little control over so many things, but you still continue farming. I want you to know how much I appreciate that, and the people of this state ought to appreciate that.

You’re one of the largest industries in this state, and that’s why we can continue to create jobs. The people of this country ought to appreciate what you do every day, and the hard work you do.”

Bentley cited the New Testament Book of James in warning that Alabama is facing many “trials” in the coming days. “Trials can make you stronger,” he said.

“This is the time of trials. So we w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Jerry Newby was elected to his seventh two-year term as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation during elections at the organization’s 89th annual meeting in Mobile. Newly elected and re-elected officers and directors are, from left: Front Row — Dickie Odom Jr., District 8 director; Debbie Freeland, chairman of the State Women’s Leadership Committee; Ben Haynes, chairman of the State Young Farmers Committee; and Ted Grantland, District 2 director; Back Row — Hal Lee, vice president North Area; John Walker III, District 5 director; President Jerry Newby; David Bitto, District 11 director; and Ricky Wiggins, vice president of Southeast Area.

need to use it as that; we need to look at it as that, and we need to make a stronger state. We need to look at areas where we can make government more efficient, where we can consolidate, where we can do away with duplication. … The thing we need to remember in the government is this: The taxpayer is the customer, and the customer is the one we need to be serving.”

Just a few hours later, Skaggs — a 14-time Grammy Award winner who just received three more nominations for next month’s Grammy Awards — also praised farmers.

“God bless you farmers because we need you!” Skaggs told the Federation-packed audi6

ence during a rollicking concert at nearby Saenger Theatre. “We need farms and folks raising food.

I know we’ve talked about doing that at my own house, growing a few little things for us and a few friends around there. My dad raised enough for everybody on the creek.

He’d make enough potatoes for everybody. We could never eat that many of them. But farmers are important to all of us.”

Dr. John Wheat, founder and director of the University of Alabama’s Rural Health Leaders Pipeline Programs, was presented the Federation’s highest honor, the Service to Agriculture Award.

Noting that only 9 percent of the doctors in the U.S. serve in rural areas where 20 percent of the population lives, Newby thanked Wheat “for believing in rural Alabama.”

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

Annual Meeting Wheat, in turn, thanked the Federation for its support. He also thanked the young students in his charge. “I want to thank the children of rural Alabama. They’ve taught me that you don’t need to look elsewhere to find a doctor for rural Alabama. Just give them the bucket and they’ll carry the water,” said Wheat. “Even the children of the most impoverished part of the state, the Black Belt, have shown that with a nurturing and supportive context, they will get the job done. It’s my opinion that it’s a great opportunity before us today to help these children do just that, to help them bring home homegrown doctors to rural Alabama, to the Black Belt, to the farmers and the small towns where they have not had doctors in such a long time.”

Farmers also attended an Ag Issues Briefing in which Steve Flick, board president of the Show Me Cooperative in Centerview, Mo., and Dennis Wiese, a consultant in growth energy, addressed the opportunities for growing sustainable bio-mass as an alternative energy source.

Outstanding county Farmers Federations and individual and

New County Presidents Named Bill Cook Montgomery

Mike Carnes Marshall

Paul Looney Limestone

Thomas Adams Henry

Terry Martin Tallapoosa

Jimmy Holliman Dallas

Phillip Thompson Jackson

Jimmy Fetner Randolph

Eugene Blair Chambers

Dell Hill Talladega

Sam Cates Lowndes

senior farm leaders were recognized during an awards ceremony with Jim Cox of the East Lauderdale

Federation President Jerry Newby presents the Service to Agriculture Award to Dr. John Wheat of Tuscaloosa.

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

News receiving the Federation’s Ag Communications Award for excellence in print journalism.

Helms, left, and Newby, right, present the Ag Communications Award to Jim Cox and wife Phyllis of East Lauderdale News.

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Annual Meeting Kirk Smith of a peanut, soybean and beef producer who is Blount County, president of the Baldwin County Farmers winner of the FedFederation, was also elected to his third term, eration’s Excellence retaining the District 11 seat. in Agriculture conElected to one-year, ex-officio terms on test, gave his winthe state board were Women’s Leadership ning presentation Committee Chairman Debbie Freeland of during the Young Mobile County and State Young Farmers Farmers banquet Chairman Ben Haynes of Cullman County. and was recognized The Women’s Leadership Committee during the closwas kept busy weighing aluminum pop tabs ing session, which contributed by counties as part of its ongoalso featured the ing fundraising effort for Ronald McDonald Discussion Meet House Charities of Alabama. Morgan County competition on brought in the most pop tabs — 375 pounds’ stage. Katie Hines worth — to raise the Women’s total for the of Madison County year to 1,816 pounds. The amount collected took first in that would permit one family to stay at the Roncontest with Allie ald McDonald House for a month. The pop Corcoran of Barbour tabs also help pay for supplies, utilities and County named as other operations at the house the families first alternate and need during their stay.

Mike Dole of St. The Young Farmers Committee held a Governor-elect Dr. Robert Bentley told Clair County and silent auction to benefit Alabama Ag In The members ‘the taxpayer is the customer.’

Josh Turner were Classroom, raising $7,635. County Fedthird and fourth erations and sponsors — First South Farm alternates. The Credit, Alabama Pork Producers, Jackson & Discussion Meet seeks to develop leadership, problem- Thornton, Power South Energy, SunSouth and Data solving and consensus-building skills among young Supply — contributed 100 items for the auction. n farmers through competitive discussions in a committee meeting format. Hines will go on to represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2011 Discussion Meet in Atlanta this month.

In addition to Newby’s re-election during the voting delegates session, Morgan County poultry farmer Hal Lee retained his position as north area vice president. Ricky Wiggins, a Covington County cattle, cotton and peanut producer, was unopposed as vice president of the southeast area.

Elections were also held for four district board positions. Ted Grantland, a soybean and wheat and feed grain producer who serves as president of the Morgan County Farmers Federation, took the District 2 seat. Also new to the board of directors is Dickie Odom Jr., president of the Greene County Farmers Federation, who took the District 8 seat.

From left are Camp Powers of First South Farm Credit, First Place John E. Walker III, a row crop farmer Excellence in Ag Contest Winner Kirk Smith of Blount County, First Place who is president of the Tuscaloosa County Discussion Meet Winner Katie Hines of Madison County, Second Place Farmers Federation, was elected to his Discussion Meet Winner Allie Corcoran of Barbour County and Roger Chappell of First South Farm Credit. third term in District 5, and David Bitto, w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

County Awards

Individual Leadership Awards

The following individuals, nominated by their county Federation president, were presented Individual Leadership Awards for their roles in establishing a specialized program at the county level: Sammy Roney, Houston Local & Community Services

2010 County Achievement Awards & Award Of Excellence Counties

Mike Dole, St. Clair Young Farmers Division Rick Smith, St. Clair Commodity Division Roland St. John, St. Clair Local & Community Services Lillian Slay, Chambers Women’s Leadership Committee Farm-City Committee

Senior Awards

The following individuals received Senior Awards in recognition of their service as county president, state women’s committee chairman or state board member, and are over 70 years old: Scott Langley, Chambers Bill Thomas, Chambers John Morris, Jefferson Shirley Weeks, Lamar Stanley Morris, St. Clair Thomas E. Harless, Tuscaloosa Carl Godsey, Winston Prather Slay, Chambers

Award For Excellence

The following county Federations received an Award of Excellence in recognition of having excelled in all five program areas: Baldwin County Blount County Butler County Calhoun County Covington County Cullman County Lamar County Mobile County Pike County Randolph County St. Clair County NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

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Outstanding Young Farm Family

DeKalb’s Turner Family Takes 2010 OYFF Honors

By Debra Davis

J

osh and Jessica Turner of Sylvania in DeKalb County were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 89th annual meeting in Mobile.

The Turners, who operate a poultry and cattle farm, were selected to compete for the award earlier this year after being named the Outstanding Young Farm Family in the Poultry Division of the Alabama Farmers Federation. They have three children: a daughter, Harlee (6) and sons Griffin (4) and Jake (2).

As Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family, the Turners will participate in many activities promoting Alabama agriculture during the coming year. They will receive thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, including a John Deere Gator courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; a personal computer package courtesy of Valcom/CCS Wireless; a one-year lease of a John Deere tractor courtesy of Tri-Green, SunSouth and Snead Ag; $500 cash from Dodge; the use of a new Chevrolet Traverse from the Alabama Farmers Federation; and an expense-paid trip to the 2011 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting where they will compete for the Young Farmers Achievement Award Dodge Truck.

With 30 head of beef cows, six broiler houses and three children, the Turners lead a busy life, but for them, “busy” is the only lifestyle they have ever known. Josh began his career as a poultry producer while he was still in high school when he leased two broiler houses from his grandfather and great uncle.

Years later, he and Jessica have six poultry houses of their own that are equipped with computerized monitoring systems to increase efficiency and productivity.

They also have a successful hay business that complements their beef cattle operation.

Other activities in the Young Farmers program highlighted much of the closing session. Katie Hines of Madison County was named the winner of the Young Farmers Discussion Meet. As the winner, she received $500 from Dodge and a matching cash prize from First South Farm Credit. She will go on to represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta this month, where she will compete for the chance to win a 2011 Dodge Truck and other prizes.

Allie Corcoran of Barbour County was the secondplace winner of the Discussion Meet and also received $500 from First South Farm Credit. The third- and fourth-place finishers, Josh Turner of DeKalb County and Mike Dole of St. Clair County, each received $250 from First South Farm Credit. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Josh and Jessica Turner of DeKalb County captured the 2010 Outstanding Young Farm Family award at the closing session of the 89th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Among the prizes presented were a new John Deere Gator, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. From left, are: Doug Thiessen of Alabama Ag Credit, Josh and Jessica Turner with children Griffin, Harlee and Jake, Ben Gore of Alabama Farm Credit and Federation President Jerry Newby.

The Young Farmers Discussion Meet competition helps young farmers develop a deeper understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach a consensus to solve problems. Contestants were asked to discuss the American public’s perception of farmers and were asked if consumers feel agriculture is important to their security.

Kirk Smith of Blount County also was recognized during the program. Earlier in 2010, he was selected as the winner in the Young Farmers’ Excellence in Agriculture Competition. He received $500 from Dodge, $500 from the Alabama Farmers Federation and a plaque.

The Excellence in Agriculture Contest seeks to recognize individuals who do not derive a majority of their income from farming, but do an excellent job of promoting agriculture through their everyday job. As part of the competition, contestants must give a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation on the top-three most important issues affecting agriculture in the next five years and their role in promoting agriculture.

Kirk, who is an agriscience teacher and FFA advisor at Appalachian High School, will go on to represent Alabama at the AFBF annual meeting in Atlanta, where he will compete for the chance to win a 2011 Dodge Truck and other prizes. n 10

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

By Darryal Ray

across the state. Because of his focus and his determination, it’s becoming easier to find a doctor in rural Alabama. Thanks to him, the health of Alabama’s farmers and other rural residents continues to improve. Ala-

has been working to address Alabama’s shortage of rural physicians for almost two decades. Today, 154 t age 13, he knew he wanted to students from 52 counties have be a doctor in rural Alabama, entered the Rural Medical Scholars but didn’t know what to expect.

Program, including 12 in the 2010 “I didn’t know what to do, didn’t class that starts medical school know what a doctor was,” Dr. this year. Eighty-four Rural John Wheat was saying. “I’d been Medical Scholars have graduto the doctor, but I didn’t have any ated from medical school, and friends whose parents were doc38 are still in school. tors or anything like that.”

The Alabama Farmers All he had to go by were the Federation believes so much few aging country doctors who in Wheat’s work that, in 2004, had tended his colds and scrapes it joined with Alfa Insurance while growing up in rural Sumter in presenting the Rural MediCounty. “I had the sense then cal Scholars Program a $1.8 that all doctors were kind of old million gift that continues to and hard to find,” he says with a accrue interest in an endowed laugh. scholarship for students.

Today, that’s not always the The first recipient of that case. Thanks to Wheat’s efforts scholarship, Dr. Terry James, is in combating physician shortages now practicing family medithrough the University of Alacine in his home county of bama’s Rural Health Leaders PipeWinston in the small town of line Programs, it’s getting easier to Addison. Behind him in the find a doctor in rural Alabama. pipeline are five more Alfa That’s why Wheat, founder and scholarship recipients, includdirector of those programs, was ing Dr. Dana Todd of Hale presented the Alabama Farmers County, now in residency at Federation’s highest award, the UA Tuscaloosa Family PracService to Agriculture Award, tice. at its 89th annual meeting last Dr. John Wheat, left, with Dr. John Brandon, “The best estimate is that month in Mobile. medical director of the RMS program. we’re about 350 doctors short “Everybody needs a doctor throughout rural Alabama, and who cares about them. For the that’s just today,” Wheat says. “That people of rural Alabama, that doctor bama needs more doctors like Dr. Wheat, and because of him, we’re doesn’t take into account that the is Dr. John Wheat,” said Federation getting them.” ones out there now who may be 55President Jerry Newby. “Dr. Wheat Through the creation of proto 60-years-old and reaching retirehas been rural Alabama’s friend and grams like Rural Health Scholars, ment. It’s going to get worse before advocate for many years, working Minority Health Scholars and Rural it gets better.” hard behind the scenes to bring Medical Scholars programs, Wheat Wheat and his six siblings and more doctors to small towns all

A

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

From left, Extension agent Sam Wiggins, graduate student Russ Allinder, Dr. John Wheat and Mike and Annie Dee of Dee River Ranch in Pickens County.

two cousins were raised on a fiveacre rented farm outside York where they milked cows and tended 50 chickens and a horse. “Then, Dad rented about 15 acres outside town and tried to raise cotton just because he’d always wanted to raise cotton,” Wheat recalls. “He did not know how to farm with a tractor, and he didn’t know how to watch his money either. So, after about a year and a half of that, mother pulled the plug on my dad’s farming.”

But the country way of life was already deep in Wheat’s soul, and his love of the country and rural residents stayed with him throughout his service in the Navy, his studies and his academic career. “It’s the people,” he says of his motivation. “They’re hard-working, and I know very few people involved in agriculture who are self-absorbed.

Their whole mindset is that they are doing something for a greater good, whether it’s feeding the country or whatever.”

So, in 1989, when another public outcry came for better rural health care, Wheat was ready. Recruited by NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

Dr. James Leeper of the University of Alabama, Wheat began traveling all over Alabama’s rural byways in an effort to learn the reasons for the doctor shortages. “I heard from doctors, hospital administrators, mayors, nurses, farmers, and they all said the same thing: ‘We need more kids from rural Alabama in medical school,’” said Wheat.

The finding gave birth in 1993 to the Rural Health Scholars program, which recruited Alabama’s brightest 11th graders for a summer program where they could earn seven hours of college credit. “The Legislature loved it, the students loved it, the families loved it, we loved it; everybody loved it!” said Wheat.

But rural physicians sounded a warning. “They said, ‘This theory of getting them through school quick sounds good but doesn’t work.

When you get out here, it’s kind of lonely, and so you need to be mature and have a lot of medical knowledge because you’re going to see more things than a city doctor sees.’”

That gave rise to yet another part of the pipeline — the Rural Medi13

cal Scholars Program. Established in 1996, the program accepts 10 qualified students from rural areas each year. Admission is based on academic achievement, character, and leadership qualities. Eligible applicants have lived in a rural Alabama county for at least eight years and have taken or registered to take the Medical School Admission Test.

“They have to prove to the admissions committee that they have at least eight years of rural background growing up in Alabama, and present themselves in such a way that the committee would say, ‘No doubt about it — this kid wants to be a family doc,’” said Wheat.

“The chip on your shoulder that you had as a rural kid that says, ‘City folks get all these things and all these amenities, and we got the short end of the stick. We ought at least have our own doctors!’ It’s that kind of mentality I like to find in students I’m interviewing. If I can detect that kind of attitude, I’ve got me a live one!”

“The doctors we want are interested in YOU,” he added. “They are w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

interested in you personally, the Pickens County farm of in your family and your Mike and Annie Dee. “Look community, interested in all at Russ — he’s not a green that. We want doctors to get behind-the-gills, first-year involved in the schools, on medical student. He’s going the bank boards, as deacons. to be set and solid.”

They’re involved in the “It’s broadened my community. They’re people vision,” said Allinder. “I persons. That’s what we’re never really thought how big looking for.” agriculture was to a small But even rural students town rural community, but I often lack knowledge of just bought into Dr. Wheat’s farming — something all idea of agromedicine.” would-be country doctors Wheat hopes others will, must learn under RMSP. too.

“The first thing they Not long ago, he says, need to know about is the small towns couldn’t count Dr. John Wheat says he wants students who will become nature and culture of farmon recruiting ANY docinvolved in the rural communities they serve. ing,” said Wheat. “They tors for their communities. need to know why it is that a farmer been a good relationship,” Wiggins Now, he says, “Give me two Rural explained. “I told the farmers they will forego medical care because of Medical Scholars and I’ll produce working out on a farm. They need to should view the students as future one rural family physician out of leaders and therefore, influential in know the farming mindset.” it — guaranteed. We know there speaking up for agriculture wherever will be at least five a year. Now Enlisting the help of Sam Wigthey are. And the more they know gins and other agents with the Alathere’s something to recruit from. more about agriculture, a better bama Cooperative Extension SysWe should have at least 40 students advocate they could be.” tem, Wheat began sending students a year in a program like this. Then, Before long, Wheat said, he with agents to visit farms. “It’s we’d have 20 a year that we could noticed that the students were tell for sure would be rural docs. learning valuable information Then, you can start filling up the not taught in medical school. “I Public Notice state with rural doctors.” thought, ‘I bet we can learn a lot

By Alabama Pork Producers To reach that goal, Wheat is more from them,’” he said. “‘Let’s And National Pork Board hopeful of establishing a Center for have some sort of purposeful The election of pork producer Agromedicine whose mission would research effort to try to learn from delegate candidates for the 2012 be to train physicians for rural pracNational Pork Producers (Pork Act) the farmers what doctors ought to tice, including agricultural mediDelegate Body will be held Feb. 1, know to take care of them better.’ cine, as well as develop scientific 2011, 1 p.m., in conjunction with So, we got some graduate students information for the farm. a meeting of the Alabama Pork and some funding, and we started “We don’t just need a center — Producers during the Alabama Farmers having focus groups with the Extenwe need a center that recognizes and Federation’s Commodity Organization sion agents and the farmers. That’s Meeting. The meeting will be on the builds on the work that was done been very rich information. second floor of the Cahaba Grand before. And we need a center that “None of these students would Conference Center, 3660 Grandview builds on what we’ve done with have chosen to spend a year of gradParkway, Birmingham, Ala., 35243. agro-medicine, builds on ExtenAll Alabama pork producers are uate work learning about rural pubsion and builds on the Alabama invited to attend. lic health — which is what they’re Farmers Federation and all those Any producer who is a resident of learning — if I didn’t force them kinds of existing cultures,” said the state and has paid all assessments to,” he added. “That’s part of the Wheat. “They’ve got centers for due may be considered as a delegate pipeline — they get to go to medical heart health, they’ve got centers candidate and/or participate in the school because they plan on doing election. All eligible producers are for diabetes, they’ve got centers for all this. We are finding that when encouraged to bring with them a sales toenail trouble, they’ve got centers they get back here, in comparison receipt proving that hogs were sold in for everything… but what turns me with their peers, they are much their name and the checkoff deducted. on is agriculture and agricultural For more information, contact: more mature, more seasoned.” medicine!” n Alabama Pork Producers, P.O. Box As an example, Wheat points to ____________________________________ 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001, Russ Allinder, a student from rural For more information on the Rural telephone (334) 612-5181 or email Jefferson County who is researching Medical Scholars Program, visit ghall@alfafarmers.org. grain bin safety and health issues on http://tinyurl.com/37gw4bz. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

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By Darryal Ray

Throughout the Dec. 5 performance, Skaggs clearly struck a chord with his audience as he played old favorites like Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen,” “Cajun Moon” and “Highway 40 Blues.” He also introduced them to songs from “Mosaic,” his newest album that — like Skaggs — speaks unashamedly of his Christian faith but is very much unlike Skaggs in its musical style.

“It’s always good to hear what folks like NPR, Wall Street Journal and New York Times have to say about stuff like a gospel record — oops! ‘The ‘J’ word (Jesus) is in there!’” Skaggs told the audience.

While it’s certainly not the first time that Skaggs’ evangelistic bent has surfaced in his career, it is his first “sacred” album. It’s also one of the main reasons he established Skaggs Family Records, and why he believes bluegrass and farmers share such a strong connection.

In a backstage interview with Neighbors magazine after the concert, Skaggs talked about his faith, his music and growing up on the family farm in Kentucky — all of which have figured in a musical career that spans 50 years and includes 14 Grammy Awards.

Skaggs’ musical career began when his father, a welder and part-time farmer who loved playing guitar and singing gospel songs, returned home from Ohio with a mandolin for his 5-year-old son. Hobert Skaggs had to return to Ohio before he could show Ricky how to play, but within two weeks, Ricky had it figured it out himself. That same year, he was taken on stage during one of Bill Monroe’s concerts and played “Ruby” on Monroe’s mandolin. Two years later, at the ripe age of 7, he played mandolin on the Flatt and Scruggs’ television show. (Watch it online at http://tinyurl.com/z7p6r) “Bluegrass is earthy. It’s rootsy. It connects to people’s innards and their heart — their spirit. I think this music was birthed out of the spirit, and I think it connects to the human soul. I know city people like this music, too, but it doesn’t connect to them like it does good ol’ down-home people. They love the music because it talks about them, it talks about their way of life, it talks about their belief system, and things they can buy into and believe in,” Skaggs says. “A lot of these gospel songs that we do have a lot of hope in them, and farmers always believe in hope. Hope is all

T

he sight of that old milk cow staring back at him through the crack of the barn was just too tempting for little Ricky Skaggs, armed with a water gun and all the mischievousness of a 7-year -old boy.

“I was on the outside of the stall, and I looked through a crack in the barn where this old cow was eating out of the feed trough,” Skaggs recalls. “The cow heard me out there and kind of looked through the crack and saw me. I saw this great big ol’ eyeball and I thought, ‘Man, what a good target!’ So I took my squirt gun and shot that cow right in the eye. That cow wheeled around, and kicked my mother over, turned over the milk and got mud and everything else all over Mom. I’m telling you what, boy, she wore me out! And I needed it. I should’ve had it! That should’ve been the end of Ricky Skaggs right there.”

But since there’s no use crying over spilled milk, Dorothy May Skaggs took mercy on her son that day.

It’s a good thing, too, because little Ricky grew into a man who not only became a Grammy Award-winning musician, but also one who sings the praises of farmers.

“God bless you farmers because we need you!” Skaggs told the audience at a concert at Mobile’s Saenger Theatre on opening night of the 89th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

and pear orchard and peaches. So we were very reliant on the Earth and the ground, and being able to raise a good garden. My Dad gave a lot of stuff away to people, especially older couples that couldn’t much raise stuff anymore. My Dad was great about that. He always loved being able to bless people, and give them meat.”

“It was a great way to grow up, having chores to do and being responsible for something,” he added. “And seeing your hands create something. When you planted something, you saw it grow and come into maturity, and you could eat the labor of your hands, which was great! Nothing tastes better than corn that you’ve actually hoed and brought in, and mother cut that off the cob, scraped it, and made that fried corn.”

Even today, Skaggs and his wife Sharon, part of the family group The Whites (along with her sister Cheryl and father Buck), are considering raising some of their own food on their 15-acre northern Tennessee estate — if they can keep the deer away long enough.

“We’ve got a great place where we live, and we’ve got fruit trees out there — some apple trees and pear trees. The peaches blew down, so I’ve got to get Stark Brothers to send me some trees — I still get my Stark Brothers Catalog like my Dad used to do,” he said wistfully.

“There’s nothing that can take the place of people’s hands,” he added. “People have to plant the stuff, people have to hoe it, and people have to care for it. We need vegetables, we need fruit, we need rice, we need beans, we need corn — those are staples. So many other things come from those things, and if we don’t raise that stuff and become dependent on foreigners to raise it for us, my goodness, we’re in trouble! We’ve seen the American farmer lose everything; lose farms that have been in the family 200 years. It’s so sad! If anybody should get a hand, a help and a lift-up, it should be the farmers.” n

we have. As a Christian, we know Christ IS our hope.

It’s not like ‘I hope so’ – it’s a knowing hope.

“But you’re right, this music does connect with farmers,” he added. “You could hear it tonight. And when we play small towns like … for instance, last night we played Corsicana, Texas which is in the middle of nowhere. People would come in with dirty boots and hat like they just got in off the farm and brought their honey to the show. They sat there and loved it. It was wonderful … I’d rather play for those kind of people than to play for kings and presidents, and I’ve played for presidents, but nobody appreciates it like farmers.”

Skaggs says the farm he grew up on back near Cordell, Ky., wasn’t a big one, but it was large enough to teach many life lessons whether it was hoeing corn, gathering eggs or feeding chickens.

“My Dad raised potatoes, beans, watermelons, cucumbers, walnuts, cabbage, sweet potatoes,” he said. “We grew everything, and my mother canned and put up stuff. And of course, we had an apple orchard

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

________________________________________________________ To learn more about Skaggs, visit rickyskaggs.com or skaggsfamilyrecords.com. Skaggs’ “Mosaic” and “Songs My Dad Loved” recently received three nominations for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards: Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, “Mosaic”; Best Traditional Folk Album, “Songs My Dad Loved,” and Best Gospel Song, “Return To Sender,” writer Gordon Kennedy, “Mosaic.” The Grammys will be broadcast live on CBS on Feb. 13, 7 p.m. CST.

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Federation Digest AU Names MSU Professor Forestry School Dean

J

im Shepard, professor and associate director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University, has been named dean of Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, effective Jan. 3.

“Dr. Shepard has an outstanding record of accomplishments in forest sustainability, environmental management and academia,” Auburn Provost Mary Ellen Mazey said in a news release. “The faculty, staff, students and administration look forward to working with him as we continue to build the academic, research and outreach programs of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.”

Shepard’s roles at Mississippi State include working as the associate director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute and supporting research within the College of Forest Resources.

Prior to being named to his current positions in 2009, he was head of Mississippi State’s Department of Forestry from 2005 to 2008.

“I am impressed with the state of Alabama’s huge diversity of forest ecosystems, from the mountains of the north to the coastal wetlands,” Shepard said. “I am looking forward to leading a school whose faculty, staff and students are ensuring a bright future for the forest and wildlife resources of Alabama and beyond.”

Shepard earned his doctoral degree from Mississippi State in 1985 in forest resources with a focus on forest soils. n

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Dallas County Honors Givhan The Dallas County Farmers Federation held a steak dinner Nov. 9 where Sam Givhan, right, was honored for 26 years of service as county president. He and his wife, Lynn, left, were presented a Jack DeLoney painting, “Haytime,” at the event.

Obituaries William S. “Shep” Phillips of Equality, a board member of the Coosa County Farmers Federation for more than 30 years, died Oct. 28. He was 78.

Phillips, who was active in the Federation’s Catfish Commodity Division for many years, served as president of the Coosa County Farmers Federation from 19881994.

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He is survived by his wife, Earline S. Phillips; two sons, William S. (Faye) Phillips Jr. and Joseph D. (Deborah) Phillips, both of Speed; two daughters, Marie P. (Willard) Snell and Susan P. Baskett, both of Tennessee; and eight grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Equality or Alacare Hospice of Montgomery. n NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

Entries Sought For Alabama’s Farm Of Distinction Competition

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he Alabama Farm-City Committee is seeking applications for Alabama’s 2011 Farm of Distinction competition, which recognizes outstanding farmers and rewards them with cash and other prizes.

Based on the applications submitted, division winners will be chosen from five areas of the state, plus one at-large winner. These six farms will then compete for the state title and prizes valued at more than $10,000.

SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag Supply will donate a new John Deere Gator to the 2011 winner.

In addition, the Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) will present each division winner with a $250 gift certificate and the state winner with a $1,000 gift certificate redeemable at any of its Quality Co-op stores.

The state winner also will

receive a $2,500 cash award from Swisher International of Jacksonville, Fla. Division winners will be judged by a panel of agricultural experts who will visit each farm. The state winner will be announced during the annual Alabama Farm-City Awards April 11 in Birmingham.

Alabama’s winner will go on to represent the state in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition at the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo in Moultrie, Ga., on Oct. 18-20.

“Agriculture is still Alabama’s No. 1 industry, employing about 20 percent of its total workforce,” said Jeff Helms, chairman of the Alabama Farm-City Committee and director of public relations and communications for the Federation.

“The Farm of Distinction program is one way we can showcase the best farms in our state, recognizing

them for hard work, conservation, good management and innovative thinking.”

Farms will be judged on environmental stewardship, overall appearance, accomplishments, efficiency and leadership of the farm owner.

Any size farm is eligible.

Shep and Rite Morris of Morris & Morris Farms in Shorter won last year’s contest. A fulltime farmer for 25 years, he currently farms 3,450 acres with 2,600 acres of rented land and 850 acres of owned land.

The Farm of Distinction Award is presented annually by the FarmCity Committee of Alabama.

Applications for the 2011 Farm of Distinction can be downloaded at www.AlfaFarmers.org.

For more information, call 1-800-392-5705, ext. 4212 or email jhelms@alfafarmers.org. The deadline for applications is Feb. 11. n

No Business Is Small, When It’s Yours.

Even if you are self-employed or own a small business, you may be eligible for the best health insurance in Alabama at an affordable rate. By being a member of Alabama Farmers Federation, you can apply for Alfa Health insurance which offers preferred care benefits to more than 38,000 members through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Apply at your local Alfa™ office or call 1-800-392-5705 for more information.

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

“Animal” category winners are: “Sharing My Watermelon,” Vicky Burns, Geraldine, first place; “King of the Hay,” Michael Partain, Trafford, second place; and “Annie’s Apple,” Sam Ellison, Cook Springs, third place.

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By Darryal Ray

I

f you could talk to the animals, you’d clearly see that they were the stars of the show when judging began for Neighbors magazine’s “We Care …” Photography Contest.

For this contest, we asked Alabama Farmers Federation members to capture the caring spirit of Alabama’s farmers in three categories: “We Care … For Our Animals,” “We Care … For Our Land” and “We Care … For Our Food.”

No less than 460 entries were received with animals easily being the favorite category. As a result, our panel of judges (which included a veteran news and theater photographer, a university relations publications director, a veteran Extension system photographer and a member of the Federation’s Communications Department) found the decision extremely difficult. So difficult, in fact, that they also tagged seven more entries as worthy of Honorable Mention.

Prizes in each category were $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. No money was awarded for “honorable mentions.”

Vicky Burns of Geraldine captured first in the “We Care … For Our Animals” division with a photo of daughter Cassie Burns sharing her watermelon with a couple of yard chickens.

Second place went to Michael Partain of Trafford for his amusing “King of the Hay” shot that depicted his dog “Junior” atop a roll of hay near Horton. Sam Ellison of Cook Springs took third place with a shot of his donkey “Annie” taking a bite out of a bright red apple.

Honorable mentions in the Animals division included: Vicky Burns of Geraldine for a shot of Hallie Burns bottlefeeding a young calf; Stacey Davidson of Montgomery for her shot of a “Showdown” between Sam Davidson and a young billy goat; Lisa Hopson Anderson of Wetumpka for a beautiful black-and-white silhouette of a young girl and her horse; Sharon Lewis of Pisgah for her photo of Kaila Erby walking her pony, “Patches”; NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

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“Land” winners are: “Beginning of a Friendship,” Haley Ramer Mitchell, Brantley, first place; “Cash Crop,” Ken Pounds, Altoona, second place; and “Tranquil Morning,” Ava Brewton, Evergreen, third place.

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“Food” category winners, from top, are: “Diggin’ Peanuts,” Cathy Sanders, Selma, first place; “Too Much Rain,” Keith Smith, Guin, second place; and “Clucken & Charlie,” Reba Tucker, Randolph, third place.

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Ashley Jones of Buhl for a breathtaking shot of a chocolate-colored Labrador retrieving its quarry from the water; Mary Lines of Madison for her photo of Wallis Schuessler with his Charolais cattle; and Peggy Vickers of Oxford for her shot of her snow-covered dog, “JP,” peeking through the window.

The “We Care … For Our Land” category was won by Haley Mitchell Ramer of Brantley for “The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship with Our Land.” The black-and-white photo of Kamryn Mitchell-Ramer enjoying the woods as others worked a fence line offered a stark contrast with its strong vertical lines. Ken Pounds of Altoona took second place with his photo of a cotton field near Snead. Ava Brewton of Evergreen took third place with “Tranquil Morning,” a photo that caused one judge to remark, “I like that shot. It makes you wonder where that road will lead you.”

Honorable mentions in the Land division included: Ann Campbell of Hartford for her colorful windmill at sunrise photo; Sheri Bush of Tibbie for her shot of a small army of gourds; Caitlin Tanner of Dutton for her shot of a mare and colt running across the pasture; Dena Jones of Maplesville for a shot of Jimmie Harrison Jr., working on his tractor “Until the Last Light”; and Jean Watson of Newbern for her photo of some bright red bugs in a field.

Kathy Sanders of Selma took first in the “We Care … For Our Food” category with a photo of young Bonnie Woodson “Diggin’ Peanuts.” Keith Smith of Guin took second place with his shot of tiny Davis Smith cleaning up the furrows after “Too Much Rain” turned the backyard garden into a jungle. Reba Tucker of Randolph took third place with “Clucken & Charlie,” a pair of freeroaming chickens that she raises for both meat and eggs.

Honorable mentions in the Food division were: Stacey Davidson of Montgomery for her photo of Sam Davidson holding onto a watermelon; Cheryl Parker of Tuscaloosa for her shot of a fall harvest; Dana Hickman of Athens for her photo of a head of cabbage; and Margaret Hill of Horton for her photo of John Hill gathering potatoes with his great grandson Jaylen Glover. n NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

A BANNER IDEA

Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation Gets Word Out

By Darryal Ray

Walker, president of the Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation. “We’d spend $2,500 each year. That’s pretty expensive, and it only stays up there one month. We got some good publicity out of it, but we got to thinking — actually Peggy was the one who came up with it — that we could put it on these things

The banner, which is expected to last five years, cost the Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation t was a banner idea, one that $537 — installation included. It Peggy Walker of the Tuscaloosa was such a good deal (and idea), County Farmers Federation the board of directors figured, that hopes will spread across Alabama they got 25 smaller banners to place much like the old black-and-white around the county as well.

“See Rock City” barns of yester“We didn’t want ‘Tuscaloosa year.

County’ on the banner “The idea came to me because this is not about when I saw how beautiful Tuscaloosa County — this is Pike County’s billboard was,” about farmers feeding Alashe said, referring to a bright bama,” said Peggy. “Agriculyellow-and-green “Farming ture is something that not Feeds Alabama” billboard the everybody understands, and Pike County Farmers Federayou don’t want people to take tion erected along U.S. 231 it for granted because agricullast summer. “It just carries ture is such a challenge today. such a friendly message with Even though a farmer farms eye appeal.” because he has the ability and It’s a message that she has the calling and the desire believes can be delivered to do this for his livelihood, throughout the state by placit’s a constant challenge.” ing large vinyl banners on John Walker said the mesbarns, outbuildings, grain bins sage is two-fold. “The first — anything and everything thought, the first idea you that motorists may see whenwant to get across is ‘Farmever they pass a farm. ing Feeds Alabama.’ Without After all, the 14-foot the farmer, you wouldn’t have by 20-foot banner wrapped food,” he said. “The second around the grain bin on the thought is about all the jobs Walker farm just off Highway farming produces in this state 43 between Northport and — it’s the No. 1 industry.”

Fayette is certainly drawing Peggy, meanwhile, has attention. high hopes for the banner “Farming Feeds Alabama,” and would like to see all 67 the banner proclaims. “Alacounty Federations utilizing bama’s No. 1 Industry.” Also their farms to get out the mesclearly visible is the familiar red Alabama Farmers Federa- Spreading the word about farming in Tuscaloosa are, sage.

“We hope this will be a tion logo. from left, Ed Harless, John Walker, John Lavender and statewide campaign and will The banner was placed Peggy Walker. be recognized from county to there after Peggy, who chairs out here in the country or wherever county,” she said. “As the idea is the county’s Women’s Leadership farmers and Federation members shown to people, they will come up Committee, asked her husband, had land and without charge. The with more ways to promote it or John, to present the idea to the boy installing this one said, ‘You’re present it. … I’d like for others to county Federation’s board of direcrenting that to Alfa aren’t you?’ I pick up on this and see how beautitors. The board quickly approved said, ‘No, I’m not renting that to ful it can be for their counties.” the idea, and decided to place it on Alfa. We’re trying to get something “It’s a good idea,” said John as the Walkers’ grain bin. he smiles at Peggy. “Everybody says “We started two years ago doing started. We’re trying to stimulate some interest so we can promote it’s a good idea.” n some billboards in Tuscaloosa duragriculture.’” ing Farm-City Week,” said John

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Alabama Gardener

By Lois Chaplin

M

any gardeners enjoy roses … as long as they’re in someone else’s yard! Indeed, roses have a reputation for being finicky, but it doesn’t have to be that way because there are many nice roses that behave themselves without pampering. The most well known are the new Knockouts, which have been nicknamed “the new azalea” because they’re so widely planted.

But even those need hard pruning to a few inches from the ground every year or two to keep them healthy.

There are lots of other roses, from shrub types to climbers, which can turn a boring space into garden, too.

Beginning late this month, your favorite garden center will be bringing in the bare-root roses ready for planting. Roses from mail-order sources are also shipped bare root.

This only happens once a year. The bare-root plants won’t look like much more than short sticks poking out of their package or pot. But if healthy, those bare stems hold the promise of a shower of blooms for years to come.

Beware of packaged bare-root plants that have been sitting indoors in a heated room long — they could be dried out if exposed to warmth.

Avoid dried or sprouted stems. Bareroot stock is meant to be kept cool and moist until ready for planting.

Some garden centers transplant bare-root roses directly to pots to hold them in greenhouses until the weather warms or they are purchased, which could be well into the growing season. That is OK. Check the Alabama Cooperative Extension System website at www.

Roses’ finicky reputation is not always deserved. Give them a try this year.

aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0157/ for illustrated planting directions for bare-root roses.

How do you select a rose? By its growth habit (and related use) and its reputation. If you are a collector and like to grow roses for show, reputation is everything. These gardeners are glad to pamper their babies to get that beautiful classic rose bloom with a long stem for show and cutting.

You’ll find these blooms at rose shows in the early summer. Every grower has favorites, but if you are new to this, a big, red hybrid tea type like Mr. Lincoln is a good place to start.

If you just want a pretty rose for your landscape on fence, trellis, hedge or a spot of color, you may start by asking for recommendations at your favorite garden center.

You may also do your own research online. The Texas Cooperative Extension System has a great evaluation program identifying standouts that thrive in climates similar to ours. You can read more about their recommended Earth-Kind® Roses at

G E T G R O W I N G A T T H E C O - O P. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ earthkind/roses/.

Dwarf shrub types such as The Fairy make great small hedges and container plants. Shrub types such as Carefree Beauty, Knockout, Belinda’s Dream and Cecile Brunner are also great for hedges and larger pots. For sturdy fences and arbors, try large climbers such as Buff Beauty, New Dawn and Sea Foam. Smaller trellises need lighter roses such as Don Juan. If you buy a climber, be sure to ask how vigorous it is. For example, the well-known spring bloomer, Lady Banks, will eat your house if you are not careful. It’s beautiful, but only in the right place.

Like other plants, roses have a place in the landscape. Just be sure that you match the plant to the space and your ability to care for it.

Then you will smell like a rose! n

____________________________________ Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

W W W. A L A FA R M . CO M 26

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

Hazel Green Elementary’s Parker Named Alfa’s Teacher of the Month

By Melissa Martin

W

hat do contraction bugs, highlighted newspapers and applesauce have in common?

Students at Hazel Green Elementary know the answer to this — Veronica Parker.

“Children should use all of their senses to learn, so teachers should provide many different learning styles,” explains Parker, who has taught second grade at Hazel Green since 1997. Prior to this assignment, she taught kindergarten for seven years. In the past, lessons about Johnny Appleseed included books about apples, apple cutting and tastings, apple art and even applesauce making.

For her second-grade reading classes today, Parker utilizes PowerPoint presentations, newspaper scavenger hunts and lots of creativity to ensure that her message gets across to the students in whatever way they need to receive it.

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

Though her instruction includes core curriculum, the lessons she teaches surpass the four walls of her classroom. When teaching young children Parker rules, norms and proper behavior, parents and teachers alike frequently utilize a special tool in their vocabulary – the word ‘no.’ For Parker, however, ‘no’ is ideal to use in certain instances . . . but certainly not when it pertains to her students’ ability to excel.

Parker’s love of education and people, as well as her academic preparedness and willingness to serve her community, helped her earn her designation as Alfa’s Teacher of the Month for January. As January’s honoree, she will receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance. Her school, a division of Madison City Schools, will receive a matching award from the Alabama

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Farmers Federation. Though she’s humbled by this designation, Parker’s day is made each time she steps into a classroom.

A graduate of Alabama State University, Parker received her Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education in 1990. She also received her masters and education and educational specialist degrees in early childhood education from Alabama A&M University in 1995 and 2003, respectively. A member of the Madison County Education Association and Alabama Education Association, she also serves in her church, PTA and Girl Scouts.

During 2011, Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation are honoring one outstanding teacher from each of Alabama’s eight state board districts, two principals and two private school teachers. Applica-

tion information is available under Ag Links in the Ag Resources section of AlfaFarmers.org. n

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Country Kitchen

all enjoy each other’s company so much,” she said.

With the holidays behind us, Carol shares some of her favorite winter warm-up meals.

By Kellie Henderson

I

“

’m not much of a sitter. I want to work and ‘do’ rather than sit around,” says Carol Simpson of St. Clair County. And true to her word, Simpson keeps busy at home and in her community.

“I belong to several senior clubs, and I enjoy going to Farmers Federation meetings. I sew and quilt, cook and clean, and we have a small vegetable garden every year, and I participate in a lot of church activities. It’s a good life,” says Simpson.

After she and husband James retired, the couple moved to their weekend getaway home on Canoe Creek. “We just fell in love with this place. It’s like living in the last Mayberry,” she said. It was there that she became involved with the Federation.

“Another lady invited me to a monthly Women’s Committee meeting, and I was impressed right away with how active their group was. Everybody works well together and seems to enjoy themselves.

We’ve really been blessed with such strong leadership, particularly that of Margaret Evans and the late Hope Burger. Hope was and Margaret continues to be the force that makes our group so strong,” said Simpson.

While Simpson has spent her adult life away from the farm, she says growing up on her grandparents’ small farm is something she still treasures. “I learned a lot of things from necessity because there was always work to be done, and cooking was something I took an interest in,” she said. “A lot of my cooking is still based on the way I was raised.”

“We used that lard for everyw w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

HOPPIN’ JOHN

Carol Simpson of St. Clair County says, ‘It’s a good life.’

thing. I still think it makes the best biscuits,” said Simpson, who has made countless biscuits in her lifetime.

“I learned from my grandmother at a very young age to make them, and we always had biscuits for breakfast and biscuits and cornbread the other two meals of the day,” she said, adding that her mother-in-law was also a great influence on her cooking.

“We were neighbors for 30 years, and she was a wonderful cook — more than willing to share her recipes with me,” she added.

Even though her current kitchen is smaller than the one where she raised her family, Carol says she still enjoys having her children and grandchildren visit for birthdays and holidays.

“We used to get in there and cook together, but now they all bring something for our family meals. I feel so blessed that we 28

Leftover ham bone 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice 1 (16-ounce) package frozen purple hull peas 3/4 cup chopped white or yellow onion 1 small bell pepper, chopped 2 tablespoons butter 2 cloves minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 bay leaf 1 cup canned diced tomato, well drained

In a large pot cover ham bone in 4 1/4 cups water. Slowly boil for 1 hour. Remove ham bone from stock and clean remaining ham from the bone. Stir ham and remaining ingredients, except tomato, into stock.

Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf and fold in diced tomatoes. Cook 7 minutes more over low heat.

COLE SLAW WITH GREEN APPLES DRESSING: 1 cup good quality mayonnaise 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 1/3 cup sugar Salt and pepper to taste SLAW: 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, grated 2 tart green apples, chopped

Mix dressing well and pour over mixed slaw; refrigerate for several hours before serving.

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

BLUEBERRY CORN MUFFINS 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 2/3 cups blueberries

Sift together first five ingredients into a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk, butter and egg. Stir until just combined. Fold in blueberries.

Fill lined or greased muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter. Bake until firm and golden, 20 to 25 minutes, in preheated 450-degree oven.

BISCUITS, QUICK SOUTHERN STYLE 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard 2 cups self-rising flour, plus more for rolling and cutting 1 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup melted butter

Cut shortening into flour with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly; add buttermilk. Stir just until moistened. Turn dough out onto floured surface and pat to 1/2 -inch thickness; cut with a 2-inch square or round biscuit cutter and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush the hot biscuits with melted butter. Serve hot.

GREEK BROCCOLI SALAD 3 tomatoes, chopped 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 head broccoli, cut into medium-small pieces 1 cucumber, chopped into medium pieces 1/4 cup green olives 1 cup vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar to taste 1/2 cup water Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Toss all ingredients together to combine. Chill and serve.

NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

QUICK YEAST ROLLS 1 package dry yeast 2 cups lukewarm water 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar 1 beaten egg 3/4 cup butter, melted 4 cups self-rising flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water, and let sit until yeast begins to swell.

Mix in remaining ingredients, and spoon batter into a well-greased muffin or biscuit pan until 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated oven of 400 degrees. Unused batter can be covered and refrigerated for up to one week. Makes 14 rolls.

MAITRE D’ HOTEL BUTTER 1 cup butter, melted 1 heaping teaspoon chopped parsley Dash each of salt, cayenne, and grated nutmeg Juice of two lemons

Mix all ingredients together well and pour into a small round bowl to chill. Use to spread on hot yeast rolls or fresh-baked French bread.

CREOLE GUMBO 1 large onion, chopped 3 strips bacon, diced 3 tablespoons bacon drippings 1 green pepper, chopped 2 cloves crushed garlic 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon thyme 2 tablespoons flour 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 2 quarts water Salt and pepper to taste 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped Large pinch red or cayenne pepper 1 cup cleaned shrimp 1 cup crab meat 1 pint oysters and liquids 2 1/2 cups cut okra

Fry onion and chopped bacon in drippings for a few minutes in a large pot. Add remaining ingredients — except seafood and okra. Bring to a gentle boil and cook 30 minutes.

Add seafood and okra and simmer 25 minutes. Turn heat off; cover pot and let sit 20 minutes before serving. To serve, ladle gumbo into soup plates and top with a mound of hot cooked rice.

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PORKY’S POT PIE 1/2 cup margarine 1/2 cup plain flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika 2 (16-ounce) rounds pork sausage, browned and drained 3 cups rich chicken broth 3 boiled eggs peeled and coarsely chopped 1 or 2 tablespoons diced pimentos 1 recipe biscuit topping (recipe follows) BISCUIT TOPPING: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading 1 teaspoon Bakewell Cream (or cream of tartar) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening 3/4 cup buttermilk

Melt margarine in a skillet and stir in flour, salt and paprika until smooth. Stir in sausage and broth; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and add egg and pimento. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish. Top with biscuit topping and bake as directed.

Biscuit Topping: Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine everything except buttermilk. Mix together with a fork or pastry cutter until shortening is in pea-sized nuggets. Add buttermilk all at once, and stir briefly with a fork until the dough just holds together.

Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead briefly. Pat dough into a 3/4-inch round, and use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place biscuits on top of sausage mixture and bake 5 minutes at 475. Turn off heat and leave in oven 5 to 10 minutes more, until golden brown. Serve hot. n _________________________________

Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchentested prior to publication. Look for more “Country Kitchen” recipes online at www.AlfaFarmers.org. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Neighbors Classifieds Classifieds Facts For just $2 per word, your classified ad in Neighbors reaches more than 95,000 subscribers. Ads must be received by the first day of the month prior to publication. NO changes after closing. PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED FOR ALL ADS. Minimum

MISCELLANEOUS ATTN: PUBLIC LAND HUNTERS and Hunting Club Members! www.HuntingSafetySigns.com BUYING SILVER COINS — 1964 and before, paying 7(x) times face value. Call (334) 322-2869.

10 words per ad. No fax, phone orders or credit cards accepted. For questions, call Paula Culver at (334) 613-4410. Send your ad with payment, payable to Alabama Farmers Federation, to Neighbors Classifieds, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001.

FOR SALE ALPACA WINTER SPECIAL — Females $8,000/Males $500. Multiple discounts are available! www.sohummalpacas.com ALABAMA PRODUCED WEIMARANERS – Excellent hunting dogs or family pet. www.wiregrassweimaraners. com, credit cards accepted, and shipping.

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Grow 1/2-dollar size muscadines & blackberries. Over 200 varieties of fruit, nut, and berry plants.

Ison’s Nursery & Vineyard P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205.

Call for free color catalog 800-733-0324 www.isons.com w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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NEIGHBORS • JANUARY 2011

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When someone you love has an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance.

So with every Alfa Insurance® policy comes a promise – to be right there with you, handling the details so you can focus on more important things. Because while it’s always great to have a good agent, sometimes it’s even better to have a good friend.

Right there with you.™ Find a local agent 1-800-964-2532 | alfainsurance.com