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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 2

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

FEBRUARY 2015

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, 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 Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Don Allison, Arley Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Cheryl Lassiter, Silas Garrett Henry, Hope Hull

In This Issue

FEBRUARY 2015

Young Farmers Legacy

21 Pruning Fruit Trees 23 Electrical Rates Rise 28 Charming Cookies

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Lassiter’s Leadership

16 Turning Timber Into Fuel

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.

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.

On The Cover

Federation Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Cheryl Lassiter and husband Jeff of Choctaw County share their love of farming with friends and family. Photo by Debra Davis

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FEBRUARY 2015

By Debra Davis

year,” Cheryl said, laughing. “Our girls went to every conference with us until they were grown. I think being raised on a farm and involvement with the Federation had a positive impact on them. All three of them are involved in agriculture now.” Their daughter, Jada, and her husband, Kenley Harrison, have a farm where they are raising two of the Lassiters’ five grandchildren. Another daughter, Jena Perry, a mother of three, is a local ag teacher. Their youngest daughter, Kellee, is a county Extension agent in Mississippi. “We’re very proud that our

participation in Ag In The Classroom. It’s one of the best programs anywhere.” friendly smile and genuine Cheryl follows a long line of love of farming make Cheryl distinguished leaders who served Lassiter of Choctaw County as chairman of the State Women’s the perfect ambassador for agriculLeadership Committee, said Federature. She enjoys sharing information Women’s Leadership Division tion about her family, her farm and Director Kim Ramsey. the Alabama Farmers Federation, “The Women’s Division is which she will have even more excited to have Cheryl as our chairopportunities to do as the newly man for 2015,” Ramsey added. “Her elected chairman of the organizadedication and love for agriculture, tion’s State Women’s Leadership along with her sweet and genuine Committee. spirit, are some of the qualities that Cheryl’s ascent to the chairmake her a natural-born leader. Our man’s role follows nearly two State Women’s Leadership Comdecades of involvement with the mittee and women across the state Choctaw County Farmers Federaare looking forward to tion, including 10 years her direction this year.” with the county WomCheryl said Women’s en’s Leadership ComLeadership Committees mittee, three of which were formed to be an she served on the state “arm” of the Federation, committee. She said she but to her, they’re more loves working on the like the “legs.” farm with her husband, “Members of the Jeff, when she’s not at Women’s Leadership her day job as office Committee do the runmanager for South Alaning around, from colbama Land and Timber lecting pop tabs to disCo. in Silas. Even with tributing information on substantial demands Farm-City events and Ag on her time, she finds in the Classroom,” she opportunities to be active in Federation pro- Cheryl Lassiter and husband Jeff have been married 35 years. They’ve passed on said. “We organize Ag their love of cattle farming and wildlife management to their daughters, Jada, Days and Farm Safety grams and events. Days, help with cus“I’m very excited and Jena and Kellee. tomer appreciation days humbled by the oppordaughters are involved in agriculat Alfa service centers and help tunity to serve as state chairman,” ture,” Cheryl said. “Growing up on organize county Federation events. Cheryl said. “Being involved in the a farm has taught them responsibil- Women do the behind-the-scenes Women’s Leadership Committee ity, values and what it’s like to be work to promote agriculture.” has opened a lot of doors for me, their own boss. What I like most In addition to the satisfaction and I’ve met people from all across about farming is that you feel like she gets from promoting agriculour state who are now my friends you’re doing something for other ture, Cheryl said friendships she’s because of our involvement with people. Producing food is a pretty made over the years, particularly the Farmers Federation.” important job when you think with other members of the State The Lassiters raise beef cattle, about it.” Women’s Leadership Committee, hay and timber on their farm near Sharing her passion for agriculare extra special. the Cullomburg community where “I really enjoy being part of the ture with others and inspiring more Jeff grew up. Cheryl was raised in state Women’s Leadership ComFederation members to be outspothe nearby community of Toxey. mittee,” she said. “We all work ken advocates for agriculture are They’ve been married 35 years and together well and genuinely care among the goals Cheryl has set for have a special love for cattle and about each other. We’re like sisters. her tenure as chairman. wildlife that’s been passed on to Kim Ramsey is the most organized “I also want to get more young their three daughters who grew up person I know and makes our women involved in the Women’s attending Federation events. jobs so much easier. She is truly a Leadership Committee,” she said. “The Federation Commodity gem.” n “And, I especially want to increase Conference was our vacation every

FEBRUARY 2015

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Young Farmers Shine At AFBF Convention In California By Debra Davis and Mary Johnson

labama Young Farmers struck gold in California at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 96th Annual Convention in San Diego, Jan. 11-14 with honors including election of a national officer and Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) contests finalists. Jon Hegeman of Calhoun County was elected YF&R Committee chairman and will serve a one-year term on the AFBF board of directors. He officially becomes Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Young Farmers Director Jennifer Himburg visit with Young Farmers contestants at the 96th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. From left are, Parnell, Himburg, chairman at AFBF’s Achievement Award finalists Vicki and Paul Morrison of Dale County, Excellence in Agriculture finalist Grace Smith FUSION Conference Ellis of Autauga County, Discussion Meet contestant Josh Williams of Marshall County and newly elected National Feb. 13-16 in NashYoung Farmers & Ranchers Chairman Jon Hegeman. ville. Alabama’s Outstanding Young participants earn the majority of Convention workshops covered Farm Family Vicki and Paul Mortheir income outside of farming technology, communications and rison of Dale County and Grace and are judged on involvement in current issues. Federation District Smith Ellis from Autauga County agriculture; leadership ability; and 3 Director Phillip Thompson of were Top-10 finalists in the YF&R involvement in Farm Bureau and Jackson County found the informaAchievement Award and Excelother organizations. Discussion tion helpful. lence in Ag contests, respectively. Meet topics included land manage“I’ve gathered valuable details to Marshall County’s Josh Williams ment under private verses governmake an informed choice between represented Alabama in the YF&R ment control and possible crop Price Loss Coverage and AgriculturDiscussion Meet. insurance for livestock producers. al Risk Coverage farm programs,” “Our Young Farmers did a great The Blount County Young he said. “I encourage folks to come job representing our state at the Farmers received a County Award at least once to one of these conconference and are evidence we not of Excellence for its Farm Safety ventions. This information will only grow crops and livestock in Day and Row Crop Tour. Conferhelp me be a better farmer.” Alabama, we also grow outstandence attendees visited the county’s Navy Seal Commander Rorke ing leaders,” said Alabama Farmbooth at the convention trade show. Denver gave an inspiring speech on ers Federation President Jimmy Alabama was recognized at the true leadership, and the convention Parnell. “The YF&R contests bring convention with Excellence Awards closed with a keynote address from the brightest young people in the for Education and Outreach; former “Tonight Show” host Jay country to this meeting. Our state Leadership Development; Member Leno. and our organization can be proud Services; Policy Development and More than 4,500 farmers we have such outstanding leaderImplementation; and Public Relathroughout the nation attended the ship on the horizon.” tions and Communications. The event, including 131 from Alabama. The Achievement Award proorganization also received the Apex During the convention, voting delgram recognizes Young Farmers Award for increased donations to egates adopted grassroots policies & Ranchers who excel in farming the American Farm Bureau Founda- and selected organization leaders. n and leadership. Excellence in Ag tion for Agriculture. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

FEBRUARY 2015

Young Farmers Chairman Garrett Henry farms in Montgomery County with wife Emily, daughter Paige, 8, and son Mason, 4.

By A.J. Watson

n between Pintlala and Hope Hull, where the mud makes you taller with each step, Garrett Henry is eager to step up and assist the organization that has served his family for generations. “My dad and family have been involved for a long time,” the fourth-generation cattle farmer said of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “It’s almost a part of me. I take ownership in it because it’s something I’ve been around, and I want to be involved and make a difference.” Garrett said serving on the Young Farmers State Committee as District 6 representative last year, and having the example of his father, Garry Henry, who was recently re-elected to the Federation board of directors as the District 9 representative, will allow him to hit the ground running. “Family is the most important thing to us, and we all kind of lean on each other and depend on each

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other,” he said. “It has an impact on everything we do. The Federation is family-oriented, and we’re family-oriented, so it’s an easy transition.” Garrett and his wife, Emily, got involved in the Young Farmers Division when they started college at Auburn University 14 years ago. Along with expanding their family with daughter Paige, 8, and son Mason, 4, they’ve expanded involvement in the Federation. “Young Farmers conferences were kind of the things we looked forward to,” Garrett said. “There’s a point in time where you start figuring things out, start plugging in, and all of a sudden, you’re one of the older Young Farmers. “The Federation has provided so many opportunities. I’ve seen more in the last three or four years than most farmers see in a lifetime because I’ve been able to be more involved.” Sharing that experience, Garrett said, is his goal as Young Farmers chairman. 8

“I want to show the younger folks who are just now coming along what it’s all about, why we do what we do, and how it makes a difference,” he said. “We want to continue to look for those young farmers who aren’t involved.” Specifically, Garrett said he wants to increase participation in the west side of the state by working with state committee members and area organization directors to establish Young Farmers committees in those counties. “I’m not going to do anything over the top, but I want to make sure the changes and improvements to the Young Farmers program that were made last year, as well as the current programs, go off without a hitch,” he said. Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Himburg said history has shown the Young Farmers program helps develop future Federation leaders. She expects Garrett’s tenure to be no exception. “Garrett’s service as Young Farmers chairman will be a great asset for the Federation and the Young Farmers program,” Himburg said. “His family has demonstrated a true commitment to the Federation, and he understands the value and importance of the work we do — a rare quality for someone his age. Working with young farmers like Garrett is encouraging. I have no doubt we’re building future leaders for our organization.” Overall, Garrett said he wants to support other young farmers similar to the way help was extended to him over the years. “It’s not like I deal with a lot of issues,” he said. “But I know if something comes up, whether it be an accident on the farm or a regulation issue, I know people would be there. It eases my mind knowing I have help on the way versus dealing with it by myself.” n FEBRUARY 2015

Henry Shares High Hopes For Young Farmers

FEBRUARY 2015

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Vilsack: No Second Beef Checkoff

.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Dec. 18 that he will not move forward with plans to start a second national beef checkoff program. The announcement comes after Congress passed a fiscal 2015 omnibus bill recommending USDA not spend money on a second beef checkoff. “This is a great victory and a testament to the influence and effectiveness of Federation members,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Division Director Nate Jaeger. “Farmers in Alabama engaged in this issue at the county, state, regional and national levels. They wanted to prevent this top-down approach by USDA to beef promotion, research and education, and Secretary Vilsack

responded appropriately.” Vilsack presented the plan for a second beef checkoff last fall. Since then, Federation President Jimmy Parnell and the Federation’s State Beef Committee joined numerous agriculture organizations in asking Vilsack to withdraw the proposal. A beef industry working group has discussed possible changes to the current national beef checkoff program for three years without any resolution. However, working group members agreed to oppose Vilsack’s plan. Vilsack said he hopes the group can build on this foundation and present recommendations to improve the beef checkoff. Federation policy supports the current beef checkoff and increasing the amount collected. n

LEGAL NOTICE TO: Directors, officers, delegates and members of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association. You are hereby notified that the directors of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, in accordance with Section 1, Article VI, of the bylaws of the Association, has scheduled its annual meeting as follows: TIME: 11:30 a.m., February 12, 2015 PLACE: Volunteer Building, National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Hwy. 231 South, Dothan, Alabama.

Alfa Foundation To Award $100,000 In College Scholarships

he Alfa Foundation has announced plans to double its commitment to higher education by awarding $100,000 in scholarships for students at Alabama colleges, universities and technical schools. The Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to 50 students in 2014. Alfa Insurance® and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said doubling the investment in students strengthens the organization’s commitment to excellence in education. “For almost 70 years, Alfa® has proudly supported education by being active in the communities it serves,” Parnell said. “The Alfa Foundation has helped advance learning through the Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Month programs; investment in colleges and universities; support for career technical education; computer donations; and other efforts. Through this scholarship program, the Alfa Foundation will help 100 outstanding students each year reach their educational goals, regardless of their career choices.” The program is open to high school seniors and post-secondary undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in an Alabama two- or four-year college, university or technical school. The online application will be available Feb. 1 at AlfaInsurance.com. Deadline for applications is March 15, with winners to be notified w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

in May. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies required for coursework. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic record; demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities; honors; work experience; and statement of goals and aspirations. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. To be eligible, the scholarship applicant must be a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation, and the membership must be issued in the name of the scholarship applicant. Federation membership is available through any Alfa Insurance office in Alabama, by calling 1-800-9642532 or online at AlfaFarmers.org. “This program will help students secure their financial future by developing the knowledge, skills and experience needed for successful careers,” Parnell said. The Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship America®. No officers, directors or employees of the Alfa Foundation, Alabama Farmers Federation or any Alfa companies are involved in the selection process. Questions about the scholarship program should be addressed to: Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program, Scholarship Management Services, One Scholarship Way, Saint Peter, MN 56082 or (507) 931-1682. n 12

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Alabama Horse Fair Features Top-Notch Clinicians By A.J. Watson

Saturday will feature a parade of breeds, a national model horse show and seminars with demonstrations of Olympic events, dressage and jumping classes, reining and drill team. Sunday will culminate with riders competing for cash in an obstacle course competition. Vendors offering tack, clothing, equipment, trailers and vehicles will have displays inside of the coliseum both days. Entry, including parking, is $10 per person. Children six and under get in free. Setup for the model horse show begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Kiwanis Room at Garrett Coliseum. The event starts at 9 a.m. Open entry fees are $35, and children’s entry fees are $25. All competitors are required to pay the Alabama Horse Council gate fee of $10 per person. Times for seminars, clinics and other events will be announced in February on AlabamaHorseCouncil.org. n

he 19th annual Alabama Horse Fair is coming to Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery Feb. 28 - March 1 and will feature some of the nation’s top equine clinicians. “This year’s horse show has a little bit of everything for people who love horses,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Equine Division Director Nate Jaeger. “It’s a family-oriented event with something for everyone.” Pat Parelli, Dan James, 2014 Extreme Mustang Makeover Winner Taylor McIntosh and Jim Swanner will headline clinics at the fair. Parelli is known for developing natural horsemanship concepts taught on three continents, and James is the 2012 Road to the Horse International Colt Starting World Champion and 2014 Reining Cup Freestyle World Champion.

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Five-day bus tour leaves Montgomery and includes visits to several types of beef cattle farms in Alabama. Seating is limited; register early. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Auburn Researchers Turn Timber Into Fuel

Dallas County farmer David Wright has diversified his greenhouse operation to include 1,500 acres of timber.

By A.J. Watson

ust as trees are planted with the future in mind, the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts at Auburn University are refining technology that could fuel Alabama’s timber industry for generations to come. A team of graduate assistants, along with associate professor Sushil Adhikari and department head Steve Taylor, are working with other Auburn professors on a way to mass-produce diesel fuel and gasoline from trees. “The technology to do this has been around almost 100 years,” Taylor said. “During World War II, the Germans used it to take coal and make fuel. Later, the South Africans figured out how to make gas from coal on a much larger scale.” In a process called gasification, after timber is ground into wood chips, the chips are heated in a gasifier. The resulting gas then passes through a catalyst, usually iron or cobalt, where the molecules are restructured to form hydrocar-

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bons, which then move to a distiller where anything from wax to jet fuel can be extracted. Adhikari said even if the desired goal is diesel fuel, the process of synthesizing new molecules creates a range of products. While it may produce 50 percent diesel fuel, the other 50 percent could include a mixture of methane, ethane, propane, butane, wax and jet fuel. “We still have a few big hurdles to jump,” Adhikari said. “You can make money when you have a big plant, but now we want to make a smaller plant. There are technological barriers we need to overcome first.” Logistics also are major factors in the economic feasibility of alternative fuels, Taylor said. “If you have a plant like the South Africans do, you’d have to haul wood chips long distances to feed that plant,” Taylor said. “That makes your feedstock costs high. We’ve been trying to figure out how we can decrease trucking and 16

harvesting costs, but then on the conversion end, how we can make it better or scale it down to make it more feasible.” Dallas County Farmers Federation board member and 2009 Farm of Distinction winner David Wright owns about 1,500 acres of timber and said new market opportunities for timber owners would be welcomed. The housing bubble collapse, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) hardwood tree planting and landowners opting for fastergrowing loblolly pines created a perfect storm in his neck of the woods that led to a stagnant timber market. FEBRUARY 2015

“There’s an oversupply right now in this part of the country,” Wright said. “If you go south of here, it may be a different story because it’s more competitive in the pulpwood and saw timber business. In this area, you don’t have the competition to create good prices.” Wright said pellet factories and biomass plants haven’t driven up costs for his timber. “Eventually you’re going to find the end of fossil fuels,” he said. “You have to make it attractive all the way from the consumer, to the producer of the fuel, to the producer of the raw materials.” Taylor said since the university’s initial investment, his department has secured grants totaling about $35 million and partnered with global energy companies to create one of the top biomass research facilities. More work needs to be done, Taylor said, adding that one day he hopes biomass technology will not only power America, but fuel local economies throughout Alabama. “If we can find a way to scale things down economically, it makes it more attractive to go to places like Selma, Brewton or Monroeville,” he said. “We can make diesel fuel from the pine trees out there. Most people think about ethanol and using corn to make ethanol. We’re way beyond that. We’re making something you can pour into your car today; you will never know the difference, but it came from pine trees in your backyard.” n

From left, James Johnson, a research engineer at the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts at Auburn University, discusses gasification levels with Dr. Steve Taylor, head of the Department of Biosystems Engineering.

Johnson collects fuel from a gasifier.

Dr. Sushil Adhikari, associate professor of Biosystems Engineering, is working on a way to mass produce diesel fuel from trees. FEBRUARY 2015

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By Debra Davis

pulmonary problems,” Castleberry said. “Even though Denver is outside its service area, PFC was willing to help. It was a Godsend to me. There’s no way I could have made the trip without PFC.” Castleberry said the pilots and volunteers at PFC are great ministers and are intent on making sure each passenger is comfortable. The cost of the trip is never discussed, she said. “Before each takeoff, PFC staff says a prayer with the passengers,” Castleberry said. “It’s such a comforting feeling to pray with them. I believe that every step of the way the Lord was in control of my situation — right down to leading me to call PFC about the trip to Denver.” Alabama Farmers Federation Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn lives in Conecuh County, a short drive from Monroeville, and spearheaded Alfa’s contribution to PFC. “They’re doing God’s work at PFC,” Dunn said. “It makes me thankful for my health and

donation from the Alfa Foundation is helping one Christian ministry in Alabama serve patients facing unusual travel needs. Pilots for Christ (PFC), based in Monroeville, recently received a $10,000 donation from the Foundation to help keep its mission in the air. “We’re not a charter service, and we are not an air ambulance,” said Rosalyn Sales, the group’s public relations and fundraising director. “Our sole purpose is to show Christ’s love through our actions, and we don’t charge anyone. We operate strictly on donations.” PFC has touched countless lives throughout Alabama, including Carolyn Castleberry, an Alfa policyholder from Evergreen whose lung problems led her to seek help from experts at National Jewish Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. However, her compromised immune system made it impossible to fly by commercial airlines, and driving wasn’t advised in her weakened state. “It took two and a half months to get an appointment at National Jewish Health, and that facility is supposed to be the best in the nation for patients with

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PFC President and Chief Pilot Tommy Lee talks about the dozens of people served by the ministry.

FEBRUARY 2015

Before each takeoff, the Pilots for Christ crew says a prayer with their passengers.

PFC passengers often have weakened immune systems from cancer treatments or organ transplants. Lee said their strength and courage is inspiring. “I believe God led me to this ministry and allows me to use my skills as a pilot to share His word,” said Lee, a retired car dealership owner in Monroeville who now serves PFC full time. “I’ve flown people who were so sick it was a miracle to see them have the strength to carry on.” Not every story is one of success, and Lee remembers those who lost their battles with an honorary plaque inside the PFC hangar. “It can be heartbreaking to see people when they are at their lowest and hurting,” he said. “But it’s comforting to know we are doing what we can to help ease that hurt and to show them God’s love and compassion on their journey.” PFC’s fleet includes four aircraft. One is leased and housed in PFC’s hangar. Three are corporately owned and serve as backups when needed. They are operated at the owners’ expense. In addition to memorials and regular contributions from those who’ve used the service, many churches and civic organizations make regulation donations to PFC. For more information, visit PilotsForChrist.net; call (251) 575-9425 or follow the group’s Facebook page called PilotsforChrist Monroeville AL. n

the health of my family, and it also makes me thankful for those called to perform these special ministries.” PFC, an affiliate of Pilots for Christ International, began in Monroeville 20 years ago. It’s the only service of its kind in Alabama and one of 20 nationwide. It serves the entire state and flies anywhere within a 350-mile radius; however, it frequently travels beyond those boundaries when needs like Castleberry’s arise. “We average 60 flights per year, but in 2014, there was a tremendous increase in demand, and we exceeded 160,” Sales said. “The increase is due, in part, to increased awareness of PFC and an increase in stretcher trips and critical patients.” Tommy Lee of Monroeville is PFC’s president and chief pilot. He oversees operations and is assisted by Rosalyn’s husband, Johnny Sales, who serves as flight coordinator and volunteer board member. Numerous others volunteer keep the mission flying high. In addition to transporting patients, PFC flies humanitarian supplies in times of disaster, ferries ministers and missionaries and works with the Wounded Warrior Project and Veteran Airlift Command to help members of the armed services in times of need.

From left, Alfa Insurance District Manager Bo Bishop and Alabama Farmers Federation Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn of Conecuh County present a $10,000 donation from the Alfa Foundation to Rosalyn Sales of Pilots For Christ (PFC) as Alfa District Supervisor Pam Seales and PFC President and Chief Pilot Tommy Lee look on. FEBRUARY 2015

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Perfect Pruning Time Translates To More Fruit By Dennis Sherer

Reeves said the height fruit trees are allowed to grow is a matter of personal preference. Some growers sunny February day is often the cure Alabama prefer to keep trees pruined low so the fruit can be hargardeners need for cabin fever. vested without a ladder, while others like a taller tree. As winter winds down and the days grow Details on pruning methods are available at Alalonger and warmer, gardeners will venture outdoors to bama Cooperative Extension lay the groundwork for bountiful harvests from their System offices throughout gardens and home orchards. the state and online at February is perfect for pruning apple and pear trees, aces.edu. said Mike Reeves, a regional agent specializing in When removing commercial horticulture for the Alabama Cooperalimbs that show tive Extension System. He is a member of the Morgan signs of canker, County Farmers Federation board of directors. fire blight or other “Sometimes people get in a hurry with their prundiseases, pruning ing and cause tools should be problems for dipped in a solution their trees,” said of chlorine bleach Reeves, whose and water between family has opereach cut to prevent transated an orchard ferring diseases to healthy for more than 60 limbs. Diseased limbs years. “When you should be removed from prune too early, the orchard and burned. you stimulate new Chris Becker, a regional growth that can Extension agent from be damaged by the Limestone County specialnext harsh cold izing in home horticulsnap.” ture, said annual pruning Peaches, necis vital to fruit production. tarines and plums, “If you wait four or which are more five years between prunsusceptible to ing, production will suffer cold damage after greatly,” he said. pruning, should Grape vines must be not be trimmed pruned severely every year until March or to encourage new growth, early April, Reeves he said. said. Peaches “You’ve really got to be and nectarines aggressive when pruning should be pruned grapes,” Becker said. “I’ve using the openseen muscadines that had center method, almost stopped producing which resembles fruit after the owner failed an upside-down to prune them for several umbrella. The years. The vines just grew open center of the Morgan County farmer and regional Extension agent Mike Reeves demonstrates how wild and became a tangled to prune fruit trees. tree allows sunmess. Once those vines light and air to penetrate the leaf canopy. were pruned, they began producing again.” Apples and pears should be pruned using a central Blueberries and brambles, such as blackberries, also leader method, which encourages the tree to grow in need to be pruned annually, Becker said. a pyramid or Christmas-tree form. The shape helps “No matter what type of fruit you are growing, maximize light penetration to the center of the tree. annual pruning is a must to keep the plants healthy Plums can be pruned using the open-center or cenand producing an optimum yield,” he said. n tral leader methods.

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Increased Regulations Drive Up Utility Costs

By Mary Johnson

any Alabama farmers greeted the new year with slightly higher electricity bills for their homes and farms. For the first time in more than three years, Alabama Power increased electric rates 4.93 percent on Jan. 1. A typical homeowner can expect to pay around $6.78 more per month, but the costs will be higher for Alabama farmers. Fourth-generation poultry farmer Chris Upchurch of Clay County said he expects to pay about $1,200 more in 2015. “Electricity is a major expense,” Upchurch said. “I don’t think this increase is going to break anybody. But it does mean less money in my pocket, so we’ll have to find some way to lower expenses and offset that increase.” Upchurch built three megapoultry houses in 2010 and incorporated the latest energy-efficient technology, including solid side walls, increased insulation and cold cathode fluorescent light bulbs. FEBRUARY 2015

Clay County poultry farmers Chris Upchurch, fiance Jordyn Brown and Chris’ father, Larry, discuss rising electric rates and their impact on profitability.

“The biggest electricity draws in a poultry house are the fans, lights and feeders,” he said. “We keep our fans as clean as possible so they run more efficiently. The next step will be putting in LED bulbs. That technology has improved in the last five years.” Catfish farmers and greenhouse operators will also be affected by increased rates, as their operations draw large amounts of electricity. Alabama Power Media Relations Coordinator Michael Sznajderman said the adjusted rate was necessary to recoup billions of dollars in expenses related to federal environmental regulatory mandates. Those include proposed revisions to the Clean Air Act requiring existing power plants to reduce carbon emissions. “We’ve already started work to retire a couple of coal units entirely, convert other units from coal to natural gas and add more environmental controls,” Sznajderman said. 23

He said customers who have questions or concerns can speak with their Alabama Power representatives or call the main customer service line at (800) 245-2244. Alabama Public Service Commission Chairman Twinkle Cavanaugh said Alabama Power delayed making adjustments during recent tough economic times. “Alabama Power held off on recouping costs for almost four years and finally needed to put something on the books,” Cavanaugh said. “Alabama Power doesn’t get to ask the public for money and then make changes. It has to make the changes first and then ask for reimbursement.” According to national reports, Alabama Power rates remain 10 percent below the national average and 2 percent below the Southeastern average. “In my opinion, this is all about President Obama trying to disadContinued on page 24. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Continued from page 23.

ber 2014, but Vickrey said people can still urge state vantage us in the South,” legislators and Congressmen Cavanaugh said. “I’m going to keep pressure on the EPA. to fight him at every turn, The final Clean Air Act rule because keeping our electricis expected in June 2015. ity prices below the national “The EPA itself has average gives us a competitive stated that 21 percent of coal advantage when it comes to plants owned by electric bringing jobs to the state and cooperatives will be closed keeping jobs in Alabama.” by 2025, thus killing jobs Cavanaugh also encourand hurting our communiaged farm customers to talk ties,” Vickrey said. with Alabama Power repMore information on the resentatives to ensure their Clean Air Act is available at Chris Upchurch monitors electricity usage at his Clay County farm. farm is categorized correctly tellEPA.com. have to decide individually what for different agricultural rates. Back in Clay County, Upchurch to do with rates, but it won’t all Alabama Power is not alone in said he will continue to look for happen right away,” said Alabama dealing with increased business ways to improve energy-efficiency Rural Electric Association Vice expenses due to environmental in his poultry houses and increase President of Communications mandates. The National Rural farm income to stay in business. Lenore Vickrey. Electric Cooperative Association “I have cows to supplement More than 1.1 million comestimates proposed regulations for income, and we’re selling and ments opposing the Clean Air Act existing power plants will raise transporting chicken litter now,” revisions were submitted to the electric rates across the country by Upchurch said. “I just love farming, Environmental Protection Agency more than 10 percent on average in and it’s what I’ve always wanted to (EPA) by members of America’s 2020 and more than 17 percent by do.” n electric cooperatives. The public 2025. comment period ended in Decem“Each electric cooperative will

Charles Turner President Geneva County Geneva County farmer Charles Turner has a heart for service that’s filled with God’s love. “Through the years, I have tried to be a good neighbor and share what God has given me with others,” he said. “Work is good, and you cannot out give the Lord.” Turner, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture from Auburn University, is a former Federation state board member. He is county Federation president and served as vice president and secretary-treasurer. He received the Geneva County Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture Award and now serves as vice president for Alabama Peanut Producers Associaiton. Charles and his wife of 52 years, Sharon, grow peanuts, corn, vegetables, timber and raise cattle. They have two daughters and six grandchildren and are members of First Baptist Church in Geneva. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

FEBRUARY 2015

What’s On Your Plate?

Support healthy food from local farmers by purchasing a Farming Feeds Alabama license plate. The tag funds education and promotion efforts including Ag in the Classroom, Farm-City Week, agricultural scholarships and youth programs. Get the “Ag Tag” today at your local license plate issuing office. The “Ag Tag” may be purchased for any two-axle vehicle for personal or agricultural use weighing less than 12,000 pounds (including many farm trucks). Reference Alabama Act 2006-356.

By Lois Chaplin

n February, the average high and low temperatures in North Alabama range from 53 to 32 F. South Alabama is about 10 degrees warmer. For those who like to grow certain cool-season vegetables, especially from seed, this means it’s time to get started. Even though it may seem too cool to plant seeds of most vegetables, there are a few that do indeed need to be planted early so they will mature while the weather is still cool in spring. One of the early crops is beets. Beets germinate in soil temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees. Beet seeds actually are a cluster of little seeds, so you’ll get a clump of seedlings from each seed. Follow the spacing directions on the package (usually 4 to 6 inches) and err on the side of distance when placing the seeds in the furrow. Also, be sure to thin them soon after the first true leaves sprout to give the remaining plants room to grow roots. If growing beets just for the greens (such as the popular red Bulls Blood), early thinning is not as critical. Plant a few seeds now and some every week or two through spring for a continuous supply of beets. Turnips are another root crop that like early planting. Turnip seeds are accommodating, gladly sprouting in soil temperatures ranging from 40 to 105 degrees. If grown only for the greens, you can sow turnip seeds thickly to just cut the tops. However, to harvest good plump roots, thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart to give the roots space to grow. If crowded, roots won’t grow to full size and may get stunted and pithy. Plant a few seeds now and some every week or two through spring to provide a continuous supply. Spring radishes are quick to grow and will always taste best in cool weather, so begin sowing them now, too. Gardeners who like radishes usually plant just a few every week through spring because they mature so quickly. That provides a fresh supply for regular harvesting. Radishes get stringy and pithy if they stay in the ground too long, so space out plantings to sow a few seeds each week through February and March. Thin to about 2 inches apart. Many radishes are ready to harvest in 3 to 4 weeks. Potatoes are one of the most fun crops for children to grow because digging to find them underground is like a treasure hunt. You may have noticed that potatoes at the grocery store now include blue and purple potatoes, oblong fingerlings and little red new potatoes

Sugar snap peas planted in February will bear edible pods by the first of April. Location: Birmingham Botanical Garden.

in addition to standard large cooking and baking types. Finding seed potatoes is not as easy as finding packaged vegetable seeds, so they may have to be ordered online. Unlike other crops started from seed, potatoes begin from “seed potatoes,” which are small potatoes or pieces of a larger potato that contain several “eyes,” which give rise to new shoots. Be patient, allowing seed potatoes 2 to 4 weeks to sprout through the ground. Finally, don’t forget green peas. These could be English peas, sugar snaps or snow peas. Pea seeds will sprout in soil that ranges from 40 to 85 degrees but must be planted early in spring so pods can mature before the weather gets hot. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches apart; there is no need to thin. Give them a trellis to grab as their vines grow. Even though February may seem too early to start seeds directly in the garden, the seeds of these crops really like an early start. Be patient with their sprouting, as it is always slower in cool soil than what might be expected with summer crops. n __________________________________________________

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

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FEBRUARY 2015

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CHOCOLATE HEART SHORTBREAD COOKIES Start-to-finish: 1 hour 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup baking cocoa 1 cup vanilla or white chips 2 tablespoons shortening, divided 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

By Jill Clair Gentry

t’s February, which means it’s time to celebrate those we love on Valentine’s Day. What better way to show your love to a sweetheart, grandkids or friends than a batch of homemade cookies? Generations of cooks have invented and reinvented the cookie, creating a seemingly endless list of options to try. Everyone has a favorite. For State Women’s Leadership Committee Vice Chairman Regina Carnes, traditional chocolate chip cookies have always served her family well. Regina and her husband, Mike, who raise poultry and cattle in Boaz, have been married 37 years. “I didn’t grow up cooking much, so when we married, I had to learn fast,” Regina said. “We always had meals at home, and at lunch, Mike would come in and ask, ‘Would you make a batch of those chocolate

chip cookies?’” Regina quickly learned to double her recipe, roll the dough into balls and freeze it for easy access. Vacations were not complete without her famous cookies, either. “I would always cook a big pan of chocolate chip cookies to carry with us,” she said. Regina and Mike have two daughters and a grandson, born in November. Regina hopes he will enjoy the benefits of being raised on a farm, including her homemade cookies. “We’re a close family,” Regina said. “We’ve instilled in our kids that whatever they do, they should do it 110 percent and do it right. I hope our grandson learns the value of farming — there’s a lot of kids that grow up not knowing where their food comes from. So we hope he appreciates it. And we hope he might grow up to continue what we started.”

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In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour and cocoa; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4inch thickness. Cut with a 3-inch, heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. In a microwave, melt vanilla chips and 1 tablespoon shortening at 70 percent power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave an additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip both sides of cookies into melted mixture; allow excess to drip off. Place on wax paper; let stand until set. In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips and remaining shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Place on wire racks to dry.

FarmingFeedsAlabama.com FEBRUARY 2015

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Courtesy of Regina Carnes Start-to-finish: 30 minutes mix well. Add salt, baking soda and 1/2 cup shortening flour. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts 6 tablespoons granulated sugar and vanilla. 6 tablespoons light brown sugar Drop by half teaspoonful onto 1 egg, beaten greased cookie sheet. Bake 7-8 1/2 teaspoon salt minutes. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream shortening and sugars together gradually. Add egg and

BOILED COOKIES Courtesy of Regina Carnes Start-to-finish: 30 minutes 1/2 cup cocoa 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk, plus more if needed 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups quick cooking oats 1/2 cup peanut butter

CHOCOLATE-PECAN BROWNIE COOKIES brown sugar, water and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease or line baking sheets. Drop dough by tablespoonful onto prepared pans. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Whisk together flour, cocoa Cool on pans for a few minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool powder, baking soda and salt. Set completely. aside. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat shortening, Start-to-finish: 1 hour (30 minutes active) 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks 1 cup chopped pecans

FEBRUARY 2015

In a saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar, salt and milk and mix well. Add butter or margarine. Boil for 1 Â˝ minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir in oats and peanut butter. Immediately drop by teaspoons on wax paper. ORANGE SLICE COOKIES Courtesy of Regina Carnes Start-to-finish: 30 minutes 1 box Duncan Hines classic yellow cake mix 2 eggs 1/2 cup oil 30 orange slices, cut into pieces (microwave oranges 30 seconds before slicing) 1/2 cup coconut 1 cup pecans

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheet. Mix all ingredients together. Mixture will be very thick. Drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet and cook for 13 minutes. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Jim Roulaine President Bibb County Since retiring from Alabama Power Co., Bibb County Farmers Federation President Jim Roulaine enjoys working with a different kind of power: horsepower. Roulaine serves on the Federation Equine Committee. When he’s not on his 80-acre slice of heaven with his horses, he’s on the road promoting the equine industry. “We love to travel all over the South to ride our horses and meet other equine enthusiasts,” Roulaine said. Roulaine and his wife of 42 years, Diane, have three children, Angela, Jim and Ashley, and seven grandchildren. “I was raised on my grandmother’s farm,” Roulaine said. “We planted and reaped gardens and raised cattle; it’s always been my way of life.” The Roulaines attend Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Lawley, where Jim sings in the choir and serves on the business committee.

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Shell me the love. Nothing says I love you like a heart-healthy gift of peanuts. For delicious peanut recipes visit www.ALPeanuts.com