Neighbors Magazine, April 2022 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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April 2022 | Volume 47 | Number 4 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.

In This Issue 4 | Young Farmers Fellowship, Glean Ideas In Gulf Shores

32 | Simple Spring Salads

6 | Peanut Industry Poised For Growth In Atmore 10 | Honoring Alabama Ag Leaders, Pioneers 12 | Pasture Management Pays Dividends For Farmers 16 | Farms Vie For Top Title 6

On The Cover

Alabama farmers, including Ricky Wiggins from Covington County, fanned out across Capitol Hill in early March to stress the importance of the 2023 farm bill and discuss other issues with leaders. Photo By Marlee Moore

www.AlfaFarmers.org

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A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

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Finalists in the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contest are, from left, Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Lawrence County; Carla and Daniel Trantham, Calhoun County; and Anna and Brady Peek, Limestone County. OYFF finalists will compete for more than $70,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer.

Young Farmers Embrace Leadership Opportunities By Jeff Helms p-and-coming agriculturalists were U encouraged to embrace leadership opportunities in their businesses,

communities and farm organization during the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Conference March 4-6 in Gulf Shores. Federation President Jimmy Parnell drew on personal experiences in encouraging the crowd of 375 current and future leaders during the event’s kickoff dinner at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. “I started in a room similar to this, just like each of you,” said Parnell, who was inspired to seek the presidency as a former State Young Farmers Committee chair and Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) winner. “I’m very proud of this program, and I’m proud to have each of you involved. If you want to make a difference in agriculture, you are doing it in this room. This is where it starts.” 4

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Educational workshops focused on preparing young farmers for public service, business success and Federation involvement. The organization’s endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate, Katie Britt, visited with farm

families before the opening banquet, where she praised their personal character and hard work. “I’ve had an opportunity to see the Federation from many different angles,” she said. “There is no other association

Katie Britt, the FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate, joined young farmers Friday night for “Kickoff with Katie,” a time to mingle and visit one-on-one. Britt spoke with nearly 400 farmers at the event, including Slate Wallace of Franklin County. alfafarmers.org

or group in this state that is the caliber of the Federation or that has the respect of so many. Your values mean so much to people across this state.” Britt promised her service as U.S. senator would be based on faith and freedom, rather than fear and control, which she said has dominated the past year. “We’ve got to get government out of your way so you can continue to do what you do each and every day,” she said. The Enterprise native challenged young farmers to embrace their leadership potential, paraphrasing her grandfather’s words of wisdom. “It doesn’t matter what your ZIP code is; it doesn’t matter what’s in your bank account; it doesn’t matter what somebody’s dad did. What matters is your character, your integrity, your work ethic and the way you treat people,” she recalled him saying. “Those will determine the success of your farm and small business. I’m excited to see what this group accomplishes.” During the conference, 13 families competed for OYFF commodity division titles and three finalist slots. Commodity winners will serve one-year, ex-officio terms on their respective state commodity committees or affiliated organizations’ boards of directors. They are Justin and Kimberly Garrett of Pike County, peanuts; Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Lawrence County, beef; Daniel and Carla Trantham of Calhoun County, wheat and feed grain; Kaleb and Karah Skinner of Cleburne County, pork; Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County, soybeans; Joe and Ashley McCraney of Barbour County, poultry; Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County, cotton; and Evan Nelson of Jefferson County, hay and forage. Finalists for the OYFF title are the Henrys, Tranthams and Peeks. They each received a Blackstone griddle package and will compete for over $70,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer. The winner will be announced Aug. 6 at the Alabama Farm & Land Expo in Birmingham and will compete in the American Farm Bureau Federation Achievement Award contest at the January 2023 annual convention in Puerto Rico. This Young Farmers Conference alfafarmers.org

This was Jacob and Misty Porter’s first Young Farmers Conference. The Clay County poultry and cattle farmers said the chance to network with like-minded peers was refreshing.

Young farmers visited with old friends — and met new ones — during breaks in educational sessions. Elmore County farmers Cade and Ashley Campbell, center, caught up with Cleburne County farmers Kaleb and Karah Skinner and their daughter, Charlotte.

was the first for Jacob and Misty Porter of Clay County, who competed in the OYFF contest’s beef and poultry divisions. “We’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Jacob said. “Competing in OYFF is a challenge, but we’re glad we did it. We wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and challenges without the conference. It’s great to be around people who do what we do.” Misty said filling out the OYFF application helped them take a closer look at their farming operation and talk about future plans. “I feel like we got to explore and really write down the things that we do,” Misty said. “It’s just a great opportunity. We’re glad people thought highly enough of us to encourage us to apply.”

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer said the Porters’ experience is what the program is all about. “Part of the mission of Young Farmers is to provide networking, leadership and growth opportunities for young farmers across Alabama,” he said. “We have focused this conference on helping our young farmers be agents of change — on their farms, in their communities and in our state. “The speakers our young farmers heard from — on topics ranging from improving their operations with new technologies to estate planning to state laws that impact farmers — will push them to grow, to evaluate themselves and make a difference far outside of their fence rows.” April 2022

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Coastal Growers LLC celebrated its grand opening Feb. 23 in Atmore. The farmer-owned shelling facility can shell 25 tons of peanuts an hour. Above: From left are Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan; Federation District 12 Director Mark Kaiser, a Baldwin County farmer and Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) board member; Federation President Jimmy Parnell; Coastal Growers Director of Operations Anthony Daniels; and APPA Executive Director Jacob Davis.

Peanut Producers Poised For Progress As Shelling Plant Opens By Marlee Moore

n just over a year, Coastal Growers Ifarmer-owners LLC and its slate of partners and transformed a field into

a state-of-the-art peanut shelling facility adding value to farmers’ crops. Coastal Growers — owned by 195 farm families from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi — held its grand opening in Atmore Feb. 23. “Coastal Growers is growing,” said Dirk Lindsey, the company’s president and CEO, as he addressed a large crowd. “Thank you for entrusting us with your money. Thank you for allowing me and our employees to be part of this venture.” The 60-acre spread includes warehouses, cold storage facilities and a 65,000-square-foot shelling plant. The plant can shell 25 tons of peanuts an hour and yields seven products — including three sizes of edible peanuts, wildlife peanuts, oil stock peanuts and ground peanut hulls, which are sold and transformed into pellets for

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fuel overseas. Coastal Growers ships products to 11 countries on three continents. One of Coastal Growers’ biggest advocates is U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, who attended the ribbon-cutting. “It’s a miracle what has happened here in such short time,” Tuberville said. “This is going to help so many people have an easier way of making a living. That’s what it’s all about. You couldn’t do this anywhere else in the world other than the United States of America.” Tuberville serves on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, where he fights for Alabama farmers and the state’s $70 billion agriculture industry. “This gives you an opportunity, hopefully, to make more money,” Tuberville said. “Peanuts are making a huge run in the South. I hope it continues to get better, that we continue to grow in this state.” Growing is second nature to Coastal Growers. The shelling plant employs

just over 60 people today; with plans to top 100 by 2023. Railroad tracks are being laid to reach the plant, and future plans could include a seed cleaner. Coastal Growers operates out of nine buying points in Alabama and Georgia and recently bought a shelling plant in Tifton, Georgia, to better serve customers and mitigate drought risks. “We’re a quality product, and our quality is what gets people to come back,” said Director of Operations Anthony Daniels. Baldwin County farmer Mark Kaiser was one of hundreds of farmers on hand for the plant tour. Kaiser is District 12 director of the Alabama Farmers Federation state board. “I’m proud of everyone who worked on this,” said Kaiser, standing with his son, George. “This facility is owned by the farmers who will use it, and they’ll keep those profits themselves. That’s good for both the farmers and for the immediate area because the money will just keep turning over locally.” alfafarmers.org

Coffee County Young Farmers Chosen For National Committee

Jonathan and Sara Sanders are new members of the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. The Coffee County row crop, timber and cattle farmers have a daughter, Ivey, and are expecting another daughter, Elliott, in late March.

By Marlee Moore Sanders was surrounded Janonathan by thousands of young farmers at American Farm Bureau Federation

(AFBF) conference when he leaned over to fellow Alabamian Jerry Allen Newby and said, “I want to serve on the national Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee.” The bold seed planted in 2018 came to fruition in February when Jonathan and wife Sara were named to the committee during AFBF’s YF&R Leadership Conference in Louisville. “Our primary goal is to build a network of unified voices across the nation talking about the importance of agriculture to our generation,” said Jonathan, 30, who grows peanuts, cotton, corn, cattle and timber in Coffee County’s Roeton community. “Most other states don’t have the level of involvement we have in Alabama. I want to use our experiences to help grow YF&R.” The Sanders family joins a slate of farmers ages 18-35 representing every region of the U.S. The committee, whose 16 positions are filled by individuals or couples, is responsible for program planning, including YF&R competitive events and the Harvest for All program, 8

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which tracks YF&R food donations. The youngest of six children whose parents are Alabama Farmers Federation leaders, Jonathan’s childhood was peppered with county and state Federation meetings. The Sanders’s daughter, 2-year-old Ivey, is already a meeting regular. The couple is expecting another daughter, Elliott, due in late March. Jonathan grew his Federation experience with the Auburn University Young Farmers. After graduating with a degree in horticulture, he joined the Coffee County Young Farmers, eventually becoming chairman. Two terms on the State Young Farmers Committee followed, including a year as chair and an ex-officio seat on the state board. As a board member, he attended the AFBF Convention in Austin, Texas, where he was a voting delegate representing Alabama’s 340,000 member-families. “My experiences taught me to listen to others; recognize strong leadership, gifts and talents in fellow farmers; and make decisions with others — not just for others,” Jonathan said. Sara, a special education teacher at Ariton Elementary School, serves on the county Young Farmers Committee.

The couple routinely recap their days with each other, a move helping Sara “experience” successes and challenges in Young Farmers programs. The Sanders family said they strive to encourage Farm Bureau’s next generation of members, reach beginning farmers and amplify the organization’s voice. “We all farm but bring different experiences to the table,” Jonathan said. “If we build strong relationships, we can help tackle issues our fellow farmers face.” Federation President Jimmy Parnell, who nominated Jonathan and Sara, said the couple follows exceptional Alabama farmers who served nationally. Other representatives, who all served as committee chairmen, were Jim Brady, Perry County, 1963; Townsend Kyser, Hale County, 2008; Will Gilmer, Lamar County, 2010; and Jon Hegeman, Calhoun County, 2015. Jonathan can run for chairman in 2023. “Jonathan has infused energy into our organization through a commitment to growing the Young Farmers program,” said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer and 1998 State Young Farmers Committee chairman. “He strives to increase an understanding of farming, the agricultural industry and Farm Bureau wherever he goes. Jonathan and Sara will serve AFBF with the same dedication and determination displayed in their leadership with the Alabama Farmers Federation.” Despite his experience attending AFBF and YF&R conferences, Jonathan said he’s still learning how the committee practically helps county and state members. “If my understanding isn’t strong — and I’ve attended conferences and meetings with national members — then I believe members’ understanding at the grassroots level is weak,” he said. “Strengthening communication between state committee leaders and national YF&R leaders is critical. When our state and national missions align, we are a better asset for members.” alfafarmers.org

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Farming Pioneers, Legends Inducted Into Ag Hall Of Honor isionary leaders of the Alabama V Farmers Federation were inducted into the Alabama Agriculture Hall of

Carver

Green

O’Neal

Norton 10

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Duncan

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Rankin

Honor Feb. 17, alongside legends in farming, agricultural research and conservation. Posthumous inductees receiving the Pioneer Award were former Federation and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Edward A. O’Neal III; Federation founder and former Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Luther Duncan; and legendary agronomist and researcher George Washington Carver. The late William Rankin of Faunsdale was honored in the Hall of Honor production category; conservationist Earl Norton was inducted for work in education and government; and livestock auctioneer Don Green was recognized for agribusiness. Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin helped organize the event as first vice president of Auburn University’s (AU) Ag Alumni Club. He said honoring O’Neal, Duncan and Carver was a fitting culmination of the Federation’s centennial in 2021 and kickoff for AU College of Agriculture’s sesquicentennial in 2022. “These gentlemen had a lasting positive impact on Alabama farmers and American agriculture,” Hardin said. “Duncan’s vision of uniting farmers to have a stronger voice in public policy laid the foundation for the Federation, which has become one of the nation’s most influential and effective farm organizations. O’Neal was a powerful voice in Washington and architect of federal farm programs. Carver’s research is still paying dividends for farmers and agriculture around the world.” O’Neal’s great-grandson and namesake accepted the Pioneer Award for his family. He said it’s hard to overstate the significance of his ancestor’s leadership at AFBF from alfafarmers.org

1931-1947 or his friendship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “There was a clear shift happening at the time to policymaking focused on urban areas of the country. He recognized the only way farmers were going to have a seat at the table was if they all united, coast to coast. Farmers needed to stand together and vote together to have their voices heard,” said Edward O’Neal VI, who described his great-grandfather as, “the most powerful lobbyist to walk the halls of Congress on behalf of American farmers, ever.” Before serving at AFBF, O’Neal was the state organization’s second president. The organization began in 1921 when Duncan invited farmers from across the state to a meeting on the campus of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), now AU. Duncan’s grandson, Bob, said the patriarch, who grew up on a Limestone County farm, dedicated his life to serving farmers. “He wanted to study agriculture, and that’s what he wanted to make his life about — the promotion of agriculture,” said the younger Duncan.

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That passion vaulted Duncan to the presidency of API, which his grandson is convinced would have been swallowed up by the University of Alabama had it not been for the Federation and Duncan’s political acumen. Like O’Neal and Duncan, Carver left an enduring legacy on American agriculture. His work at Tuskegee University spanned four decades, beginning in 1896. Carver is best known for revolutionizing Southern agriculture by creating new markets for crops such as peanuts and sweet potatoes. This led to diversification and improved soil health. A century later, Rankin, Norton and Green are among agricultural leaders who have picked up the banner to strengthen farms, rural communities and the environment. They were selected for induction into the Hall of Honor last fall. Rankin headed the row-crop operation for his family’s Cedarcrest Farms, which earned national recognition for Jersey dairy cattle. Rankin also won honors for conservation and land improvement, including advancements in drainage, waste

management and related systems. He died in December. Norton led a successful career of 35 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, including nearly 20 years as state conservationist. Since his retirement in 1995, Norton has continued protecting soil and water resources and authored the definitive handbook on erosion control and stormwater management for construction sites. Green, a world-renowned auctioneer, was a partner in the Roanoke Stockyards, where he worked to provide a thriving, profitable marketplace for cattle farmers, as well as equine enthusiasts. Green was recognized as “Official Auctioneer” of the National Cutting Horse Association, which also presented him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 1985, the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor has recognized 115 individuals for their service to the state’s farmers and landowners. An additional 55 have posthumously received the Pioneer Award.

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Where The Green Grass Grows Rotational grazing on ryegrass pastures helps Steve Tanner’s stocker cattle pack on pounds while staying healthy. Tanner and his wife, Rosa, raise cattle and row crops in Butler County.

By Marlee Moore tocker calves beeline for lush, S protein-packed ryegrass as Steve Tanner opens the gate dividing a

pasture in Greenville. “They’ve eaten that down pretty good,” said Tanner’s wife, Rosa, noting the calves’ previous paddock. The Tanners build their herd nutrition program from the ground up. It starts with drilling ryegrass in fall, allowing time for it to green up before stockers arrive in January. The 300-pound calves pack on an extra 200 pounds by feasting on ryegrass with its 20+% protein content. “We wanted straight ryegrass because it has more protein for the smaller calves,” said Tanner, who grazes around 2,500 head of stocker cattle annually on 1,100 acres. The Tanners use rotational grazing. Alternating pastures requires a higher level of management, labor and infrastructure investment but yields higher-quality forage — and, ideally, higher profits. While ryegrass is their main source of nutrition, free-choice hay and a complete mineral package rounds out the feed program and counteracts deficiencies. After piling on the pounds, cattle head north to Wisconsin each May

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for summer grazing before being shipped to feedyards out West. The mineral block is a critical component of Tanner’s program. He began using it last year at the recommendation of a local nutritionist after calves suffered thiamine deficiencies. “Using this block solved our problem,” said Tanner, 64, the Butler County Farmers Federation vice president. “It helps with their overall health, too.” Tanner admits the package is more expensive than straight mineral, but it helps add weight and clears up health issues, like runny eyes. He credits the block for a tenth to a fifth of a pound of daily gain per calf. “The calves come out looking shinier, slicker and healthier than others,” he said. “I’ve been sold on it.” The Tanners’ approach is specific to their farm, climate, soil and goals. But their program mirrors Kim Mullenix’s advice for Alabama cattle farmers. “Nutrition doesn’t come from a bag,” said Mullenix, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Beef Systems agent. “We have to build on the concept of improving the efficiency of our land resources. Then you supplement to

overcome inefficiencies.” The Tanners take recommendations from pros like Mullenix seriously. Take their tetraploid Nelson ryegrass, a variety touted in industry magazines. It consistently outperforms other grazing forage on the Tanners’ farm. “You don’t want the grass to run out early,” Rosa said. “You learn the varieties that work.” The cattle rotate pastures every 7-10 days, giving grass time to green and spread between grazing. The grass is a natural dewormer, too. The Tanners also raise bahiagrass hay, in addition to a ryegrass cutting. “We get a lot of use out of each pasture,” Tanner said. “I could graze this ryegrass two to three more weeks, but by pulling the calves off early, it has time to shoot up high.” Mullenix recommends prioritizing forage management year-round by testing soil samples and researching high-quality seed varieties before managing a tight ship when planting and grazing. “Cattle turn forages into high-quality protein,” she said. “We want to optimize managing all resources for nutrition programs.” For more beef systems resources, visit aces.edu. alfafarmers.org

Unveiling the Alfa Farmers historical marker at Auburn University (AU) were, from left, Bob Dumas, president pro tem of the AU board of trustees; Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Mike Phillips; AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson; AU President Jay Gogue; Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell; and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

Historical Marker At Auburn Honors Alfa Farmers

uburn University (AU) and the A Alabama Cooperative Extension System celebrated the Alabama

Farmers Federation’s recent centennial by unveiling a historical marker Feb. 17. The marker was erected at the Alfa Pavilion at Auburn’s Ag Heritage Park. Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell said the marker also honors the men and women who, a century ago, came together to provide a unified voice for rural Alabama in public policy. “These farmers partnered with Extension and the College of Agriculture to create one of America’s most influential farm organizations,” Parnell said. “We are proud to continue that partnership today as Federation members provide grassroots input and support for agricultural education, research, outreach and advocacy.”

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The historical marker also recognizes the late Luther Duncan, an early director of Alabama Extension and later Auburn president. He was instrumental in founding Alabama Farm Bureau, now the Federation, in 1921. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Mike Phillips lauded the marker and its challenge to current generations. “A century ago, our nation had just emerged from a world war, the Great Depression was looming, and life on the farm was rewarding but hard,” Phillips said. “Our forefathers understood that if their children were to have a bright future, they needed to avail themselves of opportunities to learn and insist that their vision and hard work would make the world a better place. This historical marker is a testament to their commitment to future generations and

a challenge to us all to follow in their footsteps.” Officials at the unveiling stressed the importance of Auburn’s land-grant mission to serve Alabamians. “Auburn’s College of Agriculture and the Alabama Farmers Federation have very similar missions in serving the farmers and agricultural communities of our state, so we have been close partners over the past century,” said Paul Patterson, dean of AU’s College of Agriculture. “Throughout its history, Alfa has been vital to this state through its support, outreach and advocacy for farms, farming families and rural communities. We are proud to celebrate this historic occasion with them.” View the marker in person at 620-A S. Donahue Drive, Auburn University, AL 36849. alfafarmers.org

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Farmers Compete For Top Title wo Alabama farmers who defied T the odds by building successful businesses from scratch earned the

opportunity to compete for more than $15,000 in prizes and the title of Alabama Farm of Distinction. Walters Farming Co. of Gallion and Byrd Family Farms of Danville are vying for a chance to represent their home state in the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest and join 36 other Alabama farms that have won Alabama agriculture’s

Walters Farming Co.

hen Stanley Walters graduated from college, his father gave W him 38 acres of forestland. Forty-four

years later, the Perry County farmer has leveraged that small financial base into a 7,000-acre row crop and timber operation spanning four counties. “I had a love for the farm from my grandfather and my uncles,” said Walters, whose father was a merchant. “That’s all I ever wanted to do. So when I got out of Mississippi State, I started farming on a very small scale. I bought a 155-acre pasture and ran Angus cattle. We had 62 acres of rented land where I grew cotton.” By the time Walters’ son, Clay, returned from college in 2002, the farm included 3,000 acres of row crops. The partners have since doubled their acreage, split evenly between corn and soybeans. Almost 2,300 acres are irrigated. They maximize production through conservation tillage, soil testing and precision agriculture. “It’s all about efficiency and what you can get done,” Walters said. “Technology is the future. Without

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most distinguished honor. The winner will be named during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Program and Luncheon April 7 in Birmingham. “The Farm of Distinction contest recognizes farm families who excel in management, innovation, stewardship and community engagement,” said Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. “The list of winners since 1986 reads like a who’s who of Alabama agriculture. Stanley Walters and Mark and Sandy Byrd are cut from the same cloth. They inspire us with their faith, ingenuity, resilience and servant

leadership. It’s a blessing to showcase their outstanding farms.” The Farm of Distinction winner will receive a John Deere Gator from SunSouth and TriGreen dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC); a farm sign from Alfa Insurance; and $2,500 from Swisher. They’ll also be honored at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 18-20 in Moultrie, Georgia. The runner-up will receive a Traeger grill and supplies valued at $1,000 from First South Farm Credit (FSFC) and a $500 gift certificate from AFC. Farms were judged on productivity, stewardship and management when judges visited Feb. 24. Judges were Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Mike Phillips, Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson and FSFC Vice President of Credit Clay Borden.

technology, the bigger equipment would be half defeated.” Besides investing in his farm, Walters gives back by helping direct producerfunded checkoff dollars to research, education and promotion as chair of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee. Stanley Walters “I really think I get way adapting to modern-day practices. more than I give,” Walters said. “The Farmers are not quitters; they are interaction with these other farm always looking for better ways to adjust leaders gives you the best insight. You and adapt when things get tough. very seldom have a unique problem; Stanley is a great example of the everybody’s going through the same perseverance I see in our members.” things.” For Walters, toughness comes from Federation Area 6 Organization a sense of stewardship. Director Mac Higginbotham praised “This land has been here a long Walters’ ingenuity and resilience. time before us, and it’ll be here a long “All producers are facing some time afterwards,” he said. “I’ve got challenging issues right now,” Higginbotham said. “Stanley represents grandchildren who I hope will farm. But more than that, it’s our duty to be good the efforts producers are taking stewards, and that’s what drives me. to overcome these challenges by This is not ours. We’re just caretakers.” incorporating new technologies and alfafarmers.org

Byrd Family Farms

s a high school basketball star, A Mark Byrd’s parents and teachers advised him against a farming career.

But the self-described headstrong teenager didn’t listen and today runs a diversified farm with wife Sandy and sons Perry and Rodney. “I guess it was just in my head as well as in my heart,” said the Morgan County farmer. “If I’d really known what I was getting into, I might have cowered down a little bit, but I’m glad I didn’t.” Byrd began pursuing his dream as a 14 year old, when he borrowed money to buy a tractor and hay baler. At 18, he rented 15 acres and planted soybeans. A decade later, he and Sandy cashed in his retirement from Walmart for a down payment on a poultry farm. “The four houses were only 3 years old, so we pretty much bought a new operation,” Byrd said. “We had 102 acres that came with the farm. We’ve grown that to include seven poultry houses, and we’ve totally upgraded the older houses.” The Byrds also grow corn, wheat

alfafarmers.org

and soybeans while continuing to bale hay for neighbors. “We went from about 40 acres the first year to nearly 2,000 acres now,” Byrd said. “We’ve got a grain handling system and can store right at 100,000 bushels. We’re able to work with less equipment because our trucks are not being tied up Mark and Sandy Byrd waiting in line to unload.” on farm quality, industry advocacy The Byrds are increasing their grain and community involvement. It speaks drying and storage capacity by 75%. They also have a 25-cow Charolais beef highly of Mark and Sandy to be chosen from such an outstanding group.” herd. Future plans include a retail store Byrd, known throughout the where they can sell corn, wheat straw Southeast as the thunderous bass and other Alabama-grown products. singer of Living Faith gospel quartet, Alabama Farmers Federation Area credits God for seeing him through 1 Organization Director Barrett Gilbert tough times. said the Byrds were selected for the “I don’t know how anybody could Farm of Distinction contest by their farm without having God on their side,” peers. he said. “When we make decisions, I “A committee selected Mark and really seek the Lord’s guidance, and Sandy from about 16 nominations,” he’s never let me down.” Gilbert said. “Nominations were based

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Alabama Farmers Take Concerns To Capitol Hill

U.S. Rep. Stanford Bishop, D-Georgia, attended the Federation’s Congressional Barbecue at American Legion Hall, where he visited with Mobile County Farmers Federation President Art Sessions.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, spoke to Alabama farmers during a breakfast meeting March 2. He thanked them for taking time off their farms and encouraged them to take advantage of meetings with key decision-makers. Boozman is ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee.

By Marlee Moore scalating conflict overseas, E government overreach, ballooning inflation and ever-increasing input costs were top of mind when 80 Alabama farmers went to Washington, D.C., March 1-4. The Alabama Farmers Federation members began Capitol Hill visits the day after the city lifted COVID-19 mask mandates. High points included meetings with House and Senate ag committee staff, critically important as 2023 farm bill talks ramp up. “We need to touch base with our alfafarmers.org

congressmen and especially with the ag committees on issues that are important to us,” said Covington County farmer Ricky Wiggins. “We need to try to keep them on track with what our issues are. We need to find out where they are, and they need to know where we are.” In a series of visits with congressmen, staffers and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, farmers reiterated the importance of voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs — not government mandates. Those conversations will hopefully pay dividends as leaders such as Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, draft

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, welcomed farmers, including Federation District 1 Director Dorman Grace of Walker County, to Washington during a kickoff dinner March 1.

legislation affecting rural America. “My message to agriculture right now is you need to stand together,” Boozman, who chairs the Senate Ag Committee, said during breakfast with Alabama’s farm delegation. “I can’t tell you what the farm bill is going to look like, but I can tell you it’s going to be based on the input of folks like you.” Boozman underscored the importance of rural broadband, maintaining and creating markets and supporting farms of all sizes. April 2022

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Federation President Jimmy Parnell visited with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Alabama, during the Congressional Barbecue. Farmers met with U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, to discuss the farm bill. He’s the ranking member of the House Ag Committee. From left are Suzie Rhodes, Autauga County; James Martin III, Coffee County; Thompson; Phillip Hunter, Talladega County; Dorman Grace, Walker County; and Mark Byrd, Morgan County.

“We’re committed to using common sense…we’re not for setting aside productive farmland,” Boozman said. “The last thing we need is to get dependent on foreign sources for our food supply.” U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, welcomed farmerconstituents to the capital during the opening dinner, held the night of President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address. During an interview with “Simply Southern TV” that evening, Tuberville thanked farmers for taking time to visit Washington. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to help our citizens through these tough times that we’re having now and those we’re going to have in the future,” said Tuberville, who serves on the Senate Ag Committee. “There are going to be some bumpy roads ahead because of the pandemic, inflation, high prices — everything that’s going on.” During the fly-in, a group of farmers met with U.S. Rep. G. T. Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, the House Ag Committee ranking member and a fierce proponent for rural America. Farmers also heard from five members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation during breakfast meetings: Reps. Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Gary Palmer and Robert Aderholt. Staffers from their offices met in smaller groups with farmers to discuss pressing issues such as the farm bill, ag 20

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labor, cattle markets, disaster programs and more. It was Macon County farmer Shep Morris Jr.’s first legislative conference. He’s a retired Army pilot who’s stepping up involvement in farm organizations, including the Federation, to benefit his family’s row crop operation. “Our representatives have been easy to make contact with and communicate our points to,” Morris said. “Right now, I’m really concerned about supply chain security. So many of our inputs come from overseas. If we have a major world disruption, we could be out of luck.” Farmers crisscrossed Capitol Hill

and the surrounding area to meet with other ag associations to help align goals for Southern agriculture. Meetings included the American Forest Foundation, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American Farm Bureau Federation. The group also visited the British Embassy and heard from USDA officials, including Alabama native Keith Gray, the Risk Management Agency associate administrator. A perennial conference highlight, the Congressional Barbecue, packed out American Legion Hall March 3. The time of fellowship and one-on-one conversation with members of Congress and their staffers featured Bishop’s Barbecue from Colbert County.

A group visited the American Farm Bureau Federation office March 2, where they learned about advocacy and their role in promoting agriculture. alfafarmers.org

Simply Southern Spotlight Treating Childhood Peanut Allergies

aleb and Freda Bristow have two sons — Cason, 6, and Sam, C 2. As co-owner of a peanut buying point and former Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) executive director, Caleb has always made a living

through peanuts. When Sam was diagnosed with a peanut allergy before his first birthday, the Bristows were floored but knew where to turn for help and hope — Dr. Joe LaRussa at Children’s of 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: SimplySouthernTV.net

What made you finally contact Dr. LaRussa about treatment for Sam? FB: When Sam was 6 months old, our original allergist gave us an EpiPen and said, “Learn to live with it.” At Sam’s 1-year follow-up, I asked about desensitization treatment, but that wasn’t something our doctor did. It was a long drive to Dr. LaRussa’s, but we needed to do it. Describe that moment when you first heard your son had a peanut allergy. Freda Bristow: I don’t want to say it was tragic, but it was bad because we’re ingrained in peanuts. There was a lot of fear and anxiety about what could happen. Caleb Bristow: I’m not around peanuts every day throughout the year, but I am during planting and harvest. Plus, I visit other peanut buying points, and there’s always peanut dust. When you have a kid who’s allergic, minute amounts can trigger a reaction. How did you know about allergist Dr. Joe LaRussa at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham? CB: I met Dr. LaRussa before Sam was born. He worked with APPA to promote his work on food allergy desensitization treatments. Even then, I knew his work was extremely important. He works with multiple food allergies, but with the negativity around peanut allergies, APPA wanted to help spread his message. Simply Southern’s segment about this story airs on broadcast stations April 30 and May 1 and on RFD-TV Wednesday, May 4, at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit www.simplysoutherntv.net.

Simply Southern TV is sponsored by alfafarmers.org

What are the most important things for parents to know about allergy desensitization treatment? Dr. Joe LaRussa: This treatment absolutely has to be done by a doctor in a pediatric allergy office, because that’s an incredibly controlled environment set up to treat anaphylaxis. We love to have families give us a call to find out more. What’s life like now that Sam has finished this treatment? FB: By Sam’s second birthday, we had worked up to him eating 2 teaspoons of peanut butter. Now, we can even give him candy bars with peanuts in them. If we had not had that connection with Dr. LaRussa, I wouldn’t have known this treatment was an option. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted. CB: For our 2021 Christmas cards, we took photos out in a cotton field, and we had a peanut field just across the road. We walked over, I picked up a peanut and ate it. Then Sam asked, “Can I have one?” And I said, “Sure, why not?” That may sound small. But I’m passionate about what my family does. To be able to share that moment with my kid meant so much. Catfish Checkoff

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Soybean Checkoff

April 2022

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MOO...VERS & SHAKERS

Our farmers help feed cattle, catfish, poultry and horses, too.

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On-Farm Research Yields Results At Henderson Farms By Marlee Moore

research pushes plants to the limit at Henderson Farms. O“Wen-farm take a lot of chances,” said

Chad Henderson, who grows wheat, corn and soybeans with his father, Mike Henderson, and cousin, Stuart Sanderson. Their trial-and-error, extreme approach maximizes production by pushing plants as far as possible with inputs such as fertilizer and seed treatments, then dialing back to settle on a sustainable sweet spot they can replicate across the farm. Personal research on their Tennessee Valley farmland has helped raise average yields by over 100 bushels in the last 20 years on both irrigated and non-irrigated land. Those eye-popping yields (their highest was 356 bushels of corn an acre on irrigated land in 2020) have scored prizes from organizations including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). But plaques and recognition don’t fuel their work. “Awards come from research,” said Chad, 48. “They just help pave the way for our research and development. Then, we breed that into normal farming practices. Everyone thinks you need more fertilizer, more seed to raise yields. When you understand stress mitigation, then you open a lot of avenues.” Take corn. A bag of corn seed covers 2.22 acres of planted land. By creating a real-time, on-farm utopia — combining seed treatments, herbicide applications and fertilizer — Henderson Farms is maximizing every seed’s potential by managing yield loss. “All the genetics, all your good stuff is in that seed,” said Stuart, 50. “We’re not trying to capture yield. When the seed is planted, we are mitigating loss.” On-farm research at their fields in Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties pays dividends as farm practices evolve and costs fluctuate. As Chad’s son, Jackson, joins the farm full time, he’ll manage research data and analyze its real effect. “Nothing is more beneficial to you

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Chad Henderson, Mike Henderson and Stuart Sanderson prioritize on-farm research to help increase yields and maximize profitability on their Tennessee Valley row crop farm.

than what works on your farm,” Chad said. “When times get like this with high prices, I have a folder of information I can check back and figure out how to grow a crop in these conditions.” For example, seed treatments help cut costs, increase planting efficiency and improve yields, when compared to in-furrow applications. Planting efficiency helps the farm save two-thirds on up-front fertilizer costs. That adds up. “We’re making that plant fat and happy where it’s at,” Stuart said. “For every bushel of corn you want to make, experts say you need 1 unit of nitrogen. Some of our largest dryland yields have come from a .7-unit ratio. We’re 30% under industry standards.” Stuart and Chad are working to leave the farm in a good place — in the black — for the next generation, just like their parents did. “They went through some really tough times in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” Chad said. “We could have come in here and operated off what our parents built. But

we’re trying to make it better for the next generation.” Henderson Farms has carefully cultivated relationships over the years. Stuart won the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 2006 Outstanding Young Farm Family contest. Connections made while competing nationally pushed him to be involved in other organizations where he is continually growing his knowledge and advocating for agriculture. Chad values networking and idea-sharing, too. Through Xtreme Ag, he helps guide a community of farmers who share information to overcome adversity on the farm. He’s also part of “Corn Warriors,” a streaming TV show providing behind-the-scenes insights from six row crop farms. All six corn warriors won their respective states’ NCGA high-yield contests in 2021. Chad said it’s a testament to research and time spent caring for their crops. “The best footprints to see in a field are your own,” Chad said. April 2022

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HERE

he backroads between Florida and Alabama are perfect. The scenery is all dirt roads and sleepy homesteads. If you drive these twolane highways with your radio playing old-time music, you will appreciate the music. If you are inclined, play Hank. If you are feeling adventurous, Willie Nelson. Romantic, try Patsy Cline. I don’t know what about this drive moves me. Maybe because I have been burning these roads since my youth. Here, not much has changed since the pavement cooled. The onestory houses are frozen in time. The vegetable stands, vacant until summer use. The tractors, the cotton fields. There is nothing but beauty from here to Huntsville. You see homes with hordes of cars parked in the driveway. Those cars probably belong to adult children who have returned home. It could be that everyone is in town for a wedding. A funeral. A baby shower. Anyway, there is going to be good eating, I guarantee it. Welcome to Florala. We have officially left Florida and crossed into the Yellowhammer State. The two locales look more or less the same. There are wide fields with gracious trees that bow over the roads. Pathways adorned with live oaks, flat pastures peppered with round bales. I pass children, seated on front porches. They are home for spring

break, helping their parents. Washing the siding, mowing the lawn. Right now, they are sipping juice boxes, counting cars on the highway. There is an irony about wanting to leave home when I was younger. On one hand, I wanted to be free. On the other, where would I have gone? I hate cities. I always have. Only once have I visited New York City. I had a panic attack when we crossed into Time Square. Once, I tried living in Tallahassee. I even rented an apartment. I lasted a week. And Atlanta? Forget it. Cities don’t agree with me. At any given moment, you are surrounded by a hundred thousand people in buildings. They are on the street, walking so fast you wonder where the fire is. Sirens everywhere. Loud traffic. Some guy selling fake handbags. I am a turtle in a world of rabbits. The gentle roadway weaves. I am rolling through land unaffected by age. The rest of the universe is growing more populated, and society is getting too complicated. The local news reports on out-of-town murders before they run the story of Girl Scouts raising money at the Walmart. But this highway defies all that. I turn up the volume on my radio. It’s Patsy Cline. I remember too much at once. I don’t know how this young fool grew up, but somehow he did. And he was lucky enough to do it on roads like this. ■

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. 24

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Pecans:

A Staple In Alabama Agriculture By Katie Nichols it: Alabamians are nutty for Face pecans. The official state nut is the unofficial dessert

nut in Alabama and around the South. While Alabama pecans have a reputation for making perfect pecan pies and praline candies, a lot of work goes into growing and maintaining a pecan tree before the nut hits the oven rack. Alabama Extension Regional Horticulture Agent Chip East said pecan trees are a popular crop for commercial producers, as well as homeowners. To keep trees producing at a high level, proper management is important.

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Tree Spacing

When planting new trees, the spacing should be approximately 80 to 100 feet apart. Commercial farmers will plant much closer but can also spray the trees to manage pests. A wider spacing allows more sunlight and more air circulation. East said removing trees from an overcrowded orchard can also increase production. A large weed- and grass-free zone with an approximately 10-foot radius around the trunk is desirable. Mulching trees within the weed-free zone is also beneficial.

Fertilization

“In an established pecan orchard, fertilization is a great way to increase production,” East said. “A soil test is the best way to know how much to fertilize pecan trees. In addition, a commercial pecan grower can have a nutrient analysis run on the leaves to help determine nutrient deficiencies. The local Extension office can help explain that process.” There are general guidelines to follow for fertilizing pecan trees without doing an analysis on the soil or leaves.

East recommends applying: l 1 pound of 13-13-13 per tree per year of age up to 25 pounds per tree l 1 pound of 34-0-0 per tree per year of age up to 20 pounds per tree l 1/10 pound of zinc sulfate per tree per year of age up to 2 pounds per tree “Basically, if your trees are more than 25 years old, you need 25 pounds of 13-13-13, 20 pounds of 34-0-0 and 2 pounds of zinc per tree each year,” East said. “Apply all of the fertilizer in April for large trees. For younger trees, apply the 13-13-13 fertilizer and zinc in April. Apply half the 34-0-0 in April and the remainder in June.”

Pecan Maintenance

Alabama Extension regional agents teach pecan classes in different counties and cover topics such as cultivar selection, plant spacing, proper planting and grafting. For additional information on pecans or to attend a pecan class, contact a county Extension office.

April 2022

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Far left: Stallion Sasser of Crenshaw County and Meador Jones of Marengo County enjoy Murder Point oysters. Left: Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Gov. Kay Ivey greet Franklin County Farmers Federation President Derek Jackson and Marion County Farmers Federation President Kenneth Real. Above left: Jefferson County Farmers Federation President Stevan Parsons visits with Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper. Above right: Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, samples Bishop’s Barbecue.

Elected Officials Enjoy Taste Of Alabama Agriculture

lected officials rubbed shoulders E with farmers Feb. 9 over platefuls of locally grown foods at the Alabama

Farmers Federation’s Taste of Alabama legislative reception in Montgomery. Louisville poultry farmer Trip Horne said the event whets the appetites of lawmakers while connecting them to farm families who raise the state’s food and fiber. “Most of us at the local level have an excellent relationship with our legislators. We talk on a regular basis, but this is the perfect opportunity to mingle with representatives from other parts of the state and share our views and our concerns,” said Horne, who serves on the Federation’s state board and is president of the Barbour County organization. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to let each other know what we can do to help better agriculture in this state.” County Farmers Federation presidents and FarmPAC advisory trustees from across the state visited with over 100 elected officials, including over 80 legislators; Supreme Court justices and appellate judges; members of the Public Service Commission and Alabama State Board of Education; and FarmPAC-endorsed candidates for statewide office. Attendees included Gov. Kay Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, State Treasurer

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April 2022

Young Boozer and Secretary of State John Merrill. State Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, said the annual gathering is about good food and fellowship. “First of all, it’s great food, but primarily it’s a chance to see our good friends who come down here to visit with us,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to get together in an environment where we can have conversations about things back home, take care of a little business and see good friends. “Agriculture feeds Alabama — no question about it,” Livingston added. “We’re proud to have a role in that in Jackson County, DeKalb County and Madison County. It’s important we take care of our folks that feed us because I like to eat.” Products featured at the Taste of Alabama included Bishop’s Barbecue from L.O. Bishop of Colbert County; mini pecan pies from Priester’s Pecans of Lowndes County; grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from Alabama Peanut Producers Association; ice cream from Blue Ribbon Dairy of Elmore County; oysters on the half shell from Murder Point Oysters of Mobile County; beef brisket from Trinity Farms of Lowndes County; Alabama honey; and U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. Other menu items were chicken tenders; sweet potato fries; fried green tomatoes; turnip greens; cornbread muffins; blackberry, cherry and peach cobblers;

lamb kabobs; and shrimp and Gouda cheese grits. State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, praised the role farmers play in sustaining Alabama communities. “I think farmers are the soul of America, particularly in the state of Alabama,” she said. “I like this event because it highlights the importance of what the farming community is to survivorship of any community, any city. I’ve always been a lover of farmers. As they say, I’m not a country girl; I’m a city girl. But from the moment I began working with the farmers in Mobile County, I knew their value to our community.” Drummond said farming techniques have changed, but the purpose and values of farmers have not. “I have some farmers (here tonight) who are from Mobile County. They are not in my district, but they know that I have a love for farming. I have a love for what they do in our county,” she said. “They know that I fight for those issues that are important to them because, if it’s important to them, it’s important to me and my family in those urban communities. “When I come to the ‘Taste,’ it highlights the goodness that lies within the state of Alabama and what we can do when both urban and rural work together — we can build a better Alabama.” alfafarmers.org

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Hancock Joins Federation

odie Hancock joined the Alabama Farmers Federation’s C premier event-planning team March 3. As a Destinations Department meeting planner, she will help coordinate event

logistics for the Federation and Alfa Insurance. Hancock graduated from Auburn University (AU) in agricultural communications in 2015. Before joining the Federation, she was controller for Starr Insurance. Hancock has valuable experience in event planning, a skill Destinations Department Director Shane Hancock Watkins is excited to put to work. “Codie is a welcome addition to our team,” Watkins said. “Her organization, communication skills and creativity will help Destinations continue to coordinate and execute a high standard of events. We’re excited to welcome her to the Alfa family and look forward to seeing her succeed.” Destinations coordinates Federation events such as the annual meeting, Farm & Land Expo, Young Farmers Conference and Women’s Leadership Conference, in addition to a bevy of Alfa Insurance meetings and incentive trips. Hancock lives in Prattville with her husband, Sanders, and their 2-year-old son, Rhett.

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April 2022

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have the chance to grow. That’s a challenge here. The window for cover crops is smaller. We can help with that. We are proposing a research project to see if we can increase yields with cover crops. Hornady

Neighbors Magazine, April 2022

Articles inside

Honoring Alabama Ag Leaders, Pioneers

Peanut Industry Poised For Growth In Atmore

Pasture Management Pays Dividends For Farmers

Young Farmers Fellowship, Glean Ideas In Gulf Shores

Simple Spring Salads