Neighbors Magazine, April 2023

April 2023 | Volume 48 | Number 3

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

Jeff Peek | Athens

John Bert East Leesburg

Steve Lake | Vinemont

Joe Anders Northport

Phillip Hunter | Birmingham

Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka

Tommy Martin | Moundville

Bill Cook Montgomery

Trip Horne | Louisville

Mark Kaiser | Daphne

Thomas Adams Newville

Ann Whatley | Opelika

Jonathan Edgar Wetumpka

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.

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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.

Photo By Mary Wilson

By Marlee Moore

With farm income forecast to fall 16% and costs slated to increase more than 4%, Alabama farmers are tightening their belts for 2023.

“Labor’s an issue everywhere, regardless of what industry you’re in,” said Cherokee County row crop and cattle farmer John Bert East, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation state board. “With expenses fluctuating, people aren’t trying to lock in their supplies. There’s a lot of uncertainty, but a crop will be planted. It always has been.”

Rising interest rates and lower commodity prices forecast a perfect storm for farmers, said the Federation’s Chris Prevatt.

“The Federal Reserve is hiking its rates, and farmers could be looking at higher percentages on their loans,” said Prevatt, a commodity director for the Federation. “That could erase all the profit that existed in the first place.”

Those and other economic factors contributed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Sector Income Forecast, which predicts total national farm income will decrease by $25.8 billion. Expenses are projected to increase by $18.2 billion. That’s after a record increase of $70 billion in

production costs last year.

Adding to the challenges, farm sector debt is projected to increase to a record $535 billion.

The confluence of issues is compounded by global conflicts, said Prevatt, who works with the Federation’s beef, hay & forage, sheep & goat, and equine divisions.

“We need a big crop of wheat and corn to bring down feed prices,” he said. “Ukraine is normally a major player, but they are only exporting corn. On top of that, those exports are just 50% of their normal levels.”

Prevatt said fuel prices will likely remain volatile. Meanwhile, fertilizer cost has trended downward.

“We’re down about 35% from spring 2022 highs on many fertilizer products,” Prevatt said. “But we still have to remember that China produces twice as much nitrogen as the U.S. Things could change very quickly with our domestic resources.”

The pressure pushes cost-conscious farmers to seek high yields with fewer inputs, Prevatt said.

Some farmers have retired after decades facing tough financial decisions.

Take Phil Vandiver, who retired from row cropping two years ago to focus on work as county commissioner in

increasingly urban Madison County.

“This is really the second housing boom I’ve seen in my lifetime,” said Vandiver, 60. “There’s no doubt it’s putting a strain on agriculture here.”

Seed prices, treatment costs and land prices have magnified the strain.

Down the road from Vandiver, Rodney Moon said local agricultural cash rents are $150-200 an acre (considerably higher than the state’s more rural areas). Meanwhile, an acre of Madison County land destined for development sells for $30,000-plus.

“Land is a scarce commodity here and always has been,” said Moon, 71, who retired in 2023 following his 50th crop. “Between seed, fertilizer, cash rent and working the crop, it just adds up rapidly. The only hope is a decent price and a high yield.”

While noting struggles, Vandiver said his faith in agriculture holds.

“In all my years of farming, there have always been challenges,” Vandiver said. “I think the farmers out there are smart enough and driven enough that they can overcome those challenges, but they need help from ag lenders, the Farmers Federation and input providers. I still think the future of agriculture is strong.”

East Vandiver Moon

Alabama Farmers Leave Lasting Impact On Capitol Hill

By Maggie Edwards

Agricultural advocacy took center stage on Capitol Hill during the Washington Legislative Conference (WLC) March 7-10, as passion and patriotism sent 140 Alabama Farmers Federation members to Washington, D.C.

It was Chambers County farmer Jason McKay’s first WLC. He’s a partner in RL&M Cattle and RL&M Ag Services in Cusseta.

“It was a great experience to meet congressional leaders and share the items of interest that are important to

farmers across the state,” said McKay, who serves as Chambers County Farmers Federation president. “It was eye-opening to see the full operation of Washington, D.C.”

McKay was joined by his daughter, Claire, a 15-year-old student at Lee Scott Academy.

“I was proud for Claire to be there and meet with congressional staff at her age,” McKay said. “She came back with a new perspective of Alfa and saw firsthand how important the Federation is in D.C.”

Alabama farmers welcomed U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., during

the opening dinner March 7, where conversation centered on the farm bill.

“A farm bill is about creating a safety net so we can raise the food and fiber we need and meet our own needs,” said Lucas, the longest-serving member of the House Agriculture Committee. “There will be another farm bill because agriculture is fundamentally one of the most important things we do in this country.”

U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, both of Alabama, met with members addressing concerns and questions. Britt and Tuberville said they were eager to be with fellow Alabamians and received standing ovations from Federation members.

Britt began her remarks with an emotional “thank you” to Alabama farmers.

“I would not be standing up here as your U.S. Senator without each and every one of you,” Britt said. “Your willingness to give me a chance and listen made all of the difference.”

Tuberville reiterated his appreciation for Federation members and their work. He spoke about the 2023 Farm Bill and underscored its importance to farm profitability and potential to save family farms.

Alabama Farmers Federation members brought concerns to the nation’s capital March 7-10 during the Washington Legislative Conference. While there, one group of cattle farmers visited the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., spoke to Alabama farmers about the 2023 Farm Bill. Lucas helped write the 2002, 2008, 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville spent time visiting with Federation members March 8. He is pictured with Pickens County farmer Diane McCool.

“At the start of my journey in the U.S. Senate, I told Federation President Jimmy Parnell we need a representative on the ag committee,” said Tuberville, who now serves on the Senate’s agricultural governing body. “We are going to fight, and we are going to fight to win because we must have farmers.”

Attendees also received farm bill briefings from American Farm Bureau Federation and National Republican Senatorial Committee staff. As farmers

crisscrossed the capital, they met with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and U.S. Grain Council to talk about inputs and inflation.

During one small group meeting, McKay met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss.

“She is one that is for the farmers and behind the farm bill,” McKay said. “As a rancher, I am appreciative that our

opinions and concerns of Waters of the United States and the 2023 Farm Bill were heard.”

Federation members also met with six Republican members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation during breakfast meetings — U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong and Gary Palmer. West Alabama farmers met with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., during small group sessions.

A perennial conference favorite, the Congressional Barbecue packed out American Legion Hall March 8. This time of fellowship and one-onone conversation with members of Congress and their staffers featured Bishop’s Barbecue from Colbert County and Priester’s Pecans in Lowndes County. U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, joined to hear the voices of Alabama farmers, including McKay.

“To know that we are being heard in Washington is important,” McKay said. “The results of that will allow us to continue to do what we love.”

Federation state board member Joe Anders of Tuscaloosa County visited with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt during Washington Legislative Conference.

From left are Jason McKay, Chambers County; Mickey Childers, Morgan County; Federation President Jimmy Parnell; and Anthony Faggard, Mobile County.

Shepherding The Next Generation: Faith, Farm Roots Fuel Faulkner President

God. Both jobs are a faith-building experience.”

The fourth of Davis and Margery Henry’s five children, Henry was raised on a dairy in south Montgomery County. When he and wife Cindy were dating, they dreamed of raising their children to experience farming’s fulfilling, yet challenging, moments. Cindy was raised on a cattle farm, too, in Lawrence County, and both families were active in the Alabama Farmers Federation.

After Henry graduated from law school, buying cattle was a priority. Tending the herd, preparing for livestock shows and improving herd genetics was a family affair with their children, Mitchell, Lauren and Ashby. Over time, they built a registered Black Angus herd and had commercial cattle.

“I practiced law to support our farming habit,” Henry said with a smile.

cultivating success in Faulkner’s nearly 3,000 students, encouraging them to grow academically and spiritually.

He was officially inaugurated in January 2023. Henry’s son introduced him during the ceremony in Montgomery, citing his father’s servant-leadership.

“There is nothing that he asks you to do that he would not first do himself,” Mitchell said. “He is a humble servant who strives to look after the needs of others before himself. He is the best father figure a child could ever have, and I’m confident he will continue to be an excellent college president.”

Henry said his love for farming has helped him connect with students who come from similar backgrounds, and he uses the opportunity to share with those who didn’t.

By Madelyn Furlong

As Faulkner University’s president, Mitch Henry leans on his upbringing and experiences as a farmer to help him shepherd the next generation of leaders.

“There are many commonalities between farming and being a college president, particularly with Christian education,” Henry said. “Farming requires you to trust in God and rely on your faith. There are a lot of factors we can’t control, and it’s the same with being president. The farmers who enjoy their work are those who realize every good and perfect gift comes from

In 2021, Henry and Cindy planned to retire and pursue ministry full time starting in 2022. Henry stepped back from practicing law and teaching at Auburn University and Faulkner, a Christian university based in Montgomery. They sold most of their herd but kept a handful of registered Black Angus bulls, cared for by Henry’s brother, Garry. They are also invested in stocker cattle at Mitchell’s farm in Lawrence County.

After a prayer-filled season, the Henrys were guided back to Faulkner — full time. In June 2022, Henry stepped into ministry as Faulkner’s ninth president and dedicated himself to

“We never stop learning, and we never stop teaching,” Henry said.

Henry often melds his passion for farming and faith-based education — whether bringing a steer-roping dummy to a campus game night, using agricultural analogies in cabinet meetings and at speaking engagements, or welcoming students and faculty to their farm, Prairie Oak, in Hope Hull.

“For both of us growing up, there was always food and fellowship on the farm,” Cindy said. “There was so much joy in it, and we wanted to follow our parents’ examples. We wanted to share with our friends and family, and now we get to do that with Faulkner.”

Mitch and Cindy Henry were raised on farms in Montgomery and Lawrence counties, respectively; raised three children on their farm in Hope Hull; and shepherd a new generation of leaders at Faulkner University.

By Marlee Moore

After months of elevated egg prices, poultry experts predict consumers will soon shell out fewer dollars per dozen of the popular protein.

Demand will likely decrease following the egg-heavy Easter holiday, said Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division Director Colton Christjohn. Meanwhile, flocks are rebounding from an avian influenza outbreak that heavily impacted table egg hens last fall.

“We’re coming off months of holidays where families buy more eggs for baking, breakfast and, now, dyeing,” Christjohn said. “Prices should come down after Easter, but we likely won’t see them back down to where they were.”

Supply And Demand

The average price of a dozen large, Grade A eggs soared from $1.93 in January 2022 to $4.82 in January 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Throughout 2022, the rise was gradual, due to global conflicts affecting input costs, plus strict West Coast farming regulations that impact the country, Christjohn said. An extra-eggcentric winter holiday season pressured production, too.

Simultaneously, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a virus that is highly contagious in birds, began spreading. HPAI was detected in U.S. wild birds in January 2022, the first finding since 2016. The next month, HPAI was discovered at a turkey farm in Indiana, the first detection in a U.S. commercial flock since 2020.

Flocks in 47 states, including Alabama, have now discovered HPAI, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Alabama findings were isolated through 2022, including a wild duck in Limestone County; vultures in Montgomery County; and a non-commercial, backyard flock in Lawrence County.

To limit HPAI’s spread, farmers amped up biosecurity measures, and flocks on affected farms were depopulated (58.5 million birds as of March 1). Seventy percent of culled birds were laying hens.

“When you lose that many birds, it drives up egg prices,” Christjohn said.

Production Predicament

Poultry has a $15 billion economic impact annually in Alabama, which has more than 2,500 chicken farmers. Most produce broilers, or meat chickens.

Cullman County farmer Lee Haynes is one of a handful of table egg growers in the state and said production across the U.S. should reach normal levels soon — pending no HPAI outbreaks, which have historically hit larger concentrations of table egg and turkey farms.

“In the last few months, egg farms have had better luck, but it takes a while to restock those chickens,” said Haynes, the local Farmers Federation president. “Everyone has planned their restocking rates, but it’s hard when you lose that many at a time.”

Backyard Birds

High in-store egg prices spiked consumer demand for chicks and backyard bird flocks.

“Backyard flocks have taken off the last few years, but this year, it’s really crazy,” Christjohn said. “One store in Dothan gets about 2,000 chicks a week, and they sell out fast. It’s a race to get

into the business.”

But raising backyard chickens doesn’t always ease pocketbook pressure, Christjohn said.

“With current feed prices the way they are, you have to eat more than three eggs per day per household to make it worth having a backyard flock,” he said. “It costs me about 16 cents per day per hen to raise my own backyard birds. That doesn’t take into consideration building the coop and other infrastructure and equipment you need to successfully raise chicks and chickens.”

Lower Egg Prices Likely Following Easter

Biosecurity

Protecting flock health for commercial and backyard flocks is paramount, Christjohn said, noting the importance of biosecurity.

It’s particularly critical on commercial farms, Haynes said. While HPAI leads to increased biosecurity efforts, restricting contact with flocks is standard for poultry farms.

“We limit farm visitors and have a sanitization process poultry house

employees go through before entering houses,” Haynes said. “And those workers stay separate from processing employees.”

Haynes said HPAI seems to spike during wild birds’ peak migration seasons of spring and fall. The uncertainty is concerning, but supply is still trending upward.

“HPAI is still out there, and that’s the question — Where does it go from here?” he said. “If we don’t have any more issues, things should start to improve after Easter.”

Table egg farmer Lee Haynes and other poultry professionals predict egg prices will decline following Easter.

Industry Leaders Inducted Into Hall Of Honor

T hree cattle and poultry trailblazers were inducted into the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Feb. 3, while two influential leaders posthumously received Pioneer Awards.

Longtime Alabama Farmers Federation visionary and cattleman Billy Maples was honored for work in production agriculture, while poultry leaders Ray Hilburn and Davis Lee received the Hall of Honor’s education/government and agribusiness awards, respectively.

The annual awards program, hosted by the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club, honors leaders for industry-changing work, said club President Brian Hardin.

“Our honorees made a real, tangible impact on agriculture in Alabama,” said Hardin, also the Federation’s External Affairs Department director. “These are humble, honest, hard-working men. Visiting with them and hearing their incredible stories of leadership and good, old-fashioned hard work is one of the highlights of my year. It’s an honor to know them and their families.”

Maples is a nationally renowned registered Angus cattle farmer whose family owns Maples Stock Farm in Limestone County. He is a longtime

leader in the Federation and served as State Young Farmers Committee chair before joining the state board. Maples is also a past president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and cattle grader for the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association.

Hilburn’s childhood at Hilburn and Sons Farms in Crenshaw County paved the way for a career centered around poultry. Hilburn worked at ConAgra Foods and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, where he served as poultry programs director for 30 years. He’s been Alabama Poultry and Egg Association (AP&EA) associate director since 2010.

Fellow inductee Lee’s career spans a variety of leadership positions for some of the world’s largest poultry

companies. In 2000, the North Carolina native started poultry processing company AlaTrade Foods, now one of Alabama’s largest employee stock ownership plans.

Lee is a former APEA president and founded the Liberty Learning Foundation in 2008 to facilitate active citizenship and civil work programs for schoolchildren across the state.

Additionally, families of the late John Alex Floyd Jr. and U.S. Rep. Bill Nichols accepted Pioneer Awards during the program.

Floyd’s storied career with Birmingham-based Southern Progress Corp. began as senior horticulturist. He ultimately served as vice president and editor-in-chief of Southern Living magazine. Over 18 years, the Dallas County native advanced the magazine’s reputation as the authority on regional food, culture, home and garden design, and travel.

Mississippi native Nichols served as an Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent before leading a long political career with the Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1967 until his death in 1988.

Nichols Floyd

Maples Lee Hilburn

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Communities are built by those who work TOGETHER.

“I Love Strawberries” Shows Students The Sweet Side Of Agriculture

people about where our food comes from and let them know it doesn’t come from a grocery store,” Slade said. “Someone has to grow that food.”

Slade’s delivery to one local school coincided with story time — a lucky happenstance, she said.

“I got to talk to the students about the book and where our food comes from,” she said. “It’s a well-written book, and the pink cover pops. We think the children will enjoy hearing it during story time.”

By Marlee Moore

Library collections across Alabama grew by one sweet, farm friendly illustrated book this winter as local Women’s Leadership Committees (WLC) delivered copies of “I Love Strawberries” by Shannon Anderson.

Alabama Ag In The Classroom (AITC) and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation provided the brightly colored books and corresponding educator guides for public and elementary school libraries in each county. Similar book donations have occurred throughout the last decade.

“The specific act of delivering the book shows that we’re willing to come in, meet the kids and go the extra mile, instead of relying only on teachers and adding to their workload,” said Henry County WLC Co-chair Gracie Woodall. “You also get to see the little people you will be educating. It’s exciting for them.”

“I Love Strawberries” uses a series of easy-to-read diary entries to chronicle young protagonist Jolie’s journey to grow her own food.

The book delivery was one of the first events for Woodall, Co-chair Olivia Shelley and their growing list

of members in the newly re-formed committee. It’s Henry County’s first active WLC in decades.

The energetic committee’s work is already impacting their communities.

“A lot of our members have young kids,” Woodall said. “We’re really pushing AITC and ag literacy because that’s something our committee members want their kids to understand. They feel like their kids are directly impacted when we push agriculture and help educate their teachers and fellow students.”

Over in Clarke County, Marie Slade has led the local WLC for more than 20 years. The longtime advocate said she enjoys paging through the accurate agriculture book produced by Feeding Minds Press.

“We need to get the word out to

WLCs organize other outreach opportunities through the year, including Farm-City celebrations, cooking competitions and sewing contests. Farm-to-school connections are formed through coloring book donations, field trips and story hour in classrooms.

A chance meeting with the principal at Abbeville Christian Academy while dropping off “I Love Strawberries” gave Henry County’s WLC an inroad to ag literacy efforts. This spring, the group plans to visit the school, teach lessons and help students plant strawberries. Summer camp attendees will taste the fruits of that labor later this year.

“Some kids may grow up on a farm, but not everyone is a farm kid,” Woodall said. “No matter what we do, I want us to be a voice for farmers and help teach children about agriculture.”

To learn more about AITC and WLCs, contact Kim Earwood of the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division by emailing kearwood@alfafarmers.org

Clarke County Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Marie Slade delivered a copy of “I Love Strawberries,” an accurate ag book, to Clarke Preparatory School Librarian Ivy Motes.

Headland Public Library staff scored a copy of “I Love Strawberries” and its accompanying educator guide from the Henry County Women’s Leadership Committee.

Conference Inspires Young Farmers To Take Action

By Maggie Edwards

F our hundred Young Farmers from across the state gathered in Birmingham with eagerness and excitement as they heard from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall, toured farms and fellowshipped during Young Farmers Conference Feb. 24-26.

“For your business, your future and your community, you have to budget time to be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Duvall, a Georgia farmer. “It is important to give back to what makes it possible for you to farm every day. The Alabama Farmers Federation and AFBF are the best places to do that.”

Duvall, who came up through his state’s Young Farmers program, quoted Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” He encouraged the crowd to do everything with their whole hearts — whether they are Federation presidents, committee members, parents or businessmen.

“If we do that, God will reward the people in this country, industry and community,” Duvall said.

Duvall’s opening banquet address set the tone for the conference. Earlier that day, he visited local farms and met with county Young Farmers chairmen.

“You are the future of our organization,” Duvall said. “We are building a Farm Bureau for you as Young Farmers.”

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer said Duvall’s attendance boosted members’ morale.

“It was great to hear encouraging words from such a respected leader in the agriculture industry,” McBrayer said. “AFBF President Duvall touched lives of our Young Farmers by encouraging them to step up and serve the organization. Our people responded very positively to Duvall’s keynote speech.”

On Day 2 of the conference, attendees loaded buses and hit the road to learn from industry experts as they toured local farms.

Young Farmers like Brittany Gulledge of Dale County said northeast Alabama farm tours were her favorite part of the conference.

“I love getting to tour local farms and see how they run their operations,” said Gulledge, who lives on a poultry, cattle and row crop farm with husband Blake. “It gives all of us an opportunity to gather new ideas, go back home and incorporate those into our own operations.”

The tours spanned multiple counties and included row crop, greenhouse, nursery and cattle operations.

“Farm tours are also a great opportunity to make connections,” Gulledge said. “We learn from each other in this industry, and that makes us better farmers.”

During tours, farmers submitted photos on social media for the annual photo contest. Winners were Kelsey

Hopper, Baldwin County; Sarah Temple, Houston County; Josie Williams, Talladega County; and Matthew Brady, Perry County.

During the conference, applicants competed for Outstanding Young Farm Family (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 Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County, cotton; Jacob and Misty Porter of Clay County, poultry; Ben and Jessica Johnson of DeKalb County, soybean; Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County, peanut; Seth and Kaylee Hubert of Madison County, fruit & vegetable; Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Lawrence County, beef; Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County, wheat

AFBF President Zippy Duvall visited with State Young Farmers Committee member Natalie Lee of DeKalb County, Cara Cornutt of Marshall County and Madden Ragan of DeKalb County.

Young Farmers Brittany and Blake Gulledge of Dale County and Fadel Barakat of Henry County visited Debter Hereford in Blount County during farm tours.

Tour attendees checked out a spray drone demonstration at the Wilson family’s farm in Talladega County.

State Young Farmers Committee member Dillon Turk of Mobile County assisted with the conference auction, which raised $22,000 for ag education.

& feed grain; and Whit and Amanda Lovelady of Talladega County, hay & forage.

2023 OYFF finalists are the Henrys, Peeks and Loveladys. As finalists, they each received a Solo Stove fire pit from the Federation. They’ll compete for nearly $80,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer, and the state winner will be announced during the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in August. The winner will represent Alabama during AFBF convention in January.

This year, a live auction to benefit the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) was back by popular demand. Auctioneer Clint McElmoyl and Federation Young Farmers helped raise $22,000 to benefit agricultural literacy projects, scholarships, livestock show projects and more.

Federation State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Jonathan Edgar said he was in awe of the conference and live auction’s outstanding results.

“I was amazed at how generous the Young Farmers were at the auction,” said Edgar, an Elmore County farmer.

“These are tough times for all farmers, beginning farmers in particular, yet they all gave above and beyond any of our expectations.”

McBrayer and Edgar commended county Young Farmers programs for excellent involvement and a willingness to serve, calling back to

Duvall’s inspiring remarks about servant leadership.

“Patience builds character, and character builds leaders, and that is what we need in this organization,” Duvall said. “We, the American farmers, need you to step up and take your spot and make a difference in our future.”

Nearly 400 Young Farmers visited northeast Alabama farms during tours Feb. 25. One group visited Trantham Farms, home to 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation Achievement Award winners Daniel and Carla Trantham.

Hegeman Family Wins National Outstanding Young Farmers Award

By Marlee Moore

Successful land stewardship, strong community involvement and smart business practices scored Jon and Amy Hegeman the 2023 National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) Award.

The Calhoun County farmers received the honor during the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) Awards Congress Feb. 18 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

“Being able to represent our state, especially after another farm family in Alabama won a similar award in the same time period, is a great honor for Calhoun County,” said Jon, referencing fellow county farmers Daniel and Carla Trantham, who won the American Farm Bureau Federation Achievement Award in January.

As one of four national winners, the Hegemans, who operate a commercial greenhouse and raise cattle and horses in White Plains near Anniston, were presented a cash prize from John Deere. They will also represent OFA in Washington, D.C., during National Ag Week in 2024.

Coordinated by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents, OFA is comprised of past nominees of its national awards program. The 1,500-member group

helps farmers network and exchange ideas to improve and promote agriculture.

The Hegemans made the NOYF Top 10 after an intense application process gauging their farm growth, conservation practices and community involvement. Applicants must be between 21 and 40 years old and derive 2/3 of their income from production agriculture.

They were nominated for the award by Alabama Extension Agent Henry Dorough. Applicants can be nominated by Extension personnel or former

Congress attendees.

“Growing up in the Dominican Republic, moving to the U.S., getting into commercial ag and overcoming roadblocks, it’s quite surreal,” Jon said. “And it was totally unexpected.”

In addition to growing millions of container plants for big box stores annually, the Hegemans have invested time, talents and resources into the Alabama Farmers Federation. Jon is the organization’s Central Area vice president and is a former Young Farmers chair at the state and national levels.

He and Amy won the Federation’s Outstanding Young Farm Family contest in 2012 and have both chaired state commodity committees — Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod and Equine, respectively. Jon is also a graduate of Agricultural Leaders For Alabama, the Federation’s premier leadership program.

“It was good to meet other people across the nation. It’s amazing how many Farm Bureau relationships roll over to OFA,” Jon said. “We look forward to getting a lot more people from Alabama involved in the Congress.”

The Hegemans have two children, Ella Kate and Jon Henry, and attend Grace Fellowship Church in Anniston.

Jon and Amy Hegeman won the National Outstanding Young Farmers Award in February. The commercial greenhouse growers have two children, Ella Kate and Jon Henry.

Alfa Insurance Provides Calm In Chaos Of Storm Aftermath

By Brooke Foster

Brooks Cattle Farm in Montgomery County received an unexpected, middle-of-the-night wake-up call Nov. 30.

The cause? An EF-2 tornado.

A 40-foot-by-70-foot equipment barn was destroyed; the roof system of a shop gone; two cattle catch pens severely damaged; and nearly 7,000 linear feet of fencing impacted. Additionally, over 50 acres of timberland at the farm were damaged, according to the Alabama Forestry Commission.

“We are going to take things in phases from this point forward and assess what can be fixed and what will need to be permanently replaced in time,” said farmer Hassey Brooks.

Alabama’s peak tornado season runs March-May annually, with another uptick in late fall. But the state suffered another streak of storms in January, which claimed at least six lives.

The Brooks family was still recovering from the storm that hit their farm two months prior and praised Alfa Insurance’s quick response, providing peace of mind in the wake of chaos.

“Within hours of the tornado tearing through our property, our claims adjusters were here assessing the damage,” Hassey said. “By lunchtime, the claim was placed. It was a sigh of relief and layer of stress removed from my parents’ shoulders knowing Alfa was right there to help our family get back on our feet as quickly as possible.”

Managed by Bob Brooks and his sons, Hassey and Russ, Brooks Cattle Farm has graced the landscape of north Montgomery County

for four generations. Like any farm, they’ve added to and improved over the years. The strong-but-swift storm, however, scattered decades of hard work across the community.

“Two rental properties just up the road from the farm were a total loss, but thankfully, those tenants were not hurt in the storm,” Hassey said, noting his family’s homes were spared from the damage.

Nearby Flatwood residents weren’t as fortunate, with the storm claiming two lives and destroying homes and the Flatwood Community Center.

Hassey, who’s also a deputy commissioner with the Alabama

Department of Agriculture & Industries, expressed appreciation to everyone who reached out to help since the storm.

“My family wouldn’t be standing where they are today if not for the outpouring of support from family and friends — including our friends at Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation,” he said. “We’re blessed beyond measure and thankful that no one in our family was injured.”

Bob echoed his son.

“I can’t thank the Alfa team enough,” Bob said. “To see them out here working side by side with us, that humbles you. The agent and claims adjuster were very experienced and told us exactly what we needed to do and what procedures to follow.”

The morning after the storm ripped through the Brooks’ farm, Hassey prayed for peace over his parents. As he ended his prayer, he received a text message from his agent, which read, “Lord, cover Bob and Dianne Brooks with your peace and blessed assurance. Amen.”

In that moment, Hassey’s belief that Alfa was the right company for his family was affirmed.

“With Alfa, you’re not only getting a good group of people. You’re getting a group of people who care about you as individuals,” he said. “That makes all the difference.”

Alfa Insurance customers Hassey and Bob Brooks stand outside their farm, which was damaged by an EF-2 tornado Nov. 30.

Farm Leaders Appointed To Forever Wild Board

Farmer-leaders Jimmy Parnell of Chilton County and Jake Harper of Wilcox County have been appointed to the Forever Wild Land Trust board, where they’ll serve the Central and Southern districts, respectively.

For decades, they’ve brought thoughtful decision-making skills to their family’s cattle and timber operations. Now, they’ll use the same skill set and keen eye for detail on the Forever Wild board, Parnell said.

“Forever Wild was originally intended to protect distinctive and environmentally sensitive land in Alabama,” Parnell said. “We want to ensure Forever Wild stays true to its purpose. We take seriously our responsibility to use the land and use it well.”

Forever Wild was established in 1992 and has secured more than 270,000 acres across Alabama for public use. Parnell, Harper and their 13 fellow board members help oversee the trust and its acquisitions.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth appointed Parnell to the board in early 2023.

“Jimmy Parnell personifies the kind of leaders we need serving on state boards — smart, experienced, selfless and dedicated to facing issues with a commonsense approach,” Ainsworth said.  “The Forever Wild board also demands someone who understands and promotes responsible land management, so when you check all of those boxes, it becomes obvious that Jimmy Parnell is uniquely qualified for this position.”

Harper was appointed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon in late 2022.

In addition to key roles on their family farms, Parnell and Harper are leaders in the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farm organization with over 345,000 member families. Parnell is president, while

Harper is Southwest Area vice president. Parnell also serves as president of Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation board. He is a native of Stanton in Chilton County, graduated from Auburn University (AU) and has served multiple roles on agricultural and conservation-focused boards. Parnell and wife Robin have two children and two grandchildren.

Harper, who farms near Camden and holds a degree from AU, serves on numerous local and state committees. He and wife Pam have three children and one grandchild.

Parnell Harper

Improving Well-Being With Well Education

By Cole Sikes

Alabamians have a unique connection to water. Watersheds, rivers, lakes and coastlines are part of what makes Alabama beautiful.

The health of these water systems has a direct connection to human health. Many Alabamians have water access through private wells. To assist those responsible for private well water, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialists created the Private Well Program.

About The Program

The Alabama Private Well Program was created in 2020 to help stakeholders with private water resources by delivering education and outreach services. Alabamians rely on these water resources, making this program imperative to thousands of stakeholders.

“This program engages with the public through the creation of resources housed on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System web page, webinars and in-person workshops,” said Jessica Curl, Alabama Extension water program coordinator. “In 2022, the available resources were expanded upon with the establishment of the Private Well Program Online Course.”

Curl said the online course introduces users to several topics in which participants learn about private

water systems essential to proper well ownership and safety.

A Trio Of Resources

The educational efforts are threefold — an online course, webinar series and other online resources, including a handbook. Curl said these resources are essential for Alabamians responsible for maintaining, testing and treating well systems.

“Wells can become contaminated through failed maintenance, improper construction or poor stewardship practices around the well,” Curl said. “Access to these resources allows well owners to have a proactive hand in ensuring their water quality remains safe.”

Private Well Program topics and resources include the following:

n Aquifers

n Well construction standards

n Water testing basics and interpreting results

n Water well maintenance

n Where to get water tested

A Trustworthy Team

The Private Well Program works with Extension personnel, researchers, agency partners and private well owners. This team delivers unbiased, scientific information to assess needs, identify issues, set research priorities and establish a network of well owners.

Educational topics and

curriculum for the online course were developed through a statewide needs assessment for Extension personnel.

This dynamic relationship has proven successful after survey results determined 36% of staff received well water questions at least once a month. By listening to the communities’ needs, key components were inserted into program materials, ensuring residents have access to safe and reliable water resources.

Learn More

Visit aces.edu to learn more about the Private Well Program and its resources.

Grows In Gulf Shores

By Maggie Edwards

When Seth and Kaylee Hubert arrived in Gulf Shores Feb. 8, they shifted their Madison County row crop farmer mindset toward agritourism, a key component of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference.

“One reason we joined AFVGA was for networking opportunities like these,” Kaylee said. “We get to learn from farmers who have been growing specialty crops their entire lives. We are very new to this industry.”

The Huberts and 250 fellow farmers gathered at The Lodge at Gulf State Park Feb. 8-10 for workshops, seminars and a trade show, where attendees discovered ways to improve their operations.

The Huberts joined AFVGA, an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation, last year. Urban sprawl is inching closer to their century-old farm, which caused Hubert Farms to diversify with a new crop — U-pick tulips.

“We knew if we wanted to devote our life to agriculture and have something we could pass down to our children, we needed to change our business model,” said Seth, a Madison County Farmers Federation board member.

Special guests from Auburn University (AU), Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and other Southeast land-grant institutions shared wisdom with the Huberts and AFVGA’s cadre of specialty crop farmers.

“I think my biggest takeaway was learning about things I never thought about growing,” Kaylee said. “We learned all about specialty crops and how to make more out of our acreage.”

In addition to seminar-style learning sessions, conference attendees toured Baldwin County farms. Stops included Silverhill Satsumas with a spray drone demonstration from AU’s Dr. Steve Li; Local Appetite, a hydroponic farm specializing in lettuce; and the Gulf Coast Extension & Research Center, where attendees cracked open information about pecan research.

A general business session kicked off the conference. During the session, the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Justin Jacobsen, an AU senior studying fruit and vegetable production. The late Jimmy Witt, a board member who died in 2021, was awarded the AFVGA Exceptional Award for his outstanding involvement with the association and industry. Doug Chapman of ACES received the Service To Horticulture Award, while Alabama

Ag Credit, Alabama Farm Credit and First South Farm Credit received the AFVGA Partner Of The Year Award.

Fun and fellowship were on the agenda, too, during a family luau overlooking pristine beaches and the setting sun on the Gulf of Mexico. Families visited with the Gulf Coast Watermelon Queen, sang along with special entertainment from duo Wylie Pete and created connections and lifelong memories with fellow farmers.

Historically held in November, the new conference date allowed farmers to step away from their operations before a busy spring season, said AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton.

“I am excited to see where our association is headed,” Thaxton said. “It was great to have all our fruit and vegetable producers together. This truly is the best opportunity for specialty crop farmers in Alabama.”

Farmers like Jeremy Calvert agreed.

“You always learn something at events like these,” said Calvert, from J. Calvert Farms in Cullman County. “AFVGA gives producers a voice, too. We are able to learn from each other and promote Alabama-grown fruits and vegetables.”

The 2024 conference is slated for Feb. 14-16 in Gulf Shores.

FARM TOURS WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS TRADE SHOW

SPRAY DRONE DEMONSTRATION FAMILY LUAU

Farmer friends from across the state fellowshipped during the annual conference. From left are flower farmers Brian and Julia McLeod of Cleburne County and Kaylee and Seth Hubert of Madison County.

From left are AFVGA President Joe Lambrecht of Elmore County, Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship awardee Justin Jacobsen of Montgomery County and AFVGA Past President Taylor Hatchett of Chilton County.

Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

LAKE MARTIN

Lake Martin — I could see myself living on this lake. Any prime lakefront property would do.

While we’re daydreaming, I would like a herd of flying pigs. A money tree. A fountain in the backyard that squirts chocolate syrup.

I first visited Lake Martin on a fishing trip as a boy. The man who took me wasn’t kin, but he told me to call him “Uncle,” and the name stuck.

There were four or five men on that trip. I was invited to tag along because they felt bad for a fatherless kid.

I was youngest in the group, but those men never treated me like a child. They gave me the same kindness you’d show a stray. It was like paradise. The water was wide. The fish were big. I fell in love with it all.

And that is where I am writing this from. I am seated on a dock, looking at scenery. I only have a few minutes before I leave town. We’ve been on the road a few days. My wife and I have been living out of a cooler, surviving on gas-station coffee.

But here at the lake, I forget about the rigors of travel, and I am brought back to the middle.

Yesterday, we ate at Oskar’s. It’s the kind of small place filled with men in camouflage caps and waitresses so sweet they might melt in the rain.

The fries were the good kind of fries. I am a connoisseur of French fries. Also — and I’m not proud of this — I dip my fries in ranch dressing.

Oskar’s has good ranch. After our meal, we went back to the room. The parking lot was filled with trucks that were towing boats. I stood at the window, being nosy.

One truck tried to back a bass boat into two parking spaces. The vehicle smashed into everything in sight. It ran over two Nissans, one Ford, a Chevy, and almost flattened a nun on a bicycle. Anyway, this water couldn’t look better. There is a morning mist hanging in the air that makes the world look like a fantasy. I see an older man fishing in the distance; a young boy is steering their boat.

I am cross-legged on a wooden dock while the air gets warmed by the sun.

At this stage, I don’t take many photographs. They don’t do life justice. But I enjoy memories, and if I stare at this lake long enough, I’ll have a few I can take with me.

So I’ve been looking at the water, wondering about my life. I will be visiting three states in the next few days, making speeches in each place, and it’s almost too bizarre to comprehend. I never thought I’d end up doing anything of the sort.

I am still a kid who considers himself a stray. If I were completely honest, sometimes I don’t know what I'm doing with my life. Still, when I’m on this water, I have a strange feeling life knows what it’s doing with me. Maybe this is why old men take boys fishing on Lake Martin. ■

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.

Alabama FFA Student Steps Into Spotlight With National Win

By Maggie Edwards

For Alabama’s Wyatt Allen, FFA is more than a blue corduroy jacket. It’s ropes, reins, buckles, saddles — and a national equine title the 20-year-old earned during the 95th National FFA Convention in Indiana last October.

Allen is the first Benjamin Russell High School FFA member to make it on the national stage.

“It was nerve-wracking standing on that stage in front of 70,000 people,” Allen said. “When they called my name, I was a little in shock I had just won. I truly couldn’t believe it.”

Hard work honed on his family’s Tallapoosa County farm pushed Allen to focus on equine for his FFA Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). Winning the national Equine Science Entrepreneurship Proficiency

Award validated his work owning a business that provides experiences in horse production, breeding, marketing, showing and other aspects of the equine industry. This SAE program can also include rodeoing, which is where Allen’s passion lies.

“I started my SAE in 9th grade and was already part owner of 5A Ranch in Dadeville,” Allen said. “On the ranch, I raise horses to participate in team roping around the country. I currently manage 14 head of horses. I purchase them at an early age so I can train and ride them the way I need them to operate.”

Allen spends five hours each day riding and training horses, providing them quality health care and maintaining a specialized diet. He also trains horses for clients.

Allen is a three-time Alabama FFA

state champion, scoring titles in the Diversified Livestock Proficiency, Equine Science Proficiency and the Agriculture Construction Career Development Event. Allen was on a 2nd-place state team in Livestock Judging.

“I am blessed to be a National FFA champion,” Allen said. “We hope this inspires more members from Alabama to chase their dreams.”

Benjamin Russell FFA Adviser Josh Williams said Allen’s win opens the gate to national success for more students in Alabama.

“To see Benjamin Russell FFA from Alabama in the spotlight was very special to us and all of the state,” Williams said. “That someone from Tallapoosa County can go all the way to the big stage shows students their end goal is very possible.”

Allen credits success to Williams; his father, Ed; and his twin brother and roping partner, Colton.

Since graduating from Benjamin Russell last year, Allen began studies at East Mississippi Community College, where his equine enthusiasm lives on as a member of the rodeo team.

“The National FFA Organization and the Alabama FFA Association have very special places in my life,” Allen said. “FFA gave me the opportunity to showcase my passions and hard work and opened the door to opportunities I would have never had.”

Wyatt Allen, right, won the National FFA Equine Science Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award during convention last October. The now-graduate of Benjamin Russell High School was the first national winner for his school’s program and FFA Adviser Josh Williams.

Grape Salad

By Jeannie Hollinger, Wilcox County

Prep Time Servings

20 mins 12 to 15

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

1 (8-ounce) package cream

cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups green grapes

4 cups red seedless grapes

1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Fold in grapes and pour into a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, combine pecans and brown sugar and sprinkle over salad. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Welcome to spring, y’all! With sunshine and green grass at long last in view again, I’m bringing you springtime treats featuring pecans. These dishes are sure to play a starring role on your Easter table. While the foods are definitely photo-worthy, don’t let their appealing appearance fool you into thinking they’re difficult to make. Each recipe is easy enough for the most novice of cooks.

Glazed ham is almost synonymous with Sunday in the South. My Creole Pecan Glaze takes a plain old spiralsliced smoked ham and makes it something worthy of being the centerpiece on your Sunday dinner table. The best part is how amazingly easy this is. After baking the ham, put the glaze ingredients in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, pour it over the ham, then return the ham to the oven for a

few minutes. The result is a sweet and salty glazed ham that tastes even better than it looks.

Next, you just can’t beat a good dessert bar for portability and convenience when it comes to something sweet. This easy two-layer dessert bar combines jarred maraschino cherries, pecans and coconut atop a shortbread crust that will have your family requesting them again and again. The crunchy top layer and filling reminiscent of a pecan pie (y’all know the filling is the best part!) is nothing short of amazing.

Finally, it is my privilege to bring you a recipe from beloved Alabama Farmers Federation member Jeannie Hollinger of Wilcox County. She and husband Leo raise cattle in Camden. I don’t know about y’all, but finding grape salad on the table is always a treat for me — and

Hollinger’s Grape Salad (originally shared in the April 2005 Neighbors) does not disappoint. After decades as a home economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, she’s got a host of amazing recipes, and this is just one of them. The sweet and tangy dressing is perfect with the tart flavor of grapes and crunch of brown sugar.

Whether this month holds egg hunts, nature walks or relaxing time sitting outdoors, my hope is you enjoy every moment of this season where life springs anew in our beautiful state of Alabama.

Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com.

Cherry Coconut Pecan Bars

Prep Time Cook Time Makes

20 mins 30 mins 12 bars

Shortbread Crust Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 cup cold unsalted butter

Filling Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, beaten

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F.

Use a mixer to combine flour, powdered sugar and butter. Drop dough by dollops into a metal 9-inch-by-13inch baking pan. Press evenly using hands sprayed with cooking spray if the dough is sticky. Bake 25 minutes or until just golden brown around the edges.

While the crust is baking, in large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, cornstarch, salt, vanilla, coconut, pecans and cherries.

Pour filling over the hot shortbread crust. Lower oven temperature to 325 F and bake 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely before slicing into squares.

Creole Pecan Glazed Ham

Ingredients

1 (10- to 12-pound) spiral-sliced smoked ham

1 cup water

1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup stone-ground mustard

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Heat oven to 275 F and remove packaging from the ham. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan with the flat side down. Pour water into the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 12 to 15 minutes per pound.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, mustard, honey and Creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.

Remove ham from the oven and remove the foil. Carefully turn ham on its side and pour glaze over ham. Return ham to the oven about 10 minutes or until the glaze is bubbly.

Caring For Garden Pollinators A Pollinator Summer

By Dani Carroll

The cheery assortment of spring blooms at local nurseries lures us in as we start spending more time in our landscapes. We are all busy adding new plants, replacing damaged ones and creating new spaces. It is still spring, but summer heat will arrive quickly.

As we tend our gardens, let’s not forget about pollinators. Even during the hot days of summer, these critters are hard at work. It’s up to gardeners to make sure these pollinators have what they need to do their jobs.

There are several ways to ensure pollinators are active in a growing space. By observing a garden or

flowerbed for a short period of time, people can determine whether pollinators are — or are not — present.

Gardeners often forget different pollinators are present at different times through the year. Pollinators do not feed on the same thing repetitively and prefer an assortment of foods. Incorporating a variety of flowers and herbs can provide pollinators options to keep them coming back to the garden for more.

Honeybees are the most familiar pollinator, but there are other native species that gardens can attract. Thousands of pollinators regularly contribute to garden pollination. Squash bees, sweat bees, leaf cutter bees, bats

and butterflies play a small role in the fruitfulness of productive gardens. Many native bees, aside from honeybees and bumblebees, can pollinate plants that require assistance to bear fruit.

While some plants, such as squash of the cucurbit family, are totally dependent on pollinators, there are also self-pollinated plants, such as tomatoes. Each benefit from pollinator activity. The buzzing vibration helps shake pollen loose for tomatoes, while cucurbits rely on the services of a pollinator to carry pollen and bear fruit.

Pollinators are like humans and all other living creatures. They need three major resources to thrive: food, water and shelter.

A bird bath or shallow pan filled with water will work well to provide bees water. Add a few rocks to provide a landing pad for the bees and butterflies to perch on. Change the water a couple times per week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

One of the larger aspects to carefully consider is when to use pest suppressants. Monitoring plants is an easy way to determine a good time for application. When flowers are open and pollinators are out, refrain from using pest suppressants. Pollinators are generally inactive at night, making it a good time to apply organic or synthetic chemicals.

If aphids show up in the garden, native beneficial insects will likely take care of the problem. With pests like the tomato hornworm, simply picking the worm off the plant is an easy and effective way to protect the crop.