July 2012 Neighbors by Alabama Farmers Federation

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In This Issue A Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation JULY 2012

Good To Be King

Baldwin County’s famous Silver King sweet corn is so delicious, it keeps customers coming back for decades. • 16

Legislative Success

Alabama farmers fared well during the legislative regular session. New laws will discourage metal theft, clarify timber harvest regulations and help fund the state agriculture department. • 18

Irrigation Dividends

ON THE COVER Baldwin County is the king of sweet corn production in Alabama. Just ask farmer Todd Cassebaum, who has been raising Silver King Sweet Corn since he was 8 years old. Photo by Debra Davis

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A pair of Pickens County farmer demonstrate their belief that irrigation is an insurance policy they expect will pay big dividends. • 20

Steel Rising

The high cost of steel is biting into farmers’ budgets and is blamed for an increase in metal thefts on farms. • 24

DEPARTMENTS 4

President’s Message

Alabama Gardener

Country Kitchen

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VOLUME 37, NUMBER 7

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reedom. Sovereignty. ResponAmerica is blessed with abunsibility. dant natural resources and a cliThe notion of independence mate that’s favorable for agriculcarries with it not only the blessture. We’ve also wisely invested in ings of liberty, but also the prinagricultural research while developciples of accountability and duty. ing farm programs to help farmers As we celebrate America’s Indeincrease production, protect the pendence from Great Britain this environment and stay on their land. Fourth of July, it seems appropriate As a result, the United States is that we pause to consider both the one of few countries in the world value and weight of freedom. that is able to feed, clothe and For the brave men and women shelter its people without help from who have served in the military foreign nations. In fact, America — and the families who lost loved exports about $30 billion more food ones in service to our country — and fiber than it imports. the price of independence But we can’t afford to is painfully real. We celtake this trade surplus for ebrate their sacrifice each granted. In the same way that time we sing the “Star voter apathy could lead to Spangled Banner” or cover unaccountable government, our hearts in allegiance to complacency about our food the flag. But we also honor supply could lead to higher their service by earning a prices, compromised safety Jerry Newby living, participating in the and food shortages. electoral process and even paying That’s why the farm bill being taxes. drafted by Congress must preserve That’s what distinguishes a safety net that protects American independence from helplessness. farmers from low prices and crop We don’t have the luxury of apathy disasters. Although the vast majorbecause true freedom brings with it ity of farm bill spending goes to great responsibility. nutrition programs, it is likely farm We cannot abdicate to someone programs will see the largest cuts. else the duty to educate our chilWhile the Federation underdren, defend the Constitution, feed stands all Americans — including our families or balance the budfarmers — share responsibility for get. If we do, we not only lose our balancing the budget and reducindependence, we extinguish the ing the federal deficit, we also ambition, creativity and innovation recognize the need for innovative that made America great. agricultural research, a sound crop To fully appreciate our freedom, insurance program and effective we must understand that patrioconservation incentives. tism is not passive. Citizenship These are among the priorities means more than just being a resithe Federation’s Farm Bill Comdent of the United States. It means mittee will share with lawmakers taking ownership in our counas Congress works through the try and accepting our individual summer to write a new multi-year responsibility to make it better. farm bill. At the Alabama Farmers FederaMeanwhile, we join all Amerition, we are especially interested in cans in celebrating the freedom how the production of food, fiber — and responsibility — that comes and fuel affects our nation’s indewith living in a land blessed by our pendence. heroes’ courage and God’s grace. n

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Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jerry Newby, President, Athens Hal Lee, Vice President/North, Hartselle Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland Ricky Wiggins, Vice President/Southeast, Andalusia Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Joe Dickerson, Lexington Ted Grantland, Somerville Waymon Buttram, Geraldine Darrel Haynes, Cullman 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 Rita Garrett, Centre John Bitto, Elberta 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 member benefits of the Alabama Farmers Federation, visit the Web site 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. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Wendy McFarland, McFarland AdVantage, 133 Bridlewood Lane, Hope Hull, AL 36043. Phone: (334) 652-9080. Email: mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. Editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Advertise ments contained in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation. EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation. ADDRESS editorial, advertising and change of address correspondence to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 361910001. www.AlfaFarmers.org A member of American Farm Bureau Federation J U LY 2 0 1 2

Alfa, Alabama Farmers Federation Award $11,000 To Monroe County Farmer By Debra Davis

retired Monroe County farmer received $11,000 from Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation as a reward for aiding in the arrest and conviction of a man who stole copper wiring from an irrigation system near Frisco City, Ala. and caused nearly $10,000 in damage. Monroe County Farmers Federation President Ronnie Joe Jordan presented Willie Saucer of the Goodway Community the $10,000 check from Alfa Insurance and a $1,000 check on behalf of the Alabama Farmers Federation, May 23. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be giving this to,” Jordan said. “Mr. Saucer has always been an honest, hard-working man who does the right thing. I’m glad he saw the crooks and helped the sheriff bring them to justice.” Alfa Insurance President Jerry Newby, who also serves as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, said Saucer’s involvement should serve as an encouragement to others to follow his lead and report metal thieves. “We appreciate Mr. Saucer’s efforts to help catch these criminals,” said Newby. “The thieves burglarized not only his farm, but also several others in the area. Metal theft causes thousands of dollars in damage to homes and businesses, and it can impact a farmer’s livelihood by leaving important equipment inoperable. We hope this reward will encourage others to turn in metal thieves.” Saucer’s farm is now run by his son, Wesley, and his grandson, Scott Saucer. The elder Saucer, 80, spotted the thieves on an early Sunday morning in March of last year. “There were two of them trying to get their truck out of the ditch in the edge of the field,” Willie Saucer said. “I knew something wasn’t right, so I drove back to the house and told my wife, Nellie, to call the

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From left, Monroe County farmers Wesley and Scott Saucer, Monroe County Farmers Federation President Ronnie Joe Jordan, Willie W. Saucer and Monroe County Sheriff Tom Tate at the Saucer’s irrigation system thieves damaged while stealing copper wire.

sheriff. I drove back up there, and they broke and ran.” The field where the irrigation system was located is only a few hundred yards from the elder Saucer’s home. Monroe County Sheriff Tom Tate arrived minutes later and, after setting up a perimeter around the property with several deputies, called for help from the state prison in Atmore. “The prison officials brought in two tracking dogs, and we had one of the suspects caught in just a few minutes,” Tate said. “The first one we caught told us there was another one still in the cypress swamp area, so we went back with the dogs and soon found him.” Both suspects were indicted by a Monroe County grand jury. One pleaded guilty, and the other is awaiting trial. The damage to the irrigation system was covered by an Alfa™ farmowner’s policy. The thieves stripped nearly a quarter mile of copper wiring from the system. Tate said metal theft, particularly copper wiring, is a big problem 5

around the state. Irrigation systems and churches seem to be favorite targets, he said. Willie Saucer said he didn’t have specific plans for the reward money but said he’ll find a way to put it to good use. “I figure catching these guys actually helped save Alfa money in the long run because they weren’t going to stop until they got caught,” he said. “They admitted they had done this on other farms. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch them in the act – well that, and they got their truck stuck.” Alfa Insurance is offering the $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the theft of copper and other metal from poultry houses, farm irrigation systems and other property in Alabama covered by an Alfa Insurance policy. Alabama Farmers Federation members already benefit from a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for theft from their property. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Commodity Conference Seminars Offer Educational Opportunities By Mary Johnson

rom wild pigs and climate change to farm safety and labor resources, seminars during the 40th Annual Alabama Farmers Federation Commodity Producers Conference will cover an array of topics on agriculture and technology. Scheduled for Aug. 2-5 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, the conference begins Thursday night with an opening banquet. Friday features tours of outstanding farms in southwest Alabama. Saturday’s sessions will include information on wild pig research, Alabama’s water policy, the farm bill and other topics. “These issues impact our members’ daily operations,” Director of

Governmental and Agricultural Programs Jimmy Carlisle said. “Wild pigs are known for damaging farmland and carrying diseases. Researchers will provide an update on the latest work to control the wild pig population. Attendees will also leave well-informed on Alabama’s water laws and the effort to create a water management plan for the state.” The schedule for Saturday morning includes three seminar sessions with four options each. During the first session, attendees may choose from presentations on the Farm Bill and Federal Government Update, the Current State of Estate Tax/ Annuities, Hydraulic Fracturing, Complying with Animal Disease Traceability and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Opportunities

for Exports. The estate tax and annuities seminar will be repeated during the second session. Other seminars on labor resources and technology will be featured in the second session. Information 2 Go will teach farmers how to use smart phones and mobile devices to get news and information quickly. The second session rounds out with a seminar on forage management and how farmers can benefit from the Gotcha Goat Co.. Seminars on Farm Safety, Trends in “Climate Change” and Updates on the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs will take place in the final session. The seminar on Complying with Animal Disease Traceability will be offered, along with information on gender selection technology. The final seminars should conclude by noon, allowing two hours for lunch out on the town before reconvening for the general session. The conference will end with a Saturday evening banquet. Winners of the Young Farmer’s contests including the Excellence in Ag Award and the final four in the Discussion Meet will be announced. Christian comedian, songwriter and singer Mark Lowry will provide entertainment for the crowd. Lowry is well known as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. n Seminars will provide learning opportunities for Alabama farmers who attend the Federation’s Annual Commodity Producers Conference in Mobile Aug. 2-5.

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Welcome to an Evening with

Comedian & Member of the Gaither Vocal Band Saturday, August 4 Mobile, Alabama

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Bon Secour Ballroom 6:30 p.m. – Banquet 7:45 p.m. – Mark Lowry Group ticket orders should be placed through county Farmers Federations. For individual orders and conference registration, contact Carla Hornady at (334) 613-4735 or chornady@alfafarmers.org. Tickets are $62.00 per person. Brought to you by:

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August August 22-5, 5, 2012 2012 J U LY 2 0 1 2

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By Jeff Helms

his time of year, many Alabama farmers are watching the horizon for the summertime rain showers their crops desperately need, but thanks to the latest in irrigation technology, Pickens County farmers Mike and Annie Dee can see the water flowing to their fields on their smartphones. “To my family, this is the culmination of a dream,” said Mike as he and sister, Annie, welcomed 300 farmers and dignitaries to Dee River Ranch May 4 for a demonstration of their new irrigation network. “My parents got us here and started us in agriculture, and we’ve been building at this. This is just one more piece of the progression of staying in agriculture.” For the Dees, progress this growing season came in the form of a 110-acre reservoir and five new center-pivot irrigation units — all tied to a central pumping station and controlled by a sophisticated wireless network. Lance Whitehead, who farms 2,000 acres in Fayette and Pickens counties, attended the field day. He was especially interested in technology that allows the Dees to control the system from a home computer or mobile device. “The most interesting part of the field day was the communication using WiFi — how you can manage your irrigation systems while you are 50 miles away,” Whitehead said. “It no longer takes somebody out

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Pickens County farmer Annie Dee, left, is shown with Randy Wood of Lindsay Corp., which designed the irrigation system.

there in the field. You can check on it from your laptop or phone.” Mike Dee said irrigation is becoming essential for their corn and soybean crops. With input costs skyrocketing, he and Annie do everything they can to increase production and mitigate risk. The new irrigation system — which will eventually include 13 center pivots covering up to three-fourths of their fields — will help them take advantage of Alabama’s abundant rainfall. “We have so much of our rainfall come in a non-growing season,” Mike said. “It hurts your heart sometimes to watch a crop wilt away on you — or know that it’s getting damaged every day that we

go without a rain.” The new reservoir will capture rainfall and runoff during winter and early spring. Mike said the irrigation network can supply up to 8 inches of stored water per acre. “Irrigation is an insurance policy,” he added. “It’s not going to make a crop for us, but it’s going to help save a crop for us. Or, when we have a good growing year, it may give us a little bonus and hopefully keep us from having a disaster.” The Dees worked with Lindsay Corp. of Omaha, Neb., to develop and implement an irrigation plan for their diversified row crop and beef cattle operation. Randy Wood, vice president of sales and marketing for Lindsay, said the system showcased at Dee River Ranch field day represents a comprehensive approach to on-farm irrigation. “In the past, a customer who wanted to do a project like this would probably work with three or four different companies to bring it all together,” Wood said. “We’ve built (this system) around customer needs and expectations. It is all Lindsay Corp. technology designed to work together.” Mike said the field day, which included a presentation by Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan, allowed neighbors and other farmers to learn about the latest irrigation technology and gain appreciation for the commitment Dee River Ranch has to the state and community. n

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County Annual Meetings COUNTY Dale Madison Henry

DATE Monday, Aug. 6 Monday, Aug. 6 Tuesday, Aug. 7

TIME 7 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m.

Jackson Baldwin Calhoun Barbour Coosa Greene Cullman Cherokee Morgan Chambers St. Clair Butler

Tuesday, Aug. 7 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Aug. 9 Friday, Aug. 10 Friday, Aug. 10 Saturday, Aug. 11 Monday, Aug. 13 Monday, Aug. 13

6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m.

Etowah Houston Franklin Cleburne Monroe Shelby Autauga Covington Bullock Tuscaloosa Lawrence

Monday, Aug. 13 Tuesday, Aug. 14 Tuesday, Aug. 14 Tuesday, Aug. 14 Tuesday, Aug. 14 Tuesday, Aug. 14 Wednesday, Aug. 15 Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday, Aug. 16

6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Talladega

Thursday, Aug. 16

6:30 p.m.

Blount

Thursday, Aug. 16

6:30 p.m.

Limestone Randolph

Friday, Aug. 17 Saturday, Aug. 18

6 p.m. 5 p.m.

Choctaw Escambia Geneva

Monday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Aug. 21 Tuesday, Aug. 21

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.

Fayette Lauderdale

Tuesday, Aug. 21 Tuesday, Aug. 21

6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Montgomery Clarke DeKalb Pickens Jefferson

Tuesday, Aug. 21 Thursday, Aug. 23 Thursday, Aug. 23 Thursday, Aug. 23 Friday, Aug. 24

7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 10 a.m.

Colbert

Monday, Aug. 27

6:30 p.m.

Chilton Washington Marshall Tallapoosa Conecuh Bibb Walker

Monday, Aug. 27 Monday, Aug. 27 Tuesday, Aug. 28 Tuesday, Aug. 28 Tuesday, Aug. 28 Tuesday, Aug. 28 Thursday, Aug. 30

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.

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LOCATION Dale County Ag Plex Holiday Inn Downtown Wiregrass Research & Experiment Center Federation Building Federation Building Federation Building Abercrombie Fish Camp Old Rockford Schoolhouse Alfa Office Federation Building Dean Buttram Senior Center Hartselle Civic Center Alfa Office Alfa Office Pioneer Electric Conference Room Federation Building Alfa Office Best Western Hotel Community Arts Center Ag Center Alfa Office Autauga County Ag Center Oakwood Lodge Greenway Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Bobby Miller Activity Center Lawrence County Ag Center

ADDRESS 202 Hwy. 123 S., Ozark 401 Williams Ave. SW, Huntsville 167 E. State Hwy. 134, Headland

Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center Frank J. Green Building (BBQ will be served @ 6pm) Alabama Veterans Museum Wedowee Kiwanis Park Antique Tractor Pavilion Federation Building Ag Center Geneva County Farm Center Fayette Civic Center Underwood Petersville Community Center Alfa Home Office Cafeteria Federation Building Alfa Office Gates Restaurant Birmingham Botanical Gardens Northwest Shoals Community College Alfa Office Federation Building Federation Building Federation Building David Burt Building Alfa Office Federation Building

1314 Shocco Springs Rd., Talladega

23625 John T. Reid Pkwy., Scottsboro 21331 Hwy 59, Robertsdale 1535 Pelham Rd. S, Jacksonville 335 Eufaula Ave., Clayton County Road 18, Rockford Eutaw Main Ave., Cullman 229 Dean Buttram Ave., Centre 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW, Hartselle 1006 Ave. A SE, Lafayette 32775 U.S. Hwy. 231, Ashville Greenville 125 Broad St., Gadsden 1038 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan 13770 Hwy. 43, Russellville 279 Martin Luther King Dr., Heflin 334 Agriculture Dr., Monroeville 256 S. Main St., Columbiana Autaugaville 13725 Brooklyn Rd., Andalusia Union Springs 300 Bobby Miller Pkwy., Tuscaloosa 13075 ALA-157 Suite 6, Moulton

415 Fifth Avenue E. Suite A, Oneonta 100 Pryor St., Athens Hwy. 431, Wedowee 229 Mulberry Avenue, Butler 175 Ag Science Dr., Brewton 2765 Hwy. 52, Geneva Fayette 840 County Road 7, Florence Montgomery 148 South Jackson St., Grove Hill 346 McCurdy Ave. S, Rainsville Aliceville 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham 800 George Wallace Blvd., Muscle Shoals 301 1st St. North, Clanton 54 Court St., Chatom 1333 Blount Ave., Guntersville 111 N. Tallassee St., Dadeville 102 Liberty St., Evergreen Centreville 903 Airport Rd. S., Jasper 9

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Schellhorn Named Alfa Chief Underwriting And Development Officer

ongtime Alfa Insurance employee Al Schellhorn has been named Chief Underwriting and Development Officer for the company. Schellhorn’s promotion follows the retirement announcement of Wyman Cabaniss, who most recently served as senior vice president of Underwriting for Alfa. In his new role, Schellhorn said he is looking forward to a positive future where Alfa continues to develop new ways to better serve its customers. “The future is very bright for Alfa, and I’m thrilled to work with this great group of employees,” Schellhorn said. “I expect us to help lead Alfa into our future utilizing technology, innovation, data-driven decision making and an ever-improving knowledge of our customers. Our policyholders have choices; we will strive to earn their trust by understanding their needs better, delivering the right products and the right price, and serving them where and when

they want.” Schellhorn will continue to serve over Business Intelligence, Analytics and Strategic Marketing, but will also assume Schellhorn leadership roles for all Property and Casualty Underwriting, Alfa Agency and Business Development activities including the customer contact center, e-Business (web and phone) and actuarial services. In his most recent role as senior vice president of Corporate Development, Schellhorn led development of Alfa’s business intelligence and analytics capabilities, allowing Alfa to compete in the marketplace using advanced data analysis and predictive modeling techniques. According to Alfa Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Rutledge, this work has given

Schellhorn unique insight into Alfa’s business and provided the company with a new understanding of its customers. Schellhorn joined Alfa in 1999 as vice president of Mergers and Acquisitions, leading the company’s acquisitions of Alfa Alliance and Alfa Vision, which resulted in the company’s expansion from a three-state to an 11-state operation. Before joining Alfa, Schellhorn was vice president at Caremark Rx and a senior healthcare consultant at PriceWaterhouse Coopers. He served in the U.S. Army as an officer, commander and attack helicopter pilot and is a decorated veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from Duke University. Schellhorn and his wife, Tracy, have two children, Allison and Stephen. n

Art Sessions Horticulture A self-professed family man, Art Sessions of Grand Bay farms in partnership with his brother, David, on 2,000 acres in Mobile County. They raise cattle and grow cotton, pecans, peaches, peanuts, satsumas, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. They also operate two roadside stands and have a strong presence in area farmers markets. Sessions, 62, is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Horticulture Committee. He is active on the Mobile County Farmers Federation and Alabama Farmers Market Authority boards of directors. Despite the long days and the blazing summer sun, Sessions never complains. “There are a lot easier ways to make a living, but this is what I love,” he said. Sessions and his wife, Martha, have been married 40 years. They have three children, Daryl (35), Jenny (34) and Jeremy (30), four grandchildren and are members of First United Methodist Church of Grand Bay. J U LY 2 0 1 2

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Farm Tours Provide Perspective For Congressional Leaders

.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, and U.S. Rep Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, emphasized their focus on agriculture during recent visits to Alabama. Sessions, who stopped by Auburn University’s Fish Farming Center in Greensboro April 30, told catfish farmers he wants Alabama’s catfish industry to remain strong because it is so important to rural Alabama. “When you produce catfish, you sell it, collect money all around the region and bring it back here,” said Sessions. “It goes to the landowner, the farmer, the workers, the manufacturers and the fertilizer and feed suppliers. When consumers buy it from abroad, it’s not good for our economy.” Sessions promised to protect U.S. industries on the world stage. “I believe manufacturing products and commodity production is a huge, essential part of a healthy economy,” he said. During his visit, Sessions listened as farmers described sustainability issues facing the U.S. catfish industry. Research from Auburn University shows the nation’s catfish production has declined almost 50 percent over 10 years. The same research shows a 4-percent decline in Alabama catfish farming since last year. Farmers said foreign competition is a major factor in decreased domestic catfish production, and imported catfish are not held to the same standards. Meanwhile in the northern portion of the state, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks visited Madison and Limestone counties May 1. The congressman’s tour included stops at Jeff Gin Co. in Huntsville; Bragg Farms in Toney; Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center at Belle Mina and Usery Farms in Athens. Brooks said his visits allowed

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Above, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville (second from right), visited several areas in Madison and Limestone counties during an agricultural tour, including a stop at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center at Belle Mina. Standing from left are Buddy Adamson, director of the Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton, Soybeans and Wheat & Feed Grains Divisions; Chet Norris, superintendent of the Belle Mina research center; Brooks and Mitt Walker, Federation National Legislative Programs director. At left, Dallas County catfish farmer Bill Kyser, right, speaks with U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, at Auburn University’s Fish Farming Center in Greensboro.

him to hear from Alabama’s farmers on issues important to them. “To be able to see the actual farms... that’s important,” said Brooks. “The cotton gin, the poultry industry, the research and development at Belle Mina – all those things give me a better perspective of agriculture, what it means to Alabama and what we need to do to make sure that it’s successful.” Brooks said he also has a better understanding of farmers’ needs after meeting with them about the work they do. That understanding should translate into wiser votes on legislation impacting agriculture, he said. Chet Norris, superintendent of the research center at Belle Mina, said he appreciated the opportunity 13

to talk with Brooks about funding research and Extension programs. “Since that’s what we do every day, it’s a very important component of making producers productive and efficient,” Norris said. “We need to continue funding to do adequate research so we can help area growers.” Mitt Walker, National Legislative Programs director for the Alabama Farmers Federation, said he appreciated Brooks and Sessions taking time to learn more about production agriculture. “So many decisions made in Washington impact our farmers, and it is vitally important for all of our members of Congress to maintain a direct link to agriculture,” Walker said. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Federation Members Save Big With GM Discount Program By Miranda Mattheis

labama Farmers Federation members saved nearly $250,000 in the first quarter of the General Motors member benefit program through the sale of 497 vehicles across the state. Launched in the fourth quarter of 2011, this program has already exceeded the performance of the previous vehicle discount program. Members in 64 of Alabama’s 67 counties have taken advantage of the savings. The GM private offer gives members a $500-discount toward the lease or purchase of new 2011, 2012 and 2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt. “We are very pleased with the significant savings our members have already received through the General Motors benefit,” said Marc Pearson, Alabama Farmers Federation director of membership. “In tough economic times like these, whenever we can help members save money it’s a reminder of the true value of Federation membership. We appreciate every member and hope they will spread the word about the benefits and savings

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associated with membership in our organization.” Pearson added that savings from this benefit alone could pay an individual’s membership dues for 16 years. Members who have used the discount were pleased with the savings and the simplicity of the process. Tommie Lou Orr, a Federation member in Roanoke, recently used the discount to purchase a Chevrolet Equinox from Buster Miles Chevrolet in Heflin. Orr previously considered purchasing an Equinox, but at the time, the dealer didn’t have the vehicle in the color she wanted. When she later saw an advertisement that the dealership had the vehicle in stock, she remembered the Federation discount and decided it was the right time to buy. “I had read about the discount already in Neighbors magazine, so I just went up there and bought it and got my $500 off,” Orr said. “It was simple. The discount made me want to go look and it gave me the idea that it might be a good time to buy.” Alfa Agent Misty Ridings of Winfield is also the proud owner

of a new vehicle after purchasing through the Federation’s discount program. “I would recommend the GM discount,” Ridings said. “We try to tell all of our new and existing customers in our service center about the GM discount as well as the other discounts.” Twenty-six GM models are part of the program, including the Chevrolet Silverado HD, honored as the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. A broad range of other pick-up trucks, SUVs, sedans and crossovers also are included in the program. The Silverado is the top-selling vehicle among participating Federation members. To qualify for the offer, individuals must be a member for at least 60 days prior to the date of delivery of the vehicle selected. Members may receive the incentive for the purchase or lease of multiple vehicles, including fleet vehicles purchased through GM’s National Fleet Purchase Program. Full details and program eligibility guidelines are available by contacting Federation Membership Director Marc Pearson at mpearson@alfains.com or by visiting fbverify.com/gm. n

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Hawes Retires After 37 Years With Alabama Farmers Federation

fter 37 years of service to the Alabama Farmers Federation, Millie Hawes is retiring July 31. While she may be best known for her work with Federation policy development and state and national legislative issues, her career spanned numerous departments. Hawes began work for the Federation in 1974 in word processing and later transferred to the Alfa Service Co., where she worked for the general manager. She also worked in the Federation’s former Grain Division and Rural Health Division before taking a short break in 1979 to be home with her children. After returning to work in early 1980, again with the Federation’s word processing department, she transferred to the Grain Division. Later, she became the administrative assistant to the organization’s National Affairs Department and her duties expanded to include administrative tasks for the Public

Affairs Department. Those departments later merged with the Commodity Department to become the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department. Working for the Federation offered opportunities she otherwise would have never had, Hawes said. “I’ve met governors, senators, congressmen, legislators, actors, presidential candidates and countHawes less others during my time here,” she said. “But my favorite people of all are our members. I am most thankful for all the people we work for – the farmers. They are definitely some of the finest people I have ever met. Alfa Farmers is definitely a family organization, and the employees here are a wonderful family away from home. For all of

this, I have been truly blessed. “ Jimmy Carlisle, director of Governmental and Agricultural Programs, said Hawes is revered for her knowledge of Federation policy and political history. “Millie has been an integral part of our organization for a long time,” Carlisle said. “Her expertise and wisdom shared with employees and members alike will be sorely missed. We wish her the very best in her retirement.” Hawes said she has no specific plans after retirement. “I want to spend more fun time with my family – my husband of 42 years (Lloyd); my daughters, Jennifer (Mike) and Kathryn (Don); and my three granddaughters, Hannah (20), Haiden (16), and Anniston (14),” Hawes said. “I guess I will wake up every day and do just what I feel like doing. I’ve never had that luxury. I have lots of things to do and places to see.” n

What’s Animal Ag Worth to Us? CHECKOFF STUDY SHOWS IMPACT OF ANIMAL AG ON FOOD BILLS, EXPORTS, ECONOMY

If more regulations lead to higher input costs for U.S. poultry and livestock farmers, who would notice? Farmers? Consumers? People who work in the animal ag sector? A recent soy-checkoff-funded study shows everyone would. That study evaluated the impact increased pressures on animal ag could have on the retail price of meat, milk and eggs. It shows that if regulations cause animal-ag input costs to rise by 25 percent, the effects would include: •

AN INCREASE IN CONSUMER FOOD BILLS OF UP TO $16.8 BILLION ANNUALLY.

•

A $1.1 BILLION DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF U.S. EXPORTS.

•

A LOSS OF NEARLY 9,000 AMERICAN JOBS.

IMPACT REACHES BEYOND RURAL AMERICA

The most recent statistics compiled by the soy checkoff show the U.S. poultry and livestock sectors support 1.8 million jobs and generate more than $289 billion for the U.S. economy annually. “This could have a big impact on everyone – it’s not just the dozen eggs you and I buy at the grocery store,” says United Soybean Board (USB) Chair Vanessa Kummer, a soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. “The poultry and livestock sectors not only support the U.S. export market, but also make our economy stronger here at home by creating jobs and tax revenue.” YOUR BIGGEST SOY CUSTOMER BEYOND THE ELEVATOR

Animal agriculture continues to be the biggest user of U.S. soy. Poultry, livestock and fish consume 98 percent of the meal from your soybeans. “We have to be sensitive to the issues that poultry and livestock farmers face and try to ensure they can stay in business,” says Lewis Bainbridge, a soybean and cattle farmer from Ethan, S.D., who chairs USB’s Domestic Marketing program. “It’s much easier and more

profitable for us to feed our soybeans to animals here in the United States and export the chicken, pork and beef than it is to load our soybeans onto a ship.” To learn more about why soybean farmers should support their biggest customers beyond the elevator, visit www.BeyondTheElevator.com.

ANIMAL AG USES

98 PERCENT OF U.S. SOYMEAL

SUPPORTS

1.8 MILLION AMERICAN JOBS GENERATES

$289 BILLION FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY

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By Debra Davis

“It’s the best, no doubt. My favorite way to eat it is boiled on the cob, with salt and butter.” Cars filled with customers line up to buy corn by the bushel or the dozen. Many have been coming to Cassebaum Farms for decades and say they can’t find any better. “I come every year,” an elderly lady told Todd’s wife, Hope, as she paid for two bushels. “It’s absolutely delicious. I love it.” Todd serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Horticulture Committee. Hope is on the Baldwin County Farmers Federation board of directors and has been accepted into the upcoming A.L.F.A. Leaders program. Together with their two children, Kelsey, 17, and August,16, they farm 1,000 acres east of Elberta near Lillian. In addition to 25 acres of sweet corn, they have 400 acres of peanuts, 180 acres of cotton, 120 acres of field corn, 15 acres of peas and butter beans, two acres of watermelons and cantaloupes, 30 acres of

hilton County is known for tasty peaches. Slocomb is famous for delicious tomatoes. But when it comes to sweet corn, Baldwin County is king. Just ask Todd Cassebaum, 44, who has been growing the golden crop since he was 8 years old. “I was born on this farm, and when I was young my dad saw other people selling sweet corn and decided to try it,” Todd said. “My daddy started by planting six rows on the side of a field. My sister and I sold the extra in a neighbor’s yard up on the road and we sold all the extra we had. Back then, we sold the corn for $3.50 a bushel. We each made $180 apiece that first year and put our money together to buy a trampoline.” As demand for the sweet corn grew, so did the acres planted on the Cassebaum’s diversified farm. Cousins joined in to help sell the sweet corn, and a full-fledged family business took root. Planting increased to a whopping 45 acres in the early 1990s. “We only plant Silver King sweet corn,” Todd said.

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Above, Gerda Cassebaum and her son, Todd, sack corn for customers. Center at left, Kelsey, Hope, Todd and August Cassebaum in one of their famous Silver King sweet corn fields.

“We only sell it fresh-picked that day,” Todd said. Hope said she loves farming and is especially thankful she and Todd raised their children on the farm. “I love that our kids work here with us,” she said. “They’ve done it since they were in kindergarten. They’ve learned that hard work pays off. When each of them turned 16, they had saved enough money to buy the car they wanted. Not many kids can say that.” Hope also likes interacting with the customers and seeing them year after year. “It’s satisfying to sell something that our family raised and know people are going to take it home and serve it to their family,” she said. Cassebaum Farms is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. SEE MORE OF and is located at 31450 THIS STORY West Maidmont, Lillian, YouTube.com/ Ala. n AlabamaFarmersFed

pecan trees and 200 beef brood cows. “Peanuts are our major crop, but as far as produce, we focus on the sweet corn,” Todd said. “It’s the easiest for us to grow and has made us the most money.” During planting season, Todd typically plants three acres of sweet corn each week for eight or nine weeks. That way, the corn doesn’t all come in at the same time, he said. The farm also enjoys a sizeable clientele who enjoy peas, butter beans and melons grown there. The Cassebaums use a mechanical harvester that picks three rows of sweet corn at a time and deposits it into a wagon. The wagon is pulled to the farm’s produce shed where corn is sacked by hand into bushel bags (60 ears each) or plastic bags by the dozen. The work progresses like a well-oiled machine as family members join in. The corn is picked on an asneeded basis and any that’s left at the end of the day is spread back onto the picked field. JJ U U LY LY 2 20 01 12 2

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Legislative Session Ends With Major Successes On Ag Bills By Mary Johnson

labama farmers fared well during the legislative regular session with laws passed that discouraged theft of copper and other metals, clarified timber harvest notification requirements and secured funding for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. State Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, and State Rep. Bill Poole, R-Northport, sponsored the new law that requires metal recyclers to collect additional information from sellers and enter the data into the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center for official use. The timber harvest notification law, sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, and Rep. Mark Tuggle, R-Alex City, repeals all current county notification ordinances and allows for voluntary adoption of the rules by each county. In counties adopting the provision, timber owners must notify the county government before using county roads for timber harvesting. Bills regarding agritourism liability (see page 23 of this issue for a full story), irrigation tax incentives (page 20) and a new farm-to-school procurement act (page 19) also became law during the session. Gov. Robert Bentley signed into law a set of bills providing additional funds for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The laws will repeal an outdated bond for weighmasters in the state; increase the department’s share of the petroleum fees it collects; create a mechanism to provide additional funds for the state seed lab through a seed inspection fee; and create additional funds for the department’s Pesticide Management Division by increasing pesticide registration fees. Reps. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, and Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, sponsored bills in the package. The Legislature also tackled constitutional reforms and immigration law revisions during the session. Sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, constitutional amendments revising

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the corporations and banking sections of Alabama’s constitution will appear on the November ballot. The Federation supports an article-by-article process for constitutional revisions over a costly convention. Meanwhile, the governor signed an immigration revision bill sponsored by Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, and handled by Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, in the Senate. The law still requires employers to register with and use the electronic verification system. The Federation continues working with state and federal officials to improve the complicated federal H-2-A agricultural guest-worker program. Two bills addressing Federation policies did not pass during the session. A measure sponsored by Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, would have provided funds for repair and construction of rural bridges and roads. However, the governor’s GARVEE bonds plan for road and bridge construction and repairs is moving forward. For a list of the first round of approved projects, go to http://tinyurl.com/786slnh. A supplemental deer-feeding bill supported by the Federation never came up in the Senate for a vote. The General Fund (GF) budget and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget were approved in the final hours of the regular session. The GF includes $350,000 to offset farmer fees for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) and $90,000 for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The Career Tech Initiative will receive $2.3 million from the ETF, with an additional $5 million for Career Tech Operations and Maintenance. The Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University will receive $250,000, and the Rural Medical Scholars Program at the University of Alabama is set to receive $441,000. The Legislature redrew district lines for the House and the Senate based on 2010 census data during a special session. The new maps, signed into law by Bentley, will go into effect before the 2014 elections. n

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New Legislation Benefits Alabama Farmers’ Wallets, Youth’s Waistlines By Melissa Martin

tudents in Alabama’s public school system could start feasting on locally grown products during their lunch breaks following the adoption of new legislation that benefits the state’s farmers. The Farm-To-School Procurement Act, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Beech, D-Chatom, allows schools to purchase up to $100,000 worth of unprocessed, home-grown products from local farms for use in school cafeterias. Certain handling and preservation techniques, including refrigerating, freezing, packaging and pasteurization, are allowed. The act is a joint effort between the state’s Department of Education (ALSDE) and Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and includes all locally grown foods, from fruits and vegetables to meat, seafood and dairy products. Both departments are responsible for implementing the act, identifying local farmers for the program and educating school food service directors about the new opportunity. ADAI also is responsible for investigating opportunities for farmers to supply products to commercial distributors, as well as housing a farm-to-school point person who will be responsible for promoting job creation possibilities. Gov.

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Robert Bentley signed the bill into law June 6. Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture; Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod and Bee & Honey Divisions Director Mac Higginbotham noted the Federation’s support of the act, which exemplifies the Federation’s mission of promoting the economic, social and educational interests of Alabamians. “The Alabama Farmers Federation worked very closely with the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture and Industries on the Farm-To-School Procurement Act,” said Higginbotham. “We believe this is an excellent way schools can provide students with nutritious products that will support area families and farmers. It will also serve as an economic boost within our local communities, helping to keep dollars circulating within our state.” Farmer and State Rep. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, said the act will cut out the difficulty individuals face when trying to market to school districts under federal contracts. “You have to go through so many layers of bureaucracy,” said Sessions. “It’s very difficult. This [law] is one small mechanism that will help cut out some of that red tape.” 19

While the financial benefits of the act are noteworthy, the health benefits of using locally grown products in schools could also reduce the state’s expanding waistline among children and adolescents. “We always try to cut down on obesity, and I think fruits and vegetables are good for that,” Beech said. Coinciding with the details of the Farm-To-School Procurement Act, ALSDE officials released a statement April 20 indicating that improved nutrition standards for meals will be implemented beginning with the 2012-13 school year, including the daily availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. “It is important to encourage students to try healthier food options,” said ALSDE Child Nutrition Programs Director Perry Fulton. “The state’s education nutrition staff will continue to work on creative solutions to ensure healthy foods are prepared and served to students in an appealing manner.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 12.5 million children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese – a number that has more than tripled since 1980. In Alabama, more than 36 percent of children are classified as overweight and obese. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

New Law Provides Farmers Tax Incentive For Irrigation Installation

By Melissa Martin

armers interested in remedying the uncertainty of Alabama rainfall by installing irrigation equipment could see a return on their investments when they file their 2012 taxes. The Irrigation Incentives Bill, signed by Gov. Robert Bentley May 9, provides an income tax credit of 20 percent of the cost of the purchase and installation of irrigation systems, or the development of irrigation reservoirs and water wells. The incentive also extends to the conversion of fuel-powered systems to electric power. The one-time credit, which shall not exceed $10,000 per taxpayer, must be taken in the year in which the equipment or reservoirs are placed in service. The Alabama Department of Revenue will overw w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

see implementation of the credit and coordinate efforts with the Alabama State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. State Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, and State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, sponsored the irrigation incentives legislation. Dr. Richard McNider, University of Alabama at Huntsville professor and chairman of the Alabama Universities Irrigation Initiative, said while the incentive is great for farmers, the entire state benefits from the new law. “If we expand the amount of irrigated acres in this state, we will become profitable,” McNider said. “Our studies show if we irrigate, we can compete with Midwestern farmers.” Dr. Sam Fowler, director of the Alabama Water Resources Research Institute at Auburn University, 20

echoed McNider’s comments, adding that enhancing rural areas benefits the state’s budget and allows for job creation. “We don’t know how many farmers will take advantage of this incentive and what crops they will grow, so we can’t calculate the exact impact of the legislation,” said Fowler. “But, we estimate that for every $1 of tax credit, this legislation will generate $70-$80 of direct economic income within the first 10 years.” Irrigation could also lower Alabama’s reliance on imported grain, added Fowler. With irrigation, much of the corn and soybeans used in poultry feed could be profitably produced here, creating thousands of jobs. Compared to Georgia and Mississippi’s irrigated acreage, Alabama has among the least amount of acreage irrigated nationally. Georgia and Mississippi each boast 1.5 million acres of irrigated land, while Alabama has 130,000 acres. Though adding and utilizing irrigation systems on farms would be beneficial to most farmers’ bottom line, the up-front cost can be a deterrent. “To irrigate 100 acres, it may cost you $150,000 to install the equipment,” said Lowndes County farmer Richard Holladay, who uses an irrigation system on his farm. He said he understands why farmers hesitate to make the investment, but noted that irrigation systems are effective in counteracting the risk of relying on rainfall. “Between April and October last year, we got two inches of rain,” said Holladay. “It’s hard to grow a crop that depends on water if you’re not getting any in that time period. Irrigation has helped us tremendously.” The Department of Revenue is developing rules for implementation of this credit. For more information, contact the department at (334) 242-1170, or visit revenue. alabama.gov. n J U LY 2 0 1 2

Summer Interns Join Alabama Farmers Federation Staff

and Communications Director he Alabama Farmers FedJeff Helms said Wendland’s farm eration has hired an Auburn experience and knowledge of the University alumnus and an organization would allow her Auburn student for sumto quickly contribute to the mer internships. Federation’s communications Joining the Commuefforts. nications Department “Katie previously worked is Katie Wendland of with our department as a Autaugaville, a sophostudent advisor on the DRV more majoring in agriculNOW, TXT L8R public relatural communications at tions campaign,” said Helms. Auburn. Wendland “She has a passion “Because agriculture for telling the stories of is such an important part of who I Alabama farmers, and we am, I have always wanted to effeclook forward to working tively educate others and enable with her this summer.” them to make informed decisions Joining the Governabout agriculture,” said Wendland. mental and Agricultural “The Farmers Federation is a group Programs department is of people with a common goal: promoting agriculture. I am excited Willis McKee, a native of McKee Murfreesboro, Tenn. He to be a part of telling the stories graduated from Auburn of amazing men and women who in 2010 with an undergraduate work hard and love what they do.” degree in political science. After Federation Public Relations

graduation, McKee moved back to Tennessee where he worked with the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) for a year before returning to Alabama as a student at Jones School of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery. “Agriculture has always been a part of my family,” McKee said. “I wanted to come to Alfa, bring my ideas and experiences from TWF and put my education to use.” Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Director Jimmy Carlisle said McKee would be a great asset to the department. “Willis hit the ground running with his first big project, which is to help update our Agriculture Law Book,” Carlisle said. “He will also help commodity directors working on agriculture programs and general issue responsibilities.” n

Carl Sanders Peanuts Carl Sanders, 57, serves as president of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA). He also serves as District 10 director of the Alabama Farmers Federation and sits on the boards of directors of the American Peanut Council, the USDA Peanut Standards Committee and the Coffee County Farmers Federation. Outside the meeting rooms, Sanders grows cotton, corn, peanuts and oats on his 1,000-acre farm. He also has 100 head of beef brood cows. Though he’s thankful for the opportunity to represent peanut farmers on state and national platforms, he said being a farmer is more than just a livelihood — it’s his passion. “I love planting a seed and watching it grow,” Sanders said. Sanders and his wife, Donna, have been married 37 years. They have six children: Jennifer, Melissa, Philip, Sarah, Lindsey and Jonathan, and are the proud grandparents of John Thomas, Isabelle, Haley and Scarlett.

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Four Ag Leaders Inducted Into FFA Wall Of Honor By Debra Davis

our agricultural leaders were inducted into the prestigious FFA Wall of Honor during a ceremony held June 6 in Montgomery at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association building. The ceremony was part of the 84th Annual State FFA Convention. The late Jerry Keith Adair of Montevallo, John Meeks of Glencoe, Brandon Moore of Prattville and State Sen. Tom Whatley of Auburn were each nominated for the honor for their service to agriculture and FFA. Adair was an agriscience teacher at Montevallo High School, where he built a successful FFA program that was active on local, district, state and national levels. He started the Montevallo FFA Alumni Council, coached numerous students in FFA competitions and motivated students to seek district and state FFA offices. Gordon Patterson, Jacob Davis and Chad Williams nominated Adair for the Wall of Honor. His family accepted the award on his behalf. Meeks taught agriscience education for 34 years, the last 32 at Glencoe High School in Etowah County. He helped write the state course of study for aqua science and was one of the first teachers in Alabama to build an aquaculture laboratory at his school. He taught summer workshops in aquascience and in metal forging for other agriscience teachers. Former students, friends and fellow agriculture teachers in Etowah County nominated Meeks. Moore, director of the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Division, was raised on a farm in Toney, located in Madison County, where he was active in his high school FFA chapter. His career with the Federation began in 2002, and he immediately began working closely with FFA students, advisors w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

From left, Sen. Tom Whatley, John Meeks and Brandon Moore were inducted into the FFA Wall of Honor. Jerry Keith Adair was inducted posthumously.

and state staff. He organized and hosted mock interviews for numerous FFA national officer candidates and organized several dinners and tours at the Alabama Statehouse, Capitol and the Federation’s home office. Moore has attended FFA district competitions for the past 11 years and worked tirelessly through the state legislative process to secure funding that would extend contracts for agriscience teachers for summer months. He has served as a member of the Alabama Team Ag Ed group and currently serves as vice chairman. He also serves on the State Department of Education’s Commission on Career and Technical Education. “The most rewarding work I do allows me to provide opportunities for others,” Moore said. “I am blessed to work for an organization that allows me to do that for FFA.” Friends, along with the Alabama Farmers Federation, nominated Moore. 22

Whatley, chairman of the Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, has a long history with FFA, having served as a state officer when he attended Beauregard High School in 1988. He grew up on a dairy farm in Lee County and participated in numerous FFA events, including market hog shows and judging teams. Whatley was elected to the state Senate in 2010. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, he has sponsored numerous resolutions recognizing the hard work of the FFA and its members. As Whatley accepted his award, he spoke directly to the FFA members in the audience. “The people you meet and the friends you make through FFA will be the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. Friends and the Alabama Farmers Federation nominated Whatley for the honor. n J U LY 2 0 1 2

Agritourism Liability Law Provides Protection, Requires Signage By Mary Johnson

Farmers may not be held liable if an agritourism participant is injured due to the condition of the land or water; the behavior of wild or domesticated animals, including bees; the dangers of structures or equipment used in everyday farming operations; or the failure of the participant to follow directions, obey warnings or use reasonable caution. The law does have exceptions built in. A farmer could be liable for failing to post proper warning signs; failing to properly train staff; failing to care for sick animals or failing to make participants aware of hazardous conditions beyond the typical dangers of a farm. Agritourism attractions must have a warning sign posted in a visible location, such as the entrance or near a cash register. The letters must be in black ink and at least 1-inch tall. The law stipulates required wording. “We are pleased to offer the warning signs to Alabama Farmers Federation members,” Alabama Farmers Federation Communications Director Jeff Helms said. “Agritourism attractions allow farmers to share their knowledge and experience with people who may have never set foot on a farm. We encourage farmers to share their stories and hope this legislation will allow that to happen.” The law goes into effect in August. A limited number of signs will be available through the Alabama Farmers Federation by contacting Mac Higginbotham at MHigginbotham@alfafarmers.org. n

new law passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Robert Bentley offers protection to farmers who offer agritourism on their farms. Sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, and State Rep. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, the law protects farmers from being sued by an agritourism participant who is injured due to an inherent risk of the agritourism activity. Third-generation farmer Allie Corcoran of Barbour County owns a produce farm near Eufaula that includes a U-Pick operation. At a public hearing about the bill earlier this year, Corcoran said she doesn’t want anyone to get hurt visiting her farm, but farmers should not be liable for accidents. “With the threat of being sued removed, our business would grow,” she said. “We will have a sense of security allowing us to invest in activities to make our farm the best experience possible.” The new law applies to U-Pick farms, as well as farmers’ markets, livestock shows, historic agriculture displays and farming and ranching activities. Perry County farmer Cooper Holmes also testified at the hearing. “We could lose everything if someone were to trip and fall on their own account and sue us, claiming it was our fault,” said Holmes, whose family hosts an annual historic farm day on their land.

Allie Corcoran of Barbour County, right, and Cooper Holmes of Perry County testified during a public hearing about the new agritourism liability law.

WARNING UNDER ALABAMA LAW, AN AGRITOURISM PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR INJURY, SICKNESS, OR DAMAGE TO, OR THE DEATH OF, A PARTICIPANT IN AN AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY AT THIS LOCATION IF THE INJURY, SICKNESS, DAMAGE, OR DEATH RESULTS FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF THE AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY. INHERENT RISKS OF AN AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY INCLUDE RISKS OF INJURY, SICKNESS, DAMAGE, OR DEATH INHERENT TO LAND, EQUIPMENT, AND ANIMALS AS WELL AS THE POTENTIAL FOR YOU TO ACT IN A NEGLIGENT MANNER THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR INJURY, SICKNESS, DAMAGE, OR DEATH, OR FOR ANOTHER PARTICIPANT TO ACT IN A MANNER THAT MAY CAUSE YOUR INJURY, SICKNESS, DAMAGE OR DEATH. YOU ARE ASSUMING THE RISK OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY. Member

Alabama Farmers Federation ACT. NO. 2012-520

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

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Dale County farmer Chris Thompson inspects a harrow as he breaks ground for this year’s cotton crop.

By Debra Davis

igh steel prices are forcing farmers to dig a little deeper in their pockets when it comes to equipment and building costs. Dale County farmer Chris Thompson recently replaced disk blades on the two 32-foot harrows he uses to farm 4,500 acres in Dale and Henry counties. It’s the cost of doing business, but it stung nonetheless, he said. “This disc has 84 pans (disc blades) that are 24 inches wide and made of quarter-inch steel,” Thompson said. “So that’s about $3,000 to replace them, not count-

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ing our labor costs. We have two of these harrows that we use on the farm, and the blades are usually replaced about once a year, depending on soil conditions, weather and other factors. But, this is a necessary piece of equipment that has to be maintained.” The cost of the pans rose about 10 percent since last year, according to Thompson. Thompson and his wife, Tammy, grow cotton, peanuts and wheat, and they own a cotton gin. They also raise seed peanuts – peanuts that are sold to other farmers for replanting. “Steel prices have affected 24

everything as far as equipment, but it has hit in other areas, too,” Thompson said. “We looked at building more warehouse space for the seed business and cotton gin, but the cost of steel about made that prohibitive right now.” Rising steel prices also have affected the costs of fencing, prompting some farmers to opt for wooden fence posts over the metal variety. Prices have increased for almost every piece of farm machinery, Thompson said. In addition to higher steel costs, shipping and manufacturing costs have increased because of higher fuel costs, he said. Scrap metal prices also have increased, and that fact has caused farmers to keep a more watchful eye on equipment and other materials. “We have to watch our outlying farms like a hawk,” said Thompson, who serves on the Dale County Farmers Federation Board of Directors. “Our irrigation system has had wire stolen off of it; we’ve had old used equipment that we used to leave parked in the field disappear; heck, we’ve had gates stolen off the posts.” Metal theft is an increasing problem for farmers and others around the state, which triggered the Alabama Farmers Federation to seek tougher requirements for scrap metal dealers. The Alabama Legislature passed those measures during the recent regular session. (See page 18) Alfa Insurance is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the theft of copper and other metal from poultry houses, farm irrigation systems and other property in Alabama covered by an Alfa Insurance policy. Alabama Farmers Federation members already benefit from a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for theft from their property. (See page 5) n J U LY 2 0 1 2

Alabama Farmers Federation 2012 Cajun Beef Tour Oct. 28-Nov. 3

Contact: Nate Jaeger • Phone: (334) 613-4221 email: NJaeger@AlfaFarmers.org Six-day bus tour leaves Montgomery and includes visits to several types of beef cattle farms in Louisiana, plus a stop at the Louisiana State Fair, rodeo and concert. Seating is limited; register early.

Alabama Farmers Federation AlfaFarmers.org

Joe Roberts

Poultry Committee Chairman

Fayette County farmer Joe Roberts believes in the value of a man’s word and hard work. Those traits are evident by his farming and entrepreneurial background. He owns two successful companies – Roberts’ Poultry, Inc. and Roberts’ Hauling, Inc., serves as chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Poultry Committee and is a member of the Fayette Economic Development Advisory Board. Roberts, 57, admits the work is challenging, but added he can’t imagine doing anything else. “I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to live, work and make a good living doing something that I enjoy,” he said. A graduate of Bevill State Community College and member of Calvary Baptist, Roberts and his wife, Debbie, have been married 36 years. They have two children, Jeff (Mandy) and Jill (Skip), and five grandchildren. J U LY 2 0 1 2

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By Lois Chaplin

he sweltering summer sun can seriously stress a garden with wilting flowers, baked soil and shockingly high water bills. While it may be too late to make droughttolerant plant selections for this year, here are a few simple watering techniques to revive thirsty plants without breaking the bank. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses avoid waste and put water directly where it is needed. Overhead sprinklers result in a lot of runoff and evaporation waste, but soaker hoses and drip systems release water a trickle at a time, so there is no runoff. Plants love the slow soak, too. Soaker hoses are easily hidden under mulch. Drip irrigation tubes can also be hidden with the small emitters placed at the base of each rose bush or shrub to be sure the water goes right to the root area. Topped with mulch, a soaker hose and drip irrigation system are two of the most effective water conservation tools available. Use a water timer to control the on-and-off. A water timer can reduce over watering by turning off the flow. Some timers are mechanical; simply turn the dial to the

hours that are desired. Others are electronic and can be programmed to turn on and off during the week, making them especially helpful while at work or on vacation. Timers vary in price and capability starting with the simplest at about $10. An Internet search for “garden water timers” is an eye opener on the many models available. Use a saucer to capture water that runs through a container so it can soak back into the soil. Saucers also catch rain. Choose saucers about 1-2 inches larger than the diameter of the container. Top with a thin layer of fine bark or river rock for a clean mulch topping that helps prevent evaporation from the top of the pot. Pots made of plastics and other synthetics will stay moist longer than those made of clay. Self-watering containers with built-in catch basin for the water are another option. Organic mulch prevents evaporation. Be sure to cover the ground around flowers and landscape plants with a blanket of mulch to hold in moisture. A layer about 2 inches thick will help keep the ground cool and prevent water from evaporating. Mulch will prevent unsightly dry, cracked bare ground.

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Use organic mulch such as bark for a natural look; it has the advantage of breaking down to add organic matter to the soil. The finer textured soil conditioner also makes good mulch for areas where the soil is reworked for seasonal planting. Water the lawn wisely and don’t mow when it is stressed. One good, deep watering is better than multiple shallow waterings. Deep watering (about an inch) encourages roots to grow deep making the grass more drought tolerant and lessens the need for watering. Avoid mowing during a dry spell. It will stress the grass and open it up for more baking by the hot sun. When able to mow, raise the mower blade an inch. Taller grass grows deeper roots and shades itself, too. So, don’t be disheartened by scorching temperatures. A beautiful heat-resistant garden oasis can still be achieved by setting it up for conservation and going with the flow. n _________________________________

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

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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa Street 7 p.m. Doors Open 8 p.m. Dwight Yoakam Show Advance ticket sales are available to Alabama Farmers Federation members from July 1 - Sept. 6 by calling the MPAC Box Office, (334) 481-5100, Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket Prices: $95, $65, $50, $45, $35 (plus service charge) After Sept. 6, tickets will be available online to the public at TicketMaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 from 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. daily. Brought to you by

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Five-Cup Salad

1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained Â˝ bag (5 ounces) miniature marshmallows 1 cup shredded coconut 1 (10-ounce) bottle maraschino cherries, drained 1 cup chopped pecans 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

Mix all these together, with sour cream last. Chill at least 12 hours before serving.

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By Kellie Henderson 2 28 8

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elicia Dewberry said she was fortunate to grow up around many wonderful cooks. However, instead of learning from written recipes, she acquired her cooking skills through observation, which can make it difficult to share her family favorites. “My mother and both my grandmothers were really good cooks,” she said. “When you’ve learned to cook by watching, you don’t measure much.” A lifelong resident of Clay County, Felicia says she grew up just a few miles from husband, Lamar, but they didn’t meet until high school. “His grandmother suggested he invite me to his school’s athletic banquet, and we didn’t really know each other before that,” she recalls of her husband of 34 years. The Dewberrys currently raise timber, own Mountain Streams Realty in Lineville and have previously raised cattle. Lamar serves on the Federation’s State Wildlife Committee and is president of the Clay County Farmers Federation. Felicia also serves on the county Women’s Leadership Committee. Felicia says most of the recipes she shares with the Country Kitchen are those she made with her mother or grandmothers, with the exception of her original recipe for Cheesy Tomatoes. “We have a big garden every year, and one year we had a lot of tomatoes,” she said. “Lamar asked what else I could do with some of them besides freeze them. We both love cheese, so I came up the Cheesy Tomatoes as an easy way to use our home-grown tomatoes.” And if summertime gardens or markets have more berries than tomatoes, Felicia’s recipe for Preacher’s Blueberry Syrup makes delicious use of some of summer’s sweetest offerings.

Cheesy Tomatoes ½-to-1 pound ground beef (depending on how meaty you want dish) 6 large, ripe tomatoes ½ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon onion powder 6 ounces grated cheddar cheese 6 ounces grated mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese to taste

Brown ground beef, drain and set aside. Place tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes or so, just long enough to loosen the peels. Peel and quarter the tomatoes and place in a 7-x11-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the tomatoes with the seasonings, then put the browned ground beef over the seasoned tomatoes; top with cheeses. Place in 350 F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until cheeses melt. Note: Felicia says if onions are preferred over the onion powder, dice onions and cook with the beef. She also says Italian seasoning may be added with other seasonings to top tomatoes. Black & White Cheesecake Bites 1 package (12-ounce) semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup butter 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese 1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 F. To prepare crust: In medium saucepan over very low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring until smooth. Stir in graham cracker crumbs. Remove ¼-cup mixture for later use. Press remaining graham cracker mixture evenly in a 9-x13inch baking pan. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in condensed milk, then egg and vanilla. Pour over prepared crust. Sprinkle with reserved ¼ cup crumb mixture. Bake until set, 25-to-30 minutes. Cool. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours or longer. Cut into 24 squares.

Preacher’s Blueberry Syrup 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon corn starch

Place one cup of berries and corn syrup in blender; cover and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds on high). In a one-quart saucepan, place cornstarch; gradually stir in berry mixture, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute; remove from heat and stir in remaining berries. Cool mixture, then refrigerate. Good over vanilla ice cream or with hot buttered biscuits. Recipe may be doubled. Macaroni and Cheese 1 (8-ounce) box macaroni and cheese mix 2 cups cream-style cottage cheese 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream 1 egg, beaten ¾ teaspoon salt 2 cups shredded sharp cheese Dash of pepper Paprika–dash

Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on box, then mix with other ingredients. Put in greased 9-x13-inch baking dish and bake at 350 F degrees for 45 minutes. Chicken Pie 1 whole fryer, boiled until tender, stock reserved 1 (10-ounce) can cream of celery soup ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter or margarine 1 cup self-rising flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup milk

Debone chicken and cut into small pieces; place in a greased 9-inch square casserole dish. Mix in a saucepan cream of celery soup and 1 cup chicken stock; bring to a boil. Pour mixture over chicken. Chicken should be nearly covered in liquid, so add more stock if needed. In a separate bowl combine margarine, flour, salt, pepper and milk. Beat until smooth and pour over chicken. Bake at 425 F for 30 minutes or until crust is brown. n

Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes. JJ U U LY LY 2 20 01 12 2

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