letter from the editor Farming Feeds Alabama. How many times have I typed that over the past five and a half years? Countless. It’s an honor to keep writing that phrase — and sharing the stories behind those three little words — as editor of Neighbors magazine. Since 2016, Alabama Farmers Federation members have welcomed me into their homes and answered my (countless) questions. They have given directions based on landmarks because GPS doesn’t always get it right. They have kindly laughed at my puns and let me take
February 2022 | Volume 47 | Number 2 Marlee Moore | 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.
Moore
“just one more photo.” These farmers entrust us with their stories — from feel-good family features to heartbreaking news of weather woes. It’s my hope our relationships continue to grow — that you continue to welcome me, an unlikely agriculture enthusiast from west Alabama, into the fold. You are salt of the earth. You are valued. You make the Alabama Farmers Federation tick. You are how Farming Feeds Alabama. I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages of this magazine as much as our team enjoyed creating it. Thank you for allowing us to share your stories. God bless,
Marlee Moore
In This Issue 4 | Henry Ready To Lead State’s Young Farmers
18 | Beefing Up Alabama’s Farm-To-School Program
8 | Supply Chain Issues Affect Alabama Farmers
24 | Auburn Career Tech Teacher Scores $50,000
13 | Federation Outlines Legislative Priorities
28 | Comforting Recipes Reign In The Farmhouse Kitchen
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On The Cover
State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Lydia Haynes raises row crops and cattle in Cullman County with her husband, Darrel. Haynes said she’s excited to energize local committees after a tough two years. Photo By Marlee Moore
www.AlfaFarmers.org
EDQM
A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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A Legacy Of Learning And Leadership
State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Mitchell Henry and his wife, Rebecca, raise stocker cattle in Moulton.
By Jeff Helms hallmark of successful leaders is A their desire to learn. For Mitchell Henry, a commitment to personal
growth propelled the Lawrence County cattleman into leadership. It’s also his vision as newly elected chair of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee. “This is an excellent opportunity to learn and to understand more about how the organization works,” said Henry, 27, who will serve a one-year, ex-officio term on the Federation’s state board. “My goal is to encourage other young farmers to be involved and learn as much as they can.” Henry said the Federation’s Young Farmers Conference next month in Gulf Shores will include quality educational sessions on topics such as farm finances, labor, estate planning and precision agriculture. State committee meetings also are being enhanced through networking opportunities with legislators and others. Young Farmers Program competitive events, however, first attracted Henry to the Federation. “I wanted to be part of an organization that stood up for farmers,” said Henry, who competed in the Collegiate Discussion Meet while at Auburn University. “It gave me a chance to meet people of the same mindset. Being part of a community of people with the same issues and problems was very beneficial as a young farmer.” Henry has since competed multiple
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State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Mitchell Henry and fellow Lawrence County farmer Don Glenn visit during the Alabama Farmers Federation annual meeting in December.
times in the Young Farmers Discussion Meet and was a finalist with wife Rebecca in last year’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contest. “Being an OYFF competitor was a very challenging, but rewarding, experience,” said Henry, the Lawrence County Young Farmers chairman. “It changed the way I look at this operation. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-today work and not look at the big picture. The application forces you to look at the future.” Henry has never been shy about setting goals. The Montgomery County native started his beef cattle operation as a sophomore in high school with 13 calves. He hauled the small herd to his maternal grandfather’s farm in Moulton, where he worked summers and during breaks to grow the business. By the time Henry graduated from Auburn in 2016, he had a 500-calf stocker operation. Today, he and grandfather Clinton Hardin have 1,000 stockers. Henry also has 40 Simmental-Angus brood cows, with plans to grow the herd to 200. Henry and Rebecca live in a house built by his great-grandfather, John Clinton Hardin, who was a former Lawrence County Farm Bureau president and early customer of the insurance company. “My father was interested in the organization because there weren’t many people out there speaking for farmers at that time,” said Clinton Hardin, as he reflected on the family’s legacy of Federation leaders. “This is a great opportunity for Mitchell. I’m glad to see him take leadership roles and help other people.” alfafarmers.org
Henry’s paternal grandfather, Davis Henry, also was active in the Federation. His uncle Mike and cousin Garrett both chaired the State Young Farmers Committee, and another uncle, Garry, served on the state board. “It was important to my great-grandfather’s generation to have good insurance from people who understood farmers and their needs, and that still holds true today,” said Henry, a member of the Federation’s current Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) class. Rebecca, a pharmacist, said their family is dedicated to serving young farmers and the Federation.
“This is where we are putting our energy,” she said. “I’m excited for Mitchell to have the opportunity to serve as a board member.” Rebecca also shares her husband’s passion for education. She’s developed a national social media following for her farm life photography and branded “Hardin Farms” merchandise. “People fall in love with the people behind a business. When they know you, they want to support you,” she said. “With the farm, social media gets people excited about agriculture and knowing where their food comes from. It’s such an easy way for us to educate others about what we do and why we do it.” Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer said the energy and enthusiasm the Henrys bring to the state committee is contagious. Henry is in his second term serving North Alabama At-Large. “I am excited to work alongside Mitchell as the State Young Farmers Committee chair,” McBrayer said. “He was elected to lead the committee because of his strong leadership skills, his ability to create a shared vision and his desire to take the committee to the next level. Mitchell is a strong advocate for agriculture, and I am excited to see what he has planned.”
Mitchell Henry and his grandfather, Clinton Hardin, discuss farm work on their Lawrence County stocker operation. Henry is the fourth generation to be involved in the Alabama Farmers Federation. February 2022
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Walker To Lead Governmental, Ag Programs Department
ixteen-year S organization veteran Mitt Walker has
In November 2011, he became national legislative programs director and been tapped to lead resumed Catfish Division the Alabama Farmers responsibilities in 2017. Federation Governmental A native of Jackson in and Agricultural Programs Clarke County, Walker (GAP) Department. was an environmental Walker previously served scientist for the as assistant department Alabama Department director. of Environmental Walker “I am thankful for the Management before opportunity to lead this great team and joining the Federation. appreciate the strong foundation left As assistant GAP Department behind by our previous director, Brian director since 2019, Walker helped Hardin,” said Walker. “This department build a strong team of commodity exists to serve the farmer-members of directors and assistants. Federation this organization through promoting Executive Director Paul Pinyan hailed their products, providing educational Walker’s work on behalf of farmers. opportunities, being their voice in “I am confident he will continue Washington, D.C., and ultimately doing to help farmers be more successful everything we can to improve their through the Federation’s commodity bottom line.” divisions, producer-funded checkoffs, Walker began his career with the affiliated organizations and Federation in June 2005 directing the representation in Washington, D.C.,” Catfish and Sheep and Goat divisions. Pinyan said. “We are thankful to have
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exceptional leaders such as Mitt on the Federation management team. Each leader has a passion for serving our members, strengthening agriculture and improving the quality of life for rural Alabamians.” Walker is a graduate of Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis and management. He currently serves on the university’s National Alumni Association board of directors and is a graduate of the Alfa Leadership Academy. Walker and his wife, Brandi, have three children, Olivia, Addi Leigh and Ford. They live in Montgomery. Walker replaces Brian Hardin, who became the Federation’s External Affairs Department director Dec. 7. Former External Affairs Department Director Matthew Durdin transitioned to lead the Organization Department following the retirement of longtime director Mike Tidwell.
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Supply Chain, Weather Issues Hamper Harvest By Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News eather delays — a cool spring and W wet fall — and supply chain issues, especially on equipment parts, slowed
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Farmers, including Lauderdale County producer Colt Clemmons, are dealing with supply chain issues and skyrocketing input prices.
Dan Busey, TimesDaily
harvest across the state last year. In a normal year, Talladega County farmer Bob Luker would have finished harvesting his cotton by the last day of November. In 2021, he was just getting started on his 800 acres. The national supply chain and inflation issues are hitting home in Alabama. Instead of being able to order parts for quick delivery, farmers are having to wait weeks or spend valuable time traveling to get a needed piece. “The thing about it isn’t the drive or the expense, it’s the time lost,” Luker said during a phone interview from the cab of his cotton picker. “We only have so many pretty days. You can’t pick cotton in the rain, you can’t pick cotton when it’s wet, you can’t pick it in the mud. And you only have so many days to get this crop out, and each day you sit waiting on parts or hunting parts is a day of harvest you lose.”
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That same sunny day, Colt Clemmons was harvesting his neighbor’s soybeans in Lauderdale County. Clemmons finished with his own beans a few weeks before, but parts issues delayed his neighbor. “The everyday stuff you carry with you to the field, the stuff that could break on a daily basis — blades on the combine header, bolts — you’re having a hard time getting your hands on that now when you need it,” Clemmons said. Carla Hornady, an Alabama Farmers Federation commodity director, said across the state, there was still a lot of cotton in fields into December. She said she’s heard of farmers driving to Indiana to get needed parts. “They just can’t depend on shipping to get their parts here,” she said. And during harvest, time is not a farmer’s friend. “Once the crop is ready, the longer it sits in the field, the more quality loss they will have when they actually harvest that crop,” Hornady said. That means it’s worth less when it can be sold. Cotton prices are good, meaning farmers missed out if they had to sell a weathered crop. Limited truck and driver availability also affected cotton, said Joey Scarborough, manager of Milstead Farm Group cotton gin in Shorter. “When there’s a harvest going on, it requires a vast, vast capacity (of trucks) in a very timely manner,” Scarborough said. “…that’s probably where we’re seeing the largest lack of capacity right now.” In early December, Scarborough said the gin was behind schedule. The later it gets, the dicier the weather. “Every time it rains now, it’s harder for it to dry up,” he said. alfafarmers.org
Trucks aren’t the only transportation issue for growers, Scarborough said. The cotton seeds that are separated from the lint also have value and a market. “It’s taken to Atlanta, loaded on rail and taken to the West Coast and fed to
cattle,” Scarborough said. “But freight containers aren’t available right now, and it’s made it incredibly expensive. That comes out of the value of the cotton seed for the producer.”
Rising Costs, Planning Ahead
Dr. Wendiam Sawadgo, an Auburn University assistant professor of agricultural economics, said producers spent more on harvesting and likely will on planting in the spring, too. Fuel costs were up 32% in late 2021 compared to October 2020, and machinery costs were up about 14%.
And costs are expected to stay high, including for fertilizer and chemicals. The U.S. imports most of its fertilizer, and there’s a global shortage. Meanwhile, crop prices are higher, meaning farmers want to plant more. “So, combining the low supply with the high demand has shot fertilizer prices up quite a bit,” Sawadgo said. Sawadgo said farmers will have to be even more diligent about planning in 2022 so as not to use more fertilizer, fuel or other inputs than necessary. Clemmons, who farms about 3,000 acres per year, has always fertilized his empty fields in the spring, prior to planting. In response to rising costs, he fertilized this past fall. “If we can save $100 or $200 a ton by spreading it early, that’s $100 or $200 that we can save for the spring,” he said. Saving $100 a ton equates to thousands of dollars. There are still unknowns, including spring seed and fuel prices. “I’ve never had to look so far ahead to stay ahead,” he said. Luker said that as he was picking cotton, he was thinking about 2022 prices and availability. “There is uncertainty,” he said. “It’s always been, ‘How much will it cost?’ Now it’s, ‘Can we even get it?’” From his tractor, Luker made clear he is not “all doom and gloom.” He was grateful to be farming on a beautiful day. In 2020, he was hospitalized for four days with COVID-19. “Times like we’ve had, they make you appreciate things, whether it’s being able to buy a ton of fertilizer or going to a football game,” Luker said. “There’s always been challenges in farming, these are just some new ones.” February 2022
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Brooklyn George Caleb Hicks
Longtime Neighbors Editor Debra Davis and her husband, Lamar, live on a farm in Pike County’s Shellhorn community.
Davis Retires As Publications Director, Neighbors Editor
Neighbors Editor Debra L1/2ongtime Davis retired Dec. 31 following 23 years of loyal service to Alabama
Farmers Federation members. Davis, who served as publications director, was recently named deputy commissioner for the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Federation Communications Department Director Jeff Helms thanked Davis for her passion, talent and work ethic in telling farmers’ stories. “As the longest-serving editor in the history of Neighbors, Debra has improved the quality of the magazine while increasing income and reducing expense,” Helms said. “A farmer herself, Debra connected with Federation members and provided the communications staff greater insight into farmers’ challenges and opportunities. Known for her generosity, humor and candor, Debra made lifelong relationships throughout the Federation.” Davis joined the Federation in 1998 as county communications director and editor of the Cultivator newsletter. She brought keen news judgment and prolific writing skills honed as a newspaper reporter and editor. Davis was named editor of the former Friends & Family magazine in 2005 and was promoted to publications director in 2011. “I appreciate the kindness and generosity of farm families throughout
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the state who trusted me to tell their stories,” Davis said. “Many of those farm visits transcended to personal friendships that will extend beyond my career at Alfa.” Since taking the reins as publications director, Davis merged the Federation’s two magazines into the single flagship title; eliminated the mailing of duplicate magazines to the same household; developed advertising plans for commodity checkoff programs; implemented cost-saving inserts for newsletters and other targeted communications; secured sponsorships for magazine sections; streamlined billing; and improved printing and paper negotiations. During her tenure, Davis covered every major Federation event and was often the first to respond to breaking news. “Debra was always on call,” Helms said. “She was among the first on the scene following natural disasters such as Hurricanes Georges, Ivan, Katrina and Sally or deadly tornadoes like the historic outbreak of April 27, 2011. Debra not only captured photos and stories of those impacted by the storms, but she also brought comfort in the form of water, generators, fuel and a listening ear.” In 2021, Davis developed an editorial plan and content to spotlight all areas of the Federation during the organization’s centennial year.
Those features were compiled into a commemorative edition of Neighbors — a keepsake and historical archive for future generations. In addition to more than a decade of magazines, Helms said Davis leaves a legacy of programs, projects and activities she initiated or helped develop. These accomplishments include creating the Alabama Ag Communicators group, which includes at least a half-dozen former interns who went on to successful careers after serving under Davis. As part of her work to promote Alabama commodity divisions, Davis spearheaded the Catfish Restaurant Contest, Catfish Culinary Campaign, Farm-To-Fabric Tour for teachers and Alabama Ag Expedition for college students. She secured sponsorships for the Farm of Distinction contest and provided leadership for Alabama spotlight state activities during two Sunbelt Ag Expos. “Debra’s conviction and drive have made the organization better and our communications stronger,” Helms added. Davis and husband Lamar live on a beef cattle and timber farm in Pike County’s Shellhorn community. They have two children — daughter Kellie Henderson and her husband, Richard, and son Jim and his wife, Kaylee. They also are proud grandparents of Carly and Jae. alfafarmers.org
Moore Promoted To Publications Director, Neighbors Editor
uburn University graduate and A Thomasville native Marlee
planning; and was a major contributor to magazine content through writing, Moore has been promoted editing and photography. to publications director Moore said she looks and editor of Neighbors forward to building on the magazine for the Alabama magazine’s 46-year history Farmers Federation. of sharing farmers’ stories. Federation “It’s an honor every Communications time someone welcomes Department Director Jeff me to their farm and trusts Moore Helms praised Moore’s me to tell their story to our communications skills and dedication to readers,” Moore said. “The relationships serving the state’s farmers. I’ve built at the Farmers Federation are “Marlee is a talented communicator special; these people are friends who who has deep appreciation for feel like family. Working with and for agriculture and Federation members. Alabama farmers is a blessing, and I She has a passion for sharing their hope to make them proud.” stories and advocating for our Moore fills the opening created by industry,” Helms said. “Since joining the retirement of longtime Publications the Federation staff almost six years Director and Neighbors Editor Debra ago, Marlee has distinguished herself Davis. as a leader among agricultural In addition to being associate communicators in Alabama and across Neighbors editor, Moore most recently the nation.” served as the Federation’s multimedia An award-winning writer, Moore content director, with responsibility served as associate editor of Neighbors for social media and leader since November 2018. In that role, she communications. implemented the Farmhouse Kitchen She conducted numerous training and Sean of the South columns; sessions in Alabama and at national was heavily involved in editorial conferences on the effective use of
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social media. Moore has also served on communications committees with the American Farm Bureau Federation, Ag Media Summit and Alabama Natural Resources Council. Under Moore’s leadership, Federation social media engagement increased exponentially. She also has contributed to public relations efforts including the Sweet Grown Alabama state branding program; the Federation’s Bama’s Best food competitions; and the upcoming Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama educational campaign. Moore came to the Federation in 2016 as an agricultural communications specialist after earning a degree from Auburn University (AU) in agricultural communications. She interned with the Federation in summer 2015. Moore is a former Federation scholarship recipient and served as an Ag Ambassador and assistant student recruitment coordinator for the AU College of Agriculture. The daughter of a forester and librarian, Moore currently lives in Millbrook and attends Centerpoint Fellowship Church.
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Legislature Focuses On Federal Funding, Gambling
Brian Hardin, center, leads the Federation’s External Affairs team. From left are Administrative Assistant Hayden Harris, Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts, Hardin, State Legislative Programs Director Russ Durrance and Agriculture Counsel John Allen Nichols.
tate lawmakers were focused on S developing plans to spend federal infrastructure and COVID-19 stimulus
money when the Alabama Legislature convened Jan. 11 for the 2022 Regular Session. Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said the state’s largest farm organization is working to ensure rural economic development remains a priority as elected officials plan for the future. “The state has received $580 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is expected to receive another $1 billion this spring,” Hardin said. “Potential uses include infrastructure, public health and assistance for those hurt by the pandemic. We are working with legislators and the governor’s office to make sure plans for this one-time
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money address the needs of rural Alabama.” In addition to ARPA allocations, Alabama will have an opportunity to compete for broadband funding through the infrastructure bill signed in November. Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole told lawmakers in December the influx of federal money is an “opportunity of a lifetime” to improve the state’s competitive position for the benefit of its citizens. Poole noted the complexity and requirements of federal funding necessitate a thorough plan and accountability. Meanwhile, some lawmakers are betting on gambling to provide additional revenue for state coffers. Despite a failed attempt to pass gaming legislation in 2021, proponents plan to introduce legislation related to a statewide lottery, casino gambling and a
compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. At the Federation’s December annual meeting, almost 500 voting delegates representing all 67 counties affirmed the organization’s opposition to gambling. “Our county presidents discussed gambling legislation at length during their summer conference, and several county Federations proposed policy changes that were considered at the September Policy Development Meeting,” said Federation Agriculture Counsel John Allen Nichols. “The delegate body ultimately solidified the Federation’s opposition to gambling in all forms.” While gambling and federal funding are expected to garner headlines during the session, Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts said some of the organization’s most important work for members happens behind the scenes. “Hundreds of individual bills will be introduced this legislative session, and any one of them has the potential to affect farmers and their families,” Roberts said. “Our staff reviews every bill for immediate impacts and any potential long-term consequences.” Roberts said the Federation’s legislative priorities for 2022 include preserving state funding for agriculture, forestry, and career and technical education. The Federation also is working to clarify tax laws related to grain storage bins and equipment used in producing value-added farm products. Hardin recently returned to lead the External Affairs Department after serving as director for the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department. Russ Durrance, the Federation’s former Dairy, Pork and Poultry divisions director, was promoted to state legislative programs director in December. The 2022 Regular Session also is the first for department Administrative Assistant Hayden Harris, who joined the Federation in September. For legislative updates during the session, visit AlfaFarmers.org/ capitolconnection. February 2022
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Durrance Named State Legislative Programs Director
labama Farmers A Federation announced the promotion of Russ
negatively impacted by COVID-19; led efforts to revise Alabama’s Durrance to state legislative Concentrated Animal programs director Dec. Feeding Operation (CAFO) 17. Durrance’s new duties rules; worked to expand focus on representing local meat processing Federation members in capacity; and advised public policy discussions at leaders, members and the Alabama State House. coworkers on issues related Federation External to energy, the environment Durrance Affairs Department Director and nutrient management.” Brian Hardin said Durrance’s work as Durrance also worked to develop director of the Federation’s Poultry, Pork young people through Federationand Dairy divisions prepared him for the sponsored livestock events and was new role. instrumental in expanding shows at “Since joining the Federation in the upcoming Southeastern Livestock 2019, Russ has distinguished himself for Exposition with the creation of the his ability to research complex issues Alabama Junior Swine Expo. and implement action plans to serve Durrance said he’s eager to amplify members,” Hardin said. “He worked farmers’ voices in Montgomery. to secure disaster relief for growers “While I’ve enjoyed my time working
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in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department, I’m excited to expand my reach and ability to serve our members in the State House,” he said. “My role working on the CAFO revisions in 2020 helped me understand the benefit and need to focus on governmental policy to benefit Alabama farmers and our rural communities.” A native of Newnan, Georgia, Durrance earned a degree in agricultural business and economics from Auburn University in 2017. He previously worked in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a broiler service technician and was a management trainee with JPB/Pilgrim’s Pride. Durrance and his wife, Stephanie, live in Auburn, where she teaches school, and he mentors future agricultural leaders as chapter adviser for the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
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Cullman County farmer Lydia Haynes is the 2022 State Women’s Leadership Committee chair.
Haynes
Heads Up Women’s Leadership Committee By Marlee Moore Haynes emanates energy, Lonydia whether hopping in a tractor, loving her five grandchildren or visiting
with friends at an Alabama Farmers Federation meeting. The Cullman County farmer, 67, brings her trademark enthusiasm to the Federation’s 2022 State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC). Haynes, who was elected chairman by fellow female farmers at the annual meeting in December, also holds a one-year, ex-officio role on the Federation’s state board. 16
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“I want to re-energize, reinvigorate and encourage the county committees,” said Haynes, whose family raises row crops and cattle in Fairview. “We have to overcome the challenges of the last two years. To do this, we need to get more young farmers and farm wives involved or re-engaged. “My daughter-in-law, Whitney, is the mother of five and is a family and consumer sciences teacher at Fairview High School. She is very involved on the farm and has begun a gate-toplate direct-marketing business of our Haynes Farms all-natural beef. She stays engaged with our committee via virtual
means, such as Zoom.” WLC involvement can impact a farm’s bottom line, Haynes said. County committees provide space to network, share ideas and benefit from others’ experiences. Involvement also creates community for women balancing the demands of farm life and raising families in rural areas. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 36% of U.S. farmers are women, while 56% of all farms have at least one female decision-maker. alfafarmers.org
Haynes was raised on a cotton farm in east Cullman County. She met Darrel, her husband of 45 years, at Auburn University and juggled farm life, motherhood and her work as a physical therapist until retiring in 2020. Today, she shares responsibility for raking, baling and wrapping hay and hay silage for 600 brood cows and feeder calves; hauling and unloading grain; spraying; bush hogging; mowing; and cooking and taking meals to the field. Haynes’ Federation roots span a century. Her grandmother, Lydia Lovelady, was a Cullman County Farm Bureau charter director. Haynes and Darrel began their involvement in the Young Farmers Program 40 years ago and raised their children, Ben and Bart, around the organization. Ben is the Cullman County Farmers Federation president. Haynes purposefully edged closer to retirement before running for the state WLC in 2017. “I wanted to give the position the time it deserved,” said Haynes, who is in her second term serving Region 1, which includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. Haynes plans to build on current programs, such as the Ag in the
Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Lydia Haynes stays busy on her family’s Cullman County farm. Front row from left are Lola Kate, Pruett, Darrel, Lydia, Juanita and Charlie Haynes. Back row from left are Bart, Jack, Whitney, Caroline and Ben Haynes.
Classroom Summer Institute and the Women’s Leadership Conference. Some of her favorite local WLC activities support 4-H projects, calf shows, and family and consumer science cook-offs. Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood said she looks forward to Haynes’ lively leadership. “Lydia is a hard worker and understands the challenges and opportunities we
Lydia and Darrel Haynes raise row crops and cattle in Fairview in Cullman County. The duo, who met at Auburn University, are heavily involved in the Alabama Farmers Federation and got their start in the Young Farmers Program four decades ago.
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face as women in agriculture,” Earwood said. “She is excited to meet members where they’re at, make our committees successful and promote our industry. We are thankful for her leadership.” Haynes bulked up her leadership skills during the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Communications Boot Camp in November. During the four-day conference in Washington, D.C., Haynes and 14 other female leaders honed skills related to public speaking, communicating with elected officials, social media strategy, targeted messaging and working with the media. Haynes plans to implement those lessons when working alongside the eight state WLC members. She said it’s an honor to help her peers provide grassroots support for Federation efforts. “I feel certain the Alabama Farmers Federation is second to none with all we offer our members year-round to serve, be involved, have influence and make a difference,” she said. “And I strongly feel that our State Women’s Leadership Committee is what most states strive for.” February 2022
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Local Beef
Feeds Fayette County Students By Kaelin Lockhart he Fayette County School System T (FCSS) is beefing up local flavor on lunch trays thanks to a new partnership
with Vista Farms and the Farm-to-School Program.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries program encourages schools to purchase products from local farms, such as Vista Farms and its managers, Sarah Die-McElfresh and husband Scott. Vista Farms supplies beef for cafeteria
From left are Fayette Elementary School (FES) Assistant Principal Brandi Davis, Fayette County School System Child Nutrition Program Director Jenna Mayfield, FES Principal Matthew Lindsey, Vista Farms Manager Sarah Die-McElfresh and Fayette County Board of Education Deputy Superintendent Mary Raines. 18
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classics, including sloppy Joes, chili and nachos. The Fayette County partnership grew out of recent supply chain shortages. “When we saw meat counters empty in 2020, Scott and I had to do something,” Die-McElfresh said. “We decided to do a drive-thru at our community farmers market, where people drove up, gave us $20 and received a 5-pound bag of ground beef.” Within the first hour, they sold more than 800 pounds. Through the drive-thru market, Die-McElfresh sparked a friendship with Jenna Mayfield, FCSS Child Nutrition Program director. Since her start as director, Mayfield has focused on promoting healthy, well-balanced meals while emphasizing food education. FCSS implemented the Farm-toSchool Program in 2019 with local strawberries. Mayfield’s next goal was to branch out from produce to protein for her six county schools. “We’re wanting to get more locally grown products into schools…and alfafarmers.org
expose our kids to where our food actually comes from,” Mayfield said. After realizing their visions aligned, Die-McElfresh and Mayfield teamed up to make local beef in Fayette County schools a reality through Farm Fresh Fridays, where menus center on local products. The school’s first celebratory Friday fell in October, National Farm-toSchool Month. “We did a cornbread bowl with Vista Farms beef chili and a little sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top,” Mayfield said. “Everybody’s excited to get local food into the schools.” Die-McElfresh attributes the program’s success to her involvement in Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural
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branding program. Sweet Grown Alabama creates opportunities for farmers and community members to connect and collaborate on projects such as Farm-to-School.
Watching students bite into dishes like saucy sloppy Joes featuring Vista Farms beef is rewarding, said Die-McElfresh. “It’s probably one of the happiest things I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “When I see students enjoy our beef, I know I’ve done my job to the best of my ability.” Visit AlabamaFarmtoSchool.org to learn more.
Sloppy Joes featuring locally raised beef are a hit with Fayette County School System students. The beef is raised at Vista Farms in Fayette and is purchased through Alabama’s Farm-to-School Program, which emphasizes menus starring local products.
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GREAT MAYO DEBATE
got a letter from Phillip in Sacramento, who asked an important question. “Sean, which brands of mayonnaise do Southerners like best?” Phillip’s question suggests there is more than one acceptable mayonnaise brand. There is not. There is one officially approved mayonnaise of the Southern Baptist Convention. This mayonnaise comes in a jar with a yellow lid and is the secret to a rich, satisfying life. I don’t intend to be critical of other people’s mayonnaise choices. I would never do that. Just because you and I don’t see eye-to-eye doesn’t mean I think you are a communist. It simply means that you have strong tendencies toward communism. So I don’t know much about Sacramento, but I’ve heard that grocery stores out West don’t carry the yellow-lid brand. Still, I’ll bet they sell many jars that LOOK like mayo. But don’t be fooled. The jars actually contain noxious commercial automotive lubricants. I base this statement on a study conducted by a major university wherein researchers discovered most people in the U.S. who admitted to buying Hellmann’s or Kraft claimed to use these products to grease the rear axles of their trucks or tractor trailers. And let’s not even get started on Miracle Whip. My childhood friend’s mother once made us ham sandwiches
with Miracle Whip. My cousin, Ed Lee, took one bite and started to cry. “What’s wrong?” said my friend. “Your mom uses Miracle Whip,” said Ed Lee. “So?” “So I’m sure gonna miss your mama when we’re all up in heaven.” After I received Phillip’s message, I decided to make a sincere attempt to understand the age-old mayonnaise debate by conducting an experiment. For help I enlisted my friend, Billy, and his wife, Miranda — two noted Hellmann’s abusers. Billy and Miranda also invited their son, Lee, to participate. Lee is seven years old. Also my wife joined us. We all did a blind taste test. His mother prepared mayonnaise-intensive recipes using most of the top brands. First, we ate deviled eggs. Then pear salad. After that, potato salad. It took two seconds to tally votes. Every single person in the room unknowingly voted for… Duke’s mayonnaise. A close second was Blue Plate. I did not come from a Blue Plate family; we didn’t have that kind of cash around. Third place went to a jar of Vaseline. Fourteenth went to Hellmann’s. Nobody touched the deviled eggs made with Miracle Whip because they had already burned a hole through the table and were glowing neon green. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go lubricate the axle on my truck. ■
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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
throughout the state, so they have to be inspected and emptied so that the farmer can get that wagon to continue his harvest.
Davis
Sponsored By Alabama Ag Credit
Jeffers
Enjoy this excerpt from an Alabama AgCast with Alabama Peanut Producers Association Executive Director Jacob Davis and Director of Shipping Point Inspection Jeff Jeffers with the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Jacob Davis: Tell us how your department is funded. Jeff Jeffers: We are 100% non-appropriated, so there is a fee associated with everything we do. We’re proud of that fact. We treat it just like a business. JD: What does the Shipping Point Inspection Division do?
JJ: We grade fruits, vegetables, grains and peanuts. Peanuts are probably our largest commodity that we inspect. We have 32 buying points throughout the state that we service and inspect. Those peanuts have to be inspected before the wagon or trailer load of peanuts can be dumped in a warehouse. That becomes so important because there’s only a limited number of those conveyances
JD: Timing is everything on that. How would you describe the grade on the 2021 crop? JJ: It graded fairly well. It was a little late because of the weather and rain. We saw so much dirt this year. That’s a challenge and becomes a bottleneck. Instead of a load coming in, getting graded and dumped in the warehouse, if it comes in with high FM (foreign material), it has to be cleaned and regraded. But all-in-all, it was a pretty good crop. A good crop is much easier to grade than a bad crop. Catch the entire interview on the Alabama AgCast. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit alfafarmers.org/agcast. New episodes available every Wednesday.
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 IV, of the By-Laws of the Association, has scheduled its annual meeting as follows:
TIME
11:15 a.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022
PLACE
Building 7 (Show Barn), National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, 231 South, Dothan, Alabama
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Burning Questions Surrounding Inflation By Justin Miller nflation has been a hot topic recently. Iquestions However, many consumers have more than answers. Wendiam Sawadgo, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System economist, helps answer some burning questions.
What Is Inflation?
Inflation is when there is a decrease in the purchasing value of money. Sawadgo said with inflation, a dollar can purchase less than it did in the past. “We often think of price increases as inflation, but a price increase can be caused by factors other than inflation,” Sawadgo said. “If the price of a hamburger goes up, it could be due to inflation. However, it could also be due to beef prices increasing because of a drought that led to a decreased cattle supply.” When measuring inflation, Sawadgo said economists will often examine a particular bundle of goods households may purchase. They will then evaluate the price for that same bundle of goods over different time periods. An example of this is the consumer price index (CPI).
What Is Causing The Current Situation?
Sawadgo said economists have mixed perspectives on what is causing
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increased prices. “One factor could be the increased demand for goods following the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a reduced supply of those same goods,” Sawadgo said. “This reduced supply has been in part due to supply chain disruptions from COVID-19.” Multiple areas have experienced price increases, including energy, used vehicles and food. Working together, these areas are contributing to the current situation. “With the higher energy prices, consumers are likely spending more filling up their vehicles with fuel,” he said. “Increased food prices might also be affecting the average consumer’s budget. For example, beef prices have been noticeably up.”
how employment has changed during the pandemic, this could restrict the labor supply for the near future. So, in short, prices returning to normal likely depends on the labor supply increasing to meet labor demand.” In the meantime, there may be some ways for consumers to combat higher prices. “Because not all products have seen equal price increases, people may be able to shift their consumption to goods that have been more sheltered from price increases,” Sawadgo said. For more information, contact Sawadgo or another member of the Extension farm and agribusiness management team at aces.edu.
When Will Prices Start To Decrease?
Because there are so many elements contributing to the problem, it’s tough to know when prices will return to normal. Sawadgo said supply chain issues may worsen because of current labor shortages, but that is assuming labor demand rises. “A record 4.4 million people — or 3% of the labor market — quit their jobs in September 2021,” he said. “Combining the pandemic risks with
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Career Tech Instructor Earns $ For Classroom
50,000
Auburn High School construction teacher Jess Bowlin earned $50,000 for classroom projects through the Harbor Freight Tools For Schools program.
uburn High School (AHS) students A build real-world skills through career tech classes. Helping hone those
skills just got easier for construction teacher Jess Bowlin, thanks to a $50,000 grant earned through the Harbor Freight Tools For Schools program. “Construction and learning are two of my strongest passions,” Bowlin said. “My hope is students gain an interest in construction while also developing the desire to learn.” The 2021 Harbor Freight Prize For Teaching Excellence drew more than 700 applications from 49 states. Eighteen teachers made the cut, including Bowlin and Brian Copes, a construction and manufacturing teacher at Chickasaw High School in Chickasaw. The Alabama Farmers Federation is a fierce proponent of career tech education, annually helping secure state funds for the Career Tech Initiative — and teachers like Bowlin and Copes. County Farmers Federations and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation also provide direct support for career tech programs such as FFA. Harbor Freight founded its contest to honor skilled trades teachers and programs in 2017. That year, Bowlin left the private sector to establish AHS’s construction program. Her down-to-
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earth, friendly attitude and passion for education fuels her teaching style and pushed her to apply for Harbor Freight’s grant in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Third time’s the charm. Recent projects that amped up her application included guiding students as they built a tiny house, which sold for $30,000 in 2020. Over multiple semesters of work, students experienced nearly all construction processes involved with building a new residence, hosted public showings and engaged with local industry and community organizations. The Auburn University graduate grew up on a farm in Hazel Green and said she enjoys showing the next generation that it’s OK to break the mold in the construction field. Women make up just 10% of construction industry workers, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. Bowlin simulates the workplace in her classroom, letting students take the lead, whether building a tiny house or constructing the set for an AHS theatre performance. She plans to purchase a CNC machine with the grant. Students will learn CNC software programming to create products, such as door hangers,
Auburn High School students William Hunter and Charlee Whitcomb benefit from teacher Jess Bowlin’s real-world experience in the construction industry. They’re also benefiting from the $50,000 grant Bowlin earned last fall from Harbor Freight.
they’ll sell for profit and use to fund future projects. “Even if students realize construction isn’t for them, they’re still learning things to empower them in their own households and in their own lives,” she said. To learn more about the grant, visit HarborFreightToolsForSchools.org. alfafarmers.org
Simply Southern Spotlight ‘Tis The Season To Concentrate On Christmas Tree Farming
isions of sugarplums won’t be dancing in heads for months, V but the holiday season is always on the minds of Christmas tree farmers like Frank Wadsworth. He grows 8,000 trees at his Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm in Elmore County.
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
Simply Southern: How did you get into the business of growing Christmas trees? Frank Wadsworth: In 1976, my father-in-law gave me 2,000 Virginia pines. He told me to plant them because everyone was planting them in Alabama for Christmas trees. I did but didn’t do anything to them for about three years. Then I went to a meeting at Auburn University where they talked about all the care Christmas trees need. With four decades in this business, what changes have you seen? FW: In the ‘70s, there were a lot more farmers growing Christmas trees. We seem to have more and more customers every year who tell me they’ve never had a real Christmas tree. But the biggest change has probably been the size tree people want. Back in the early days, an 8- or 9-foot tree was big. Now I get people asking if we have 12-foot trees. I’ve even sold some trees that were 15- and 20-feet tall. People are really looking for bigger trees.
What work do you have to do at the farm throughout the year? FW: Right after Christmas, we start planting new trees. In summer, you have to keep the weeds out from around the trees, so we spray trees once a month, following an herbicide and fungicide program. We mow once a week. Once a tree is in its second year, it has to be pruned twice a year. On about 12 acres, we grow around 8,000 trees, ranging in age from one to seven years old. With my sons and me working, we can prune between 700 and 800 trees a day.
Simply Southern TV is sponsored by alfafarmers.org
How many years does it take to grow a tree? FW: Sometimes, a tree will be 6- or 7-feet tall by year three. But we prefer to wait until the fourth year to sell a tree, because then you usually have a field full of trees ranging from 5- to 9-and-a-half-feet tall. For your customers, what’s the most important thing to remember when caring for a live Christmas tree? FW: Water, water, water. Don’t let your stand run out of water. Depending on the size of the tree, it may drink a gallon or more per day. If the stand runs out of water, even for just an hour, sap can seal the base of the tree, and then it can’t drink anymore, even though it needs it. Simply Southern’s segment about Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm will air on broadcast stations Feb. 5 and 6 and on RFD-TV Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV.net. Catfish Checkoff
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san u S d e y e k c a l B
Asters
Daylilies
By Lois Chaplin ike bird-watchers, “flower-watchers” keep eyes peeled for what might Lsuddenly appear while driving down the road. “Did you see that? I think it was daylilies.” Or black-eyed Susans. Or verbena. It could be one of many possibilities. A genuine plant nerd will likely make a U-turn to get a better look at the “65-mph plants.” A mass can be showy enough to be appreciated from a fast-moving vehicle but is sometimes impossible to identify without that second look. These big shows are often along sunny edges of a property. Sometimes they mark the location of an old homestead where the only thing left is a spread of color that grows bigger with each passing year. Many times these are perennial plants, able to come back from an occasional untimely mowing or spray from roadside maintenance. Their roots form a strong underground
Alabama
colony, providing resilience in tough times. Only gardens with the luxury of space have room to let good plants like this spread with abandon. If the space is available, why not create a pretty patch of color of your own? It’s a small way to make Alabama more beautiful. Here are a few prolific plants easy to start from pass-along pieces or purchased plants. Thrift (Phlox subulata) is a creeping phlox. It marks the change from winter to spring as it blooms in a carpet of pink, magenta or blue. It pairs beautifully with daffodils. Rose verbena (Glandularia canadensis) forms a low, creeping perennial ground cover that starts blooming in spring and continues into summer. The popular cultivar Homestead Purple makes a great flowering blanket that does well in poor, sandy soil and comes back well when trimmed (or mowed high) after
flowering. Daylilies, the old-fashioned orange tawny kind, are the classic summer roadside flower, often marking old homesteads. Tawny daylilies are available, but you can also choose from newer daylilies prized for their ability to multiply and bloom more than once. These include Stella d’Oro, Happy Returns and Pardon Me. Hardy gladiolus (Gladiolus byzantinus), another treasure from the past, creates an unmistakable show of hot pink in late spring. Cold-hardy perennial gladiolus differs from fancy hybrid gladiolus by multiplying and spreading to form larger clumps. They are also called byzantine gladiolus. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia species) include many different annual, biennial and perennial species native to the Southeast that bloom in summer or fall. Goldsturm and American Gold Rush, which spread via underground runners, are most persistent. They bloom mid-to-late summer. Asters make a big show and multiply by spreading underground. Most bloom in summer and fall. The many cultivars of fall-blooming New England aster (Symphotrichum novae-angliae) are easiest to find and are adaptable; they range from 3 to 6 feet tall and vary from purple to pink. Swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) is common along the roadside, especially in low areas. A tall, clumping perennial wildflower, it spreads by underground runners and can quickly make a large clump, especially in damp soil. Save this one for a place where a tall plant works well, as it easily reaches 6 feet or more. It blooms in the fall. All of these “65-mph plants” will thrive in open areas with full sun; all except swamp sunflower need good drainage. You can create an evolving show from spring through fall. Now is a good time to start planting! Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
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Ma Maw’s Dressing By Joy Noble, Macon County
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Servings 8
Ingredients 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 pounds) 1 stick margarine or butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (10-inch) skillet of cornbread, crumbled (7 to 8 cups crumbled) 8 slices stale white bread, torn into small pieces 6 to 7 cups chicken broth (canned or from cooking the chicken) 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning Salt Pepper
Instructions
pringtime is around the corner, but S it’s not here yet. So we’re living it up with some of our favorite winter comfort
food dishes until we have to make way for lighter, seasonal fair. Every time I open a Neighbors magazine, it feels like an embarrassment of riches getting to read stories about the wonderful families around our state who do so much for all of us. The fact that I get to be part of that would be honor enough, but now sharing a recipe from one of those wonderful families in my column each month is just icing on the cake! (Pardon the pun.) I’m excited about sharing a recipe from Joy Noble, originally published in the March 2005 Neighbors magazine. Joy and her husband, Harry, are corn, cotton and cattle farmers in Macon County. They have four grown children and many grandchildren, as well. Joy has worn countless hats in her life, and every one of them tells me her recipe for Ma Maw’s Dressing is going to be one of the best you’ve ever had! Like most Southern cooks worth their salt, Ma Maw didn’t have precise
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measurements and cooked to taste. With this recipe, I’ve done my best to give you a little more detail to make it easier for those who like to measure. Keeping up the theme of comfort food, I’m sharing Alfredo Chicken Pot Pie. This is a quick and easy comfort recipe made a little more special by switching out the standard cream soup for jarred Alfredo sauce. While this chicken pot pie still has all the classic ingredients you love, it’s kicked up just enough to make it feel extra special. You know Alabamians love a dessert. I’m bringing you a childhood favorite with an added twist. We all love butter, but browned butter tastes like butter that has answered a higher calling. I can’t take the credit for this one, though. Browning the butter was my wife’s idea after she tasted one of my homemade cakes with browned butter icing. One bite was all it took to win her over. The next thing you know, we had Browned Butter Rice Krispies Treats! However, I must issue a warning. Though adults might look at these treats as mostly for the younger crowd, you might want to
Cook chicken in enough boiling water to cover until cooked through. Remove from broth, reserving broth. Cool, shred and set aside the chicken. Heat oven to 350 F and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In a skillet, melt margarine or butter. Add onion and sauté until tender. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the crumbled cornbread and torn bread, along with the chicken and sautéed onion. Add enough broth to make it soupy. Stir in the poultry seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes or until browned on top. make a double batch. When older taste buds sample this version, there may not be any left for the kids. As we come out of winter, I hope you’re able to linger around the table just a bit longer, knowing that though we’re grateful for the food before us, it’s the people around the table who make each day worthwhile. Y’all enjoy! 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
Alfredo Chicken Pot Pie Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Servings 6
Ingredients 1 small rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 4 cups) 1 (15-ounce) jar prepared Alfredo sauce 2 (15-ounce) cans mixed vegetables, drained (I use Veg-All) Salt Pepper 1 (14.1-ounce) box refrigerated pie crusts (two crusts)
Optional Ingredients 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Makes 20 treats
Ingredients 1 (12-ounce) box Rice Krispies 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks) 2 (10-ounce) bags mini marshmallows 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
Instructions Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Pour Rice Krispies cereal into a very large bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, continue cooking at a low boil, stirring frequently, scraping the bottom of the pan. The butter will foam up. Continue to cook until milk solids in the butter start to brown and the butter begins to smell nutty, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully as milk solids can burn easily and become bitter. Add marshmallows and stir to melt, reducing the heat if necessary. You may need to add marshmallows in increments. Add salt and marshmallow creme. Stir to combine. If you have trouble getting the butter and marshmallow to combine, just keep stirring. Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat and pour over the cereal. Use a rubber or silicone spatula to stir the mixture to get the cereal covered. Pour mixture into the prepared dish and lightly press flat with clean spatula. If you have trouble with this step, you can spray the spatula or your hands with a little nonstick spray. Just don’t press too firmly or your treats will be dense. Allow to cool at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Store in a sealed container. alfafarmers.org
Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, Alfredo sauce and drained vegetables. Mix gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. Unroll one of the pie crusts and line the bottom and sides of a deep dish 10-inch glass or ceramic pie plate. Spoon filling into the crust. Unroll the other crust and lay over the top. Pinch edges of the two crusts together. Cut four 1-inch slits in the top crust to allow air to escape. Optional: In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together. Lightly brush the top crust with the egg wash. This allows the crust to develop a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Allow to rest about 5 minutes before serving.
Stacey’s Recipe Note You can swap the canned mixed veggies for about 3 cups of frozen, thawed mixed vegetables.
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BEEF IT UP
Our farmers help feed catfish, poultry and horses, too.
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