January 2022 | Volume 47 | Number 1 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate Editor Laura Unger | Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan | Executive Director Jeff Helms | Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Dorman Grace | Jasper Mark Byrd | Danville John Bert East | Leesburg Steve Lake | Vinemont Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Trip Horne | Louisville Mark Kaiser | Seminole Thomas Adams | Newville Lydia Haynes | Cullman Mitchell Henry | Moulton Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website 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 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
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In This Issue 4 | Federation Celebrates Centennial, Elects Leaders 10 | Tidwell Honored For Cultivating Relationships
32 | Old, New Recipes
Bring Bowlful Of Warmth
12 | Grassroots Guidance Earns Morris Service To Ag 13 | HudsonAlpha Co-founder Receives Service To Ag 25 | Foundation Annual Report Highlights Grants, Donors
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On The Cover
Colbert County farmer L.O. Bishop visited with Federation President Jimmy Parnell during the organization’s centennial celebration. It was Bishop’s 60th Federation annual meeting. Photo By Jeff Helms
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www.AlfaFarmers.org
EDQM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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Federation Leaders Elected During Centennial Celebration By Debra Davis he Alabama Farmers Federation T held leadership elections during its annual meeting Dec. 6 in Montgomery.
The gathering was highlighted by the state’s largest farm organization celebrating its centennial year. Steve Dunn, a Conecuh County row crop and cattle farmer, was reelected secretary-treasurer. Calhoun County’s Jon Hegeman was reelected Central Area vice president, and Jake Harper of Wilcox County was reelected Southwest Area vice president. Elections were held during the Federation’s business session, where nearly 500 voting delegates from all 67 counties selected officers and directors. Officers serve two-year terms, and directors serve three-year terms. Officers and district directors also serve on the Alfa Insurance Co. board of directors. Dunn’s election is statewide and marks his 12th term as secretarytreasurer. He also serves as Conecuh County Farmers Federation president and is a former State Young Farmers Committee chairman. Hegeman will serve his second term as Central Area vice president. He
manages greenhouses in Calhoun and Cherokee counties and is a former State Young Farmers Committee chairman. He was American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers chairman in 2015. The Central Area includes Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties. This is Harper’s 10th term as Southwest Area vice president. A cattle and timber farmer, Harper also serves as Wilcox County Farmers Federation president and was a district director from 1988-1996. The Southwest Area includes Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties. Federation board members representing Districts 1, 4, 7 and 10 were chosen for three-year terms. Walker County poultry, cattle and row crop farmer Dorman Grace was elected District 1 director. The area includes Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Walker counties. He replaces former District 1 director Brian Glenn of Lawrence County who served nine years. Grace also serves
as Walker County Farmers Federation president. Cullman County poultry and row crop farmer Steve Lake was elected director of District 4, which includes Blount, Cullman, Marshall and Winston counties. He replaces former District 4 director Tim Whitley of Blount County. Lake also is a Cullman County Farmers Federation board member. Elmore County produce farmer Joe Lambrecht was reelected to his third term as District 7 director, which includes Chambers, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. Lambrecht is an Elmore County Farmers Federation board member. Barbour County poultry and cattle farmer Trip Horne was elected District 10. The area includes Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw and Pike counties. He replaces Steve Stroud of Pike County who served six years and did not seek reelection. Horne also serves as Barbour County Farmers Federation president. Elected to one-year, ex-officio terms on the state board were State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Lydia Haynes of Cullman County and State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County.
A LA BA MA F A RM BU REA U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
2022 Board Members
Dorman Grace District 1 4
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Steve Lake District 4
Joe Lambrecht District 7
Steve Dunn Secretary Treasurer
Jon Hegeman Central Area Vice President
Jake Harper Southwest Area Vice President
Trip Horne District 10
Lydia Haynes Women’s Leadership Committee Chair
Mitchell Henry Young Farmers Committee Chair alfafarmers.org
Farmers Federation Celebrates Century Of Service
Over 1,400 guests celebrated the Alabama Farmers Federation centennial anniversary during a banquet Dec. 6, which featured entertainment and agricultural history spanning a century. A special tribute to farmers and the U.S. military earned a standing ovation to close the event.
By Marlee Moore xcitement, enthusiasm and optimism filled the Renaissance Hotel & E Convention Center Dec. 5-6 as the
Alabama Farmers Federation celebrated a century of serving farmers. “This is an exciting time,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell, a Chilton County farmer. “I can only wonder what our founders thought when they formed this organization 100 years ago. Would they be satisfied with where we are? I hope they would.” The 100th annual meeting kicked off Sunday with 1,200-plus farmers from all 67 counties gathering in Montgomery to review policy and elect members of state commodity committees, a new alfafarmers.org
addition to the annual meeting. Day 1 continued with awards presentations. Two honorees — the late John W. Morris and James R. Hudson — received the Service to Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor. The Federation also recognized statewide winners of Young Farmers contests Sunday evening. Winners will represent Alabama in American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) contests in Atlanta in January. AFBF President Zippy Duvall, a farmer from Georgia, attended General Session 1. He thanked Alabama farmers for their dedication and praised the Federation for its work supporting rural Alabamians and fighting for conservative values.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall addressed Alabama Farmers Federation members during the organization’s annual meeting opening banquet Dec. 5.
“Congratulations on 100 years! What an accomplishment,” Duvall said. “We are just as relevant today as we were 100 years ago. Not many membership organizations can say that.” The meeting continued Monday with a tribute breakfast honoring leaders who died in the past year. Billy Wyatt, pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Maplesville, led the devotion. Outstanding county Federation boards, committees and individual leaders were recognized, as were new and outgoing county presidents and commodity committee members. Individual Leader Awards were presented to members instrumental in establishing or supporting county-level programs. Awards were given in two January 2022
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Hundreds of farmers representing all 67 Alabama counties socialized at the 100th annual meeting between policy development committee hearings, caucuses, awards presentations and annual business sessions.
categories. They were: n Local and Community Services Awards — Jack Robertson of Chambers County, Fred Kendrick of Chambers County, Brandon Harlan of Cleburne County, Eric Lovvorn of Cleburne County and Randy Moody of Winston County n Women’s Leadership Awards — Jane Harris of Cleburne County and Debbie Roberts of Fayette County. Senior Leader Awards were presented to Don Roberts of Cleburne County, Morgan Rodgers of Covington County and Diane McCool of Pickens County. This award is for leaders who have served as county president, as State Women’s Leadership Committee chairman or as a state board member and are over 70 years of age. Twenty-seven counties received Awards of Excellence for Federation activities. They were Baldwin, Barbour, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Colbert, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, DeKalb, Elmore, Franklin, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Tallapoosa and Winston counties. 6
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The Federation’s Brian Hardin and Jimmie Harrison of Chilton County discussed agricultural issues before heading into the annual business session Dec. 6.
The Federation’s business session and state board elections concluded Monday afternoon. Guests, elected officials and industry partners joined farmers that evening for a special celebration. The centennial gala featured entertainment tracing the history of agriculture, the organization and music through the past 10 decades.
Guests enjoyed top-notch decor and service during the centennial anniversary celebration to close the annual meeting Dec. 6. Gold accents, roses and music spanning a century filled the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel during the event.
The Federation hosted its inaugural AgDash 5K Dec. 4 to kick off annual meeting festivities and raise funds for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. Runners traveled across downtown Montgomery, ending at Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits. alfafarmers.org
Elite Young Farmers Earn Extensive Prizes At Annual Meeting By Marlee Moore xemplary Young Farmers and E statewide contest winners from Cherokee, Cullman and Dale counties
received extensive prize packages during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. Winners include Discussion Meet champion Kyle Morris of Cullman County, who earned a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit. The contest simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to current agricultural issues. Morris was one of four finalists chosen after preliminary competitions during the Federation’s Farm & Land Expo this summer. The finals were held during the annual meeting. Other finalists were Leah Mitchell, DeKalb County; Matthew Johnson, Etowah County; and Levi Noles, Randolph County. Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) winners Josh and Savannah McCoy were also honored. The Dale County farmers have three sons, Fields, Sutton and Shep, and grow peanuts and cotton. They also operate a state-of-theart peanut shelling facility, buying point
and seed treatment business, which serves farmers nationwide. As the OYFF, the McCoys received $35,000 toward a Ford truck courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a lease on a John Deere tractor from AgPro, SunSouth and TriGreen. OYFF contestants receive the bulk of their income from production agriculture and are chosen through an intense application, interview and on-farm judging process. Cherokee County’s Lauren and Landon Marks won the Excellence in Agriculture contest earlier this year and received their prize at the annual meeting. The respective veterinarian and Extension agent received a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience and a computer package from Valcom/CCS Wireless. Excellence in Agriculture contestants first chronicle their passion for agriculture, Farm Bureau involvement and analysis of industry issues through an application before presenting in front of a panel of judges. The McCoys and Markses won their respective contests at the Farm & Land Expo. All winners will represent
Cherokee County’s Lauren and Landon Marks are the 2021 Excellence in Agriculture winners. They received a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience and a computer package from Valcom/CCS Wireless. From left are Corteva Agriscience’s Cullen Wiggins, Lauren and Landon Marks, and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. alfafarmers.org
Cullman County’s Kyle Morris was Discussion Meet champion and winner of a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit. He’s pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, and First South Farm Credit’s Mike Pigg, right.
Alabama in American Farm Bureau Federation contests in Atlanta in January and received Red Land Cotton gift certificates courtesy of the Federation. For more information on contests, visit AlfaYoungFarmers.org.
Josh and Savannah McCoy of Dale County are the 2021 Outstanding Young Farm Family. They received $35,000 toward a Ford truck courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a lease on a John Deere tractor from AgPro, SunSouth and TriGreen. From left are Alabama Ag Credit’s Doug Thiessen, Josh McCoy, Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Alabama Farm Credit’s Mel Koller. January 2022
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Farmers Tapped To Lead State Women’s, Young Farmers Committees By Marlee Moore wo north Alabama farmers have T been tapped to lead the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s
Leadership Committee (WLC) and State Young Farmers Committee. Fellow farmers elected Lydia Haynes of Cullman County and Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County during the
organization’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5-6. On the State WLC, Ann Whatley of Lee County was elected vice chairman. She also serves members at-large on the WLC. Debbie Dunn of Geneva County was elected secretary and was reelected to serve Region 4 on the state committee. The area includes Barbour, Bullock,
Chambers, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Pike, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. Regina Carnes of Marshall County was reelected to serve Region 1. That region covers Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall,
2022 Committee
Mitchell Henry Chair, North At-Large
Jonathan Edgar Vice Chair, District 6
Dillon Turk Secretary, District 8
James Hereford District 1
Leah Mitchell District 2
Ben Johnson District 3
Wallace Drury District 4
Denzil Dees District 5
Emmanuel Bankston District 7
Bart Williams South At-Large
Josh McCoy OYFF Winner, Ex-Officio
Lydia Haynes Chair, Region 1
Ann Whatley Vice Chair, At-Large
Debbie Dunn Secretary, Region 4
Debbie Freeland Region 3
Kathy Gordon Region 3
JoAnn B. Laney Region 4
2022 LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Regina Carnes Region 1 8
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Rachel Chastain Region 2
Delle Bean Region 2
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Morgan and Winston counties. Rachel Chastain of Talladega County was elected to represent Region 2. The region includes Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties. She replaces long-time state committee member Debbie Roberts of Fayette County. During General Session 2, the Women’s Leadership Division recognized outstanding counties. They are Cherokee County, Region 1; Randolph County, Region 2; Mobile County, Region 3; and Lee County, Region 4. Young Farmers, ages 18-35, elected leaders during the group’s annual business session. Jonathan Edgar, the District 6 representative from Elmore County, was
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elected vice chair; Dillon Turk of Mobile County, the District 8 representative, was elected secretary. James Hereford of Madison County, a row crop farmer, was elected to serve District 1. The area includes Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Winston counties. Ben Johnson of Randolph County was chosen to serve District 3. The poultry, cattle and row crop farmer will cover Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Randolph, Shelby, Talladega and Tallapoosa counties. District 5 farmers elected Denzil Dees of Sumter County, a catfish and cattle farmer. The area includes Choctaw, Dallas, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. Emmanuel Bankston of Henry County was named District 7
representative. The area includes Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. Bankston is a cattle farmer and operations superintendent for Golden Peanuts in Headland. Elected to represent south Alabama at-large was Bart Williams of Autauga County, a cattle farmer who also works in crop protection product sales. The area includes Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties.
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Tidwell Retires, Receives Cultivator Award By Debra Davis or most of his life, Mike Tidwell has quietly encouraged others. After Fgraduating from Auburn University
with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture education, he spent seven years mentoring agribusiness students at Marbury High School. The Randolph County native joined the Alabama Farmers Federation in 1989 as Young Farmers Division director and brought that same leadership style to a statewide audience. Tidwell, 60, retired from the Federation Dec. 1 after nearly 33 years of service. He was Young Farmers director for 11 years before his promotion to director of the Organization Department in 2000. In that department, he worked with 10 area organization directors and assisted leaders of the Young Farmers and Women’s Leadership divisions. At the Federation’s annual meeting in December, Tidwell received the Cultivator Award from Federation President Jimmy Parnell. The award honors those who foster relationships to benefit farmers, members and rural communities. “Mike’s devotion to our core values of faith, family, community and integrity made him a tremendous asset throughout his career and his entire life,” Parnell said. “As Young Farmers Division
Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, presented Tidwell with the Cultivator Award during the organization’s 100th annual meeting. 10
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Former Federation Organization Department Director Mike Tidwell received a standing ovation from members during the 100th annual meeting Dec. 6 in Montgomery.
director, he introduced men and women throughout the state to our organization. Many of those young people now serve as committee chairs, board members and presidents at county and state levels.” Tidwell was integral to many of the Federation’s political and legislative victories and has fostered candid communication between county Federations and the home office, Parnell said. He also laid groundwork for the Federation’s member benefit package, was instrumental in establishing the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama program, and expanded the Federation’s scholarship program and workforce development efforts. Dedicated to his family and his church, Tidwell plans to spend more time with both, he said. He and wife Beth have two children — a daughter, Paula Bear, and a son, William. Paula and her husband, Jacob, have two children and are expecting a third this spring. Tidwell said his love for people and agriculture allowed him to have a rewarding career. “I’m not sure I could have made a living farming, but this job gave me the opportunity to work in agriculture and farming,” Tidwell said. “Mostly, my career has been behind the scenes,
Mike Tidwell, pictured with his wife, Beth, said his retirement plans include working more in his church and working on his farm near Marbury.
which is what I prefer. But I do feel like the work done by the Federation has helped farmers stay on their farms. Farmers rely on us to represent them in the State House and in Congress so they can stay on their farms and work.” Tidwell doesn’t plan to rest in his retirement. In addition to working with his church, he has his eye on a portable sawmill and wants to cut trees into lumber. “I plan to be busy as long as I can stay healthy,” Tidwell said. “I appreciate the opportunities this organization provided me over the years, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow and serve farmers across our state.” alfafarmers.org
State Commodity Committee Members Elected By Debra Davis tate commodity committee elections were held in conjunction S with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s
100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. Elections previously were held at the Commodity Organization Meeting in February. The change should make the election process simpler while improving educational programing opportunities for each commodity, said the Federation’s Brian Hardin. “The Commodity Organization Meeting has evolved over the years going from a one-day meeting to three to expand educational programing,” said Hardin, director of the Federation’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department. “Changes and clarification to policy a few years ago helped provide a written procedure to streamline the process.” Having elections at the annual meeting and conducting educational programs at different times and locations will best suit most producers, Hardin said. State Catfish Committee members already made the switch, meeting Dec. 2 in west Alabama, where most of the state’s catfish production exists. Likewise, the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association held elections for horticulture leaders at
its annual conference in November, and the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association leaders were selected after the Alabama Landowners Conference in October. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association also is an affiliate of the Federation and will hold its elections in February. “Through its agricultural programs, the Federation’s vision is to transform the lives of our members by proactively leading discussions, providing education and implementing public policy to enhance the lives of the farmers we serve,” Hardin said. “The more farmers the Federation connects and engages, the more effective we will be in achieving our mission. The Federation is actively working to enhance and promote existing educational opportunities for farmers, while working with our state commodity committees to develop new ones where needed. We are excited about the new approach and what it will mean for the Federation membership.” With feedback from the Federation’s commodity committee members, Hardin said staff will continue to evaluate the best delivery methods for educating and electing commodity leaders. State commodity committee members who rotated off their respective committees were honored
During the Federation’s 100th annual meeting Dec. 5 in Montgomery, county delegates elected leaders to represent them on state commodity committees. alfafarmers.org
Bullock County farmer Kelly Mullins was reelected to the Federation’s State Equine Committee.
during the awards breakfast Dec. 6 at the annual meeting. They are: n Bee & Honey — Terry Martin, Tallapoosa County n Beef — Phil Slay, Chambers County, and Jim Yance, Henry County n Catfish — Brad Brady, Perry County, and Thed Spree, Greene County n Cotton — Andy Thornburg, Mobile County n Forestry — Richard Jones, Covington County, and Charles Whatley, Lee County n Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod — Jon Hegeman, Calhoun County n Hay & Forage — Phyllis Jones, Cherokee County; Neal Kelly, Tallapoosa County; Steve Stroud, Pike County; and Joe Williams, Dale County n Pork — Johnny Miller, Cherokee County n Poultry — Chase Bradley, Monroe County n Sheep & Goat — Sam Abney, Autauga County, and Eugene Blair, Chambers County n Soybean — Charles Butler, Madison County, and Colt Clemmons, Lauderdale County n Wheat & Feed Grain — Scott Saucer, Monroe County Visit AlfaFarmers.org for a list of new state commodity committee members. January 2022
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Grassroots Guidance Earns Morris Federation’s Highest Honor
The late John W. Morris of Jefferson County was honored with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s highest achievement, the Service to Agriculture Award, during the organization’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. His son, Johnny Morris, accepted the award and is pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left.
he late John W. Morris invested T countless hours spanning decades educating political leaders about
issues important to Alabama Farmers Federation members. This true grassroots leadership earned Morris the organization’s highest honor, the Service to Agriculture Award, presented posthumously to Morris’ son, 12
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Johnny, during the Federation’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. “It is the ultimate honor for someone who made agriculture his life’s work to receive this award,” Johnny said. “This was his heart — farming — and the way of life that goes with that. He was resolute in his drive to educate the young and the old alike. On behalf of the Morris
family, we thank this organization for honoring our father’s life’s work of over 40 years with the Farmers Federation.” A U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong farmer, Morris understood how decisions made in Montgomery and Washington affect agriculture. Morris’ work in that arena as Jefferson County Farmers Federation president vaulted him to the state board in 1984, where he represented District 5 until being elected North Area vice president in 1992. In 1997, he was selected to chair ELECT, the Federation’s political action committee — a position he held until leaving the state board in 2000. “Above all, he was an advocate for the farmer,” Johnny said. “He kept his finger on the pulse of legislation that would negatively affect agriculture and food production in our state and nation.” Never one to rest on his laurels, Morris became Jefferson County Farmers Federation president again in 2015, serving until his death Feb. 15, 2021, at age 82. Under his leadership, Jefferson County revitalized its Ag in the Classroom, Farm-City and agricultural education programs — demonstrating Morris’ vision for developing future ag advocates. Since 1921, the Federation has magnified the voice of Alabama farmers through grassroots leaders such as Morris. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Morris daily demonstrated his conviction in continually growing one of the organization’s greatest strengths — relationships members have with elected officials from the courthouse to the State House. “No one understood and utilized this influence better than John,” Parnell said. “He was devoted to helping grassroots leaders cultivate connections with decision-makers.” Morris is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pauline; six children; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. alfafarmers.org
HudsonAlpha Co-founder Honored With Service To Agriculture Award
Jim Hudson received the Alabama Farmers Federation’s highest honor, the Service to Agriculture Award, during the organization’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Hudson.
ames R. “Jim” Hudson received JService the Alabama Farmers Federation’s to Agriculture Award at the
organization’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 5. The award is the highest honor given by the state’s largest farm group. Hudson and the late Lonnie S. McMillian founded the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to encourage corporations, scientists and nonprofit organizations to cooperatively seek answers to life’s most perplexing challenges through animal and plant alfafarmers.org
DNA. The nonprofit research facility in Huntsville is a world-renowned incubator for innovation. “By mapping the human genome, scientists there have created a road map to help cure deadly diseases,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell, who presented the award to Hudson. “Now, through the Center for Plant Science and Sustainable Agriculture, HudsonAlpha is developing crop solutions for water, nutrient and pesticide management.” Through Hudson’s visionary
leadership, Alabama is planting seeds of discovery to help farmers feed a growing world with fewer resources and less environmental impact, Parnell said. “I am pleased to accept this honor in the name of HudsonAlpha and especially on behalf of Lonnie McMillian, my late friend and mentor,” Hudson said. “I want to thank all the hard-working farmers because they keep my plate full at home and my family satisfied.” A lifelong learner and entrepreneur, Hudson earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in Vietnam after graduating from the University of Alabama. He returned home to his family’s foundry business, later establishing Research Genetics, a pioneer in the human genome project. That work foreshadowed HudsonAlpha, which opened its doors in 2008. At HudsonAlpha, employees of for-profit companies of all sizes work alongside nonprofit researchers. The model increases scientific understanding and decreases the time it takes for discoveries to reach the market, according to company officials. Of all the high-quality plant-referenced genomes that have been assembled, half were sequenced at HudsonAlpha. In addition to work on plant and animal research, the company conducts groundbreaking research for diseases that include ALS, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Gov. Kay Ivey recently awarded HudsonAlpha nearly $1 million through the Alabama Research and Development advancement fund. HudsonAlpha, along with Auburn University’s departments of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences and Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Alabama A&M’s Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, are working to develop better agriculture seed varieties to produce healthier and more productive crops. January 2022
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Thaxton Joins Federation GAP Department
lake Thaxton joined the Alabama Farmers B Federation as a commodity
agriculture industry and am excited to see Alabama lead the way in horticulture director Nov. 1, bringing and beekeeping.” nearly a decade of In the Federation’s horticulture industry Governmental and expertise to his new role. Agricultural Programs Thaxton said he looks (GAP) Department, Thaxton forward to growing his will help advocate, monitor relationships with specialty policy and coordinate crop farmers as director educational activities for Thaxton of the Federation’s Bee & his commodity divisions, in Honey and Greenhouse, addition to organizing the Nursery & Sod divisions. He’s also annual AFVGA Conference and Trade executive director of the Alabama Show. Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Thaxton was most recently a (AFVGA). Southeast sales representative for “Alabama agriculture is greatly Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Previously, he accomplished, and I am thrilled to join was a horticultural manager for Produce this team in supporting Federation R&D after a stint as a commercial members,” Thaxton said. “I have been horticulture Extension agent in Florida. eager to work with my home state’s The Madison County native has
two degrees from Auburn University, a bachelor’s in ornamental horticulture and a Master of Science, earned in 2009 and 2011. Federation GAP Department Director Brian Hardin said Thaxton’s experience working with Alabama farmers — many of whom are Federation members and leaders — is a boon for the organization. “Blake brings to the Federation an in-depth understanding of the issues farmers face each day,” Hardin said. “We’re excited to see how his experience and expertise benefit Alabama farmers, our organization and our team.” Thaxton and his wife, Katherine, have been married 12 years. They have three children, Caroline, Sullivan and Amelia, and live in Auburn. They attend Grace Auburn Church.
Simply Southern Spotlight Will Gilmer of Lamar County is a fourth-generation farmer and third-generation dairyman. His farm is one of 19 Grade A dairy farms remaining in Alabama. For Simply Southern TV, Gilmer sheds light on his industry by answering viewer-submitted questions. This segment with Will Gilmer will air on broadcast stations Jan. 8 and 9 and on RFD-TV on Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. Central. To submit a question for a future Ask A Farmer segment, email askafarmer@simplysoutherntv.net. For more information, visit SimplySoutherntv.net.
How do you get organic milk and is it worth the extra cost versus regular milk? Will Gilmer: The nutritional value and safety is essentially the same between conventional and organic. So it really comes down to the consumer’s choice. The main difference will probably be taste. A conventional dairy, like mine, can use feed from almost any source as long as our nutritionist says it’s OK. An organic farm has to use feed grown without the use of commercial fertilizer or crop protectants, and the cows have to have a homeopathic medical regiment, so to speak.
Simply Southern TV is sponsored by 14
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Alabama Stations and Times
Saturday, Central Time Market Station Time Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM
RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central ALWAYS ON: www.SimplySouthernTV.net
What diet do the cows need to produce great tasting milk? WG: It’s very important that cows have a balanced diet to make sure they are taking care of their own health and producing the milk we need. The primary part of their diet is forage — that’s grass that they graze, hay or a silage crop, which means we chop the entire corn plant into smaller pieces. Those forages provide fiber, energy and protein. We also give them grains like ground up corn; soybean meal; or other byproducts like cottonseed or cottonseed hulls. We use nutritionists to help develop a balanced diet. Catfish Checkoff
Soybean Checkoff
Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff
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Hayes Retires, Shifts Gears After 37 Years Of Service By Marlee Moore
“It never really seemed like work to me,” said fter more than 37 Hayes, 60. “The farmers years traveling knew I loved them and the northeast corner of wanted to take care of Alabama serving farmers, them. I could not have Kyle Hayes is shifting asked for a better place to gears. The Alabama work or better people to Farmers Federation Area work with. They’re like my 3 Organization director extended family.” retired Dec. 1. Through the years, It’s a bittersweet move Hayes helped sculpt for Hayes, a Cherokee farmers into leaders. Hayes County native who Former Area 3 Young traces his Federation roots to the late Farmers have climbed the ladder to ‘60s, when his parents moved home serve as leaders on county boards, state to the family farm near Centre. His committees and the Federation state grandfather was the local Farmers board. Others include an American Federation president, his father was an Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Alfa Insurance agent, and Hayes joined & Ranchers Committee chair, Alabama Alfa as a claims adjuster in 1984 after senators and representatives, and an graduating from Auburn University in Alabama lieutenant governor. agricultural business and economics. Hayes’ record sheet includes winners In 2004, he transferred to a job he in the Alabama Farm of Distinction, always thought he’d enjoy — serving as Outstanding Young Farm Family, a liaison between the Federation home Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion office and local farmers. That area now Meet contests. includes Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee “I loved going out, getting people DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson and Marshall involved and seeing how they would be counties. the most impactful,” he said. “It’s been
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amazing to see them grow into leaders.” He also helped found Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders), the organization’s premier leadership training program. Federation President Jimmy Parnell thanked Hayes for his service to the state’s farmers and complimented his knack for identifying leaders. “Kyle is a thinker,” Parnell said. “It’s always good to have someone on your team who is thinking everything through. We appreciate all Kyle has done in his years of service to Alfa and the Federation.” Hayes said he’ll miss the fellowship with colleagues and friends but plans to trade out traveling to board meetings and farms with a different sort of travel — soaking up sights with Luanne, his wife of 35 years. The Hayes family includes two daughters, Taylor Hayes and Kelsey Bickett, and one son-in-law, Will Bickett. He’ll also invest more time at First Baptist Church in Centre, where he is deacon chair. Hayes also plans to spend time hunting and fishing. “There is a season for everything, so I’m going to look forward to the next season,” he said.
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New episodes available every Wednesday. Subscribe to Alabama AgCast wherever you listen to podcasts or visit alfafarmers.org/agcast. 18
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Farm Of Distinction Applications Accepted Through Feb. 4 he Alabama Farm-City Committee is T accepting at-large applications for its Farm of Distinction contest through Feb. 4. The overall winner will receive more than $15,000 in prizes and a chance to compete against other top producers for the title of Swisher / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Visit AlabamaFarmCity.org to apply. “The Farm of Distinction is Alabama agriculture’s most prestigious award,” said Jeff Helms, chairman of the committee. “It recognizes farm families who excel in management, innovation, stewardship and community engagement. The list of winners since the program’s inception in 1986 reads like a who’s who of Alabama agriculture. From row crop and cattle farmers to catfish, poultry and greenhouse growers, these men and women are the standard bearers for the state’s leading
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industry.” At-large applications will be evaluated by a panel of agricultural experts, and three finalists will be visited by judges in late February or early March. The overall winner and
20 2 2 runner-up will be announced at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 7 in Birmingham. Alabama’s Farm of Distinction will drive home with a John Deere Gator, courtesy of AgPro, SunSouth and TriGreen dealers; an engraved
farm sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance; and a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative. As Alabama’s representative in the Southeastern competition, the winner also will receive $2,500 in cash and an expensepaid trip to the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 18-20 from Swisher, as well as other prizes. Alabama’s runner-up will receive a Traeger grill and supplies valued at $1,000 from First South Farm Credit and a $500 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative. “Visiting the farms of our finalists is a highlight of the year for me and the judges,” Helms said. “The families who operate these farms inspire us with their faith, ingenuity, resilience and servant leadership. We look forward to showcasing more outstanding individuals and adding another name to the distinguished list of Farm of Distinction winners.”
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Fruit And Vegetable Growers Glean Insights In Gulf Shores
By Marlee Moore our educational tracks aimed at Fbottom improving specialty crop farmers’ lines set the stage for the
Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show in Gulf Shores Nov. 18-19. Over 200 farmers and industry professionals attended the annual event at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. AFVGA President Joe Lambrecht, an Elmore County farmer, said it was encouraging to see long-time and new friends at the meeting. AFVGA is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farm organization with over 340,000 member families. Federation President Thaxton Jimmy Parnell echoed Lambrecht’s thoughts. “This is the way young people can get in agriculture,” said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer. “The door is wide open for young people because consumers appreciate the value of something grown nearby. There are unlimited possibilities here.” Conversations about yields, varieties, disease prevention, crop protection and marketing filled the trade show area, where more than 20 vendors visited one-on-one with growers. Seminars focused on tree fruits, small fruits,
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Top photo: Vendors met with attendees during the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show in Gulf Shores. Above photo: Workshops focused on labor, marketing, production and other growing techniques. Left photo: AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton addressed the crowd during a luncheon.
vegetable production and marketing. Other conference highlights included a legislative update with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville field representative Terrie Connell and an H2A labor panel discussion with Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker; AgWorks founder Dan Bremmer; American Farm Bureau Federation Congressional Relations Director Allison Crittenden; and Cullman County produce farmer Jeremy Calvert.
“Conferences like this give farmers the opportunity to learn with and from each other,” said recently hired AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton. “Our goal is to improve the industry and meet consumers’ desire for locally grown products. The AFVGA board works hard to serve their fellow growers.” Board members were reelected during AFVGA’s business session. They were Kent Isom of Limestone County, Larry LouAllen of Lawrence County and Wade Whited of Blount County. January 2022
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High-Energy Event Cultivates Youth Leaders By Marlee Moore early 100 high school students from N 34 counties enjoyed high-energy workshops and team-building activities
at the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference Nov. 1-2. The Alabama Farmers Federation coordinates the annual conference for freshmen and sophomores at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. The event is sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and county Farmers Federations, with additional support from Alabama Farm Credit. “These students aren’t just future leaders; they’re leaders right now in their schools, churches and communities,” said Hunter McBrayer, the Federation’s Young Farmers Division director who helped coordinate the conference. “It’s critical that we continue to invest in these students, develop their leadership skills and see them flourish.
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Fall 2021 Alfa Youth Leadership Conference participants enjoyed two days of learning in Columbiana.
We say it a lot, but it’s true: The future of agriculture is bright.” During the two-day conference, students learned the keys to leadership from motivational speaker Rhett Laubach, a former FFA state president. Mike Lutzenkirchen of the Lutzie 43 Foundation empowered students to make better decisions and positively influence others by telling the story of his son, former Auburn University
football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, who died in a distracted driving accident. Students also participated in a ropes course, enjoyed s’mores around a campfire, practiced patriotism by raising the American flag and asked a panel of farmers questions about leadership and agriculture. Visit the Federation’s Flickr account to view county photos.
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T
CLEAN TRUCKS
he last time I washed my truck was the spring of ‘03. I remember it well because I had a fever and was hallucinating at the time. The only thing I recall is walking outside, without pants on, and washing my truck with a garden hose while singing “Mister Sandman.” Next thing I knew, my wife threw me in the car and drove me to the ER. “What’s wrong with him?" “I don’t know, Doc,” my wife said. “I left him in bed, I went to the store, and when I got home, I found him eating a jar of Turtle Wax.” So today goes down in my own personal history. I took my truck through an automated car wash. I don’t know what made me do it. First, I bought some licorice, then I purchased a ticket for the car wash. It was great. There were big brushes spinning on hydraulic arms and highpowered spray nozzles shooting water with enough pressure to bore holes through bricks. I was a child again. Sometimes I can’t recall what I had for supper, but I remember when they built the car wash next to the Conoco. I remember bulldozers breaking ground and the old men who stood at a distance, shaking heads in disapproval. “A car wash,” one man grumbled. “When did people get so lazy they forgot how to use elbow grease?” I remember the grand opening. My father was among the first customers. That Saturday, we were in his F-100 —
forest green with tan interior. In my hands was chocolate milk. Daddy was eating a black licorice whip. We waited in a long line. Daddy was craning his head to see what was happening to the cars. We saw splashes and heard the sounds of Armageddon. When it was our turn, my father placed quarters into the slot, then hit the red button. We rolled forward. He threw it in park. The doors closed. Then the whirr of spinning brushes, the high-pitched scream of a motor, the sound of water. My father ate his licorice like he was watching a double-feature Western. The experience ended far too quickly. When we exited the ramp, my father parked his truck and leapt out. He inspected his vehicle. I stood watching him kick the tires. They were as clean as I’d ever seen. Pure black. “Do these tires look dirty to you?” he said. “They look dirty to me.” Dirty? They were clean enough to serve as an entree. Was he blind? Then it dawned on me: “Yes, they look absolutely filthy.” “Just as I expected," he said. "What a waste of money.” When we rolled through the wash again, it was even more fun. Anyway, when my wash ended today, I stepped out to inspect my truck. Just as I expected. I needed to go through one more time. Besides, I wasn’t even half finished with my black licorice. ■
! L A I C O S T E G s on Find u
Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org
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G R A I N S 0f T R U T H Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Farmers grow food, fuel and freedom. The state’s livestock, poultry and catfish rely on a healthy diet of corn and other grains for energy and nutrition. Grain farmers are proud partners in helping Alabama’s $4 billion animal agriculture industry provide safe, delicious beef, pork, poultry and fish for America’s dinner tables.
WHEAT & FEED GRAIN PRODUCERS
2021 annual Report AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org
Foundation Scholarships
The Foundation and county Farmers Federations awarded $133,250 in scholarships to Auburn University (AU) students seeking degrees in agriculture, forestry and related industries. From left are AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson, Lee County Farmers Federation President Jamie Lazenby, AU student and Tallapoosa County native Ka’Shiya McKinney, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and AU College of Agriculture Associate Dean Amy Wright.
Alabama 4-H Center
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama 4-H Foundation dedicated an $8.4 million addition to the Alabama 4-H Center June 9. The project includes a youth dining area renovation sponsored by the Foundation, Alabama Farmers Federation and county Farmers Federations.
board of directors
Jimmy Parnell • Rhonda Hughes • Phillip Johns • Lester Killebrew • Keith McCurdy Cheryl Mitchell • Paul Pinyan • Mahlon Richburg • Raleigh Wilkerson
Our Mission
“To support and advance agriculture in the state of Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens; and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture.” alfafarmers.org
Support Ag Education. Purchase an Ag Tag today! January 2022
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income statement
Income Unrestricted Contributions Ag Tag Revenue Scholarships Jr. Beef Expo Jr. Swine Expo Unrealized Gain (Loss) Interest Income Annual Skeet Shoot Dairy Show State Pork Show Alabama Rural Economic Center (Farm Center) Donation Youth Leadership Conference Down To Earth
activities & accomplishments
$725,424.72 285,699.12 63,575.00 157,608.50 4,250.00 385,988.46 30,497.52 68,869.01 2,750.00 3,300.00 145,805.25 5,000.00 50,000.00
Other Income
16,303.66
Total Income Operating Expenses Ag in the Classroom Jr. Beef Expo Ag Scholarship Luncheon Scholarship Expense Dairy Show State Pork Show Legal & Audit Fees Miscellaneous Expense Sponsorship Expense Education Expense Ag Tag Advertising Investment Fees Annual Skeet Shoot Youth Leadership Conference Contributions Alabama Rural Economic Center (Farm Center) Total Operating Expenses Net Income
$1,945,071.24 $92,032.70 110,915.88 8,534.59 85,607.04 5,398.77 1,250.00 3,075.00 4,321.24 43,258.05 6,622.20 3,600.00 10,528.66 45,977.40 39,069.32 33,562.37 852,459.27
The sixth-annual Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Skeet Shoot was held in November at Selwood Farm in Alpine. This year, 40 teams from 19 counties competed and raised $36,000 for scholarships and agriculture education.
The Foundation sponsored youth livestock shows including the Jr. Beef Expo, above, and Alabama National Fair. In 2022, the Jr. Swine Expo is being added to spring events at the Southeastern Livestock Expo.
$1,346,212.49 $598,858.75
AFAF Contributions & sponsorships 2021 Greenhand Leadership Conference Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Alabama Cattlemen’s Association - 2021 Hay & Forage Conference Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Lamb Producers Association Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Alabama Junior Rodeo Association Alabama Master Gardeners Association Alabama National Fair Livestock Events Alabama Natural Resources Council Alabama Works! Events 26
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Across the Top Cattle Show Auburn University Ag Roundup Auburn University Bee & Honey Research Auburn University Beef U Auburn University Block and Bridle Club Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences Auburn University Foundation Auburn University Horse U Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief Candace Powers, Barrel Racer Duncan Award for Extension, Kent Stanford Jr. Beef Expo
National Peanut Festival North Alabama Agriplex Rittenour Award for Ag Research, Dr. Jeremy Pickens Russell County Stampede Rodeo Southern Cattle Show Storybook Farm Sunbelt Ag Expo Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program US Sweet Potato Council - Virtual Annual Meeting Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship alfafarmers.org
aitc mini grants Alabama Ag in the Classroom awarded $13,703.11 in mini grants for agricultural education.
Pollination Garden/Weather Station Diana Bickelhaupt Cordova Elementary School, Walker County “Farm to Farmers Market” Project Sharlean Briggs Butler County Extension Alabama Agriculture Project Amber Broadhead Edgewood Elementary School, Jefferson County Raised Garden Soil & Plants Kimberly Davis Brilliant School, Marion County “Agriplex in the Classroom” Books/Materials Rachel Dawsey North Alabama Agriplex, Cullman County Agriculture Production Projects/Lessons Aimee Dobbs Clanton Intermediate School, Chilton County Agriculture in Action and Ag Adventures Whitney Dyess Beauregard High School, Lee County Community Garden Allie Ezell Athens Intermediate School, Limestone County
in memoriam 2020 David Lamar Crawford
“CHEEP: Chicken Hatching Elementary Education Project” Jessica Freeland John Will Elementary School, Mobile County Greenhouse Project Trey George Hackleburg High School, Lauderdale County Raised Beds – FACS and Special Eduction Katherine Graves Brooks High School, Lauderdale County Agriculture Books and Supplies Erica Griffin Athens Intermediate School, Limestone County “Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch” Life Cycle Project Allyson Hazelwood Eden Elementary School, St. Clair County “The Inside S-Coop on Poultry” Allison Heald Southside High School, Etowah County “Beyond the Barn” Educational Opportunities Latrece Johnson United Pentecostal Holiness Church Small Steps Program, Mobile County
Tools for Outdoor Classroom Mary Kennedy Hackleburg Elementary School, Marion County Outdoor Classroom and Greenhouse Growing Projects Phillip Key Harmony School, Cullman County Sustainable Garden Kasey Kilpatrick Parrish Elementary School, Walker County “Spring Chicken” Hatching Project Alisha King Childersburg Elementary School, Talladega County “Character Through Agriculture” Project Shane Leopard Athens Intermediate School, Limestone County School Garden Project for Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Kathryn Manley Kermit Johnson School, Jefferson County Raised Bed & Weigh Station Projects Gary McCarley Hamilton Elementary School, Marion County
Seedfolks Unit 12-Week Agriculture Project Anna Peek Athens Intermediate School, Limestone County Which Came First Incubator Project Sonya Price Gulf Shores Elementary School, Baldwin County Plant Trees on Nature and Tasting Trail Tina Raper Hackleburg Elementary School, Marion County “Agriculture Classroom” Terry Shepard Glenwood School, Lee County “Life Cycle of a Chicken” Project Cierra Terry Fairfax Elementary School, Chambers County Greenhouse Vision and Extension Kit Lisa Tidwell Foley Elementary School, Baldwin County 4-H Grows and Junior Master Gardener Stephanie Tobin Clay County Extension Garden Grows Greenhouse Project Josh Weatherly Guin Elementary School, Marion County
Honoring Alabama Farmers Federation leaders we lost, with prayers of healing and strength for their loved ones. Bobby Alvin Allred
1942-2021, Cherokee County
Lee Gaines
Milton Kirkpatrick Parsons Sr.
1920-2021, Autauga County
1930-2021, Elmore County
1924-2020, Dallas County
Alexander Whitelaw Bailey
Helen Jean Rittenour Geesey
Teresa Lee Porter Revels
1937-2020, Franklin County
Dr. Haywood “Woody” Bartlett
Ralph Golden
Patricia Ann Satterfield
1965-2020, Pickens County
Col. (Ret.) Thomas B. Blake
Ronald Bell Holladay
Kenneth Neal Shaw Sr.
Shirley Jane (Jennings) Boyd
Jessie Howard Hobbs III
Eddie Wayne Shell
Joe H. Braden
Ione Ellenberg Earwood Hoomes
Reginald Eugene Buttram
John Thomas “Tom” Ingram
Charles Dexter Ezzell
Timothy Craig “Timmy” Gates Sam Hall
1934-2020, Bullock County
William “Larry” King
1934-2020, Marshall County
Richard Joel Laird Sr.
1939-2020, Randolph County
Jimmie Lee Matthews
1949-2020, Jackson County
Jack Heath McConnell 1937-2020, Lee County
Marshall Winston Prickett Sr.
1938-2021, Hale County
1937-2021, Montgomery County
1954-2021, Autauga County
1923-2021, Lowndes County
1947-2021, Lowndes County
1935-2021, Etowah County
1927-2021, Cleburne County
1957-2021, Clay County
1945-2021, Coosa County 1930-2021, Lee County
Jerry Lynn Sibley
1939-2021, Lawrence County
1925-2021, Lee County
1957-2021, Lawrence County
1940-2021, Clarke County
1930-2021, Tuscaloosa County
1936-2021, Madison County
1933-2021, Barbour County
1951-2021, Chilton County
1936-2021, DeKalb County
1926-2021, Limestone County
1925-2021, Hale County
1939-2021, Jefferson County
1938-2021, Calhoun County
James Lanier Campbell Charles Caraway
Walter Jackson “WJ” Dalton
1927-2020, Marshall County
Hugh Jackson “Jack” Davis
Alvin Gordon Stone
1974-2021, Limestone County
1958-2021, Geneva County
1939-2021, Cullman County
1934-2020, Calhoun County
Louise Martin Smalley
1923-2021, Montgomery County
Peggy Tibbs Kellum
Samuel Ray Spruell
Ronald Gray Vaughn
Wendell Lee Kelley
Jimmie Sue Gaines Walters
Ruth Marsh
James Thomas “Jay” Watson Jr.
John W. Morris
1944-2021, Marshall County
1958-2021, Talladega County
Frances Willis
1940-2021, Calhoun County
Carol Ann Sweeny Dawson
Robert “Q-Ball” Lee Morrison
Karen Davis Willoughby
1937-2020, Lauderdale County
Mason Duelon Dunagan
Ronnie D. Murphy
Frances Bonnie Wilson
1955-2020, Jackson County
Rev. William B. Easterling
Evelyn Virginia Neal
Joanne Smith Wissinger
1934-2020, Wilcox County
Robert “Buddy” Hugh Walker Phillip Jerome Wilborn 2021 Scott Alldredge
1936-2021, Marion County alfafarmers.org
1945-2021, Bullock County 1942-2021, Clarke County
1939-2021, Calhoun County 1942-2021, Lee County
1924-2021, Barbour County
1931-2021, Jackson County
1934-2021, Limestone County
1940-2021, Fayette County
Charles Vernon Ezell
James Odom
1950-2021, Houston County 1938-2021, Elmore County
1954-2021, Jefferson County
James Bradford Witt
1967-2021, Blount County January 2022
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contributors 3E Cattle Company – Taber & Grace Ellis Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Inc. Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Angus Association Alabama Association of RC & D Councils Inc. Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association Alabama Beef Checkoff Alabama Catfish Producers Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Alabama Cooperative Extension Services Alabama Farm Bureau Services Inc. Alabama Farm Credit Alabama Farmers Federation Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Alabama Peanut Producers Association Alabama Pork Producers Alabama Power Co. Alabama Simmental Association Alfa Foundation Alfa Mutual Insurance Co. Andrew Wendland Autauga County Farmers Federation Baldwin County Farmers Federation Barbour County Farmers Federation BCBS of Alabama Beck’s Turf Inc. Bibb County Farmers Federation BL Harbert International Blount County Cattlemen’s Association Blount County Farmers Federation Britney Garner Bullock County Farmers Federation Butler County Farmers Federation C. A. Richey Calhoun County Farmers Federation Chambers County Farmers Federation Cherokee County Cattlemen’s
Association Cherokee County Farmers Federation Chilton County Farmers Federation Choctaw County Farmers Federation Chris Langley Family Farms Circle H Cattle Farm Circle H Farm CK Cattle LLC Clarke County Farmers Federation Clay County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Farmers Federation Clifton & Margaret Mann Coffee County Cattlemen’s Association Coffee County Farmers Federation Colbert County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Farmers Federation Coosa County Farmers Federation Covington County Farmers Federation Crenshaw County Farmers Federation Cullman County Farmers Federation Dale County Farmers Federation Dallas County Cattlemen’s Association Dallas County Farmers Federation DeKalb County Farmers Federation Diane & Chris McCool Don Allison Equipment Dwight E. Davis Elmore County Farmers Federation Emmanuel P. Speros Escambia County Cattlemen’s Association Escambia County Farmers Federation Etowah County Farmers Federation Fatback Pig Fayette County Farmers Federation First South - South Alabama First South Farm Credit Frank Ellis Frank Ellis Charolais Fred Bowman Dear Jr. Geneva County Farmers Federation Great Southern Wood
Greenway Plants Inc. Hale County Cattlemen’s Association Hale County Farmers Federation Henry County Farmers Federation Hicks Herefords Houston County Farmers Federation J & R Feed Service Jackson County Farmers Federation James L. Parnell Jefferson County Farmers Federation Jerry & Dianne Newby Kathy Gordon L.A. Boyd & Son Farm Lamar County Farmers Federation Lance Hopper Larry Reeves Lauderdale County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Farmers Federation Lee County Farmers Federation Leto Farms Limestone County Cattlemen’s Association Limestone County Farmers Federation Lowndes County Farmers Federation Macon County Cattlemen’s Association Macon County Farmers Federation Madison County Farmers Federation Mahlon Richburg Marengo County Farmers Federation Marion County Farmers Federation Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association Marshall County Farmers Federation Max Bozeman Midstate Stockyards Mobile County Farmers Federation Monroe County Farmers Federation Montgomery County Farmers Federation Morgan County Farmers Federation Mr. & Mrs. John C. Joy Jr. Next Step Cattle Co. Paramore Angus
Paul Pinyan Perry County Farmers Federation Pickens County Farmers Federation Pike County Cattlemen’s Association Pike County Farmers Federation PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Randolph County Cattlemen’s Association Randolph County Farmers Federation Rhonda Hughes Richburg Cattle Co. River Bank & Trust S & L Farms Shelby County Farmers Federation SLE Rodeo Southeastern Livestock Exposition St. Clair County Farmers Federation St. Louis County Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee Stocker Supply LLC Sumter County Farmers Federation SunSouth Sweet Grown Alabama Tacky Farms - The Bridge Builders of Alabama Talladega County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Texas Farm Credit Tommy & Debi Martin Trigreen Equipment LLC Trustmark Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation Van Smith Vaudie Hallman Walker County Farmers Federation Washington County Cattlemen’s Association Washington County Farmers Federation Wilcox County Cattlemen’s Association Wilcox County Farmers Federation William M. Harris Winston County Farmers Federation
donate online at alabamafarmersfoundation.org By Mail: Make Checks Payable To: Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191 Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State ____ ZIP _________ Phone ____________________ Email ____________________________________________ In Memory / Honor Of: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gifts to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Questions? Contact Amanda Butts at (334) 612-5525 or abutts@alfafarmers.org. 28
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Using Supplements To Stretch Winter Hay Supplies By Justin Miller producers were hit hard LTheivestock by 2021’s fall armyworm invasion. damage pastures and hayfields
sustained left some cattle producers strapped for hay this winter. With limited hay supplies, there are several supplementation strategies Alabama farmers can use.
Choosing A Supplement
There are a few items to consider before choosing a supplement. Kim Mullenix, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System beef systems specialist, said the most important consideration is nutritive value of the forage being fed. “Conducting a forage analysis provides valuable nutritional information,” Mullenix said. “Without a proper analysis, a producer is simply guessing if their strategy meets the needs of their herd.” A forage analysis will help producers determine if and how much of a supplement is needed. It can also help identify a supplementation strategy that works for the operation. Producers will need to consider several items pertaining to the
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herd. Knowing the age and stage of production of their herd, as well as the herd’s body condition score, is vital when selecting a supplement. “A cow’s nutritional needs increase as the cow approaches late gestation and calving,” Mullenix said. “Nutritional demands also increase for younger cattle — such as first-calf heifers — and for cattle that are 10-plus years old.” When it comes to body condition score, producers must determine whether their animals need to maintain or gain body weight. Mullenix said producers should score cattle at key times in the production cycle. “Producers should score their cattle at weaning, 60 days prior to calving, at calving and prior to breeding,” she said. “At weaning and at 60 days before calving, a supplementation strategy can be adjusted to add daily gain more efficiently.”
Supplementation Strategies
There are three common supplementation strategies producers often consider. These include feeding supplements daily, feeding supplements at a reduced
frequency or feeding self-limiting supplements. When feeding supplements daily in the winter, producers commonly use commercial feed blends or byproduct feedstuffs. These feed blends generally contain a combination of energy and protein. Producers can use them to supplement low-to-moderate quality forages. Providing a supplement at a reduced frequency can be an option from a labor standpoint. Producers will often feed a supplement every other day, or at another defined frequency, to reduce time spent supplementing. Self-limiting supplements can help control cattle feed consumption to a desired target level. These products generally include salt-limited commodity feed blends, liquid supplements and cooked or pressed tubs. These strategies can help producers complement and potentially extend hay supply this winter. Find more information on supplementation strategies by visiting aces.edu.
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By Lois Chaplin loe vera. Grandma always had A one in the kitchen. She may have squeezed a little aloe gel straight from
the leaf to dab on your boo-boo and her burned finger, too. The gel inside aloe vera leaves has been used around the world for centuries for its healing and cosmetic properties. According to the National Institute of Health, the gel is 99% percent water, but it’s the other 1% that makes it special. The plant has up to 75 active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, antioxidants, salicylic acid (active ingredient in aspirin) and amino acids.
Alabama
No wonder Cleopatra had some on her dresser. Today, aloe vera is easily found for sale in garden center greenhouses. Even grocery stores carry it because succulents, which include aloe, are among today’s trendiest plants. Succulents are plants with thick fleshy leaves that hold moisture and are well adapted to long periods of time without water. They often have interestingly shaped leaves— like the tapered toothed and fleshy leaves of aloe. They make pretty houseplants and are well adapted to the dry environment indoors. Much has yet to be studied about aloe’s modern medical
applications, but most of us are happy to dab a little gel on our cuts, burns and skin irritations. It’s also an ingredient in natural skin care products. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is easy to keep in a kitchen window or any bright window or sunroom. Ours stays on a plant stand on the deck during warm weather but must come inside in fall because it’s killed by freezing weather. Light shade is best outdoors, but it will withstand full sun, which gives the leaves a reddish cast. Indoors, a sunny, south-facing window is best. In coastal Alabama, plants may survive a mild winter planted in the ground if protected by a cold frame or frost cloth, but the soil must drain well. Good drainage is essential in a container, too. Plants are sold in sizes that typically vary from 4-inch pots to gallon containers. Pot new plants into a container (with a drainage hole) filled with cactus mix or homemade mix of one part sand and three parts potting mix for excellent drainage. The quickest way to kill aloe is soggy soil. Plants like being slightly pot bound, so choose a pot size that leaves only an inch or so of space around the root ball. Plants don’t need much fertilizer, just a little liquid food a couple of times during spring and summer. In winter, growth slows down. Water only when the soil dries out. It’s a perfect plant for a porch in summer because it doesn’t need much attention. As the plants grow, the pot will fill with offshoots that are easy to propagate, so you can make more plants to share. Eventually the plantlets, or “pups,” it sends out from the base of the plant can be separated from the mother plant and rooted in a new container to share with friends. Aloe is a great gift, not just for gardeners, but for cooks, too! To extract the gel from the leaf, simply clip off a little piece of the succulent leaf and squeeze. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Visit Us For Great Savings On New Beginnings E ALAFARM.COM 30
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( Y O U) Who’s the No. 1 protein source in chicken feed? YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning. All soybean farmers, including you, are really big in poultry and livestock feed. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward. 2021 United Soybean Board [61078-10 9/21]
©
Collard Green Soup with Ham and Beans Prep Time Cook Time 5 mins 25 mins
Servings 6 to 8
Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 to 3 cups chopped, smoked ham 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32-ounce) containers chicken bone broth 2 (16-ounce) bags frozen chopped collard greens 2 (15.5-ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes Salt Pepper
Instructions Heat oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add onion and ham and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. Add broth and collard greens, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in beans and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook 20 to 25 minutes or until the collards are cooked to your desired tenderness. Serve with piping hot cornbread.
’ve been a fan of the recipe section of Imost Neighbors magazine for years, looking forward to the monthly recipe
column. I treasure the opportunity to build community with wonderful home cooks from around the state by bringing their recipes into my own kitchen. With that in mind, I’m so excited to share that, beginning with this issue, I’ll be sharing one recipe each month from a cook who was featured in a past issue of Neighbors. This month’s recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and it’s easy on the cook, too! Nora Kelley raised her kids on the family farm in Coosa County — so you know when she shares a recipe, it’s going to be hearty and delicious. This month, I’m sharing her Quick Chili
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recipe, which was featured in the August 1998 issue. As we continue with the cooler months, I’m continuing with more pots of comfort! My Collard Green Soup with Ham and Beans has all the slow-cooked flavor of Grandma’s kitchen but can be ready in less than 30 minutes with the help of a few key ingredients. Last but not least is the recipe perfect for cozy days, quick weeknight suppers and those times when a loved one needs a little extra TLC — Quick and Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup. Now I have to tell you, I’m normally not a fan of chicken soups that haven’t simmered all day to develop that rich, full-bodied flavor, so you know my recipe has a few
tricks included to make sure none of that richness is sacrificed in this shortcut. In these hectic times we live in, I firmly believe one of the most important parts of our day comes at the end when we step back from the world and take the time to sit down and share a meal with our loved ones. These moments around the dinner table strengthen the relationships that guide us through life and fill our hearts with abiding joy in the years to come. You know, over time, each family tends to develop their own language with one another. In my house, another way to say “I love you” is, “Come on, y’all. Supper’s ready.” Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com. alfafarmers.org
Quick and Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Stacey’s Recipe Note
Servings 8
To make the process even easier, I opened the can of tomatoes and chopped them up right in the can using a pair of kitchen scissors.
Ingredients 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 white onion, diced 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 3 ribs celery, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced 3 (32-ounce) cartons unsalted chicken stock 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base 1 bay leaf 1/2 (12-ounce) package egg noodles Juice of half a lemon Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions Trim the chicken breast of fat and gristle and then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, coating the chicken. In a large stock pot or enamel-coated Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add chicken. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring only a few times, to brown the chicken. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken to another bowl. Set chicken aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Add additional oil if necessary. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the onions start to turn translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire, chicken base and bay leaf. Stir well. Cook until boiling. Once boiling, add noodles and return chicken to the pot (and any juice that may have accumulated in the bowl). Stir well and reduce heat to a low boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is done. Exact times will vary, so check the pasta package for times. Right before serving, remove the bay leaf, add the lemon juice and stir well. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Nora Kelley’s Quick Chili
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time Servings 1 hr 15 mins 5 to 6
Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, undrained 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion and green pepper until beef is browned. Drain away excess grease. Add undiluted soup, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with cheese. alfafarmers.org
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