Neighbors Magazine, May 2024

May 2024 | Volume 49 | Number 4

Marlee Jackson | 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

David Bailey | Dawson

Steve Lake | Vinemont

Joe Anders Northport

Phillip Hunter | Birmingham

Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka

Tommy Martin | Moundville

Bill Cook Montgomery

Trip Horne | Louisville

Mark Kaiser | Daphne

Jerry Peak | Chancellor

Debbie Dunn Samson

Dillon Turk | Semmes

Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to Neighbors

P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com

DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

In This Issue

4 | Farmers to Plant More Cotton, Per USDA Report

10 | Farm-City Awards Program Honors Exceptional Work

12 | Baldwin County Craftsman Shapes Custom Boots

14 | Spring Break Tour Teaches AU Students about Ag

19 | Alabama 4-H Offers New Youth Gardening Programs

23 On The Cover

Hundreds of youth exhibited beef cattle, dairy cattle and swine during the Jr. Livestock Expo, including these six top exhibitors. This special issue celebrates their achievements, abilities and commitment to agriculture.

Design By Laura Unger

22 | Grace Ends Yearslong Stint as State Beef Show Emcee

Ben Johnson is increasing cotton acres on his DeKalb County farm. The move is in line with USDA’s Prospective Planting Report, which predicts a 13% increase in Alabama cotton.

Prospective Planting Report Calls for More Cotton, Less Corn

By Maggie Edwards

Alabama row crop fields could see an increase in cotton-covered acres this spring.

The Cotton State is projected to plant 430,000 acres of the fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS)

Prospective Planting Report released March 28. The report is an estimate based on farmer conversations and interviews.

Cotton acreage is forecast to jump 13% from 2023 and follows a national trend. U.S. cotton acres are predicted to be up 4%.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Steve Brown said the increase could result from the successful cotton harvest north Alabama had last fall.

“The futures market puts cotton in a more favorable advantage than feed grains,” said Brown, who specializes in cotton production and management. “The cost of growing corn from a

fertilizer standpoint caused a tilt toward cotton for many.”

Take DeKalb County’s Ben Johnson. He decided in February to switch most of his farm’s corn acreage to cotton.

“I continually run numbers,” said Johnson, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee. “Looking at revenue protection from insurance and county yields, it’s a no brainer for us. We must use the best protection we can get to guarantee we can do this again next year.”

Transportation cost factors in, too.

“Transporting grains is higher than cotton,” Johnson said. “We also don’t have to store the cotton here on the farm like we do corn. It’s less expensive to add cotton than build another grain bin.”

Johnson still has his hand in corn, soybeans and wheat, though those acres are down.

That also follows a national trend. Wheat and feed grain acres are reported to decline, said the

Federation’s Carla Hornady.

“Rising input costs put pressure on production and profit margins,” said Hornady, director of the Federation’s Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions. “The economy matters. It plays a big role in what farmers plant.”

Alabama corn is forecast to drop 6% to 310,000 acres compared to 2023, while soybeans are expected to decline 9% to 320,000 acres.

Winter wheat is at a 34% decrease. That’s likely due to a late fall drought, Brown said.

“It’s hard to get an extent of a fall-planted crop,” Brown said. “A lot of wheat is rotated with soybeans. Soybeans being down could be a result of that, too.”

Meanwhile, peanut farmers are optimistic looking toward planting. The official state legume is expected to take a 3% leap in planted acreage, though Baldwin County farmer Tim Mullek said the acreage might increase even more. Despite overall increases across Alabama, individual farms could be confined to their crop rotation.

“Our farm is different and is going to be slightly down in peanuts,” said Mullek, a member of the Federation State Cotton Committee. “That isn’t from an economic standpoint. It’s just how our rotation fell.”

Mullek also grows cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat.

“We aren’t grossly increasing our cotton over corn,” Mullek said. “We put our corn on the best acres we have to give it a chance.”

No matter what farmers plant, the tough farm economy is taking a toll, Mullek said.

“Farmers need help from the farm bill,” Mullek added. “Inputs change everything. There’s nothing wrong with $4 corn if fertilizer is $200 a ton. But it’s $500. There’s nothing wrong with 85-cent cotton if cotton seed is $300 a bag. The problem is it’s $600 a bag. The list goes on.”

Farmers are subject to forces outside their control, but Johnson and Mullek stay strong to keep feeding and clothing the world.

“Without faith, I would be in despair,” Mullek said. “It doesn’t make it easy, but it makes it possible. I am thankful to farm no matter what.”

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On the Record: Pocket Calendars Still Popular with Farmers

By Marlee Jackson

Light rain drips outside as Augusta and Dorothy Cook gather around their kitchen table March 26, thumbing through a stack of small black calendar books.

It’s just before lunch, but Augusta’s next-day agenda already includes this task: Slipping 2024’s palm-sized planner from his shirt pocket, clicking open a fine-point pen and jotting down the previous day’s rain.

“Years ago, the Farm Service Agency wanted to keep up with rainfall in the south end of the county,” said Augusta, 89. “(Current Crenshaw County Farmers Federation President) Tony Beck told them, ‘I know someone who can tell you what it rained five years ago.’”

That’s because Augusta has recorded rainfall at his home in Brantley for decades, primarily in the little black books. Precipitation joins a treasure trove of details inside its cover, which sports the Alabama Farmers Federation’s square logo in gold.

Birthdays, anniversaries, church attendance and appointments fill the

straight. Book orders have drastically declined in the last decade as farmers have moved toward digital records for tracking weather, calving and contact information, said Federation Communications Department Director Jeff Helms.

book, in addition to friends’ contact information and meeting reminders for the Federation and its affiliated Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. A forest landowner and former mail carrier, Augusta noted mileage and fuel for his 100-plus-mile route until he retired in 1999.

“If anyone asks about something that’s happened in the past, I can answer them,” Augusta said.

July 27, 2000?

Luverne High School hosted the local Miss Alabama Agriculture pageant.

Dec. 6-7, 2004?

The Cooks joined more than a thousand Federation leaders at the statewide annual meeting. It was cool and rained an inch.

Jan. 10, 2008?

Brantley scored just 0.4 inches of rain, and Augusta presided over a local Federation board meeting. (He was Crenshaw County Farmers Federation president for seven years.)

For decades, farmers across the state used Federation-supplied little black books for record-keeping, in addition to keeping their calendar

“While digital crop and livestock management programs are becoming increasingly important to farm families, we understand the value of tangible, tactile records to many Federation members,” Helms said. “For generations, these black books have been constant companions in the consoles of pickup trucks and bib pockets of overalls. Every year, we receive phone calls from farmers eager to receive a planner. Although we don’t hear from as many as we once did, we are proud to provide our members a useful tool — and reminder of a simpler, less hectic way of life.”

Helms said there’s just one manufacturer of the treasured black books left in America, which may impact future cost, availability and level of customization.

Farmers and forest landowners are familiar with evolving technology. Augusta remembers logging timber with a cross-cut saw and just this year observed heavy, modern equipment harvest wood on his property. He and Dorothy picked cotton by hand, too, early in their marriage. Today, row crop farmers manage land using milliondollar, high-tech machinery.

Augusta embraces other modernizations, too.

In addition to the little black book, he slips a smartphone into his pocket each morning.

“I can do Facebook, and I can answer the telephone,” he said with a grin, “but I don’t try to keep up with anything (on the phone) because I’ve got my little black book.”

Augusta Cook of Crenshaw County has collected palm-sized planners (colloquially called little black books) for years. He uses the Alabama Farmers Federation-supplied books to document meetings, rainfall, contact information, birthdays and more.

Women in Ag Bloom during Leadership Conference

By Maggie Edwards

Fellowship, fun and flower bouquets were farmer favorites during the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference April 10-12 in Auburn.

The annual event was filled with leadership development and connection building, said Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) Chair Debbie Dunn.

“Our women were blooming,” said Dunn of Geneva County. “The flowers brought out the personality of our attendees and set a joyful precedent.”

Thanks to sponsorships from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, a fresh light was brought to the conference. Happi Harvest flower farm in New Brockton provided the flower bar, while a pinky shimmery backdrop with larger-than-life flowers made for the perfect place to capture special moments.

“Walking into the Hotel at Auburn University was breathtaking,” said Cherokee County WLC member Shelley East. “I enjoyed picking out some of my favorite flowers from the large display tables. Looking at all the varieties of flower types and colors made me realize

that something as simple as a flower can bring back so many memories.”

Additionally, the conference included educational sessions on farm taxes and professional organizing; legislative updates from the Federation’s Brian Hardin and Mitt Walker; the Farm-City Awards Program; and an inspiring keynote from author Lisa Ditchkoff.

Between those informative workshops, the agenda allowed for networking breaks, Dunn said.

“Those build unity,” said Dunn, who has served on the State WLC for six years. “When you see ladies who know other ladies, they light up when they see each other. Smiles make it worthwhile. As chair, I am blessed to have formed relationships all over the state.”

This year, the leadership conference ventured to a new city, Dunn said.

“While the Federation State WLC was planning the event for Auburn, our goal was to ensure our ladies loved the new location,” Dunn said. “Seeing the cheerful faces of all 200 women told us this was the right move.”

That decision allowed involvement with Auburn University (AU) as mascot Aubie the Tiger, the AU Singers show choir and Miss AU Mary-Coker Green joined in the Federation fun.

“Auburn was ideal,” said East, a first-time conference attendee. “This event prepared us to become better advocates for agriculture while instilling faith, family and farming as the core values of the organization. Bonds were strengthened within our county committees and with other women in agriculture across the state.”

The idea of forming relationships with like-minded women was on everyone’s mind, Dunn said.

“All of us have a common thread,” Dunn said. “From Geneva County in the south to Lawrence County in the north, we are all family member with one mission — to be good advocates for agriculture.”

Clockwise from top: Butler County’s Janell Powell customized a fresh-cut flower bouquet from Happi Harvest, a flower farm; Cherokee County’s Dawn East, Rita Free and Shelley East personalized bouquets; Conference guests enjoyed sessions focused on farm taxes and professional organizing; Barbour County’s Ashley McCraney, right, met with author Lisa Ditchkoff after her inspirational keynote address.

Utsey Retires after 34 Years Serving Members

After three decades serving Alabama Farmers Federation members, Robert Utsey retired from field work March 28.

Utsey reflected on his 34-year career with the Federation and Alfa Insurance during a retirement reception in Montgomery, where he was surrounded by farmers, members, friends and colleagues.

“This day gets here quicker than you think,” Utsey said. “When I began this job, my main goal was to improve the relationship between the insurance company and the Federation. My county leaders have told me it’s better now than it’s ever been. For them to say that, I’m pleased.”

organization director for Federation Area 9.

The Washington County native brought a steady work ethic, can-do attitude and familiarity with rural Alabama to the job. For 16 years, he was the liaison between the Federation and member-leaders in Butler, Clarke, Choctaw, Crenshaw, Marengo, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties.

Utsey began his career with Alfa in 1989 as a claims adjuster. In 2007, he followed in the footsteps of his fatherin-law, Roy Rigney, when he became

His work was varied. It included recruiting young farmers, attending local board meetings, promoting commodities at events like the annual University of West Alabama (UWA) catfish fry and campaigning for Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates. Utsey’s out-of-the-box thinking created the Press Box, a sports radio show reaching thousands in rural Alabama.

Utsey’s most impactful service,

however, came through relationships he formed with members, said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.

“Robert cares about his people,” Parnell said. “That’s the main thing we ask field men to do.”

Utsey’s loyalty and servant’s heart leave big boots to fill, said Organization Department Director Matthew Durdin.

“Robert loves his family, he loves this staff, and he loves this organization,” Durdin said. “What I will miss the most, though, was that whenever I called and asked for help, he said, ‘Yes.’ I’m a better man for knowing Robert Utsey.”

Utsey holds a bachelor’s in business from Livingston University (now UWA) and a master’s in management from Faulkner University. He lives in Chatom with Shannon, his wife of 36 years. They have three children, Luke, Peyton and Ty, and one grandson, Porter.

“Alfa’s been so good to me,” Utsey said. “Alfa has always been first class, and I’m thankful to have spent a career with this company and these people.”

Utsey

Farm-City Awards Honor Rural, Urban Connection

By Tanner Hood

Agritourism was on display during the annual Farm-City Awards Program April 11 in Auburn. Detailed activity reports, bright posters, well-worded essays and vibrant videos showcased hours of hard work and dedication by students and Farm-City committees across the state.

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms said student contestants and county committees captured the concept of Farm-City.

“Our goal last year was to connect rural and urban communities. This has been the mission of Farm-City Week since its inception in 1955,” said Helms of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “The work done last year by students, teachers and county volunteers strengthened bonds between farmers and the neighbors who buy their products and provide services needed to sustain Alabama’s agricultural and forestry economies. We believe the seeds of understanding planted will continue to bear fruit for years to come.”

Over 350 students, committee members and families gathered to celebrate yearlong achievements showcasing “Agritourism: Connecting Alabama Farms and Communities.”

Skilled Students Honored

Eighteen kindergarten through 12th grade students were honored for displays of Alabama agritourism in poster, essay and video formats.

Winners and runners-up received trophies and cash awards from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC), which also provided matching cash awards for schools of first- and second-place honorees.

Entries were judged by state agriculture and business leaders chosen

Sirmons Win Farm of Distinction

During the program, Sirmon Farms in Baldwin County was named the 2024 Farm of Distinction. Farm owners Joel and Patti Sirmon said they understand the hard work it takes to be successful in agriculture.

“I don’t call it work,” said Joel, a fifth-generation farmer. “This is my way of living.”

Sirmon Farms spans 4,500 acres in the Belforest community. The Sirmons grow cotton, corn, peanuts, and sweet potatoes and will represent Alabama during the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest this fall.

The family business includes Joel’s mother, Shirley, and brother, James.

As the Farm of Distinction, the Sirmon family received an engraved farm sign from the Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and John Deere; a $1,000 gift from AFC; and $1,000 from First South Farm Credit.

by the Alabama Farm-City Committee. Winning works were promoted during the awards program, and the Top 12 posters will be featured in the 2025 Alabama Farm-City Calendar.

Poster Contest, Kindergarten-Third Grade

n First and $200: Corbitt Dyess, Mulkey Elementary School, Geneva County

n Second and $100: Channing Boyd, Stephen Elementary School, Tallapoosa County

n Third and $75: Gianna Hines, Mount Olive Primary School, Russell County

As the Farm of Distinction, Sirmon Farms owners Joel and Patti Sirmon receive a prize package from generous sponsors. From left are Joseph Fureigh, First South Farm Credit; Tiffany Lester, Alabama Farmers Cooperative; the Sirmons; Shannon Norwood, TriGreen; Neal Stanford, SunSouth; and Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation.

Corbitt Dyess of Geneva County won the KindergartenThird Grade Poster Contest.

Micah Blankenship of Dale County won the Fourth-Sixth Grade Poster Contest.

n Fourth and $60: Cora Hogeland, Holly Pond Elementary School, Cullman County

n Fifth and $40: Jaxon Aday, Moulton Elementary School, Lawrence County

n Sixth and $25: Laila Pippin, Morris Slingluff Elementary School, Houston County

Poster Contest, Fourth-Sixth Grade

n First and $200: Micah Blankenship, Ariton Elementary School, Dale County

n Second and $100: Lilli Norris, Bagley Elementary School, Jefferson County

n Third and $75: Willoughby Dean, Prattville Intermediate School, Autauga County

n Fourth and $60: Pruitt Woods, Moulton Middle School, Lawrence County

n Fifth and $40: Addison Heath, Sulligent Elementary School, Lamar County

n Sixth and $25: Era Lee Bell, home-school, Clay County

Essay Contest, Seventh-Ninth Grade

n First and $300: Caleb Cook, Billingsley School, Autauga County

n Second and $200: Susan Atchison, Chilton Christian Academy, Chilton County

Essay Contest, 10-12th Grade

n First and $300: Noah Price, Alabama School for the Blind, Talladega County

Exceptional Counties Highlighted

Along with student winners, local Farm-City committees were honored for efforts to connect rural communities and city neighbors through events, activities and other creative methods.

Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation sponsored cash prizes for top committees. Division winners received $300,

n Second and $200: Denver Guthery, Billingsley School, Autauga County

Video Contest

n First and $300: Emily McDaniel, Corner High School, Jefferson County

n Second and $200: Kayden Bland, Billingsley School, Autauga County

while runners-up garnered $200. Category award winners received $100.

Division I represents larger populations, while Division II represents smaller counties.

Division I

n Lee County: Best Farm-City Committee; Best Civic Club Activities; Best Scrapbook

n Dale County: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee; Best Dinner; Best Tour

n Walker County: Target Award

n St. Clair County: Innovative Idea Award

n Chilton County: Best Media Coverage & Proclamation

n Jefferson County: Best Special Activities

Division II

n Geneva County: Best Farm-City Committee; Best Civic Club Activities; Best Scrapbook

n Cherokee County: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee; Innovative Idea Award

n Barbour County: Target Award; Best Tour

n Fayette County: Best Dinner

n Clay County: Best Media Coverage & Proclamation

n Pike County: Best Special Activities

Additionally, Chilton County Probate Judge Jason Calhoun was named Volunteer of the Year, and Houston County Career Academy Director Chris Kennedy received the Farm-City Service Award.

Committees from Lee and Geneva counties were named best overall in Divisions I and II, respectively. From left are Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation board member Mahlon Richburg; Lee County’s Mary Richburg and Penny Walters; Geneva County’s Debbie Dunn; and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms.

Caleb Cook, Autauga County Scan to read his essay.

Noah Price, Talladega County Scan to read his essay.

Emily McDaniel, Jefferson County Scan to view her video.

South Alabama Boot Maker Preserving Rare Trade

By Tanner Hood

Sitting on a worn cushion surrounded by tools, Bill Nordan molds and glues a seemingly simple yet skillfully stitched set of boots.

Nordan’s weathered hands guide decades-old tools across the unfinished bottom of the ostrich skin shoes, which will take days to complete.

“It takes me around 60 hours to make a pair of boots,” said Nordan, 75. “The boots in other stores today will not be made like this. We’re retired. Boot making is a hobby now.”

Boot making wasn’t always the path

learn to be a saddle maker. Boots intrigued me, too. My wife and two children stayed in south Alabama, and I went to OSU and learned to make both.”

Nordan graduated from OSU in 1980 and came back to his family’s farm in Robertsdale. He started repairing everything from saddles and shoes to baby dolls and belts.

Vicky’s job as a nurse supported her husband’s boot making and leather repairs. Harnessing customers in small-town Alabama wasn’t easy, Nordan said.

Nordan wanted to travel on. A Vietnam War veteran, Nordan was injured while serving and came back to the U.S. where he started shoeing horses.

That’s how he met Vicky, his wife of 53 years.

They opened a farm feed store where Nordan started repairing leather goods. This inspired him to craft saddles, and the opportunity presented itself in the form of a magazine ad.

“One day I was looking in a quarter horse journal and there was an ad for Oklahoma State University (OSU) Technical College,” Nordan said. “I applied, was accepted and went to

“I did all the repair work to get clients, but my passion was saddles and boots,” Nordan said. “Most boot makers are in Western states, so I had to build a customer base. That’s why I got started

Nordan started making orthopedic footwear, serving clientele who couldn’t wear run-of-the-mill shoes from big

“I helped a man from Jackson who had a foot deformity from polio,” Nordan said. “He wanted a Western-style boot that didn’t show his deformity, so I worked with him and made one. That led to me making orthopedic footwear for 20

Nordan said it was challenging

Clockwise from top left: Bill Nordan hides stitching under the sole of a newly sewn pair of boots to protect the leather from water and soil; Nordan, owner of Bill Nordan Custom Boots in Robertsdale, said it will take over 60 hours to complete a pair of Auburnthemed boots; Nordan tightly tacks ostrich skin to remove wrinkles; Nordan built his business by crafting custom orthopedic footwear using special molds.

Nordan’s passion for boot making was creatively captured in a poem his daughter penned in grade school.

Bill and Vicky Nordan craft awardwinning boots and handbags, preserving the increasingly rare trade of shaping leather goods.

to get locals to buy custom boots, but leaving Baldwin County was never on the table.

“I’m from a foster family, so I never

had a home until I met Vicky,” Nordan said. “We made this our home, and that’s why we’re still here.”

The Nordans farm over 100 acres and have been in the cattle and hay businesses longer than the boot business.

Nordan said even if he stops making boots, quitting work isn’t in the cards.

“We have about 30 cows, and we put up around 1,500 square bales and 150 round bales every year,”

Nordan said. “We do it all on our own. I’m never going to stop and sit in the chair. I can get up every morning and go do farm

In his prime, Nordan made over 30 pair of boots a year while building saddles and making repairs. Now in retirement, he makes 12 to 15 pairs a year, and every customer must have an appointment. Nordan said

if he takes another order now, he won’t fit the customer in until 2025.

Vicky is a craftsman, too, and fashions handbags from leather scraps for sale at their shop, Bill Nordan Custom Boots and Vicky’s Handbags on the Baldwin Beach Express in Robertsdale.

Nordan’s passion is evident in the boots. His deft stitches and skillful designs earned him three best boot awards at the Boot and Saddle Makers Roundup in Wichita Falls, Texas.

“I’ve beat boot makers from out West in their own backyard,” Nordan said. “Making boots is an art and a science. If you don’t have fit and function, it’s not any good. It’s being able to read a foot and read a human being.”

Although Nordan hopes to eventually pass the business to his son and grandson, he said it’s difficult stepping away from a lifelong passion.

“This has been 44 years of my life,” Nordan said. “No one new is getting into this business. I’ve watched videos and read articles about new methods and styles, but I always come back to the way I know how to do things.”

Ag Expedition Eye-Opening for Auburn Students

By Maggie Edwards

Nineteen cities and 12 tours over six days shaped a superb spring break for 15 Auburn University (AU) College of Agriculture students March 3-8.

That adventure was the Alabama Ag Expedition led by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff.

“This trip teaches participants the importance of Alabama agriculture and shows them career opportunities in the industry,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat & Feed Grain Division Director Carla Hornady. “We pour into the students because they are the future of agriculture.”

Hornady said the trip is life changing

for the college crowd.

“When you take kids somewhere they’ve never been, you see things through their eyes,” she said.

Take Nick Allen from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He tried U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish for the first time and said he enjoyed its flavorful taste as it came up from the fryer.

The catfish dinner was served at Gvillo Farms, a Hale County hay operation. The next day, the group continued its Catfish Country journey and saw production firsthand at Drury Catfish & Cattle in Greensboro. The family farm produces 5 million pounds of catfish annually.

That farm visit opened up a new

world, Allen said.

“As someone from the city, I’m used to seeing small neighborhood farms — things that aren’t even close to Alabama’s production scale,” said Allen, a freshman studying agricultural communications. “It puts things into perspective and shows what drives other states’ economies.”

Ag Expedition attendees who grew up around farm life were intrigued, too.

“I realized the gap there is between producers and consumers,” said Coffee County native Kate Nelsen. “Growing up in a farming community, I thought I understood what being a farmer was. Now I see the sacrifices they make to feed the world.”

Farmers are problem solvers, engineers, machinists and accountants, Nelsen said.

“They think outside the box,” said Nelsen, a senior studying horticulture. “Visiting with farmers challenged me and my classmates to do the same.”

Montgomery County’s Aubrey Grace agreed.

“From someone with no experience to me with farm experience, it was a great way to make industry connections,” said Grace, a junior in agricultural communications. “I stepped foot on a dairy (Blue Ribbon Dairy in

Auburn University students enjoyed a journey through Catfish Country during the Alabama Ag Expedition. Above: Wallace Drury, back row left, of Drury Catfish & Cattle toured the students through his family’s operation in Greensboro. The group was joined by Alabama Ag Credit representatives. Right: Students enjoyed U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish at Gvillo Farms.

Students witnessed mechanized cabbage harvest at McKenzie Farms in Fairhope. McKenzie Farms produces 250,000 cabbage plants annually. AU students are pictured with Mike McKenzie, second from left.

Kate Nelsen said she enjoyed visiting McKenzie Farm Market, a farmer-owned market in Baldwin County. Tommy McKenzie, left, toured students through the store.

Elmore County) for the first time. The expedition helped us understand Alabama’s diverse ag commodities.”

AU offers the Alabama Ag Expedition as a two-hour course. Before spring break, each student researched a tour stop. Once at the location, they gave an overview to their peers.

More stops included Flowerwood Nursery, Baldwin County; McKenzie Farms, Baldwin County; Haynes Farms, Cullman County; SmartLam, Houston

Eager participants snapped photos for the Alabama Ag Expedition photo contest at Flowerwood Nursery in Loxley. Flowerwood has been an industry leader for 85 years.

County; Triple E Farms, Lowndes County; Tate Farms, Madison County; Bunge, Morgan County; and Pursell Agri-Tech, Talladega County.

“We hopped on a bus and toured a lot of farms, but it was more than that,” Grace said as he noted the effort it took to coordinate the trip. “I so appreciate all those who worked hard to make the Alabama Ag Expedition possible.”

Additional sponsors included Alabama Ag Credit, the Alabama

Elmore County’s Blue Ribbon Dairy was a one-stopshop for attendees. They witnessed milking, petted dairy calves and enjoyed farm-fresh ice cream at the farm-to-bottle operation.

Catfish Checkoff, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Alabama TREASURE Forest Association, Corteva Agriscience, First South Farm Credit and GreenPoint Ag.

The next Alabama Ag Expedition is slated for AU’s 2026 spring break.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By Alabama Pork Checkoff and National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2025 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place June 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. CDT, in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Alabama Pork Checkoff at Full Moon BBQ located at 5042 Bond Blvd., McCalla, AL 35022. All Alabama pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due, may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted.

For more information, contact: Alabama Pork Checkoff

P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001 (334) 296-7581

cchristjohn@alfafarmers.org

Scan to Learn more on the Alabama AgCast.

Eliminate Pesky Mosquitoes

By Mallory Kelley

Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming and grass is waking up in vivid shades of lime green. As spring fever sets in, outdoor gatherings will be scheduled, families will spend afternoons in the yard, and ballparks will be frequent gathering places.

However, mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on outdoor activities. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution for combating this perennial summer pest.

Whether in periods of rain or drought, there is almost always enough shower activity in Alabama to favor mosquito development. Mosquitoes need quiet, nonflowing water to develop. They can lay their eggs on the surface of water in anything that collects and holds liquid. This includes birdbaths, water pans under container plants, children’s toys, roof gutters and more. Some mosquitoes can lay eggs at the base of vegetation that borders streams or in low-lying areas subject to flooding.

Mosquitoes develop rapidly, transforming into biting adults in as little as one week. A neglected birdbath or wheelbarrow that accumulates water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes each day. The best way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding

sites. Removing large areas of standing water may require a community-wide effort. However, simple actions can help eliminate breeding locations at home.

l Remove anything that collects and holds water. Don’t allow water to accumulate at the base of flowerpots or in pet dishes for more than a few days. Clean debris from rain gutters, and remove standing water on patios or flat roofs.

l Change water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. Consider stocking ornamental ponds with predacious minnows. Known as mosquito fish, these minnows are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and can be purchased or seined from streams and creeks. A biorational insecticide can also be applied and prevents mosquitoes from developing in the water. Products containing methoprene or Bacillus thuringiensis varisraeliensis (Mosquito Dunks, Bactimos) are essentially harmless to other aquatic organisms and are easily found at local garden centers.

l Fill or drain water-holding areas. This includes puddles, ditches and swampy areas. Remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with a suitable sealant.

l Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully. This precaution prevents standing water.

Personal Protection

Protect your home by securely screening windows, doors and porches. The occasional mosquito found indoors can be eliminated with a fly swatter or aerosol-type insecticide labeled for flying insects. Handle pesticides carefully, and store them in their original containers, out of the reach of children, pets and livestock. Dispose of empty containers safely and properly. Topically applied repellents can help prevent bites when outdoors. Use repellents containing ingredients such as diethyl toluamide (DEET). The higher the percentage of DEET, the longer the protection. Low-percentage formulations are available for use on children.

l Repair leaks. Check around faucets and air conditioner units. Eliminate seepage from cisterns, septic tanks and animal watering troughs.

Repellents that don’t contain DEET, such as Avon Skin So Soft or citronella, may provide some relief — but to a lesser degree and for a shorter time. Always read and follow application and use directions on the container.

YOUR SOYBEANS ARE THE RIGHT FEEDSTUFF FOR

ANIM ALS

Alabama’s 2,500 family poultry farms are our state’s No. 1 agricultural industry. And they count on over 2.3 million tons of your soybean meal a year as a high-protein ingredient in their feed. That’s 98 million bushels of your soybeans every year. As your Alabama Soybean Checkoff, we’re working with the Alabama poultry industry to make sure this stays one good-looking figure. Learn more about the story of soy at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.

By Katie Nichols

Growth is good. Just ask a member of Alabama 4-H.

While 4-H is known for figuratively growing the next generation of leaders, its members do a little bit of actual growing, too. No matter the size of the space, all members can grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, gourds and more with Alabama 4-H.

Doyle Keasal coordinates the 4-H Grows program. He said his work as an educator gave him a unique perspective on projects for young people.

“Gardening is a learn-and-serve project,” Keasal said. “It is so important to give young people an opportunity to learn a skill — even if they may not have all of the tools on their own — and allow them to do something that benefits others.”

Something for Everyone

As he developed program ideas, Keasal said it was important to help students understand where their food comes from.

“There is a satisfaction in helping provide what your family is eating,” Keasal said. “I wanted to give young people an opportunity to feel the satisfaction of providing nourishment for others.”

4-H Grows: Cultivating Community across Alabama

Duke Moore is gaining hands-on gardening experience, as well as learning how to make a difference in his community, by sharing produce with others.

One of Keasal’s primary goals was to remove all barriers for youth who wanted to try their hand at growing something. The 4-H Grows program includes gardening projects of every shape and size.

“My mission was to get any child involved,” Keasal said. “Whether they were growing tomatoes in a 5-gallon bucket or planting a 20-foot garden, I wanted to provide them with the tools and basic knowledge to get started.”

Keasal used his experiences to develop core requirements for each project level. In 4-H Grows, participants use an observation journal to take notes on watering and growing patterns, as well as interesting things that happen.

New Projects

Keasal said he’s excited to offer a new project and challenge for members this year. Raising Flowers for Fun and Profit lets members raise and sell flowers in their communities. They can also participate in the new Watermelon Challenge.

“Our Watermelon Challenge is going to be a fun summer experience for participants,” Keasal said. “There is a $5 charge to participate in this project, but this will cover the special watermelon seeds each participant will receive.”

Those who accept the challenge

will receive the same watermelon variety, as well as care information and the customary journal. Keasal hopes to complete the program by National Watermelon Day in early August.

More Information

4-H Grows has something for everyone. Take part in a project or challenge by registering through 4HOnline.com. While several projects are already underway, there is still an opportunity to support local 4-H participants. Call a county Extension office to find 4-H Grows members nearby.

Doyle Keasal has a passion for teaching young people new skills and giving them opportunities to serve others.

Family Tradition:

State Livestock Show Legacy Spans Generations

By Marlee Jackson

Jeremy Childers’ gaze followed his daughter, Callie Rae, as she led her Commercial Division champion heifer in the final drive of the Jr. Livestock Expo (JLE) Beef Show in Montgomery.

That last lap around the ring was the culmination of months of work and decades of tradition for the Morgan County farm family.

“For 46 years, someone in our family has been exhibiting livestock at this show,” said Kip Childers.

He’s Jeremy’s brother and uncle to JLE exhibitors Caden, 18; Callie Rae, 15; and Colt, 12. He’s an integral part of their support system, too, offering encouragement, advice and hands-on help as the family travels the show circuit.

Showing livestock is a worthwhile, albeit time-consuming, family activity, Jeremy said.

“Most people don’t realize the amount of time and effort it takes. We have to be a team,” said Jeremy while gesturing to Colt, who tag-teams with his siblings to care for their herd.

structure. Other competitions focused on showmanship, or an exhibitor’s ability to highlight the animals’ best attributes.

Claps and cheers erupted as winners were chosen. That joy carried over to the photo area manned by professional photographers Reba Hicks and Morgan Flowers. Following commemorative shots with judges and a Federation representative, each exhibitors’ support system crowded around for a final photo.

Hicks and Flowers understand the value of camera clicks capturing memories. They’re former exhibitors whose families still treasure snapshots from JLE, the state championship of livestock showing.

The Childers family does, too. Those photos are special, as are the banners they’ve won over the years.

“Banners, ribbons and trophies line the wall leading to our son’s room,” said Jeremy’s wife, April. “Caden’s senior photos used those banners on the side of a cattle trailer and featured his reserve grand champion Simmental heifer from last year.”

This year, it’s Callie Rae’s turn to bring home the banners. A smile spread across her face — and her family members’ — as she and her Commercial heifer clinched fifth in a tough competition among overall breeding heifers. Her All Other

That team effort was on display during JLE March 9-16. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance coordinate the annual JLE, which includes beef, swine and dairy shows and is held in conjunction with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE). Across all shows, teams of family, friends and fitters (experts in grooming animals) filled barns and the arena as exhibitors’ yearlong projects came to a close.

Anticipation built as judges circled the ring selecting top livestock based off qualities like strength, soundness and

Breeds Continental heifer earned fourth in the Alabama Bred & Owned contest.

She and fellow Top 5 winners across contests exhibited in the Parade of Champions March 16 at the SLE Rodeo.

That display helps thousands of consumers see agriculture’s strong legacy while showing up for “the greatest show on dirt,” Jeremy said.

“The one thing that makes (livestock showing) different in the day in which we live is the kids’ ability to work and stick something out,” he said. “It’s not easy, and you’ve got animals that aren’t tame yet. Do you give up, give in or give it all you’ve got? We’re teaching our kids to give everything they’ve got.”

The Childers family of Morgan County has a strong legacy of exhibiting cattle at the state livestock show in Montgomery. From left are Kip, Caden, Jeremy, Callie Rae, April and Colt Childers.

Left: Colton Simpson of DeKalb County participated in the Swine Show. Above: Callie Rae Childers exhibited the fifth overall breeding heifer. The young Morgan County farmer is a multi-generational exhibitor at the state livestock show.

Meet Rachel. Rachel has Alfa Insurance. Now, it doesn’t look like she’s too worried about things like claim status or policy details, does it? Nope. She’s out there living her best life while someone else sweats the small stuff. She’s storming the field, drenching her foes and making it rain for her comrades. Why? Because Rachel’s got priorities, that’s why.

Voice of Beef Show Hangs up Microphone after Three Decades

By Maggie Edwards

After more than three decades emceeing the state beef cattle show, Galen Grace hung up his microphone following the Alabama Farmers Federation Jr. Livestock Expo (JLE) this spring.

It’s bittersweet, said Grace.

“Since I decided to step away from announcing, I’ve been trying to explain it without getting emotional,” he said. “This has kept me young. I knew I could never repay the people who helped me along the way, so volunteering at livestock shows was my way of giving back.”

Grace arrived at every cattle show with three iconic items: his trusty Auburn University (AU) stool, AU mug and a passion for youth education. His voice is a symbol of JLE, said the Federation’s Colton Christjohn.

“He’s more than a man with a mic,” said Christjohn, who directs JLE. “Galen is an encourager to every exhibitor who steps into the ring. His investment to Alabama youth and agriculture is immeasurable.”

Grace’s journey culminated March 16 in the Ed Teague Arena. The room roared with applause as Grace humbly tipped his hat to the crowd in thanks.

Retirement allows Grace to step into more leadership roles with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE). He’s currently vice president of the Montgomery-based rodeo.

Grace was 10 when SLE began in 1958. Since then, he’s missed just four years of “the greatest show on dirt.”

“I started working the ring in the mid ‘80s. Before that, I showed steers at this same show,” said the 75-year-old, who’s known for his gracious attitude and

ready smile. “One day, the announcer didn’t show up, and I got tapped for the job. I’ve seen a lot of exhibitors come through shows whose kids are now showing.”

Grace was raised on a farm in Walker County, where his childhood was filled with hard work alongside brothers Dorman and Jerry.

“My life was always devoted to farming or rodeoing,” Grace said. “Over the years, I have tried to stay involved with livestock and animal health the best I could.”

That involvement included time dedicated to the poultry industry, agricultural sales, 4-H, SLE and JLE.

“I’ve enjoyed watching young people grow up,” Grace said. “Helping

them learn and build their futures has meant so much to me.”

Grace credits his wife, Becky, and their two sons for encouraging him along the journey.

“I couldn’t have done this without my family’s support,” Grace said.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell has known Grace for decades. Parnell’s children, James Robert and Anna Grace, exhibited cattle at the state show, where Grace’s steady baritone kept the show moving.

“Galen Grace is a good man,” Parnell said. “That’s important for kids and parents to see. The amount of time he’s spent encouraging youth is incredible. We’re grateful for his service and commitment to the livestock industry.”

Galen Grace devoted more than three decades to announcing the state beef cattle show. Following the Alabama Farmers Federation Jr. Livestock Expo March 16, Grace retired from his emcee position. His retirement allows him to step into more leadership roles with the Montgomery-based Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

beef | 2024 Showmanship

Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship

Emsley Lovelace of Lauderdale County received the Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship from the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association (ACWA). She is pictured with ACWA representatives and past winners.

Randy Owen Exhibitor Scholarship

Senior showmen headed to a university in Alabama earned a $1,000 scholarship from Randy and Kelly Owen, center. Pictured with the Owens are, from left, Gus Ashley, Lowndes County; Coletan Padgett, Conecuh County; Connor Wright, Washington County; Avery Ruf, Limestone County; Rex Harrison, Cullman County; Rileigh Mears, Blount County; Curt Williams, Blount County; Avery Milstead, Randolph County; and Emsley Lovelace, Lauderdale County.

Junior showmanship Top 5

From left are Collins Cofield of Randolph County, champion; Harper Starnes of DeKalb County, reserve champion; Vivian Lou Thompson of Pike County, third; Brooklyn Price of Lee County, fourth; and Claire Smith of Chilton County, fifth.

intermediate showmanship Top 5

From left are Lillian Smith of Chilton County, champion; Greer Jones of Pike County, reserve champion; Laura-Landers Franklin of Blount County, third; Silas Gullatt of Lee County, fourth; and Allie Hembree of Cullman County, fifth.

Showmanship was sponsored by Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.

senior showmanship Top 5

From left are Rileigh Mears of Blount County, champion; Curt Williams of Marshall County, reserve champion; Amelia Thrower of Marshall County, third; Annabelle Wesley of Pike County, fourth; and Rex Harrison of Cullman County, fifth.

Top 5 winners are pictured with Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, right.

2024 Market Show

third

fourth overall

Market Show Division Winners

fifth overall

Exhibited by Mason Smith of Marshall County. Also the third Crossbred.

overall Exhibited by Avery Ruf of Limestone County. Also the champion Percent Chianina.

Grand Champion

Exhibited by Dow Boyd of Coffee County. Also the champion Simmental Influence.

reserve Champion

Exhibited by Greer Jones of Pike County. Also the champion Crossbred.

Exhibited by Dow Boyd of Coffee County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

Top 5 winners are pictured with judge Marcus Arnold of Texas and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

British: Exhibited by Lillie Ann Stagner of Mobile County. Continental: Exhibited by Hudson Manning of Autauga County.

Shorthorn: Exhibited by Courtney White of Randolph County.

Charolais: Exhibited by AJ Noles of Chambers County. Market Heifer: Exhibited by Levi Wesley of Pike County.

Ultrasound Contest

2024 Breeding Bull Show

JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATION

fifth overall Exhibited by Luke Meadows of Houston County.

third overall Exhibited by Rileigh Mears of Blount County.

Grand Champion

Exhibited by Brooklyn Price of Lee County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned.

reserve Champion Exhibited by Makayla Walker of Madison County. Also the reserve champion Alabama Bred & Owned.

fourth overall Exhibited by Rex Harrison of Cullman County.

Top 5 winners are pictured with judge Marcus Arnold of Texas and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Exhibited by Mason Smith of Marshall County. Pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

2024 Breeding Heifer Show

Top 5 winners are pictured with judge Marcus Arnold of Texas and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Grand Champion

Exhibited by Amelia Thrower of Marshall County. Also the champion Angus.

third overall Exhibited by Rileigh Mears of Blount County. Also the champion Percent Simmental.

reserve Champion Exhibited by Curt Williams of Marshall County. Also the champion All Other Breeds Continental.

fourth overall Exhibited by Silas Gullatt of Lee County. Also the champion Hereford.

Breeding Heifer Show Division Winners

All Other

fifth overall Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers of Morgan County. Also the champion Commercial.

Red Angus: Exhibited by Ashbee Norman of Montgomery County.

Alabama Bred & Owned Red Angus: Exhibited by Ashbee Norman of Montgomery County.

Alabama Bred & Owned Simmental: Exhibited by Abby Burgess of Blount County.

Shorthorn: Exhibited by Ethan Tapscott of Cullman County.

Alabama Bred & Owned

Breeds American: Exhibited by Hope Challancin of Pike County.

Chianina: Exhibited by MJ Flowers of Pike County.

Alabama Bred & Owned Angus: Exhibited by Sara Beth Faust of Blount County.

Maine Anjou: Exhibited by Annabelle Wesley of Pike County.

2024 Bred & Owned Show

Top 5 winners are pictured with judge Marcus Arnold of Texas and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Grand Champion

Exhibited by Dow Boyd of Coffee County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Percent Simmental.

third overall

Exhibited by Asa Thompson of Pike County. Also the champion All Other Breeds (AOB) British and champion Alabama Bred & Owned AOB British.

reserve Champion

Exhibited by Brooklyn Price of Lee County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Hereford.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers of Morgan County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned All Other Breeds Continental.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Vivian Lou Thompson of Pike County. Also the champion Shorthorn Plus and champion Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn Plus.

All Other Breeds American: Exhibited by Levi Franklin of Geneva County.

Charolais and Alabama Bred & Owned Charolais: Exhibited by Cole Eubanks of Cullman County.

Simmental: Exhibited by Caden Childers of Morgan County.

SWINE | 2024 Showmanship

beginner showmanship top 5

From left are Ruby Hodnett of Tallapoosa County, champion; Roop Lovvorn of Randolph County, reserve champion; Cohen Hill of Etowah County, third; Stetson Siegler of Talladega County, fourth; and Ella Hopper of Randolph County, fifth.

Top

junior showmanshiP top 5

From left are Hunter Smith of Calhoun County, champion; Charlee Stone of Jefferson County, reserve champion; Ansley Payne of Randolph County, third; Brooklyn Cobb of Calhoun County, fourth; and Abigail Cone of Calhoun County, fifth.

2024 Market Hog Show

supreme champion

Exhibited by Emma Ramsey of Calhoun County. Also the champion Crossbred.

third overall

Exhibited by Colton Simpson of DeKalb County. Also the reserve champion Purebred.

Winners are pictured with judge Grant Price of Ohio and Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

reserve SUPREME Champion

Exhibited by Tucker Ross of Jefferson County. Also the champion Purebred.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Cristen Haynes of Talladega County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Elizabeth Belcher of Lee County. Also the third overall Crossbred.

5 winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

intermediate showmanship top 5

From left are Addison Payne of Randolph County, champion; Emma Ramsey of Calhoun County, reserve champion; Addisyn Hammonds of Calhoun County, third; Rose Hodnett of Tallapoosa County, fourth; and Luke Smallwood of Calhoun County, fifth.

senior showmanship top 5

From left are Tucker Ross of Jefferson County, champion; Madelyn Cone of Calhoun County, reserve champion; Cristen Haynes of Talladega County, third; Sara Kate Stitcher of Randolph County, fourth; and Alyx Johnson of Randolph County, fifth.

2024 Breeding Gilt Show

supreme Champion

Exhibited by Charlee Stone of Jefferson County. Also the champion Purebred.

third overall

Exhibited by Cristen Haynes of Talladega County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

Winners are pictured with judge Grant Price of Ohio and Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

reserve SUPREME Champion

Exhibited by Emma Ramsey of Calhoun County. Also the champion Crossbred.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Alyx Johnson of Randolph County. Also the reserve champion Purebred.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Colton Simpson of DeKalb County. Also the third overall Purebred.

DAIRY | 2024 Showmanship

2024 Junior Heifer Show

fifth overall

Exhibited by Gracelyn Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the champion Brown Swiss. Gabriel Bristow is pictured.

third overall

Exhibited by Gracelyn Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Holstein. Gabriel Bristow is pictured.

grand champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.

RESERVE Champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Jersey.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Lauren Clardy of Elmore County. Also the reserve champion Jersey.

Winners are pictured with judge Ross Neles of California and Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division Director Colton Christjohn.

JUNIOR showmanship

From left are Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County, champion; Kendall Castleberry of St. Clair County, reserve champion; Titus Wrenn of St. Clair County, third; and Mason Patterson of St. Clair County, fourth.

senior showmanshiP

From left are Lauren Clardy of Elmore County, champion; Travis Keith Smith of St. Clair County, reserve champion; and Harper Layne Gurly of St. Clair County, third.

2024 Senior Heifer Show

Grand Champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.

third overall

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Holstein.

Winners are pictured with judge Ross Neles of California and Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division Director Colton Christjohn.

reserve Champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Jersey.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the third overall Holstein.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Gracelyn Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Jersey. Gabriel Bristow is pictured.

Welcome back to the kitchen, folks!

Sunshine is blazing outside, and this month’s column will make sure it’s radiating through your kitchen, too. I’ve been whipping up a whole passel of lemon recipes lately, and I’ve got a classic plus a couple new twists featuring this budget-friendly ingredient.

At the front of the table, we have Easy Lemon Cream Pie. This pie is a lemony twist on my favorite Key lime pie recipe. It’s quick, easy and sure to satisfy that craving for a creamy, tangy dessert. You can jump over to SouthernBite.com to find my Homemade Graham Cracker Crust recipe if you have a little extra time, but feel free to grab a ready-made crust from the grocery if you want to save some steps.

Next up is a layered dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Strawberry Lemon Lush features a vanilla wafer crust topped with layers of sweetened cream cheese, lemon pie filling, fresh strawberries, whipped topping and lemon curd. If there isn’t a special

occasion, bringing this dessert will make any gathering special indeed. I’m always looking for more sheet cakes to add to my collection. Alabama Farmers Federation family member Sara Buck of Sumter County provided the perfect inspiration with her Lemon Icebox Cake, which I swiftly turned into a Lemon Icebox Poke Cake. Her original recipe from the May 2005 Neighbors created a masterful layered cake with a lemon icebox pie filling and a whipped topping frosting, but I just had to put a Southern Bite spin on it. A boxed cake mix is studded with flavor when you poke holes in it, which then allows that decadent lemon filling to soak down inside. Once in the fridge, the flavors are amplified and become an ideal accompaniment for a perfect sunny day.

It is always my hope you find a new family favorite among the recipes I share here. I also hope spending time in the kitchen helps keep you connected to the simpler times we all long for. You know, it often seems our fast-paced world is quickly leaving a lot

Easy Lemon Cream Pie

Prep Time Cook Time Cool Time

20 mins 10 mins 4 hrs

Ingredients

2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup sour cream

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 (9-inch) deep-dish graham cracker crust

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, whisk together condensed milk and sour cream. Once smooth, whisk in lemon juice until creamy and thickened. Pour into prepared pie crust. Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Cool on the counter, then refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Once ready to serve, use an electric mixer to beat whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Pile whipped cream atop the pie and enjoy.

of traditions behind us, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

I want to encourage you to make time for family meals whenever you can. Host a Sunday supper. Invite your friends to sweet tea and dessert on your back porch. Get up 10 minutes earlier so you can have coffee and conversation with your loved ones before heading off to work. Or ask a grandchild to come over and help you make a new recipe out of the latest issue of Neighbors magazine.

It’s all about being intentional, and when we take the time to do that, small moments can have a big impact on us and those we love most.

Stacey Little

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.

Strawberry Lemon Lush

Prep Time Cool Time 30 mins 4 hrs

Ingredients

1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons sugar

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

2 (8-ounce) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling

1 pound fresh strawberries

1/4 cup lemon curd

1 teaspoon water

Instructions

Crush vanilla wafers by pulsing in a food processor or by crushing in a zip-close bag. In a medium bowl, combine crushed cookies with melted butter and sugar. Spray a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour cookie mixture into the dish, pressing flat to make an even crust. The back of a small measuring cup works great for this.

In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add one container of whipped topping and mix well. Mix in powdered sugar. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the crust.

Follow with an even layer of lemon pie filling. Spread the other container of whipped topping evenly over the lemon pie filling. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

When ready to serve, wash and slice strawberries before placing them in an even layer on top of the dessert. In a small bowl, microwave lemon curd about 30 seconds until just barely warm. Add water and mix until the curd is pourable. Drizzle over strawberries with a spoon or by pouring the curd into a small zip-close bag and cutting a hole in one corner like a piping bag. Serve immediately.

Stacey’s Recipe Note

This dessert can be made in advance by completing everything but adding the strawberries and lemon curd. After adding those ingredients, the dessert should be served immediately.

Lemon Icebox Poke Cake

Prep Time Cool Time 25 mins 2 hrs

Ingredients

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients on cake box

2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

Prepare cake according to package instructions in a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish. Allow cake to cool 20 minutes.

Meanwhile in a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. Allow to thicken slightly.

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about halfway into the cake about 1-inch apart.

Pour half the lemon mixture over holes in the cake. Gently spread over cake, working back and forth to fill holes. (Some filling will remain on top.)

In another medium bowl, fold remaining lemon mixture into thawed whipped topping. Spread evenly over cake. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

MAMA'S BOY

Iwas raised by women. After my father died, it was women who stepped in and taught me how to be a man. I am a card-carrying mama’s boy.

It was women who instructed me to be respectful, patient, diligent, sincere, attentive, spiritual and, importantly, put the toilet lid back down.

Women taught me to revere heaven, country, neighbor and dog. They taught me to wash my hands before meals, to say my prayers, and I was taught to refer to my elders as ma’am, sir or, when in trouble, “your honor.”

And so it was that my youth was shaped by a gaggle of aunts, cousins and matronly women who wore bath powder and polyester pants. I grew up being carried to and fro' by females. It was a wonder I learned to walk.

When I was a baby, women dressed me in ridiculously frilly outfits for Sunday service, such as yellow jumpsuits with white patent leather shoes.

Women cut my hair. My mother gave me haircuts on the porch with a stainless steel mixing bowl over my head. She used a pair of equestrian clippers which predated the First World War, draped me in a towel and gave me a hairstyle common among SEALs.

Find local products

But I am grateful for women. For they taught me to believe in God and how to memorize Bible verses. Throughout the years, these maxims and proverbs have stuck with me.

It wasn’t just my family’s women who raised me. It was the women in our community. Church ladies. Teachers. Neighbors. Other people’s moms.

When I hit my teen years, women were still very central to my life. There was always an older woman emerging from the shadows trying to feed me.

I remember when I was 16, I dated

a young woman whose grandmother sincerely believed I was on the brink of malnourishment. I would show up on my date’s doorstep, and an old woman would answer the door.

“You’re looking skinny,” she’d say. “Are you hungry?”

“No, ma’am. I just ate supper.”

“How about a chicken leg?”

“Really, ma’am, I’m okay.”

“Some chess pie?”

“No, thank you, ma’am.”

“How about a tall glass of milk?”

“No, thanks.”

“Are you sure? If you were any skinnier, I’d have to alter your pants so you only had one back pocket.”

When I was younger, I was jealous of young men who still had their dads. These young men went fishing with their fathers. Their dads taught them how to use table saws and field dress whitetails and turkeys. Their fathers taught them how to hold in their tears.

I had the coiffed hair brigade.

As I get older, I realize how lucky I was. I particularly realized this today at the supermarket. I saw two young women walking into the store. Ahead of them, lingering on the sidewalk beside the door, were several young men.

As they approached, the young men did nothing. They didn’t smile, greet the young women, tip their caps or run to open the door. You know what they did? They played on their phones.

That’s when I saw a kid trot toward the door. He was maybe 10. The young boy tossed the door open for them. And then, as if the kid hadn’t done enough, he removed his cap to reveal a mop of sweaty brown hair.

I don’t know much about life, but I know one thing: I’m grateful I was raised by women. ■

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