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VOLUME 39, NUMBER 4
A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation
APRIL 2014
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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 Waymon Buttram, Crossville 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 S. Steve Dunn, Samson Sharon Byrd, Ariton Allie Corcoran, Eufaula
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In This Issue
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.
A member of American Farm Bureau Federation APRIL 2014
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OYFF Finalists
20 High Tunnell 22 Welcome SouthernLINC 24 Planting Pines
On The Cover
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: McFarland AdVantage, (334) 652-9080, McFarlandAdvantage@gmail.com.
www.AlfaFarmers.org
Farm of Distinction Judging
16 Spring Brings Opportunities
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.
DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
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Mobile County farmers and cousins Jeremy and Adam Sessions inspect their blossoming peach crop. Photo by Debra Davis
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Finalists Named In Alabama Farm Of Distinction Contest
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our farms as diverse as Alabama’s landscape will be in the spotlight April 3 when the 2014 Farm of Distinction is unveiled at the state Farm-City Awards in Birmingham. One of the largest and oldest catfish farms in Alabama will compete alongside a north Alabama row crop farm that began during the financial turmoil of the 1980s. Joining them will be a landscape tree farmer nationally known for quality products. A four-generation produce and agritourism farm in a south Alabama town famous for sweet-tasting tomatoes rounds out the contest’s four finalists. Bill and Beverly Kyser of Kyser Family Farms in Hale County; Jeff Webster and Mike Frazier of F&W Farms in Madison County; Phillip and Robin Hunter of Hunter Trees in Talladega County; and Gerald and Beverly Aplin of Aplin Farms in Geneva County were chosen to compete in this year’s contest. The winner will receive more than $10,000 in prizes, including a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC); w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
$2,500 from Swisher International and an engraved farm sign from Alfa Insurance. AFC also will provide $250 gift certificates to each finalist. The winner will represent Alabama in the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 14-16 in Moultrie, Ga. Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms said the annual competition honors men and women who labor in the fields so the rest of the population can explore other dreams and opportunities. “In a recent speech, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said the single word that best defines farming is ‘freedom,’” Helms recalled. “Fewer than 2 percent of Americans today live and work on farms to provide food, fiber and opportunity for the remaining 98 percent. The Farm of Distinction program recognizes families who dedicate their lives to growing the products that sustain life, fuel our economy and create jobs.” A 2013 economic impact study by Auburn University showed agriculture accounts for more than 4
580,000 jobs and generates $70 billion annually for the state’s economy. The study inspired the state’s 2013 Farm-City theme, “Alabama Agriculture: Growing for You and Me.” The Farm of Distinction will be the grand finale of the awards program, which recognizes county volunteers and students who worked to bridge the gap between rural and urban families during Farm-City Week and throughout the year. Kyser Family Farms located near Greensboro could be called the first capital of “catfish country.” “Back in the mid ‘60s, my father built the first four catfish ponds in Alabama to raise food-size catfish for people to eat, and we’ve been doing it ever since,” said Bill Kyser. “Our first harvest, we actually carried them up the hill by hand, loaded the trucks and sent them to Chicago.” Today, the Kysers farm 3,724 acres including 800 acres of catfish ponds, 2,000 acres of pasture, 450 acres of timber and 300 acres of soybeans. Their 500-cow beef herd complements the catfish by utilizing the farm’s pasture land. The Kysers ran a catfish hatchAPRIL 2014
ery for 29 years and currently have a plant that transforms processing plant by products into fish meal and oil for pet food. Hunter Trees in Alpine was a dream of brothers Phillip and Will Hunter. After graduating from Mississippi State University, Phillip worked as a landscape contractor in Birmingham before joining with Will, an ornamental horticulture graduate from Auburn University, to transform a former row crop farm into one of the South’s top tree nurseries. “Quality is very important to us, and that’s part of the success of our business,” Phillip said. “Landscape contractors or landscape architects often prefer our trees for their jobs because they know they will look good.” Hunter Trees covers 300 acres, with 225 acres in production that includes about 125 varieties of trees and 65,000 plants. A website described as their “front door” along with social media, trade shows, advertising and direct email marketing keep the Hunters in touch with 1,800 clients. Mike Frazier and Jeff Webster are distant cousins who began farming with Mike’s grandfather when they were students at New Hope High School. When the elder farmer became ill in 1986, the friends bought used equipment and took over the family farm. Webster credits those lean times for their longevity and success. “We grew up in a time when it was really tough on farmers,” Webster said. “A lot of neighbors and farms were going under financially, and it made us more aware of our financial situation. As we grew, we bought what we needed – mostly used equipment. APRIL 2014
Bill and Beverly Kyser
Phillip and Robin Hunter
Mike Frazier and Jeff Webster
“We are now able to finance ourselves for the most part,” he added. “It’s made a lot of difference. We’re less stressed, and we’re able to make better decisions.” F&W Farms grows cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat on 3,500 acres. The partners improved soil and increased efficiency of the farm by using reduced-tillage practices, precise soil sampling and GPS-guided equipment. Gerald Aplin humbly rejects the idea he made Slocomb’s tomatoes famous, but he’s proud his grandchildren are the fourth generation on the family’s Geneva County farm. During the last 63 years, the Aplins have raised about 300 varieties of tomatoes — often planting more than 100 acres a year. Today, however, their business provides customers at 12 farmers markets up to 50 different kinds of produce including peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and, of course, tomatoes. They also have a thriving U-pick and agritourism business on 700-acres that draws thousands of school children and families each fall. Aplin said seeing plants produce a crop that brings enjoyment to others is worth the long, hot summers — including times when he works 80 hours a week. “I’ve always loved being outdoors, and I love to see challenges over the years,” Aplin said. “Things change, and you have to change. I like to see different varieties and watch them grow. If I was fixing to start over, I would go back to farming, even knowing all the hardships and all the good times. I think it’s a good place to raise a family.” n
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Young Farmers Urged To Prepare For Growing Opportunities By Debra Davis
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labama’s agricultural future was in Birmingham Feb. 28-March 2 learning about financial planning, agricultural lending, farm technology and public relations at the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Conference. Nearly 300 young farm families attended the annual conference where six of the state’s promising producers were named finalists in Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) Contest. “I know you all have important
things on your farm you need to be doing,” Federation President Jimmy Parnell told the group at the opening banquet. “But the contacts you make here, the friends you’ll make here are extremely important. You are the future of agriculture, and as the world population increases, the value of what we do as farmers will increase. There are a lot of opportunities ahead for farmers, and we need to be ready. We need young people who want to farm.” The six OYFF finalists are: John and Jennifer Bitto of Elberta in Baldwin County; Paul and Vicki Morri-
son of Ariton in Dale County; Colin Wilson of Hollywood in Jackson County; James and Rosa Walker of Florence in Lauderdale County; Garrett and Emily Henry of Hope Hull in Montgomery County; and Greg and Michele Edwards of Pittsview in Russell County. The finalists will be judged on their farms in July, and the winner will be announced at the Federation’s annual meeting in December. The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $60,000, including a new GM pickup truck, 825i John Deere Gator
Outstanding Young Farm Family Finalists
Baldwin County John Bitto
Dale County Paul & Vicki Morrison
Lauderdale County James & Rosa Walker w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Montgomery County Garrett & Emily Henry 6
Jackson County Colin Wilson
Russell County Greg & Michele Edwards APRIL 2014
and use of a John Deere tractor. The winner will represent Alabama in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award contest January 2015 in San Diego, Calf. Andrew McCrea, a farmer and rancher from Missouri, was the keynote speaker at Saturday morning’s opening session. He encouraged farmers to create value in their work, life and the lives of those they impact. He also challenged them to embrace change. “Change is disturbing when it is done to us,” he said quoting Rosabeth Kanter of Harvard Business School. “Change is exhilarating when it is done by us.” Young farmers also learned about the value of making good financial decisions when borrowing money
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and planning for retirement. “It’s easy to be impatient when you look at a farm where the owner is 50 or 60 years old,” said Keith McCurdy of First South Farm Credit. “But it’s important to remember that farmer didn’t start out with everything either. He had to work for it. Be patient and plan.” Farmers need short and longterm goals, he added. “Those plans, in writing, are some of the best tools a farmer can have,” he said. Other conference activities
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included a private concert Friday night by the band Trotline and a live auction that raised money for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, which funds scholarships in all 67 counties for students seeking agriculture and forestry degrees at Alabama colleges. For more information about the Young Farmers program, visit AlfaYoungFarmers.org. To view conference photos, visit the Federation Flickr page at bit.ly/1cO1lDP. n
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Alabama Farmers Take Message To National Leaders
By Jeff Helms
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he national debt, expanding regulations, the new farm bill and international trade topped the agenda for 135 farmers who were in Washington, D.C., March 11-14. Alabama’s congressional delegation met with Alabama Farmers Federation members attending the organization’s annual Washington Legislative Conference. U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, both Alabama Republicans, shared concerns about escalating federal debt and expanding government regulation.
Sessions pointed out the interest on America’s debt last year was twice that of farm bill spending. “Do not doubt that Washington his mismanaged your money, and we’ve run up too much debt,” he said. “We need growth, prosperity and better jobs, but we can’t do that by increasing debt.” Sessions sponsored an amendment to the farm bill to expand onfarm irrigation under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). He praised the Federation’s role in bringing together elected officials, researchers and farm leaders several years ago, which led to creation of the AWEP program and other irrigation efforts. Meanwhile, Shelby said overreach by federal agencies could undermine America’s economic recovery. “Government can put regulations on you that Above, members of the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A.) class joined other Alabama farmers in Washington, D.C. At left, U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., and Federation District Director Carl Sanders talk at the annual barbecue.
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defy logic,” Shelby said. Elmore County young farmer Justin Barrett visited with Sessions and Shelby as part of the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A.) class, which participated in the annual conference. Barrett said he hopes to keep communication channels open with elected officials after returning to the farm. “I want the members of Congress to know what they do impacts us every day on the farm,” Barrett said. “When something comes across (their desks) related to farming, I hope they can think about somebody they met the last few days who can help them understand the issues we are facing in Alabama.” Alabama’s newest congressman, U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Ala., met with Federation members and praised passage of the farm bill. He said it was an example of bipartisan cooperation, resulting in savings of $23 billion over 10 years. He also spoke on the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy. “It is so important we have a vibrant and strong agricultural community,” said Byrne. “It’s the number one economic sector in Alabama and one of the largest in the country. If you go around this country, you APRIL 2014
realize just how big agriculture is, so my message is that we are up here making sure we do everything we can to support the farmers out there who are feeding the rest of the people in America.” Federation President Jimmy Parnell said conversations between farmers and elected officials at the conference set the foundation for future discussions. “It’s important for our folks to build relationships with congressional staff members and these elected officials,” Parnell said. “These relationships give them real world, production agriculture people to call so they can ask questions about issues that arise on Capitol Hill.” While in Washington, Alabama farmers visited the embassy of America’s largest agriculture trading partner, Canada. “Export markets have really been a shining star in the beef business,” said Montgomery County young farmer and A.L.F.A. class member Garrett Henry. “To be able
to come here and meet with another country and learn...how we can help them and they can help us will only make a better relationship for everybody.” Attendees also had breakfast meetings with their respective U.S. representatives and a barbecue reception for
congressional staffers. For more photos, visit the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Facebook page, or watch a highlight video on the Federation’s YouTube channel. n
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., visits with members of her district during the Federation’s annual barbecue at the Washington Legislative Conference. From left are Tuscaloosa Secretary-Treasurer Clyde Leavelle, Sewell, Sally Leavelle and Tuscaloosa County President Joe Anders.
Clockwise from right: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., meets with members of the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A.) class. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., left, talks with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Jefferson County First Vice President John Morris. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Ala., greets Alabama farmers at the opening session of the annual conference.
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Harvesting Solutions To End Hunger By Melissa Martin
it all, donations received feed the people in the respective communities. It’s our way to ensure the food stays he smell of supper wafts through countless Alaclose to the farmers who grew it and allows us to operbama homes each night, but the rumbling sounds ate without the need of several warehouses.” of hunger echo through thousands of living rooms The majority of food given to the less fortunate in the state. through SoSA goes from farm-to-plate that same day, To help the state’s hungry, the Alfa Foundation Tozer said. renewed its commitment to putting food on plates “We immediately take food to agencies that feed with a $20,000 grant to the Alabama Gleaning Netthe hungry or directly to the individual or family who work of the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) — a pledge needs it, depending on our volunteers’ availability,” that fed roughly 1 million men, women and children in she explained. “Putting food on the plate the same day 2013. we receive it costs only 2 cents a serving or 6 cents a “This contribution marks the ninth consecutive pound to do and helps reduce our expenditures. For year Alfa Insurance and every $1 donated, only the Alabama Farmers 3 cents goes to overhead Federation have worked costs. Our pennies matter with the Society of St. a great deal.” Andrew to reduce hunTozer said SoSA can ger,” said Federation and do a lot with very little Alfa President Jimmy because of farmers’ genParnell. “We’re proud to erosity and volunteers’ work together with an willingness to transport organization that makes food the same day it’s use of surplus production received. on farms while feeding John Aplin of Aplin the state’s hungry. It’s a Farms in Geneva County mutual partnership that has donated crops through benefits all involved.” SoSA and the Alabama SoSA Regional DirecGleaning Network for the tor for Alabama Linda past decade. He said he’s Sweet potatoes were the No. 1 crop gleaned by Alabama volunteers in 2013. Tozer said funding from glad the fruits and vegorganizations like the Alfa Foundation is the lifeblood etables on his farm aren’t going to waste. of the program. “Last year, volunteers gleaned a little more than “Hunger is an issue across the world, but it hits 7,000 pounds of tomatoes, green beans, sweet potaespecially close to home for around 20 percent of toes and other vegetables from my fields alone,” said Alabama’s residents,” Tozer said. “Alfa’s recent grant Aplin, who grows more than 200 varieties of fruits of $20,000 helped provide residents across the state and vegetables on around 200 acres. “If they had found with 977,066 pounds of food that would have othermore volunteers, that 7,000 pounds could have easily wise been wasted. Friends, fellow church members been 70,000 pounds. The produce they gleaned was and neighbors didn’t go to bed hungry because of Alfa’s perfectly healthy and edible; it just wasn’t marketable. generosity.” Plus, we’ve had a tough time finding enough labor to Working with farmers from across the state since work the fields the last couple years, and we don’t have 2001, SoSA and the Alabama Gleaning Network bring the time or resources to get everything. I love working together farmers who have fruits and vegetables to with the folks at SoSA because I know they’re doing all donate with volunteers who are willing to glean the they can for the folks in this community. It makes all produce directly from the farms or pick up foods that the difference.” went unsold at farmers’ markets. Gathered produce is Alfa’s first contribution in 2004 helped fund SoSA’s given to agencies in that area for soup kitchens, homeregional office development in Birmingham used to less shelters and food pantries. coordinate the Alabama Gleaning Network. Grants “In 2013, we worked with 137 different agencies, since have helped feed around 1 million residents 150 different farmers and 4,000 volunteers who all had annually. one goal — to feed as many people in their communiTo volunteer time or donate produce, contact the ties as possible,” Tozer said. “Unless the quantities Alabama Gleaning Network at (205) 245-3215 or sign given are so large the agencies in that area can’t handle up online at EndHunger.org. n
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Jimmy Bice
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Western Drought Expected To Drive Up Southern Produce Demand By Debra Davis
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strong March wind whipped through a sea of pink blossoms that in a few short weeks will be the year’s first peaches at Sessions Farm in Grand Bay. Despite temperatures hovering in the low 40s, the flowers signal spring is here. This year, it comes with a great sense of optimism for some Southern fruit and vegetable farmers. Thousands of miles away, where more than half of America’s fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown, it’s a vastly different story. Farmers in California’s Central Valley are experiencing one of the worst droughts on record. Many are plowing under their fields of established nut and fruit crops, while others say they won’t plant vegetables
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they’ve typically grown for decades. Meanwhile, a few miles off the Gulf Coast, brothers Art and David Sessions are busy preparing to plant their spring vegetable crop. The family farm grows more than 50 different kinds of produce, fruits and nuts. “We grow all our own plants
from seeds,” said Art, who, along with David, was busy “stepping up” hundreds of small tomato plants — moving them from a tiny seed tray to a somewhat larger transplant tray. “We’ll probably plant these in the ground in midto late March, depending on the weather.” Like most farmers, the Sessions say the weather dictates much of what they do. Excess rain last summer ruined much of their pecan crop. Prolonged freezing temperatures hurt their satsuma trees to the point that yields this year will suffer. “But at least we’re not as bad as those folks in CaliforAbove: Art Sessions, left, and his brother, David, repot tomato plants they grew from seeds. Sessions Farm grows more than 50 varieties of fruits, vegetables and nuts in Mobile County.
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nia,” said Art’s son, Jeremy, referring to the lingering drought. In California, farmers rely on rationed water for irrigation. The disaster there could mean new opportunities for Southern farmers. “Farmers in the Southeast have been getting calls from produce suppliers looking to other states to meet consumer demand,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham. “It’s a matter of supply and demand that has positioned Alabama farmers to possibly expand their fruit and vegetable production.” The challenge will be growing food here at a price that is affordable and competitive with imports, Higginbotham said. “California and other western states are able to have lower input costs by dedicating thousands of acres to grow a single crop,” he said. “Those states also have extended growing seasons with widespread irrigation infrastructure. That has put them at a competitive advantage until now. The lack of water will certainly have an impact on this.” As the nation’s top food-producing state, California’s drought is affecting production of everything from milk, beef and wine to some of the nation’s largest fruit and vegetable crops including avocados, strawberries and almonds. Food price inflation is expected to increase since California accounts for one-third of U.S. vegetables and two-thirds of fruit and nut production, said USDA’s Chief Economist Joe Glauber at a forum earlier this year. Water could be the key to farm expansion for the South. Jeremy said their family farm, which also raises
peanuts, cotton and beef cattle, already was expanding because of population growth in their area. “With urban sprawl, we’re already planting more vegetables this year just to meet our local demand,” he said. “But I feel like there’s going to be a better demand everywhere, not just our local market.” The Sessions sell at five retail farmers markets, operate two roadside stands and have a hearty wholesale business. Another expansion is under way and includes a new retail outlet with a large storage cooler. “The cooler will allow us to store our satsumas, and that’s the main reason we’re getting it,” Jeremy said. “But it will allow us to store more vegetables in the summer, too. We’ll use it for our tomatoes, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash and peaches. Farmers in our state are blessed to have so much water. It’s about time we take advantage of it.” Abundant water is one of Alabama’s greatest resources, Higginbotham said. “In addition to many rivers and streams, our state averages nearly 60 inches of rainfall a year,” he said. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates approximately 10 percent of freshwater resources in the continental United States originate in or flow through Alabama. n
Jeremy Sessions, left, identifies the variety of tomato seedlings in the farm’s greenhouse, while his cousin, Adam Sessions, waters in the young crop. APRIL 2014
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Alabama Attorney General Joins Suit Against California Regulations
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labama Attorney General Luther Strange has signed onto a lawsuit to protect states’ rights regarding interstate commerce. The suit aims to stop California from imposing its own standards on cage sizes for layinghens in other states. “In Alabama, consumers are free to make their own choice of which eggs to buy at their grocery stores, and it is preposterous and quite simply wrong for California to tell Alabama how we must produce eggs,” Strange said. “This is not an animal welfare issue; it is about California’s attempt to protect its economy from its own job-killing law by extending those laws to everyone else in the country.” California voters passed
a law proposition in 2008 requiring its egg producers to provide free ranges or larger cages for hens. Provisions were added to extend the mandate to any eggs imported from outside states and sold in California. “The citizens of California made a choice for their own state, and when they realized it would harm their egg producers, they
made an unconstitutional decision to spread the damage to other states,” Strange said. “If California can get away with this, it won’t be long before the environmentalists in California tell us how we must build cars, grow crops and raise cattle.” Strange joins the attorneys general of Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma and the Iowa governor in asking the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California to declare the law invalid and stop its enforcement. Alabama is one of the top 15 egg producing states in the U.S. According to the USDA, egg farms in the state produced 2.1 million eggs in 2012. n
Steve Dunn
State Secretary-Treasurer Conecuh County farmer Steve Dunn, 57, immediately felt at home at his first Alabama Farmers Federation meeting in 1978. “Every Federation meeting is like a family reunion,” he said. “The people are just so good.” Dunn’s peers noticed his passion for relationships and helping farmers. He was elected Conecuh County president in 1988 and state secretary-treasurer in 1999 — positions he still holds today. Dunn farms 1,500 acres of corn, cotton, peanuts and milo, and has a small beef herd. He and his wife of 18 years, Melinda, have three daughters and a grandson. Dunn said his goal as a board member is to share the excitement he first felt 36 years ago. “We can grow this organization by showing people how we help farmers and all Alabamians,” he said.
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Auburn Names Fulton To Federation Agriculture Professorship By Mary Catherine Gaston
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ohn Fulton, a professor in the Auburn University Department of Biosystems Engineering and specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, has been awarded the Alabama Farmers Federation Agriculture Professorship. The announcement was made recently by College of Agriculture Dean Bill Batchelor. A member of the College of Agriculture faculty and an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station researcher since 2004, Fulton’s work has focused on machine systems, precision agriculture and agricultural and forestry cellulosic biomass. He leads the Alabama Precision Ag Program. “The Alfa Professorship represents an opportunity to further advance Alabama agriculture by helping growers statewide improve their farm operations through new management strategies,” said Fulton. “Auburn University must provide scientific solutions to the new challenges farmers confront, followed by high-value Extension activities. This position addresses these needs directly.” Fulton earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Kentucky. In addition to numerous recognitions from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the Alabama Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists, he was recently named the 2013 Educator of the Year by PrecisionAg.com. Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell welcomed Fulton’s appointment. “We appreciate the College of Agriculture establishing this professorship in recognition of the Federation’s support of agricultural research, teaching and Extension at Auburn,” Parnell said. “We look forward to working with Dr. Fulton to improve productivity, profitabil-
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Dr. John Fulton, center, was recently appointed the Alabama Farmers Federation Agriculture Professor at Auburn University. Above, Fulton visits with Federation leaders including State Wheat & Feed Grains Committee Chairman Stanley Walters, Federation President Jimmy Parnell, State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee Chairman Phillip Hunter and State Bee & Honey Committee Chairman Bill Mullins.
ity, efficiency and conservation on Alabama farms.” This position will enable Auburn University to work closely
with the members of the Federation to enhance agricultural productivity in the state. The professorship is a three-year appointment. n
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Hale County farmer Randy Brown, left, and Southern Fresh Produce Chairman Don Chamberlain evaluate greens growing inside hightunnel houses at Havana Junction Farm.
From Black Belt To Alabama’s Veggie Basket By Mary Johnson
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andy and Debra Brown share a dream of returning economic prosperity to Alabama’s Black Belt. They’re doing their part to make that happen, using agricultural innovations to grow fresh produce at their Havana Junction Farm. “In the small towns of west Alabama, businesses aren’t going to come unless we build it and get something going,” Randy said. The Browns’ individual success is part of a master plan to coordinate efforts from several small farmers and form a network of growers for Southern Fresh Produce. Southern Fresh Produce Chairman Don Chamberlain said he hopes to have 11,000 new, highproduction organic vegetable farms in the South in 10 years. The Browns are the first fully operational farm in the network and are using a business plan established by Southern Fresh Produce. The couple finished eight high-tunnel houses on 1.5 acres in Decem-
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Farmers Hope High-Tunnel Houses Transform West Alabama Landscape ber. Their farm is in the small settlement of Havana near Moundville, and they’re already growing lettuces, kale and other greens. The Browns already succeeded in previous business ventures. They formerly owned a restaurant and currently own and operate the local hardware and auto parts stores, but this is their first venture into farming. “We cooked it; now we want to grow it,” Debra said. “We’ve been going to classes, and we have professors from Auburn and Mississippi State who have helped us. There’s people with a lot of years of experience and knowledge who taught us what to do.” Chamberlain admits the growth of his network will be a slow process. It may not be as exciting as a big manufacturer coming to the state, but it will have the same impact, he said. “If we reach our goal, that will be 65,000 jobs,” Chamberlain said. 20
“That’s wealth-building, and that’s the big picture.” The business model relies on the ingenuity of high-tunnel houses, drip-irrigation and plastic Coco grow bags. Unlike greenhouses, a high-tunnel house doesn’t require heat. The fabric covering can be rolled up to increase circulation or let down to provide greater insulation, maintaining appropriate growing temperatures with less energy. When outside temperatures dropped to single-digits this winter, Randy said the ground temperature inside the tunnel-house stayed above 40 degrees. “This is a really good design,” Randy said. “It’s a controlled environment. The plants are going to get what they need. If it’s dry, that’s not going to hurt them, and if it’s wet, that’s not going to hurt the plants, either.” The Browns plan to grow tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and okra along with lettuces and greens.
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With the hoop houses, they hope to extend their growing season to 10 months. The initial investment for eight high-tunnel houses — which is 67,200 square feet under roof — is around $150,000, Chamberlain said. A smaller business model of four houses takes up 33,600 square feet and would require $100,000 in start-up costs. “Some people have wanted to do more, but the largest business model for Southern Fresh Produce members is the eight-house setup,” Chamberlain said. “Our projections show that’s $300,000 in growth revenue annually for a farmer, and that will be spent locally. There’s potential to make $5 per square foot of soil under these roofs.” While Havana Junction Farm is the first operating member of Southern Fresh Produce, Chamberlain already has contracts for four more growers in west Alabama, for a total of 201,600 square feet of growing space. The next step is to build a cold storage facility for packaging and distribution. “This kind of initiative is one to get excited about,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham. “Don Chamberlain is clearly passionate, motivated and determined for this to be successful. He has initiated a network of producers and educators, and
established companies to make this possible. As more hardworking and determined people like the Browns get involved, the Southern Fresh Produce network will get stronger, potentially transforming Alabama’s produce industry. The California drought has produce buyers and suppliers looking to other states to fulfill orders, and this initiative can help meet those needs.” As members of Southern Fresh Produce, the Browns don’t have to worry about marketing. The company handles all that. “Wouldn’t it be great to say we get our vegetables from Alabama?” Debra asked. “How wonderful would it be for us to become
national producers and have Alabama be the state to take over the vegetable market?” One thing is certain — with their determination, the Browns will work hard every day to be part of the vegetable revolution to revitalize west Alabama. “We’re excited about doing this,” Randy said. “It’s going to take some time, but we’re going to make it a success.” Visit HavanaJunctionFarm. com for more information on the Brown’s farm. For more information on Southern Fresh Produce, visit SouthernFreshProduce.com. n
The Browns are first-generation farmers who finished construction of eight high-tunnel houses at their farm near Moundville in December 2013. From left are the Browns, Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham, Federation Area 6 Organization Director Wallace Drury and Southern Fresh Produce Chairman Don Chamberlain. APRIL 2014
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Federation Members Save With SouthernLINC Wireless By Jeff Helms
A
labama’s largest farm organization and SouthernLINC Wireless, the South’s original provider of Push-To-Talk (PTT) mobile communication, recently announced a new benefit for Alabama Farmers Federation members. SouthernLINC Wireless is offering members discounts of 15-34 percent off normal rates on the company’s So Easy Regional service plans. New and existing SouthernLINC customers who are Federation members can sign up for the discount using their Federation membership card. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the partnership brings together two Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell recently met with SouthernLINC President and CEO Don Horsley to discuss the latest addition to the Federation Member Benefits program. groups dedicated to serving Alabama residents — especially those in rural areas. the company’s wireless service as a To-Talk 2-way radio that Federation “Our farm has relied on Southnatural fit for Federation members. members want,” Horsley said. “Our ernLINC for years,” said Parnell, “As a regional carrier, our local weather-grade network was built who is a partner in his family’s employees and our highly-reliable to support the communications Chilton County beef cattle and fornetwork can deliver the quality needs of Alabama Power and the estry operation. “This discount will Pushother electric utilities owned by help Federation members Southern Company. They rely on save money on dependable SouthernLINC Wireless services two-way radio and cellular because the SouthernLINC netservice, whether they live work delivers in good weather in town or the country. and in bad. And in bad weather, Good communication can power companies and first improve efficiency on the responders turn to us.” farm and can be critical durFor more information about ing an emergency.” the discount, Federation memSouthernLINC’s PTT bers should call 1-866-530service utilizes the original LINC (5462) or visit SouthernIntegrated Digital Enhanced Linc.com to find the nearest Network (iDEN) technology. sales representative. Discounted plans available to Alabama Farmers FedFederation members include eration’s 365,000 member unlimited regional group PTT families enjoy discounts at and private PTT services; more than 185,000 locations unlimited night and weekend nationwide. For more inforcalling; and unlimited mobilemation, visit AlfaFarmers. to-mobile calling on all cellular org. To join, contact any Alfa plans. Insurance office in Alabama SouthernLINC President or call 1-800-392-5705. n and CEO Don Horsley described w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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Foresters Wrap Up Planting For Winter Season By Mary Johnson
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rowing a forest takes patience. While most farmers reap a harvest months after planting, Alabama foresters must wait decades. Newly planted pine tree seedlings barely stand inches above the ground but, with time and care, they will soon become the towering forests of the state landscape. The beginning of April marks the end of planting season for foresters. G&M Forestry Services President and Owner John Mote said his crews have been working 12-hour days, six days a week planting trees for landowners since Dec. 1. “Winter planting is our busiest season,” Mote said. “After March, we maintain land so we drop back to just 10-hour days, five days a week.” Trees should be planted while they are dormant. Mote said a normal Southern pine seedling needs
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500 hours at temperatures of 45 degrees or below to stay dormant. If the seedling isn’t dormant, which is typical at the beginning of planting season, it must be transplanted within 48 hours of being “lifted” from the nursery bed. Planters use coolers to give pines the necessary chill hours. “Once the trees are in full dormancy, they can sit in a cooler for six to eight weeks, and they’ll still grow once planted,” he said. “Pines have to be planted while they are dormant so they aren’t growing. If we planted in the summertime, we’d have to know the trees were going to get rain every week to make sure they would survive.” G&M Forestry Services crews can plant 40,000 seedlings a day using tree planters pulled by bulldozers that plow through rough ground and brush. Mote estimated his company planted 2.5 million trees this winter, including loblolly 24
and slash varieties of pines. While this winter was drier than normal, a few rainy days and record cold temperatures did delay work. “If the ground is frozen or super wet, we can’t plant,” Mote said. “The frozen ground would damage the tree roots. If the bulldozers and planters get stuck in the mud, we can lose 2-3 hours trying to get them out. I think we lost a total of about 16 days since Dec. 1 because of weather.” According to ArborGen, one of three main pine nurseries in Alabama, 101 million seedlings were sold in the state this season. That’s enough to cover 170,000 acres in a state where two-thirds of land area is already forested. Trees are harvested twice before maturity to reduce competition. Wood from this thinning process is used for wood chips, pulp or fuel. “As planting season winds down, landowners start a 20-30 APRIL 2014
year process of waiting for a return on their investment,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Forestry Division Director Rick Oates. “Forestry is a risky venture, like all farming. If all goes well, the trees planted this year will be harvested around the year 2040.” That’s a long time considering what the weather can do to a stand of timber and possible changes in the market, Oates added. Timber is grown in all 67 Alabama counties, and wood production and processing is the largest sector of agriculture in the state. According to a recent study from Auburn University, forestry provides more than 122,000 jobs for Alabamians and generates $21.4 billion in economic impact for the state. “Money doesn’t grow on trees, but for many parts of rural Alabama, forestry and forest products are the engine that drives the local economy,” said Chris Isaacson, Alabama Forestry Association executive vice president. “Trees
Photo (at left) illustrates how dozers equipped with planters plow through rough ground to place the tiny seedlings.
are grown by Alabama landowners, harvested by Alabama loggers, delivered by Alabama truckers and processed by Alabama mill workers.”
Isaacson said statistics show Alabama landowners are growing timber at a much faster rate than harvesting. Timber growth exceeds removals by 34 percent. n
Fresh Ideas for Your Spring and Summer Cooking. A Collection of Recipes from Alabama’s Farm Families and Country Cooks.
s d e e F g n i m r a F F av o ri
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Alabama farmers represent one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, growing everything from soybeans to sweet potatoes and cattle to catfish. This cookbook, produced in hardback form, introduces you to these farmers who grow our food, along with 200 recipes and beautiful food photography highlighting some of Alabama’s best country cooks.
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Summer Spinach Salad, p. 26
Strawberry Chiffon Pie, p. 166
Peanut Butter Silk Pie, p. 158
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Alabama Farmers Federation APRIL 2014
Rosemary-Crusted Pork Loin, p. 124
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By Lois Chaplin
is okay, but a larger pot, 18 to 24 inches in diameter is better. Container-grown, patio-type plants purchased in 10- and 11-inch pots or baskets, will probably grow bigger if stepped up to a larger pot. Big pots can be expensive. Alternatives include tubs, black nurseryproduction containers for trees or landscape fabric containers sold online. Be sure the container has good drainage. Get good potting mix. Don’t be tempted to dig up soil from the yard to save a few dollars. Buy a premium potting mix. It is designed to support the special growing conditions in a pot. If necessary, mix in one-third to one-half composted cow manure such as Black Cow to the soil. Provide nutrients. Potting soil alone will not support growth. Plants need nutrients. Whether it’s organic or timed-release granular plant food, follow up with a liquid plant food along the way. Generally, plants in pots need more fertilizer than plants in the ground. Don’t let them dry out. Alternate drying and watering causes stress and problems. An inexpensive drip system on a timer helps. Put the plant near a door as a reminder to take a minute to water it each day. A good tomato needs regular watering. Give the plant full sun. An advantage to growing in pots is it can be placed in a sunny spot. For best flavor, tomatoes need 6-to 8-hours of sun a day. In the summer, a little afternoon shade reduces stress. n ____________________________________
T
omatoes are the No. 1 garden vegetable for most Americans because there’s no comparison to a well-grown tomato, fully ripened on the vine. Tomatoes are commonly grown in containers because they’re easier to plant and can provide perfect soil. For those who have tried tomatoes without overwhelming success, here are a few pointers. Start with a suitable variety. Technically, any tomato will grow in a big enough pot, but look specifically for determinate varieties. Those can be easier to manage because they grow to a limited height (usually 3-to-4 feet). A few suggested varieties include: Amelia, Celebrity, Container’s Choice, Bush Goliath, Roma, Heinz Roma, Marglobe and Health Kick. Some that are particularly tolerant of Alabama’s summer heat include Florida 91, Heatmaster, Phoenix and Solar Fire. The exception is cherry tomatoes. Many gardeners agree cherry tomatoes are the easiest to grow—they don’t mind heat and often outgrow minor leaf diseases. However, the choice of determinates is limited (Husky Cherry Red, Tumbling Tom, Cherries Jubilee). Most cherry and grape tomatoes grow on tall, indeterminate plants. Don’t let limited choice hold you back. With an indeterminate, use tall cages or three tall stakes (6-to 8-feet) to secure the stems. A good cherry tomato provides bowls of fruit. Some popular ones are Sweet 100, Sweet Million, Sun Sugar, Sun Gold, Juliet, Black Cherry and Yellow Pear. Use an adequate container. For the best and longest production, use a big container. A five-gallon bucket
Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
SPRING INTO SAVINGS. WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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Homemade Ice Cream 1 pint whipping cream 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk 1 ½ cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Milk to bring to 1 gallon
Mix together all ingredients and transfer to ice cream maker/ freezer. Continue according to manufacturer’s directions. Note: Ingredients may be mixed together in advance and refrigerated until ready to prepare. Variation: To make chocolate ice cream, combine 3 tablespoons cocoa with sugar and continue as directed.
By Kellie Henderson
my family does seem to enjoy my cooking, and I do it often,” she says. Patricia says some of the recipes she shares this month have been honed through the years to bring her family the simple, homestyle taste they enjoy in a timetable that suits life on a working farm. “The meatloaf and homemade ice cream recipes I developed over the years by combining parts of different recipes. But the first pie I made after Bobby and I married was this recipe for Chocolate Pie, and it’s still the favorite of all my family,” she explains. Some of Patricia’s favorite recipes stood the test of time in other kitchens before they were shared with her. “Syrup Candy is a very old recipe passed down through my father’s side of the family, and 652 Stew was shared with me by Mr. Bill Young, who was a cook in the Navy during World War II. I believe 652 was his unit number,” she said. Patricia’s recipes also include some of the South’s most satisfying culinary traditions: macaroni and cheese, conveniently cooked in the Crock Pot, and Biscuit Pudding with the goodness of homemade biscuits and a creamy baked custard.
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atricia Garner, a native of Cleburne County, said she wouldn’t trade the time she’s spent working on her family farm for anything. “I’m thankful to work on the farm and be home. I value my time with my family so very much,” she said. She and husband Bobby grew up a mere mile from one another. They lived in Georgia a few years after they married before returning to the farm where Bobby was raised. They have three children, Clark, Mark and Leigh Ann, two grandchildren and are expecting a third. “In 1980, we moved back to the farm and built the house we still live in. We raise broiler chickens and beef cows, and our youngest son, Clark, has become the third-generation chicken farmer on my side of the family and on Bobby’s,” she said, adding that Clark’s home is on an area of family land designated as a Century and Heritage Farm in Alabama. Patricia says she enjoys hosting family meals for children and her grandchildren. “I am sometimes very busy with the chicken houses, so I need quick and easy recipes. My recipes are not a bit fancy, but
O r d e r Yo u r C o o k b o o k To d a y ! w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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Chocolate Pies 1 ½ cups sugar 5 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons cocoa powder Dash of salt 5 egg yolks 4 cups milk, divided 1 stick butter 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 baked pie shells Meringue
In top portion of a double boiler, combine sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt. Blend gently with a whisk until mixture is uniform. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks well. Beat in 1 cup milk. Stir into dry mixture and combine. Add remaining 3 cups milk and mix well. Add butter and cook over boiler until mixture is thick, whisking as it cooks to prevent lumps. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into 2 baked pie shells. Meringue: Beat 5 egg whites together until stiff. Add ½ to ¾ cup sugar and mix until smooth. Top pies with meringue and bake at 350 F for 15 minutes. Meatballs 1 pound ground beef ½ cup chopped onion 1 egg 12 saltine crackers, crushed ¼ cup milk, plus more as desired ½ teaspoon salt 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Combine beef, onions, egg, crackers, ¼ cup milk and salt by hand. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a baking sheet with sides. Bake at 350 F 15 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs are browned outside and cooked through. Place meatballs in a medium saucepan and cover with soup, adding milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Simmer 20 minutes. Serve as appetizers or alongside rice or potatoes for a meal. Note: Baked meatballs freeze well. Just add soup and simmer when ready to use.
Meatloaf 1 ½ pounds ground chuck 12 saltine crackers, crushed fine ½ cup onion, chopped 2 eggs ¾ cup ketchup, plus more for topping 2 tablespoons mustard Salt and pepper to taste
In a bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly. Put into a 9-X 9-inch dish and bake at 375 F for 45 minutes, draining grease off halfway through baking time. Top with additional ketchup and bake 5 minutes more. Crock pot Macaroni and Cheese 1 (8-ounce) package large elbow macaroni, cooked and drained 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk ¾ cup milk ¼ cup butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten Salt and white pepper to taste 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, stir together macaroni and next five ingredients with 3 cups cheddar cheese. Spoon into a greased crock pot and sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining cup of cheddar. Cook on low heat setting for 2 hours. Biscuit Pudding 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 1 ½ cups sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 3 cups crumbled homemade biscuits ½ cup raisins
In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. Add crumbled biscuits and raisins; stir well. Spoon into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped topping if desired.
652 Stew 4 large chicken breasts, with skin and bones 1 stick butter 1 large can evaporated milk 3 cubes chicken bouillon Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup instant grits 1 sleeve saltine crackers
In a large pot, cover chicken breasts with water and cook until tender. Strain broth and return to pot. Remove skin from chicken breasts and debone. Chop chicken and set aside. To broth add butter, evaporated milk, bouillon and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a hard boil. Add grits, chicken, and crumbled crackers. Simmer until crackers are soft and ready to serve, stirring often. Syrup Candy 2 cups sorghum syrup 2 cups parched peanuts, ground or finely chopped
Place sorghum in a boiler with deep sides. Over medium heat, bring syrup to a boil and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 255 F. Remove from heat and stir in peanuts. Pour into a buttered 9-x13inch dish to cool. Cut into squares when cooled. Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 1 stick butter or margarine 4 tablespoons cocoa ½ cup milk ½ to ¾ cup peanut butter 2 ½ cups minute oats 1 tablespoon vanilla
In a saucepan combine sugars, butter, cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 ½ minutes. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, oats and vanilla. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper to cool. n
Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes. Recommend a favorite cook who is a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation by emailing AlabamaCountryKitchen@gmail.com. APRIL 2014
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