May 2013 Neighbors by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 38, NUMBER 5 _____________________________________

A Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

MAY 2013

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Ted Grantland, Somerville Waymon Buttram, Geraldine Don Allison, Arley John E. Walker III, Berry Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dickie Odom, Boligee Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta S. Steve Dunn, Samson Faye Dial, Lineville Jon Hegeman, Anniston

In This Issue 4 Berry Sweet Season 6 Farm of Distinction 8 Young Artists,

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.

Writers Honored

16 Spring Planting 22 Pat Dye’s Japanese

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

Maples

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: McFarland AdVantage, (334) 652-9080, McFarlandAdvantage@gmail.com. DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement The pages in this magazine have been by the magazine or Alabama Farmers enriched with Layar and contain digital Federation. Editorial information from content that you can view using your sources outside the Alabama Farmers smartphone. 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.

9 Farm-City Awards

On The Cover

view this pag

e with

Gardner Young enjoys fresh-

HOW IT WORKS:

picked strawberries. Photo by Debra Davis Scan

www.AlfaFarmers.org

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation M AY 2 0 1 3

Pages in this magazine have been enriched with Layar and contain digital content that can be viewed using a smartphone. See instructions below. Step 1: Download the free Layar app for iPhone or Android.

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Step 4: Hold your phone above the page to view the interactive content. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Sweet Season Begins For Alabama Strawberries By Debra Davis

Gardner Young enjoys strawberries fresh from the field at Backyard Orchards.

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weet joy. That was the look on three-year-old Gardner Young’s face as he plucked ripe strawberries off the vine and popped them into his mouth. Smacking and chewing gave way to a wide, red grin. The toddler’s reaction can be repeated on farms around the state as strawberries mark the arrival of fresh produce season in Alabama. Strawberries are grown commercially throughout Alabama, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The harvest season begins in March along the Gulf Coast and ends in early June in north Alabama. Although available in grocery stores, most Alabama strawberries are marketed directly to consumers through U-pick and roadside retail operations like Backyard Orchards on U.S. Highway 431 north of Eufaula. Gardner’s mother, Cassie Young, and her sister, Allie Corcoran, own Backyard Orchards. “The most rewarding thing about strawberries is seeing the faces of our customers,” Corcoran said. “Or, it might be when they tell you they never knew strawberries could taste so good. It’s great to see customers realize how much better fresh strawberries really are.” The Extension System offers the following tips for buying, serving and preserving strawberries.

Selection

Look for a full, solid red color when selecting ripe strawberries. The caps should be bright green and attached. The berries should be dry and free of dirt and decay spots.

Yields That Are Berry Sweet

If you buy or pick...

You will have...

1 quart

1-1/2 pounds fresh berries

1 gallon

6 pounds fresh berries

1 flat

9 pounds fresh berries

1 crate

24 pounds fresh berries

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler

Handling

Strawberries are highly perishable. Berries will lose quality rapidly when left at warm temperatures. Gently pour unwashed and uncapped berries into a shallow tray and refrigerate. When ready for use, wash berries a few at a time in cold water, lifting them gently out of the water with your fingers. Drain the berries; then uncap them.

Serving

One cup of strawberries provides the average daily requirement of vitamin C most healthy people need. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, iron, riboflavin and niacin. One cup of fresh strawberries has only 55 calories.

Freezing

Strawberries can be frozen whole, sliced, mashed or pureed, depending on plans for later use. Strawberries packed in dry moisture-vapor-proof containers keep a shorter length of time than those packed in sugar and syrup. However, if sugar isn’t an option, dry packing can prolong strawberry season. If unsweetened strawberries are frozen, no-calorie sweetener can be added when the berries are served. To preserve the color and flavor, pack strawberries with sugar. Sprinkle 3/4-cup sugar over each quart of berries. Toss berries until sugar is 5

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 quarts whole strawberries, capped and washed 4 ounces cream cheese, cut in small pieces

Preheat oven to 350 F. Melt butter and pour into a 9-x13inch glass baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together egg, milk, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pour directly over the butter in the baking dish, but do not stir. Add the strawberries, arranging in a single layer as much as possible. Place cream cheese pieces over strawberries. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. (The crust rises up and around the fruit, but fruit will still peek out the top.)

dissolved and juice forms. Pack into freezer containers. To preserve the texture and shape, pack strawberries in 40 percent sugar syrup (3 cups sugar to 4 cups water). Add 1/2 teaspoon ascorbic acid to each quart of syrup to prevent darkening. Cool the syrup before pouring it over the fruit. Berries packed in sugar or syrup will keep 8 to 12 months. Visit the Alfa Farmers’ website for recipes using fresh strawberries. For a list of roadside stands and U-pick farms in Alabama, go to BuyLocalAlabama.com. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Annie and Mike Dee, seated, accepted the Alabama Farm of Distinction Award on behalf of their family and Dee River Ranch. Sponsors standing are, from left, Jim Allen with Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Lester Killebrew with SunSouth John Deere dealer, Lynne Morton and Jay Hamlett with TriGreen Equipment and Jimmy Parnell with Alabama Farmers Federation.

Pickens County Ranch Named Alabama Farm Of Distinction

Pickens County beef, grain and soybean farm was named Alabama’s 2013 Farm of Distinction at the Alabama Farm-City Awards program in Birmingham, April 11. Owned and operated by President Annie Dee, her brother and Farm Manager Mike Dee and their 10 siblings, Dee River Ranch is recognized throughout the country for innovation. From precision technology and the on-farm production of biofuels to electronic animal identification and computerized irrigation systems, the Dees use their 10,000-acre farm to develop practices benefiting their family and community. “We raise approximately 4,000 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans and have around a thousand head of commercial Brahman-Angus crossed cattle,” said Mike Dee. “It’s a wonderful place where we live and farm. We’re blessed to be right here and excited about the farm we have.” As the winner, the Dees received more than $14,000 in prizes including an engraved farm sign from the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag Supply dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative and a $2,500 cash award from Swisher International. The Dees will represent Alabama in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., Oct. 15-17. By embracing new technology, the Dees are redefining “sustainable agriculture.”

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“Sustainability is what we live for,” Mike said. “We would never do anything that would hurt this soil. We want to keep farming not just the next three or four years; we’re talking about the next three or four generations that we want to make a living off this land, improve this land and have our lives right here. We live here, we work here, and this is our life.” The Dees’ most recent investment in their farm’s future is an irrigation system including a 115-acre reservoir and computerized pumping stations. “Irrigation is not going to make a crop on its own, but irrigation is like an insurance policy,” he said. “It will help a crop survive if we manage it right, and it will make a good crop better.” Other Alabama Farm of Distinction finalists received engraved walnut plaques and $250 gift certificates from Alabama Farmers Cooperative. They were Ray and Delle Bean of Del-Ray Ranch in Calhoun County, Joe and Patty Lambrecht of Oakview Farms in Elmore County, and James and Joan Malone of Southern Heritage Land and Livestock Co. in Mobile County. The winner was selected by a panel of agricultural experts who judged the farms on environmental stewardship, overall appearance, accomplishments, efficiency and leadership of the farm owners. Observed the week before Thanksgiving, Farm-City Week began in 1955 as a way to foster cooperation and understanding between farmers and their city neighbors. n 6

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Creative Students Honored At Alabama Farm-City Awards

labama students were honored for their creativity and understanding of agriculture at the Alabama Farm-City Awards luncheon in Birmingham, April 11. Artists from Monroe and St. Clair counties took top honors in the FarmCity Poster Contest, while young writers from Winston and Mobile counties claimed first prize in the Essay Contest. A Russell County 11th-grader won the Alabama Farm-City Committee’s inaugural Multimedia Contest. “These contests give students an opportunity to use their imagination Jim Allen of Alabama Farmers Cooperative, left, and Alabama Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms, right, and creativity while congratulate winners of the poster, essay and multimedia contests. From left are Allen, Adrian Rodriquez, Anna learning more about the Grace Dasher, Abby Stringfellow, Kaelyn Thames, Abbi West and Helms. interdependence of farmers and their urban neighbors,” said of Double Springs Middle School entry was played during the awards Alabama Farm-City Chairman Jeff in Winston County won first in banquet, and the winning essays Helms. “This year’s contest theme the seventh- through ninth-grade were featured in the event program. was ‘Grown Safely. Extra Tasty’ and division, and Ashleigh McCool The state’s top Farm-City posters challenged school children to look of Pickens Academy in Pickens will appear in the 2014 Alabama beyond the headlines about food County placed second. Among Farm-City calendar. About 30,000 safety issues and explore what Ala10th- through 12th-graders, Abbi calendars are sold each year. The bama farmers are doing to produce Stringfellow of Alma Bryant High calendar also will feature posters of healthy, delicious food.” School in Mobile County won first, 10 additional students who received Prizes for all three contests are while Joel Kervin of Pike Liberal $50 and an honorable mention at sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Arts School in Pike County placed the awards ceremony. They are: Cooperative. second. First-place winners received Christian Huett of Dale Christian Kaelyn Thames of Monroe $300, and second-place winners School in Dale County, Bailey Academy in Monroe County won earned $200, as did their schools. Burrell of Pearl Haskew Elementary first place in the kindergarten This year, the Alabama Farmin Mobile County, Harrison Stone through third-grade division of City Committee and Alabama of Munford Elementary in Talladega the Poster Contest, while Brooke Farmers Cooperative sponsored County, Grace Duncan of Southern Delvecchio of Cottonwood School a new contest encouraging high Academy in Hale County, Carter in Houston County placed second. school students to express their cre- Gay of East Elementary in Cullman In the fourth- through sixth-grade ativity through photos, music, narCounty, Cambry Scott of Straughn division, Anna Grace Dasher of ration, text and movies. First place Elementary in Covington County, Ashville Middle School in St. in the Multimedia Contest went to Sloan White of Walnut Grove Clair County took top honors, and Adrian Rodriguez of Central High Elementary in Madison County, Charlie Vickers of Marengo AcadSchool in Russell County. Samuel Tyler Heller of Spanish Fort Middle emy in Marengo County placed Wainwright of Carroll High School School in Baldwin County, Natalie second. First-place winners received in Dale County won second. The Negron-Escalera of Pearl Haskew $200, and second place winners winners and their schools received Elementary in Mobile and Makayla earned $100. Their schools received $300 for first place and $200 for Delvecchio of Cottonwood School matching awards. second place. in Houston County. n In the Essay Contest, Abby West The top Multimedia Contest w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Cullman County Takes Top Honors At Alabama Farm-City Awards

olunteers committed to strengthening consumer trust in agriculture were honored at the Alabama Farm-City Awards in Birmingham, April 11. Cullman County was recognized for the Overall Best Farm-City Committee in Alabama after winning first-place among larger counties and winning awards for Best Farm-City Tour and Best Scrapbook. Geneva County took top honors among smaller counties as well as division awards for Best Innovative Idea and Best Media Coverage and Proclamation. Les Pair, a Calhoun County Kiwanis Club member and retired Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent, was honored as Volunteer of the Year. “With fewer people living on farms than ever before, it is important to educate consumers about how their food and fiber is produced,” said Alabama Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms. “These counties excelled because they formed partnerships among farmers, businesses and government officials to conduct tours, dinners and other activities that foster cooperation and understanding. Relationships built through Farm-City will pay dividends for years to come as these counties enhance economic development and consider public policies impacting agriculture.” For the awards program, counties are divided into two divisions. Counties with populations of more than 35,600 are judged in Division 1, and counties with fewer people make up Division 2. Runner-up for Best Farm-City Committee in Division 1 was Coffee County, which also was recognized for Best Civic Club Activities in the division. Other Division 1 winners were Lawrence County, Best Innovative Idea; Montgomery County, Best Farm-City Dinner; Dale County, Best Media Coverage and Proclamation; St. Clair County, Best Special Activities; and Lee County, the Target Award for best adaptation of this year’s theme, which focused on food safety. In Division 2, Pike County was runner-up for Best Farm-City Committee and won for Best Farm-City Tour and Target Award. Other Division 2 winners were Chambers County, Best Scrapbook; Henry County, Best Farm-City Dinner; Randolph County, Best Civic M AY 2 0 1 3

Top Photo: Cullman County received the title of Overall Best Farm-City Committee in Alabama. Accepting the award from Alabama Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms is Cullman County FarmCity Committee Chairman Cherrie Haney. Left: Les Pair, a Calhoun County Kiwanis Club member and retired Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent, was honored as FarmCity Volunteer of the Year. Pair has planned and promoted Farm-City Week activities in Calhoun County for the past 26 years.

Club Activities; and Franklin County, Best Special Activities. Pair has planned and promoted Farm-City Week activities in Calhoun County for the past 26 years. He arranges for speakers and special guests to attend Farm-City events and organizes a guest reception as well as a door prize program for the annual banquet. “Volunteers like Mr. Pair are the driving force behind Farm-City Week celebrations in Alabama,” said Helms. “By embracing Farm-City Week’s mission to foster understanding between rural and urban residents, Mr. Pair built relationships that benefit the whole community.” Pair was involved with Farm-City as an Extension agent and Kiwanian. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club in Jasper and Anniston and was recently recognized for 58 years of perfect attendance. n 9

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Humor Highlights Women’s Leadership Conference

By Miranda Mattheis

ore than 200 members of the Alabama Farmers Federation enjoyed a humorous and inspirational speaker as part of the Women’s Leadership Conference held April 10-12 in Birmingham. Donya Lester of Linden, Ind., delivered an encouraging message, recounting funny tales as a farmer’s wife and lessons from her grandmother, which included being intentional about enjoying each day. “I am here to tell you that we need to be happy, and we need to put on our glad pants,” Lester said. “I fully believe we all choose the attitude we have. It’s a choice we make to be a positive person and have a good outlook on life.” Workshops on estate planning, women’s wellness and Alabama Ag in the Classroom were offered during the conference. Sharon Byrd, vicechairman of the 2013 State Women’s Leadership Committee, said the estate-planning workshop w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Members of the State Women’s Leadership Committee weigh in pop tabs collected by county committees during the conference’s opening day. A total of 925 pounds of tabs were collected for the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham.

was especially beneficial. “Estate planning is something the average farmer keeps putting off, and then the unexpected happens,” Byrd said. “Then we aren’t prepared. Particularly as farmers, most of our assets are in land and equipment. If you have not made preparations, you can get hit big time even if you’re just passing

your assets to your family.” Members showed their charitable side at the conference by bringing in 925 pounds of aluminum pop tabs, which help fund the Ronald McDonald House of Birmingham. Byrd said tabs also are collected for the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile in December. “We had a couple counties surpass the 100-pound mark on pop tabs,” Byrd said of the April collection. “They just keep coming up with new ways to collect. Some of them are doing contests with schools to collect the most tabs.” A morning breakfast program during the conference included a legislative update by Federation National Legislative Program Director Mitt Walker. The Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon was held in conjunction with the conference, and many Federation leaders were recognized for their participation. The closing banquet, sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, featured live bluegrass music by The Allen Tolbert Unit. Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey said this year’s conference was one of the best yet. “Our State Women’s Committee works hard to make this conference excellent each year,” Ramsey said. “I’ve heard wonderful feedback about Donya Lester. She gave advice we can all use. We had a great crowd, and I’m pleased we were able to offer something for everyone.” n State Women’s Leadership Committee Member Nell Miller of Blount County, center, helps Montgomery County Women’s Committee Members Amy Boyd, left, and Stacey Nestor assemble an Indian corn crafts project at the Ag in the Classroom workshop April 11.

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Sam Abney

Meat Goat & Sheep Committee Chairman Sam Abney started raising goats when he was just 8 years old. Now, at 72, he continues his life-long passion of goat farming on his 40 acre Shady Lane Farm in Prattville. Abney is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Meat Goat & Sheep Committee. He also serves on the board of directors for the American Goat Federation. He said one of the most enjoyable parts of farming is introducing children to agriculture. “Children are usually surprised to learn you can get milk, cheese and meat from goats,” Abney said. “Agriculture is what feeds the world, and a lot of people don’t realize that. We face a lot of challenges in farming, including the costs of feed and fuel.” Abney is a fourth-generation farmer. He and his wife, Mary Lou, have been married 30 years and attend First Baptist Church in Prattville. They have five children and 11 grandchildren.

Protect Personal Property With Renters Policy By Miranda Mattheis

urnishing a home or apartment can carry a hefty price tag, and personal items take years to accumulate. Renters can find protection for those valuables through Alfa Insurance. Rex Seabrook, Alfa’s Property and Casualty Underwriting manager, said many tenants are unaware their belongings aren’t covered by their landlord’s policy. “Renters insurance provides valuable protection for our customers at an affordable rate,” Seabrook said. “Not only does it provide property coverage for their contents in a rented home or apartment, but it provides important liability protection both on and off the premises.” Alfa Agent Gary Chinberg of Troy said he saw the value renters insurance when a customer, a student at the University of Alabama, had his apartment burglarized eight months after purchasing a policy. “Some of his Daniel Moore Alabama football prints were stolen, which are valuable collectors’ prints,”

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Chinberg said. “They also took a computer and quite a bit of personal belongings. Our customer was able to replace the prints, and he was very satisfied.” Agent Greg Parrish of Auburn said he understands the importance of tenants protecting their property. “I’m in a college town, and I see many tenants who don’t have the protection they need,” Parrish said. “People often don’t realize how much money it would cost to replace their belongings, and that’s where renters insurance can help. These policies protect personal belongings in case of fire or theft. I strongly encourage my clients who rent to purchase a policy. They are affordable and provide valuable protection.“ Seabrook said the cost of a renters insurance policy is well-worth the price. “Depending on terms and conditions, some of these policies can be purchased for as low as $10 per month,” Seabrook said. “Also, it should be noted that purchasing renters insurance allows our customers to begin their continuous service clock ticking with Alfa. This is important because as time moves on, tenured customers receive deeper discounts on their property insurance. These discounts can make a big difference when they purchase their first home. Customers can even receive combo discounts when they also insure their autos with Alfa.” n

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Changes Ahead For Deer, Turkey Hunting Seasons

could change in the future, depending on data collected through a new mandatory game check system. “Right now we can’t tell you how many deer are killed in the state of Alabama,” said ADCNR Deputy Commissioner of Conservation Curtis Jones. “We could do a good job guessing, but we hope this game check system will allow us to have a lot better feel for monitoring our deer herd during the season.” Starting in November, hunters must report harvest of any deer or turkey to ADCNR. Reports may be made at OutdoorAlabama.com or on the Outdoor Alabama app. The department will also establish a 1-800 number for reporting. The board also voted to close the fall turkey hunting season in Alabama. Hunters will be required to report turkey harvests starting with the spring 2014 turkey hunting season. n

he Conservation Advisory Board of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has changed deer and turkey hunting rules starting with the 2013-2014 hunting season. Hunters may provide supplemental feed on private land for deer and wild hogs under the new rule. The feeder must be out of the hunter’s line-of-sight, and the hunter must be at least 100 yards away. Another change shifts deer hunting season in southwest Alabama to Dec. 12 - Feb. 10. Counties affected include all of Baldwin, Mobile, Washington and Escambia; the majority of Covington, Conecuh, Monroe and Clark; and parts of Choctaw, Butler and Wilcox. Representatives for ADCNR said biological information showing a later mating in southwest Alabama prompted the change. The deer hunting season in other areas of the state

Ted Grantland District 2 Director The harvest at G&G Farms in Morgan County covers 1,600 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat straw, but for Alabama Farmers Federation Board Member Ted Grantland, the bounty of farm life is time with family. “I enjoy working with my son. That’s been a blessing,” Grantland said. “There’s nothing more pleasing than planting in spring and going back in a few days and seeing that ribbon of green down the field.” Grantland, 72, is serving his second three-year term on the Federation board, where he represents Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties. He previously served 14 years as president of the Morgan County Farmers Federation and nine years on the State Soybean Committee. He and wife of 54 years, JoAnn, have three sons, David, who farms; Michael, a contractor; and Ted, who’s deceased. They are active in Somerville Church of God. “There’s a lot of uncertainty in farming,” Grantland said. “But if we’ll do our part, most years the Lord will do his part.” w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Lauryn Hoagland will join junior rodeo competitors from across Alabama at the state finals May 4-5 in Montgomery.

Wr angling Support for Junior High Rodeo By Melissa Martin

urrounded by the graceful beauty of long manes and smooth, shiny coats of their trusted four-legged companions, Alabama’s young equestrians are making names for themselves on the rodeo circuit. Now, with financial support from the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Agriculture Foundation, members of the Alabama Junior High School Rodeo Association (AJHSRA) can gallop even further. “Our organization has a long history of supporting youth agricultural activities,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Events like Alabama Junior High School Rodeo competitions instill in young people a strong work ethic and a love of agriculture, and they encourage development of leadership skills that prepare them for a future in our industry.” AJHSRA Secretary Dawn Hoagland said the organization’s support means a lot to young rodeo participants who often feel eclipsed by other athletic events. “The Alabama Farmers Federation has been a great sponsor of

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youth rodeo for years, as have the county Federations,” said Dawn, who owns Lazy H Farms in Shelby County with her husband, Brian. “This year, the Federation gave $1,000 through the Agriculture Foundation, and we’ve received about $1,500 total from a few county Federations. We’re humbled by their investment in Alabama’s youth.” The Agriculture Foundation investment sponsors 10 buckles, to be awarded at the AJHSRA State Finals in Montgomery, May 4-5. The foundation supports charitable, educational and scientific endeavors related to agriculture. Hoagland’s daughter is a top rodeo competitor. “I’ve been in rodeo for as long as I can remember,” said Lauryn Hoagland, 14, who competes in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, team roping and goat tying. “I’ve always had an interest in horses and rodeo. It’s a lot of hard work, but there’s nothing like competing.” Eighth-grader Will Sikes also participates in the AJHSRA. He and Lauryn are captains of the CINCH 15

Junior High School Rodeo Team, a select group of members from the state’s junior high division. Both qualified for the National Junior High School Rodeo Finals in Gallup, N.M., the past two years. “I started rodeo in the second grade doing the Little Boots Rodeos and open horse shows,” said Will, who attends Hooper Academy in Montgomery County. “I team rope and ribbon rope. I also do breakaway calf roping, chute dogging and boys’ goat tying. Team roping is my favorite event, though.” While they enjoy competing in events with friends, both youngsters say they are learning lessons that will last a lifetime. “Teamwork and patience are the main two skills I’ve learned through rodeo,” explained Lauryn, who won the state All Around Cowgirl title the past two years. “You have to work really hard to balance practice, school and competing, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.” For more information on AJHSRA, a statewide organization of students in grades 6-8, visit ajhsra.com. n

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Alabama Farmers Follow National T By Debra Davis and Melissa Martin

Brothers Richard and Lane Holladay of Lowndes County started their spring planting in early April. Commodity prices and crop rotation determine what and how much they plant. “Grain prices have been strong, especially for the past couple of years,” said Richard, who is president of the Lowndes County Farmers Federation. “Last year, we probably sold some of our highest wheat, corn and soybeans ever. Prices have gone down some since then, but that was expected. With so many acres being planted across the country, you can expect prices to drop, but it’s a long time until harvest.” Though corn and soybean acreage have consistently increased the past three years, Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat and Feed Grains Director Buddy Adamson said it’s difficult to project if the trend will continue. “For Alabama, the acreage of corn and soybeans will depend on the prices relative to cotton and peanuts, as well as crop rotation and moisture availability during the respective planting season for each crop,” Adamson said. The Holladays grow a variety of grains in addition to raising cattle, poultry and timber. Last year, their corn crop suffered from too much rain rather than drought that

labama farmers are expected to plant more corn and soybeans this year, which follows a national trend driven partially by higher profit potential for those crops. A U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows Alabama farmers intend to plant 330,000 acres of corn, up 20,000 acres from last year. Soybean acreage is expected to reach 410,000 acres, up 21 percent from 340,000 acres in 2012. Meanwhile, the report predicts a drop in cotton and peanut acreage. Alabama farmers are expected to plant 360,000 acres of cotton, down 20,000 acres from 2012, and 150,000 acres of peanuts, down 70,000 acres.

Proper seed depth and spacing are important when planting.

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Trend Of Higher Corn, Soybean Acres much of the country experienced. Still, Richard said he is hopeful prices will be good for this year’s crop. “Even though prices have been strong, we’re basically working on the same (profit) margins we have had for the past several years,” he said. “Our input costs, especially fertilizer and fuel, have steadily increased.” Alabama farmers planted more winter wheat this year, according to the USDA report, but hay, oats and sweet potato acreage will decrease. Additional crop planting intentions for Alabama include: • Winter Wheat — Up 18 percent from 2012 to 260,000 seeded acres • Hay — Down 10,000 acres from 2012 to 850,000 harvested acres • Oats — Down 10,000 acres from 2012 to 50,000 acres • Sweet Potatoes — Down 200 acres from 2012 to 2,500 acres Nationally, farmers are preparing to plant 97.3 million acres of corn, one of the largest crops in history, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). If realized, this year’s corn planting would be the largest acreage since 1936, when 102 million acres were planted. Good weather and good prices have farmers eager to get in the fields, Richard said. “Once the temperature starts warming up, it’s a busy time,” he said. “It’s hard to hold back. We’re ready to get things growing.” For more information, visit nass.usda.gov. n

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Richard Holladay fills the planter with seed corn.

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Christenberry, Timmons Named Regional Marketing Vice Presidents

wo members of the Alfa Insurance Hall of Fame have been selected to lead the company’s marketing efforts in north and south Alabama. Alfa Executive Vice President of Marketing Al Dees named David Christenberry regional marketing vice president for south Alabama and Tim Timmons regional marketing vice president for north Alabama. “In making these appointments, we focused on experience, knowledge of the insurance industry, proven long-term track records, loy- Christenberry alty to Alfa and the ability to build successful teams and lead them to be winners,” Dees said. “These two men are truly among the most respected leaders

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in our field force, and we are confident in their abilities to motivate Alfa’s Alabama sales teams.”  A native of Fayette, Ala., and an Auburn University graduate, Christenberry joined Alfa in 1977 as an agent. He became a district manager in 1978. Timmons grew up in Fort Payne, Ala., and is a graduate of Faulkner University. He joined Alfa in 1987 as an agent and was promoted to district manager in 1988. Christenberry and Timmons both say they are optimistic about Alfa’s future and agree that personalized service distinguishes Alfa from other insurance companies.  “Alfa employees are caring people who are really concerned about an individual’s needs, and we all look for opportunities to take care of those needs,” Timmons said.  “Even though Alfa is a large company, we treat our employees

and clients like family,” Christenberry added. Timmons is a former Alabama area vice president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He and wife, Janet Lynn, live in Centre, Timmons Ala., where they attend the First Methodist Church. They have one son, Kaylor, 27. Christenberry is past president of the Central Alabama chapter of NAIFA and past president of the Central Alabama chapter of the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA). He and his wife Barbara live in Montgomery and are active members of Frazer United Methodist Church. They have two sons, John, 30, and Brad, 27. n

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Legislation Aims To Update Career Tech Equipment

labama high school students would be better prepared to enter the workforce with passage of a bill to provide $50 million in equipment for career tech programs. Sponsored by Rep. Mac Buttram, R-Cullman, HB102 had not been voted on by the Senate at press time. The state has not provided funding for equipment purchases since 2005, according to State Department of Education Career Tech Director Philip Cleveland. He said Alabama high school graduates struggle in careers or at technical schools after being trained on substandard, outdated machinery. “We need modern equip-

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ment to train students so their transition from high school to community college or industry makes sense,” Cleveland said. “We have (funding for) operations and maintenance. We are going to do a plan so we don’t come back in 10 years and ask for the same thing. We’re going to keep the equipment current.” Earlier in the legislative session, the bill passed the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee. The House of Representatives voted 93-1 in favor of the bill. The proposed education budget includes funding for Career Tech Operations and Maintenance at $5 million. Under that proposal, the Career Tech Initiative would receive $2.3 million, with $900,000 earmarked for agriscience programs. For current legislative news, read the Federation’s Capitol Connection online at AlfaFarmers.org. n

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By Miranda Mattheis

he name Pat Dye may conjure memories of Auburn University’s intense football coach pacing the sidelines at Jordan-Hare Stadium, as more than 85,000 fans cheered from their seats. A lesser-known passion for the coaching legend is rooted in the tranquility of gardening, landscaping and hunting. His love for Japanese maples grew from a lone tree in his front yard to an extensive garden and nursery. “My first contact with Japanese maples was in 1981,” Dye recalls. “I was building a new house and the landscaper said, ‘Coach, you need a specimen tree right here.’ He brought a 7- or 8-foot green Japanese maple. It changed colors about three or four times a year. I watched that tree for 12 years while I was coaching.”

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What began as a hobby became a business venture for former Auburn football coach Pat Dye who loves Japanese maple trees.

Dye said when he retired from coaching, his interest in Japanese maples led him to plant more trees on his property in Reeltown. He soon found himself eager to learn more about the trees. “I met Harold Johnson, who was a mechanic, but he was world-renowned for his knowledge of Japanese maples,” Dye said. “He introduced me to the different varieties and different characteristics of maples. My interest just grew from there. Now, I’ve got a Japanese maple garden, a Japanese maple nursery, and I’ve got over 7,000 trees. I enjoy working on them every day — planting them, growing them and pruning them. It’s a fun, fun way for me to live.” Dye has 3,000 to 4,000 Japanese maples in pots at his two-acre nursery. The remaining trees are scattered across 15 to 20 acres. While more than 2,000 varieties of Japanese maples are known to exist, Dye has about 200 varieties on his property. “The trees cross-pollinate,” Dye explained, “which produces a lot of varieties of trees.” With acres of trees to enjoy, Dye said one Japanese maple tree holds a special place in his heart — the one he watched during his 12 seasons coaching at Auburn. “I went back this year, and that tree is 30 feet tall,” Dye said. “I go back and visit it about every three or four months. I have two seedlings off of it.” Dye enjoys sharing his love of Japanese maples with others. On April 5 and 6, he opened his Crooked Oaks Hunting Lodge and Quail Hollow Gardens for the inaugural Spring Fling and Outdoor Expo, hosted by Auburn M AY 2 0 1 3

University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. The event raised money for scholarships and included dinner, live entertainment, tours of Dye’s property and an auction. “Auburn University is my family. I love the students, so this event is a way of giving back to Auburn,” Dye said. “I’m trying to help Auburn have the best School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences in the country so we can get the best students and the best teachers.” Approximately 450 people attended the inaugural event, which helped the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences exceed its fund-raising goal of $50,000, said Lynn Huggins, sales and marketing director for Coach Pat Dye Properties. Dr. James Shepard, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, said he appreciates Dye’s philanthropy. “The event was very well attended, especially for a new event, and I believe everyone had a marvelous time,” Shepard said. “The proceeds raised will most definitely help our students be successful.” While Dye’s events can help students receive a better education, he recognizes nature can be its own source of knowledge. “You can learn a lot by watching trees and taking care of them,” Dye said. “My ambition is to make this property better every year for as long as I live. “People ask me if I’m planting little trees. I say, ‘Yeah, I plant little trees, and I plant some big ones, too.’ I hope I can plant some little trees until the last day I’m on this earth.” n 23

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Farmers Reeling From Foreign Fish Imports Paul Wheeler has curbed his catfish production because of pressure from foreign imports and rising input costs.

By Melissa Martin

hen Perry County catfish farmer Paul Wheeler took a risk nearly 20 years ago and started his catfish farm, he knew there would be challenges. What he wasn’t prepared for was consumers’ willingness to welcome foreign fish imports. The result — a sinking market. “Foreign competition is causing quite a problem for American catfish farmers,” explained Wheeler, 60, second vice chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Catfish Committee. “Nearly all the country’s catfish is raised in Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas, and almost every farmer out there has reduced production because we simply can’t compete [with Vietnam].” To combat profit losses partially caused by imports, Wheeler said he’s tightened his costs in every area. “High grain prices are killing us,” he explained. “Between high feed prices [caused by high grain prices] and low fish prices because of the foreign fish imports, we’re getting hit from two different directions. One hit is bad enough, but two is devastating. It seems we cut back again and again, but there’s really only so much you can cut back on and still run a successful farm.” w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Wheeler reduced his workforce to one full-time and one part-time person, eliminating a night shift employee. He installed an oxygen monitoring system to save fuel and electricity. But there’s one thing he refuses to sacrifice. “I won’t cut the quality of feed,” he said. “You can cut back all you want, but you can’t starve a profit out of a fish. Quality is everything.” To stay afloat, Wheeler downsized his water acreage this year from 100 to 60 acres and dropped his stocking rate to 5,000 fish per acre. “Is that the right choice? I don’t know,” he confessed. “I’m just trying to cut costs where I can and still be the best catfish farmer I know how.” Wheeler isn’t the only farmer making cuts. Nationwide, catfish farmers slashed production acreage in half from nearly 164,000 water acres in 2007 to just 83,000 last year. Consequently, production dropped 35 percent, from 104 million pounds of fish to 67 million pounds those same years. Weighing in at nearly 60 cents less per pound than U.S. farmraised catfish, Vietnamese pangasius catfish flooded the market and slowed production for domestic farmers. Recent congressional efforts, however, could spell good news for 24

catfish farmers. “Sen. Jeff Sessions has done us a service,” Wheeler said. “He pushed the Commerce Department to create and enforce an antidumping tariff on imports, which has needed to be done for quite some time. He also was helpful in getting the market rates changed so foreign fish aren’t nearly as cheap as they once were. In the past 30 days, foreign prices have gone up a dime, so the tariff is already helping.” During his campaign for the tariff and pricing realignment, Sessions — a native of the Black Belt — said by enforcing the nation’s trade laws and fostering an environment that requires healthy competition, he was confident the state’s catfish farms would again be a market leader. Alabama Farmers Federation Catfish Division Director Rick Oates said any boost is good for the state’s economy. “People don’t realize just how important catfish farming is to our state and nation,” he explained. “Around 5,800 jobs in the state are dependent on the industry, which contributes $158.2 million to Alabama’s economy. It is a vital economic engine, especially along the Black Belt. We just hope consumers will make the right choice and buy U.S. farm-raised catfish. It’s delicious and, more importantly, safe for their families.” n M AY 2 0 1 3

Cook happily

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By Lois Chaplin

by freezing weather but recover quickly. Bulbs of other species are offered in bags at retailers from bulb companies like VanBourgondien. Beyond that, it’s a search. Try the best garden center (or the most esoteric) in town, and specialty places like Petals from the Past (PetalsFromThePast.com) in Clanton. Read classifieds and farmers’ bulletins or go online to nurseries like Jenks Farmer (JenksFarmer.com), Plant Delights Nursery (PlantDelights.com) and Southern Bulb Co. (SouthernBulbs.com). Crinums are easy to grow. They thrive for even the brownest thumb. They do well in poor soils, from clay to sand. Some do well at the margin of a pond or even in a water garden. Deep underground, some species make watermelon-sized bulbs weighing 20 pounds or more. Moving a big, established crinum can be like transplanting a big shrub, so it’s best to find a place and let it be. Also, crinum blooms best after it is well established in one spot. Full sun to part shade is best, depending on the species. Growth is slow at first, so be patient. Plants make clumps but don’t spread wildly. In these days of “Googling it,” there is plenty of research about crinums. If you enjoy garden books, there is a helpful chapter in Scott Ogden’s Garden Bulbs for the South. Crinums bring wonderful fragrance and a bit of history to any garden and can be planted any time. n

o names like Creole lily, Milk-and-Wine lily, Deep Sea lily, St. John’s lily, or Star lily ring a bell? If so, you are connected to heritage garden flowers and perhaps also one of the most mysterious—crinums. These aren’t lilies, but members of the Amaryllis family that bloom in late spring and summer, depending on type. There are many types of crinums, mostly exotic bulbs, and often with unknown lineage. But one thing is sure, these fragrant blossoms are synonymous with old Southern gardens. Swamp lily (Crinum americanum) is native to the South, but most crinums come from other warmtemperate to tropical regions around the world—India, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Mostly introduced in the 1800s, they’ve been collected and hybridized (either purposely or by accident) so it can be difficult to know them apart. Adding to the identity dilemma is the fact crinums often go by various names. Only a few crinums are easy to find commercially; most are found through local plant sales, plant swaps, market bulletins, and of course, neighbors and friends, especially in the country. Most country crinums are very old. They can be found on roadsides and old homesteads, often long after the original homes are gone. Most are white, pink or white striped with red. The 3-to 5-foot tall Giant Crinum (Crinum asiaticum) is easy to find in Florida, where its tall, strap-like leaves are frequent in commercial landscapes. Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, its big leaves are knocked back

___________________________________

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

THE CURE FOR SPRING FEVER. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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oris Prickett of Calhoun County was raised in town, but her heart has grown closer to agriculture since her marriage brought her to the Cedar Springs community. “My father was a grocer, selling what the farmers grew, but my husband, Joel, and I live on the land where he was born, where his granddaddy was a farmer,” Doris said. “Joel row cropped and had beef cattle before retiring, but we now lease our pasture land to a cousin who raises cattle.” Through the years, the couple served the local Farmers Federation in many capacities. “I was the Calhoun County Women’s Committee chairperson for more than 20 years, and I’ve entered the Heritage Cooking, Sewing and Tablescape competitions quite a few times. I really enjoy being part of the Federation,” she said. Growing up one of six children, Doris says her mother did a lot of cooking and taught her children well in the kitchen.

“My mother-in-law was a school lunchroom cook, and I’ve learned a lot from her, too,” Doris said. By Kellie Henderson While she delights in opportunities to cook for family and other loved ones, Doris said she cherishes taking part in church activities and spending time with her three grandchildren. “I’ve been in the choir all my life, and I told my daughter before her first child was born that I intended to be a full-fledged grandmother,” she said. “Our oldest granddaughter is very interested in archery, so I’m happy I’ve gotten to watch her competitions.” Like so many wonderful grandmothers, Doris continues the cooking traditions of previous generations, lovingly preparing the foods that have become hallmarks of family gatherings. One family favorite is Potato Cake, which Doris says her mother made many times and passed along in a cookbook she made for her Porcupine Meat Balls children. ½ cup uncooked rice 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon minced onion ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ to 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned)

Mix all ingredients except tomatoes. Shape into balls. Place in a 9-x13-inch baking dish. Pour tomatoes over all. Bake uncovered at 350 F for one hour to l hour and 20 minutes. Serve over rice if desired.

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Potato Cake 2 cups sugar 1 cup shortening 1 cup mashed potatoes (not sweet potatoes) 4 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup milk 1 cup chopped pecans (if desired)

In a mixing bowl, cream first 3 ingredients. Add eggs one at a time beating well. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cocoa. Add to shortening mixture alternately with milk and vanilla. Fold in chopped nuts if desired. Spread batter in 3 (9-inch) greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes or until edges of cake begin to pull away from sides of pan. When layers are cool, assemble cake with Coffee Cocoa Icing. Coffee Cocoa Icing: 1 ½ pounds powdered sugar 6 tablespoons cocoa 6 tablespoons butter or margarine 5 tablespoons strong, hot coffee 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Sift together sugar and cocoa and place in a mixing bowl. Beat with butter, coffee and vanilla. More coffee or a little milk may be added if needed to make spreading easy. Spread between layers, on top and sides of cake. Note: Doris said this cake is best if made a day or two ahead. Fruit Dip 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until creamy. Blend in vanilla and sour cream. Keep refrigerated until serving. Serve with fresh fruit.

Strawberry Congealed Salad 1 3/4 cup boiling water 2 (3-ounce) or 1 (6-ounce) box strawberry Jell-O 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple 1 cup sour cream

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water then stir in strawberries and pineapple. Pour half of fruit mixture into a 9-x13-inch dish. Chill until set. Spread with sour cream. Pour on remaining fruit mixture and refrigerate until serving time. Fruit Salad 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained, juice reserved 1 (30-ounce) or 2 (15-ounce) cans fruit cocktail, drained, juice reserved 3 large bananas (sliced) 1 (3-ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix

Mix pineapple chunks, fruit cocktail and sliced bananas in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Add the pudding mix to the pineapple juice and mix thoroughly. If mixture is thicker than desired, add some of the fruit cocktail juice. Pour the pudding mixture over the fruit and mix. Chill and serve. Makes approximately 12 (1/2-cup) servings. Party Chicken 1 (2.25-ounce) jar dried beef slices 8 pieces of boneless chicken 8 slices bacon 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup 1 cup sour cream 1 (6-ounce) package slivered almonds

Grease 9-x13-inch baking dish and arrange dried beef to cover bottom of dish. Wrap each piece of chicken with a slice of bacon. In a small bowl, mix soup and sour cream together and pour over chicken. Top with almonds. Refrigerate overnight. Bake 3 hours at 275 F uncovered.

Sausage Casserole 1 pound sausage (browned and drained) 12 slices white bread, frozen (cubed, crusts removed) 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese 8 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon mustard 2 1/2 cups milk

Layer sausage in bottom of a greased 9-x13-inch baking dish, followed by bread then cheese. Mix remaining ingredients together. Pour mixture over sausage, bread and cheese layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove pan from refrigerator while oven is preheating to 350 F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Note: Freezing the bread slices before trimming and cubing prevents the bread from being mashed. Doris also recommends wiping any moisture from the bottom of the baking dish before placing in the oven. Fantasy Fudge 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup (1 ½ sticks) butter or margarine, plus more for pan 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (7-ounce) jar Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Cream 1 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter a 9-x13-inch metal baking dish. Set aside. Place sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in large, heavy saucepan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil four minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234 F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and marshmallow cream, stirring until chocolate is completely melted. Add nuts and vanilla. Mix well. Pour in prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature four hours or until completely cooled. Cut into squares.

Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes. Recommend a favorite cook who is a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation by emailing AlabamaCountryKitchen@gmail.com. M AY 2 0 1 3

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